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 bring 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, it is a 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 willingness to answer prayers, rather than a blueprint for nagging 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 respond to his children in need? The widow's adversary is pointing 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 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," emphasizing 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 adversaries. 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.

The Gospel of Luke 17:31-33 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. Remember Lot's wife. Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.” (Luke 17:31-33 KJV).

These passages serve as an encouragement for us to detach from the world and fully trust in the secure shield of our Lord’s divine grace. From today until our Lord Jesus comes, our focus should be entirely on Him. We ought not spend our time on amassing material possessions or worldly accomplishments. It could draw us to "turn back" (like Lot’s wife) to hold onto the old life or worldly treasures. By giving us the imagery of being on the housetop and in the field, the Lord warns against returning and letting our hearts be entangled with worldly offerings. We must not look back, having already left it through our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Let’s take lesson out of Lot’s wife. She was a picture of someone who was physically removed from judgment (having gone out of Sodom) but her heart was still in it. She was "saved" but lost her life because she looked back with longing at the tempting city life (Genesis 19:23-26). She represents someone who has clingy attachment to the world, rather than looking forward to life in grace.

To "lose your life" is giving up trying to manage your own life. It calls for surrendering your whole being to God’s grace by faith in Christ Jesus. Trying to "save your life" is relying on your own strength to work hard to earn merit before God. To truly save it, for both your now life and eternal life, comes from abandoning self-effort and relying entirely on the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ, resting in His grace. It is, therefore, our call to trust that the Lord is our refuge, while the world around us faces tribulation. Hence, we affirm and declare: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah” (Psalm 46:1-3 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 17:28-30 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” (Luke 17:28-30 KJV).

The Lord Jesus in His message of the gospel of grace, continues to convey the similar scenario of His second coming with the days of Lot in the city of Sodom. People were also busy doing their worldly affairs focused on their ungodly self-efforts of the flesh with no regard for God, as these passages described. This is not condemning work as part of physical living in this earthly realm, but a warning against a lifestyle that ignores God and relies solely on natural means.

In the days of Lot, people were engaged in their usual everyday activities. They were drinking, eating, buying, selling, building and planting. The sin was not because of the activities itself, but that they were consumed by them to the exclusion of God. They were "earth-conscious" rather than "God-conscious". There was no heavenly authority recognized then, just like the world of these days, which shows conspicuous signs of the times of the Lord’s imminent coming. Many will be caught surprised when the Lord is revealed, as they were during the destruction of Sodom. When Lot got out of the city, fire and brimstones rained from heaven. They, who were in the city, all perished (Genesis 19:23-25).

The world now, like in Sodom during Lot’s time and during the flood in the time of Noah (Genesis 7:13–16), is focused on their carnal pleasures, striving and gaining by their own effort. As children of God in Christ Jesus we, who accept His Lordship by grace, are called to a state of rest, knowing that righteousness and security are the Lord’s unmerited favors. These passages, therefore, warn the heart that has become too attached to the "fake" comforts and pursuits of this world. As God’s children we must resist, keep focus on our Lord Jesus Christ to live by grace, not by self-effort of the religious system of dos and don’ts. “Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 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 17:26-27 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.” (Luke 17:26-27 KJV).

These passages compare the end times to the days of Noah, before and during the flood. The time of the Lord’s coming will be just like during Noah’s time, with everyone carrying on their business like usual. People are marrying, drinking and eating. They’re having their usual good time and merry-making right up to the day Noah boarded the Ark. They have no clue of what’s developing, they suspected nothing until the flood hit and swept them all and everything away. They’ve ignored God's warnings until judgment arrived in a flash. This emphasizes that while the world will be caught off guard by judgment, those who trust in our Lord Jesus Christ are aware and safe.

The focus of these passages is not on the inherent evil of humanity’s daily activities, but on being totally occupied with worldly matters to the point of ignoring the spiritual aspects of living. As in Noah’s time, where the earth and mankind were totally wiped out by the flood, except for Noah’s family, present day’s clueless act leads to being "left behind" when the Lord returns. The present world, like in Noah's time, is marked by people living without thought for God or the coming judgment, treating the reality of God and the end times as a myth.

The core message of the gospel of the grace of God is believing, trusting and resting in our Lord’s finished work of love by grace, rather than being consumed by worldly materialistic pursuits. We must first and foremost seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33) before it’s too late. We must get in our Ark of salvation in Christ Jesus our Lord. Lest on that day, the Word of the Lord warns: ““Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left.” (Matthew 24:40-41 NLT).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 17:25 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.” (Luke 17:25 KJV).

This verse marks a turning point where our Lord Jesus Christ brings in the new covenant of grace. We note that the rejection of the Lord allowed Him to complete the work of suffering, dying, and rising again ushering in the free gift of righteousness and salvation, moving believers away from the need for self-effort of the law. This is brought to light through the lens of the Lord’s finished work and grace, rather than fear of condemnation under the law.

It points to the necessity of the Lord’s suffering and rejection to finish the work of redemption. "Suffering" was the ultimate sacrifice that the Lord took upon Himself to be condemned by the law that humanity deserves. The rejection refers to the generation that refuses to receive our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Messiah, during His time in flesh with humanity and even to this day. When the religious people, their “church” establishment and the world as a whole reject the message of grace, it is because they do not recognize the time of their visitation by God (John 9:29).

This is, therefore, emphasizing that our Lord Jesus completed to supply the demand for necessary work of suffering for humanity. So, now by faith in Him, we can live under grace, not condemnation of the law. The Holy Scriptures affirm: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1-4 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 17:22-24 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it. And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them. For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.” (Luke 17:22-24 KJV).

Through the lens of grace, we are given in these passages the message of hope and encouragement regarding the rapture (or "snatching away") of all the Lord’s redeemed, rather than a message of fear or judgment. He warns the disciples’ longing of His' physical presence, which portends to a time coming when they will desire the "days of the Son of Man" but will not see it. This marks a shift from the Lord’s present physical ministry to His upcoming absence in the flesh, pointing toward the need for faith instead of sight and His eventual eternal presence with them and us in the Spirit.

Yes, this warns that there’ll be a day when believers yearn to see the Lord comes and they won’t see Him in flesh. Many deceivers will come to say look over here and there, but we must not fall for any of those nonsense. For when He comes again, we’ll see Him. Like lighting flashing in one place it’s light is seen in another place, we’ll see Him as He comes. 

As children of God by His grace through our faith in Him, in His day we’ll be caught up with Him in the clouds by the blink of an eye. Scriptures give us this reassuring message: “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 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 17:20-21 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:20-21 KJV).

As our Lord Jesus was grilled by the Pharisees on when the kingdom of God would come, He reveals that the kingdom of God is already come. God’s kingdom is an internal present reality, rather than an external future spectacular display, for those who rest in grace by faith in the Son of Man. It is not identified by external observations, but by the spiritual abundance of joy, peace and righteous love within the believers. It advises us to focus on this inner spiritual reality over the expectation for outward physical experience. The kingdom of God is in the hearts of people, where God rules for all that believe.

This is in contrast with the Pharisaical religious focus on legalism, emphasizing that the kingdom of God is about the righteousness, peace, and joy found in Christ Jesus, not observing outward religious doctrines. The religious Pharisees were looking for a visible political kingdom that would overthrow the Romans. Our Lord Jesus Christ corrected them, explaining that God's reign is invisible, starting within and working through the hearts of those who believe.

We, being the redeemed of the Lord by grace through faith in Him, have God’s kingdom in our midst. The Father and Son are in us reigning God’s kingdom. With their presence in us, we are made the citadel of the kingdom of God. This truth, our Lord Jesus Christ proclaimed in His prayer to the Father. It is written: “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” (John 17:16-23 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 17:17-19 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.” (Luke 17:17-19 KJV).

Our Lord Jesus Christ, continuing His interaction with the lone grateful leper, here we are given a powerful lesson on grace, gratitude, and the difference between being healed and being made whole. This gives emphasis that while all ten lepers were healed physically, only the one who returned to thank the Lord experienced a deeper, complete wholeness, illustrating that gratitude opens the door for more of God’s grace. As the Lord’s redeemed, we should not rush past the Giver without acknowledging and thanking, to merely enjoy the gift.

The Samaritan, a non-Jew and considered a stranger by its rival Israelites who returned to thank our Lord Jesus Christ, was not only healed but received a higher degree of wellness. The Lord said to him, "Your faith has made you well" (or "whole"), affirming a restoration that went beyond merely the cleansing of leprosy. Giving thanks and praising God for His blessings is a key to maintaining an attitude of gratitude, which distinguishes true believers. We must, therefore, focus on the reality and truth that our Lord does not hold sins against believers, and that His grace is freely given, with this story serving as a reminder to return and give glory to the source of our blessings.

As children of the Most High God, in Christ Jesus our Lord, we are reminded, 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 17:15-16 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.” (Luke 17:15-16 KJV).

This passage gives a powerful picture of gratitude. We watch ten lepers got healed, but only one came back grateful. He recognizes that gratefulness brings greater blessings. While all ten were physically cleansed, the grateful Samaritan (a non-Jew!) received "wholeness," having full restoration. Not just healing. The one leper returned to lift his voice giving glory to God, acknowledging the Lord Jesus Christ as the source of his healing, rather than just enjoying the blessing.

This leper’s example is a call for believers to be "thankful worshippers". Always return to our source of blessings, not just when we ask for more, but to give praise and thanksgiving. In so doing, the windows of heaven are unlocked fully opened. It flows its blessings to the full, holistic, and complete supply of the grace of God.

As children of God in Christ Jesus, let us, therefore, join the Psalmist as he calls us with this invitation: “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today, if you hear his voice,” (Psalm 95:1-7 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 17:14 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.” (Luke 17:14 KJV).

This passage shows a powerful picture of how grace works in our life. This is what faith means to us. How do we manifest faith? Here, we observe in this verse how the healing transpires. In many occasions, which the Holy Bible says not all are written (John 21:25), our Lord Jesus healed people in all sorts of ways. In this instance, He told these ten lepers to go show themselves to the priests, just as the law commanded them to do if they’re healed (Leviticus 14:1-2). The Lord didn't heal them before they respond to His instruction. Rather, they were healed as they were in motion on their way to the priests. Healing was manifest after they stepped out in faith and obeyed.

So often, many of us will not follow the rhythm of faith until the Lord does for us what we want. Doing so is faithless. So often, as with these men with leprosy, we call Jesus Lord or Master, but sadly, we want him "to do for us" rather than we submit to Him as truly Lord. Let's be reminded today that, if He is our Lord, we will obey Him whether we see the answers to our prayers before, during, or after our obedience or even if we don't see the answers at all. Let's do what He says and trust that He will dispense His mercy and grace in ways that bless us most for an eternity with Him. All others are added blessings in this finite state.

In His grace by faith, we have the assurance that when we cry out for His mercy, He answers. Like in another instance with a blind man who sought recovery of his sight. When he cried, the Lord Jesus told His disciples to call him to come. He sprung up to come. “And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.”” (Mark 10:51-52 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 17:11-13 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: and they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” (Luke 17:11-13 KJV).

Continuing His journey to Jerusalem, our Lord Jesus Christ, in these verses, sets the stage for demonstration of grace as a Savior of compassion, in contrast to a lawgiver. This starts with the Lord walking through the edge of Samaria, the no-man’s land for the Jews. He goes through the route traversing between Galilee and Samaria, intentionally crossing cultural and religious boundaries that separated the Jews and the Samaritans, who hated each other.

As He entered a certain border town, ten lepers standing at a distance from Him lifted up their voices to ask for mercy. It is required by law for those considered unclean like lepers to stay far off (Leviticus 13:45-46), which represents isolation and sin. It symbolizes humanity's spiritual separation from God. Their cry to the Lord Jesus "Master, have mercy on us" shows faith, recognizing His authority and their desperation for healing intervention.

They prayed for healing asking for pity and grace, highlighting that it is a gift of mercy to be healed, rather than a right. Yes, these lepers are conscious of the Lord’s mercy and grace. And, we ought so too as children of God in Christ Jesus by faith. We have the reassuring truth that: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3 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.