The Gospel of John 19:38 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And after this Joseph of Arimathæa, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.” (John 19:38 KJV).

Fear has enormous power. It paralyzes. Fear can make us doubt. It makes us pull away from relationships. Fear can destroy our fortitude and integrity to stand our ground of faith. However, love can overcome fear. Love has the power to move us and motivate us in ways to overcome fear. Joseph of Arimathaea had a definite reason to fear, but his recognition of the Lord’s love, affirmed by His death on the cross, won over his fear from the religious establishment.

Do you wonder what fear causes you to freeze? Would you allow fear to prevent you from standing up to bullying, mockery or threats around you? Working on your courage is not sufficient. It is not about us. It is about Him who was slain on the cross. It is important that we seek Him and know Him, the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us. After all, that's why Apostle John wrote his witness account — so all of us "the Joseph Arimathæa kind" would come out to be loved by the Lord Jesus and be amazed for what He did for us and be emboldened to believe and walk in faith which courage alone cannot do, and be not overcome by fear. We see that in Apostle John who boasted of the Lord’s love for him, in contrast to Apostle Peter who boasted of his love to the Lord, but failed. Let us therefore consent to be loved by the Lord Jesus Christ for what He did for us ... for what He is doing in us ... and for what He will do for us!

It is all about the Lord’s love for us. Like Apostle John, who was the only apostle and disciple that stayed with the Lord from the moment He was taken in the garden to His death on the cross, we must allow the Lord Jesus Christ to love us. Instead of boasting of our love for Him, we must boast of His love for us. He is the only One who can love us the way He does, even dying on the cross for us. It’s the only kind of love, when we receive it, that can drive us to do what Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus and Apostle John did under such a stressful time of being associated with the Lord Jesus who was just crucified. Apostle John affirmed this truth in his epistle. It is written: “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have 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 ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.” (1 John 4:9-12 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 19:35-37 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.” (John 19:35-37 KJV).

Apostle John, who was the youngest of the Twelve, was the only apostle who witnessed first-hand the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ. He followed the Lord every step of the way from the time He was arrested, and he stood at the foot of the cross, along with other followers, mostly women. Referring himself in the third person, he - “The eyewitness to these things has presented an accurate report. He saw it himself and is telling the truth so that you, also, will believe.” (John 19:35 MSG).

He witnessed the religious priests wanting to speed up the execution and the Roman governor giving permission to break their legs (John 19:31–32). By then, the Lord Jesus was already dead (John 19:33). No one takes His life. He gives it! A soldier confirmed it by piercing his side with a spear (John 19:34). With none of the Lord’s bones broken, affirms His role as the perfect Passover Lamb (1 Peter 1:19). This was prophetically pointed to by Israel’s ritual sacrifice of spotless Passover lambs (Exodus 12:5; 12:46). He is the sinless Man (Hebrews 4:15) who allowed Himself to die on the cross in our place, with no bones broken,

Hence, now by faith in Him by the witness of truth we heard, we can look to Him who was pierced. The Holy Scriptures exhort us: “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 19:33-34 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: but one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.” (John 19:33-34 KJV).

In these passages, Apostle John highlights two specific prophecies that the Lord’s crucifixion fulfills. The first is Exodus 12:46 where, in giving instructions regarding the passover lamb, the Lord Jehovah tells the people of Israel, “you shall not break any of its bones”, pointing to the Lord Jesus Christ the ultimate Passover Lamb. The second highlight is from Zechariah 12:10 where the Lord Jehovah tells His people that they have “pierced” Him with their idolatry and that, when they look on Him whom they have pierced—and recognize Him for who He is—they will repent in mourning.

The oozing blood and water from the Lord’s side must be fulfilled to further testify the purpose for which our LORD JESUS CHRIST died. The wicked act of this vexed Roman soldier was planned, and was instrumental to publicly declare the completion of redemption. Salvation requires atonement by precious innocent blood, to justify guilty sinners and satisfy the demands of the law.

This epochal moment of redemption is affirmed by Apostle John in his epistle. Giving reassurance to you and I, as well as, to all who receive the true gospel of grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that eternal life can be ours by believing in Him. Not by religion and other deception by the enemy of our soul! It is written: “For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree. If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son. Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 John 5:7-12 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 19:32 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.” (John 19:32 KJV).

This procedure of breaking the legs of the crucified is only applied with rarity when needed to hasten their death. This is a very cruel process on top of the barbaric crucifixion. On the cross, a person is actually nailed through the complex ligaments of the wrists to magnify the pain. It's not by the palm of the hand. Then, the feet are nailed as well through the ligaments near the joints of feet and legs, with knees bent slightly. The mechanics are to give the person a legroom to push up for breathing when their back slump trying to ease the pain on the wrists. So, they push up their knees to loosen their back, and the pain from the feet would also be excruciating. But, one needs to push up loosening the lungs to breathe. With legs broken, their death would be hasten by suffocation. That’s the cruelty of dying on the cross. With Sabbath Passover Feast celebration at hand, the religious Jews invoked the use of leg-breaking to ensure that execution is done. That’s so there are no hanging bodies on the cross during the feast. Hence, the soldiers broke the legs of the two criminals.

One notable event that happened in this instance, with the two criminals hanging along side with the Lord Jesus Christ, was the interaction these men had with the Lord. In Luke’s account, it is written: “One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.””(Luke 23:39-43 NIV).

This is such a compelling and reassuring reminder for us all, especially those who are still watching on the sidelines, or perhaps those that are duped by rituals of religion trying hard to make themselves look good by their work of self-effort and indulgences to be accepted by the Lord, or maybe those who utterly reject the Lord. Here, the Lord Jesus Christ shows us that we can come to Him as we are, with no make over, like the thief hanging on the Lord’s side. We just have to believe Him (John 6:29), who is full of grace and truth (John 1:14). The Lord Jesus gives us this promise: ““Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:1-3 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 19:31 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.” (John 19:31 KJV).

As mentioned earlier, this day, which is a Friday, is the preparation for the Sabbath celebration of the Feast of the Unleavened Bread, also called the “Passover Feast”. This is the remembrance of Israel’s rescue from Egypt, when the angel of death passed over the nation of Israel while the First-borns of Egypt were killed. (Exodus 12:12-14). That night in Egypt the blood of the slaughtered perfect lamb-symbolically pointing to Christ Jesus’ blood, were smeared on the door frames of the Israelites’ homes as a sign for the angel of death to spare them.

On the one hand, Roman practices of crucifixion leave the executed corpses to rot, as exhibits for people to witness, and send a strong message of humiliation and deterrence to potential criminals. This is to show severe consequences for crimes and defiance against Roman authority. Public display is part of the punishment. However, Jewish law prohibits leaving an executed body hanging on the tree overnight (Deuteronomy 21:22-23). So Pilate agreed to the religious Jews’ appeal to clear the site before the Sabbath “Passover Feast”. He had their legs broken to hasten their death, so they could be buried before the holy day. This urgency highlights the contrast between the Jewish leaders' concern for ritual purity and their role in crucifying an innocent man.

This is such a symbolic message for us to reflect on. These priests’ hypocrisy of concern for purity based on their warp religious doctrine, yet orchestrated the Lord’s crucifixion, brought us purification by the cleansing power of the Lord’s shed blood on the cross. He was the offering for our sins to save us who believe and rest in His grace, as Scriptures affirm with this promise: “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” (Hebrews 9:27-28 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 19:29-30 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” (John 19:29-30 KJV).

The Lord Jesus Christ walked on this planet for Thirty Three Years preparing to accomplish a penultimate rescue mission. His mission was mapped out with suffering unto death. Here in the brink of death, still he was subjected to torture. With battered physical body, hanging thirsty, He was poured with vinegar to drink from a sponge on a hyssop stick. This fulfills the prophecy in Psalm 69:21.

When the Lord Jesus declared “it is finished”, “Tetelestai” in Greek, all the resources of heaven for all our needs were unleashed for us to receive. So now, by faith in Christ Jesus, with total dependence on His provision of grace, we can come before Him in the posture of receiving. We don’t come to earn it. We come to receive as much as we can receive. He has so much to give by His fullness of grace (John 1:16).

In Luke's account, it is written: "Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last (Luke 23:46). And “giving up" His spirit to God the Father - His spirit was not stripped away from Him by force. He gave up His life! Affirming that no one takes His life. He gives it and will raise it up on the Third day (John 10:17-18). He gladly did it, because He loves you and I. By His death, He wants us to live by believing in Him. We receive this gift of life by grace, not by efforts to earn (Romans 6:23).

Religion, especially and including those who deceptively carry the Name of the Lord as label, teaches to work hard performing with their doctrines of rituals and indulgences to earn God’s favor. No! For those who truly believe in Christ Jesus the begotten Son of the true God - the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, His favor is not earned. It is a gift given by grace. It is undeserved favor His gives by grace to be received by faith (Matthew 9:29; 21:22; Hebrews 11:6).

Scriptures remind us His children by faith: “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ” (Ephesians 1:7-9 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:

F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 19:28 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.” (John 19:28 KJV).

This passage, appearing in a simple statement as it seems, like any other verses in the Holy Bible it exposes spiritual truth for us - His redeemed by grace through faith, to reflect on. This validates the Lord's true humanity. He was like us! This draws us to discern the physical toll of pain and suffering that crucifixion has taken on His body for bearing the punishment meant for us. Here, He shows complete understanding of the full extent of human suffering. And He empathizes with our frailty, as He experienced its impact in His body.

As stated in this passage, clearly it refers to the fulfillment to the Old Testament prophecy in Psalm 69:21. In this Messianic psalm, it is written, "They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink." This points to the suffering that the Messiah would endure, including His thirst hanging on the cross. The Lord’s declaration "I thirst" fulfills the prophecy.

This also carries a deeper spiritual meaning in the context of the Lord’s mission on earth. It reveals humanity’s spiritual thirst of the truth of God’s Word. Using the metaphor of water, the Lord Jesus declared to the Samaritan woman at the well, and now, to us too. As the Lord's redeemed by grace through faith, we come for continuous refreshing to partake in the quenching power of His Word. To the Samaritan woman drawing water at the well, “Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”” (John 4:13-14 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 19:25-27 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.” (John 19:25-27 KJV).

It is of deep significance to recognize that our Lord Jesus Christ was an innocent man but being condemned a criminal. He was sorely hated by the jealous and powerful chief priests, and executed by the pagan Roman occupiers. Hence, it was certainly courageous, admirable and selfless of these small group of believers and followers, mostly ladies, to take their place by the Lord’s side throughout His abhorrent ordeal. They faced up to possible backlash from the Lord’s enemies, by their conspicuous presence at the foot of the cross where the Lord Jesus hung in open shame and suffering. Undeterred by the extent of the enemy’s dominance, nor the horror of the sight they witnessed, they stood their ground of faith and loyalty.

They are the proof of the power of the love of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we give Him our consent to love us, noting that one of them was the only apostle who was with the Lord all through the whole traumatic process and stood at the foot of the cross. He is Apostle John, the youngest of the Apostles, who recognized and openly boasted the Lord’s love for him, declaring himself often as “the disciple who Jesus loves”(John 20:2; 21:7). Another special mention as being present along with the close members of the Lord’s physical family, is Mary Magdalene. She was healed by the Lord Jesus from possession by seven demonic spirits (Luke 8:2). Other disciples, perhaps, were watching from a distance or in hiding, as the Lord earlier said that they will be scattered out of fear.

In this final moments of the Lord's physical nature, with the revelation of Mary - the Lord’s physical mother, and Apostle John being present with Him to the end, shows the authenticity of their faith in doing the will of the Father. The same authenticity of faith we can have too as we fully submit to our Lord's love, totally dependent of His grace. This gives meaning to the Lord’s earlier declaration. It is written: “As Jesus was speaking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, and they want to speak to you.” Jesus asked, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he pointed to his disciples and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!”” (Matthew 12:46-50 NLT).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 19:23-24 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.” (John 19:23-24 KJV).

This humiliating state of our Lord Jesus being stripped naked and nailed on the cross, as He bore our sin inherited from Adam (not like the manicured cross used by religion), displayed in full view of the crowded city of Jerusalem, brings us to that moment in the garden. When Adam and Eve fell to the serpent’s temptation, they were stripped off the garment of holiness in the likeness of God. Then, they realized they were naked. They attempted covering themselves with fig leaves. But the Lord driven by love did the first offering of blood. 'Killed an animal to sew garment of its hide for Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:7-21). God clothed them by His grace, they who just committed the first sin. Yeah, that's the sin that brought death into this world, which infected us all.

Hence, the Lord Jesus who loved us, not neglecting that curse, went through this humiliation as He hung on the cross. They ripped His garments into Four parts, one piece for each soldier, and they gambled on His cloak. His executioners stripped Him off naked so our nakedness is reversed. As our Lord Jesus Christ overcame the cross in nakedness, we are now restored fully dressed by His holiness, as we put our faith in Him. We, now being God’s children, born again by faith, are clothe in true righteousness and holiness by His finished work on the cross and resurrection (Ephesians 4:24).

Hence, by His grace the Lord Jesus reminds us not to be anxious in His Sermon on the Mount. He said: “And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:28-33 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 19:20-22 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.” (John 19:20-22 KJV).

The inscription that Pilate made on the Lord’s cross was clever and insulting to the chief priests. It was clever as it may have earned him a favorable view from his superiors for quelling what could have evolved into a costly rebellion. It also delivered a veiled insult against the Jewish religious priests. The crucifixion site being near to the city where locals and visitors gathered for the feast and with the emblem written in the three common languages used in Judaea and the Roman Empire, so many saw and understood it. As can be expected, the chief priests of the Jews protested of it, insisting that the inscription should clarify that He merely claimed to be the king of the Jews. This objection Pilate resolutely rejected, asserting that what he had written would stand as is, encapsulating the truth of who the Lord Jesus is. Hence, the chief priests' action to humiliate the Lord out of jealousy, ironically backfired on them with the public affirmation of His divine identity.

With Pilate’s nature of cruel governance, his political maneuvering in handling this case made it sure that the ultimate plan of salvation for you and I, which the Lord Jesus came for, is accomplished. This assured us that by faith in Him through His grace we can rest in Him. He is the King of Israel in the line of David son of Jesse who will rise, as prophesied in Isaiah 11. “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious.” (Isaiah 11:1, 10 NIV).

This was affirmed to Mary by the angel of the Lord, as it is written: “And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”” (Luke 1:30-33 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 19:19 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.” (John 19:19 KJV).

The inscription “Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews” which Pontius Pilate hung on the cross where the Lord Jesus was nailed, was meant to mock, to justify, and to humiliate. This seems just a simple statement of fact that Pilate inscribed in Three versions: Hebrew, Latin and Greek so many can understand. To deter crime and insurrection, Roman law requires the crime committed to be displayed so as the public knows the reason why a person was crucified. This, Pilate wittingly did for multiple objectives. This proclaims the truth, that the Lord Jesus from Nazareth is the King of all creation and the Messiah that the Jews long awaited for.

This is a mocking message to the religious priests and leaders of the Jews who rejected the Lord Jesus Christ and the Son of God who they refused to recognize because of envy, hunger for luxury and thirst for power. It is Pilate's way of humiliating the religious Jews who are blinded by the hypocrisy of their religious doctrines. This is also Pilate's affirming statement to justify his judgement call to have the Lord Jesus crucified for declaring as king of an occupied land, which supplants the sovereign rule of the Roman Empire.

This encapsulation is a reminder for us the redeemed of the Lord, of His mission of salvation for the world He so loved. Yes, our Lord Jesus Christ, “who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:6-8 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 19:17-18 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.” ((John 19:17-18 KJV“).

He went forth! He did not hesitate! The Word, who is our Lord Jesus Christ, stepped down to earth, put on human flesh and moved in our neighborhood to live among us (John 1:1-14). He came full of grace to pay the ransom price and rescue us out of sin and death. He came to be with us, so we can be with Him as we believe in Him. It is so by His death, as He bore all our sins on the cross - past, present and future. Yes, voluntarily He did, not because the priests forced it upon Him. Out of His love, He carried His cross to Golgotha or in Latin Calvary, He let Himself hung on it in between two robbers. [Extra-biblical writings tell us that this place is where King David deposited the head of Goliath that he cut off (1 Samuel 17:51)]. Now, the Lord Jesus Christ, David’s royal descendant in flesh, went forth to this place to be crucified for us all. No one took His life. He gave it. (John 10:18). He was forsaken, so we can be forgiven! That is by believing in Him.

No matter where you have been or what you have done, our Heavenly Father wants you to know that the Lord's grace is close to you and available to you. His grace is all we need. So, you are called to come, let us join in one accord, believe and be born again. Open your heart and proclaim, as 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 that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”” (Romans 10:8-11 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 19:16 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.” (John 19:16 KJV)

Pilate caved in to the religious priests. He delivered the Lord Jesus Christ, who he repeatedly declared innocent of the sham charges against Him, into the hands of His accusers. The religious authorities succeeded to pressure the governor from Rome. Pilate's thirst for power made it easy for them. Yes, the accusers of the Lord seemed winning. With their blasphemous argument "We have no King but Caesar" (John 19:15), his desire to pander the Imperial ruler in Rome, hooked Pilate in. His job pursuits mattered more, after all, than the lack of credence of the charges against the Lord Jesus Christ. He had vehemently declared the Lord’s innocence. Yet, now he crumbled.

So in this instance, trying to absolve himself of guilt, Pilate took water and washed his hands, as recorded by Apostle Matthew. It is written: “When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!”” (Matthew 27:24 NIV).

Pilate found a way out to spinelessly waver to win worldly things to his benefit. The world calls it political compromise, which in essence is an irresponsible expediency to avoid accountability. Pilate averted a riot by the religious crowd, won a temporary adulation from the priests who hated him, and retain his good image in the sight of his superiors in Rome. Hence, truth and justice are thrown out into the dump. He handed an innocent Man to die so the enemies of the Lord are satisfied, except justice.

As citizens of heaven, born again by faith in Christ Jesus, we must always be reminded by these Words of the Lord: “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (Mark 8:35-37 NIV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 19:15 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Cæsar.” (John 19:15 KJV).

This abominable rejection by God’s chosen people Israel of their true King, who came down from heaven in the flesh full of grace and truth, can be traced back to the time when by grace they were rescued from slavery of the Egyptians. Though Moses was used by God as their physical intermediary, it was God who led them- in pillar of cloud by day and in pillar of fire by night (Exodus 1:21); protected them and provided for them from Egypt as they walked through the Red Sea like dry land by grace, and up to the foot of Mount Sinai. In spite of their complaints and murmurings, God cared for them and supplied all their needs. None of them died. Then, at Mt Sinai they challenged God. They rejected His provision of grace.

They arrogantly talked back to God "We will do everything the Lord has said." (Exodus 19:8). Hence, God gave them the Law to make them realize that they needed grace. They can’t obey the law. And even as Moses was still on the way down from the mountain to give them the law written on stones by the finger of God, they broke it by sinning against the First Commandment. They worshipped a golden calf! Three thousand of them died as a result (Exodus 32). In God’s grace, no lives were lost in their journey from Egypt to Mt Sinai. They came out of Egypt fully loaded with spoils and with no one feeble (Psalm 105:37).

Then, again through Prophet Samuel, they demanded for a human king. They rejected God’s Kingship! (1 Samuel 8:12). And now, here in this passage, the Son of God, the King of Kings, the Lord Jesus Christ, came down from heaven clothe in human flesh, to restore His Kingship by grace. Again, they rejected Him demanding to have Him crucified. They chose to have Caesar, whom they loathed, to be their king!?

As sons and daughters of the Most High God by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, we must not allow religion to invade our lives, like these religious chief priests of the Jews. We are now restored in grace like it was before the law was given. The law was given intended for rebellious people; not for those who are saved and born again in Christ Jesus. By faith in the risen Lord Jesus Christ, we now have the assurance, as Apostle Paul testified: “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:

F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 19:13-14 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!” (John 19:13-14 KJV).

When Pilate heard the challenge of the religious leaders of the Jews that if he releases the Lord Jesus Christ who they say ‘claimed to be king’, as He is, then he - Pilate, Rome's governor of Judaea, becomes an enemy of Caesar. That’s full and heavy to Pilate to bear who probably aims for higher position in the Empire, perhaps. He had to find ways to stand on a version of ‘truth’ knowing that the Man standing before him for judgement is innocent. That’s where his balancing skills need to be employed to its utmost. And, indeed he would, aware of the popularity of the Lord, the jealousy of the religious Jews, and that He was not a revolutionary instigator against Rome. With the angry religious crowd demanding for the Lord Jesus to face a brutal death, he had to tease the crowd to refrain unrest in this busy and overcrowded religious celebration.

Sensing a riot in the offing if the demand of this religious mob to execute the lord is not delivered, Pilate has to decide quick. Rome has no regard of their religious squabbles. What mattered to Rome is when conquered subjects reject Roman authority. So, he sat on his official public judgement seat or Gabbatha. Trying to irk the Jews, he declared: 'behold your King'. This day, in this final several hours of preparation for the Passover remembrance, soon Jerusalem will be full of visiting tourists, and religious observers to commemorate Israel's miraculous rescue from Egypt.  This is celebrated by the slaughter of a spotless lamb. But this day, the true perfect Lamb of God will be offered. Unbeknownst to Pilate, he will play a vital role as he makes his judgement call.

The Lord Jesus Christ came to be the spotless Lamb whose unblemished blood will be shed to save us who believe in Him. This, Apostle Paul affirmed, as it is written: “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ” (Ephesians 1:7-9 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 19:12 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Cæsar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Cæsar.” (John 19:12 KJV).

This verse captures a critical point in the Lord’s sham trial, as Pilate is torn between his desire to release the Lord Jesus with risk of Caesar’s ire and the pressure to have the religious leaders and the crowd’s adulation. This moment reflects the larger issues of authority, of power, and the collision of kingdoms - the kingdom of God and the kingdom of the world.

In the characters of Pilate, the religious Jews, and the person of truth in Christ Jesus, we see realities of living revealed. Pilate is the picture of authority and power of the world, which are driven by self-vested-interest, fear, and the desire to dominate. The crowd of religious Jewish leadership is the essence of corrupt religion with its hypocrisy, using their positions for personal luxury and keeping their seat of self importance and control over those who are duped by wrong believing. In contrast, the Lord Jesus Christ embodies the true nature of the Kingdom of God. He submits willingly to all the unjust treatments, humbly resolved to obey the Father’s will, ultimately giving His life to redeem us all.

The questions that arise from this passage, which we must ask ourselves, would be: Who was Pilate trying to please, God or the crowd? How about the crowd, who were they trying to impress, themselves or God? This demonstrates vividly the chaos created by the convergence of politics and religion. This brings forth the message of eternal, consequential ramification. Personally, this must be asked: who are you trying to please, yourself, your peers, or your Savior? Answering this question is just as crucial for us, as it was for the religious Jews and for Pilate about two thousand years ago. Who you are trying to please, will either sanctify you or corrupt you. So, choose this day to live pleasing to God, by faith in Christ Jesus. It is not only the right way to live. But, it also postures us for all His benefits! 

The Psalmist in his self-talk declared: “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—” (Psalms 103:2 NIV). The Apostle Paul, challenge us with this truth: “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”(Romans 8:32 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 19:10-11 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.” (John 19:10-11 KJV).

Not hearing a response from the Lord Jesus for his question, Pilate pompously boasts of having the power to free or crucify Him. That is the nature of ungodly people. They often magnify the little control they get. Which reminds of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who bragged of the majesty and power of the kingdom he claimed to build by his own might. But, he was instantly disproved and reminded that it’s all from God (Daniel 4:28-33). Here, the Lord Jesus reminded Pilate that he couldn’t have power unless it is given from above.

The Lord Jesus further revealed the unfolding of this case in Pilate’s hands. “He that delivered me unto you has the greater sin!” This is a very profound statement made by the Lord Jesus Christ. Knowing that for all who have sinned, all the same, will die regardless of the nature of their sin. As the scripture says, all fall short of the glory of God. The consequence of sin is death! (Romans 3:23). So, what sin and who did the Lord Jesus refer to in this statement? We can look back how this sad and eventful process unravel.

Who delivered the Lord to the hands of these people? First, we have Judas Iscariot, one of the Lord’s apostles who heard the truth and seemed to believe in him. He’d been with the Lord as part of His twelve apostles. He sold the Lord for thirty pieces of silver. For his betrayal, the Lord declared it would have been better for him not to have been born (Matthew 26:24).

Second, the religious authorities, who professed to know the Word of God and to be followers of the law of Moses, but failed to recognize the Lord Jesus of whom Moses and the prophets prophesied. They accused the Lord Jesus of blasphemy for affirming to them that He is the Messiah whom they’ve been waiting for. They handed Him to Pilate to be crucified. The Lord Jesus proclaimed multiple woes to them (Matthew 23).

We are therefore cautioned to stay in faith, as the scriptures remind: “For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.” (Hebrews 6:4-6 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:

F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 19:8-9 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid; and went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.” (John 19:8-9 KJV).

The imperial authority of Rome in Judaea ‘the more afraid’? He must be. To hear the charge that the Lord Jesus made Himself the Son of God, as reason to have Him crucified, must have sent chills and shivers to the bones of this representative of Rome. Rome, with all the many gods that they look up to and belief in its unreal power, Pilate must be alarmed deeply. And here, he is in front of a man whose dignified and majestic demeanor is not like any other accused he had dealt with. With the warning from his wife to have nothing to do with the Lord Jesus (Matthew 27:19), Pilate has more reason not to have part of this sham. The signs, miracles and astonishing powers the Lord Jesus performed over both the sick and the dead that he heard, may now have come to his recollection.

With the new charge of ‘blasphemy’ Pilate grilled the Lord again in the hearing of the religious Jews. But, the Lord steely stood with no response. To Pilate, this moment gives a very strong contrast to his earlier questioning, with the Lord Jesus giving him clear and frank revealing response direct to his empty heart that seems seeking for truth. He forfeited those instances for shunning rather than embracing the knowledge he's been given. The Lord Jesus revealed to him the nature of His kingdom and His purpose, affirming that He is King and not of this world. He was given privy to the Lord's purpose, saying 'that I should bear witness unto the truth.' (John 18:37), Pilate had the opportunity to embrace the truth and the person of truth in Christ Jesus. But, he let it slipped?

Now, in this face off with the Lord, Pilate asked: “whence art thou?”, or in the Message Bible paraphrase “where did you come from?” The Lord did not respond, but gave him time to be still. That would be the same kind of stillness we too must have in the presence of our Savior. In Psalms: “He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;” (Psalms 46:10a NIV). This is the NOW moment for Pilate and for those who are still grappling for the truth, to believe and be saved. His Words remind: “For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 19:6-7 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.” (John 19:6-7 KJV).

Pilate the Roman governor of Judaea, went through the process of brutally scourging the Lord Jesus Christ to satisfy the religious Jews’ demand to punish Him. His aim was perhaps to gain their sympathy to avoid having the Lord crucified as he found Him to be an innocent Man. And, yet even as the Lord was mangled and beaten to the bones, the crowd still called for crucifixion, orchestrated by the religious priests. That’s how dangerous religion is, as seen in history’s dark crusades, movements, inquisitions, forced conversions and other religious malpractices. Here, blinded by their man-made doctrines, they called to crucify the Lord. This sadistic process of punishment on the cross was not only harrowing, but also designed to prolong the agony of pain and embarrassment into a days-long ordeal. What the religious crowd seeks here is not just death penalty, but a hateful, ugly death.

It is true that the Lord Jesus claimed to be the Son of God – and He is. The miracles and signs He performed validate His claim. He is who He said He is, the Creator of the universe. “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” (John 1:3 NIV). They accused Him of blasphemy for declaring the truth of who He is, disregarding the signs that were manifest. He transcended time by the sign of turning water into wine in seconds (John 2:7-8). Wine needs time to ferment from the sap of grapes and fruits, and not from water. The Lord Jesus transcended space by healing the centurion's son from a distance (John 4:49-53).

Now, in His risen glorified state, He is with us always in the presence of the Holy Spirit. So, we’ll never be alone, we’ll never be without help, and we’ll never be in want, as we believe and depend on Him in all things. We have His promise: “......... “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”” (Hebrews 13:5b-6 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:

F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 19:4-5 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!” (John 19:4-5 KJV).

In these scenes, we see Pilate appearing again from the Praetorium after rounds of grilling and subjecting the Lord Jesus to rounds of savage humiliating tortures by the Roman soldiers. He announced before the crowd of religious Jews ‘I find no fault in him.’ Seeming proud of what he did, having the Lord disfigured beyond recognition, he said “behold the man”. This is so confusing for us to discern and understand the conflict between Pilate’s pronouncements and actions. In one hand he proclaimed the Lord’s innocence and desire to let Him go, and on the other hand he inflicted on the Lord the worst kind of torture and shame. It is hard to fathom the kind of person this man was. Were his declarations sincere? Or, was he just about to save himself from the ire of the crowd and his superior in Rome? That, we should place in God’s hands.

As for us reflecting on these passages in our now, we should be in the know that those pains inflected on the Lord Jesus Christ were meant for us. It was a necessary process to set us free from the enemy of our soul. His sinless blood that oozed from the wounds of the crown of thorns that He overcame, washed and overturned the curse of thistles and thorns resulting from the fall of Adam (Genesis 3:17-18). The ground we now stand on by grace through faith and by truly believing in our Lord Jesus Christ, not by mambo jumbo of religion, but through our personal intimate relationship with Him, is cleansed. He is in us and we are in Him. He restores us in our original state before Adam’s fall. He makes us into a new creation. In Him, thistles and thorns are no more. The Scriptures remind: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 19:2-3 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, and said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.” (John 19:2-3 KJV).

The Lord Jesus Christ did not deserve all these humiliation and pain. But, we do, you and I, because of our fallen father, Adam’s sin. In our veins run the DNA of sin, disobedience and rebellious nature against God (Psalm 51:5). We have been enslaved by the enemy of our soul. We were headed for condemnation, destruction and slaughter. We needed ransom to be saved. This charade Pilate continues to do is part of the process. Though he already determined the Lord Jesus of innocence from the charges, he continues pacifying the religious mob to be able to release and set the Lord free, by punishing Him.

This is such a cruel approach to set an innocent Man free, subjecting Him to such inhumane torture and humiliation. With Roman soldiers being used in such a scheme was not a matter to play around. They're the most feared killing machine of their time. Here in these passages, we see they robe Him with purple hailing, King of the Jews! They mocked and fitted Him sarcastically with platted crown of thorns. The Lord Jesus endured their slap and the shamming because He loves us. All these He willingly obeyed to endure, so we are saved, ransomed by His sacrifice and eventual death.

He obeyed to go through all these. So, as we believe in Him, we are made righteous by grace (Romans 3:22-24). Scriptures affirm, as it is written: “Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.” (Romans 5:18-19 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:

F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 19:1 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.” (John 19:1 KJV).

In this scene, as the Lord Jesus was being scourged, He stood up stoic round after round of flogging. One can imagine the pain, knowing that this kind of torture equipment they used was designed to rip off flesh from the human body as it is being whiplashed. The Lord’s posture to resist laying down, made the Roman soldiers angrier and may have changed their whips to those with hooks that inflict more pain and deeper wound. According to historical studies of Roman floggings, these hooks go right into the victim’s flesh, and rip pieces of flesh from the body. These whips are called the “flagrum” or “flagellum” made of three or more leather straps with hooks, and connected to a handle. And the Lord was probably not scourged 39 times according to the Jewish law of 40 stripes minus one. (Deuteronomy 25:3; 2 Corinthians 11:24). The Roman soldiers, who carried out the scourging hated Jews, were war machines without conscience, and would not have cared to observe their Jewish law.

We do not know how many times the Lord Jesus was flogged, but it was enough to expose the bones on His back. In Psalm 129:3, it says, “The plowers plowed on my back; they made their furrows long.” In Psalm 22:17, it says, “I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me.” The Lord Jesus took every one of those painful lashes because He had to pay the full price for our healing and well being. By those stripes, cancer drowned. By those stripes, a child’s leukemia perished. By those stripes, we are healed and made whole, by faith in Christ Jesus our Lord!

For us all who truly believe and rest in His finished work on the cross, by grace and are born again by the Spirit and Truth of His Word, not by religion as many are sadly held captive by, the scourging was for our peace and healing as prophesied by Prophet Isaiah: “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 18:39-40 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews? Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.” (John 18:39-40 KJV).

In these passages, two important figures are given: The Lord Jesus Christ, who they mockingly called the ‘King of the Jews’ and Barabbas who was a robber also identified as a notorious prisoner, an insurrectionist and a murderer (Matthew 27:16 KJV; Mark 15:7). These are key reveals, as it unlocks a very significant message for us to reflect on. Their names carry the parallel significance. Apostle Mathew’s account reveals that when Pilate says, "I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves." And all the people answered, "His blood be on us and our children!" (Mathew 27:24-25). That is such a very strong statement of hatred by the religious crowd.

At this point of the Lord’s trumped up trial, He was already cleared innocent twice. First, by Pilate early in the morning when He was brought in and Secondly, when He was sent to Herod who has jurisdiction over Galilee. But, he could not convict Him either. The Lord was sent back to Pilate for this present attempt by Pilate to clear Him. Pilate reminded everyone that both he, as the governor of Judea, and Herod, the tetrarch of Galilee, found no fault in Him. Realizing that he could not appease the religious Jews by just simply letting the Lord go, he offered to punish Him with Roman flogging before releasing, though now - three times he found the Lord innocent. But of course, the religious Jews were already set to have Him crucified, and they could not be satisfied.

Hoping the crowd would be behind him, Pilate found a way to consult them for a prisoner release using their Jewish tradition of Passover pardon. But as he asked them: ““Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they answered.” (Matthew 27:21 NIV). They chose the sinful Barabbas, whose name means ‘son of the father’, that is of sinful Adam. And, had the sinless ‘Son of God the Father’ crucified. This reflects the Great Divine Exchange on the cross: The sinless Son of God to die for the sinful sons of Adam. Now, with our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, we are led by the Spirit and made children (sons and daughters) of God (Romans 8:1-17). Scriptures reveal: “and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” (2 Corinthians 5:15 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 18:38 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.” (John 18:38 KJV).

What is truth? Pilate should have asked: who is truth? Truth is standing right before him in the person of Christ Jesus our Lord who came to witness Himself into this world. Pilate answered his own question when he spoke the truth, the Lord Jesus was not guilty of any crime, saying: "I find in Him no fault at all." With that, he gave meaning to justice. “For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him.” (Matthew 27:18; Mark 15:10).

This gospel, as recorded by Apostle John, skipped some details of the Lord’s long night of bogus grilling. He’s been paraded around for questioning. This stage of his trial is his second appearance before Pilate. When the Lord was first presented early in the morning, Pilate gathered from the priests’ accusations that the Lord Jesus is a Galilean, so he sent the Lord Jesus to King Herod who has jurisdiction over Galilee. Herod, who was also in Jerusalem, was excited to see the Lord as he heard much about Him. “Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate.” (Luke 23:11 ).

In essence, Pilate and the religious leaders stood on the common but contrasting ground of political expediency. Hence, Pilate’s declaration of the Lord’s innocence of this trumped up case He’s been subjected to, was drowned by the waves of hatred of the religious Jews. That’s the danger for us all in this corrupt world we are in. The pull of the world’s trappings and the pressure of religion are being used by the forces of darkness to shake our footing on truth. As God’s children in Christ Jesus, it is therefore our reminder to rest in grace through faith in Him. Apostle Paul exhorts us with these words: “As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:36-37 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 18:37 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.” (John 18:37 KJV).

Pontius Pilate recognized that the Lord Jesus Christ was not a threat, as the religious leaders of the Jews portrayed Him. "Therefore Pilate said to Him, 'So You are a king!'" The Lord answered with authority. 'Yes, as you said, I am a King.' He who stood before Pilate was the King of kings and the Lord of lords. All power and authority in both heaven and earth are in His hands. And, He affirmed, "I have been born a king, and for this purpose I have come into the world - to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."

He came to reveal the Father to a lost and dying world. He came to restore us all into His kingdom. We who would believe on His name are saved. The Lord revealed to Pilate the good news of the gospel of grace, that the Father sent Him into this fallen world to proclaim to the lost souls. The truth of salvation reveals that whosoever hears His voice and believes in Him will be saved. We have this comforting truth: "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him would not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16)."

This was a pivotal moment in Pilate's life. His hour of grace came.  The person of grace and truth opened the door for him to respond to His voice and accept Him and be saved. But sadly, those who reject Him is condemned already (John 3:18). Did Pilate hear the truth and believe? Maybe! Did He respond to the Lord’s offer of salvation? Perhaps! No record was revealed of his action after his encounter with the Lord. But, the most important question is have you/we heard His voice and received His truth? For those reflecting on this verse now who are still shackled by religion and other wrong beliefs, this is your pivotal hour of grace, too. You are invited to respond and believe! Paul wrote in his First letter to Timothy: "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15a). This affirms the Lord’s declaration to Zacchaeus: “And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”” (Luke 19:9-10 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 18:35-36 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.” (John 18:35-36 KJV).

This interaction between the Lord Jesus and Pontius Pilate strikes at the core of the Roman’s tyrannical governance of the Jews and the Jews’ hatred against their Roman rulers. Pilate’s response to the Lord’s question saying ‘am I a Jew?’, is not meant to be polite or some kind of subtlety. It’s practically a slur. He has already indicated lack of interest in Jewish religious debates and controversies. Hence, his remarks are more of sarcasm and sneer. But, in his perspective as a governor, he doesn’t see the Lord as a threat to Roman rule. He is aware that the Jews, most specially the local religious leaders, despised being ruled by the Roman Empire. That’s the crux of the matter for Pontius Pilate.

Hence, as the reigning governor, he must have been relieved to hear that his view was affirmed by the Lord’s response to his question about his kingship, which summed up to say :“but now is my kingdom not from hence.” The Jews could not have taken Him with the power of His army. The Lord Jesus did not come to establish a physical kingdom or political or religious institution. He sternly rebukes the Pharisees and Priests for creating walls of religious establishment. He calls them brood of vipers (Matthew 3:7; 23:33).

The Lord did not come to establish a government, an empire, or a political campaign or a religious movement in this physical world. His role as Messiah was to restore a spiritual kingdom, rooted in the hearts of those who believe. He came to usher in a New Covenant, with the house of Israel and all who puts their faith in Him, affirmed as it is written:“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.”” (Hebrews 8:10-12 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:

F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 18:33-34 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?” (John 18:33-34 KJV).

Pontius Pilate, unable to opt out of the role he is shoved in to do by the local religious authorities, was forced to get back in the halls of judgement and called the Lord again for questioning. His original preference was let the Lord go, having no evidence on Him as a threat to Rome. He is aware of the tension of envy that started this trial, which now reached the halls of his palace for judgement. Reluctant as he is, he finds Two logical reasons to stay engaged and interview the Lord. Firstly: the religious leaders accused Him of rebellion against Rome, which was a very sensitive matter for the Empire. Secondly: the overwhelming popularity of the Lord Jesus is too important to neglect.

Hence, being compelled again to enter the halls of judgement, he said to the Lord, “are you the king of the Jews?” This is not an accusatory tone as the religious Jews would have wanted to. Rather, it is a question of curiosity out of hesitance to get involved, as “While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.”” (Matthew 27:19 NIV).

The Lord’s response to Pilate serves as a reminder of the role of discernment and our dependence on the Holy Spirit in our thinking process. It prompts us to question our sources and to seek truth with an open mind and a discerning heart from the one and only source of truth - God’s holy and written Words. The Lord’s question elicits out of Pilate if what he said was from his own search for truth, and not from the mouth of those who seek to kill Him. 

Yes, this reminds us, being children of the Most High God, not to be like a wavering Pilate. We are to stand sure-footed on the rock of truth, which is the Word of God. The Lord Jesus said during His sermon on the Mount: ““Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of John 18:31-32 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.” (John 18:31-32 KJV).

In this stage of the Lord's witch-hunt saga, in the hands of the religious priests, they presented Him before Pilate for sentencing, as they have already convicted Him to die. However, on the part of Pilate, he viewed this as an arraignment to determine if the case is worthy to go for trial. Which he did find no basis to proceed. It brings into surface the conflict between the Roman authority whose intent is to follow their law, while the local religious leaders were fixated to follow their warp religious creed. Pilate, trying not to get involved, attempts returning the case back to the priests for execution of judgement. However, they reasoned they're restricted by Roman law from administering the death penalty on a cross.

In the middle of the night before, the priests and elders of the Jewish ruling council of Sanhedrin were summoned to the home of Caiaphas, the sitting high priest. They were called to convene an illegal, night-time tribunal. The purpose was to officially condemn the Lord Jesus Christ to death. False witnesses were presented, but failed. So, Caiaphas intervened. He ordered the Lord Jesus to answer whether or not He was the Christ, the Son of God (Matthew 26:57-68 and Mark 14:53-62). The Lord Jesus should have been acquitted for declaring the truth. But when He did and replied in the affirmative, “The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. “You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” They all condemned him as worthy of death.” (Mark 14:63-64 NIV).

Hence, in this early morning, Pilate woke up to a place and position of no choice but to make a judgement call. Lest he be viewed neglecting his duty, being the appointed Roman governor of this restive imperial province of Judaea. His judgement will fulfill the Lord’s declaration to His inner circle disciples for the kind of sacrificial death He will go through in order to ransom you and I. So, that as we receive Him to be our redeemer by believing on Him, we are saved. He has to give His life on a cross as planned from the beginning, like a man who committed a crime as He bore our sins upon Him (Deuteronomy 21:22-23).

Pilate stood, though with reluctance, on the right place at the right moment to make a judgement call that reverberates through eternity. His call would make sure that death is fought on the cross to pay for the hefty price to make us free (Galatians 5:1). The Lord Jesus spoke of this with His disciples, as it is written: “From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” (Matthew 16:21 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.