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 be cast 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 save; 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.

The Gospel of Luke 16:13 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” (Luke 16:13 KJV).

This passage is giving us a pop up alert: “money can subjugate people!” Hence, this is a call to beware and totally depend on God's grace and the Lord’s finished work over trusting in self-effort or material wealth. This reminds that every child of God should use money as a tool, not allow to be mastered by it, while trusting God as the true source of supply. Money is a resource and God is the source. Serving money means trusting in it for security, while serving God means dependence on His provision of grace by faith in Christ Jesus.

In the context of the preceding parable of the Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1-12), this analogy of serving two masters emphasizes using temporary "worldly wealth" to secure eternal, spiritual results. That is investing in lost people and the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24). The focus is on where the heart finds its security. When we look to God's grace in Christ, we are set free from the bondage of Mammon (worship of money). We must always remember that God gives the power to produce wealth for the purpose of establishing His kingdom in the covenant of grace, not enterprises of religion for self-exaltation or material hoarding.

Hence, when believers put God first and rely on His grace, wealth becomes a tool and a servant to fulfill God's purpose, rather than a master that controls their lives. When we put God FIRST in our life,“ mammon” and everything else will be blessed and be a blessing. Yes, Scriptures affirm, when we seek first the kingdom of God all other things on this earth will follow to pursue us in its nature to be an increase. It is written: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33 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 16:10-12 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?” (Luke 16:10-12 KJV).

These passages explain the Lord’s teaching about stewardship anchored on grace through faith in Him. It is where one is faithful in managing the unrighteous mammon (money) and the least earthly things one is entrusted with, prepare believers for managing "true riches" (spiritual, eternal blessings). These teach that managing the least earthly resources with integrity reveals character that qualifies believers for greater kingdom rewards and true heavenly riches.

Money is neutral by its own. In the hands of the ungodly it becomes "unrighteous", but in the believers’ hands it is sanctified (it is made holy) when handled properly by the unction of the Holy Spirit, not by own whims and knowledge. These passages reveal that believers’ faithfulness in small things (the "least") lead to be entrusted with much. The way one handles earthly resources is a litmus test for one’s ability to handle heaven’s spiritual abundance.

This also teaches faithfulness in handling someone else’s wealth—highlighting that our current resources are entrusted by God. Our diligence with the current physical resources assigned to us is the pathway to be entrusted with greater "true riches" of our own. This is about cultivating faithful character in the Lord’s covenant of grace, by faith in Christ Jesus and with the unction of the Holy Spirit in stewarding small earthly things to prepare for promotion to possess greater things in the kingdom of God. In the parable of the talents, the Master (who represent God) says, as it is written: “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” (Matthew 25:21 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 16:8-9 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And the Lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.” (Luke 16:8-9 KJV).

Surprise, surprise, the Lord commended the unjust steward for his wise action. These, we reflect within the context of wise stewardship by grace, encouraging believers to use "worldly wealth" (the mammon of unrighteousness) to invest in eternity for spiritual outcomes rather than hoarding it. The shrewd manager's actions are shown not as an endorsement of dishonesty, but as a model for being "shrewd" or wise in using resources in hand to bless others and further the kingdom for eternal dwelling.

This parable borrows worldly shrewdness to teach the use of fleeting material resources to make friends and impact lives, creating an "eternal return" rather than selfish hoarding. The cleverness of worldly stewards in managing their physical resources for their material future, contrasts with the often lack of foresight of professed believers, urging the latter to be just as purposeful for their eternal investments in the confines of grace by faith in Christ Jesus. This lesson is to be viewed through the lens of grace where God empowers us to be good stewards. It is not a legalistic or religious lesson of working hard to do good.

Using the material resources we are entrusted with to help people for the sake of the Gospel of the grace of God ensures that we are saving treasures in heaven, leading to a prepared eternal habitations in the Kingdom of God. The main takeaway is to stop hoarding tightly what we are entrusted with. Instead, we are called to use it wisely to widen the Kingdom of God, trusting Him as our source. Scriptures warn: “The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.” (Proverbs 11:24 MSG).

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 16:5-7 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“So he called every one of his Lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my Lord? And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty. Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.” (Luke 16:5-7 KJV).

These passages, continue to show lessons from the analogy of the shrewd manager. Viewed through the lens of grace, our Lord Jesus Christ is giving us not a lesson in dishonesty, but a teaching on acting wisely by relying on grace rather than one's own efforts to secure our future. Our Lord uses this dishonest man, as example for his foresight and resourcefulness of how "the children of this world" are often more proactive than those who claim as "the children of light". The core message of these passages centers on faithful stewardship of what God has entrusted to us, by using it to alleviate those who are burdened much.

The shrewd steward used his limited time of access to his master’s resources to invest in relationships for his future. We, too, as children of God in grace by believing should use the resources entrusted with us to bless others and "store blessings for eternity". These emphasize that God is not looking to trap us but to entrust us with more by the rhythm of His grace. By prioritizing the Kingdom and being faithful with the little, you align your heart with God's priorities and open the door for more kingdom resources.

These, we fulfill not using the wisdom of the world in our own effort of following precepts of religion and the law. These, we bear as fruit of the Spirit through grace, by allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us walk in faith. With the Lord’s Word of truth revealed through Apostle Paul, Scriptures declare: “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” (Galatians 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 16:3-4 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my Lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed. I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.” (Luke 16:3-4 KJV).

With these verses, worldly reaction when pressures mount to the prospect of losing one’s perceived material possessions is manifest. Seeing no way out from his predicament, the shrewd manager concocts a way using his available time to set up investment he can benefit when he’d be out of job. He is weak for hard labor. He is so proud to beg. Besides, he realized that his conscious mistake is beyond recovery. He has to go and he has no prospect of finding another management job. He has to capitalize on the time and opportunity he still has access to invest for his future.

This worldly illustration is the Lord’s example for us to leverage earthly resources in securing eternal benefits, focusing on spiritually led wisdom rather than endorsing personally driven dishonesty and greed. This emphasizes allowing God's grace to make wise investments in people for heavenly treasures, preparing for the future by trusting in the unction of the Holy Spirit. The line of thought “When I am put out of the stewardship” relate to a person’s limited time on earth. In this limited time we are reminded to use it to prepare for future eternal gain.

The steward’s action of securing a future home (Luke 16:4) is a picture of ensuring our lives are focused on the values of "everlasting abodes". As a lesson of the supplies of grace that contrasts with the demands of the law, we are challenged to be canny. The steward was "shrewd" because he realized he couldn't work his way out of his problem, as we cannot work our way to earn salvation, so we come to our Lord Jesus and be saved by grace. It is written: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,” (Ephesians 2:8 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 16:1-2 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.” (Luke 16:1-2 KJV).

In these passages, our Lord Jesus Christ tells the disciples of a parable about an unjust manager accused of squandering his rich master’s assets, and being warned of his impending dismissal. This sets up a lesson on stewardship, highlighting that all resources belong to God, and every person entrusted must manage it faithfully, recognizing that our stewardship will be accounted for.

A wealthy man - who represents God, and the manager (or steward) - who represents individuals entrusted with earthly resources, including money, time, and talents, are the two core figures of this illustration. The unjust manager is accused of "squandering" or wasting the master's possessions (Luke16:1). Hence, the master demands an accounting of his management (Luke16:2). This signifies that we are accountable to God for how we handle the resources we are entrusted with.

The steward is about to lose his position, which calls an urgent need for him to act, setting the stage for the rest of the parable. The passages emphasize that we are stewards, not owners, of the resource or whatever we have in our possession. Our Lord Jesus contrasts the foresight the worldly manager uses to secure his future with the often lack of foresight of those who claim as believers in regard with eternal matters. They are those who mix grace with observance of the law, and those who use the name of the Lord for religious purposes or whatever earthly schemes.

This serves as a call for spiritual foresight—using material resources wisely for eternal, heavenly purposes rather than just self earthly gratification. This we do by trusting in the unction of the Holy Spirit, be guided by the Words of God - the lamp upon our feet and the light upon our path (Psalm 119:105).

We must, therefore, always be reminded that - “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.” (Psalm 24:1-2 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 15:31-32 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.” (Luke 15:31-32 KJV).

These passages give the concluding message of the Lord’s parable with the father’s response to the elder son as a revelation of God’s unconditional love. This emphasizes that grace is based on sonship, not works of performance. These alert those who declare to believe, like the older son, that they already possess all the Father’s blessings in our Lord Jesus Christ. We, as believers are called to celebrate grace rather than live resentful in the mindset of legalism and religion.

The father affirms to his older son, "you are always with me, and all that I have is yours". This is a reassuring declaration that our security is based on being in the Father's house, not on our best effort of obedience, or perceived performance. Hence, we are warned against acting like the older brother—driven by anger and self-righteousness. Hence, he fails to rejoice in the father's grace toward the "prodigal" that came home - representing the sinners and the backsliders that are restored. They’re once were lost, but now are found; once were dead and now are alive. Just as you and I were, apart from the grace of God. Now returned home by faith in Christ Jesus, we are alive!

Yes, we’re once like the prodigals and sinners. Scriptures say: “All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:3-5 NIV).

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 15:28-30 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: but as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.” (Luke 15:28-30 KJV).

This account of the older brother’s anger serves as a warning against legalism, self-righteousness, and a "slave" mentality. He represents the religious mindset that relies on performance rather than grace, failing to relate with the father's heart of unconditional love.

This kind of “older brother syndrome” is common in the religious world that claims as believers but have become self-righteous, acting as servants rather than sons. This highlights how the brother's angry reaction at the celebration for his younger brother stems from a transactional relationship with God, believing his good works deserve a reward, while the prodigal brother that he accused of "having wasted his inheritance with harlots" deserves only punishment. This makes one wonder how does harlots factor in? No mention in the younger brother's "rap sheet" about it. Perhaps he himself is thinking of it, if not doing it.

Complaining to his father "I have worked hard for you... But when this son of yours who has squandered your property... comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!" This exposes the older brother’s envy because his law-mindset is devoid of grace. He’s focused on his own merit rather than the father's undeserved favor, he feels unfairly treated. His further complaint that he never received a "young goat to enjoy with his friends" reveals his lack of understanding that he could have taken anything he wanted because he was a son.

This emphasizes that, for us who believe, God wants us to enjoy our inheritance now while we are in this world, rather than wait for a "reward" for work of self-effort. This is our reminder that our life in Christ Jesus by faith is about abiding in the Father's love and grace as His children, not earning it as servants. Being the Father’s beloved child, scriptures affirm: “By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world.”(1 John 4:17 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 15:25-27 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.” (Luke 15:25-27 KJV).

In the midst of the party, the older son arrives from the field, which reveals that this parable is set in a farming environment. Here, the older son clearly represents the legalistic and religious people who depend on their hard work. He strives in the field by self-effort to impress the father, instead of dependence on his father’s grace and love. No wonder the father hasn’t thought about him to take part in setting up the feast. He is among the group represented by the ninety nine sheep left behind by the shepherd seeking for the one that was lost (Matthew 18:12-14).

In most cases, if not all, those who work hard observing the law to give the best impression of themselves, they are those who are called self-centered people. They want everyone’s attention centered upon them. This is who the older brother is. As he is, those like him think they are not given the benefit of what they earn and deserve based on their efforts. He spends more time in the field than being with his father. So, here we watch him missing to take part in the Father’s grace-filled joy.

The celebration for the prodigal son’s return reveals God’s delight in restoring sinners, while the elder son's missing the party represents being lost in the maze of self-righteousness in the observance of the law. He fails to recognize the magnitude of his father’s grace. This, therefore, is drawing our focus to the Father’s unconditional love which restores us completely, looking beyond an "elder brother" mentality of trying hard to earn God's goodness by self-effort.

We must, therefore, remain in the Lord’s grace by yielding our lives through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Scriptures assure us with this reminder: “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, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:4-7 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.