When God Says …
“Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?” (John 21:23 KJV).
This passage reveals the dynamic of our walk as members in the body of Christ Jesus, saved by grace through faith in Him. With the Lord directing Apostle Peter “you follow me” and hinting of his ultimate martyrdom, Peter turns his attention to Apostle John, saying: 'Lord, what about this man?' This reveals a common tendency among us of being concerned about others’ business than ours. This displays our human propensity to compare our journey with those of others, rather than focusing on our own given assignment.
The Lord’s hypothetical hint about Apostle John’s patience to wait, which the other disciples thought the Lord said that John shall not die, does not jibe with Peter's concern. Instead, of responding to Peter’s curiosity, the Lord Jesus redirects him with the emphatic statement saying: “what is that to you?” This is about personal accountability in faith. We are called to know our path and not be absorbed in the affairs of others. This timeless truth ought to center our lives in our relationship with the risen Christ Jesus, rather than the dynamics of others’ relationship with Him. We are to faithfully pursue and follow the Lord Jesus, be ready in season and out of season, while we “tarry ‘til He comes.”
We don't look at our fellow members in the body of Christ through the lens of comparison and envy. We look at each other by the lens of the Lord’s gospel of grace, with compassion and love, building each other up. This, Apostle Paul exhorts in his epistle to the believers in Thessaloniki. “For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:5-11 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.
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Monday, April 7, 2025
The Gospel of John 21:22 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.” (John 21:22 KJV).
This passage gives way to two-fold revelation for us to reflect on. Firstly, the risen Lord Jesus Christ reminds Peter and all who are born again by grace through faith in Him, that each person has his own unique appointment and assignment. We ought not concern ourselves with comparing our role with others or trying to understand or control what will happen to others. Instead, we should focus on following our Lord Jesus and fulfilling the specific mission and purpose that He has given us. This is a powerful reminder that in our Christian walk, comparison has no place. It is the enemy’s tool to sow seed of envy. Each person's calling is distinct and equally important in the eyes of God.
Secondly, this passage points to believers’ end times expectation. The phrase "till I come" is a reference to the Lord’s second coming. In this context, the Lord Jesus is saying that it is not our place to know or speculate about the timing of future events, most specifically His return and our fellow believers’ appointed time. No one knows the day or the hour of His return, as well as the time we have on this planet. We are to live faithfully abiding in His Words in our present moment, rather than getting caught up trying to predict or control the future, as well as, being occupied with the affairs of others.
One thing is certain, no matter our physical state by then when the Lord returns, we all shall be changed. Scriptures say: “I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.” (1 Corinthians 15:50-53 NIV).
Yes, we are made aware to keep ourselves alert and ready by immersing in His Words. Not religion! Our risen Lord Jesus Christ said: ““And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.” (Revelation 22:7, 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.
“Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.” (John 21:22 KJV).
This passage gives way to two-fold revelation for us to reflect on. Firstly, the risen Lord Jesus Christ reminds Peter and all who are born again by grace through faith in Him, that each person has his own unique appointment and assignment. We ought not concern ourselves with comparing our role with others or trying to understand or control what will happen to others. Instead, we should focus on following our Lord Jesus and fulfilling the specific mission and purpose that He has given us. This is a powerful reminder that in our Christian walk, comparison has no place. It is the enemy’s tool to sow seed of envy. Each person's calling is distinct and equally important in the eyes of God.
Secondly, this passage points to believers’ end times expectation. The phrase "till I come" is a reference to the Lord’s second coming. In this context, the Lord Jesus is saying that it is not our place to know or speculate about the timing of future events, most specifically His return and our fellow believers’ appointed time. No one knows the day or the hour of His return, as well as the time we have on this planet. We are to live faithfully abiding in His Words in our present moment, rather than getting caught up trying to predict or control the future, as well as, being occupied with the affairs of others.
One thing is certain, no matter our physical state by then when the Lord returns, we all shall be changed. Scriptures say: “I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.” (1 Corinthians 15:50-53 NIV).
Yes, we are made aware to keep ourselves alert and ready by immersing in His Words. Not religion! Our risen Lord Jesus Christ said: ““And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.” (Revelation 22:7, 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.
Sunday, April 6, 2025
The Gospel of John 21:20-21 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?” (John 21:20-21 KJV).
Exemplifying our human tendencies of comparing with others, when the Lord told him “follow me”, Apostle Peter turns to curiously see his fellow Apostle John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, closely following behind. With Peter asking the Lord ‘what shall this man do?’ illustrates the dynamics of their vertical individual relationships with the Lord and their horizontal bond amongst each other as the Lord’s disciples. Again, John identifies himself in the third person, as the one who leaned against the Lord’s breast at the Last Supper citing his close bond with Christ Jesus. Peter's question about John's fate reveals our human propensities to compare journeys with others, especially in the face of uncertainty about one's own path.
The Lord Jesus' command "follow me" was meant to redirect Apostle Peter's attention from John’s destiny to his own responsibility to follow Him. The Lord’s instruction serves as a vital reminder that individual callings are distinct, and our focus should remain on personal assignment rather than fellow believer’s purpose. The Lord essentially tells Peter that the specifics of John’s future are not his concern, reinforcing the message that each believer's path under God's guidance is uniquely crafted and designed person to person. Discipleship means resting in God’s grace, looking unto Christ Jesus the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). We look to Him, not our fellow believers. In doing so, we are equipped to fulfill our individual missions amidst our broader collective journey of faith in the body of believers.
We are to remember always, it’s not by our self-effort. We walk by faith in the good works of the Lord already prepared beforehand. It is written: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may 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 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.
“Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?” (John 21:20-21 KJV).
Exemplifying our human tendencies of comparing with others, when the Lord told him “follow me”, Apostle Peter turns to curiously see his fellow Apostle John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, closely following behind. With Peter asking the Lord ‘what shall this man do?’ illustrates the dynamics of their vertical individual relationships with the Lord and their horizontal bond amongst each other as the Lord’s disciples. Again, John identifies himself in the third person, as the one who leaned against the Lord’s breast at the Last Supper citing his close bond with Christ Jesus. Peter's question about John's fate reveals our human propensities to compare journeys with others, especially in the face of uncertainty about one's own path.
The Lord Jesus' command "follow me" was meant to redirect Apostle Peter's attention from John’s destiny to his own responsibility to follow Him. The Lord’s instruction serves as a vital reminder that individual callings are distinct, and our focus should remain on personal assignment rather than fellow believer’s purpose. The Lord essentially tells Peter that the specifics of John’s future are not his concern, reinforcing the message that each believer's path under God's guidance is uniquely crafted and designed person to person. Discipleship means resting in God’s grace, looking unto Christ Jesus the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). We look to Him, not our fellow believers. In doing so, we are equipped to fulfill our individual missions amidst our broader collective journey of faith in the body of believers.
We are to remember always, it’s not by our self-effort. We walk by faith in the good works of the Lord already prepared beforehand. It is written: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may 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 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.
Saturday, April 5, 2025
The Gospel of John 21:18-19 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.” (John 21:18-19 KJV).
Apostle Peter thought he was ready for anything. He wasn't. He failed the Lord bigly just before the Lord was crucified. The Lord Jesus told him of it before it happened, saying: "this very night before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times" (Matthew 26:34). Peter argued with the Lord, and in one instance he even rebuked the Lord Jesus, when He foretold His death and resurrection. He was harshly chastised by the Lord Jesus for it of course, by telling Peter "get behind me Satan!" (Matthew 16:23). Here in this moment, Peter had just been humbled by his own failures and been made aware that true discipleship is founded in humility. Now, he’s been made ready to follow. We, as well, reflecting on these passages, should set ourselves ready to follow.
The risen Lord Jesus Christ gave Peter a preview of his and our life’s journey as believers. Like lambs and sheep, we go through the process of growing. As young believers we tend to rely in our self effort. As we grow in faith, we become conscious and dependent on the Holy Spirit to equip, lead and guide us where to go. With the symbolism of stretched hands, the Lord hinted Peter that his path would lead to him to die in a manner similar to the Lord’s death. In fact, He let Peter know that his future was directly tied to the crucifixion of his Lord. Yes, there is cost to bear in following our Lord, but the result is life. Out of His love, the Lord Jesus said to him, and to us too: "Follow me!"
As His redeemed by grace through faith, let us therefore be reminded by these Words of Christ Jesus our Lord, as it is written: “And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:38-39 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.
“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.” (John 21:18-19 KJV).
Apostle Peter thought he was ready for anything. He wasn't. He failed the Lord bigly just before the Lord was crucified. The Lord Jesus told him of it before it happened, saying: "this very night before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times" (Matthew 26:34). Peter argued with the Lord, and in one instance he even rebuked the Lord Jesus, when He foretold His death and resurrection. He was harshly chastised by the Lord Jesus for it of course, by telling Peter "get behind me Satan!" (Matthew 16:23). Here in this moment, Peter had just been humbled by his own failures and been made aware that true discipleship is founded in humility. Now, he’s been made ready to follow. We, as well, reflecting on these passages, should set ourselves ready to follow.
The risen Lord Jesus Christ gave Peter a preview of his and our life’s journey as believers. Like lambs and sheep, we go through the process of growing. As young believers we tend to rely in our self effort. As we grow in faith, we become conscious and dependent on the Holy Spirit to equip, lead and guide us where to go. With the symbolism of stretched hands, the Lord hinted Peter that his path would lead to him to die in a manner similar to the Lord’s death. In fact, He let Peter know that his future was directly tied to the crucifixion of his Lord. Yes, there is cost to bear in following our Lord, but the result is life. Out of His love, the Lord Jesus said to him, and to us too: "Follow me!"
As His redeemed by grace through faith, let us therefore be reminded by these Words of Christ Jesus our Lord, as it is written: “And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:38-39 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.
Friday, April 4, 2025
The Gospel of John 21:17 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17 KJV).
Studies by Bible scholars of the original texts of these interactions between the risen Lord Jesus Christ and Apostle Peter reveal the contrast of the words they used. The Lord, when asking Peter “Lovest thou me?”, for the first and second time, used the Greek word for love ‘agape’ the highest form of love. The kind of love that is unconditional and unchanging (Romans 8:38-39). Peter, on the other hand, responded using the Greek word for love ‘phileo’, which refers more to a brotherly and friendship type of love. It seems that the Lord is trying to get Peter to understand that our love must be established to its highest form. One that's far beyond our limits.
In this last of threefold “Do you love me?” questions of the risen Lord, having just gone through on the cross to experience our human frailty, He shifts His question reaching down to our limitation. The Lord used the Greek word ‘phileo’ the kind of love Peter and all of us can grasp on. This grieved Peter, responding with surrender to the Lord’s omniscience, recognizing that He knows the contents our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7). As the Lord commanded Peter for the third time to “Feed my sheep.”, the Lord is reminding Peter and us that we never cease feeding and caring for each other as children of God in Him. We care bound by love. Not our by our 'phileo' love, but by His 'agape' love.
In restoring Peter from his three denials of knowing Him, being His Lord and Master, He reminds Peter and us to surrender to His love. Giving the Lord Jesus the permission to love us is the only way we can care, feed and tend for each other as lambs and sheep in His flock. Scriptures exhort us: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 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.” (1 John 4:7-11 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.
“He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17 KJV).
Studies by Bible scholars of the original texts of these interactions between the risen Lord Jesus Christ and Apostle Peter reveal the contrast of the words they used. The Lord, when asking Peter “Lovest thou me?”, for the first and second time, used the Greek word for love ‘agape’ the highest form of love. The kind of love that is unconditional and unchanging (Romans 8:38-39). Peter, on the other hand, responded using the Greek word for love ‘phileo’, which refers more to a brotherly and friendship type of love. It seems that the Lord is trying to get Peter to understand that our love must be established to its highest form. One that's far beyond our limits.
In this last of threefold “Do you love me?” questions of the risen Lord, having just gone through on the cross to experience our human frailty, He shifts His question reaching down to our limitation. The Lord used the Greek word ‘phileo’ the kind of love Peter and all of us can grasp on. This grieved Peter, responding with surrender to the Lord’s omniscience, recognizing that He knows the contents our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7). As the Lord commanded Peter for the third time to “Feed my sheep.”, the Lord is reminding Peter and us that we never cease feeding and caring for each other as children of God in Him. We care bound by love. Not our by our 'phileo' love, but by His 'agape' love.
In restoring Peter from his three denials of knowing Him, being His Lord and Master, He reminds Peter and us to surrender to His love. Giving the Lord Jesus the permission to love us is the only way we can care, feed and tend for each other as lambs and sheep in His flock. Scriptures exhort us: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 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.” (1 John 4:7-11 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.
Thursday, April 3, 2025
The Gospel of John 21:16 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” (John 21:16 KJV).
We can’t fail to notice the amazing attitude of Apostle Peter. Despite his failings and somewhat flip flopping resume’, he remains devotedly faithful in pursuit of clinging with his (and our) Lord and Master Christ Jesus. He fell short of his own expectation and the more so with God’s. He is the picture of us in our failures, inconsistencies and weaknesses. Yet, we watch him, again and again, coming in the presence of the Lord. He raced with John to the tomb when Mary Magdalene reported that the Lord’s body was missing. He is here in Galilee responding to the Lord’s instruction to meet Him here (Mark 16:7). That’s the kind of example we are to emulate about the Apostle Peter. We must always seek to be in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, as we are - no makeovers and pretenses, to rest in His grace. Yes, we fall maybe often than we thought. But, He always restores us as we come.
That’s what the Lord is doing with Peter as He said to him the second time: “Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? “ To which Peter responds knowing the limitation of his love, “Yes, Lord you know that I love you.” Again, aware and cognizant that his and our 'Phileo' love is inferior to the Lord’s ‘Agape’ love. The Lord Jesus edifying Peter's honest declaration of love, using again the analogy of us as sheep in His pasture, with Him being our Great Shepherd, said to Peter “Feed my sheep”. The use of sheep vs lambs, that was used in the Lord’s initial instruction to Peter sends us the message that as believers in our risen Lord Jesus Christ, we are expected to grow and mature in our faith.
As we mature in faith, like lambs becoming sheep, we are to continue feeding each other as the Lord’s under shepherd, like Peter. And we feed each other by the Lord’s holy and written Words. His Words give us the sustaining life in His pasture in this physical realm. It is written, the Lord Jesus declared: “But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”” (Matthew 4:4 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.
“He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” (John 21:16 KJV).
We can’t fail to notice the amazing attitude of Apostle Peter. Despite his failings and somewhat flip flopping resume’, he remains devotedly faithful in pursuit of clinging with his (and our) Lord and Master Christ Jesus. He fell short of his own expectation and the more so with God’s. He is the picture of us in our failures, inconsistencies and weaknesses. Yet, we watch him, again and again, coming in the presence of the Lord. He raced with John to the tomb when Mary Magdalene reported that the Lord’s body was missing. He is here in Galilee responding to the Lord’s instruction to meet Him here (Mark 16:7). That’s the kind of example we are to emulate about the Apostle Peter. We must always seek to be in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, as we are - no makeovers and pretenses, to rest in His grace. Yes, we fall maybe often than we thought. But, He always restores us as we come.
That’s what the Lord is doing with Peter as He said to him the second time: “Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? “ To which Peter responds knowing the limitation of his love, “Yes, Lord you know that I love you.” Again, aware and cognizant that his and our 'Phileo' love is inferior to the Lord’s ‘Agape’ love. The Lord Jesus edifying Peter's honest declaration of love, using again the analogy of us as sheep in His pasture, with Him being our Great Shepherd, said to Peter “Feed my sheep”. The use of sheep vs lambs, that was used in the Lord’s initial instruction to Peter sends us the message that as believers in our risen Lord Jesus Christ, we are expected to grow and mature in our faith.
As we mature in faith, like lambs becoming sheep, we are to continue feeding each other as the Lord’s under shepherd, like Peter. And we feed each other by the Lord’s holy and written Words. His Words give us the sustaining life in His pasture in this physical realm. It is written, the Lord Jesus declared: “But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”” (Matthew 4:4 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.
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
The Gospel of John 21:15 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.” (John 21:15 KJV).
The resurrected Lord Jesus Christ dined with Seven of the remaining Eleven apostles, minus Judas the traitor. Why Seven and not all? is amazing to reflect on - knowing that Seven is God’s perfect number. As soon as they finished breakfast, the Lord Jesus started Peter’s restoration process by calling him “Simon, son of Jonas”. This suggests that what follows could be another chastisement. The Lord called Peter by his old name when he was acting like his old self. The Lord’s sharp question, “Do you love Me more than these (the gang, boat, nets, and other joys of fishing or whatever pasts that we tend to fall back to)?” went right to the heart of the matter, as for Peter and all of us, this is a matter of the heart.
Peter’s reply, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” is an interesting semantics play. In the original Greek text, the word used by the Lord for love is 'agape', the highest form of love, love that conveys total devotion (1 Corinthians 13:4–8). Painfully conscious of his failures and deficiencies, Peter felt too ashamed to claim such type of love. Hence, he answered by using the Greek word for love: 'phileo', an inferior term signifying family and friendship affection. He added to plead to the Lord’s omniscience, and yielded: “You know that I love ('phileo') You.”
Full of grace, the risen Lord Jesus, commissioned Peter, by directing him, “Tend My lambs.” He metaphorically described believers, like you and I, as His lambs, emphasizing not only our immaturity, vulnerability and need while still in this physical realm, but also that we are cared for as we belong to His flock (Matt. 18:5–10). Each of us, who are saved by grace through faith and who belong to His flock, like Peter, are commissioned to feed the Lambs (fellow believers must tend to each others’ needs) within our domain, as the Lord’s under-shepherd.
Hence, in this context, Apostle Paul instructed the young Timothy with the means to do this, which is to “preach the word”. This instruction is for us too being recipients of God’s grace by faith in Christ Jesus. We are instructed to feed the lambs in our domain of contact. Along with Timothy, he exhorts us with these words: “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” (2 Timothy 4:1-4 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.
“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.” (John 21:15 KJV).
The resurrected Lord Jesus Christ dined with Seven of the remaining Eleven apostles, minus Judas the traitor. Why Seven and not all? is amazing to reflect on - knowing that Seven is God’s perfect number. As soon as they finished breakfast, the Lord Jesus started Peter’s restoration process by calling him “Simon, son of Jonas”. This suggests that what follows could be another chastisement. The Lord called Peter by his old name when he was acting like his old self. The Lord’s sharp question, “Do you love Me more than these (the gang, boat, nets, and other joys of fishing or whatever pasts that we tend to fall back to)?” went right to the heart of the matter, as for Peter and all of us, this is a matter of the heart.
Peter’s reply, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” is an interesting semantics play. In the original Greek text, the word used by the Lord for love is 'agape', the highest form of love, love that conveys total devotion (1 Corinthians 13:4–8). Painfully conscious of his failures and deficiencies, Peter felt too ashamed to claim such type of love. Hence, he answered by using the Greek word for love: 'phileo', an inferior term signifying family and friendship affection. He added to plead to the Lord’s omniscience, and yielded: “You know that I love ('phileo') You.”
Full of grace, the risen Lord Jesus, commissioned Peter, by directing him, “Tend My lambs.” He metaphorically described believers, like you and I, as His lambs, emphasizing not only our immaturity, vulnerability and need while still in this physical realm, but also that we are cared for as we belong to His flock (Matt. 18:5–10). Each of us, who are saved by grace through faith and who belong to His flock, like Peter, are commissioned to feed the Lambs (fellow believers must tend to each others’ needs) within our domain, as the Lord’s under-shepherd.
Hence, in this context, Apostle Paul instructed the young Timothy with the means to do this, which is to “preach the word”. This instruction is for us too being recipients of God’s grace by faith in Christ Jesus. We are instructed to feed the lambs in our domain of contact. Along with Timothy, he exhorts us with these words: “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” (2 Timothy 4:1-4 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.
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
The Gospel of John 21:14 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.” (John 21:14 KJV).
The resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our faith and relationship with Him by grace. This rendezvous, the risen Lord Jesus had in Galilee, is the third of the many that He appeared to the apostles, disciples and believers before He ascended to the Father. The Lord’s resurrection is the power we stand on. For us in this day and age who believe, we have this affirming reminder of the Lord’s holy and written Words. “Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” (1 Corinthians 15:12-17 ESV).
Our Lord Jesus Christ is risen! And, He lives forevermore to justify you and I. Not by religion. In Him, by faith, we are sinners NO MORE! “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” (Romans 4:25 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.
“This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.” (John 21:14 KJV).
The resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our faith and relationship with Him by grace. This rendezvous, the risen Lord Jesus had in Galilee, is the third of the many that He appeared to the apostles, disciples and believers before He ascended to the Father. The Lord’s resurrection is the power we stand on. For us in this day and age who believe, we have this affirming reminder of the Lord’s holy and written Words. “Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” (1 Corinthians 15:12-17 ESV).
Our Lord Jesus Christ is risen! And, He lives forevermore to justify you and I. Not by religion. In Him, by faith, we are sinners NO MORE! “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” (Romans 4:25 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.
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