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!
Some Christian pastors argue that the church vanished after Revelation 3, suggesting that this indicates the rapture of the church. However, consider the photo above: did everything around the mushroom disappear, or was the focus solely on the mushroom? This analogy suggests that the idea of a church rapture is not necessarily valid. Rather, John shifts his focus to the judgment of Old Covenant Israel. This is evident in Revelation 11:15, where the seventh angel blows his trumpet, and heavenly voices proclaim, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.”
In John’s Gospel (the Book of Revelation was also written by him), Christ Jesus, confronted by the Sanhedrin, the religious order of the Jews, declared, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would have been fighting so that I might not be handed over to the Jews. But My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36)
Therefore, the kingdom that Christ Jesus conquered was that of the Old Covenant Israel. In Matthew 21, when confronted by the chief priests and Jewish elders, questioning His signs and authority to teach, Jesus Christ responded, “Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits” (Matthew 21:43). Now, let’s consider the language of imminence that Christ Jesus spoke to the seven churches in Revelation.
First, to Ephesus, “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I WILL COME TO YOU and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I WILL GRANT TO EAT OF THE TREE OF LIFE, which is in the paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:5-7)
Repentance is only possible during one’s lifetime, not after death, as demonstrated by Christ’s teachings in the story of Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19-31). Therefore, Jesus’ warning is directed at the living church of Ephesus, urging them to repent before His return. Isn’t it logical then that Jesus implied His return would be in their lifetime?
Second, to Smyrna, “Don’t be afraid of what you’re about to endure. The devil is about to imprison some of you for ten days, testing your faith. Be steadfast until death, and I’ll give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. THE ONE WHO CONQUERS WON’T BE HARMED BY THE SECOND DEATH.” (Revelation 2:10-11)
The second death occurred at the final judgment of Christ Jesus, as described in Revelation 20:11-15. Concerning Christ’s deliverance and justice, refer to Luke 18:1-8, where Christ delivers a parable about an unjust judge. Jesus emphasizes the swift and imminent nature of His justice, stating that it would be speedy. I doubt the faithful Christians of Smyrna understood a millennial as the idea of such swift justice. However, it’s important to note that Christ’s teachings in Luke 18:1-8 were delivered in the context of Luke 17:20-31, where Jesus speaks about the coming of His kingdom. More importantly, in Luke 18:8, Jesus implicitly assures His disciples that His swift justice would be with them during their lifetime. Jesus said “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8)
Third, to Pergamum, “Repent, or I’LL COME TO YOU SOON and wage war against them with the sword of my mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers, I’ll give some of the hidden manna and a white stone with a new name written on it, a name known only to the one who receives it.” (Revelation 2:16-17)
Jesus prophesied that His coming to Christians in Pergamum would be imminent, not a millennium later. Why do Christians choose to complicate the straightforward statements of Christ Jesus? Keep in mind that Jesus Christ warns not to add or deduct from His Words written in Revelation: “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. He who testifies to these things says, ‘SURELY I AM COMING SOON.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:18-20)
Fourth, to Tyatira, “HOLD ON TO WHAT YOU HAVE UNTIL I RETURN. The one who conquers and keeps My works until the end will receive authority over the nations and rule them with an iron rod, just as I received authority from My Father.” (Revelation 2:25-27)
Isn’t “until I return” an assurance of imminent arrival? Jesus Christ, once again, assures churches of John’s lifetime that they should keep the faith because He is coming soon.
Fifth, to Sardis, “remember what you received and heard. Keep it and repent. If you don’t wake up, I WILL COME LIKE A THIEF, and you won’t know when I will attack you again. However, there are still a few names in Sardis, people who haven’t defiled themselves, and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. The one who conquers will be clothed in white garments, and I will never erase his name from the book of life. I will proclaim his name before My Father and before His angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 3:3-6)
The phrase “coming like a thief” suggests that Jesus’ return will be an unexpected event. This underscores the significance of the church’s role during this momentous occasion. If no one is present to witness it, what purpose does it serve for Christ to emphasize to the church that His return will be like a thief in the night? It’s important to remember that this message was addressed to the church during John’s time. In other words, the church wouldn’t have a precise understanding of the exact time of Christ’s return, but it would certainly be within the lifetime of John and his immediate audience.
Sixth, to Philadelphia, “I AM COMING SOON. Hold on to what you have so that no one can take away your crown. The one who conquers will become a pillar in the temple of My God. They will never leave it, and I will write on them the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which descends from My God from heaven, and My own new name.” (Revelation 3:11-12)
I suppose this time, it’s quite straightforward to understand. Jesus Christ had promised Christians in Philadelphia that His return would be imminent, not in the distant future of churches during John’s lifetime, but even ours, as futurists have led many to believe.
Lastly, the seventh, to Laodicea, “Behold, I STAND AT THE DOOR AND KNOCK. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to them and eat with them, and they will eat with Me. The one who conquers will be granted a place with Me on My throne, just as I conquered and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 3:20-22)
Jesus Christ was speaking to the church of Laodicea, not to us. This is a recurring theme in John’s writings, referring to churches in his lifetime. Unless you believe that John would remain alive, as John clarified in his Gospel that this was not what Christ had told Peter. Instead, John wrote, “Jesus said to Peter, ‘If it is My will that he (John) remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!’” See John 21:20-25. Can you comprehend Christ’s declaration to Peter? Or have you been blinded by tradition to the point where it seems incomprehensible to you? Jesus Christ implicitly communicated to Peter that His return would occur during John’s lifetime.
Christ Jesus has fulfilled His purpose and promises. He declared that He alone would establish His church. The church is eternal, and even Hades has no power over it as seen in Matthew 16:18-19. The church is not just a parenthesis to Israel, its fulfillment signals the end of Old Covenant Israel. Keep in mind that “hades and death” were thrown to the lake of fire before John declared the passing of the first heaven and first earth and the coming of the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1). Incidentally, the first heaven and the first earth refer to the Old Covenant, while the New Heaven and New Earth is the New Covenant. Consequently, Paul explained in 2 Corinthians 5:16-17, “From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh (that is, circumcision). Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard Him thus no longer. Therefore, IF ANYONE IS IN CHRIST, HE IS A NEW CREATION. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
See Galatians 6:11-15, for a parallel teaching of Paul on circumcision and flesh: “See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing IN THE FLESH WHO WOULD FORCE YOU TO BE CIRCUMCISED, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. FOR NEITHER CIRCUMCISION COUNTS FOR ANYTHING, NOR UNCIRCUMCISION, BUT A NEW CREATION.”
I completely understand if my discussion here might have confused you. I was in a similar situation many years ago. However, after being persuaded by Christ’s words, I dedicated myself to a serious and sincere study of God’s word. Today, there is a resurgence of Christians embracing the authentic teachings of the Bible. If you want to understand, all you need to do is to keep your focus, read, and study the Bible. While reading the Bible, avoid getting sidetracked by unnecessary details and focus on the main subject. In God’s own time, you will fully comprehend Scripture.
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!
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!
Although others may teach about a possible chance even after death, the Bible is unequivocal that our sole opportunity for salvation lies in this present life or existence. Jesus Christ, through a parable, imparted this profound truth.
“There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house— for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’” (Luke 16:19-31)
Here are some detailed facts:
After death, both Lazarus and the rich man found themselves in Hades. Hades was the place of death before God’s final judgment at the coming of Christ Jesus (as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:10, John 5:28-29; Revelation 20:11-14, and so on).
The rich man, who had lived luxuriously and cared little for Lazarus’ destitute state, ended up in the place of torment. In contrast, Lazarus, despite being poor, was also in Hades but in a blissful state, in Abraham’s bosom.
Perhaps you might ask, “Why did Lazarus find himself in a state of bliss? Was it simply because he was poor?” The answer to that question wasn’t explicitly stated in the story, but rather in the context of the parable. See Luke 16:13-16:
Jesus Christ said, “No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed Him. And He (Jesus) said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. “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 parable was spoken in response to the Pharisees’ hardness of heart. They refused God’s offer of salvation because they had much to give up—they were lovers of money. Consequently, by inference, Lazarus, despite having no riches, was dependent on God’s mercy and trusted in His grace, which explains why he ended up in Abraham’s side. Keep in mind that Abraham was the father of faith, as Paul states in Romans 4:9-12. Therefore, by implication, Lazarus also, lived in faith.
Hoping that this simple explanation would clear out myths about death and heaven. Paul, writing to the Corinthians, said, “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter.” (2 Corinthians 12:2-4)
Easton’s Bible Dictionary explain: According to the Jewish notion there were three heavens,
Clearly, at the time of Paul, heaven remained inaccessible to man. He was only privileged to glimpse a vision of heaven even before Christ had returned.
Furthermore, in Christ’s parable, Jesus made it clear that there was a vast chasm between the realms of the living and the dead, and no one from either side could cross over. Therefore, after death, the destination of people was sealed, and they were only waiting for the final judgment. Hence, the idea of praying for the dead is nowhere in the Bible.
Jesus asserted that no one would be permitted to return to the realm of the living after death. Christ further explained that even those who had been informed about His resurrection would ultimately end up in the place of torment in Hades because they had failed to believe the teachings of Moses and the Prophets—a reference to the Old Testament Scriptures. Jesus, speaking about His resurrection, said, “These are My words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” (Luke 24:44)
The entire Bible is about Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is crucial to be careful not to reject His Word.
Yes, God’s offer of salvation through Christ Jesus is a second chance. Better yet, a limited chance because it is only valid while we are still alive. Once we die, our time is up. Go, therefore, and share the Gospel with your loved ones, family, and friends. Knowing that it’s their chance of a lifetime.
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!
I’ve heard of many preachers and read devotionals that emphasize Peter’s conviction, love, and commitment to Jesus Christ in John 21. In this passage, Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love Me more than these?” (John 21:15-17). However, have we ever considered what Jesus meant by “these”?
To clarify, let’s examine the context of the story. In John 20:21, Jesus commands Peter and the other apostles to go out and preach the Gospel, saying, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so I am sending you.” This took place in Jerusalem soon after Christ’s resurrection.
Jesus first appeared to His apostles twice in Jerusalem. The first time is detailed in John 20:19-23, and the second time, with Thomas present, is described in John 20:24-29. John 21 aligns with Matthew 28:9-10, which summarizes the events of John 20:19-29, where Jesus instructs them to leave Jerusalem and wait for Him in Galilee, promising another appearance. Acts 1:3 informs us that Jesus appeared to the apostles multiple times over forty days, teaching them about the kingdom of God, His last appearance being in Jerusalem before His ascension to heaven (Acts 1:3-11).
The setting of John 21:1-3 is in Galilee, where Peter decided to go fishing with some of the other disciples, many of whom were fishermen by trade. This leads me to pose a few questions: Was Peter faithful to the words of Christ? Didn’t Peter and the other apostles receive the Holy Spirit when Jesus breathed on them in Jerusalem (John 20:19-22)? Hadn’t Jesus called Peter to follow Him even before His crucifixion, death, and resurrection (John 1:40-43)? Previously, when Jesus first called them, He said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:18-19; Mark 1:16-17). Notice that John 21 begins by telling us that Peter and the others went fishing.
Returning to the central question: When Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love Me more than these?”, was He referring to Peter’s former profession or perhaps his need for provision and food? Did Peter forget Jesus’ teaching on trusting God for provision when they were initially sent out in Matthew 10? Jesus instructed, “Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food” (Matthew 10:9-10). Once more, it’s worth noting that Christ’s words address the apostles, urging them not to be concerned about food or provisions. Jesus is fully aware of their needs.
In some ways, Peter seems to have faltered. So, did Peter prove himself faithful in John 21?
Now, consider the remarkable catch of fish described in John 21:5-11. After fishing all night and catching nothing (John 21:3-4), it was only after Jesus told them to cast their net on the right side of the boat that they caught a large number of fish. Was it because they cast their net on the right side that they succeeded? I am convinced they tried both sides throughout the night without success. This substantial catch teaches us that it was ultimately Jesus’ work, reinforcing the lesson that God is our true provider, as emphasized in Matthew 6:24-33.
Here are the highlights of Jesus’ teaching:
You cannot serve both God and money. Jesus urges us to let go of our anxieties about life—what we will eat or drink, and what we will wear. Is life not more than food and the body more than clothing? Consider the birds of the air: they neither sow, reap, nor gather into barns, yet our heavenly Father provides for them. Are we not of greater value than they?
Reflect on the lilies of the field and their effortless growth: they neither toil nor spin. Yet, Jesus assure us, even Solomon in all his glory was not adorned like one of these. If God so beautifully clothes the grass of the field, which flourishes today and is cast into the oven tomorrow, will He not care for us even more, O you of little faith?
Do not be anxious, asking, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?”, for those who do not believe chase after such things, yet our heavenly Father knows our needs. Instead, .
David, in one of his Psalms, stated, “I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread” (Psalms 37:25).
Peter, along with the other apostles and ourselves, must learn to have faith so that we may faithfully follow Jesus Christ and honor His Word.
John’s narrative does not end here. For the third time, Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love Me?” (John 21:17). After Peter’s response, Jesus assured him that he would be faithful and would ultimately die a martyr’s death, reiterating His call to follow Him (John 17-19).
Hold your horses! Haven’t we been told by preachers and devotionals that Jesus used the Greek word “agápē” (G25) for love on two occasions? However, on the third occasion, out of compassion for Peter’s inability to meet such a high standard of love, Jesus used “phileō” instead. A quick search using a lexicon reveals that when Jesus spoke of God’s love for Him, He also used “phileō.” This is evident in John 5:20: “For the Father loves (phileō) the Son and shows Him all that He Himself is doing. And greater works than these will He show Him, so that you may marvel.” Therefore, Jesus didn’t lower His demand for love from Peter; the same can be said for us. It is a myth to claim that God or Jesus Christ lowered His standard for humanity. If that were the case, then Jesus would not have needed to offer Himself and die on the cross to redeem those of us who believe, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:21.
Let’s revisit our discussion on John 21. No one can be truly faithful to Jesus Christ unless God performs a significant work in our hearts. Remember that God is the potter and we are His clay. Just as a potter sometimes destroys his creations to perfect them, Jesus—our potter—works on Peter and on us. Therefore, do not despair if you fail repeatedly. Instead, continue to heed Jesus’ call to follow Him.
After Jesus revealed to Peter that he would soon be faithful, Peter remained anxious and impatient, eager to know about others. He asked Jesus about John, as seen in John 21:20-21:
“Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved (John) following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during supper and had asked, ‘Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?’ When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, what about this man?’”
In response, Jesus lovingly rebuked Peter while encouraging him, revealing His timeline for return as stated in John 21:22-23:
“Jesus said to him (Peter), ‘If it is My will that he (John) remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!’ So the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, ‘If it is My will that he (John) remain until I come, what is that to you?’”
This was not the only instance where Jesus assured that His return would be within the lifetime of John and perhaps some other disciples, as noted in Matthew 16:28.
Jesus declared to His apostles, “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).
Are there any apostles of Jesus Christ still living today? Perhaps they are just hiding away, reminiscent of the conspiracies about Elvis Presley still being alive in some discreet location. Alternatively, should we trust Christ’s declaration to His apostles that He truly returned, which contradicts much of what is taught today?
Additionally, in Matthew 10, before sending out His apostles to proclaim the imminent coming of His kingdom, Jesus said, “When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes” (Matthew 10:23).
If you approach the scriptures with an open heart and set aside any preconceived notions about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, you will find consistent affirmations from the apostles regarding this truth. While many people believe that Christ’s return is still in the future, Jesus has consistently stated that His coming is soon. However, “soon” was meant for His apostles, not for us.
I want to highlight that John assured us his writing was truthful. In John 21:24, it states, “This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true.”
In John 20-21, John assures his readers that Jesus is truly alive. He emphasizes this in John 21:14, which states, “This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after He was raised from the dead.”
This is the core message John conveys to his immediate audience and to everyone reading his Gospel today. Both Peter and John, along with all the followers of Jesus at that time, received the comforting assurance that Jesus’ return would happen within their lifetimes.
As I conclude this sharing, I encourage you to consider a few questions: Could Jesus lie? Was He mistaken in telling His apostles that He would return in their lifetime? Or is it possible that biblical scholars, preachers, and pastors are wrong in asserting that the Second Coming is still to come?
Your answers to these questions will reflect your understanding of Jesus Christ. Remember that Jesus is the promised prophet mentioned in Deuteronomy 18:15-22.
Here are the highlights of Deuteronomy 18:15-22:
The LORD your God will raise up a prophet like Moses from among the Israelites—listen to Him. Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, testifies that Jesus Christ is the promised Great Prophet of God (Acts 3:19-23).
God will raise a prophet from among the Israelites, placing His words in His mouth. Those who do not listen will be held accountable. Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of this promised prophet (John 8:28; John 12:49-50; John 15:15).
A prophet who speaks in God’s name without His command or claims to speak in the name of other gods shall die. If you are wondering how to determine whether the word the LORD has not spoken, know that if a prophet’s predictions do not come true, that message is not from the LORD, and you need not fear such a prophet. So here is the thing: Anyone who insists that Christ Jesus did not return during the lifetime of His apostles is essentially accusing Jesus of being a false prophet or a liar. Isn’t that blasphemy?
I understand that this topic can be confusing. If you choose to believe Christ’s declaration about His imminent return, you may be left with many questions. I empathize with your journey and assure you that sincere inquiry will lead to understanding. Keep in mind that this quest for truth is vital.
In conclusion, the Gospels teach us the truth about Jesus Christ and serve as an apologetic against false teaching. We should hold preachers accountable for their messages. John 21 focuses on Jesus, not Peter, so let’s refrain from moralizing biblical characters like Peter, Paul, or others. Do not let yourself be shortchanged. Reject feel-good messages that do not contain God’s truth. Always ask, “Is it sound teaching?”
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!
One of the many incredible prophecies of Christ Jesus could be that of His death and resurrection. In Matthew 12:38, when challenged for a sign, Jesus stated, “For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40).
In John 2:19, again being asked for a sign, Jesus replied, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). John explained that Jesus was talking about the temple of His body (John 2:21)
The resurrection of Jesus after three days and three nightsin the grave is clearly a central proof that He indeed was the Christ. Sadly, however, the modern church has diminished Christ Jesus’ declaration by insisting on a Friday death and burial, and a Sunday resurrection. This fascination with Sunday has no roots in the early church; rather, it’s a modern concept. Tracing its beginning almost always leads back to the time of Constantine. When politics and religion intermingle, there is always a risk. Christians should remember that Jesus Christ declared to the Jewish religious leaders, “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).
It is indeed difficult to pinpoint the exact day Jesus was crucified. However, if He was to be the sacrificial lamb acceptable to God, He must have fulfilled Scripture. The slaying of the Passover lamb has always occurred on the 14th of Nisan, regardless of the day of the week. On the 15th of Nisan, that is always a special or high Sabbath (John 19:31; Leviticus 23:6-8). Christ’s body was hurriedly placed in the burial site before dusk, just before the special or high Sabbath, as no work can be done on a Sabbath (John 19:40-42).
Since the 14th and 15th of Nisan can fall on different days, similar to how our birthdays shift each year due to the calendar cycle, the number of days between Passover and the Feast of Firstfruits will vary annually. Considering that Jesus Christ was fulfilling His prophecy of three days and three nights, these must be the exact days in between required to fulfill that prophecy.
The Feast of Firstfruits, however, cannot occur on just any day; it always takes place on the first regular Sabbath following the High Sabbath or the 15th of Nisan. Yes, the resurrection of Jesus Christ did not occur on a Sunday but rather on a regular Sabbath. Refer to Leviticus 23:10-11:
“Speak to the people of Israel and say to them: ‘When you enter the land that I am giving you and harvest its crops, you shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest. He shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, so that you may be accepted. On the day after the (15th of Nisan) Sabbath, the priest shall wave it.’” Hence, Paul refers to Jesus Christ as the firstfruits in 1 Corinthians 15:23.
As I have explained, during the Passover festival week, there would be two Sabbaths: the special or high Sabbath (15th of Nisan) and the regular Sabbath. Leviticus 23:10-11 refers to the day (or Sabbath) after the high or special Sabbath. How do I know this for sure? Because the following festival, the Feast of Weeks (commonly known as Pentecost), is counted starting from the day the wave offering of Firstfruits has been presented, which is the regular Sabbath. See Leviticus 23:15-16:
“You shall count seven full weeks from the day (Sabbath) after the Sabbath (15th of Nisan), starting from the day (Sabbath) you brought the sheaf for the wave offering. You will count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath. Then you shall present a grain offering of new grain to the LORD.”
Contrary to common Christian teachings and traditions, Pentecost always falls on a Sabbath, not a Sunday. This distinction is significant for Jewish people. As a result, many modern Christians’ emphasis on Sunday observance has led Jews to reject Jesus Christ and the Gospel, as they believe Jesus did not fulfill Scripture.
So here lies the cause of confusion: modern Christians have been observing the traditions of men rather than adhering to Scripture. Don’t we Christians realize that the words of Jesus Christ, spoken against the Jewish religious leaders, are very much applicable to our discussion here? See Mark 7:6-8:
“Jesus said, ‘Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me; in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ‘You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.’”
Whenever Christians neglect Scripture and follow the traditions of men, we misread and misapply the Bible. To further prove my point, let’s look at New Testament accounts concerning the resurrection. See Mark 16:1-2:
“When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Him. Very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb.”
Mark referred to two Sabbaths in his narrative. Here, the first one is correctly translated into English as “Sabbath,” pointing to the special or high Sabbath. The second, which is translated as “first day of the week,” actually refers to the first regular weekly Sabbath. A quick check on an interlinear Bible would show both terms, “Sabbath” and “week,” were derive from the Greek word #4522, “sabbaton.”
Mary Magdalene and the other women visited the empty tomb on the regular Sabbath, not on a Sunday. This misinterpretation may have arisen during the time of Constantine, as the Romans had an affinity for the Sun God, Sol Invictus. I encourage you to conduct your own research on this topic.
Jesus Christ fulfilled three of the feasts outlined in Leviticus 23. As I mentioned in a previous post, these festivals served as rehearsals, anticipating the coming of the Messiah. This explains the excitement of the Jews when Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey (John 12:12-15).
The three festivals are the Feasts of Passover and Unleavened Bread (crucifixion), and the Feast of Firstfruits (resurrection). Please see Scripture for confirmation.
Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 5:7-8: “Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”
Jesus Christ was the Passover lamb; through His sacrifice and offering, He made all who believe in Him righteous (unleavened) in God’s sight.
Furthermore, Paul explained in 1 Corinthians 15:23: “But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at His coming those who belong to Christ.”
Without a doubt, Paul referred to Christ’s resurrection as the fulfillment of the Feast of Firstfruits, thus designating Jesus as the firstfruits.
Before I conclude this discussion, I want to highlight what Luke’s Gospel reveals about the expectations of the Jews, particularly Jewish Christians. You can find this in Luke 24:13-27. In this account, the risen Lord Jesus Christ first listened to the conversation of two of His disciples before engaging with them. One of the disciples expressed their hopes by saying, “But we had hoped that He (Jesus) was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened” (Luke 24:21).
Christ’s resurrection comes with the certainty that He would be buried for three days and three nights before rising from the dead. The Jewish religious leaders understood the significance of Jesus fulfilling His prophecy, which is why they placed guards outside the tomb to prevent any human intervention. You can find this account in Matthew 27:62-65. Ultimately, Jesus rose from the dead exactly as He had predicted—”on the third day.”
The purpose of sharing this information is not to confuse or cause discord among Christians. Instead, it aims to educate, clarify, and explain the truths of Scripture, so that Christians may find unity in their faith. Also, it serves to affirm inerrancy of the New Testament Scripture.
Many Christians may easily dismiss this discussion by saying, “Oh, it’s a small thing. The important thing is that I believe in Jesus.” However, we must remember that Christ Jesus warned us to be careful not to become a stumbling block for others in their faith. We live in an age where information is readily available, but both falsehoods and truths are prevalent on the internet. Those who evaluate, study, and scrutinize the Bible alongside Christian claims and practices often choose not to engage with Christianity due to inconsistencies in its teachings, claims, and practices.
Each Christian is a defender of the faith. While being unable to explain God’s word is one issue, being part of the misrepresentation is another matter entirely. It’s essential to recognize that our belief in Christ Jesus comes with a responsibility to others. Jesus Christ and the apostles warned us about the consequences of causing others to stumble in their faith.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is God’s power for salvation (Romans 1:16). We Christians possess immense power. Isn’t it often said, “With great power comes great responsibility”? This is the story of Jesus Christ presented in the Gospels from the Feast of Passover to that of the Firstfruits. We know Jesus is the Christ because He fulfilled Scripture.
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!
Over the years of reading and studying the Bible, I have come to understand that all 66 books are indeed Scripture. This is evident because their messages are coherent and they all point to Christ Jesus, whether directly or by inference. I am referring here to internal evidence.
For those who have not yet to recognized this unity, I am providing a link that discusses the authority of the Bible based on external evidence.
I understand that the external evidence regarding the canon of Scripture can be contentious, especially considering the influence of Constantine’s time. GotQuestions.org explains that the term “canon” refers to the books that are divinely inspired and thus belong in the Bible. But how do we determine which books are inspired? Here are some criteria to consider:
Authorship: The identity of the author is crucial.
Dating: The book should have been written before the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70.
General Circulation: The work should have been recognized, used, or circulated by early Christian communities, ideally within the 1st century.
Message: The book should present a unified message that aligns with the fulfillments of Old Testament Scripture.
It’s important to remember Christ’s words: “Then He said to them, ‘These are My words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.’ Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.’” (Luke 24:44-48)
The Old Testament canon faces little controversy, primarily because both Jesus Christ and the apostles refer to it. For example, Peter writes, “For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.” Here, Peter serves as a witness, representing New Testament Scripture. He continues, “For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to Him by the Majestic Glory, ‘This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,’ we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with Him on the holy mountain.” Once more, Peter refers to the Gospels, affirming the fulfillment of Old Testament Scripture; Isaiah 42:1 speaks of God delighting in His servant, among other prophecies.
Next, Peter confirmed that they had witnessed the fulfillment of Old Testament Scripture. He continued by stating, “And we have the prophetic word made more fully confirmed, to which you would do well to pay attention, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” He emphasized, “Knowing this first of all: no prophecy of Scripture comes from an individual’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:16-21).
I personally stand by the internal evidence for the canon of Scripture, hoping to put to rest doubts about the inerrancy of the Bible, particularly the New Testament Scriptures, which have been heavily attacked by critics.
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!
Jesus Christ in John 10 proclaims, “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11). This declaration echoes Ezekiel 34:11, where the Lord God declares, “Behold, I, I Myself will search for My sheep and will seek them out.”
Christ Jesus came to fulfill both the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17-18). If He had arrived and left other Old Testament Scriptures unfulfilled for millennia, then His Word would have been deemed incomplete. However, Christ Jesus is the Word (John 1:1-5, 14-18), and He has undoubtedly fulfilled all His promises. Therefore, it is our responsibility to reconcile His teachings with our own.
Being ridiculed by the religious leaders of Israel for mingling with sinners and tax-collectors, Jesus Christ then told them two parables:
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:4-10)
In Christ’s parable, the lost sheep represents the sinners and tax collectors who are seeking salvation through His words and teachings. If Jesus Christ fulfills the prophecy in Ezekiel 34 as the Shepherd of God’s flock, then it follows that those who oppose Him and His message are false shepherds.
If God condemned the false shepherds of the Old Testament, would He not do the same today for pastors who do not guide people to His Word?
Christianity centers on God’s Word. Men’s traditions have no authority over God’s Word. Christ Jesus and His Word is the final arbiter of faith and truth.
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!
At its inception, Christianity was not divided. Scripture states, “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:4-6). Here, Paul refers to the church as the “body” (Ephesians 1:22-23). However, today we see Christians divided among themselves. Why is this the case? Is it solely due to differences in doctrine? Many Christians tend to avoid discussing theological doctrines in order to maintain the unity of the church.
The real issue is not doctrine itself, but rather false doctrines. This concern is echoed in the letters of Paul, Peter, and other New Testament writers. Therefore, Christians should study the Bible to understand the true doctrines of Scripture and achieve unity in faith. This is precisely the goal of our ministry: to teach Christians how to rightly interpret the Word of God.
Unfortunately, many pastors, despite their seminary training, choose to adhere to the writings of men. It is essential for all Christians to agree that the Bible is the only book inspired by God, inerrant, and the sole source of truth for faith. If God’s workers continue down this path, it is not surprising that Christianity remains fragmented, incohesive, and divided.
I was once told, “Pastor, your ministry might not interest a lot of people.” However, we are not seeking a large audience, but rather individual Christians who are eager to deepen their understanding of Scripture. The apostle Paul instructed, “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).
Christians, do not settle for simply listening and hearing. Be like the Bereans; learn to verify teachings against Scripture. Paul warned, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by doing so you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:16).
Scripture also states, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12). Follow Jesus Christ and His Word—He alone is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
If Christians are united in their faith, there should be minimal conflict. But it has to be the right doctrine and faith. Our ministry’s goal is to strengthen and unify that faith. However, we recognize that this is not always easy, especially within a congregation. Jesus Christ didn’t convert five thousand people at once; He initially started with twelve, one of whom would betray Him. Therefore, it is important to start with individuals or a small group and allow growth to happen naturally.
Jesus Christ told a parable, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” (Mat 13:31-32)
Paul teaches, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” (1Co 3:6)
Pastors and Christians need to understand that we are not tasked with building the church; rather, we are called to equip people with the Word of God. It is Christ Jesus alone who builds His church, as stated in Mattew 16:18. Scripture said, “So then you (that is, Gentile believers) are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints (Jewish Christians) and members of the household of God (the church), built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets (Scripture, both New & Old), Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” (Eph 2:19-22)
Numbers do not mean anything to God; rather, it is the quality and character of His people that matters.
The Bible teaches, “After this many of His (Jesus Christ’s) disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him. So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.”” (Jhn 6:66-70)
At the end of the day, only those who are truly converted and understand the Scripture well will continue to live in faith and spread the Word.
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!
In John 9, Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.” (John 9:2-3)
What did Jesus mean by “the works of God”? In John 6:29, we see that the work of God is for people to believe in Jesus Christ, whom He has sent.
John 9 is not solely about miracles and healings; rather, John emphasizes that these events are signs of Christ Jesus (John 20:30-31). Before Christ’s coming, the Jews experienced four hundred years of silence from God—where no miracles or words were spoken (What were the 400 years of silence? | GotQuestions.org; I disagree with the last sentence on this site. To understand why, visit my blog site https://unlearningtraditionrelearningscripture.com). Malachi foretold that Israel should anticipate the arrival of a forerunner preceding the coming of Christ Jesus (Malachi 3:1-5; 4:1-6). Thus, the signs performed by Christ announced His arrival (John 7:31). Although recognized by the religious leaders, they ultimately rejected Jesus, misleading Israel and condemning Him to the cross (John 11:47-48).
Are we faithfully bringing Jesus Christ to the awareness of others? Is our teaching about Jesus Christ aligned with Scripture? As Christians, are we living lives that reflect God’s grace?
We must always be vigilant about what we teach. It is essential to convey only the truths found in Scripture. Paul warned against those who teach about another Jesus or another Gospel (Galatians 1:6-7; 2 Corinthians 11:3-4).
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.” (Galatians 1:6-7)
“But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.” (2 Corinthians 11:3-4)
Let us learn only from the Word of God and not from men. Jesus Christ told a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when fully trained will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6:39-40)
True teaching of God’s Word is only truly learned when one is thoroughly trained in it. While reading men’s writings can sometimes be helpful, it should always be approached with discernment and discretion. We must be careful not to repeat the mistakes of others, as this could lead us to mislead those we teach. If that happens, can we still claim to be doing the work of God, which is to lead people to 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 freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture 