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 recognize 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.

The Gospel of Luke 17:9-10 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.” (Luke 17:9-10 KJV).

These concluding passages of the Lord’s illustration states that "when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.'" This reminds to mean that we cannot earn righteousness; we are entirely dependent on God's grace. This teaching of the Lord aims at dismantling religious self-righteous efforts. This highlights that our relationship with God is not a duty-based "servant" contract, but a "daughter/sonship)" bond of relationship where God supplies all blessings by His grace.

These remind us that we cannot put God in our debt through works. Instead of earning merit, we rely entirely on His grace, acknowledging that all blessings are gifted by faith in the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ, not our work. We cannot perform enough good works to put God indebted to us. Under servanthood, any service one does is merely duty of being a servant. Hence, we must come to remain dependent on His grace, not our merit. Our relationship with God is built on His grace (unmerited favor). As sons and daughters by faith in Christ Jesus, we have full access to our Father’s resources, rather than a transaction between master and servants, where they must earn their keep.

These, therefore, remind us that it is all by grace through faith in Christ Jesus that we are qualified and justified. So, no one can claim “I have done”! No one can fulfill the demands of the law. “For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.” (Romans 3:20 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 17:7-8 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?.” (Luke 17:7-8 KJV).

In these illustrative passages, the Lord speaks of a master not thanking a servant for doing his job - not as a requirement for true believers to earn God’s favor, but as a contrast between the law and grace. Speaking about serving, working, or obeying the law, He was highlighting the strict demands of the Old Covenant. The servant in this parable does his duty, yet expects no special commendation because it is expected of him under the law.

In contrast, the New Covenant of grace emphasizes that believers are no longer servants (who must earn their keep), but sons and daughters with full access to their father’s resources. While the law demands obedience of self effort to get blessings, grace provides blessings first, which empower and bear fruit of obedience.

The core of the Lord’s teaching is that our "wages" (blessings, righteousness, eternal life) are based on the finished work of our Lord Jesus, as a gift of grace, not earned by our own service or work. The focus shifts from the servant's labor to the master's grace. It is all by His grace, lest we boast. Scriptures remind: ““Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” (2 Corinthians 10:17-18 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 17:5-6 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.” (Luke 17:5-6 KJV).

This interaction, between our Lord Jesus and the apostles, is teaching us children of God that we do not need more faith than what we have the moment we believe. Rather, we need to exercise the faith we already have, fueled by God's grace. We only need a tiny, mustard-seed size of faith—which is alive and focused on the Faith Of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is sufficient to move massive obstacles, rather than focusing on building up personal faith. The mustard seed represents a small amount of genuine faith that is alive and growing, focusing on the Lord’s power, not human effort. It is released through the power of our tongue speaking to obstacles - "say unto this sycamore tree": move away!

The core message is that small faith in our great God achieves impossible things, transforming mountains into nothingness by His grace. Yes, by His grace, we need to connect our tiny faith in Christ Jesus so we can live by the GREAT “Faith OF Jesus Christ” the faith that works through us. It is not our faith but His Great Faith that matters. Scriptures affirm this truth as testified by Apostle Paul: “We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” (Galatians 2:15-16 KJV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 17:3-4 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.” (Luke 17:3-4 KJV).

Our Lord Jesus Christ, in these passages and in the spirit of grace, teaches believers to confront sinners gently and forgive unconditionally fellow brethren who repent, even if it happens multiple times again and again and again. It emphasizes holding one another accountable to foster love and maintain a posture of mercy, ready to forgive without limits. This is a lesson on grace, not a burden of legalism and religion. We are enabled to be forgiving repeatedly because we have received God’s unlimited grace, urging us to forgive to release ourselves from the poison of resentment.

We forgive not by our own power, but by relying on the Holy Spirit's power to bear the fruit of kindness and love through us. Forgiveness is for our own benefit, as unforgiveness brings negative energy. It wears down the heart with anger and bitterness that weakens our health and spiritual life. Just as God forgives us for all our sins - past, present, future, we are called to manifest that same grace toward others.

While these passages mention rebuking sin, the focus is on restoration and treating people with mercy, rather than holding grudges and executing judgement. We are empowered to be restorer as He is. Scriptures declare: “He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” (Psalm 23:3-5 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 17:1-2 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.” (Luke 17:1-2 KJV).

Temptations to sin are bound to come, we are warned. And these passages talks about those who allow themselves to be used as vehicle to tempt others to sin, especially the susceptible youth; Or, worse to consciously choose to cause others to turn away and do evil. Hence, this seriously warns against causing believers to stumble and commit "Gospel Treason"—betraying God's family by straying and drawing others into life of unbelief. Causing another, especially the little ones, to not believe is grievous. These passages declare, it’s better for such person to cast himself into the sea with a “concrete vest”.

This message is an alert for believers to "watch themselves" ensuring not to be a stumbling block through their actions or teachings apart from the gospel of the grace of God. Hence, it strongly reminds not to live like you are the captain of your life and soul as the world expects you do. You have to live a life totally dependent on God, under the shield of His grace by faith in Christ Jesus our Lord. Resting in His grace, we operate in God’s kingdom, where we are guided and led by the Holy Spirit in all that we do. We don’t operate by our own emotion, feelings, decisions, knowledge and wisdom. We move by the unction of the Holy Spirit living in us so our way of living in this physical realm is in sync with the plan of God in grace by faith.

We are not anymore a child of flesh. In Christ Jesus we are children of God. We don’t live in the flesh, as Scriptures affirm: “So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” (Romans 8:12-14 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 16:31 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” (Luke 16:31 KJV).

The lesson of this passage says that if people refuse to believe in the gospel of the grace of God (the true message of Scripture), no amount of miracles—not even seeing a resurrection—will truly change their hardened hearts. True belief is a matter of the heart, not visual proof. This passage foreshadows the Lord’s own resurrection which the world doubted and refused to believe. Even the Lord’s close disciples doubted at first, but were restored as they remain faithful to His Words in their hearts.

Mary Magdalene was the first to meet the risen Lord Jesus Christ. When she shared the news, as she was instructed by the Lord to tell Peter and all the disciples, their reactions were of doubt. We should note that, as by grace they are saved, the Lord Jesus Christ sent them to go and share the gospel - the good news of the grace of God.

As reminder to all God’s children of grace by faith in Christ Jesus, we are to yield our lives to Him who died and rose again for our sakes. We must continue gathering at His table of grace. Yes, the disciples who believed in our Lord's gospel of grace and truth, initially doubted the Lord's resurrection. But, they remained faithful. In the account of Mark, it is written: “But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:11-16 ESV).

This verse, therefore, calls all to trust in the holy and written Word and the finished work of Christ for salvation, rather than chasing signs and miracles. Believing is the work expected of us all, as it is written: “Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”” (John 6:29 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 16:29-30 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.” (Luke 16:29-30 KJV).

This continuing interaction between the rich man and Abraham emphasizes the paramount importance of the Scriptures for the revelation of grace in Christ Jesus over the demands for miraculous signs in order to believe. Highlighting "Moses and the prophets" refer to the availability of the Old Testament scriptures, which point to the Lord Jesus - the person of grace. The rich man’s brethren and everyone have all they need to prepare for eternal comfort while on earth. Authentic seekers of God’s kingdom do not need dramatic, personal miracles to believe and to be saved; they have Moses, the prophets and the Scriptures. Yes, God’s Word of Truth is available yesterday, today and forever (Matthew 24:35).

This should be taken as a reminder that faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Constant intake of God’s Word is vital to sustain our faith. In this context, we must realize that true conviction and conversion comes from meditating God’s Word that points to our Lord Jesus Christ who is firstly revealed by the Word, affirmed by signs. The story warns that a heart hard against God’s Word will not be persuaded even by a miracle of someone rising from the dead. That, we can attest with the present day rejection by the world of our Lord Jesus Christ who has risen from the dead.

These passages, therefore, aim to edify seekers of God’s Kingdom to trust and study the Scriptures (the living Word of God) rather than look for miraculous signs to validate faith, arguing that the Word provides everything necessary for salvation and life. It is written: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 16:27-28 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: for I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.” (Luke 16:27-28 KJV).

In the context of reliance in God’s grace rather than self-righteousness by works to observe the law, these passages of the rich man’s continuing plea to “father Abraham” highlights the dangers of ending up in eternal regrets. One should not neglect to realize that the warning time is now with these passages. This is time to listen. Lest, the rich man’s fate will certainly become someone else’s fate. And, it’s a place of thirst and torment with no relief. The rich man’s brothers in his father’s house represent all those who are acting deaf to the Lord’s gospel of the grace of God. They are those who allowed themselves to be chained with the systems of the world and religion.

This is a desperate plea of a man in anguish, and surprisingly displays concern, to ask father Abraham to send Lazarus to warn, not only his “five” brethren (with the number five representing grace); but also all who are trapped by the world’s offerings. They all needed grace. So, it’s time to listen, as the consequence of torment is enormously serious. Take these passages as Lazarus’s testimony and warning to all. The clock is ticking and time would soon be over, then comes eternity. 

We, therefore, make sure to be in the right place of comfort as with Lazarus, and be in the bosom of Abraham. By grace through faith in Christ Jesus our Lord, that’s where every child of God is going. And, our way is in Christ Jesus. He said: ““Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 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. And you know the way to where I am going.”” (John 14:1-4 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 16:25-26 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.” (Luke 16:25-26 KJV).

Continuing on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, these verses paint a vivid illustration of the "great reversal of fortunes” that happen in the afterlife. This highlights the finality of decisions and actions done during life in the earthly realm. The great flip over is affirmed strongly by Abraham’s words to the rich man, "...in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented" (Luke 16:25). This highlights that earthly wealth and luxury are not indicators of God's favor, nor is poverty a sign of a curse. The focus is on the consequences of living selfishly versus trusting in God’s unmerited favor. Grace for grace the scriptures say (John 1:16) for those who yield their lives in Christ Jesus.

Abraham’s response to the rich man’s pleas for comfort in his anguish reveal that "a great chasm is fixed" between heaven (Abraham’s bosom) and hell (the place of torment), making it impossible for anyone to cross over. This signifies that after death, one's destiny is sealed, emphasizing that there is no more "second chance" for salvation after death, as some religion deceitfully teach many to believe. This life is our only place and time to surrender for salvation in Christ Jesus by grace.

Yes, this realm of life is humanity’s only opportunity to make decisions and work to rest in grace by faith in Christ Jesus and live for eternity. The time is now, rather than putting off believing, as tomorrow is not yet ours to claim. Today is our allotted time. It is written, Scriptures declare: “For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2 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 16:22-24 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.” (Luke 16:22-24 KJV).

These lines of the Lord’s Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, reveal the immediate reversal of fortunes after death - between the haves and the haves not. These highlight that earthly wealth not stewarded under God’s grace becomes a curse that lead to the burning flame of hell. Physical death is the transition door to true realities of life. The moment this event comes, truth is revealed that every person’s consciousness remains, and their destinies are set.

Illustrated by the rich man and the beggar - being the darlings of the world and the deprived, respectively, tells us that those who trust in their own works, self righteousness, and earthly possessions, rather than in God, find themselves in torment. While the casts out of this world but depend on God - have no earthly funeral, their lives are precious in God's eyes, illustrating that God honors those who trust Him rather than their own resources.

This reveals that those deprived in this world, due to their dependence in God’s grace in Christ, as they cross death from the physical to be in the spiritual realm, they are carried by angels to the bosom of Abraham in paradise. This affirm that in grace by faith in Christ Jesus we are sons and daughters of Abraham and heirs to the promised blessings. Scriptures affirm that as we are baptized into Christ, not religion, we are heirs to the promise. It is written: “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” (Galatians 3:27-29 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 16:19-21 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: and there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.” (Luke 16:19-21 KJV).

These passages open the Lord’s story of two contrasting worlds with a repulsive scene that is starting to unfold. It is revolting to imagine of a man dressed in royal fashion with purple and fine linen, while another man, a poor sick man, is left to beg for scraps outside this rich man's gate. Dogs come to lick His body full of sores. This rich man, in lavish luxurious living, is a picture of a person operating by the system of the world under the covenant of the law. Despite the obvious of having at his gate a specimen for performing the demands of the law with all the available resource he has, the rich man failed to manifest doing good. He is so enslaved by greed and vanity. He is powerless to fulfill the law even by the least he could have by handing out his crumbs.

This is a picture of riches possessing a man to be its servant instead of a man possessing it for stewardship to bless others. It is one reason why grace is of the essence. In the world, under the law luxury and riches can become a god for those that possess it. They can be blinded by it from seeing and helping the needy around them, even as close as at their gate.

Apart from grace by faith in Christ Jesus, the more a person tries to do by religious self effort of his duty to do good, the stronger the grip of sin to resist doing it. This is what Apostle Paul testified, as it is written: “Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.” (Romans 7:16-19 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 16:16-18 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail. Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.” (Luke 16:16-18 KJV).

These passages give the profound reveal within the transitory context from the Old Covenant of the Law to the New Covenant of Grace. The demands of the Law were absolute until John the Baptist, our Lord Jesus Christ introduces a new era of the supply of grace, fulfilling the law's demands for perfection so believers can live under the supply of grace. The unbending and holy demand of the law was satisfied on the cross by the Lord’s perfect sacrifice, restoring humanity in the shield of grace.

When "the gospel of the kingdom of God" is preached, the shift away from a "demand-oriented" system of the Law, where man must perform with precision to be justified, to a "supply-oriented" system of Grace - where God provides by faith the requirement for righteousness, comes to life. The Lord Jesus using the example of the Law of divorce, teaches that by the law’s strict standards show that no man can truly keep its demand for holiness by efforts in the flesh, pointing to the need for a Savior.

These passages are, therefore, reminding all children of God by grace in Christ Jesus, that we are no longer under the obsolete judgmental demands of the Law through the servant Moses, but under the supply of grace in the New Covenant though Christ Jesus the only begotten Son of the Father. Scriptures affirm and declare: “In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” (Hebrews 8:13 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 16:14-15 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” (Luke 16:14-15 KJV).

These passages expose the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, who loved money yet present themselves as pious and righteous showing off to the public their religious persona. This prompts the Lord Jesus to warn that God judges the hearts, not the choreographic act displayed for people’s admiration and applause. This is an emphatic call to shy away from the sleeky greed, warning that human pursuit of materialism is detestable to God.

The Pharisees, being described as "lovers of money," sneered the Lord’s teaching that one cannot serve both God and money. This, knowing that their religious businesses are all about money, as it is in this present days. The Lord Jesus points out that the Pharisees "justify themselves" before people, but highlights that God knows their hearts. And the Lord declares that what is highly valued by human standards-wealth, social standing, polished public image, are "abominable" in the eyes of God.

This is a call for all who are saved by grace in Christ Jesus to examine their motives, guard against materialism, and ensure they are not ensnared in religious appearances to cover up a selfish heart. All who are truly redeemed should be seeking God’s grace, rather than people’s approval. The Lord Jesus tells the religious elite that their outward actions cannot hide their true, greedy heart’s intentions from God, warning that the world's standard of success is opposite to God’s unmerited favor.

We must always be reminded that, as children of God by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, He warned us with these words: ““If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” (John 15:18-19 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.