The Christian journey does not spare us from troubles, pains or physical death. It’s still very much part of our daily lives.
When life becomes complicated, we are reminded not to cast blame on God but to remember the choice made by Adam. He was given all he needed: a place to live, foods, and a suitable partner for life, along with a single command under a bilateral covenant:
> “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, ‘You may surely eat of every tree of 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)
God is wholly good. Nothing evil can come from Him, which means that even the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was not bad. It was a test of obedience, a way for man to freely acknowledge the Lord’s glory, honour, and power. Scripture states: “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they existed and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)
Notice in the New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), the New Heaven and New Earth, there was no mention of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, but only the tree of life, in the Garden of Eden (Revelation 22:1–5). Because only those in Christ Jesus can enter God’s kingdom (John 3:3,5)
Through Christ Jesus, salvation is given to us by faith in His name. While we still live in fragile, human bodies, we face troubles, doubts, and pains—but we are never truly destroyed because we have eternal life (2 Corinthians 4:7-10).
Suffering and physical death are inevitable in the flesh, but they cannot conquer a true believer. Scripture declares that through faith in Christ, death is swallowed up in victory (1 Corinthians 15:55–57).
In all seasons, we are to rely on God’s grace through Jesus Christ. The Bible states: “God 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 8:32)
Jesus reminds us: “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.” (Matthew 17:20)
His message is simple yet profound—keep your faith and place your hope in Him. For believers, no experience or trial is wasted; all things work toward our salvation (Romans 8:28). Jesus says, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).
This statement, spoken to the Rich Young Ruler, affirms that eternal life cannot be earned by deeds or wealth. Salvation is by faith alone, as Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches.
Against all odds, hold on to faith, for God’s grace in Christ is sufficient for every trial, and His promises secure our eternal victory.
The Bible declares: “For We Walk By Faith, Not By Sight.” (2Co 5:7)
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.
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.
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!
I’ve come to realize that many pastors are hesitant to discuss money because they’ve been taught and told not to speak on the topic. However, Paul addressed this issue on several occasions. Are pastors inferior to an apostle? Paul made it clear in Ephesians that both are mandated by Christ Jesus for His ministry. (Ephesians 4:11-14) While I understand that some people assume the role of a pastor but lack the necessary skills or love for God’s ministry. Some view the ministry not as a calling but as a profession, even worse, as an opportunity to gain wealth. (1 Timothy 6:3-5)
No wonder Paul said, “For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 2:17) This article applies only to the latter group: people who are genuinely committed to doing God’s work.
Here’s the silent truth: Pastors are even ridiculed when people discover that someone has been supporting them, despite the clear biblical teaching that it’s the right of the pastor to receive support.
For example, Paul said, “In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the Gospel should get their living by the Gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:14) It’s the right of pastors to receive their living from the Gospel, because it’s commanded by Jesus Christ (Luke 10:2-8).
Paul also said, “Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.” (Galatians 6:6) This clearly teaches that the giving and receiving of ministry support is directly between the teacher and the learner.
Furthermore, Jesus instructed His disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. Whenever you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ If a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house.” (Luke 10:2-7)
Despite these clear teachings, God’s workers often face little support and are subjected to ridicule and accusations of wrongdoing. Paul himself expressed his frustration, stating, “Did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted? Because I preached God’s Gospel to you without charge? I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. And when I was with you and in need, I did not burden anyone. The brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way.” (2 Corinthians 11:7-9)
The Corinthian church was biblically obligated to actively support Paul’s ministry in their midst. Scripture emphasizes the responsibility of believers to help God’s workers, declaring, “Therefore, we ought to support God’s workers like these, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth.” (3 John 1:8)
Despite this clear mandate, Paul did not receive the support that was rightfully due him from the Corinthians. Instead, he endured their criticisms. In response, he wrote:
“I am here for the third time, ready to come to you. I will not be a burden because I seek not what is yours but you. Children are not obligated to save for their parents, but parents for their children. I will gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less? But since I did not burden you, you say, I was crafty and got the better of you by deceit.” (2 Corinthians 12:14‑16)
Paul’s words reveal his profound love for the Corinthians and his willingness to sacrifice for their spiritual growth, even without receiving the support that was biblically warranted. This passage serves as a reminder to recognize, honor, and assist those who faithfully labor in God’s work, fulfilling the partnership that Scripture envisions between God’s servants and His people.
God designed it that way. Both God’s workers and Christians who support them are considered workers in the Gospel. (3 John 1:8) God intended it to be a partnership. Therefore, Paul expressed his gratitude to the Philippians, saying, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all, making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now.” (Philippians 1:3-5) The Macedonians and the Philippians are essentially the same people. Paul revealed that they are his sole supporters, stating, “And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.” (Philippians 4:15)
John teaches that those who prevent people from directly supporting God’s workers are considered evildoers. (3 John 1:9-11)
Demetrius, who welcomes and supports God’s workers, contrasts sharply with Diotrephes, who refuses and hinders others from doing the same. It is crucial to discern who you listen to and follow.
Shame on you, Diotrephes! You are wrongfully accusing God’s workers of wrongdoing by denying them support and hindering others from doing so. Let’s not be deceived by the cunning and deceitful reasoning of some people who exploit your ignorance of Bible teachings. Regrettably, some have accused God’s workers of wrongdoing while neglecting accountability in their own collections of donations from God’s people.
I am simply stating the truth. I have received an unusual call from God. My mission is to study the Bible, explain its teachings clearly and without restraint, and share them with others. God’s people should not be offended by God’s Word. If you have any doubts, I encourage or even challenge you to study the Bible thoroughly. Discover for yourself the authentic teachings of the Scriptures.
P.S. This is a follow through to my previous posting “Supporting Christian Workers: A Biblical Approach”
Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share this article freely, for you freely receive. Take note, underlines and highlights are clickable links for definitions or Bible references. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessings!
Jesus once said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven. For He causes His sun to rise on both the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust.” (Matthew 5:43-45)
This challenges us to think deeply: does material abundance automatically mean we are blessed by God? If that were so, it would suggest that many wealthy but ungodly individuals are more favored than the faithful who live humbly. Yet Jesus reminds us that God’s providential grace is given to all, regardless of faith (Psalms 145:9; Acts 14:17).
It is common for Christians to fall into the trap of equating wealth with divine favor, forgetting that both abundance and scarcity are tests of our faith. The greater question is this: in times of plenty or in want, will we continue to praise God and live in obedience to Him?
Jesus often warned of the spiritual dangers of riches. Luke recounts the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:13–21), and all three Synoptic Gospels tell of the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-24; Mark 10:17-23; Luke 18:18-25). When asked to surrender his possessions and follow Christ, the young man went away sorrowful. This led Jesus to declare, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:23)
Many contemporary preachers equate wealth with divine favor, but Proverbs 10:22 reminds us that “the blessing of the LORD makes rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.” True blessing lies not in amassing possessions but in finding contentment in God’s daily provision and being ready to share whenever He calls. This truth is evident in Jesus’ warning to the man obsessed with building larger storehouses for his wealth: “Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” He concluded, “So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:20-21) On the other hand, Jesus praised the poor widow who gave two copper coins in contrast to the wealthy who contributed large sums of money, saying, “This poor widow has given more than everyone else. Because they all gave from abundance, but she, out of poverty, has given everything she had, all she had to live one day.” (Mark 12:41-44)
Paul, applying the teachings of Jesus, contrasted the wealthy Corinthians with the impoverished yet generous Macedonian believers. Despite their poverty, the Macedonians displayed the heart and teachings of Christ through remarkable generosity (2 Corinthians 8:1–6). Their giving was voluntary, sacrificial, and inspired by deep devotion to God—an “act of grace” (2 Corinthians 8:6).
Likewise, Paul praised the Philippians for their gifts, expressing the “act of grace” in another way: “a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18). It is called an act of grace because everything we have comes from God, and our ability to give flows from His grace.
In Matthew 25:31–46, Jesus confirmed this truth when He told the faithful who gave to those in need, “As you did it to one of the least of these brothers, you did it to Me” (v.40). Conversely, those who withheld care, generosity, and compassion faced the opposite judgment (vv.41–46). True generosity reflects God’s grace working in our hearts.
Let’s take a moment to reflect on the greatness of God? He alone is the source of everything good, while we are simply recipients, entrusted with the privilege to care, to share, and to give. Yet, our acts of grace are credited to us. As Philippians 4:17 shows, Paul expressed his gratitude by saying, “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.” It is no wonder Paul recalled the teachings of Jesus and said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Matthew 10:8; Matthew 25:34-40; Luke 14:12-14; 2 Corinthians 9:6-12; Philippians 4:17-20; Hebrews 13:16). A truth quite the opposite of what many believe, isn’t it?
Christians, we are called to live by faith. James reinforces that faith without works is dead (James 2:14–20). Authentic faith expresses itself in action—serving others, meeting needs, and living out love. Salvation comes through faith, but genuine faith is proven in a daily walk of obedience.
Paul’s words in Philippians 2:12–13 remind us that faith is not a single moment but an ongoing journey of surrender and obedience to God. He calls on us believers to “work out [our] own salvation with fear and trembling,” not to earn salvation, but to live in a way that reflects the gift we have received. Our life’s testimony—through seasons of joy or struggle—reveals our trust in His perfect will. As the Gospel transforms us, God Himself works in our hearts, shaping our desires and guiding our actions for His glory. In response, we are to let His salvation manifest in how we live, bringing forth good works as the fruit of our faith.
This reflection encourages us to pause and reflect on what truly constitutes as blessings. It prompts us to assess how our faith is manifested in our daily lives. In fact, even in our ministry and sharing of the Gospel, as stated in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
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!
Personal conversion testimony is valid for as long as we have kept the faith. Though God remembers our actions in the past, He is more concerned about how we have kept the faith. That’s the point of Paul’s assertion saying, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)
Let us not gravitate to personal testimonies that never became a lifetime commitment. That’s the reason we get surprised when spiritual giants get caught in controversy. Paul states, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1Corinthians 11:1)
The Bible tells us, “Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.” (Acts 8:13)
And yet, Simon, perhaps not being able to overcome his old self. He tried to buy from Peter the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:18-19). So Peter replied, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” (Acts 8:20-23)
Our water baptisms serve as a personal testament to our repentance of sins and commitment to follow Jesus Christ. Like a survey, they reflect the moment, not the end, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey with Jesus. Therefore, only in hindsight can people truly validate our transformation for Christ Jesus.
Back when I was still in Metro Manila, I often heard this phrase on a Christian radio station: “If you are still talking about what you have done in the past, then you have not done anything new.” Christians need to constantly walk the talk and live by their faith. Once saved, always saved is only true if one has kept the faith. The best testimony you can give is your life.
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!
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!
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!
In the last decade or more, the call for discipleship has become the norm for many Christian congregations. This has become the trend in the hope of increasing their numbers, which they believe is the byproduct of successful discipleship program.
The Bible spoke of the disciples of John the Baptist (Matthew 9:14), the disciples of the Pharisees (Matthew 22:15-16), some claims to be disciples of Moses (John 9:28), but in our modern context, it is about being a disciple of Jesus Christ, which rightly should be, for that is the call of the Bible.
The Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words defined “disciple” to be a learner, one who follows one’s teaching. Though a disciple was not only a pupil but an adherent, hence they are spoken of an imitators of their teacher – see John 8:31-32.
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples,and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
See also John 15:7-8.
If you abide in Me [Jesus Christ], and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this My Father is glorified [that is, if you abide by Jesus Christ and His words], that you bear much fruit and so prove to be My disciples.
In other words, a disciple of Jesus is someone who adheres to the Words of Christ; that is, to live by the teachings and Words of the Lord, which, make no mistake, should be the proper understanding and application of discipleship. So there is a cost or discipline in discipleship; see Matthew 16:24-28.
Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with His angels in the glory of His Father, and then He will repay each person according to what he has done. 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.”
Jesus Christ clearly demands full surrender to Him. Anyone wanting to follow Him or be His disciple, see verse 24: “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.”
Confronted by Matthew 16:24, I often hear people ask this question: “What does it mean to deny oneself and carry his cross, then follow Jesus?”
To answer that question, we must first consider what it meant for Jesus to carry His cross. He spoke of His impending death – see Matthew 16:21-23 – which was the background for Matthew 16:24.
From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a hindrance to Me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” (Matthew 16:21-23)
Matthew 16:24-28 therefore was a teaching of Christ for the disciples to emulate, contrasting the attempt of Peter wanting to prevent the impending death of Jesus via crucifixion. So we see Jesus in Matthew 16:25 saying “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”
Of course, Jesus wasn’t asking His disciples to commit themselves to death for no reason. Rather, Jesus was teaching them to emulate Him; He was obedient to the will of God the Father even to the point of death. See Philippians 2:5-8; the apostle Paul said:
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Hence, Jesus went on telling His disciples to be obedient to the will of God, contradicting the words of Peter. See Matthew 16:22 “And Peter took Him [Jesus] aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, ‘Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.‘”
See also Matthew 16:26-28.
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with His angels in the glory of His Father, and then He will repay each person according to what he has done. 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 16:26-28)
Peter actually meant well, not wanting Jesus to die, yet it was not the will of Jesus but of the Father that by His death and resurrection those who believe in Him might have eternal life; see John 3:16.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
In Matthew 16:27, Jesus spoke about His Return and coming judgment that would occur within the lifetime of His disciples; see Matthew 16:28 “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.”
Hence, it make no sense for any of them to preserve their life at the cost of losing eternity with Jesus Christ, see Matthew 16:25-26.
For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul.
Now having understood Jesus’ words to the disciple, we come right back to His opening statement to His disciples; see Matthew 16:24.
Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.
Jesus called the twelve disciples for a specific mission; see Matthew 10:1-7, 16-23.
And He [Jesus] called to Him His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for My sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.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.”
The twelve disciples were to witness about Jesus Christ and tell people about the coming kingdom of heaven. And once again, Jesus assured His disciples that His Return would be in their lifetime (Matt. 10:23). So in spite of the impending dangers to their lives, they ought to continue and be obedient to their call. So once again, see Matthew 16:21-28.
From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a hindrance to Me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save His life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with His angels in the glory of His Father, and then He will repay each person according to what he has done. 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.”
Since the twelve disciples were no longer around, then Jesus Christ must have already returned contrary to the traditional believe and teaching. If not, then Jesus failed in His promise, and the disciples were taken for a ride, which of course I do not agree. So how are we to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus?
See 1 Peter 4:1-2.
Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.
To be a disciple of Jesus then is to live henceforth according to the will of God, no longer according to the former ways of human passions. The apostle Paul teaching the same explained in Romans 6:3-4.
Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
The Christian baptism is not for membership of a local congregation; rather it’s a declaration of death – dying to our old self, therefore, having a transformed life. And it’s not simply a declaration but a reality that the Christian person must live by, for Jesus Christ died a real death. For only then may we truly experience the resurrected life of the Risen Lord and have an eternal life with Him. So Paul, in Romans 6:5-11, continued on saying:
For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His.We know that our old self was crucified with Him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death He died He died to sin, once for all, but the life He lives He lives to God.So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
The Christian walk is never easy, so often said, but there is no Christian to speak of unless he/she have been transformed – just like the butterfly coming out of its cocoon. The caterpillar stops eating, hangs upside down from a twig or leaf, and spins itself a silky cocoon or molts into a shiny chrysalis, looking like it has dried up and died. Yet, within its protective casing, the caterpillar radically transforms its body, eventually emerging as a butterfly.
Scripture said,“Now if we have died with Christ, we believe we will also live with Him.” That is the very essence of discipleship – living a life of faith in Christ Jesus and adhering to His teaching and Words. Indeed, just as Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me (Matthew 16:24),” hence, we too, wanting to be disciples of Jesus Christ, ought to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and die to our former passions, then follow Him.
Now, if we have truly died to our former passions, following Jesus would no longer be burdensome but a joyful journey, always thankful to God for His unmerited and bountiful grace, living a life of faith in Christ alone.
A blessed New Year to everyone! Thanking God for my first blog of the year. Let us continue our walk with the Lord, by unlearning tradition and relearning Scripture. To better understand our visitation, you may want to read my previous blogs “The Dilemma of Tradition” and “Scripture vs. Tradition”.
Shalom!
If you want to follow our journey of unlearning tradition and relearning Scripture, you can stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox.
I went into a writing hiatus due to a circumstance my sibling was facing. I was greatly affected by it because he is thousands of miles away from me, and his wife is going through a health condition. If you have read my blog posting entitled “Regarding Wilmer,” he was the one who offered and asked me about the Christian service for my departed son.
I’m not going to divulge private details concerning the health status, but the doctor categorized it as a critical condition. My brother has been with me each time I was in trouble. Now that he is in a difficult situation, I can’t even be with him, all because of this pandemic. I believe a lot of people can relate to the same predicament nowadays. I wanted to be comforted by the Lord, so that I can comfort my brother, so as I always do, I turned to the Scripture. And Psalm 34 came to me, and I hope my reflection on this psalm would also be a comfort to anyone reading this blog who perhaps is in a similar circumstance.
The 150 Psalms of the Old Testament Bible must first be recognized as Jewish in nature. It is Jewish literature of songs and hymns written from the time of Moses to those of Ezra and Nehemiah. This history spans from Mount Sinai, where Moses received God’s Covenant with Israel, to the time of Ezra and Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the Second Temple, which was ultimately renovated by King Herod during the Roman era. Psalms therefore impart prophecies of God in relation to His Covenant with Israel, reflections of the psalmist, and truths about the nature of God. Psalm 34 is one of the psalms written by David.
In order for us to truthfully understand the meaning and beauty of Psalm 34, we ought to first identify the occasion of this psalm. See Psalm 34:1.
Of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away. I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together!
The title of this psalm provides a hint; only one narrative fits the description of Psalm 34:1: the story of David in 1 Samuel 21:10-15.
And David rose and fled that day from Saul and went to Achish the king of Gath. And the servants of Achish said to him, “Is not this David the king of the land? Did they not sing to one another of him in dances, ‘Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands?’”
And David took these words to heart and was much afraid of Achish the king of Gath. So he changed his behavior before them and pretended to be insane in their hands and made marks on the doors of the gate and let his spittle run down his beard. Then Achish said to his servants, “Behold, you see the man is mad. Why then have you brought him to me? Do I lack madmen, that you have brought this fellow to behave as a madman in my presence? Shall this fellow come into my house?”
From the English translation, it might appear to be two different occasions, because Psalm 34 referred to a person named “Abimelech,” while in 1 Samuel 21:10, “Achish king of Gath” was the one confronting David. The Lexicon Brown-Driver-Briggs’ Hebrew Definitions however, among other things, defined Abimelech, as “the king of Gath in David’s time; perhaps a title of Philistine kings.” Therefore, Psalm 34:1 and the narrative of 1 Samuel 21:12-13 are linked together, referring to one and the same incident in David’s life.
Now, having settled the issue of relevance, between Psalm 34 and 1 Samuel 21:10, let us move on to other details of both writings. In 1 Samuel 21:12, the Bible said, “David took these words to heart and was much afraid of Achish the king of Gath.” Perhaps David was afraid that Achish now having recognized him might turn him over to Saul, who obviously was deviously jealous of David’s more prominent status. See 1 Samuel 21:11.
And the servants of Achish said to him, “Is not this David king of the land? Did they not sing to one another in dances, ‘Saul has struck down his thousands, and david his ten thousands?’”
In reality Saul still reigned as king over Israel, not David, but obviously the Jews have considered David as the standby king waiting to be enthroned. This was the reason for Saul’s envy and insecurity, hence he pursued David and wanted him dead. More importantly, because Saul had broken the commandment of the LORD, the prophet Samuel told him that:
The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this day and has given it to a neighbor of yours, who is better than you. And also the Glory of Israel will not lie or have regret, for He is not a man, that he should have regret. (1 Samuel 15:28-29)
One of the highlights of David’s stories should be that of his battle with Goliath. David was a lad when all Israel was challenged by Goliath to a man-to-man fight (1 Samuel 17:10). Not one person from the mighty army of Saul dared to fight with Goliath (1 Samuel 17:11). Nobody would venture to do so because Goliath was a giant champion warrior from the Philistines. In this context, it was well understood that the inability of Israel to stand before Goliath’s challenge was an insult to the name of YHWH, the LORD God of Israel. Such an understanding may be seen clearly through the words of the lad David as he sought the approval of Saul to face Goliath in the battle. See 1 Samuel 17:36-37.
Your servant has struck down both lion and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defiled the armies of the Living God.” And David said, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you!
I guess we all knew the conclusion of that encounter. Goliath was defeated by the lad David in the name of the LORD of hosts with a sling and a stone in his hand (1 Samuel 17:45,49). Fast forward now to 1 Samuel 21:10-15, David was no longer the young lad but was now an experienced commander of Israel’s armies. When he encountered Achish king of Gath, out of fear, he acted insane. Surely it was a decline from being a brave young lad who faced and defeated Goliath, to man reduced to humiliation.
Many of us are like that. I also fell to the same temptation. If you have read my blogpost entitled “Regarding Wilmer,” you would see how boldly I embraced and sought the Gospel of Jesus Christ right at the wake of my only son and after. The fears and questions that I faced then may be considered my Goliath which I had encountered and overcome by the grace of God. As we walk the journey of faith, sometimes we become too trusting of ourselves, our achievements, our status, our resources, or people around us. So we begin to live our lives, perhaps unconsciously forgetting God’s moment-by-moment’s divine providence. Then when moments of difficulty or trials are upon us, our faith would be challenged.
I may say my brother’s predicament became a challenge to me. No, I never doubted God. I felt burdened and sorrowed by my inability to be with my brother, forgetting that although I am thousands of miles away from him, the Lord is forever present. That may have been the experience of David. He forgot that God has already anointed him to be King over Israel so there was no way that Achish king of Gath could have him killed without being King of Israel first. See 1 Samuel 16:1, 7, 11-13.
The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for Myself a King among his sons.”
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD look on the heart.”
Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.” And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the LORD said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he. Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.
Take note then that David was God’s anointed King over Israel before he fought Goliath. The victory of David over Goliath therefore occurred in accordance with God’s divine providence making him King of Israel. In essence, David was sent by God, not Saul, to fight Goliath. Many times in our journey with the Lord we fail to remember that we are a child of God, precious in His sight. Therefore, there is no coincidence or chance encounter but only divine appointment or providence. There should be no fear whatever comes before us because Jesus is Immanuel – God with us.
True enough, God’s mysterious working in David’s life came to light in 1 Samuel 22:1-2,5.
David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. And when his brothers and all his father’s house heard it, they went down there to him. And everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was bitter in soul, gathered to him. And he became commander over them. And there were with him about four hundred men.
Then the prophet of God said to David, “Do not remain in the stronghold; depart, and go into the land of Judah.” So David departed and went into the forest of Hereth.
After these twin divine workings of God, David, no longer alone, now had an army of four hundred men. Also David was timely aided by the prophet of God, thereby avoiding a massacre by Saul’s men (1 Samuel 22:18-19). Henceforth, David began to seek God’s guidance and was spiritually restored. That I believe was the background for David’s utterance in Psalm 34.
Our walk with Jesus is not a guarantee that we will always be shielded from life’s challenges. Life’s troubles will always be part of our daily living because man was formed from dust so to dust our mortal body will return. Therefore, mankind is not immune to decay. The apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15:45,47-49, states,
Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the Last Adam became a life-giving spirit … The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the Second Man is from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the Man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the Man of heaven.
But the Good News is, Jesus Christ came. He fulfilled all the prophecies and requirements of the Mosaic Law. Subsequently, the promised salvation of God is now a reality. Our present existence, therefore, should make no difference— for Christ Jesus reigns then and forevermore. Jesus Christ is Immanuel: God with us (Matthew 1:23). We then should live with full conviction that “neither death nor life, nor things present nor things to come, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38–39)
In normal times we are quick to fall into complacency, disregarding God’s daily presence and guidance. We tend to make decisions as if we are masters of our lives. The Bible states “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19b-20). As Christians purchased by the blood of our Lord Christ Jesus who now reigns, so He alone is the Master of our lives, not us.
The proclamation of the Gospel should be done through our daily living. We live by the truths and promises of the Word of God every day. We need not be sent out, as missionaries, that the Eternal Gospel of Jesus Christ be made known to the rest of mankind. Rather, the true Christian living should reflect the truth of the Gospel.
P.S. I will ponder more on the thoughts, thanksgiving and confidence of David as expressed in Psalm 34 in my next blog posting.
Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share this article freely, for you freely receive. Take note, underlines and highlights are clickable links for definitions or Bible references. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessings!
