The Gospel of Luke 18:35-37 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: and hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.” (Luke 18:35-37 KJV).

Luke is about to wind down his “travelogue” of the Lord’s journey towards Jerusalem. The Lord is around the area near Jericho (a distance of nine hours on foot to Jerusalem), with a blind beggar on the side of the road. The blind man hears a commotion of people passing by which alerted him of a major activity happening.

This beggar is in a unique vantage point. He couldn’t see, but he hears clearly to get a grasp of what’s unfolding and which is useful to gain access into believing, as scriptures say: faith comes by hearing. When a person loses one of his major sense, like seeing, the remaining senses magnify its sensory ability and capability. So, he knows and accepts the blunt truths of what he has heard about the Lord Jesus Christ. Hearing is one of his effective and reliable tool of knowing and believing. As a blind man, he doesn’t have to seek visual signs to believe, like the Pharisees and other religious people do.

When this blind man asks the passers-by what’s going on? They answer, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by". From all he's heard, this man named Jesus is the promised fulfillment of God's covenant with David—He is the Son of David! Apparently, he has also heard that the Lord Jesus can heal. From what he has heard, certainly it planted a seed of belief in the Lord Jesus Christ in his heart. That’s all he needs. And we too, being children of God to have become children of God, we only need to hear His words. Hence, it is of a paramount importance for us not to disregard using our ears to hear. With an ear to hear, we are blessed! As it is written: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17 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 18:31-34 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: and they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again. And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.” (Luke 18:31-34 KJV).

In these passages, our Lord Jesus takes His disciples aside and tells them in the third person perspective that everything written by the prophets in the Old Testament concerning Him will be fulfilled in Jerusalem. He details His impending suffering: He will be delivered to the Gentiles, mocked, insulted, spit upon, flogged, and killed, but He will rise on the third day. Without the benefit of hindsight and under the era of the work-based mindset, the scripture notes that the disciples understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, in that moment though will be brought to their remembrance, later. The Holy Spirit who comes at the Pentecost will teach them and us, who now believe, all truth.

Viewed through the lens of the gospel of the grace of God, these passages emphasize several points of truth. These highlight the imminent fulfillment of the demands of the covenant of the law, and the ushering in of the supply of the covenant of grace. The Lord was killed - not as a victim of murder, but as an intentionally appointed Savior.

When the Lord says “all things... will be accomplished,” it points out that He knew exactly what He was walking into. He boldly faced the cross to endure the mocking, scourging, and death —because He knew His sacrifice was the only way to completely pay the sins of humanity once and for all. It is written that, “For even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”” (Mark 10:45; Matthew 20:28 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 18:28-30 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.” (Luke 18:28-30 KJV).

Decisions. Decisions Decisions. There are thousands of decisions we make daily in our lives which lead us to where we are in our state of being in the now and where we will be, forever. Here, we have a very reassuring revelation for us to decide: we can’t out-give God! Apostle Peter reacted with declaration of their decisive response to the Lord’s call: Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men." “At once they left their nets and followed him.” “They left all and followed the Lord.” (Matthew 4:19-20; Mark 1:17-18).

The Lord’s follow through response to Apostle Peter, further reassures that no matter what you decide to give up for His Kingdom, the blessings He provides far outweigh the loss for what you give up. It gives a picture of seed time and harvest. You give up and lose a seed buried in the ground, for exponential return of manifold seeds at the time of harvest.

Blessings abound to you and I, in this present life and in life everlasting, when we make that core decision driven by love to give God our life to be loved by Him. Lord Jesus said: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:37-39 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 18:26-27 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” (Luke 18:26-27 KJV).

In the midst of the Lord’s teaching of the impossibility for the rich to enter God’s kingdom, those who heard it, including the disciples, were shocked and asked - "Who then can be saved?" For a person driven to strive his best this is a question of wonder. Or, perhaps, this is somehow a question of someone not listening, as the Lord has emphatically said - “sell all your possessions and come follow me!”

The rich young ruler who encounters the Lord, represents human pride and self-reliance. By trusting in his own wealth and good works, he believed he could earn his way into heaven. Our Lord’s statement reaffirms that salvation is impossible to achieve through man’s self-effort, willpower, or even personal sacrifice.

We are therefore reminded, as the Lord Jesus points out, that what you cannot do on your own to be perfectly righteous, save yourself, overcome afflictions, or change a hopeless situation, God can. It is written: “But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,” (Romans 3:21-24 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 18:24-25 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” (Luke 18:24-25 KJV).

When the Lord Jesus witnessed the rich young ruler’s reaction to His command, He said as per the Message Bible paraphrase, “Do you have any idea how difficult it is for people who have it all to enter God’s kingdom? I’d say it’s easier to thread a camel through a needle’s eye than get a rich person into God’s kingdom.” This, seriously, warns of the great risk work in self-righteousness through observance of the law and trust in one's own resources, can cost your eternal life, rather than resting in the grace of God in Christ.

The issue with the presumptive rich ruler is not his having money, but his trust in it. He loved his wealth more than God, allowing his riches to become his idol. Those who rely on their own merits, reputation, successes and their "riches”, will find it difficult to enter the kingdom of God. They’re caught in a struggle to surrender to the grace of God because they believe they have done enough on their own.

The Lord, by using the illustration that it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, tells of the impossibility for a person possessed by wealth to enter the kingdom of God. The lesson is about where the heart puts its trust—either in riches and personal ability to gain righteousness or faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ by grace.

It reminds us that righteousness is received as a gift of God through Christ Jesus. It is, therefore, fitting that we meditate on this passage always. It is written: “For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:17 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 18:23 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.” (Luke 18:23 KJV).

It is hard for us to grasp what’s in this rich young ruler’s heart when he asks the Lord - what shall I do to inherit eternal life? (Luke 18:28). We can just surmise based on how the interaction unfolded and by his reaction when the Lord told him what to do. As one of those who rely on self effort to work for justification and salvation by trying hard to observe the law, this rich young ruler expected an applause and commendation for his perceived accomplishments. He’s not seeking the key for inheriting eternal life. He seeks fleeting instant gratification for his best but failing effort.

In this passage, we see that sorrow is the unavoidable outcome when a person trusts in her/his own efforts and the material things he possessed. It leads to the realization that they cannot keep God's standard on their own efforts and by their possessions. The Lord’s instruction to sell all that he has was intended to bring him to the end of himself, showing him that what he would gain by following our Lord Jesus Christ far outweighs what he would physically lose. In fact, by losing the material things and other worldly paraphernalia, as he follows our Lord’s command, he not only gains eternal life, but treasures in heaven, as well. Scriptures declare, as it is written: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21 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 18:22 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.” (Luke 18:22 KJV).

Going along the rich ruler’s boasting of having obeyed all the commandments and having heard such arrogant claim, our Lord Jesus says: you lacked one thing. And, He tells this young ruler: sell all your possessions, give it to the poor and follow me! Our Lord used the law in this passage to expose the man's self-righteousness. Instead of commending the ruler (as no one had and will ever fulfill the law), He gave him another standard he could not meet, proving that no one can earn eternal life through works.

The rich young ruler thought he was righteous because of his riches and his claim of obedience to the commandments. By telling him to go sell everything, the Lord Jesus exposed the young man's true idol—his possessions. It shows him and the crowd present that he fell short of true and perfect obedience. His riches not scattered but hoarded, give him away. He failed bigly to keep the law. Scriptures say: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23 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.

The Gospel of Luke 18:20-21 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.” (Luke 18:20-21 KJV).

When the Lord Jesus narrated few of the commandments to this rich ruler, we witness an expose’ of arrogance in self-righteousness. The Lord used the Law not to show the way to inherit eternal life, but to highlight that human effort and rule-following cannot justify a person, ultimately driving them to need a Savior relying solely on grace. When He quoted the commandments, He was testing the man's heart, which was idolizing money, not following the law perfectly which he brags to follow from his youth. In reality, no man has ever fulfilled the demands of the law, and no one will, except our Lord Jesus Christ. He fulfilled the law for you and I who believe in Him.

While the ruler claims to have kept the commandments from his youth, which the Lord knows he hasn’t, he lacked the ultimate requirement: loving God more than anything including money, highlighting that nobody can be justified by works.

This, therefore, reminds us that we cannot keep all the laws and that we must stop trying to earn righteousness through works, but by faith (Romans 3:21-26). Let’s allow grace to transform us from the inside out. We have this call from scriptures and it is fitting for us to respond by resting on the grace of God in Christ. It is written: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

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

When God Says …

“And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.” (Luke 18:18-19 KJV).

Here, when a ruler calls the Lord Jesus "Good Master," the Lord is not denying His divinity. Rather, He directs the man to realize that God is only One who is good. Highlighting on “goodness”, the Lord sets this up to challenge this man's intent to get affirmation on his perceived merit to earn eternal life by his own work of righteousness, rather than relying on God.

The ruler’s question: what shall I DO to inherit eternal life, reveals his self-serving intent to brag. It exposes his reliance on the law. There’s a sense of air he may seek for the Lord to pander him with what he is doing as he calls Him Good Master. Knowing the content of this ruler’s heart, the Lord’s question, "Why do you call Me good?" was intended to lead the ruler to recognize that if He is good, then he knows that He is indeed God.

This interaction of our Lord with this ruler is framed as a crucial moment for the ruler to stop seeking salvation through works of self-righteousness. He and we, reflecting on this now, ought to listen and realize that He who this ruler is speaking with is the Source of righteousness and life. It is written the Lord Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:27-28 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 18:15-17 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.” (Luke 18:15-17 KJV).

We are witnessing in these passages, as described by the Message Bible saying - “People brought babies to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. When the disciples saw it, they shooed them off. Jesus called them back. “Let these children alone. Don’t get between them and me. These children are the kingdom’s pride and joy. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.”” (Luke 18:15-17 MSG).

These emphasize receiving the Kingdom of God through simple, childlike faith rather than merit of self-effort. It means trusting in His grace and love unconditionally, just as children depend on their parents. The essence is we don’t come to God with a resume' of who we are, but rather we approach Him as who He is - our loving Creator and Redeemer. We come with a humble and trusting heart.

The Lord commands the disciples to stop shooing and let the babies come. This highlights His love for children, using them to teach us the kind of faith when we come. He’s certainly not talking of having a childish or immature attitude. It is having a "childlike spirit" the kind akin to a “Pollyanna” gladness and optimism — unquestioning trusting, humble, and sincere.

Following the story of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, (Luke 18:9-14), this cements the Lord’s message that salvation is a gift, not a reward for observance of God’s holy law that no one can do other than the Lord Jesus Christ, nor any religious piety. We cannot earn our place in His kingdom. We can only have it as a gift. We need His grace. We have it in Christ Jesus by faith. Scriptures remind: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 18:14 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 18:14 KJV).

When the Lord Jesus says that the humble tax collector went home justified rather than the proud Pharisee, He reveals the ultimate contrast between trying to earn righteousness by work of the law and receiving the gift of righteousness by grace. It is declaring that God justifies sinners based on faith by His grace, not on personal performance or effort to observe the law.

We are made aware that the law brings out the best of our efforts only to fail, while grace saves the worst of us by giving up and surrendering to God’s mercy. The tax collector was justified and declared righteous because he recognized his need for God's grace and mercy. True righteousness is a gift of God, not something earned (Romans 5:17).

We are, therefore, reminded to focus on our Lord’s sacrifice and grace rather than try hard to attain righteousness through keeping the law. Hence, this concluding line of the Lord’s parable warns: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 18:13 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.” (Luke 18:13 KJV).

The Lord, continuing in His parable, shows us the posture of the tax collector or publican in direct contrast to the posture of the Pharisee. The first character, who’s the Pharisee, comes to the temple to lift his eyes to God bragging about his supposedly fine character qualities and religious deeds. This second character - the tax collector also comes in the temple repentant - a distinct contrast to the posture of the Pharisee.

In the New Testament time, a "publican” refers to a Jew working for the Roman authority. He is also called a "tax collector," who has a contract with the imperial government. Tax collectors are tasked to collect specific amounts of money from their own people for the government. They are from the localities and are collecting money from fellow citizens. They are also allowed to collect their own fee, which in many cases are very exorbitant. Hence, they become quite rich and are despised by their fellow Jews. They are viewed as cohorts of the Roman occupiers.

This tax collector in the parable, however, recognizes and repents of his sin. While the Pharisee heaps admiration to himself, this tax collector is pounding his breast in sorrow. He makes God the object of his prayer. The Pharisee tries to impress God to earn favor by comparing himself to others and this tax collector; while the tax collector begs for mercy for his own sin.

The Pharisee stands proud to draw the attention of other worshipers (Matthew 6:5). The tax collector stands far off and keeps his pleading between himself and God. This man takes the Lord’s Words at its value as he prays. And, we must as well, we being children of God in Christ Jesus. It is written, the Lord says: “But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 18:9-12 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.” (Luke 18:9-12 KJV).

This parable shows a head-on collision between self-righteousness versus reliance on God's grace. They are represented by an arrogant Pharisee and the often looked down publican or tax collector, respectively. We should note that our Lord Jesus Christ directed this story specifically to those who view themselves as righteous by their own work, and look down on others as sinners. But, in reality the self-righteous Pharisee also sins, not in his brags of fasting, and tithing, but in trusting on his own efforts rather than God’s grace.

Our Lord Jesus spoke this lesson to those who trusted on and compare their perceived work of righteousness with others they judge as sinners. This brings to light the Pharisee’s and many others’ with religious mindset based on human performance. The Pharisee boasts of his fasting and tithing, as if it matters apart from grace.

In a grace-based faith, the issue isn't that he fasted or paid tithes, but that he trusted in these actions for his standing before God, rather than relying entirely on God’s grace. His “prayer” is actually a form of self-exaltation, while demeaning everybody else, revealing a heart full of pride and of self-worship, rather than worshipping God in Christ Jesus - the Creator and Redeemer. The Lord clearly warns against this attitude, as it is written: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in.” (Matthew 23:12-13 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.

The Gospel of Luke 18:6-8 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:6-8 KJV).

Continuing His analogy, our Lord Jesus Christ draws the attention of the crowd following Him, in His journey toward Jerusalem, to the action of the unjust judge. Despite being a scoundrel, the judge granted the pleading widow justice against her adversary.

And yes, injustice is one of the hardest things we face in this realm. We all run into persecutions directed toward us or our loved ones and it is ongoing and persistent. Most especially believers in Christ Jesus, tens of thousands face injustice, hardship, brutality, and persecution, all over the world - even as we reflect on this right now. When we face these hard times, it is difficult to believe that we will ever receive justice in such a world we are in. It is especially disturbing when those in authority and power are corrupt and are the ones treating many unfairly.

However, our Lord Jesus reminds us that the issue isn't injustice we may face now but our faith. God is the One who settles accounts and brings us justice. The real question is whether or not we'll hold on our faith and not give up under enemy fire. We must hang on! Pray for the Father to hear our pleas. We don't give up, for God will not only bring justice, but he will also bring salvation and victory.

The good news is: salvation and victory have already been done. In Christ Jesus by faith we are standing on victory grounds of His grace. Yes, the enemy is defeated. Sadly, the enemy is being cheered by its enablers, and still masquerades to hold power with  hollow words of deceits and threats just like the target of the recently concluded “epic fury”. So, let’s let the Son of Man find our faith in Him while navigating this earthly realm. In Him, death lost its sting. Scriptures affirm: “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 18:4-5 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.” (Luke 18:4-5 KJV).

These passages put us in the know that God is not like the unjust judge who only helps to get rid of a nuisance. If an unjust judge eventually responds to a widow’s nagging, how much more will a loving Heavenly Father responds to His children’s prayer? As His children in Christ Jesus, your need is the very thing that attracts God's grace. You do not come to beg and persuade a reluctant god of the world. Rather, you are coming to a loving Father who already made available the resources of heaven to help.

The lesson of the widow's constant coming, viewed as persistence by the world, to God who is full of grace, as His children, it is our faithful expression of trust on His goodness. There maybe delays of answer to our prayers or none at all. But, those are just a matter of the best timing or of what’s best for us. God has the best angle to see what we need. As demonstrated by this corrupt worldly judge, we see a contrast between God’s love and His willingness to answer prayers, rather than a blueprint for nagging by the god of the world. God is not like the unjust judge who only helps to get rid of a nuisance. If an unjust judge eventually responds to a nagging widow, how much more will a loving Heavenly Father responds to his children in need? The widow's adversary is pointing to the devil, and the justice she receives is the victory won through our Lord’s finished work on the cross.

These passages meant to encourage us all who believes to be confident in approaching God, with total dependence on His grace and will to bring about justice and supply of blessings in our lives. The Lord eagerly expects our asking. Our Lord Jesus said, as it is written: “Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” (John 16:24 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 18:1-3 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: and there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.” (Luke 18:1-3 KJV).

With these passages, the Lord Jesus is giving the opening lines of a parable specifically to teach that people "ought to pray always and not lose heart" - to "not faint" and to "not go weary". Our Lord gives the two key roles in the story. This describes a judge who "neither have fear of God nor respect of people," signifying that he is completely corrupt and uncaring. The widow, who represents those who are vulnerable, powerless and people dependent on those who have authority over them, comes to ask the judge for justice against her adversaries. And, we note that this judge is pagan, doesn't care and has no regard for anyone’s welfare.

This sets a challenging scenario for this widow who is in desperate need for help. During biblical times, widows are culturally protected and given special attention for care. But in this instance, there is indication she’s been neglected and taken advantage by her adversary. Hence, in the context of the law and religious practices, she is forced by circumstance to go by the book according to the system of the world. She sought this worldly judge’s help. That’s the world’s resource for justice, and the widow is the story’s specimen to plea for help.

As we look through these passages and the rest of the parable, we must keep rooted of being children of God by grace in Christ Jesus. This is not a call to depend in the world’s system of laws nor religions. This parable is our call to persistently pray always to our true God in Christ Jesus. We pray always in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:13-14). That is with the knowledge that our help comes from heaven not from the world. Scriptures remind, as the Psalmist testifies: “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalms 121:2 NIV). Hence, we ought to pray always, as it is written: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 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 17:37 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.” (Luke 17:37 KJV).

As the disciples were taking in all the Lord’s teaching, they ask: “Where, Lord?" That’s in regard to the coming judgment and meeting in the air. Our Lord Jesus Christ replies, "Where the body is, the vultures will be gathered (Luke 17:37b NIV).” This metaphor means that divine judgment is inevitable and self-evident, just like vultures that always find a carcass, this points to the final judgment of sinners and rapture of those who are saved by grace.

The "body" analogy does not refer to a literal dead carcass. It is the Body of Believers in Christ Jesus—specifically, the Lord Jesus Himself, who is the center of the coming gathering. We, who believe are in Him and Him in us in the Spirit. The eagles or voltures are seen as the believers who are gathered to our Lord Jesus Christ in the air, having received their new and transformed bodies.

In the context of our gift of salvation by grace through faith, this "gathering" in the clouds is a happy and glorious reunion of those who believe in our Lord Jesus Christ, where God’s Children are brought to where He is. This is the fulfillment of the Lord’s promise: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:3 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 17:36 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.” (Luke 17:36 KJV).

This passage highlights the daytime scene in another part of the world when the event of the Lord’s in-a-blink-of-an-eye appearing on the clouds as He returns. This continues to give contrast of reliance on grace vs self-effort. The Lord uses in this illustration two men working on a field during daytime working hours. They represent two different scenarios. One person is "taken" or raptured, representing a believer resting in the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ and walking in grace. The other one "left" behind - represents someone relying on own works of self-righteousness, or observance of the law, or shackled by religion, who is not ready for the sudden return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The imagery of working in the field, emphasizes that the Lord's return will happen in the midst of our daily life in any moment, even now as we are reflecting this passage. The message is to not be "distracted" by the things of this world’s temporary things but be occupied in the presence of the Lord, which is the "good part" that Mary, the sister of Martha, showed us to do - resting at His feet ingesting His words (Luke 10:39).

Our take away from this is not to be fearful of being left behind, but to be in the shield of God’s grace in Christ Jesus. We must be conscious that those who are "taken" are those who have made our Lord Jesus their resting place and are not trying to earn salvation or righteousness through their own efforts.

All of us, who are victorious by faith in Christ Jesus our Lord, will be caught up with Him in the clouds. It is written: “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.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:52-57 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 17:35 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.” (Luke 17:35 KJV).

This is another passage that has been subjected to perverse attempts to use it as justification for deviant sexual lifestyles. Again, nothing in the text, culture, or original Greek version of the New Testament, even hints at such a thing. It's an obvious reference to women’s mundane daily morning task, to emphasize the sudden nature of the Lord’s return, hinting an early morning time in this part of the world when the event happens. This is what women do during the Bible era. They ground their flour to prepare meals for the day.

These women clearly live life together through at least during this moment of the Lord’s coming. They prepare meals together. They may be mother and daughter or mother-in-law and daughter-in-law as mentioned in Luke 12:53. It reveals that one follows the Lord Jesus and sadly, the other one doesn't. We're not provided specific identity as to who is "taken" and which is "left." It says that one is taken to judgment and the other is left to live in the Lord’s thousand-year reign. Or, one is taken to meet and live with the Lord, while the other is left to face the final judgments on earth.

This continues to affirm of a home and family divided. Some are saved and some are not. Salvation is not by family affiliation, nor by association with religion nor by observance of the law. It is a matter of choice to believe and to rest in God’s grace by faith in Christ Jesus our Lord. Hence, this is a serious reminder for those who have not believed, to believe - Now! Our Lord Jesus said: “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. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” (John 3:17-18 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 17:34 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.” (Luke 17:34 KJV).

Our Lord Jesus Christ continues His warnings to all believers and followers in regard with the suddenness on that day’s or night’s rapture spectacle. He refers to that blink-of-an-eye meeting Him in the clouds. So, the event happens in a day in one place and night in another at the same moment. Here, in this scenario, the Lord Jesus describes a depth of night instance when two men sleeping deeply together in one bed. With this verse, some worldly depraved mindset view it contrary to the context of the gospel of the grace of God to justify their lifestyle of homosexuality. Absolutely and clearly, it does not. During the era of our Lord’s physical presence here on earth, large extended families often share single homes. This is still in practice today in many countries for families with limited resources. Men together and women together sharing on large separate beds or rooms. Families are packed together like sardines.

In this illustration, they are asleep signifying that it is night time in that part of the world. On that bed two family members are asleep when the Son of Man appears on the clouds, one is caught up to meet with the Lord and one is left behind. This reveals of a family divided. Sadly, not all accept the Lord’s gift of salvation.

This, therefore, is a forewarning to all, so to avoid this from happening to someone so close. Let’s all come to grace by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. This, He also warned strongly and clearly in another occasion when He proclaimed: “Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”” (Luke 12:51-53 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.