Jesus as a Human Being

Based on John 4:1-6 (New King James Version)

“Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples), He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. But He needed to go through Samaria. So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.”

Many do not understand the Lord’s human aspect. There are almost always misunderstandings about this. For example, many people say: “He was able to do what He did, and He endured what He did because He was God.” Others go a completely opposite direction because they only see Him as a human being with limited abilities and powers, and that’s why they don’t respect Him. There are those that see Him extremely human, but in a sinful kind of way, and they think that He had problems and temptations with lust, including sexual weaknesses. In summary, the majority of people go all over the place as it relates to the Lord’s human aspect, because they don’t quite get to what the Bible teaches.

The first thing that needs to be understood is His real genealogy, where He comes from. First of all, Jesus is God, the second person of the Trinity. His beginning as a Being was not here on earth, even though He was born here in the flesh. He is the Eternal God, the Lord of Hosts, the Alpha and the Omega, etc., etc. So then, He was (and is) 100% divine. The other thing that must be understood is that His Father was (and is) God the Father, the first person of the Trinity. So, His Father being who He is makes Him not entirely similar to us in that regard, with fleshly lusts like sexual desires, with the temptation to steal, to kill, to have vices, to lie, to be greedy. In summary, He did not have any of the evil works of the flesh. Now, the human aspect He did take on was from His earthly mother Mary (who was virgin). He was able to take on through her a carnal form, to be born and to live as a human being who was pure. So then, He became 100% man through Mary.

Because the Lord was a man, with flesh and blood (but without evil desires), He lived just like us. God took on our form to know exactly what each of us feel. He took on all of our human frailties and experienced them in the flesh (literally). He knew what it was like to be tired, as we read in today’s passage, when John wrote: “…being wearied from His journey…” He knew what hunger was, having a completely empty stomach, for it is written: “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.” Matthew 4:1-2. He knew what it felt like when you lose a loved one, and He even cried because of the pain He felt (for Lazarus). For it is written: “And He said, ‘Where have you laid him?’ They said to Him, ‘Lord, come and see.’ Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, ‘See how He loved him!’” John 11:34-36. He also experienced agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, for the Scriptures also say: “And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” Luke 22:44. The Lord experienced abandonment (because He took on our sin), finding Himself completely alone. We see this in the telling of His crucifixion when it says: “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’” Matthew 27:46. And of course, as part of the sacrifice on the cross, He experienced injustice, being mocked, being scorned, extreme physical tiredness and pain, torture, hemorrhaging, and finally, death. The Lord experienced everything a human being could experience, with reference to our human frailty.

What value does this have? A great deal! God knows everything about us because He is God, but now even more so, because He experienced through His Son what it feels like to be human. He lived it. And the great value that this has is that He humbled Himself for us. He felt what we feel. And He feels compassion because of this. For it is written: Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16. So then, what better God and Intercessor could we have like the one that took our form (because of love), who wishes to be with us through everything we might go through without ever abandoning us! That’s why He left the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, so that He could live by faith in our hearts. The Lord understands everything you feel, and He cares.

The last aspect that we will see is that the Lord is our example. Despite feeling wearied, and everything else He could have felt, He did what was necessary. He did everything the Father commanded Him to do. He obeyed! For it is written: Who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. Hebrews 5:7-9. We are called to be like Him. God’s purpose is to turn each of us into little Jesuses (per se). So then, if the Lord was able to obey in everything, despite having all of our frailties, God can also do great things in our lives through our obedience.

So, do you understand just how much God loves you, how He understands you, how He has compassion on you, and what He wants to accomplish in your life? Do you understand that there is no one like the Lord? Lord bless! John

Faith Needs to be Centered on Jesus

Based on John 3:31-36 (New King James Version)

“He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony. He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true. For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure. The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

I believe that most people do not have much of an issue in believing that there is “something” (per se) beyond us as humans. And with people that believe that there is a god, they believe a little more than an agnostic in reality, because for them, that god can be a thing or a being, not necessarily the Almighty God of the Bible. So then, the majority of people believe in something or someone. And those that have a bit more faith come to believe in a God, but that’s it. The big problem of faith with the majority of people, including with those that say that they believe in God, is to be able to believe and accept Jesus as God. This is a problem for many, even for those that say that they are Christians. All the issues actually start when Jesus is mentioned, and He then becomes a point of contention. Many people are accepting when talking about God, but not about Jesus.

The problem is centered around how the Lord is viewed. They just cannot get it in their heads that the Almighty was able to be concentrated in a human being, in a man. What is ironic (or more so, what is unfair) is that God is penalized for having humbled Himself to that level, that He took our form so that He could give us the greatest service mankind ever needed; of being saved from our own sins and from eternal death. And the issue is that people don’t value what He did while here on earth, nor do they see the incredible prophetic fulfillment in the life of the Lord; the Messiah that Israel was waiting for. It is also not possible for them to believe that He was raised from the dead. And well, it is just hard for people to believe in Jesus in general.

Now, we need to see something very clearly, that it is not a problem of not being able to have faith, because people exhibit faith all the time. For many, it is easier to believe in things and people than to believe in Jesus. People many times justify their disbelief with the idea that they cannot see Him, or that they weren’t present at the time of the Lord. They say they can’t trust the Scriptures either, whether they are credible or not. There are many other excuses, because that’s what they are: excuses.

Think for a moment, “In what do the majority of people believe in?” They believe in money, in other people that are just as fallible and limited as they are, in objects without life and soul, in gods made out of metal, wood, or any other material, in nature, etc., etc. They believe more in a plate of food served in a restaurant where they don’t even know where the food came from (if it’s organic or not, if it was grown with pesticides and insecticides), how it was made, what it actually contains; and whether the server dropped the food on the floor, picked it right up and put it on the plate again. You might say, “How can you say that?” Easy! Because it happens. And there are many other things that happen with food before it gets on the table, all nice and neatly adorned. They would rather trust more in something like that, to the point of putting it in their mouth, without any questions, than to choose to believe in Jesus.

So then, if they could have so much faith and trust in so many other things and people, then what is the problem with believing in Jesus? The problem is choosing to believe in Him; nothing else. Because the person that does not want to believe, they are not going to believe, no matter what Christ does for them. Some say that they would believe if they could just see the Lord demonstrate His power and glory. He did that before coming to this earth, when He was known as Jehovah to the Jews. But they saw Him as harsh, inflexible, that He was only looking to destroy and punish people (which is not true). And well, Jesus also showed His power through the miracles He did with food, healing the sick, casting out demons, and even raising some from the dead. But, it seems like that isn’t enough. And even further, they see the miracles He does every day; the universe, the sustaining of life, the seasons, the light of day, water, and so many other things that can only subsist through Him. But, it’s not enough either. He showed His love and devotion to us, by dying on the cross for us, for our sins, but that too is not enough. He was raised from the dead and seen by His disciples, by the hundreds, but that’s not enough either. He waits for us with open arms, but many turn their backs on Him, being despised and rejected, because even though He is God, He is humble in His calling out to us. So then, the answer that people don’t believe because they don’t want to believe is logical, because the Lord cannot do anything else for them.

The problem with not wanting to believe, or more exactly, in refusing to believe, is that everything has a consequence. And despite His great love for us, if a person refuses to believe in Him as God, as Lord, then salvation is not possible, because they are despising the only One that can save them. That’s why it’s not necessarily punishment, but rather, a natural consequence. The only One that can remove the wrath of God from abiding on us is Jesus. For it is written: “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5. Money cannot do it. Your family cannot do it. Your career and your successes cannot do it. Other false gods and idols cannot do it. No one or nothing else can take away the wrath of God from abiding on us.

So then, it’s very simple; either you want to believe or not believe in Him. If you refuse to believe, then nothing can be done for you. But, if you do decide to not only believe, but even more so, to accept Jesus as God (as what He is), and you make Him the Lord of your life, not only will the wrath of God be removed from abiding on you, but you will also see the glory of God. For it is written: “Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?’” John 11:40. So, is your faith centered on Jesus, as the God and Lord of your life? Lord bless! John

Gaining a New and Greater Identity Through Christ

Based on John 3:22-30 (New King James Version)

“After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He remained with them and baptized. Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized. For John had not yet been thrown into prison. Then there arose a dispute between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purification. And they came to John and said to him, ‘Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!’ John answered and said, ‘A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’ He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.’” 

Charles Spurgeon once said: “Humility is to make a right estimate of one's self.” What are we really? Do we have something to be proud about? Are we as great and strong and powerful as we think? Are we worth so much by ourselves that we don’t need to be changed or transformed by God? I think one of the greatest problems that exists with people and with their acceptance of God is that they believe that they are more than God, and that they don’t need God because they feel their lives are better off without Him. And together with this thought, they detest the idea of losing their identity and will. Let’s go a little deeper with this issue and our previous questions.

I must warn you that today’s meditation does not have a happy beginning, humanly speaking, because it goes completely against our own pride which is the root of much evil. The reality is that we are nothing without God. Man did not create himself, nor did they have any part in the creation of the world. Charles Darwin and many others that thought of themselves or still think of themselves to be intelligent, fantasied a great deal with the idea that God does not exist and that we are a cosmic accident. But, whether they believe it was an accident or not, man had nothing to do with what happened. Man is extremely limited. We were not able to create or make anything. Power and control is only an illusion.

Now, looking at things spiritually, if we are nothing as human beings, we are even far less by ourselves without God. Man cannot do anything for themselves spiritually. No man can save themselves. Without God, we are all lost in our sins, separated from everything that is good. For it is written: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. The Word also teaches us this: “Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands—that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” Ephesians 2:11-13. The only way that we have to be able to get close to God and be saved is only through Jesus. Because outside of Him, we can do and are nothing.

Through the Lord, everything can change, especially if we realize that we need Him infinitely, leaving aside all our foolish pride. The Bible teaches us that: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17. Through the complete repentance and conversion from our sins, and by accepting Jesus as the Lord of our lives, we can be transformed. It’s not that we lose our identity, but rather, God through His Holy Spirit regenerates what was lost, making a new creation out of us. We are still ourselves, but through Christ, we become a new, regenerated being, completely ready so that God can work the fullness of His purpose in us. Of course, when we surrender to Him, it is only the beginning of the process. That’s why His Word also teaches us this: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1-2. Through time, as we continue submitting to Him, surrendering to Him, is that the transformation starts and continues until we take on the image of our Lord.

Now, coming back to today’s passage, what happened with John should also happen with us; that it is necessary for Him to increase and that we decrease. Again, it does not mean that we disappear, but rather, that Christ and His virtues need to shine more in our lives so that the marvelous purposes of God can be fulfilled. God wants to work through us, through our being. When we understand that it is God that needs to grow in us, then we will understand what needs to happen in our lives, for our own good, and for the good of those that surround us.

In summary, and what we should consider: If we are truly nothing without God, then why be afraid of ceasing to be something that does not help us in anything? And considering even more, if we can attain everything through Christ, by letting Him grow in us, then, is it not worthwhile to take on a better and more significant identity through Him? Do you understand that your own identity by itself cannot compare to gaining a new and greater identity through the Lord? Lord bless! John

God's Love and Light

Based on John 3:16-21 (New King James Version)

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” 

I know that John 3:16 is probably the most widely known verse of the Bible in all the world. You can many times see the signs in the stadium stands at an American football game. And I think it’s so popular because it talks about God’s great love. God loves the world, and He gave His only begotten son, Jesus, so that everyone could have the opportunity to be saved. If we take some time to meditate on what God’s love means, it would be a never-ending thought. For example, God, the Creator of heaven and earth cared for us, and He gave what was most loved and precious to Him, so that we could have eternal life. And He did not have to do it. He sent His Son to pay for our sins, for our wrongs, to take our place on the cross. And going even deeper, if we see things clearly, God sent His Son to die for His enemies, because if we have not given our lives to Him, then we belong to someone else, to Satan. We are children of darkness because of the sins we have committed, because of being born in a world of sin, being conceived in sin. Since birth, we were foreign to all of God’s promises. We didn’t deserve anything. I know it is difficult to accept this, but it’s the Truth. So then, if we see it that way, we can see even more God’s love, Someone who died for the salvation of His enemies, to convert His enemies into children of God, children of light. That’s why it is so important for us to give God our lives, so that we can leave behind the darkness, and belong to Him.

God wants for everyone, no matter what they have done or been, to come to the knowledge of the Truth. This fact shows His great and profound love. For it is written: “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4. So then, there is no one that can say that God does not love them. He loves the entire world, without exceptions.

The issue is that everything is conditional with God. He will not force anyone. Everything is conditional because it is based on love, and love is based on choice. God chose to love the world. He didn’t have to love the world. But He chose to. In the same manner, belonging to Him is also a choice, based on faith and love. And what needs to be kept clear is that each choice has consequences. That’s the way the universe was established, and there is nothing that can be done about it. So then, it’s not God that condemns a person to hell when they don’t want to believe in Jesus, but rather, the person condemns themselves by not laying hold to the gift of salvation. This is a universal law: “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5. If a person chooses to believe in and accept Jesus as the Lord of their life, then they make God the owner of their life. If a person does not choose to believe and accept Jesus as the Lord of their life, then they are continuing with their original master, and they will condemn themselves to an eternal death. It’s your decision! Try to see things logically. If a person does not want to be with God, nor obey Him, then why would God go against their own will and desire, forcing them to be with Him for an eternity? And of course, God allows that the fruits and desires of each person come upon them, for good or evil, for it is written: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.” Jeremiah 17:9-10. A person will receive what they ultimately desire within themselves. And God has already taken care of this through the universal structure that He created way before the foundation of this world.

And finally, we will explain what the light of God is about. We all come from darkness. It’s just a fact. But within the power of choice, we can decide to leave the darkness through Christ. When He presents His light through His Word and through His call to follow Him, we have the option to come to the Light of God. So then, if there is someone that wants to be freed from the darkness, they can be free, if they decide to belong to God. What is necessary is to accept that we have done wrong, that we have sinned, and that we want to leave that evil behind, to leave sin behind, for it is written: “This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” 1 John 1:5-10. If we are honest with ourselves, before God, we have forgiveness and salvation. He is so good that He makes all things new for those that love Him and look for Him. And if we follow Him faithfully, He transforms us into light. He told us that we would be the light of the world. For it is written: “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” Matthew 5:14-15. He transforms us into light through Jesus, so we can be light to others that the need the Light of God. That’s how we see the continuity of God’s love, from person to person, from generation to generation.

So then, have you understood the love God has for you, by looking to be part of His light for the world that surrounds you? Lord bless! John

We Must Pursue Jesus with the Heart

Based on John 3:1-15 (New King James Version)

“There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’ Nicodemus said to Him, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?’ Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.’ Nicodemus answered and said to Him, ‘How can these things be?’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things? Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” 

In this passage, we read the most important principle that exists in the Word of God so people can be saved. A person will or will not enter heaven, or obtain eternal life or not, depending on how they understand this passage. So then, it is obvious that you have to try to understand it, meditate in it, and act in a precise manner. It doesn’t mean that it is difficult, because it really isn’t. What is most important is “how” it is understood and what winds up happening with this knowledge.

The first aspect that needs to be seen is that it is not a matter of intellect or study, but rather, of disposition. We see an important religious person (Nicodemus) struggling to understand what the Lord is trying to explain to him. This was an extremely well-educated person, especially in the Scriptures. A person like him could recite from memory any part of the Old Testament, word-for-word. He had not only learned the Scriptures, but also, he learned everything involved with their writing; the context, the history, etc. Nonetheless, and despite his human intellect and years upon years of study, we see that all that effort and knowledge was not helping him. The Bible teaches us that we need to make ourselves like children so that we can enter the kingdom of God, and a child does not have years of study. What a child has is that they don’t question what is being taught. They are sensitive enough to God to accept it and believe it. Having that kind of disposition is what makes being born again in Christ possible. You need faith, at least enough to be able to believe and to start learning from the Lord. And since it is not about intellect, then what you need is the heart; the desire to want to submit to God, to accept what He wants you to do. For it is written: “But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:8-10. The only intellect needed is the ability to understand the Word that is being shared.

How do you come to be born again? The Lord said: “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” Being born of water represents John the Baptist’s baptism, the baptism of repentance. This baptism is not literal, by being immersed in water (like the baptism of the believer, the one that was established after the Lord’s resurrection). So then, being born of water is when a person confesses all of their sins before God, repenting and turning away from all their sins, completely converting to God. That is why the baptism of repentance that John demonstrated was by immersion, in other words, when one completely buries the old man and comes up from the water as a new and washed person by God. And being born of the Spirit happens after repentance, when a person believes with all of their heart who Jesus really is (our God, our Lord, and Savior), that He died, He was buried, and at the third day, He was resurrected and raised by God. And believing this, they ask God to come into their life and heart. When these two things are done, with all their heart, that is when a person comes to be born again, being regenerated by God. Then a great miracle occurs; God through the Holy Spirit comes to live inside a person’s heart.

When this new birth happens, then the first and greatest step a person could ever take is established. But, so this can happen effectively, there needs to be two things that are essential; so they can come to salvation and so they can follow the eternal path that is laid down by the same salvation God gives through His Son Jesus Christ. And these two things are: that you need to understand who Jesus really is, and that you need to start loving Him. Since it is a new birth, it’s a beginning, but a beginning and a foundation so that other things can come. The Word teaches us this about Jesus: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” John 1:1-4. Jesus was God made flesh, so He was 100% man, but also 100% God. He was made flesh so He could be the sacrifice for all of our sins, but He was and is God, the Eternal God, the Alpha and Omega (the beginning and the end) also. And the second thing is that our relationship with God must be set only on love. At minimum, when we start on this path, our love for Jesus starts. And the same love should continue growing over time. For it is written: “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?’ Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment.” Matthew 22:36-38.

So then, you are born, you follow, and you obey God because of love; never out of obligation, but being conscious about who Jesus is: He is God. Our life should start with Christ (at some point), and continue by following Christ for who He is and for what He did for us, and obeying without question because our end, or rather, our eternal continuity depends on Him. So then, are you pursuing Jesus with all of your heart? Lord bless! John

Cleaning the Temple

Based on John 2:13-25 (New King James Version)

“Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables. And He said to those who sold doves, ‘Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!’ Then His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.’ So the Jews answered and said to Him, ‘What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?’ Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’ Then the Jews said, ‘It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?’ But He was speaking of the temple of His body. Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said. Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.”

Even though all sin is unrighteousness, the Bible teaches us that there are certain things that simply can neither exist in the physical temple where believers come together, nor even less, inside our hearts. And as we read today, the Lord could not tolerate the issue of the love of money in the temple. How can we draw a line from selling in the temple to the love of money?

The issue, as the Lord Himself explained it, was that the temple was made for prayer, as a place to speak to God, to look for God; not to conduct business. What was happening was that the priests would allow for the things of the Lord to be commercialized, with the goal to make money. Back then, animal sacrifices were still in effect for the atonement of sins (which God changed forever through the Holy sacrifice of His Son on the cross, offering Himself as an eternal sacrifice for the sins of men). And what was happening was that when people would come to the temple to present their sacrifices, the priests had to inspect what they were bringing. And the Law of Moses taught that everything that was to be presented to the Lord as a sacrifice had to be pure, without blemish, and of the firstlings. And of course, in order to profit from this, they would inspect what was brought and they almost always conveniently found something wrong. And for people’s convenience, they would sell them what they had, because what they sold was of course acceptable. What was also probably happening was that people were not bringing anything either, thereby coming empty-handed, and they would come to the temple with the idea to conveniently buy something there. In the end, everything was turned into a filthy business, concentrating more on money than on what it was all really about: in coming to the House of the Lord to look for His presence, and for the priests to help people have an encounter with their God.

The same commercialization exists today with the things of God. Many preachers, pastors, leaders, etc. profit with the Gospel. Everything is centered more on money and in taking advantage of others instead of doing what God desires and commands. The ministry is more of a way to subsist; a vehicle to make money. People profit with other’s souls. In many places, just as it used to be during the Lord’s time, everything is centered on making money, on materialism. Money is loved more than God. The love of money takes the Lord’s place unfortunately.

What’s the problem with this, with the love of money? The first problem is that it turns into an idol, into a god. And God is very clear with this issue, for it is written: “You shall have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3. Absolutely nothing can take the place of God. He must be first. The Bible also teaches this: “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:6-10. So then, it’s not that money within itself is bad. The problem is when you love money.

The practical problem that the love of money has (per se) is that when money is loved, then what is truly valuable is traded for something that is only an illusion. Money in all reality is an illusion; it’s a reflection of the material world in which we live in. Both money and what it can buy will all go away someday. And when you die (because that day will come for everyone), it will be of no good to you. You can’t take it with you. And, how logical is it to turn something that is an illusion into the center of a person’s life? The love of money and the material world (because that is what it represents) is passing. And for the love of money, in order to obtain things, people do unspeakable things. Nothing is sacred, and what is valuable is tossed away.

And finally, the Bible teaches us that when God comes to live in our lives, we become His temples. For it is written: “And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.’” 2 Corinthians 6:16. The temple that God is more interested in is our temple. And of course, if He hated what was happening in the physical temple which is passing, how much more do you believe it will displease Him if this evil is in our hearts? God will neither tolerate it in the place where His people come together, and even less, in the heart of man. God knows everything that is inside a human being, for it is written: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.” Jeremiah 17:9-10.

So then, are you allowing the Lord to clean the temple of your heart so that it can become the place He desires for it to be, for your own good? Lord bless! John

Obedience

Based on John 2:1-12 (New King James Version)

“On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, ‘They have no wine.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Whatever He says to you, do it.’ Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the waterpots with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. And He said to them, ‘Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.’ And they took it. When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. And he said to him, ‘Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!’ This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him. After this He went down to Capernaum, He, His mother, His brothers, and His disciples; and they did not stay there many days.”

Through this passage, and also throughout the whole Bible, we can observe an essential principle for life itself: obedience. In reality, there is no other more important concept that can be found in the Bible. The Bible’s foundation in its entirety and to be able to have and cultivate a relationship with God Himself is through obedience. There can be nothing without obedience. The basis for everything in life and in the universe is obedience.

To start, the fall of man was because of disobedience, by not following God’s instructions. God said what He said to man, that he should not eat of the forbidden fruit because he was simply going to die; spiritually and also carnally. The fruit had an element that changed man forever. And that disobedience is what has formed part of every human being until this day. God instructed man so that he could live, so that he could avoid exactly what happened. God warned him of an evil, and if he would have obeyed, things would be very different now.

To continue, salvation through Jesus Christ is a gift, but at the same time, it’s an obedience. The Word explains it in the following passage: “Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name.” Romans 1:5. Why is it an obedience? God is God, whether you believe it or not; it’s a reality. Jesus Christ is God and is the Only Begotten Son of God, whether you believe it or not. The only way to the Father is Jesus Christ; there is no other way, whether you believe it or not. Accepting the fault for our sins is accepting a reality, whether you believe it or not. So then, the power to obtain a personal relationship with the living God is based on believing and accepting with all of your heart a reality. You are not doing God a favor, instead, you are simply acknowledging a reality. And through that obedience by accepting a reality, you are doing yourself the good of obtaining eternal salvation.

We have been given the treasure of the Scriptures, the complete counsel of God for man, so that we not only know them, but more importantly, so that we obey them. For it is written: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:13-14. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17. If there is no obedience, then the good effect of the Scriptures in man can never occur. If they are not obeyed, then there is no blessing, no life, and nothing good. Because obedience implies receiving instruction and following them; it implies action. For it is also written: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10.

This is what every human being must understand: we are created beings. And when you are a created being, then you were made for obedience. You must follow something. You are navigating a reality based on established laws. You don’t have the power to alter any of those laws. And also, as a created being, it is part of your creation to obey, no matter how independent or powerful you might think you are. It is part of your nature to obey something. In other words, if you do not obey God, then, because of your rebellion, you are obeying Satan and the sin that lives within you. By not following one side, then by virtue that you are a created being that cannot change what is established, then you are following the opposite. There are no other ways. There are only two ways. So then, if you do not obey one, then you are obeying the other. You are obeying “something” because that’s how things are, and there is nothing you can do about it.

But, I hope you understand this, for your own good. As we read in today’s passage, Mary did what was right by running to the Lord in a moment of need, even though she was announcing something unpleasant to Him. She went to Him so He could do something. The other good thing she did was to leave established that they do everything He told them to do. And the servants obeyed, even though there was no human logic in it. But, as a result of their subjection and obedience to Him, a miracle happened. Their collective obedience fixed the situation. We all need God’s help, and maybe even miracles from God. We need divine intervention in every aspect of our lives. So then, if you have already noticed that obeying sin and Satan has brought you nothing good (because that is what happens when you don’t obey God), don’t you think it’s a good idea to obey God, so you can see good, and maybe even see God’s miracles happen in your life? Lord bless! John

Follow Jesus and You Will See God's Glory

Based on John 1:43-51 (New King James Version)

“The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, ‘Follow Me.’ Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.’ And Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’ Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, ‘Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!’ Nathanael said to Him, ‘How do You know me?’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.’ Nathanael answered and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.’ And He said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.’”

God calls every person, and maybe in different ways, but with the same message: “Follow Me”. Nothing has changed. The “follow me” manifests itself in different ways. It might be with the dawn of a day. It might be with a baby’s pure and clean smile. It might be with the beauty of a flower. Everything talks about God; everything that was created. And the most natural question that should occur is: “Who is behind all of this?” And of course, God calls us in an obvious manner; through His Word, His Gospel, speaking to us about His love. God, through Jesus, came to make a personal invitation to each human being: “Follow Me”. They are very simple words, but extremely deep at the same time. They are words that can decide the eternity of each person. What does “follow me” mean? To follow the Lord implies to come after Him, to pursue Him, without really caring about where that road might take you, just like the disciples did. The Lord invited them to follow Him while they were working or doing other things. And at the moment He called them, they left everything in an instant. What is curious is that there was no deep preaching with eloquent words, or a dissertation that took hours, or trying to convince them for days or even months so they could make a decision. There was no well-organized service with elaborate graphics or digital images, or a theatrical presentation. There was no band, or piano or organ, or a choir signing in the background. There was no banquet or social entertainment to persuade them. And least of all, there wasn’t a person with fine clothes and a fancy building with a modern sound system, and central heating and cooling. The Lord just passed by them, looked at them, and said: “Follow Me”. Nothing more. So then, how were these people able to make such a decision in a spontaneous and definitive manner?

Many might say: “Well, it was God Himself that invited them.” And yes, but the Word of God is God Himself, and it does not matter who is mentioning it; of course, if we believe and respect the fact that the Word of God is just that. Others might say: “They were chosen and the elect of God.” And well, yes, but we also see that they were just like us, with the same flesh and blood, and similar characteristics. None of them had special powers or anything like that. There are others that might say that life was much simpler back then, and that they had the luxury of making such decisions, without too much to risk. A person that ignores history would have that opinion, but reality back then was much more difficult than today. To start, working (hard) assured food for that day only and nothing more, and certainly not for the next day. There were no work benefits like sick days, or vacation, or medical insurance, and least of all, a retirement plan. If they didn’t work that day, they couldn’t eat that day. And also, as Israelites, they were under the rule of the Roman Empire which subdued them and imposed required taxing. If they didn’t pay their taxes, they were simply put in jail, or enslaved (even more), or were killed. There was no financing available. People in today’s civilized countries don’t know nor have an idea of how hard life was back then. It was an extremely difficult life, with much more hardship than today. So then, what is the difference with the “follow me” between them and us?

As the Word says, there is nothing new under the sun, and we can explain it with another Bible passage: “Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, ‘Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?’ So Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’’ And he answered and said to Him, ‘Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.’ Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.’ But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” Mark 10:17-22. The problem is that other things are taken more into consideration or valued more than God. Unfortunately, everything here is worth more than God to people. We live in a world that is rotten with idolatry, and unfortunately, idolatry is found everywhere, in every family, etc., since God is not “followed”.

To close, we will see the issue that occurs through this passage when you don’t pay attention to God as required, and when people live more in the vanity of this life: “There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. ‘Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’ ‘Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’” Luke 16:19-31. So then, if we follow Jesus, we will see God’s glory, sooner or later. But, if you follow the vanity of this illusionary world that we live in, sooner or later, you will not have a happy ending. Think and meditate in what you are doing with your life, because you never know what will happen and when. Lord bless! John

We Have to Follow Jesus

Based on John 1:35-42 (New King James Version)

“Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, ‘Behold the Lamb of God!’ The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, ‘What do you seek?’ They said to Him, ‘Rabbi’ (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), ‘where are You staying?’ He said to them, ‘Come and see.’ They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour). One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, ‘You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas’ (which is translated, A Stone).”

Have you ever been able to compare a copy to its original? For example, when you see an original painting and its copy, side-by-side, you are able to see the many details that distinguish the one from the other. Maybe at first glance you can’t tell, but after a while, and of course, having some experience in viewing certain things, you can start noticing all the imperfections. And of course, no matter how good the copy is, it will always be inferior to the original. Now, have you ever been able to see the copy of a copy of an original? If there are differences between the original and the first generation copy, could you imagine the differences between the second generation copy and the original, especially if there are differences between the copies themselves? Basically, when there are copies of copies, the quality, the detail, and the value of something is meaningless when compared to the original. That’s why copies don’t have much value, even if they are copies of priceless originals.

During the past few weeks, we have been seeing the importance and significance of John the Baptist and the Apostle John. But also, even though they might be very special, there should only be one focus: Jesus. Our attention should never deviate to other people, no matter what they do, especially when we refer to spiritual things. We see in today’s passage that when Jesus showed up, John’s disciples left John and started following the Lord. When the Lord appears, all of our attention should be on the Lord. Many times, whether it be because a person is used in the life of another, or because we see virtues and characteristics that stand out in a person, or simply because we like or admire someone, our attention deviates, and our eyes are taken off the Lord. We can see in the church of the Corinthians that divisions began to happen because of this deviation, as the following tells us: “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, ‘I am of Paul,’ or ‘I am of Apollos,’ or ‘I am of Cephas,’ or ‘I am of Christ.’ Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” 1 Corinthians 1:10-13. Our eyes cannot depart from the Lord, because if it happens, then deviation, division, and spiritual fall will occur.

The Biblical heroes (per se) themselves taught that the focus should always be on the Lord. For example, the Apostle Paul said this: “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” 1 Corinthians 1:11. The Lord’s carnal mother (Mary) also gave us this directive: “His mother (Mary) said to the servants, ‘Whatever He says to you, do it.’” John 2:5. So, if they themselves gave the command to imitate the Lord, and to do “whatever” He says, then putting our eyes on them would be completely contrary. The only way that a person can be honored is by doing what they tell you to do. It would be absurd to say that you love someone and do the contrary of what they ask you to do, right?

Continuing on this point, God, from the heavens themselves, gave the command that our eyes should only be on the Lord. We see this in the following passage: “Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!’ When the voice had ceased, Jesus was found alone. But they kept quiet, and told no one in those days any of the things they had seen.” Luke 9:28-36. So then, neither the Apostle Paul, nor Mary, nor John the Baptist, nor the Apostle John, nor Moses, nor Elijah, nor anyone else should be the example we follow. The only one we should look to and imitate is the original, the prototype, to the One that is the Beginning and End, the Lord Jesus.

What is the practical side to all of this? And here we come back to where we started today, the issue that occurs when you make a copy from another copy. If we follow other people outside of the Lord (no matter how significant or special they may have been), we become those very imperfect copies. We become those copies of copies that completely lose their likeness with the original, with the Lord. And by losing that likeness with the original, we lose all value. We become worthless, especially before the eyes of God.

And finally, the Word teaches us this: “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5. “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:6. The only mediator is Christ. And, the only way we have to get to the Father is through the Lord. So, if you put your eyes on someone else, then you have no mediator or access to the Father. So then, are you a disciple or follower of the Lord, or are you a disciple or follower of someone else? Lord bless! John

Our Personal Walk Affects the Spread of the Gospel

Based on John 1:29-34 (New King James Version)

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water.’ And John bore witness, saying, ‘I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”

For better or for worse, it is our responsibility as children of God of whether the Gospel keeps spreading throughout the world or not. No matter how you want to look at it, we are the vehicle that God established so that people could know about Him and His plan. And if it does not happen, it is not God’s fault, but rather, it’s our fault. We see this in the Scriptures: “Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:14-16. So then, we are the ones that need to go into all the world. We are the ones that need to preach the gospel to every creature. And we are the ones that need to baptize and instruct new believers. There are those that think of themselves as being quite knowledgeable in the Scriptures that think this: But the Lord does everything. And yes, from a certain point of view, that is true. Nothing moves without the will of God. But also, God created us with free will and with reasoning so we could be able to fulfill His will, so things like “responsibility” and “obedience” do not invalidate the issue that God is the one that is behind everything, but moreover, it reinforces the idea that you don’t need to use very deep theology (per se) to avoid doing that which is our job and our part in the matter.

What does this have to do with today’s passage? All of the work and glory is God’s, but God made us with the goal to want (which is part of the will) to be part of what He wants to do in the world. Man is part of the equation. You cannot see the movement of the Spirit without man, and this has been since the beginning. Man has to teach his neighbor. Adam had to teach Eve what was is wrong and right. God used Moses to speak to and instruct His people. The Law indicates that the heads of families were the ones that needed to teach their families, from generation to generation, telling them about what God did for them. God established the priests, so they could share the teachings. God sent the prophets to admonish and correct what was wrong in the people, starting with their kings. God took the form of man through Jesus so that the Gospel could be revealed personally to men. And the Lord left the disciples the task of sharing the Truth of God with every creature. And from there, it must continue from generation to generation until the Lord comes for His people. And through this passage, we see John the Baptist and the Apostle John as transmitters of the Truth of God. Man has always been the vehicle to broadcast and share the Truth of God with every human being.

So then, and knowing that, what is necessary to do this? What is vital is the character, or the walk, or the testimony of a person. So, what if John the Baptist or the Apostle John were not trustworthy people before God and men? Could we believe what they said or wrote? What validity would their testimonies have? And this is the problem that we see today, and the reason for why the Gospel of God does not spread in the world as it should. Unfortunately, there is no reality of God in the lives of those that are in position to transmit the Truth of God. This is not the world’s fault. The world is 100% and totally innocent of this evil. This is a problem of the church of God. And if we ourselves don’t believe or obey the Lord, then how will others be able to, those who need this truth so much, so they can be freed from an eternal hell? Many so-called servants of God have lost focus of this because of their love for money, because of humanism and carnality, and because of vying more for personal interests than for the interests of God and others. Large buildings and large personal economic empires are built, but not the church, nor the genuine evangelization of the world. I say, “genuine evangelization” of the world because many times people are not sought after to help grow the kingdom, but rather, to increase tithes and offerings, to cover salaries and building expenses and operations. The church has turned into a business, and it is a lucrative one.

Notwithstanding, within all these problems, and now coming back to a personal level, what is necessary to be able to fulfill the work the Lord has left for us? What is necessary is quite simple, but at the same time, it is extremely difficult because it has to do with eliminating pride and selfishness: and we are talking about love, faith, and truth. First, love is at the top because we need to learn how to love God and our neighbor. Without love, nothing can work. And by virtue of that love, obedience forms part as well. If you love someone, you obey them, right? Second is faith. If you don’t believe in God and in what He teaches, then why do you follow Him to start with, if you don’t believe it yourself? And if you don’t even believe, then how will the world learn to believe in Him through you? And third, the truth is essential. Following God does not imply perfection, so you don’t have to pretend in front of others, nor try to show yourself as “holy” per se. We need to be honest, trustworthy; open letters like the Apostle Paul said. We all have issues, and that’s what letting God work in our lives is about. But if we are liars, deceitful, and dishonest, can people believe what we say and preach? And if we have ulterior motives, don’t you think they will notice? The world is not dumb.

This is the counsel we receive from the Word: “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God. Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.” 3 John 1:11-12. “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16.

So then, do you want to be part of spreading the Gospel, or bringing shame to the Gospel? Lord bless! John

Jesus is the Center of Everything

Based on John 1:19-28 (New King James Version)

“Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, ‘I am not the Christ.’ And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the Prophet?’ And he answered, ‘No.’ Then they said to him, ‘Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?’ He said: ‘I am ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’’ as the prophet Isaiah said.’ Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees. And they asked him, saying, ‘Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?’ John answered them, saying, ‘I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know. It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose.’ These things were done in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.”

As shared previously, John the Baptist was a chosen person and the greatest of all the prophets, in particular, because of how important he was going to be in announcing the coming of the Lord. John really has no equal. But, despite his great importance, he always fulfilled his ministry, and more importantly, he never forgot his position. He never forgot that Christ was the center of everything, especially in that all the attention was supposed to be for the Lord, as he himself said: “He must increase, but I must decrease. He (speaking of Jesus) who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all.” John 3:30-31.

You might say, “It’s obvious that he should have always pointed to the Lord in everything, as God’s elect and prophet.” But, even though it may be obvious, does everyone point to the Lord as they should? Is Christ really the center? And, does He receive glory in everything? Let’s start seeing some examples where God was not given the glory He deserved; like with Satan, or formerly known as Lucifer. Lucifer was thought to have been some sort of archangel, one with sublime beauty and power. Much before mankind’s existence, Lucifer and a third of the angels’ rebellion against God had occurred. And Lucifer, instead of giving God the glory, he wanted to be like God. He forgot that the whole purpose for his existence was to serve God and to glorify God. The Bible teaches us this: “How you are fallen from heaven, o Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’” Isaiah 14:12-14. Pride took control of him, and the most abominable being had been born: Satan.

We also see Nebuchadnezzar’s example when he forgot that the greatness and power he had was granted to him by God. The Bible says this: “At the end of the twelve months he was walking about the royal palace of Babylon. The king spoke, saying, ‘Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?’ While the word was still in the king’s mouth, a voice fell from heaven: ‘King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you! And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.’” Daniel 4:29-32.

The problem is that we can see pride against God at every moment, and in different ways. Christ is usually not the center of things. And moreover, not only is He not the center, but people look for ways on how to remove Him from everything, both the world, and unfortunately, within the church. Disgracefully, Christ is no longer the center of many congregations. Many other things are pointed to as the center. So-called “servants of God” have grown proud. Those that say that they are serving wish to be served and revered. Humanism, money, and paganism is at the center of many congregations, from the moment that Christ and His Word was removed from the center. God’s Word is used to support and substantiate demonic and sinful practices. Many people have fallen into the same decadence that Israel and Judah fell into, worshipping other gods, making altars to themselves and to riches. And this has invaded homes of so called Christians and servants of God. We are living in the worst moment the Church of Christ has ever had, and that’s why judgment is on its way and it will come upon every person, to see if either people repent and change, or so they can finally wind up lost in their madness.

Christ must be the center of everything, and no human being should receive any form of praise, because He is the only one that is worthy. He is the Creator of everything, and nothing can exist without Him, for it is written: “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” Colossians 1:16-17. He is the Alpha (the beginning), for it is written: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” John 1:1-3. And finally, what makes Him even more worthy of all glory: “Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:6-11.

So then, is Jesus the center of everything in your life? Or, are you and other things at the center of your life? Lord bless! John

The Way God Came to this World

Based on John 1:14-18 (New King James Version)

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, ‘This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’’ And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.”

One of the greatest miracles that has occurred in history is the way in which God chose to have contact with us, through His only begotten Son Jesus. It’s a miracle because it is very hard to imagine how Someone so great could have been made as lowly as us, because in all reality, we are not worth very much (sorry for having to hurt some folk’s pride, but it’s the truth).

What is man? We are born in one moment. We live a few years (in comparison to God’s eternity and the angels), doing some things during that time which do not last long, nor do they affect the universe. And after that, we die; weak, fragile, and undone. And we cannot take anything with us. And with our last breath, everything ends (that which is human). And this has and will happen to every single person; to the rich and to the poor, to the powerful and to the weak, to the famous and to the unknown; to everyone. And here is where we start understanding the miracle.

To start, Jesus, the second person of the Trinity, has always existed. God created everything through Him. But going even further, Jesus (or Jehovah, as He was known in the Old Testament), has been the only one from the divine Godhead that has had contact with man. For example, we read about the great I AM, as it is written: “Then Moses said to God, ‘Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?’ And God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:13-14. The I AM was the Lord. We see a glimpse of this when they came to arrest Him, when John tells us this: “Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, ‘Whom are you seeking?’ They answered Him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ Jesus said to them, ‘I am He.’ And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. Now when He said to them, ‘I am He,’ they drew back and fell to the ground.” John 18:4-6. Just by mentioning His name, those that came looking for Him fell to the ground. We also see the celestial part of the Lord in this passage: “Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.” Matthew 17:1-3. So then, Jesus is Jehovah, and the I AM.

The Lord took a very humble form to show His love and His grace to mankind. Being God, the Creator of heaven and earth, the Omnipotent and Almighty, took on our likeness, descending to our level, to finally be the Lamb for the sacrifice that would clean every man from their sin. The problem is that many did not respect Him because He took such a humble form. They despised Him, and of course, they tortured and killed Him. It was not (nor is it) enough for many to see God’s love through the person of Jesus. Unfortunately, there is no way to please many folks. If He was the Lord of Hosts, they didn’t like that because He was supposedly to harsh, inaccessible, or difficult to understand. If He presented Himself as the Lamb of God, meek, humble, and full of God’s grace, it was not pleasing either because He did not demonstrate human power or riches. So, what is the problem?

The problem is man, the sin that is within them, and that they prefer to submit more to their sin than to what truly produces life. And this is what causes disobedience. Finally, if man is lost, they are not lost because God wants for them to be lost, but rather, because of their disobedience to God. No matter what God does, if a person does not want to obey God, there is nothing that will make them understand, neither God’s omnipotence nor His love. We see the following account in the Word: “Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’” Luke 16:27-31. Remember that the Lord did not come to do away with the law, but rather, to fulfill it. And also, He was raised from the dead, and many still do not want to believe.

And as part of the law, and now, of grace, this continues to be in effect: “Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, ‘Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?’ Jesus said to him, ‘‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:35-40. Learning how to love God through being born again in Christ is the only thing that produces eternal life, and also, this teaches us to love our neighbor as ourselves. There is no other way.

So then, do you understand that the Lord came as He did not only to fulfill the will of God, but also, to demonstrate His love for us? And, if you understand that, are you learning how to appreciate what God has done for you, by following Him and loving Him as He deserves? Lord bless! John

Mankind's Injustice Towards God

Based on John 1:10-13 (New King James Version)

“He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”

The greatest injustice that could ever exist in the world, which keeps happening at every moment, is contempt for God. And contempt for God occurs in different ways. There are many that don’t care about knowing God. There are others that treat Him as an equal. There are those that don’t like looking for God because they feel that God goes against their desires; they envy God because they want to be like God.

The first group consists of people that simply are not interested in knowing about God because they think that there are more important things than Him. There are many things that they feel that have more priority, and that’s why they don’t pay attention to Him. There is money, power, fame, family, friends, entertainment, etc. Everything is more important than God. So then, since they consider everything else more important than God, then there is no interest. They think they did things on their own. They believe that everything they have is due to their effort and merit. It’s something as simple as not needing God. God is unnecessary. And the problem with that is that things can’t be ok after that. It’s not possible because of how things are structured, and because you cannot treat God that way.

The other group consists of those that see God as an equal. God is just like another person; no more, no less. These folks do believe that God exists, but that He is just like them. They may not say it verbally, but they show it with their actions. For example, if God says something, they say inside of themselves: “I get what He wants, but I’m going to do things this other way.” They think they are smarter and more capable than God, and that what God offers is only a different opinion or idea, but that’s it.

The third group (although there may be many more) simply believe that there is a God, but they rebel against Him. You can say that they know that there is a God, but they don’t fear Him, and even more over, they detest Him. They hate God, and they are trying to make God disappear from everything. At least here in the US, this is the group that has fought to take God out of our schools, putting fear in people so they won’t talk about Him, and try to impose their atheism on every human being. They declare themselves to be atheists, but in reality, by showing their hatred for Him, they are confessing that He exists. Basically, they hate God because they want to be like God.

All of these people unfortunately do not understand the reality that their poor opinions and lack of acknowledging God will not make God disappear. Just because a person closes their eyes does not mean that reality will change. God will continue being God despite their actions, how they take Him, etc. And if they don’t repent, all of this will have consequences. Even God’s grace and mercy has limits. For it is written: “because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.” Romans 1:21-32.

What makes this unfair is that God created everything. God is the One that allows for every person to exist. He gives life and makes it rain upon every person, despite their evil and rebellion. And what makes things even more unfair is that God gave His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, so that He could lay His life down for every person, so they could have eternal life. So then, instead of acknowledgement, there is rejection. Instead of praise, there is indifference. Instead of service and obedience, there is rebellion and transgression. And instead of love, there is hatred towards Him. Isn’t this unfair?

But, notwithstanding, to those that do receive the Lord, and treat Him as such, God gave them the right to be made children of God, and heirs of the things of God. To those that submit themselves to Him, and look for Him, and remain in His love, God will give them eternal life and reward. God breaks their destiny, from going to an eternal hell, to being with Him for all eternity.

Now then, to what group do you belong to? To those that honor and follow God, or to those that dishonor and hate Him? Lord bless! John

John the Baptist and His Mission

Based on John 1:6-9 (New King James Version)

“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.”

John the Baptist was possibly one of the most important people in the history of mankind, especially when considering the prophecies and his mission. What makes him so special? Many things! To start, the Lord Himself showed him as being more than a prophet, as it is written: “When the messengers of John had departed, He began to speak to the multitudes concerning John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed those who are gorgeously appareled and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You.’ For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist.’” Luke 7:24-28a. He genuinely was chosen before being born, having a great likeness with the Lord Himself. He is the only person, aside from the Lord, that his coming was foretold much before it happened, for it is written: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill brought low; the crooked places shall be made straight and the rough places smooth; the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’” Isaiah 40:3-5. This was said of him more than 700 years before Christ. The fulfillment of this prophecy signals the coming of the Lord to the earth. Without John the Baptist, the Messiah would have not manifested Himself.

And finally, the ministry of John the Baptist, by fulfilling the prophecy, prepared the way for the Lord. The ministry of John the Baptist was the personification of what the Holy Spirit does today: announcing Jesus as Lord, and helping people come to the acknowledgement and repentance of all their sins, those things that prepare each life for God’s eternal salvation. Without both functions, the ministry of the Lord would not have been complimented nor fulfilled. The Scriptures tells us the following: “Now as the people were in expectation, and all reasoned in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ or not, John answered, saying to all, ‘I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather the wheat into His barn; but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire.’ And with many other exhortations he preached to the people.” Luke 3:15-18. “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the Prophets: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You.’ ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.’’ John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.” Mark 1:1-5.

These things are key and they need to be taken into consideration; recognizing the work of the Holy Spirit by: accepting His announcing that Jesus is Lord, and that we need to acknowledge, repent, and convert from all of our sins. Without these things, it is impossible to be saved. These are fundamental parts of the sound doctrine. John’s ministry was key even up to that, by leaving framed that which must happen in every person that looks to obtain eternal life, both back then, and now.

John the Baptist was a unique man that finally died for His God and His justice. But, despite the fact that he was an incredible person, and if we truly value him as such, we cannot focus on him, but rather, we must focus on what he came to do. He was the personification of the Holy Spirit during that length of time, and as such, we need to be obedient to what he left established. God Himself left this established from the very heavens: “When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’” Matthew 3:16-17. God did not say that John was His beloved son. He said that about Jesus. Jesus is that true light of which John spoke of. Jesus is the Word. Jesus is the I AM. Jesus was the one that died on the cross. Jesus was the one that paid for our sins. Jesus was the one that was raised from the dead. Jesus is the one that is sitting at this moment at the right hand of God’s throne. Jesus is the one that will come for His church during the end times, which is soon. And Jesus is and will always reign for ever and ever. As the Apostle Peter said: “This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:11-12.

So then, have you believed and obeyed what God established through John the Baptist, and now, through His Holy Spirit? Lord bless! John

Who Exactly is Jesus?

Based on John 1:1-5 (New King James Version)

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”

As an introduction, the Apostle John wrote the Gospel of John, and he wrote it much after the Lord died, between the years 90-100 AD. It is believed that it was the last of the four gospels written with the purpose to reestablish who Jesus was, to be able to affirm the faith of many. During this time, the falling away had already entered the church, those teachings that plant doubt on who Christ was, and whether He was a man or something else. One of the things that makes this gospel so valuable, apart from the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, is the person of John and his experiences. But of course, not to take away any value from the other gospels, because in the end, the four gospels illustrate the life of the Lord cumulatively. The Apostle John was the most intimate with the Lord, who was also the most faithful in all aspects. He was one of the first called. He lived with the Lord during His entire ministry here on earth. He saw everything the Lord did, every instant. He was part of the internal nucleus, together with Peter and James, by even seeing the transfiguration of the Lord, and the appearing of Elijah and Moses. Furthermore, he followed the Lord when he was arrested, while others fled. He was the only one of the chosen disciples that stood at the feet of the cross while others saw from far away. He saw in person the empty tomb. He saw the apparitions of the Lord after He was resurrected, even His ascension to heaven, to the Righthand of God. John saw it all. And after he wrote this gospel, John saw and wrote about the end, the book of Revelation, dictated and revealed by the Lord Himself. John’s experiences were unique and irrefutable.

Now then, to the most important issue: Who exactly is Jesus? As we read in today’s passage, Jesus was 100% Man, but also, 100% God. The Lord Jesus is God (Luke 1:46, 47, Romans 9:5, Hebrews 13:8). He is the Word or the action of God. He is the Son of the Most High (Luke 1:32). He is the only begotten Son of God (John 3:16-17). He is the Lord, King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:11-16, Romans 10:9). He is the Savior (Luke 2:11, Matthew 1:21). He is the Lamb of God (John 1:29, Revelation 22:1-4). He is the Messiah, the Christ, the Anointed who was prophesied of and announced (Isaiah 7:14) and fulfilled (Luke 1:26-35, John 1:41). His Throne is at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 8:1, 12:2, Acts 7:55). The list is never-ending with the different names and manifestations as God, Lord, and Savior. The Son is the only one that has had contact with man since the creation. His work is to glorify and exalt the Father in His Holy, Pure, and Perfect Love in obedience and fulfillment (John 8:28, 29, Hebrews 5:7-10). He, His person, is what makes existence possible for everything: “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” Colossians 1:16-17. In summary, as God, He is everything.

Even though the cross is the universal symbol for the Christian faith, we need to stop envisioning the Lord on that cross. He did die for all humanity, extremely humbling Himself as God, but He is no longer that humble man from Galilee that was killed for our sins. He is sitting at His real position right this moment (which is fearful, far beyond what we can imagine). It is truly incomprehensible what He is and where He is.

Now, the most important thing out of all of this personally is: What is He to you? Whatever you believe or don’t believe does not affect His existence in the least. He is and shall continue being what He is, independent of what you think or believe of Him. The universe may be affected; the stars, the planets, and even this very small world we live in, but He is immovable, and His throne is forever and ever. But, each one of us are finite, insignificant, and of little value. And depending on how you see Him is what determines your value in the grand scheme of things. If you become not only someone that believes in Him, but more importantly, His disciple, following Him faithfully, that is what will determine your eternity and your value. But at the same time, if you neither believe or follow Him, no memory of your existence will remain, and it will be like you never existed. And even worse, you will be lost eternally and forever, where your existence (if it can be called that) will be the second death, the eternal weeping and gnashing of teeth.

So then, through the decision you take; believing and following Him, or not believing and not following Him, will determine what will become of you. So, who is Jesus to you? Lord bless! John

God Works When You Let Him

Based on Romans 16:25-27 (New King James Version)

“Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith—to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.”

As the close of one year comes, and another year starts, we should keep something in our minds and in our hearts: God is in all things, in good things, in so-so things, and in things that are unpleasant. He does not produce evil by His own hand, but rather, allows for the agents of evil to do the evil they want to do, even Satan himself. Nothing moves without God’s permission. God is the Sovereign of all the universe, and there is none higher than Him. And well, things being what they are, I can imagine some of you asking this question: “How can God that is supposed to be good allow evil?”

Evil exists with only one purpose: to make something so complex as choice or free will possible. For free will to exist, there must be a difference in things. There must be good and evil. There must be a positive and a negative. And for a genuine choice to be possible, the evil that exists must be almost as powerful as good. It must be something attractive, desirable, and tempting, at least, at first glance. We see this since the beginning of humanity, when Eve saw the tree that God had said that they should not eat of its fruit. She saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise. Eve found the tree to be just as special or even more special than all the other trees in paradise. And well, we all know the results from that choice, that both Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit, and that’s why we are where we are today. And for those that think they would not have fallen like Adam and Eve did, they unfortunately have a problem with reality, that we are all made of the same material that they were made of. Because of our nature, we would have all fallen just the same because we have all sinned. And the result of our sin is that we follow the way of our consequences until we end up in hell, just as God designed it (because God created everything, and He is behind everything); unless something different happens with our power to choose; unless the destructive cycle of sin is broken somehow.

And, here is where the difference comes in: that the same way God established a way of perdition as the consequence of sin, He also established a way of eternal salvation through the Lord Jesus. Even though God designed a way of perdition, His desire is not for us to be lost. He did not create man for loss, but rather, so that he could have the opportunity to choose for Him despite our sinful and evil condition. For it is written: “Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:4. God wants us to choose for Him, fighting against our own evil desires and lust. God created salvation through His only begotten son, for it is also written: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Juan 3:16.

We need to understand something very basic. We are not doing God a favor by acknowledging Jesus as Lord, but rather, we are merely acknowledging an irrefutable reality. Now, if it is done in time, before the great judgement, by using our own free will to choose for God, we are doing ourselves the favor by gaining salvation. Because in the end, absolutely every being in the universe will have to acknowledge and humble themselves before the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS, even Satan himself and his legions of demons: “For it is written: ‘As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.’” Romans 14:11.

Now, how does all of this tie together with today’s passage? By using our free will to choose for God, God can then work in our lives for good, using good and even evil for our own benefit. If we choose to love Him, despite the circumstances and the pain that sin produces in this life, God can even use evil for our own good, for it is written: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28. And so, God can establish us according to the gospel we have received and the preaching of Jesus Christ. He can reveal to us personally the mystery kept secret since the world began. He can manifest the Scriptures and help us follow the obedience of faith. God is the one that makes everything possible in our lives, despite our fallen nature, through the Holy Spirit, by transforming us after we have repented and converted.

And finally, God gives us this counsel: “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:6-11.

So then, I ask you this question (that I also ask of myself): Shall we let God work in our lives, regardless of how difficult things get, so that we can become that which glorifies Him? Lord bless! John

Our Family in the Faith

Based on Romans 16:21-24 (New King James Version)

“Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you. I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord. Gaius, my host and the host of the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, and Quartus, a brother. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”

One of the greatest issues that I have seen in many congregations through the years is the problem of how we treat one another. For example, I have visited many churches in different places, and in most cases, I have gone by completely unnoticed (not that I am looking for attention). But that happens to many people. The only care that could be observed is between family and a circle of friends, but there is no room for anyone else. In other cases, and it is also a common problem, is that when a certain relationship with brethren is formed, that they treat each other like superficial friends, like a social club, instead of treating each other as they should. And the other problem related to that is that there is a cold, superficial, and passing relationship, which only exists for having a good time, as opposed to worrying for each other’s needs or problems. In the end, and any way you look at it, people don’t live what the Lord teaches us through His Word.

First, the church should not be a cold place, especially for those that are visiting. We are supposed to show God’s love to those that are looking for Him. And of course, we should not pay attention to a person because of what they have or don’t have. Because the people that show that do have some wealth do receive some attention, but the person of humble or normal appearance hardly gets any attention. Could you imagine if Christ would have been concerned only with His carnal family and circle of friends from His youth? What would have happened if the Lord would have only shared the truth and died only for a small group of people? Blessed be the God of the universe that He sent His only begotten Son to die for the whole world, and not just for a few people, leaving the door wide open so that all could come to Him! And more over, when we come to Him, He draws close to us and embraces us, looking to have an intimate relationship with every person. We should do the same as well, without exceptions.

The Lord left very clear who His real family was as it was written in the following passage: “And it was told Him by some, who said, ‘Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see You.’ But He answered and said to them, ‘My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.’” Luke 8:20-21. So then, our carnal family should not necessarily be our closest relationship or priority, especially if they are not interested in the things of God. Even while being here on earth, the Lord had to deal with the unbelief of His carnal family, for it is written: “After these things Jesus walked in Galilee; for He did not want to walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill Him. Now the Jews’ Feast of Tabernacles was at hand. His brothers therefore said to Him, ‘Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing. For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.’ For even His brothers did not believe in Him.” John 7:1-5. You don’t have to forget your family, but if they don’t want to listen, you should pray for them, but also, you should unite more with those people that do look for God, the family in the faith.

The other issue is that as Christians we are not a club of friends to just have a good time, or to keep ourselves entertained. The problem with that is that folks are just looking for a good time, just like the world does. Second, relationships like that are cut short when there is a problem or when someone doesn’t get what they want, thereby making the basis of the relationship only an interest rather than the Spirit of God and the faith we have in common. We should have much more than that, and in many places in the Scriptures, we see examples of the type of relationships that existed before within the body of Christ. For example: “Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, ‘We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.’” Acts 14:19-22. This passage teaches us that there was more than just a superficial friendship, that even more so, there was a being present (physically) in the moment of need, and there was also such dedication and prayer for Paul that God acted and raised him from a dying state, so he could continue his mission.

We also see the precious example of the faithful that were present at the feet of the cross of the Lord, not leaving Him alone in His death. And we see that there was such a bond of love between the Lord and John, that He even entrusted His carnal mother to him, something He was not able to do with his carnal brethren, for it is written: “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold your son!’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother!’ And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.” John 19:25-27. We saw John’s faithfulness, that He kept his promise to the Lord until Mary died, or at least, until he was imprisoned. 

In summary, when Christ lives in the heart of people, we are more than friends, more than carnal family, we are made family through the Holy Spirit where no differences should exist, neither because of money or social status, or because of race, or anything else. Because we were also taught this: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.” 1 John 4:7-12. Love consists of having a close and intimate relationship, worrying for each other’s needs, keeping each other company, interceding in prayer for each other, and even laying down our lives if it were necessary, just as the Lord did for us all.

So then, are you part of God’s family? And if you are, how are you treating your true family? Lord bless! John

The Need for Biblical Knowledge

Based on Romans 16:17-20 (New King James Version)

“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.  For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.”

Some folks might say that this passage is a little contradictory in the sense that it says that we should be careful with those that cause division, and that we need to take some distance from them; but in another part of the Scriptures, the Lord Himself prayed in this manner: “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” John 17:20-21. So then, when should there be unity and when should there be separation?

The first thing, and what is essential is that we need to understand that Biblical knowledge, from Genesis to Revelation, is vital. Presently, one of the greatest problems that the universal church of Christ has is the lack of knowledge of the Word. Many are not studying the Scriptures as they should. They are satisfied with just knowing a little bit, listening to bits and pieces in church on Sunday (if they even go to church regularly), etc. And unfortunately, when the knowledge of God is taken so lightly or not seriously, many mistakes are made, and people expose themselves to Satan’s deceptions, demonic doctrines that have infiltrated churches, and ravenous wolves that go into the ministry only to sheer sheep. By not knowing what is necessary, they become easy prey to those that the Word is warning us about. And well, how can you not fall into the trap since they use soft words, flattery, using an apparent care or adulation so they can take advantage of people? They seem like people that are kind, with nice and convincing smiles. And the greatest weapon they have is that they will tell you what you want to hear, appealing to your desires and selfishness. What they teach sounds and seems like the truth, using certain Bible passages to support what they want to say. They are subtle and difficult to detect. Therefore, if you don’t know the Word as you should, the only thing that will happen is that the ignorant will walk tranquilly towards eternal perdition, while they fill with money the pockets of evil people.

Coming back to our passage, the Bible explicitly teaches that we should be united, but only when we agree with the Holy things of God. It is possible that we may not agree on every little thing, but we must agree on what is essential. In relation to divisions, the Lord taught the following: “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven. Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” Matthew 10:32-39. The Apostle Paul showed an even more stricter path, with reference to our relationship with supposed brethren in the faith that are walking in disorder: “I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.” 1 Corinthians 5:9-11. So then, the Lord is very clear with the type of company we should avoid. We must be very careful with the company we keep, and who we follow with respect to spiritual leaders and guides. As the saying goes: “Tell me who you go with, and I’ll tell you who you are.”

So, how can we know when there are bad intentions in a supposed servant of God that is only looking to fill their belly? In the first instance, you need to use common sense. If a person is more well off than the people that support them, there is at least a problem here. Even more so, the Apostle Paul taught that servants should work, as he gave his own example. The only times he was not able to keep a regular job was when he was in jail, or because of health problems, or due to extenuating circumstances. Otherwise, Paul always worked with his hands to support himself. At the very least, if a person is supported by a congregation, they should live humbly, no matter how rich the congregation might be.

The second way you can tell that you are being prey to some wolf in disguise is when they tell you what you want to hear, especially when it has to do with feeding your ego, excusing your sin, and looking for your own well-being; as examples. How do I know this? Because based on the Scriptures, everything is for the glory of the Lord (and not our glory); the Lord is always calling us to repentance, to change, and to sanctification; and the Lord teaches us that we may even have to lay our life down for Him at some point. With this same reasoning we can understand that psychology (as an example) in the ministry has no relationship with what the Bible teaches, because if you look at things in a psychological manner, the sins you commit will always be someone else’s fault, and not your own. Everyone is responsible for their own sins. Neither a person’s background matters, nor what your parents did or didn’t do, etc. If a person sins, they sin because they wanted to, and they have to repent from their sin so they can receive God’s forgiveness. And there is always a choice, even if the choice means death. Just as the heroes of the faith did when Caesar commanded them to blaspheme, by acknowledging him as lord, and renouncing to Jesus as Lord. Their choice was either blaspheme and live, or not blaspheme and die. They chose to die. They had a choice.

Finally, we need to be wise in what is good. We need to look for God’s knowledge, if we want to avoid being prey to someone with evil intentions. So then, do you understand the need for more Biblical knowledge, for your own good? Lord bless! John

Good Testimony

Based on Romans 16:1-16 (New King James Version)

“I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also. Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ. Greet Mary, who labored much for us. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved. Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my countryman. Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them. Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.”

What do all these names that the Apostle Paul wrote mean? Why leave written the names of people on letters that should just contain Biblical teaching and doctrine? What is the value in a person’s name? Well, it is critical that the names of these people be written because they mean a lot. We will see exactly what they mean.

In our first observation, we can understand that they were brothers and sisters with good testimony. In other words, their dedication to the things of God, and to the care of the family in the faith was outstanding. But, on what is good testimony and care based on? On feelings, on nice words, on flattery, on superficial acts? Of course not! Even though it is not bad to receive some sort of physical demonstration of affection, or for someone to say something nice every now and then, or to receive some sort of attention; these things do not define that which has true value. And good testimony does not consist of pretty words, or raising of hands, or shouting out holy words, or praising out loud, or doing religious things. It goes beyond those things. In the end, everything must go deeper; in action, in effort, in sacrifice, and even unto death, if necessary, and that is not made possible by superficiality. Unfortunately, many people allow themselves to be convinced by these things as proof or expressions of love, and they are being carried away by superficial and hollow things. They don’t realize that those that use such tricks are just out to get something out of them. Many put themselves in positions where they are vulnerable to the wolf’s attack because they are led by superficial and vain thoughts.

What makes a person different, especially before the eyes of God? Even though we are saved by grace alone, works have much value after a person has received the grace of God. We are saved with a purpose; for good works. And as part of those good works, it is a matter of learning what is the will of God, practicing it, and fulfilling it. For it is written: “Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:19-20. The Lord Himself also taught us this: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ Matthew 7:21-23.

The second observation is that these names mean that people like you and me were able to do things that pleased God, and that also helped their brethren in Christ. These names demonstrate that it is possible to do things of recognition, things that go beyond talk and superficiality. And this makes a great difference in the life of a believer. Because again, it is about action. And by doing what God says makes all the difference in the world in our lives and in others. For it is written: ‘Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. ‘But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.’” Matthew 7:24-27.

And finally, the third observation. The name of a person means a lot, in terms of what they have been able to accomplish through the Lord. Even though the world and those that do not know how to recognize what has true value do not remember those that did the will the God, their names will last eternally and forever. Their names will be known in the kingdom of God forever, and all the works they did. The Most High and Almighty God will write their actions in remembrance of them. That is what eternal life is about; that a person and their identity will exist forever, and that they will form part of the immovable things of God. For it is written: “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess 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 3:5-6. Even though the world may remember as precious certain people, if those people do not have their names written in the Book of Life, their names will be forgotten because they will burn together with the things of the world. Everything we see will one day disappear, and their names and identities also. The things that were will not be remembered, especially those that will find themselves in hell. It will be as if they never existed.

So then, do you look to have good testimony before the Almighty or before men? Lord bless! John

Divine Responsibilities

Based on Romans 15:22-33 (New King James Version)

“For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you. But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you.  For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while. But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain. But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.”

What should a disciple of Christ be doing? Should we only worry about spiritual needs, and nothing else? Should we only be concerned with the physical needs of a person? What is our duty with those that do not know the Gospel, and moreover, with those people that oppose what God teaches? What should the real function be for each individual follower and group of Christ followers? We will try to explain concisely.

The first point is that we need to understand that God is not looking for mere believers, because being a believer does not really do much. Even more so, the Bible teaches us that the demons believe and fear God, who ironically show much more acknowledgement to the Most High than many human beings, and so called “believers”. God is looking for disciples, people that allow for themselves to be taught by God, subjected to Him and to His principles. So then, we should not just believe, but rather, we should learn and practice what He teaches us. And in this case, the disciple does not put limits on what he is asked to do. If you give God limits, telling him that a certain thing is not your calling, or that you do not want to do what He is asking, or that those things were meant more for the apostles like Paul and others, I regret to tell you, but you should think about what your faith is really about. But at minimum, there is a serious spiritual problem. If there is no subjection to God, then there is no discipleship. And if there is no discipleship, then the person is not forming part of what could be useful to God. And if they cannot be useful to God, then, what good are they for? Everything in God has a purpose. God does not need decorations, and He is not looking for them either.

The second point, if one is truly a disciple of Christ, is that they should always be on the move. If a person just came to Christ, then they need to eat and grow, by looking for the Word of God, because that is the only way that person can grow. And while they grow, they need to move. The physical world teaches this concept quite clearly. If you don’t eat, you die. If you eat and don’t move, sooner or later, you will get sick and die also. A person needs to eat and move regularly in order to be healthy. It’s exactly the same way in the spiritual sense.

So then, how should we be moving? In many things. If we see the passage and provide answers to the questions at the beginning, the answer is that we should be doing everything. As disciples of the Lord, and as a group of disciples (the local church), we need to be concerned with spiritual and physical needs, without exceptions. We should as individuals, and as a group, help in everything possible, including sharing the Gospel with those people that don’t know the Lord yet. And as Paul did, if we find no place to preach where we are at, then we need to go somewhere else, but we need to look. Today, you can reach practically anyone in the world through the television, through radio, through the internet, through the telephone, through email (like we are doing here), by text, etc. There are no limits! If Paul would have had the capabilities we have today, the world would be a very different place. We have to pray for one another, helping each other in our needs. And of course, we should love our enemies. It’s not part of God’s teachings to protest to defend His things. What God teaches is that we win the world and our enemies through prayer, on our knees, with a true testimony, practicing the Word of God; and not using the weapons of this world. Christ never protested, nor did He inspire others to do it. There was never a march or soliciting politicians. The war should be won through good, and nothing else.

In the end, is it easy to follow the Lord and be His disciple? Of course not. No one said it would be easy. The Lord never preached a gospel of world peace, of prosperity, and that everything would be perfect here. It’s difficult to follow Christ. The hope is not on things here. Paul said this: “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.” 1 Corinthians 15:19. He said this because following Christ does have a price also. Everything in this life costs something. But we have to bear in mind the following: “But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:7-14.

What God has for us in the future, for those that follow Him faithfully, is of much more value than what this world can ever offer us. So then, are you fulfilling your divine responsibilities, for your own good, and for the good of those around you? Lord bless! John