The Gospel of Luke 21:1-4 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: for all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.” (Luke 21:1-4 KJV).

As our Lord Jesus continues teaching in the temple, He notices the poor widow offering her two small copper coins into the temple coffers. Through the lens of the New Covenant of Grace, He uses this as a warning. If we are not careful, we can easily come to a point of honoring those who are wealthy because their gifts are large in monetary value, even though their actual sacrifices may be small or none at all. God, however, knows our hearts when we give. He knows what we hold back and why. He also knows how much we give away and the attitude which has prompted that giving. Many give their surpluses from luxurious lifestyles, not a sacrifice taken out of their needs for living, not even out of their wants. It is not a matter of the size of the gift, rather it is the size of the heart that matters. 

In another reality, all around us are unnoticed people who are living in God’s grace by the unction of the Holy Spirit for the Lord, but who would not or seldom receive human recognition. Our Lord Jesus, however, notices them. He knows their hearts as they give and serve. Not one act of kindness we do, led by the Spirit, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and for the glory of the Kingdom will be overlooked and forgotten. Not one sacrifice for the Savior will go unnoticed. He knows the truth behind our gifts of sacrifice and is blessed when they come from a generous, compassionate, and joyous heart, regardless of material value. 

Right giving, as with the widow’s act, is an issue of trust. Throwing in to offer all she has is having the faith that her source, who is God, will supply all her needs, as promised in the Lord’s holy and written Words. It is written, Apostle Paul exhorts: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Philippians 4:19-20 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 20:45-47 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples, Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts; which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.” (Luke 20:45-47 KJV).

These verses squarely warn against the dangers of self-righteousness, religious legalism, and exploiting the vulnerable. The hypocritical performance-based religion of the Pharisees, then, and many others in this present age, contrasts head on with the beauty and freedom of the New Covenant of grace.

Our Lord Jesus Christ warns His disciples, in the hearing of the crowd that followed Him, to avoid the mindset of the religious leaders and scholars. They loved recognition and accolades of people. They seek chief seats in social and official functions, flowing robes, and flattering greetings. By their self-effort, they pursue "behavior modification" arrogantly displayed, rather than true, heart-felt transformation in humility of yielding to Christ Jesus.

These leaders love to exploit the most vulnerable people in society while masking their greed with long, public prayers for show. Their pious acts were driven by religious obligation and a desire to look holy to others. Their religious living is totally in contrast with living under the gospel of the grace of God in Christ. True holiness and righteous living are the "fruit" of an intimate love relationship with Christ Jesus, not the result of trying to impress God or people through self-effort.

The Lord, therefore, warns us, as it is written: “And in his teaching he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”” (Mark 12:38-40 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 20:41-44 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David's son? And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I make thine enemies thy footstool. David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?” (Luke 20:41-44 KJV).

In these passages, our Lord Jesus Christ asks a puzzle question to prove His divinity. He asks: how can the Messiah be just King David’s son when David called the Messiah "Lord" in Psalm 110:1. With this, He is giving a cue providing a vital proof that He is fully God and David's Lord, not just a human earthly descendant of David.

The religious leaders of the day believed the Messiah would simply be a great earthly military king from David’s human family tree. Hence, the Lord Jesus quotes Psalm 110:1, where David says, "The Lord said to my Lord..." to remind that David knew who He is. The culture then and now, never consider a father calls his son "Lord". By calling his own prophesied descendant "Lord," David reveals the Messiah is eternal and God in the shell of flesh.

The passage quoted the Father tells the Messiah to “sit at my right hand”. Looking through this in the lens of grace, "Sitting" is a picture of total rest. We are reminded by these verses that because the Lord already defeated sin and death, we no longer need to struggle or fight our enemies. Instead, we rest in His victory while God places our problems (enemies) under our feet. As it is written: “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!


Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 20:39-40 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said. And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.” (Luke 20:39-40 KJV).

With the Lord’s masterful response in revealing the reality of the resurrection, His adversaries - the scribes, are silenced. They cease asking Him questions, giving triumph of Grace and truth over the deceptive religious workers of self-effort under the law. When the religious elite tried to trap our Lord Jesus Christ with trick questions by their religious designs, He answered them with divine wisdom, leaving them with no further tricks to use. The scribes’ "Gotcha" questions were running out, along with their unbiblical man-made religious rituals of Self-Effort.

The Pharisees and scribes were obsessed with their religious law and self-righteousness (trying hard to do things to earn God’s favor). In this chapter of Luke’s gospel, they attempted to trap the Lord to catch Him in His words. However, our Lord Jesus Christ consistently exposed the emptiness of their religious words and ways, revealing the true, liberating nature of God's grace.

Hence, the scribes "no longer dared to ask Him any question at all." The Scriptures in many occasions illustrate that human intellect and religious self-confidence are no match for the wisdom of Christ Jesus. When people stop trying to impress God with their own works and limitations of the "flesh" (human effort) their conscience goes silent, making room for the Holy Spirit to do His work. If only they soften their hearts and submit. This reminds us to be still and be humble always to let the Holy Spirit work in us, as it is written: “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 20:37-38 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.” (Luke 20:37-38 KJV).

In refuting the Sadducees' denial of the resurrection, the Lord Jesus pointed to Moses at the burning bush. He highlights that God is "not the God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to Him," He is revealing that death is merely a temporary sleep for the body, while those who truly believe, their souls remain vibrantly alive in God's presence. Through the lens of grace, this highlights three main spiritual realities.

Our Lord Jesus used the example of the burning bush (where God declared Himself the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob centuries after they died) to prove that physical death does not end a believer's relationship with God. In His eyes, all who trust in Him are alive, always.

By our Lord’s finished work on the cross, He conquered sin and death. True believers who rest in grace through faith in the Lord, no longer need to live in bondage to the "mother of all fears" (the fear of death and judgment). By understanding that you are eternally secure and "alive to God," you can rest in His grace and experience His peace in your daily life, knowing your eternal destiny is guaranteed by the risen Lord. We have our Lord’s assurance: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”” (John 10:28-30 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 20:34-36 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: but they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.” (Luke 20:34-36 KJV).

These passages remind us of the realities and truths of being children of the resurrection. In this physical realm, the sons and daughters of this age marry and given in marriage. Marriage is an earthly design of God for the present physical world, primarily to fill and populate the earth (Genesis 1:28) and provide companionship in oneness (Genesis 2:24).

"...But those who are counted worthy..”- those who are resurrected into eternal life with the Lord Jesus Christ by faith, “…they neither marry…”. In the resurrection, the spiritual bodies will no longer need the earthly institution of marriage for procreation or completeness. We are transformed into our heavenly nature not subject to earthly conditions of death and decay. We will be united with the Lord, as His bride forever (Revelation 19:7-9).

"Nor can they die anymore... they are sons of God". As believers in Christ Jesus, we will be incorruptible, fully sharing in the divine, eternal life of Christ. Scriptures declare, as it is written: “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.” 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 20:27-33 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him, saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children. And the second took her to wife, and he died childless. And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died. Last of all the woman died also. Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife.” (Luke 20:27-33 KJV).

These passages show that certain Sadducees approached our Lord Jesus with a highly far-fetched, hypothetical question to mock the supernatural reality of the resurrection. This is because the Sadducees belonging to another denomination of religion, completely rejected the message of grace and truth and of miracles, angels, and of life after physical death. They too attempted to trap our Lord Jesus Christ using a bizarre application of Moses' law regarding levirate marriage that requires a man to marry his brother’s widow. This highlights the radical difference between earthly, fleshly relationships and our future heavenly spiritual reality.

Our Lord Jesus shuts down the Sadducees' skepticism by affirming that God is the God of the living, proving that the dead will indeed arise. Instead of focusing on earthly relationships continuing into the afterlife, this directs our attention to the finished work of our Lord. He teaches that resurrection is God's ultimate proof that humanity has been justified and cleared of all sin, and of death to live forever in his real spiritual state in a glorified body.

This, therefore, reminds us about moving past the limited, earthly way of thinking to marvel at the glorious, eternal life secured for those who believe in the finished work on the cross and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Him, we passed from death to life (John 5:24). In love, God’s Holy and Written Words give us this affirmation and assurance: “Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.” (1 John 3:13-14 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 20:26 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.” (Luke 20:26 KJV).

With masterclass wisdom, our Lord Jesus outmaneuvers the religious leaders who try to trap Him with question about paying tribute to Caesar of Rome. Instead of falling into their trap, our Lord gives a brilliant, grace-centered response that avoids worldly entanglement while keeping His focus on the kingdom of God. He was asked by the spies of the Jewish religious leaders with a trick question to make Him say something they can use as cause to arrest Him.

The Lord frustrates their plan with His masterful deflection using a Roman coin bearing the image of Caesar. This response of the Lord ultimately gives a spiritual lesson on value and ownership. Caesar's image stamped on the coin, affirms it belongs to him. Now, you and I are made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-28). We are stamped with God's image! Hence, we belong entirely to Him, not to the world or the law or religion

The spies are perplexed and silenced. They marvel at the Lord’s wisdom and find no cause to accuse Him of anything publicly, watching the Lord walk away in authority. Rather than getting bogged down in legalism, religious rules, or worldly politics, our Lord Jesus reminds us - being His redeemed, to focus on where our true citizenship is. Because we are stamped with the image of God, our ultimate allegiance, worship, and trust are to be given to Him, as it is written: “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” (Philippians 3:20-21 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 20:23-25 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me? Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Cæsar's. And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which be Cæsar's, and unto God the things which be God's.” (Luke 20:23-25 KJV).

Our Lord Jesus Christ outsmarts His religious trappers in their craft with His famous phrase, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." These passages display a brilliant lesson in grace versus the law, highlighting the distinction between earthly obligations and heavenly ownership. The religious leaders try to trap the Lord with a crafty question in regard with the Roman poll tax. If He says to pay the tax, He’d be accused of collaborating with the oppressive Roman Empire. If He says no, they can report Him to the Roman authorities for treason. So, He asks to see a coin and points out that Caesar’s image is etched on it.

The Lord’s response to the spies, says that as Caesar's image is on the coin, they have to give him back his coin. In New Covenant terms, this means we have practical, earthly duties while passing through this world abiding in the unction of the Holy Spirit. In the heaven’s realm, our Lord Jesus states we must render to God what is God’s. News flash! You and I are stamped with God’s image (Genesis 1:26). We completely belong to Him.

While the religious leaders focus on demanding legal and religious obligations, our Lord Jesus reminds them and us now, that true worship and submission involve offering your entire being to God, who freely sent His Son to save us. We now, therefore, live in the flesh by the faith of the Son of God, who loved us, and gave himself for us (Galatians 2:20). This, Apostle Paul exhorts us, as it is written: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” (Romans 12:1ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

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

When God Says …

“And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor. And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly: Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Cæsar, or no?” (Luke 20:20-22 KJV).

In these passages, the religious leaders try to trap our Lord Jesus with a politically charged question about paying taxes to Caesar. This presents a masterclass display of how the Lord handles human legalistic traps to shift the focus toward the divinity of God's Kingdom and the encompassing nature of grace. The spies, pretending as sincere members of the crowd, were planted to catch the Lord Jesus off guard.

The Gospel of the Grace of God doesn't rely on human performance or on impressing God with outward displays of righteousness. When people try to use the law to measure up or trick others to do the same, it fails. Besides, the Lord Jesus saw right through their craftiness, unmasking the fact that their questions were rooted in a desire for control rather than a pursuit of truth. The Lord knows the heart of those sent to spy and those who sent them.

The spies’ question of paying tribute to Caesar was designed as a "win-win" for the religious leaders. If the Lord says “yes,” the Jewish people would accuse Him of being a traitor. If He says “no,” the Romans would arrest Him for treason against the Empire. But, the Lord did not come to deal with politics, physical kingdom and religion. Hence, He asked for a coin, draw their attention to Caesar’s image stamped on it, and declared they should "render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God those that are God's”.

Just as the coin bore Caesar's image and belonged to him, you and I bear the image of God and we belong entirely to Him. It is written: “Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”” (Genesis 1:26 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 20:19 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.” (Luke 20:19 KJV).

The Lord Jesus uses encounters, like what this passage reveals, to draw a sharp contrast between living under the Old Covenant of the Law and living under the New Covenant of God’s Grace. Hearing the Lord’s message, the religious leaders hated Him and they feared the crowd, instead of God. That’s the tragedy of religion. It makes them people’s-applause oriented.

The chief priests and teachers of the law were completely consumed with performance of self-effort and control. So, when our Lord Jesus preached, it stripped away their self-righteous facade, making them furious to the point that they want to lay hands on Him, but hindered by the crowd who knew that the Lord’s parables were directed at them-the religious leadership. The law demands perfection from people who cannot give it, which inevitably should lead them to need a savior. But, in their case, being corrupted by religion, it breeds anger, contempt, and jealousy. Hence, they plotted to kill Him, right there in that instance. But, ironically, their fear of the people prevented them. That’s how religion perverts people’s line of thinking.

As the religious leaders rejected our Lord Jesus, who is the ultimate Cornerstone, they relied on their own strength and failed. This is reminding us that "Grace” supplies believers with all their needs through the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross, removing the pressure to perform by self-effort. By grace we rest. We have the Lord’s assurance as testified by Apostle Paul in the Scriptures. It is written: “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 20:17-18 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, The same is become the head of the corner? Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” (Luke 20:17-18KJV).

These passages give a powerful call to rest in our Lord’s finished work, rather than relying on self-effort. Choosing to fall on the "Rock" (that is total submission to His grace) brings breakthrough, while to opt for the "Rock" falling on you (that’s resisting against the Lord’s grace and love) brings judgment.

Our Lord Jesus is the stone that the builders (the Pharisees, Priests and Scribes) cast aside because He did not fit into their rigid, law-based religious system. To you and I that believed, making Him the foundation in building our lives to live, He is our unshakable anchor. Yes, despite rejection by the builders, God made our Lord Jesus Christ the ultimate cornerstone—the foundation and most vital part of the new spiritual building, the church-who are the body of believers; not the institution of religion.

To "fall on the stone" is an act of humility. It means surrendering your pride, your self-righteousness, and your reliance on the Law. When you submit on our Lord Jesus by faith, in the midst of your brokenness, He doesn’t crush you. Instead, He forgives you and builds you a beautiful, grace-filled life in Himself.

If you reject the Lord Jesus and stubbornly insist on justifying yourself by your own good works and by keeping the rules, you are heading for judgment. Why? You can’t justify by your effort! You fall short (Romans 3:23). In this scenario, the "Rock" represents the crushing weight of God's holy law, which will eventually fall on those who refuse forgiveness by grace found in Christ Jesus.

Under the New Covenant of Grace, God is no longer dealing with you based on your sins or your good works. Our Lord Jesus wants you to stop trying to earn your own blessings by keeping the heavy load of the Law. He calls you and all to: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 20:15b-16 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“What therefore shall the Lord of the vineyard do unto them? He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give the vineyard to others. And when they heard it, they said, God forbid.” (Luke 20:15b-16KJV).

With these verses, our Lord Jesus Christ prophesies His own crucifixion and the judgment of Israel’s religious leaders. That’s what these lines of the parable tells about the vineyard owner who sends his son to collect rent from the wicked tenants. The tenants kill the son, thinking they can steal his inheritance.

The vineyard is the tribe of Israel, the wicked tenants, the husbandmen are the religious leaders (the Pharisees, Priests and scribes), and the beloved son is our Lord Jesus Himself. The tenants in the parable represent those who try to claim the inheritance through their own works. In contrast, as believers resting in the Lord’s grace, we inherit the Kingdom not because of our own efforts, but because of the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. He gave Himself to be killed by the tenants for you and I.

Under the reign of the New Covenant of grace, believers are made a new creation in Christ. Judgment and death are already behind you. The harsh judgment spoken of in Luke 20:16 was specifically directed at those who rejected our Lord Jesus as the Messiah. But those who place their faith in Him are permanently under God's grace and unmerited favor. In Christ Jesus, we are given a new identity before the Almighty God our Father. Scriptures affirm: “Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”” (2 Corinthians6:17-18 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 20:14-15a When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be our's. So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him.” (Luke 20:14-15a KJV).

This puts to light the devastating reality of human greed, rejecting God’s authority, and the tragic cost of rejecting Christ Jesus our Lord, the Only Begotten Son of God. The husbandmen’s logic reveals the sad state of humanity’s bankrupt spiritual fabric, rejecting God’s sovereignty, and the consequential terrible loss of spurning the Lord Jesus Christ our Redeemer.

As children of God in Christ Jesus by faith, under the abundant supply of the New Covenant of grace, we do not work to get an inheritance—we already have it because of the Lord’s death on the cross. Trying to "seize" it by self-effort is an insult to the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ. By casting the Son out of the vineyard and killing Him, the religious establishment rejected the very person of Grace. When you push Grace who is the Lord Jesus Christ out of your life to rely on your own strength to fulfill the law, you cut off your own supply of life, favor, and protection. You fall from Grace! The Scriptures declare: “You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.” (Galatians 5:4 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.

The Gospel of Luke 20:13 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then said the Lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him.” (Luke 20:13 KJV).

This passage is the ultimate revelation of God's love. Despite centuries long of humanity rejecting His word through the prophets, God chose not to judge, but to send His beloved Son. This highlights several foundational truths. The supremacy of the Father’s heart of grace over wrath is laid bare. When the tenants (representing the religious leaders) continuously mistreated the landowner's servants-representing the prophets, a natural human response would be fierce retaliation. Instead, the landowner representing God says, "What shall I do? I will send my beloved son". This illustrates God’s loving heart—restraining His wrath on rebellious humanity, sending our Lord Jesus Christ out of an overflowing desire to save.

The “Lord of the vineyard" represents God the Father, and the "beloved son" is our Lord Jesus Christ. The owner sending his son shows the lengths to which God's love goes—sending His very best, even when He knows humanity does not deserve it. He sends Him knowing the worst of humanity’s rebellion will be cast upon Him. He sends Him out of His love for you and me.

Our Lord Jesus was revealed in the person of Joseph in the Old Testament. Just as Joseph's jealous brothers rejected him and threw him into a pit, our Lord Jesus was rejected, crucified and thrown in the grave by those He came to love and to save, His fellow Jews. Yet, despite of that betrayal, God brought forth salvation and new life to the whole world that He loves. That’s us, you and I! It is written: ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:16-17 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 20:9-12 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time. And at the season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him, and sent him away empty. And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away empty. And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out.” (Luke 20:9-12 KJV).

The Lord Jesus tells this parable of the “wicked tenants”, to the people gathered with Him in Jerusalem. It paints a vivid picture of a vineyard owner, who is God, sending servants (representing the prophets) to collect his harvest, only to have them repeatedly sent away empty-handed and beaten by selfish tenants - the husbandmen, that represent the religious leadership of the Jews.

The owner is God the Father, who lovingly planted the vineyard and provided everything it needed to thrive. The vineyard is the nation of Israel - the descendants of Abraham, God’s chosen people. The husbandmen are the Jewish religious and community leaders, who were entrusted with guiding and caring for God's people but sought to use their positions for personal gain and control. They are perpetuated by today’s enterprises of religious people, deceiving many using the Lord’s name in vain.

The servants represent the long line of Old Testament prophets sent by God. For centuries, God patiently sent messengers to direct the people toward righteousness through yielding to His grace. But, the religious leaders stubbornly rejected, abused, and sometimes killed them. Hence, this is our awakening nudge to be set free from all forms of religious system. They are the instrument used by the enemy of our soul for many to be held captive in wrong belief. We must act now to enter in God’s grace and be set free. Let us be set free by faith in the Son! “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 20:8 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.” (Luke 20:8 KJV).

This passage tells us that our Lord Jesus disrupt the sly motives of the deceptive religious leaders, by not divulging by what authority He is doing what He does. We just watch divine wisdom at work, with the Lord Jesus outsmarting His accusers, showing how He protects His ministry from those trying to trap Him before His time. Those religious chief priests and scribes audaciously confronted Him with questions about His authority.

The Lord Jesus "turning the tables," by answering their question with a question, reveals that those who reject God's evident grace won't receive more answers intellectually. The religious leaders were so "demand-oriented," relying on the strict demands of the Law. Instead of submitting to the grace of God with its free heavenly "supply", they pursue trapping the Lord in a debate.

Because the Pharisees, Priests and Scribes hardened their hearts and refused to acknowledge the plain truth within their grasp, they’re caught in their own trap. Our Lord Jesus brilliantly gave them a dose of their trick withholding further revelation, by famously saying, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things."

This is a brighter-than-sun warning to all who walk haphazardly in this world going with the flow of where the wide world and deceptions of religions are going. It is time to stop resisting and enter into our Lord’s invitation to rest in His unmerited favor by faith in Christ Jesus. For Scriptures declare: “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4 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.

The Gospel of Luke 20:5-7 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not? But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet. And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was.” (Luke 20:5-7 KJV).

The religious leaders, in questioning the Lord’s authority, they intended to trap Him. But knowing their hearts, the Lord exposed their hypocrisy by asking about their opinion of John the Baptist's baptism. This moment highlights the self-righteousness of the Pharisees versus the grace-based divine authority of the Lord. Trapped by their own game of entrapment, the Pharisees and priests backed off from answering the Lord’s question. They fear the crowd that they aim to gain applause from. That’s the design of religion - to please people instead of God.

The scribes and chief priests didn't want the truth; they wanted to trap our Lord Jesus Christ. They were threatened by His message of grace and truth that sets people free from the law. Our Lord Jesus knew they were dishonest and snags them in their own trap with their fear of the crowds. John the Baptist’s ministry prepared the way for the Messiah. By refusing to answer whether John's baptism was from heaven or man, the religious leaders gave away their rejection of the very Spirit of God.

Through His overarching message of the New Covenant of God’s grace, our Lord Jesus highlights that authority doesn't come from human approval or rigid religious rules. While the Pharisees demanded answers to defend their own religious control, our Lord Jesus operated out of complete reliance on the Father’s grace and the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Hence, as sons and daughters of God in Christ Jesus, this reminds us to operate by the leading of the Holy Spirit. It is written: “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. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” (Romans 8:13-15 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 20:3-4 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me: The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?” (Luke 20:3-4 KJV).

In earlier passages, our Lord Jesus is confronted by the chief priests and leaders who demand to know by what authority He is doing miracles and teachings. Instead of answering them directly, our Lord turns the tables and answers them by asking a question about John’s baptism in these two succeeding verses. Such a masterclass in how He disarmed His legalistic accusers with heavenly wisdom. He disarmed the religious hypocrisy of the chief priests and scribes who challenged His authority because they relied on their own self-effort of righteousness. By asking them whether John's baptism was from "heaven or from men" (Luke 20:4), the Lord exposed their true motives. They weren't seeking truth; they were protecting their man-made religious systems.

When we walk in heavenly wisdom by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, we rest in God’s grace. The Holy Spirit gives us "a mouth and wisdom" that our adversaries cannot negate or contradict. Our Lord Jesus didn't rely on human debate; He used God's wisdom to overcome the trickery of the Pharisees' and in our now - the trickery of present day religious enterprises and the enticements of the world. In Christ Jesus we have the Holy Spirit to lead us (Romans 8:14).

Most of all, we must remain in His love by yielding our lives to be loved by Him. Let nothing ever separate us from His love (Romans 8:35-39). We have the reassuring promise, as it is written: “By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world.” (1 John 4:17 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 20:1-2 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders, and spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?” (Luke 20:1-2 KJV).

While in the midst of one of His daily teachings in the temple, the Lord Jesus was challenged by the religious chief priests and scribes as to whose authority He teaches and performs miracles. This is a start to the defining clash between the demands of the law and the supply of God’s grace. These religious leaders are self-righteous. They reject the Lord’s grace, and refuse to accept that God's power is displayed freely through the Messiah.

The chief priests and scribes represent the Old Covenant of the Law, which is characterized by a "demand" on human performance. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the person of the New Covenant of Grace, who is the source of the constant "supply" of God’s love, healing, and unmerited favor.

When the religious leaders demand, "Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things?" (Luke 20:2), they were driven by a transactional mindset. They want to know the Who, while rejecting the very source of their salvation and the Person who is the answer to their question right in front of them. This teaches that true authority comes not from keeping religious rules, but from trusting in the only Son of God and His finished work on the cross.

These warn all believers today not to fall into the religious trap of mixing the demands of the Law with the New Covenant’s supply of Grace. As the Lord’s followers, we must shift our focus from the demands of trying hard to observe the law and performing rituals of religion, to totally depend on the abounding supply of God's grace. Religion is not of the true God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. We rest in the authority and power of His grace. That, we do by drawing near to His thrown of grace, as it is written: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 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.