The Gospel of Luke 14:28-30 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.” (Luke 14:28-30 KJV).

Our Lord Jesus Christ, continuing on His message of the heavy cost on being His disciples, uses the analogy of careful budget planning before building a tower. These passages within the context of grace and true discipleship, give contrast with "law" observance. It highlights that while the Lord asks followers to count the cost, the focus is to rely on God’s grace to finish the work, rather than self-effort. One needs to be detached (hate) reliance on family and self. Then, look to Christ Jesus and totally rest on His grace.

The Lord Jesus while talking about the cost, His ultimate message is about understanding that His grace supplies what is needed. In “counting the cost”, He calls us to be wise, not to operate on our own in fear, but to "sit down" and surrender to Him the planning, whether in life or every aspects of endeavors in life. That is our walk in this journey of living. The "cost" is not about struggling in our own strength to meet a standard or to succeed on something, but by trusting in Him to "finish" the work in us. Always conscious, by faith, that He is the vine and we are the branches (John 15:5).

In essence, with these passages, our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us that while we should count the cost, we should rely on God to supply all that's needed, the strength to complete the "tower" of our lives. As children of God in Christ Jesus by faith, we are assured by His promise, as revealed through the Apostle Paul, it is written: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6 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 14:25-27 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:25-27 KJV).

With these verses, the Lord Jesus speaks of hating family and taking up the cross as a message directed at self-righteous, legalistic and religious great multitudes traveling with Him to show them their inability to truly follow Him through human effort. He contrasts this with "grace" messages meant for sinners that recognize their need for a savior and come to rest in His grace by faith. Truly trusting the Lord Jesus is displayed by totally yielding our life to Him above and over everything even our life. True faith is manifest by choosing to follow Him in spite the threat of consequential death. We are reminded: “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” (Matthew 16:25 NIV).

We note that our Lord Jesus Christ was speaking to the large, self-righteous multitudes, challenging their superficial commitment. Yes, they go along following Him in His journey towards Jerusalem, but not all for believing. Rather, mostly, they follow Him for curiosity and for finding ways to trap Him.

Speaking of the cost in following Him, the Lord positions these verses within a larger context between "demands" vs. "supply" arguing that these hard sayings were meant to break down self-reliance. In the view of grace over works, this contends against "strenuous effort" approach to following our Lord Jesus Christ, promoting that true discipleship comes from resting in the supply of His grace rather than trying to pay a high cost through working hard in the flesh.

In essence, these verses are meant to show that salvation is by grace and that "taking up the cross" is not about self-mortification, but about relying on the Lord's completed work. This, Apostle Paul affirmed by his testimony, as it is written: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” (Galatians 2:20-21 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 14:22-24 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the Lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.” (Luke 14:22-24 KJV).

These passages provide the core of the Parable of the Great Banquet, illustrating that because the primary invited guests (representing the descendants of Israel who have become captive by religion) rejected God's invitation, the doors are opened to the marginalized, the poor, and the Gentiles. God’s grace is universal, yet the final warning highlights that those who reject His invitation will miss the kingdom. Yes, the Master declares: “I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’” (Luke 14:24 NIV).

The Master’s order to “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” is pointing to God’s mandate of the universality of His grace. This is directing to go to the uncivilized gentiles, the pagan worshippers, the heathen and all those hidden in dark alleys of the gentile world, announcing their invitation to come to the table of God’s grace. Seats are set for them at the banquet of salvation by grace. They just need to look on the Son - our Lord Jesus Christ, come, believe and take the seats! This is unmerited favor of grace! This, the Lord Jesus affirms: “For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”” (John 6:40 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 14:21 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“So that servant came, and shewed his Lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.” (Luke 14:21 KJV).

This passage shows a pivotal shift in the Parable of the Great Banquet, where the master (representing God), disappointed by the invited guests' (the religious Israelites) no-show excuses, orders his servant (the Lord Jesus and all who are saved by His grace) to urgently invite the marginalized—the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame—to His feast. This signifies God’s dismay on those who reject Him and the swift expansion of salvation to welcome the undeserving, the unreligious who recognize their inability to earn salvation, the broken and the whole gentile world.

The master’s charge to go "quickly" gives the message of urgency. It signals that the window of opportunity to accept God's invite to salvation is time-sensitive. The time frame is notably set by the brevity of one’s appointed moment on this planet or the Lord’s imminent return. For such reason, readiness is of the essence, for by then - after this realm, there’s only eternity in either heaven for those who came to recline, or in hell for those who reject the offered seat at the banquet table of God’s grace.

This passage, therefore, emphasizes that God’s love is unconditional and that everyone, regardless of their past or state of being, is welcome at the table of grace. For those who have not come, NOW is the moment. Come! The Lord loves you, as you are. He chose to die for you and I. It is written, Scriptures declare: “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:6-8 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 14:19-20 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.” (Luke 14:19-20 KJV).

The Lord Jesus, continuing on His parable of the Great Banquet, highlights two excuses of those who were invited in these passages. These represent prioritizing worldly affairs over the Lord’s urgent spiritual invitation, resulting in their absence at the feast. One of the lame excuses is of his newly acquired five yoke of oxen that needed to be tested. Not of an urgent nature, this should have not kept this man from the banquet. Yet, it did, not solely because of the oxen, but due to a blinded and hardened heart. This excuse symbolizes prioritizing material wealth and worldly affairs over spiritual matters. Testing five yoke (ten oxen) implies a significant business investment that the man places above the invitation. It highlights that worldly possessions can become idols that hinder one's response to God.

The other excuse of just having been married, represents prioritizing lateral relationships with family over God’s invite for a vertical relationship with Him. While not inherently evil, these excuses are used as pretext to reject the invitation of God. It is an alert that earthly concerns can hinder humanity's total commitment to enter the kingdom of God.

These therefore remind us, that being children of God by faith in Christ Jesus, we are directed, as Scriptures say - “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:2-4 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 14:16-18 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: and sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.” (Luke 14:16-18 KJV)

In these passages, our Lord Jesus Christ tells the parable of the Great Dinner Banquet, where a man (representing God) prepares a feast (pointing to heaven and salvation) but is rejected by the invited guests (initially, the chosen people Israel and those who heard the message of the grace of God) who prioritize religious and worldly concerns of land (material) possessions, over God’s invitation.

The "great banquet" is the abundance of God’s kingdom and the gift of salvation offered to humanity. It is a feast celebration of grace. The Master’s hail to "Come, for everything is now ready" is the invite to salvation which is already prepared and provided by God through the finished work on the cross of Christ Jesus our Lord.

The invitees’ excuse, to check a field (prioritizing real estate work) display humanity’s common tendency for temporal and carnal preferences. These highlight that superficial, daily, and material concerns keep people from accepting God's offer of eternal salvation. The excuse, while seemed casual and mundane, is in fact a grave rejection of the host. They show a lack of awareness in the importance of the spiritual feast, and rather prefer worldly, carnal, or temporary possession. This parable shows that many, who claim to desire the kingdom of God, will reject it due to their enthrallment of the world.

This, therefore, is our prompt to be alert, being children of God that the Scriptures instruct with a warning, as it is written: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:15-17 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 14:15 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 14:15 KJV).

Hearing the Lord’s teaching to invite for banquet those who could not reciprocate, a guest at the party proclaims, "Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God!" This statement reflects a religious Jew’s presumptuous belief that all physical Israelites were guaranteed a place at the Messianic banquet. The Lord Jesus uses this to relate the parable of the Great Banquet to challenge the man’s presumption. These religious leaders are focused on their social status and self-righteousness. The man’s comment was likely a pious, but superficial exclamation, meant to imply he was among the worthy to sit at heaven’s banquet table.

Acceptance of the invitation of the Gospel of the Grace of God is the key. Indifference or rejection of the gospel has dire consequences. Hence, we are therefore reminded in this passage to be steadfast in faith, being children of God in Christ Jesus. Not by our merit for being religious nor by our efforts to observe the law, in Christ Jesus by faith in His finished work on the cross, we are blessed to eat bread in the kingdom of God. Eating bread signifies we are in a very close fellowship with the Lord. Scriptures declare, as it is written: “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” (Ephesians 2:4-6 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 14:12-14 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: and thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.” (Luke 14:12-14 KJV).

In these passages, our Lord Jesus Christ, now talking to the host of the party, continues to give the message of contrast between the "law of demand" and the “supply of grace”. This highlights that by grace we are to bless those who cannot repay, such as the physically disabled, the poor and the unprivileged. This selfless act reflects God’s heart, and assures rewards at the day of resurrection, in contrast to acts that aims to seek earthly appreciation and reciprocity.

Outlining the limits of human effort to observe the law, points toward the need for the grace of God that can be found by totally yielding through faith in the Lord’s finished work on the cross. In Him, true gracious giving is done without expecting anything in return. This mirrors how God loves and provides. Our focus is on those who are socially overlooked (the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind). They are those have no means to reciprocate. They can’t lavish you with indulgences and paybacks. This sets you in the posture for eternal promise of repayment "at the resurrection of the just," shifting focus away from the posture of instant gratification for temporary gain to eternal, divine reward.

In essence, this is our cue to live by grace, allowing the Holy Spirit to reflect through us God’s unconditional, generous nature, rather than transactional, worldly religious and social exchange. We aim to lavish with our generosity the unprivileged and the poor who can’t repay. Scriptures affirm that: “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” (Proverbs 19:17 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 14:10-11 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: thent shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 14:10-11 KJV).

These passages, looked through the lens of God's grace, describe the parable’s message of what should transpire when we take the stance of humility in our approach to living. From the perspective of heaven through grace, humility is recognizing that you cannot provide for yourself. It is relying entirely on God’s blessing which leads to being exalted. It is not humility in the view of the world, which is driven by hypocrisy for gaining approval of men and women to impress their carnal tendencies.

In every setting of living, our posture must be rooted in knowing our identity as a child of God, not in trying to earn His favor through works of self-efforts, nor to earn the world's acceptance and admiration by boosting yourself at the expense of someone else. Which reminds me of an instance during my life's corporate season.

Working as Comptroller of a privately owned corporation with a group of twenty operating companies, I was charged to train one of the young owners of the company. Upon completion of the training I was advised by my boss that, the young owner I trained intends to take my job. My boss was so anxious and apologetic. He asked me if the young man I trained was capable to do my job. My response was, I’m sorry I can’t answer it, as I would either be unfair to him or to me. I assured him not to worry. If ever I am to go and the door closes on me, my God will open windows of opportunities before me. But one thing's sure, I can say - he’s an owner and I am just a hired hand. 

As a result, few months thereafter, I was promoted to absorb the other comptroller's job of another group owned by the same corporation, to run two groups of companies, bringing the total of sixty operating companies under my charge. And, the young man was given a managerial position in one of the operating companies of the group. I never lift a finger to boost and promote myself. I just continued doing my job and entrusted everything else in God's hands.

We are, therefore, reminded to steadfastly stand in the undeniable truth that in the kingdom of God, taking the "lowest place" means to stop trying to prove our worth and instead allowing God to exalt us based on our worth by what our Lord Jesus Christ has already done. It is not about what we do and have done. The Lord is true to His Word: “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 14:7-9 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them, When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; and he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.” (Luke 14:7-9 KJV).

These parabolic verses give a lesson in humility and grace, correcting the tendency of religious and worldly groups in attendance to self-promote. In a world of vanity and greed many strive for honor, success and material gain by performance in self- promotion. Hence, these draw us away from the world to rest humbly in our identity as children of God in Christ Jesus, letting Him elevate us rather than seek positions of prominence and power ourselves.

These passages teach that in God's kingdom the way up is down. The lower you go, the higher you ascend. The lowly are lifted. Pride poisons and destroys life. Hence, the proud falls in a great crash (Proverbs 16:18). In this event, the Lord Jesus observes the invited Pharisees and Priests were seeking "places of honor" presumptive of their merits (by their efforts of law and religious performance), giving the Lord Jesus the opportunity to teach a posture of humility, which allows for undeserved favor of God’s grace to manifest.

Rather than being presumptive about self assessment to scramble for the best spots, God's children in grace are guided by the Holy Spirit to embrace a humble, resting posture. Opting for the low spot by not seeking a place of honor, you avoid the shame of being demoted, but gain the advantage of being lifted up or spared from disgrace. This reflects a life dependent on God’s grace rather than self-effort to earn merit and reward.

These, therefore, remind us that when you rest in your position as a favored child of God, you do not need to fight for the bigger share of the pie or recognition. In Christ Jesus, we have life abundant (John 10:10). We are the Lord’s beloved, as it is written: “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” (1 John 4:16 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 14:4-6 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go; and answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day? And they could not answer him again to these things.” (Luke 14:4-6 KJV).

In these verses, we learn that none of the religious people responded to the Lord's rhetorical question, of course. They're "holding their peace" which affirm the uncertain and warp logic of their Sabbath doctrine. The Lord Jesus heals a man with dropsy (which the modern world of medicine calls Edema) on Sabbath, directly challenging the strict, religious interpretations held by the Pharisees.

With the “pit” analogy the Lord exposes the hypocrisy of the religious leaders by asking if they wouldn't pull their own son or ox out of a well on the Sabbath. If saving an animal or a family member is allowed, He asserts the truth that saving a human life from disease is far more crucial than an animal, regardless of the day. Like a family member, he is a human being, too.

This challenges us who are saved by grace to ensure our actions are driven by love and mercy, and led by the unction of the Holy Spirit, rather than just keeping up appearances adhering to strict religious rules and striving in self effort to observe the law.

Being made righteous by grace through faith in our Lord’s finished work on the cross, Scriptures affirm: “Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.” (Galatians 3:11-14 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 14:1-3 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him. And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy. And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?” (Luke 14:1-3 KJV).

These passages describe our Lord Jesus went to dine at a prominent Pharisee’s home on the Sabbath, where He is being closely watched by religious leaders. This is setting up to expose the deep conflict between legalistic religious rules and God’s grace and mercy. A man with dropsy (swollen limbs) is set before Him, likely as a trap. In response to the watchful eyes of the religious leaders, our Lord Jesus preemptively challenged their strict, legalistic Sabbath rules by asking if it is lawful to heal on the Sabbath. He is directly confronting their hypocrisy.

His coming to eat meal at the home of a "ruler of the Pharisees" on the Sabbath was a high-stakes social event. This is likely intended to ensnare Him in whatever He would do, which the Lord instantly knew by the obvious presence of a sick man before Him. The Pharisees are watching the Lord to see if He will perform a healing, which they considered "work", forbidden to do on the Sabbath. Preempting them, He takes the initiative by asking the lawyers and Pharisees directly: "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?".

This question of the Lord is rhetorical, meant to draw the attention of the religious leaders to bring them to right understanding of God's original intent of the Sabbath. In grace, we being God's children by faith in Christ Jesus, Sabbath was made for us. In the account of Mark, when the Lord encounters the Pharisees at the grain fields, they raise a question about the Sabbath. “And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27-28 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 13:34-35 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” (Luke 13:34-35 KJV).

This is such a heart wrenching lament of our Lord Jesus and very poignant even today. Uttered with emphasis, He longs to bless the people of Jerusalem. The Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts remind us again and again of God's love for the great cities of that era - Jerusalem and others including Athens (Acts 16:15-16), Antioch (Acts 11:19-27), Corinth (Acts 17:8; 18), Rome (Acts 19:21), Ephesus (Acts 19:1). The gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles teach us how the Lord longed to reach these cities through the Good News of the Grace of God. Sadly through, those cities rejected the message of our Lord Jesus as Jerusalem did. Their rejection of God's grace and love resulted in disasters for those cities. For Jerusalem, however, its denial of our Lord Jesus was worse, Him being the Jewish Messiah, the promised hope of their Scriptures, sent as their Deliverer. But, instead, they delivered Him to the cross.

For us now, this is a warning not to be guilty of the same act of rejection. We must be conscious always to understand the Lord’s longing to bring us under His wing of protection like a ‘mother hen’ and respond by yielding Him our whole hearts, souls, minds, and being. Let’s cooperate to be loved by Him, resting in His grace through faith. Let us receive Him and declare “blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

These passages speak of the gentle, nurturing, and protective nature of our Lord Jesus Christ, urging us to settle our security and refuge in Him. The Psalmist's testimony proclaims, as it is written: “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 13:31-33 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee. And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected. Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.” (Luke 13:31-33 KJV).

Responding to the threat of Herod Antifas as told by some Pharisees, the Lord Jesus, unafraid, called Herod a "fox" to describe his conniving, weak, and destructive rule. He asserts that His life is not dictated by political threats, but by His divine purpose. The Lord's message of the gospel of grace shows that no weapon formed against Christ Jesus shall prosper, even before the appointed time of the cross.

Our Lord states He will continue casting out demons and healing (doing the work of grace) "today, tomorrow, and the third day", as He continues His journey to Jerusalem, day by day. This indicates a set divinely purposed timeline, pointing to the literal three-day period, ending in His perfect completion of sacrifice at the cross and the grave. Amidst threats, He declares, "I must keep going." He is determined to finish His course, emphasizing that His physical ministry of teaching, healing and setting people free continues right up until His appointed time on the cross in Jerusalem. As the prophets who prophesied His coming perished in Jerusalem, He too is set to fulfill His mission in the City of David. That is Jerusalem, indeed!

In Jerusalem-on Calvary, the Lord Jesus gives His life for us. He dies as our ransom, so we can live. He declares these words using the analogy of Him being our Good Shepherd. It is written: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:10-11 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 13:29-30 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.” (Luke 13:29-30 KJV).

These passages highlight the universality of God’s plan for His kingdom to be open for people from all over the world to enter, not just a select few. This brings a stunning truth and reality to those who assume they are guaranteed entry on account of pedigree or religious upbringing. It contrasts worldly ‘importance’ with divine value, where the last will be first, and the first will be last, stressing that salvation is about belonging to God in Christ Jesus, not by religious affiliation nor belonging to the world's elite.

Time and time again, our Lord Jesus warned the pretentious and hypocrite religious people of their eternal destruction (Luke 6:41-42). Those people make a big show of their religious dedication and zeal. They display pious acts in public when they are not. They look down on others (especially those who do not belong to their religious group and persuasion) out of their own self-righteousness while refusing to live with the love and the character of God, in grace by faith.

Seen through the lens of God's unconditional love and grace, the call to enter the Kingdom of God extends beyond every demarcation lines of the world. From the four corners of the earth people come and “will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God” (Luke 13:29b NIV). And indeed, at this table of grace there are ‘last who will be first, and first who will be last.’ This is pointing to those who relied on their own righteousness through works, or legalistic obedience (the "first") may find to be last. And, conversely, those who recognize their unworthiness and depend solely on God's grace (“last") are the ones who are welcomed first. This, the Lord Jesus illustrated in His parable of “The Workers in the Vineyard” (Mathew 20:1-16).

This, therefore, reminds that salvation is entirely a gift of grace, not merit for works of self-effort. Scriptures declare this truth: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 13:28 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.” (Luke 13:28 KJV).

This is a scenario no one would want to have and should not be in. But, then again, it’s a choice. This, therefore, warns that individuals relying on religious heritage or association, rather than personal relationship by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, will experience intense, regretful anguish ("weeping and gnashing of teeth") when excluded from the kingdom of God. Along with the rest of the world and those who heard but rejected the Lord, they will be watching biblical patriarchs and prophets enter the Kingdom of God, while they are cast out.

This passage is the Lord’s clarifying response to a question about how many will be saved, emphasizing that salvation is not by works of self effort. Salvation is not for those who pride themselves of being religious zealots, like the Pharisees, the Priests and the Scribes whom the Lord Jesus calls out for their hypocrisy. This highlights the tragic reality of being close to the truth but missing it due to unbelief and/or being shackled by religion, realizing too late that only through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ by His grace one can enter the Kingdom of God and be saved. Scriptures affirm: “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”” (Acts 4:12 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 13:25-27 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.” (Luke 13:25-27 KJV).

These parabolic passages provide stern warning from our Lord Jesus Christ that the opportunity for salvation (the "narrow door") is set for this physical lifetime and demands urgency, so as not to miss it. After this physical realm, the door is shut. It’s over and gone. There’s nothing one can do. No amount of prayers and indulgences from concerned loved ones can change the reality that every being dies once physically then judgement for eternal destiny (Hebrews 9:27). The choice to enter the narrow door to believe and to receive the Lord’s gift of salvation by grace is now!(Ephesians 2:6-8).

The Lord is teaching in these passages that mere association with Him—listening to His teachings, or reclining with Him at dinner table (like some Pharisees and Scribes did) or casual familiarity (as most of the crowds that pursue Him)—does not equal to salvation. The Master of the house will eventually shut the door, leaving only those with true, transformative faith that receive salvation by grace to enter God’s Kingdom. The rejecting religious hypocrites, along with the unbelieving world, the Master will shut the door on their faces.

Yes, everyone must take it seriously. Come, believe and rest in His grace! This realm of living is the only opportunity for humanity, as it is written: “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” (Hebrews 9:27-28 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 13:23-24 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” (Luke 13:23-24 KJV).

These passages deal on our Lord’s interaction in one of His teachings in the cities and villages He passed through on His way to Jerusalem. A man raised a question whether only a few will be saved. This is such a revealing question, that carries concern for many people’s destiny. This sends a signal of warning for those who are still sitting on the fence of unbelief whose fates are drawing away from the Kingdom of God. As the Lord Jesus responds with instruction to enter the straight or narrow gate, signals the difficulty and hindrance of finding to enter it.

The “straight gate” refers to a restricted entrance representing the singular path to the Father and salvation into the kingdom of God. The direction to enter the "narrow door," is not a call to work for salvation through intense self effort, but as a call to abandon self-endeavor and rely entirely on the Lord’s finished work. To "strive" highlights the struggle to abandon humanity’s tendency towards self effort, and release from shackles of religion and worldly ways to able to turn around and focus on our Lord Jesus Christ to rest in His love. Only a few enter this gate due to religious and worldly baggage, as shown by the religious leaders of the day that the Lord Jesus rebukes harshly for their hypocrisy.

Hence, this stirs us to realize that only by faith in Christ Jesus our Lord, rather than human works, ensures you and I to enter the Kingdom of God by grace. Let us, therefore, be reminded always by His words to Apostle Thomas, the Lord “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 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 13:22 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.” (Luke 13:22 KJV).

This passage depicts the Lord Jesus Christ traveling toward Jerusalem, teaching in cities and villages along the way. This context emphasizes that His journey is a deliberate, purposeful march toward His ultimate sacrificial death and resurrection. He is actively spreading the gospel, knowing the time is short, while moving toward His mission of redemption.

The way to the cross is what the "journeying toward Jerusalem" highlights and points to. Our Lord Jesus Christ is focused on the final phase of His mission to fulfill His destiny to save humanity. It is His divine appointment set before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:17-21). Despite the pressure of knowing His impending death, He is consistently teaching in the cities and towns He is passing through using His journey to instruct people about the Kingdom of God in their midst.

We too are in a journey to our ‘Jerusalem’ of divine appointment set before time begun (Ephesians 1:3-10), whether we know it or not. Now, for sure, we know! Let us navigate towards our ‘destiny’—with faith, totally yielded to His grace—knowing that God goes before us, being His children through faith in Christ Jesus our Lord. Let us proclaim this truth as we go along to prepare those on our way for the impact of His Kingdom in our lives.

Fearless by remaining faithful always, we will get through. We are not going through it alone. We have our Lord’s promise:“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.…” (Isaiah 43:1-3a 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 13:20-21 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.” (Luke 13:20-21 KJV).

In these passages, our Lord Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to yeast- a "leaven" hidden in “three measures of meal”, emphasizing that although the Gospel may seem trivial and unimportant in the perspectives of the world, with its hidden beginnings, it possesses a quiet, irresistible power to permeate like a yeast and transform the entire world. This parable highlights how God's Kingdom expands from within, changing individuals and society from the inside out. Like the work out-of-sight to raise the dough, the Kingdom of God grows internally and quietly like the yeast, rather than through outward, forceful, or physical and political might. The Almighty power is in the Kingdom of God, in the presence of the Trinity - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, as this analogy alludes to the “three measures of meal.”

The moment the gospel is "sown" in the people’s lives in societies, its permeating process cannot be stopped. It will eventually affect every part of the "dough". Each and every being is touched by God’s love and the message of grace and truth, whether they recognize and acknowledge it or not. It is for each and every person to choose how to respond. It’s not by force. It’s by wisdom of knowing.

Ultimately, all those who are touched by the Gospel of the grace of God must choose to receive or to reject, to believe or to refuse. And, the Scriptures warn the consequences of each of every person’s choices. It is written the Gospel declares: ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 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 3:16-18 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.