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.
Friday, April 4, 2025
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 ran 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 massage 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 ran 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 massage 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)?” went right to the heart of the matter.
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 affection. He added to plead to the Lord’s omniscience, and yielded: “You know that I love 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 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)?” went right to the heart of the matter.
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 affection. He added to plead to the Lord’s omniscience, and yielded: “You know that I love 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 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.
Monday, March 31, 2025
The Gospel of John 21:13 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.” (John 21:13 KJV).
The setting is the beach at the Sea of Galilee or Sea of Tiberias, which the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ instructed the disciples to go to see Him there (Matthew 28:10). This is His third post-resurrection encounter with the disciples. Of course, when Apostle Peter came to this place, it brought back to his innate being his love for fishing. He could not cast off the nostalgic memory of his life’s trade while huddling with his fellow apostles. The urging to go fishing drove him strongly to go out and fish. They all went together to fish all night without a catch. As they head back ashore, the Lord was already at the beach preparing grilled fish and bread for breakfast.
This scene brings to remembrance the Lord’s miraculous feeding of 5000 men with limited supply of fish and bread (Matthew 14:14-21). In that incident, the disciples gathered Twelve baskets of leftovers, One basket for each apostle to bring home (John 6:13), which gave us the reassuring message that the limited supply we have that we place in the Lord's hand are multiplied. The extra baskets of supply also assures us that the Lord provides us with more than enough. We are blessed, so we can be a blessing.
“Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.” (John 21:13 KJV).
The setting is the beach at the Sea of Galilee or Sea of Tiberias, which the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ instructed the disciples to go to see Him there (Matthew 28:10). This is His third post-resurrection encounter with the disciples. Of course, when Apostle Peter came to this place, it brought back to his innate being his love for fishing. He could not cast off the nostalgic memory of his life’s trade while huddling with his fellow apostles. The urging to go fishing drove him strongly to go out and fish. They all went together to fish all night without a catch. As they head back ashore, the Lord was already at the beach preparing grilled fish and bread for breakfast.
This scene brings to remembrance the Lord’s miraculous feeding of 5000 men with limited supply of fish and bread (Matthew 14:14-21). In that incident, the disciples gathered Twelve baskets of leftovers, One basket for each apostle to bring home (John 6:13), which gave us the reassuring message that the limited supply we have that we place in the Lord's hand are multiplied. The extra baskets of supply also assures us that the Lord provides us with more than enough. We are blessed, so we can be a blessing.
This setting here in the shore of the Sea of Galilee is such a comforting assurance for us whose faith is in our Lord Jesus Christ. He provides all our needs. His Words remind us: “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 6:31-33 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
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.
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, March 30, 2025
The Gospel of John 21:12 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.” (John 21:12 KJV).
The resurrected Lord Jesus Christ invites the hungry fishermen to join and dine with Him. He, who is fresh from the grave in His glorified body, is set to have breakfast at the beach. And, He has taken a new look. The Lord Jesus Christ is in His heavenly nature, with His former earth suit, so to speak, refitted for the ethereal environment of heaven. So, in simplistic illustration, the disciples were like looking at a friend wearing a new hairdo and a new outfit style. Hence, Apostle John highlighted their not daring to ask “who are you?” The disciples knew He is their Master and Lord.
This is a very reassuring message for us. We, who put our faith to fully rest in the grace of our risen Lord Jesus Christ, will also be transformed in the last day to be like Him. It is written: “I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”” (1 Corinthians 15:50-54 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 them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.” (John 21:12 KJV).
The resurrected Lord Jesus Christ invites the hungry fishermen to join and dine with Him. He, who is fresh from the grave in His glorified body, is set to have breakfast at the beach. And, He has taken a new look. The Lord Jesus Christ is in His heavenly nature, with His former earth suit, so to speak, refitted for the ethereal environment of heaven. So, in simplistic illustration, the disciples were like looking at a friend wearing a new hairdo and a new outfit style. Hence, Apostle John highlighted their not daring to ask “who are you?” The disciples knew He is their Master and Lord.
This is a very reassuring message for us. We, who put our faith to fully rest in the grace of our risen Lord Jesus Christ, will also be transformed in the last day to be like Him. It is written: “I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”” (1 Corinthians 15:50-54 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, March 29, 2025
The Gospel of John 21:10-11 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.” (John 21:10-11 KJV).
The Holy Bible carefully use Words with messages that establish our faith and intimate relationship with our Father and Lord Jesus Christ. It doesn’t need to use Words just to fill up its pages. Every detail, to the least article, conjunction and preposition, bear messages of great importance. So do with numbers, parables and illustrative stories it tells. Here, in these passages, Apostle John with the unction of the Spirit of the Lord, conspicuously reveals the number 153 fishes caught for a reason. It is therefore with consciousness that we uncover the message of this revelation.
In this early morning, we find the Lord Yeshua by the shore grilling fish for the disciples returning from a catch-less night of fishing. He called them out to cast their nets on the right side of the boat. They did and hauled in 153 large sizes of fish, that Apostle Peter counted. Yet, their nets didn’t break. For me, this is an assurance that as we follow the Lord’s Words of instruction we can always hope for abounding blessings.
The Lord Jesus in His messages use fish as the metaphor for humanity. He invited His first disciples, to ““Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”” (Mark 1:17 NIV). When He died on the cross, He paid the penalty of humanity’s sins - past, present and future. His resurrection freed us all from the power of sin and death and empowered us for a mission to be “fishers of people”. By faith in Christ Jesus we are totally freed from sin because He has risen (1 Corinthians 15;14&17). This, He accomplished by being crucified on the cross during the feast of “the Passover” or “Ha Pesach” in Hebrew. With Hebrew alphabet being represented by numbers, adding the numbers representing "Ha Pesach" gives a total of 'an hundred and fifty and three'.
This great catch of fish is therefore a message reminding the disciples and us who put our faith in Christ Jesus. The Messiah died on the day of Passover feast and rose from the grave to give us new life. Now, in Him, we are made a new creation as ‘fishers of people’, as it is written: “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.
“Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.” (John 21:10-11 KJV).
The Holy Bible carefully use Words with messages that establish our faith and intimate relationship with our Father and Lord Jesus Christ. It doesn’t need to use Words just to fill up its pages. Every detail, to the least article, conjunction and preposition, bear messages of great importance. So do with numbers, parables and illustrative stories it tells. Here, in these passages, Apostle John with the unction of the Spirit of the Lord, conspicuously reveals the number 153 fishes caught for a reason. It is therefore with consciousness that we uncover the message of this revelation.
In this early morning, we find the Lord Yeshua by the shore grilling fish for the disciples returning from a catch-less night of fishing. He called them out to cast their nets on the right side of the boat. They did and hauled in 153 large sizes of fish, that Apostle Peter counted. Yet, their nets didn’t break. For me, this is an assurance that as we follow the Lord’s Words of instruction we can always hope for abounding blessings.
The Lord Jesus in His messages use fish as the metaphor for humanity. He invited His first disciples, to ““Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”” (Mark 1:17 NIV). When He died on the cross, He paid the penalty of humanity’s sins - past, present and future. His resurrection freed us all from the power of sin and death and empowered us for a mission to be “fishers of people”. By faith in Christ Jesus we are totally freed from sin because He has risen (1 Corinthians 15;14&17). This, He accomplished by being crucified on the cross during the feast of “the Passover” or “Ha Pesach” in Hebrew. With Hebrew alphabet being represented by numbers, adding the numbers representing "Ha Pesach" gives a total of 'an hundred and fifty and three'.
This great catch of fish is therefore a message reminding the disciples and us who put our faith in Christ Jesus. The Messiah died on the day of Passover feast and rose from the grave to give us new life. Now, in Him, we are made a new creation as ‘fishers of people’, as it is written: “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.
Friday, March 28, 2025
The Gospel of John 21:9 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.” (John 21:9 KJV).
This is such a poignant expression of care and supply, the risen Lord Jesus Christ manifests to the disciples at the shore of the Sea of Galilee. While they dragged and grappled with their nets, having caught nothing after a long night of fishing, the Lord Jesus warmly prepares breakfast of charcoal-grilled fish and bread for them. This signifies not merely sustenance but a deeper fellowship with His disciples. Notably, this charcoal fire recalls warm comfort during Peter's earlier denial of the Lord at the courtyard of the High Priest’s palace (John 18:18), signaling the stage for Peter's eventual restoration. The event unfolds as a vivid reminder of the Lord’s unwavering love for His disciples and to all of us who believe, reinforcing the lesson that it's in His strength and guidance that blessing is found, rather than our own efforts.
The passage emphasizes that the Lord is our divine provider of the physical needs and deeper spiritual hunger within us. Also, as Apostle John captures it, the great catch of fish symbolizes the future harvest of souls. This illustrates how God uses the labor of His followers - you and I, exemplified by the apostles, who are made born again by faith in Him. Through His resurrection from the dead, we are now empowered to extend His mission in the world. This morning at the beach, we have not just a picture of a miraculous meal. This is our invitation for intimate relationship and service, affirming the message that spiritual nourishment often comes wrapped in the ordinary moments of life, where the Lord meets us.
Our risen Lord Jesus and great Shepherd shall not leave us in want. As He prepared breakfast on the shore of Galilee, in this early morning waiting for the disciples returning from a night of failed fishing trip, we too have the assurance of His provision, as the psalmist testifies: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:5-6 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.
“As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.” (John 21:9 KJV).
This is such a poignant expression of care and supply, the risen Lord Jesus Christ manifests to the disciples at the shore of the Sea of Galilee. While they dragged and grappled with their nets, having caught nothing after a long night of fishing, the Lord Jesus warmly prepares breakfast of charcoal-grilled fish and bread for them. This signifies not merely sustenance but a deeper fellowship with His disciples. Notably, this charcoal fire recalls warm comfort during Peter's earlier denial of the Lord at the courtyard of the High Priest’s palace (John 18:18), signaling the stage for Peter's eventual restoration. The event unfolds as a vivid reminder of the Lord’s unwavering love for His disciples and to all of us who believe, reinforcing the lesson that it's in His strength and guidance that blessing is found, rather than our own efforts.
The passage emphasizes that the Lord is our divine provider of the physical needs and deeper spiritual hunger within us. Also, as Apostle John captures it, the great catch of fish symbolizes the future harvest of souls. This illustrates how God uses the labor of His followers - you and I, exemplified by the apostles, who are made born again by faith in Him. Through His resurrection from the dead, we are now empowered to extend His mission in the world. This morning at the beach, we have not just a picture of a miraculous meal. This is our invitation for intimate relationship and service, affirming the message that spiritual nourishment often comes wrapped in the ordinary moments of life, where the Lord meets us.
Our risen Lord Jesus and great Shepherd shall not leave us in want. As He prepared breakfast on the shore of Galilee, in this early morning waiting for the disciples returning from a night of failed fishing trip, we too have the assurance of His provision, as the psalmist testifies: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:5-6 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.
Thursday, March 27, 2025
The Gospel of John 21:7-8 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.” (John 21:7-8 KJV).
In these passages, we observe the impulsive Peter rushing to be with the risen Lord Jesus Christ. His action is so typical with his nature. Acting on his feelings and emotions in a spur, as soon as, he hears John ‘the disciple that Jesus loved’ says “it is the Lord”. Peter wraps his outer garment around him and jumps out of the boat making a dash through the water to be with the Lord.
Coming into the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, like Peter, is what we ought to do. The Lord Jesus loved that of Peter, and of us too, having such zeal. Yes, he is the picture of us in his unmasked impulsive attitude. He is imperfect, just like us. But, one thing he possessed that we too must - is his eagerness to be in the presence of the Lord Jesus unpretentious. In the midst of hasty and often reckless actions, let’s have that enthusiasm towards the Lord. It is preferable for us to be enthusiastically hot in the Lord, than lukewarm (Revelation 3:15-16).
Peter was a fisherman. The Lord Jesus Christ had called him through a miracle of a large catch of fish. In that occasion, when Peter saw the Lord’s wondrous work, he fell down at the Lord's knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”” (Luke 5:4-8). The Lord called Peter to ministry again with a large catch of fish. Yet, most amazingly in this instance, the fisherman left behind the miraculous large catch and go rush towards the Lord. For the sheer joy of being in the presence of his risen Lord, Peter left the gift to be with the giver! What about us?
Like Peter, we should have the attitude to always seek being with our Lord Jesus Christ. As children of God by faith in Him, we have this assurance, as the psalmist testifies: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11 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.
“Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.” (John 21:7-8 KJV).
In these passages, we observe the impulsive Peter rushing to be with the risen Lord Jesus Christ. His action is so typical with his nature. Acting on his feelings and emotions in a spur, as soon as, he hears John ‘the disciple that Jesus loved’ says “it is the Lord”. Peter wraps his outer garment around him and jumps out of the boat making a dash through the water to be with the Lord.
Coming into the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, like Peter, is what we ought to do. The Lord Jesus loved that of Peter, and of us too, having such zeal. Yes, he is the picture of us in his unmasked impulsive attitude. He is imperfect, just like us. But, one thing he possessed that we too must - is his eagerness to be in the presence of the Lord Jesus unpretentious. In the midst of hasty and often reckless actions, let’s have that enthusiasm towards the Lord. It is preferable for us to be enthusiastically hot in the Lord, than lukewarm (Revelation 3:15-16).
Peter was a fisherman. The Lord Jesus Christ had called him through a miracle of a large catch of fish. In that occasion, when Peter saw the Lord’s wondrous work, he fell down at the Lord's knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”” (Luke 5:4-8). The Lord called Peter to ministry again with a large catch of fish. Yet, most amazingly in this instance, the fisherman left behind the miraculous large catch and go rush towards the Lord. For the sheer joy of being in the presence of his risen Lord, Peter left the gift to be with the giver! What about us?
Like Peter, we should have the attitude to always seek being with our Lord Jesus Christ. As children of God by faith in Him, we have this assurance, as the psalmist testifies: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11 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.
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
The Gospel of John 21:4-6 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.” (John 21:4-6 KJV).
Peter and his fellow disciples went a whole night’s fishing without a catch! Then dawn came with a query from the shore - "Friends, haven't you any fish?" Then, “He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” ” (John 21:4;6 NIV).
This mundane holler and interaction brought back to recollection that moment several years back. “One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.” (Luke 5:1-6 NIV).
Hence, in this deja vu moment, responding should be easy. Attending to God’s Words will surely result to abundance of blessings. In one occasion of the Lord’s teaching sessions, “… a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”” (Luke 11:27-28 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.
“But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.” (John 21:4-6 KJV).
Peter and his fellow disciples went a whole night’s fishing without a catch! Then dawn came with a query from the shore - "Friends, haven't you any fish?" Then, “He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” ” (John 21:4;6 NIV).
This mundane holler and interaction brought back to recollection that moment several years back. “One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.” (Luke 5:1-6 NIV).
Hence, in this deja vu moment, responding should be easy. Attending to God’s Words will surely result to abundance of blessings. In one occasion of the Lord’s teaching sessions, “… a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”” (Luke 11:27-28 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.
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
The Gospel of John 21:1-3 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself. There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.” (John 21:1-3 KJV).
At the tomb, the angel told the three women: ““Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’ ”” (Mark 16:6-7 NIV). In a confusing moment, what do you do when you don't know what to do? That’s where the disciples were, not really sure what they were supposed to do. With the Lord Jesus risen, their confusion was deep and expected. They’re amidst a new, life-altering event. But, they have the Lord’s instruction where to go.
We see two crucial things though, that they did to face this unprecedented time. They huddled bound by something, and by One that welds together. While only Seven disciples are identified by name in these passages, we can be certain all of them and some other believers are present gathering and comforting each other. They came here, at the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberius, as instructed. It all started here for Peter and his fellow fishermen when the Lord called them to “follow me” (Matthew 4:19). Now, in this focal moment, they are back in their familiar habitat. And, as always, there’s that tendency to fall back to old habit when things are tough. They all went and go fishing and caught nothing.
In other words, when all else are confusing, and you're not sure what to do, as the Lord’s redeemed through grace by faith in Him, we are to stick with each other and follow His instructions. Especially in this present time of our Lord’s return fast drawing close, Scriptures remind: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
“After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself. There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.” (John 21:1-3 KJV).
At the tomb, the angel told the three women: ““Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’ ”” (Mark 16:6-7 NIV). In a confusing moment, what do you do when you don't know what to do? That’s where the disciples were, not really sure what they were supposed to do. With the Lord Jesus risen, their confusion was deep and expected. They’re amidst a new, life-altering event. But, they have the Lord’s instruction where to go.
We see two crucial things though, that they did to face this unprecedented time. They huddled bound by something, and by One that welds together. While only Seven disciples are identified by name in these passages, we can be certain all of them and some other believers are present gathering and comforting each other. They came here, at the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberius, as instructed. It all started here for Peter and his fellow fishermen when the Lord called them to “follow me” (Matthew 4:19). Now, in this focal moment, they are back in their familiar habitat. And, as always, there’s that tendency to fall back to old habit when things are tough. They all went and go fishing and caught nothing.
In other words, when all else are confusing, and you're not sure what to do, as the Lord’s redeemed through grace by faith in Him, we are to stick with each other and follow His instructions. Especially in this present time of our Lord’s return fast drawing close, Scriptures remind: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25 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.
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.
Monday, March 24, 2025
The Gospel of John 20:30-31 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” (John 20:30-31 KJV).
On the view of the world, perhaps a complete biography of our Lord Jesus Christ would be much more amazing and entertaining, with a mind framed for entertainment. But, would that add value to instill faith? Perhaps it would, but perhaps not. Apostle John, however, guided by the Spirit of God, recorded his account to incite faith, and chose his material carefully to draw seekers to the Lord. His record of the gospel is very different from Matthew, Mark and Luke who all presented the human nature of the Lord and His mission in varying perspectives. Matthew opens his account to show the Lord’s royal genealogy through the line of David back to Abraham (Matthew 1:1). Mark presents the Lord’s human ministry assigned by the Father, ushered in by John the Baptist who prepared His way (Mark 1:1-9). Luke, establishes the Lord’s true humanity to relate with us, as shown in the complete account of His genealogy tracing from Joseph to Adam - the first created being (Luke 3:23-38).
Apostle John is giving us a deeper understanding of the Lord’s divinity. He is the Word who existed from the beginning with God (John 1:1-2). John selected few of the Lord’s messages of truth, with manifestations of miracles, signs and wonders He performed. He focused in depth on the Lord’s interactions with a few people. He didn't give us many miracles, signs and wonders, but instead selected a few. John wrote these to help us believe in Jesus as the Christ (the Messiah) and the only begotten Son of God. He, just like the other Gospel writers, knew that if we were to find life, it would be in Christ Jesus our Lord. During our quiet moments and private appointments with our Lord, it is very spiritually edifying to reflect, with muttering the Gospel of John, again and again. It enriches our faith in Him and bring our relationship closer with Him, our God and Father (1 Corinthians 8:6).
The Lord Jesus, in one of His moments alone with the Father, proclaimed these Words of prayers and supplications: ““I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” (John 17:20-23 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
“And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” (John 20:30-31 KJV).
On the view of the world, perhaps a complete biography of our Lord Jesus Christ would be much more amazing and entertaining, with a mind framed for entertainment. But, would that add value to instill faith? Perhaps it would, but perhaps not. Apostle John, however, guided by the Spirit of God, recorded his account to incite faith, and chose his material carefully to draw seekers to the Lord. His record of the gospel is very different from Matthew, Mark and Luke who all presented the human nature of the Lord and His mission in varying perspectives. Matthew opens his account to show the Lord’s royal genealogy through the line of David back to Abraham (Matthew 1:1). Mark presents the Lord’s human ministry assigned by the Father, ushered in by John the Baptist who prepared His way (Mark 1:1-9). Luke, establishes the Lord’s true humanity to relate with us, as shown in the complete account of His genealogy tracing from Joseph to Adam - the first created being (Luke 3:23-38).
Apostle John is giving us a deeper understanding of the Lord’s divinity. He is the Word who existed from the beginning with God (John 1:1-2). John selected few of the Lord’s messages of truth, with manifestations of miracles, signs and wonders He performed. He focused in depth on the Lord’s interactions with a few people. He didn't give us many miracles, signs and wonders, but instead selected a few. John wrote these to help us believe in Jesus as the Christ (the Messiah) and the only begotten Son of God. He, just like the other Gospel writers, knew that if we were to find life, it would be in Christ Jesus our Lord. During our quiet moments and private appointments with our Lord, it is very spiritually edifying to reflect, with muttering the Gospel of John, again and again. It enriches our faith in Him and bring our relationship closer with Him, our God and Father (1 Corinthians 8:6).
The Lord Jesus, in one of His moments alone with the Father, proclaimed these Words of prayers and supplications: ““I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” (John 17:20-23 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.
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, March 23, 2025
The Gospel of John 20:28-29 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” (John 20:28-29 KJV).
Exclaiming "My Lord and my God!", Thomas - the skeptic and unbelieving believer, is now restored as a believing believer. His encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ was definitely an “Ah-Ha” moment for the Apostle Thomas who at last has gotten it. By his exclamation, he rightly addressed the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. This should be a provocation for us in our now moment of reflection. Perhaps, each one should ask: is the Lord Jesus having the right place of sovereignty in my life? If not, we must take this our Ah-Ha moment too and surrender to His Lordship by truly believing so we can all be free from the shackles of religion and every worldly creeds.
The Lord’s declaration to Thomas is a profound message to us in this age, whose faith in Him made us a new creation. For us who have not physically seen it but believed, Apostle Peter in his affirming epistle exhorts us: “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:6-9 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.
“And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” (John 20:28-29 KJV).
Exclaiming "My Lord and my God!", Thomas - the skeptic and unbelieving believer, is now restored as a believing believer. His encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ was definitely an “Ah-Ha” moment for the Apostle Thomas who at last has gotten it. By his exclamation, he rightly addressed the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. This should be a provocation for us in our now moment of reflection. Perhaps, each one should ask: is the Lord Jesus having the right place of sovereignty in my life? If not, we must take this our Ah-Ha moment too and surrender to His Lordship by truly believing so we can all be free from the shackles of religion and every worldly creeds.
The Lord’s declaration to Thomas is a profound message to us in this age, whose faith in Him made us a new creation. For us who have not physically seen it but believed, Apostle Peter in his affirming epistle exhorts us: “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:6-9 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.
Saturday, March 22, 2025
The Gospel of John 20:27 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.” (John 20:27 KJV).
Grappling with disbelief after the resurrection of his Lord and Master, this is a pivotal moment for Apostle Thomas when the Lord Jesus Christ directly addressed his skepticism. During the past week, He doubted the testimonies of his fellow disciples, asserting that he would only believe if he could touch the wounds of the Lord. This demonstrates a major human struggle with faith that resonates with many people of this age, particularly in a world filled with deception, skepticism and uncertainty.
In this Sunday night’s gathering of the Lord's disciples, the Lord Jesus appeared with Thomas present and invited him to inspect His wounds, in a tone embodying divine grace. This invitation isn’t merely to satisfy his skepticism. It serves as mirror for us to reflect on to be grounded in our faith. This is to incite and nurture Apostle Thomas's faith, leading him to proclaim, “My Lord and my God.” This declaration, not only confirms the reality of the resurrection of our Lord and Thomas’ Lord, but also underscores the Lord’s divine nature. Recognizing and declaring Christ's Lordship is key to a truly living faith. With this passage, “Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”” (John 20:27 NIV), the Lord Jesus is challenging all believers. We are to navigate by faith and wisdom through the sea of doubts, exemplify our personal encounters with Him and transform our doubts into profound belief.
Scriptures remind us, as it is written: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:5-8 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.
“Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.” (John 20:27 KJV).
Grappling with disbelief after the resurrection of his Lord and Master, this is a pivotal moment for Apostle Thomas when the Lord Jesus Christ directly addressed his skepticism. During the past week, He doubted the testimonies of his fellow disciples, asserting that he would only believe if he could touch the wounds of the Lord. This demonstrates a major human struggle with faith that resonates with many people of this age, particularly in a world filled with deception, skepticism and uncertainty.
In this Sunday night’s gathering of the Lord's disciples, the Lord Jesus appeared with Thomas present and invited him to inspect His wounds, in a tone embodying divine grace. This invitation isn’t merely to satisfy his skepticism. It serves as mirror for us to reflect on to be grounded in our faith. This is to incite and nurture Apostle Thomas's faith, leading him to proclaim, “My Lord and my God.” This declaration, not only confirms the reality of the resurrection of our Lord and Thomas’ Lord, but also underscores the Lord’s divine nature. Recognizing and declaring Christ's Lordship is key to a truly living faith. With this passage, “Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”” (John 20:27 NIV), the Lord Jesus is challenging all believers. We are to navigate by faith and wisdom through the sea of doubts, exemplify our personal encounters with Him and transform our doubts into profound belief.
Scriptures remind us, as it is written: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:5-8 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.
Friday, March 21, 2025
The Gospel of John 20:26 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.” (John 20:26 KJV).
This passage is another pivotal and powerful moment of revelation to depict the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. He appeared again to the disciples on the Second Sunday after His rising from the dead while they were gathered in the same room with doors closed. Gathering as such, emphasized the existence of threat against the Lord’s disciples, especially with conspiracies hatched by the religious authorities swirling around Jerusalem concerning the Lord’s ‘missing’ body. They bribed the soldiers who guarded the tomb to lie that the Lord’s body was stolen by the disciples while they were asleep (Matthew 28:12-15). Thus, this deepen the disciples’ cautious hunkering to gather secretly in the same room with doors safely shut.
Unlike the Sunday before, in this night’s get-together Thomas for obvious reason showed up. He is the stubborn unbelieving believer, who behaved like any doubter would - insisting to see the nail marks on the Lord’s hands and spear hole in the Lord’s side, to believe. In this Second Sunday gathering, the Lord appears again, despite the closed doors. He displayed the power of intangibility, passing through physical barrier, solidifying the reality of His resurrection. Again, He greets them "Peace be unto you", not only to reassure the disciples and us - His redeemed by faith, but also to unleash the peace which transcends understanding that He only can give by His resurrection and victory over sin and death.
This peace is the kind of peace the Lord Jesus gives us (John 14:27). Apostle Paul calls us to let it rule in our hearts, as it is written: “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15 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.
“And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.” (John 20:26 KJV).
This passage is another pivotal and powerful moment of revelation to depict the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. He appeared again to the disciples on the Second Sunday after His rising from the dead while they were gathered in the same room with doors closed. Gathering as such, emphasized the existence of threat against the Lord’s disciples, especially with conspiracies hatched by the religious authorities swirling around Jerusalem concerning the Lord’s ‘missing’ body. They bribed the soldiers who guarded the tomb to lie that the Lord’s body was stolen by the disciples while they were asleep (Matthew 28:12-15). Thus, this deepen the disciples’ cautious hunkering to gather secretly in the same room with doors safely shut.
Unlike the Sunday before, in this night’s get-together Thomas for obvious reason showed up. He is the stubborn unbelieving believer, who behaved like any doubter would - insisting to see the nail marks on the Lord’s hands and spear hole in the Lord’s side, to believe. In this Second Sunday gathering, the Lord appears again, despite the closed doors. He displayed the power of intangibility, passing through physical barrier, solidifying the reality of His resurrection. Again, He greets them "Peace be unto you", not only to reassure the disciples and us - His redeemed by faith, but also to unleash the peace which transcends understanding that He only can give by His resurrection and victory over sin and death.
This peace is the kind of peace the Lord Jesus gives us (John 14:27). Apostle Paul calls us to let it rule in our hearts, as it is written: “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15 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.
Thursday, March 20, 2025
The Gospel of John 20:24-25 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.” (John 20:24-25 KJV).
It is amazing to note, how could have Apostle Thomas missed this Sunday evening when his fellow apostles were gathered together after the Lord’s body was found missing? Was he gallivanting around in this stressful day, considering that the Lord Jesus Christ was just crucified, buried and His body not in the tomb, with Mary giving them the good news that she saw Him alive? Or, was he just living up to his name Didymus, a double-minded man?
His stubborn unbelief and, in fact, demand (John 20:25) for outrageous proof, goes well beyond skepticism. Refusing to accept the eyewitness accounts of his closest friends, brethren, fellow apostles and disciples, position him to earn a suitable moniker. With the benefit of hindsight, having the knowledge we gathered from the revealed truth of God’s holy and written Words, we maybe tempted to judge these disciples, especially Thomas. We wonder how could they be so slow to get a grasp on these chain of events. But, we are blessed with certain angle to have the advantage of the fullness of the gospel available to us now. What we can see clearly now, could have easily flown over their heads. And, for us too, in their position at ground zero, we may had missed it, as well.
So, we should be thankful as the Lord’s redeemed by grace through faith. And, let us rest in the comfort of our fellow believers’ prayers that we may receive complete knowledge of God’s will and wisdom, as Apostle Paul revealed in His exhortation. He declared: “So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.” (Colossians 1:9-10 NLT).
And I say, AMEN!
“But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.” (John 20:24-25 KJV).
It is amazing to note, how could have Apostle Thomas missed this Sunday evening when his fellow apostles were gathered together after the Lord’s body was found missing? Was he gallivanting around in this stressful day, considering that the Lord Jesus Christ was just crucified, buried and His body not in the tomb, with Mary giving them the good news that she saw Him alive? Or, was he just living up to his name Didymus, a double-minded man?
His stubborn unbelief and, in fact, demand (John 20:25) for outrageous proof, goes well beyond skepticism. Refusing to accept the eyewitness accounts of his closest friends, brethren, fellow apostles and disciples, position him to earn a suitable moniker. With the benefit of hindsight, having the knowledge we gathered from the revealed truth of God’s holy and written Words, we maybe tempted to judge these disciples, especially Thomas. We wonder how could they be so slow to get a grasp on these chain of events. But, we are blessed with certain angle to have the advantage of the fullness of the gospel available to us now. What we can see clearly now, could have easily flown over their heads. And, for us too, in their position at ground zero, we may had missed it, as well.
So, we should be thankful as the Lord’s redeemed by grace through faith. And, let us rest in the comfort of our fellow believers’ prayers that we may receive complete knowledge of God’s will and wisdom, as Apostle Paul revealed in His exhortation. He declared: “So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.” (Colossians 1:9-10 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.
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, March 19, 2025
The Gospel of John 20:23 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.” (John 20:23 KJV).
Having received the Holy Spirit, the gift of breath the Lord Jesus gave to bring many to newness in life which He gave first to the apostles and to us who followed their faith, we are sent to proclaim the Lord’s true gospel (good news) of grace to the world. The resurrection power of the Lord Jesus Christ is bestowed on us, equipping us to reveal to all sinners that in Christ Jesus their sins - past, present and future, are already forgiven. They can receive this gift by believing in Him, receive Him and be born again. Those who reject this truth, that they (the apostles - the pioneers of faith) and us (believers in this age) reveal from His holy and written Words, will retain their sins and forgo the gift of eternal life.
Apostle Paul testified to the importance of this commission that, as with the disciples, we too must respond being recipients of the Lord’s saving grace by faith. We must have the same attitude, as Apostle Paul was. He professed, as it is written: “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” (Acts 20:24-25, 27 KJV).
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.
“whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.” (John 20:23 KJV).
Having received the Holy Spirit, the gift of breath the Lord Jesus gave to bring many to newness in life which He gave first to the apostles and to us who followed their faith, we are sent to proclaim the Lord’s true gospel (good news) of grace to the world. The resurrection power of the Lord Jesus Christ is bestowed on us, equipping us to reveal to all sinners that in Christ Jesus their sins - past, present and future, are already forgiven. They can receive this gift by believing in Him, receive Him and be born again. Those who reject this truth, that they (the apostles - the pioneers of faith) and us (believers in this age) reveal from His holy and written Words, will retain their sins and forgo the gift of eternal life.
Apostle Paul testified to the importance of this commission that, as with the disciples, we too must respond being recipients of the Lord’s saving grace by faith. We must have the same attitude, as Apostle Paul was. He professed, as it is written: “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” (Acts 20:24-25, 27 KJV).
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, March 18, 2025
The Gospel of John 20:22 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:” (John 20:22 KJV).
In the beginning, God created man from the dust. Scriptures say: “Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.” (Genesis 2:7 NLT). His Spirit breathed on us made us a living being. But, then our ancestor Adam, succumb to Satan’s bait. He had fallen and sinned. Mankind died for that fall (Genesis 2:17; 3:19). Man’s tainted blood of sin and death was passed on to every person physically born into this world. We needed to be renewed (Ephesians 4:23-32).
Driven by His love, the Lord Jesus Christ, who was in the beginning was the Word (John 1:1), stepped down into this world. Scriptures declare: “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.” (John 1:14 MSG). He was born as a baby destined to die to give us new life, by His resurrection from the dead. When He put on the cloth of immortality, 'death was swallowed up in victory' (1 Corinthians 15:54). Hence the Lord Jesus Christ, in His risen state, breathe a new spirit to the disciples and to all who believed, giving a new life as a new creation.
So, as we put our faith in our risen Lord Jesus Christ, He breathes in us the Holy Spirit and we are born again as a new creation. The truth revealed by the risen Lord Jesus Christ to Apostle Paul, being the Lord’s redeemed by grace through faith in Him, we are assured as it is written: “And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:15-17 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.
“And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:” (John 20:22 KJV).
In the beginning, God created man from the dust. Scriptures say: “Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.” (Genesis 2:7 NLT). His Spirit breathed on us made us a living being. But, then our ancestor Adam, succumb to Satan’s bait. He had fallen and sinned. Mankind died for that fall (Genesis 2:17; 3:19). Man’s tainted blood of sin and death was passed on to every person physically born into this world. We needed to be renewed (Ephesians 4:23-32).
Driven by His love, the Lord Jesus Christ, who was in the beginning was the Word (John 1:1), stepped down into this world. Scriptures declare: “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.” (John 1:14 MSG). He was born as a baby destined to die to give us new life, by His resurrection from the dead. When He put on the cloth of immortality, 'death was swallowed up in victory' (1 Corinthians 15:54). Hence the Lord Jesus Christ, in His risen state, breathe a new spirit to the disciples and to all who believed, giving a new life as a new creation.
So, as we put our faith in our risen Lord Jesus Christ, He breathes in us the Holy Spirit and we are born again as a new creation. The truth revealed by the risen Lord Jesus Christ to Apostle Paul, being the Lord’s redeemed by grace through faith in Him, we are assured as it is written: “And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:15-17 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.
Monday, March 17, 2025
The Gospel of John 20:21 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” (John 20:21 KJV).
Most often in this world, peace is expressed in a selfish way of withdrawing from the chatter of the world, even from those we are supposed to be close with. For the Lord Jesus Christ, peace is an infusion received from times spent alone in closeness with His Father (Matthew 14:13, Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16), so He could go and minister to the world. He calls us to find our peace spending time with and in Him, to minister to the world, as well, as we too are sent by the Lord. He gives us the peace rooted in His victory over death, His presence in us through His Holy Spirit, and His assurance of our future with and in Him. This brand of peace fuels our passion for doing the work of Christ Jesus and for being sent by Him into the world to bless it with His grace.
This peace He gives us is not of this World. In His Word the Lord Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives” (John 14:27a NIV). This peace flows from the embrace of His love, in oneness with Him through our prayers and supplications. In the epistle of Apostle Paul, we are reminded to -“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7 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 said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” (John 20:21 KJV).
Most often in this world, peace is expressed in a selfish way of withdrawing from the chatter of the world, even from those we are supposed to be close with. For the Lord Jesus Christ, peace is an infusion received from times spent alone in closeness with His Father (Matthew 14:13, Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16), so He could go and minister to the world. He calls us to find our peace spending time with and in Him, to minister to the world, as well, as we too are sent by the Lord. He gives us the peace rooted in His victory over death, His presence in us through His Holy Spirit, and His assurance of our future with and in Him. This brand of peace fuels our passion for doing the work of Christ Jesus and for being sent by Him into the world to bless it with His grace.
This peace He gives us is not of this World. In His Word the Lord Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives” (John 14:27a NIV). This peace flows from the embrace of His love, in oneness with Him through our prayers and supplications. In the epistle of Apostle Paul, we are reminded to -“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7 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, March 16, 2025
The Gospel of John 20:19-20 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.” (John 20:19-20 KJV).
It had been a roller-coaster weekend for the Lord’s disciples. He was arrested, falsely tried, and executed. They had eaten Passover with Him and then abandoned Him in His time of need, except for John who stayed with Him and stood at the foot of His cross. They’re marked as wanted men: As followers of one who's falsely condemned as a criminal and crucified, and in this evening of Sunday, they were huddled in a locked room in fear for their lives. They heard from Mary and other ladies that the Lord was alive, but couldn't quite grasp it fully because it’s out of their usual sphere of exposure or even hope - there having no precedent to rationalize with.
Then suddenly, He was in the midst of them. They heard His voice and were both comforted and thrilled with His familiar greeting, "Peace be with you," which the Lord proclaimed in Hebrew, "Shalom!". He showed them His nail and spear wounds, and there He is among them. Suddenly, joy rushed in and wiped out their every other emotions. Each one of them proclaimed: "The Lord is alive! I see him with my own eyes! He lives!" And, so do we, by faith!
Yes, by the power of the Lord’s resurrection, we are given a new life, as the same Spirit who raised Him from death dwells in us by faith in Him. It is written, Scriptures affirm: “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:11-13 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 the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.” (John 20:19-20 KJV).
It had been a roller-coaster weekend for the Lord’s disciples. He was arrested, falsely tried, and executed. They had eaten Passover with Him and then abandoned Him in His time of need, except for John who stayed with Him and stood at the foot of His cross. They’re marked as wanted men: As followers of one who's falsely condemned as a criminal and crucified, and in this evening of Sunday, they were huddled in a locked room in fear for their lives. They heard from Mary and other ladies that the Lord was alive, but couldn't quite grasp it fully because it’s out of their usual sphere of exposure or even hope - there having no precedent to rationalize with.
Then suddenly, He was in the midst of them. They heard His voice and were both comforted and thrilled with His familiar greeting, "Peace be with you," which the Lord proclaimed in Hebrew, "Shalom!". He showed them His nail and spear wounds, and there He is among them. Suddenly, joy rushed in and wiped out their every other emotions. Each one of them proclaimed: "The Lord is alive! I see him with my own eyes! He lives!" And, so do we, by faith!
Yes, by the power of the Lord’s resurrection, we are given a new life, as the same Spirit who raised Him from death dwells in us by faith in Him. It is written, Scriptures affirm: “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:11-13 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.
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