When God Says …
“Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.” (John 2:20-22 KJV)
When the Lord gave the Jews, (who collectively represent the Pharisees, Sadducees and other religious and political leaders), the prophetic sign saying they can destroy the temple and He can rebuild it in three days, they resented. They did not know the implication of what they hear. Their focus was on the reality that it took decades to build the temple. But the Lord was predicting His death and resurrection. The temple, though, was also completely obliterated by the Romans 70 years later.
When this prophetic declaration of the Lord came to pass, these Jews still remained adamantly obstinate, like many that behave like them in this present day world. He was sent from heaven to turn the offsprings of Abraham from wicked ways. But, they rejected Him. He was sent for us too, so that by faith in Him, we too turn away from wickedness. These Scriptures, remind: “And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’ When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”” (Acts 3:25-26 NIV)
The disciples remembered and believed in the Words of the Lord. They affirmed the fulfillment of the Lord's resurrection from the dead, to the people. The same rigid group of Jews stumbled upon them. They remained stubborn in their unbelief, just like the culture of our day. Let us not therefore be obstinate like them, who as the scriptures reveal: “And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.” (Acts 4:1-2 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.
Thursday, February 29, 2024
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
The Gospel of John 2:18-19 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” (John 2:18-19 KJV)
The 'Jews', who were collectively the religious and political leaders and supposedly the caretakers of the temple, were exceedingly offended by the Lord's appropriate measures against the disrespect done at the Father's house of prayers. Hence, indeed openly awed by the clean up that they should have done in the first place, they showed concurrence to it, but secretly maligned by it. The impact on their cut of the profits there off could be in their minds. For those businesses being allowed inside the temple would be impossible without the religious leadership's participation.
They demand a sign of authority to justify His action. Not satisfied of the miracle already shown purging the temple, they wanted more. Their attitude towards the Lord sets a pattern of obstinacy and unbelief. The Lord Jesus accommodated their demand. Using the temple as analogy to His body, He gave them a prophetic sign of His upcoming death in their hands and Him raising Himself to life after three days. This temple in Jerusalem is what the religious Jews say where people ought to worship. But in Christ Jesus, who now is in the midst of humanity, people can now worship in the temple not made by human hands. Yes, definitely not in buildings or 'churches' of religion. It is written: “The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.” (Acts 17:24-25 ESV)
The gist of this declaration of the Lord Jesus Christ, points to the time which was revealed in the His conversation with the Samaritan woman, who said: “Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”” (John 4:20-24 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
“Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” (John 2:18-19 KJV)
The 'Jews', who were collectively the religious and political leaders and supposedly the caretakers of the temple, were exceedingly offended by the Lord's appropriate measures against the disrespect done at the Father's house of prayers. Hence, indeed openly awed by the clean up that they should have done in the first place, they showed concurrence to it, but secretly maligned by it. The impact on their cut of the profits there off could be in their minds. For those businesses being allowed inside the temple would be impossible without the religious leadership's participation.
They demand a sign of authority to justify His action. Not satisfied of the miracle already shown purging the temple, they wanted more. Their attitude towards the Lord sets a pattern of obstinacy and unbelief. The Lord Jesus accommodated their demand. Using the temple as analogy to His body, He gave them a prophetic sign of His upcoming death in their hands and Him raising Himself to life after three days. This temple in Jerusalem is what the religious Jews say where people ought to worship. But in Christ Jesus, who now is in the midst of humanity, people can now worship in the temple not made by human hands. Yes, definitely not in buildings or 'churches' of religion. It is written: “The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.” (Acts 17:24-25 ESV)
The gist of this declaration of the Lord Jesus Christ, points to the time which was revealed in the His conversation with the Samaritan woman, who said: “Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”” (John 4:20-24 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
The Gospel of John 2:17 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.” (John 2:17 KJV)
Observing the Lord's forceful disciplinary action over those enterprising characters desecrating the Father's house of prayers, in the eyes of religion and the world He was an angry person. In doing so, they condemned Him a sinner. They judged the Lord Jesus of committing the sin of murder, against His own Words in Matthew 5:22. That's how doctrines of man, political correctness and paganism frame the belief system of those who hang on to religion and worldly precepts, rather than the truth of God's holy and written Words. Exactly like the Pharisees, they are blinded to see the truth, for they do not seek the truth in the first place.
They say, they 'read' the Scriptures, but only perhaps as a book for entertainment and pastime, instead of letting God's Words speak to them by meditating on it (Psalm 19:14). They 'read' it but neither to learn from it nor to be transformed by it. They chose to remain hostage by their pagan rituals and idolatrous beliefs. Apostle James says this of them: “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” (James 1:23-24 NIV)
Observing His zealous disciplinary act, as one who is reborn by faith in Christ Jesus, through the eyes of God's grace, we see the Lord as He is. He is love (1 John 4:8). He is holy and perfect untainted by sin (1 John 3:5). He is not a God of anger as He Himself raised the bar against the sin of murder to being angry against one's brother or sister (Matthew 5:21-23). He is full of compassion (Mark 6:34; Matthew 14:14). His strong display of reproof reflects the depth of His love. The disciples who watched Him were reminded of the prophecy in Psalms 69:9. And, this brings to remembrance, as it is written: “For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives.” (Hebrews 12:6 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.
“And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.” (John 2:17 KJV)
Observing the Lord's forceful disciplinary action over those enterprising characters desecrating the Father's house of prayers, in the eyes of religion and the world He was an angry person. In doing so, they condemned Him a sinner. They judged the Lord Jesus of committing the sin of murder, against His own Words in Matthew 5:22. That's how doctrines of man, political correctness and paganism frame the belief system of those who hang on to religion and worldly precepts, rather than the truth of God's holy and written Words. Exactly like the Pharisees, they are blinded to see the truth, for they do not seek the truth in the first place.
They say, they 'read' the Scriptures, but only perhaps as a book for entertainment and pastime, instead of letting God's Words speak to them by meditating on it (Psalm 19:14). They 'read' it but neither to learn from it nor to be transformed by it. They chose to remain hostage by their pagan rituals and idolatrous beliefs. Apostle James says this of them: “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” (James 1:23-24 NIV)
Observing His zealous disciplinary act, as one who is reborn by faith in Christ Jesus, through the eyes of God's grace, we see the Lord as He is. He is love (1 John 4:8). He is holy and perfect untainted by sin (1 John 3:5). He is not a God of anger as He Himself raised the bar against the sin of murder to being angry against one's brother or sister (Matthew 5:21-23). He is full of compassion (Mark 6:34; Matthew 14:14). His strong display of reproof reflects the depth of His love. The disciples who watched Him were reminded of the prophecy in Psalms 69:9. And, this brings to remembrance, as it is written: “For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives.” (Hebrews 12:6 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.
Monday, February 26, 2024
The Gospel of John 2:13-16 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, and found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: and when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; and said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.” (John 2:13-16 KJV)
This is such a well timed trip by the Lord Jesus to Jerusalem for the Jews' Passover celebration. This is the remembrance of the first Passover in Egypt, when the first born of the Israelites were protected by the shed blood of the lamb which were smeared on their door frames as a sign for the angel of death to pass on. During that first Passover, all the first born of Egypt from the Pharaoh's child to those who were in the dungeon, as well as, their live stocks, were killed (Exodus 12:29-30). It was a cast and shadow that points to the saving blood of the Lamb of God in the person of Christ Jesus. This very disappointing market-like scene, trading animal sacrifices, of the religious enterprise in the temple is what met Him. It is just like the religious business institutions we are witnessing in this contemporary time we are in, who defiled God's name and holy Words.
Hence, the Lord Jesus had to institute disciplinary measures to cleanup the old covenant temple, which is an allegory to the true temple of God. Under God's covenant of grace in Christ Jesus, our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 6:19). Because God loves us all, sinner or saint, especially His fellow Israelites who defiled the temple with religion, the Lord had to institute serious disciplinary action.
On the same manner, where needed, as His children by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, God chastises us too. His Words remind, “And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”” (Hebrews 12:5-6 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.
“And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, and found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: and when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; and said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.” (John 2:13-16 KJV)
This is such a well timed trip by the Lord Jesus to Jerusalem for the Jews' Passover celebration. This is the remembrance of the first Passover in Egypt, when the first born of the Israelites were protected by the shed blood of the lamb which were smeared on their door frames as a sign for the angel of death to pass on. During that first Passover, all the first born of Egypt from the Pharaoh's child to those who were in the dungeon, as well as, their live stocks, were killed (Exodus 12:29-30). It was a cast and shadow that points to the saving blood of the Lamb of God in the person of Christ Jesus. This very disappointing market-like scene, trading animal sacrifices, of the religious enterprise in the temple is what met Him. It is just like the religious business institutions we are witnessing in this contemporary time we are in, who defiled God's name and holy Words.
Hence, the Lord Jesus had to institute disciplinary measures to cleanup the old covenant temple, which is an allegory to the true temple of God. Under God's covenant of grace in Christ Jesus, our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 6:19). Because God loves us all, sinner or saint, especially His fellow Israelites who defiled the temple with religion, the Lord had to institute serious disciplinary action.
On the same manner, where needed, as His children by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, God chastises us too. His Words remind, “And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”” (Hebrews 12:5-6 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.
Sunday, February 25, 2024
The Gospel of John 2:12 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.” (John 2:12 KJV)
Capernaum was the base of the Lord's ministry. He, Mary-His mother, His half siblings and His early disciples went to stay there for a short respite after the affair in Cana. This is the place where the Lord Jesus commune most of the time and performed many of His miracles. Located on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, it is eighteen miles from Cana. A town of major importance, it is smack right on the major route of trade and commerce from Damascus to the Mediterranean Sea. Bustling and diverse, this gives a picture of hectic city activity – just like our present cities of material progress.
This is a lesson for us now to reflect on. Especially in our present congested way of living, we must not behave like the people of Capernaum. We must not allow the distractions of the world to steal our life's focus. Rather, we are to be conscious of the Lord's presence by resting in His grace through faith in Him.
For Capernaum, the Lord Jesus Christ spent time there quite regularly, but with their focus more on the material aspect of living, they totally missed Him and the great things He did. In their worldly value system, they overlooked or even have intentionally by choice did not value the most valuable treasure they could have had in their midst.
Hence, the Lord Jesus Christ declared His dismay and yearning for them, as it is written: “And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For, if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgement for the land of Sodom than for you.”” (Matthew 11:23-24 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
“After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.” (John 2:12 KJV)
Capernaum was the base of the Lord's ministry. He, Mary-His mother, His half siblings and His early disciples went to stay there for a short respite after the affair in Cana. This is the place where the Lord Jesus commune most of the time and performed many of His miracles. Located on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, it is eighteen miles from Cana. A town of major importance, it is smack right on the major route of trade and commerce from Damascus to the Mediterranean Sea. Bustling and diverse, this gives a picture of hectic city activity – just like our present cities of material progress.
This is a lesson for us now to reflect on. Especially in our present congested way of living, we must not behave like the people of Capernaum. We must not allow the distractions of the world to steal our life's focus. Rather, we are to be conscious of the Lord's presence by resting in His grace through faith in Him.
For Capernaum, the Lord Jesus Christ spent time there quite regularly, but with their focus more on the material aspect of living, they totally missed Him and the great things He did. In their worldly value system, they overlooked or even have intentionally by choice did not value the most valuable treasure they could have had in their midst.
Hence, the Lord Jesus Christ declared His dismay and yearning for them, as it is written: “And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For, if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgement for the land of Sodom than for you.”” (Matthew 11:23-24 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Saturday, February 24, 2024
The Gospel of John 2:11 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.” (John 2:11 KJV)
This miraculous event at the wedding reception in Cana is the first of the signs that Apostle John, the disciple that Jesus loved, also called the evangelist, mentioned in this gospel. This sign is very important to note, as this points to the blood of Jesus that will be shed to save, firstly - His chosen people Israel, and then the world, as well. This event is the reality of the cast and shadow of the miracle that was manifest through Moses, who was sent by God to save the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. In Exodus 7:20-21, as a sign pointing to the saving blood of Jesus, water was turned to blood by the touch of the rod of Moses.
This miracle is a gift to the bride and groom, and a sign to the few who were privileged to take part on it, Mary - the mother of Jesus, the new disciples and the servers. It sealed their knowledge of Him. And, this is recorded for us too, so that we are established and settled in our faith. This secured firmly His first disciples' core of faith that we should embrace, as well. Apostle Peter affirmed it in his declaration of faith, when the Lord asked as it is written: “He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 16:15-17 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.
“This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.” (John 2:11 KJV)
This miraculous event at the wedding reception in Cana is the first of the signs that Apostle John, the disciple that Jesus loved, also called the evangelist, mentioned in this gospel. This sign is very important to note, as this points to the blood of Jesus that will be shed to save, firstly - His chosen people Israel, and then the world, as well. This event is the reality of the cast and shadow of the miracle that was manifest through Moses, who was sent by God to save the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. In Exodus 7:20-21, as a sign pointing to the saving blood of Jesus, water was turned to blood by the touch of the rod of Moses.
This miracle is a gift to the bride and groom, and a sign to the few who were privileged to take part on it, Mary - the mother of Jesus, the new disciples and the servers. It sealed their knowledge of Him. And, this is recorded for us too, so that we are established and settled in our faith. This secured firmly His first disciples' core of faith that we should embrace, as well. Apostle Peter affirmed it in his declaration of faith, when the Lord asked as it is written: “He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 16:15-17 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.
Friday, February 23, 2024
The Gospel of John 2:9-10 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, and saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.” (John 2:9-10 KJV)
These passages reveal a miraculous compression of time which is of great significance to us in speaking of the new wine from the Kingdom of God. This event reveals who Jesus is and what He did transforming water into wine. Best wine takes a long period of time to ferment from fruit of the vine. The Lord Jesus Christ who transcends time made wine out of water as it was drawn from the vessels and taken for tasting by the master of the party. Unbeknownst to him, the wine came from the jars of water.
When the master toast of the party tasted the new supply of wine given him, he exposed the world's cocktail party set up. The world serves the best wine first and when the guests are drunk, the cheap wine is served. But, in the presence of the Messiah who came to transform humanity by faith in Him through His grace, the toastmaster is in for a big new way to have a party. In His presence the best is for last!
In Christ Jesus, this setting is a metaphor for our life's transformation through grace by faith in Him. The wedding party is the analogy for our life. The wine is the symbol of the Holy Spirit, whom the Lord Jesus promised to send us. As the new wine gives new life to the party, the Holy Spirit gives us the power to walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. It is written: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1-4 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
“When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, and saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.” (John 2:9-10 KJV)
These passages reveal a miraculous compression of time which is of great significance to us in speaking of the new wine from the Kingdom of God. This event reveals who Jesus is and what He did transforming water into wine. Best wine takes a long period of time to ferment from fruit of the vine. The Lord Jesus Christ who transcends time made wine out of water as it was drawn from the vessels and taken for tasting by the master of the party. Unbeknownst to him, the wine came from the jars of water.
When the master toast of the party tasted the new supply of wine given him, he exposed the world's cocktail party set up. The world serves the best wine first and when the guests are drunk, the cheap wine is served. But, in the presence of the Messiah who came to transform humanity by faith in Him through His grace, the toastmaster is in for a big new way to have a party. In His presence the best is for last!
In Christ Jesus, this setting is a metaphor for our life's transformation through grace by faith in Him. The wedding party is the analogy for our life. The wine is the symbol of the Holy Spirit, whom the Lord Jesus promised to send us. As the new wine gives new life to the party, the Holy Spirit gives us the power to walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. It is written: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1-4 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Thursday, February 22, 2024
The Gospel of John 2:8 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.” (John 2:8 KJV)
This passage conveys the assurance that when we respond to the Lord's Words of instruction, and position before Him our receptacles of blessings, expectant and without hesitation, our needs would be supplied. With trust, our receptacles are filled to the brim. Our every need are supplied and met, as when they, the servers draw from it, the party's need was supplied and met. It should be noted that the pots were filled with water.
When we draw from the water in our vessel (yes, that's you and I - we are the pots) and present it to God, we'll never be in want. Thirst is quenched. Water is the metaphor for God's holy and written Words (Ephesians 5:26) and His Word is the Spirit of the Lord (John 6:63). The Word is the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:1 & 14). Hence, we are to posture our ears, mind and heart to receive His Words. It is the water we drink that never runs out. Lord Jesus declared this truth to the Samaritan woman at the well. “Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”” (John 4:13-14 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.
“And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.” (John 2:8 KJV)
This passage conveys the assurance that when we respond to the Lord's Words of instruction, and position before Him our receptacles of blessings, expectant and without hesitation, our needs would be supplied. With trust, our receptacles are filled to the brim. Our every need are supplied and met, as when they, the servers draw from it, the party's need was supplied and met. It should be noted that the pots were filled with water.
When we draw from the water in our vessel (yes, that's you and I - we are the pots) and present it to God, we'll never be in want. Thirst is quenched. Water is the metaphor for God's holy and written Words (Ephesians 5:26) and His Word is the Spirit of the Lord (John 6:63). The Word is the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:1 & 14). Hence, we are to posture our ears, mind and heart to receive His Words. It is the water we drink that never runs out. Lord Jesus declared this truth to the Samaritan woman at the well. “Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”” (John 4:13-14 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.
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
The Gospel of John 2:6-7 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.” (John 2:6-7 KJV)In the midst of such a developing fiasco, it is so amazing to note that the issue at hand involves running out of wine. Wine is the metaphor for the blood of the lamb used as sacrifice to cleanse people's sins offered by the priests under the covenant of the law. Those rituals were cast and shadow of the final offering by the blood of the Lamb of God in the person of Jesus.
The six water pots of stone used to hold water for the Jewish ritual of washing represent the sinful humanity that needed the blood of the Lamb. These vessels are designed to contain an equivalent of between twenty to thirty gallons each, for a total of 120 to 150 gallons. The servants were instructed by the Lord to fill it to the brim, and they did. It literally provides abundant supply of wine for the rest of the celebration.
These passages convey a reminder for us that in this realm of physical living, when God tells us by His Word to be filled by His Word to the brim, as symbolized by the stone pots filled to the brim by water representing the Word of the Lord, we must! And, His Word is full of the Spirit and life (John 6:63). Yes, the Word is Christ Jesus (John 1:1 & 14). We must respond like the servants did. We shall have abundance for living by God's provision of grace.
Yes, by faith in Christ Jesus, this is the water that we ourselves should seek to drink and be filled. It becomes a spring of living water within us, as Lord Jesus proclaims to the Samaritan woman at the well. It is written: “but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”” (John 4:14 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.
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.
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
The Gospel of John 2:3-5 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.” (John 2:3-5 KJV)
Having the knowledge that wine is running out, this interaction between Mary and the Lord conveys the message that their family is involved in the comings and goings of this party. With Mary intimating with the Lord Jesus about the wine supply is a sign of concern towards the hosts for the impact of it spoiling the mood of the party. She did not ask Him to do anything about it, though. She was not presenting this problem to Jesus for a solution. But knowing its importance and Mary's concern, He took it as a push for Him to act out of His timeframe. Translated from Greek, a modern phrasing of this interaction would be "Madam, what does this have to do with me? It is not my place and time."
He was not following to do what He came for from anybody's cue, neither from Mary nor from Himself. He came under the time frame set in heaven, as He was chosen from the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:20). At this point, the Lord has not performed any miraculous acts, as yet. Nevertheless, Mary, knowing who Jesus really is, instructed the servers to follow whatever He says. And, that's the same attitude we must have, too, to follow what the Lord says.
Furthermore, the Lord Jesus Himself reveals that what He does is not of His own will, but by the will of His Father (John 5:18-20). This is a serious prompt for us to be doing the will of God dependent on His grace by faith in Christ Jesus. His Words remind that, ““Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21 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.
“And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.” (John 2:3-5 KJV)
Having the knowledge that wine is running out, this interaction between Mary and the Lord conveys the message that their family is involved in the comings and goings of this party. With Mary intimating with the Lord Jesus about the wine supply is a sign of concern towards the hosts for the impact of it spoiling the mood of the party. She did not ask Him to do anything about it, though. She was not presenting this problem to Jesus for a solution. But knowing its importance and Mary's concern, He took it as a push for Him to act out of His timeframe. Translated from Greek, a modern phrasing of this interaction would be "Madam, what does this have to do with me? It is not my place and time."
He was not following to do what He came for from anybody's cue, neither from Mary nor from Himself. He came under the time frame set in heaven, as He was chosen from the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:20). At this point, the Lord has not performed any miraculous acts, as yet. Nevertheless, Mary, knowing who Jesus really is, instructed the servers to follow whatever He says. And, that's the same attitude we must have, too, to follow what the Lord says.
Furthermore, the Lord Jesus Himself reveals that what He does is not of His own will, but by the will of His Father (John 5:18-20). This is a serious prompt for us to be doing the will of God dependent on His grace by faith in Christ Jesus. His Words remind that, ““Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21 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.
Monday, February 19, 2024
The Gospel of John 2:1-2 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: and both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.” (John 2:1-2 KJV)
These passages reveal three important and meaningful clues pointing to consequential events in our relationship with God by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. With Mary's presence, this indicates that the affair is celebrated by people her family knew of. Both the Lord and His disciples are also invited.
These texts point to: Firstly, 'the third day' which in the literal sense, could be the third day after the Lord meet Nathanael or the three days of travel to Cana, the home town of Nathanael. But, as the Lord's holy and written Words always point to something of importance, this could be the first cast and shadow mentioned by the Gospel of John of the Lord's resurrection from the dead three days from His burial. Hence, the symbolism of celebration and rejoicing allude to His rising from death on the third day.
Secondly, marriage is a profound mystery that reflects Christ's love for the church demonstrated in the union of a man and a woman. So, Apostle Paul exhorts: ““For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church." (Ephesians 5:31-32 NIV). It depicts the union of Christ (the bridegroom) and the church (His bride), in the eternal union between Christ and His people (Revelation 19:7-9).
Thirdly, wedding is the joyful celebration in the union of true love. That is Love, who is God (1 John 4:16), binding both man and woman into one. That's the reality and truth that occurs in a wedding rite when both parties take their vows, in the presence of God, their devotion for each other 'til death do they part. This hallowed bond transcends to our spiritual relationship with Christ Jesus, which is manifested in our dressed rehearsal of love for each other bound by Christ in oneness. In so doing, we are made ready as the bride of the Lamb, as it is prophesied, “Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready;” (Revelation 19:7 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.
“And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: and both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.” (John 2:1-2 KJV)
These passages reveal three important and meaningful clues pointing to consequential events in our relationship with God by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. With Mary's presence, this indicates that the affair is celebrated by people her family knew of. Both the Lord and His disciples are also invited.
These texts point to: Firstly, 'the third day' which in the literal sense, could be the third day after the Lord meet Nathanael or the three days of travel to Cana, the home town of Nathanael. But, as the Lord's holy and written Words always point to something of importance, this could be the first cast and shadow mentioned by the Gospel of John of the Lord's resurrection from the dead three days from His burial. Hence, the symbolism of celebration and rejoicing allude to His rising from death on the third day.
Secondly, marriage is a profound mystery that reflects Christ's love for the church demonstrated in the union of a man and a woman. So, Apostle Paul exhorts: ““For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church." (Ephesians 5:31-32 NIV). It depicts the union of Christ (the bridegroom) and the church (His bride), in the eternal union between Christ and His people (Revelation 19:7-9).
Thirdly, wedding is the joyful celebration in the union of true love. That is Love, who is God (1 John 4:16), binding both man and woman into one. That's the reality and truth that occurs in a wedding rite when both parties take their vows, in the presence of God, their devotion for each other 'til death do they part. This hallowed bond transcends to our spiritual relationship with Christ Jesus, which is manifested in our dressed rehearsal of love for each other bound by Christ in oneness. In so doing, we are made ready as the bride of the Lamb, as it is prophesied, “Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready;” (Revelation 19:7 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.
Sunday, February 18, 2024
The Gospel of John 1:50-51 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.” (John 1:50-51 KJV)
Truly impressed by the Lord's knowledge of the trivial thing he was doing before he came to meet Him, Nathanael exclaimed He is the King of Israel, who was promised through the writings of the prophets. Of which the Lord, knowing the honesty of his heart, He essentially told him - "You haven't seen nothing yet! The Lord hinted to Nathanael that he will see greater miracles coming. He will witness signs affirming the presence of the Son of God in their midst.
The Lord Jesus gave him a peek of the miracles that they who believe will see. He alluded to the vision of Jacob, whose name later was changed to Israel. In Genesis 27:12, Israel saw a ladder between earth and heaven, with angels on it going up to and down from heaven. With angels ministering upon Him, the Lord Jesus subtly revealed that His mission is to be the connection between men and God. Yes, for us all who believe and depend in His grace, we have this affirming assurance, as it is written: “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.” (1 Timothy 2:5-6 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.
“Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.” (John 1:50-51 KJV)
Truly impressed by the Lord's knowledge of the trivial thing he was doing before he came to meet Him, Nathanael exclaimed He is the King of Israel, who was promised through the writings of the prophets. Of which the Lord, knowing the honesty of his heart, He essentially told him - "You haven't seen nothing yet! The Lord hinted to Nathanael that he will see greater miracles coming. He will witness signs affirming the presence of the Son of God in their midst.
The Lord Jesus gave him a peek of the miracles that they who believe will see. He alluded to the vision of Jacob, whose name later was changed to Israel. In Genesis 27:12, Israel saw a ladder between earth and heaven, with angels on it going up to and down from heaven. With angels ministering upon Him, the Lord Jesus subtly revealed that His mission is to be the connection between men and God. Yes, for us all who believe and depend in His grace, we have this affirming assurance, as it is written: “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.” (1 Timothy 2:5-6 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.
Saturday, February 17, 2024
The Gospel of John 1:49 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.” (John 1:49 KJV)
This is such a stunning declaration of Nathanael in response to the light-teasing remark of the Lord that poked holes into his seemingly biased opinion. It is in effect a concession saying, 'I am wrong. Something good comes out of Nazareth.'
Calling Jesus the "Son of God" refers to what has been prophesied about the Messiah, described in Psalm 2: ““I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.” I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father. Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.” (Psalms 2:6-8 NIV).
“Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.” (John 1:49 KJV)
This is such a stunning declaration of Nathanael in response to the light-teasing remark of the Lord that poked holes into his seemingly biased opinion. It is in effect a concession saying, 'I am wrong. Something good comes out of Nazareth.'
Calling Jesus the "Son of God" refers to what has been prophesied about the Messiah, described in Psalm 2: ““I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.” I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father. Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.” (Psalms 2:6-8 NIV).
By calling Him 'King of Israel', he is affirming what Isaiah described in his prophecies of a future king, “Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot— yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root. And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.” (Isaiah 11:1-2 NLT)
Addressing the Lord Rabbi is Nathanael's confession of willingness to follow and learn from Him. Rightly so, and we should too, by coming to Him in faith, like these young men, to receive His grace. Let us learn from Him, our Lord Jesus Christ. He invited us, as He said: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”” (Matthew 11:28-30 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.
Addressing the Lord Rabbi is Nathanael's confession of willingness to follow and learn from Him. Rightly so, and we should too, by coming to Him in faith, like these young men, to receive His grace. Let us learn from Him, our Lord Jesus Christ. He invited us, as He said: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”” (Matthew 11:28-30 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.
Friday, February 16, 2024
The Gospel of John 1:48 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.” (John 1:48 KJV)
Somewhat taken by surprise at the Lord's first impression assessment of his authenticity and openness, “Nathanael asked, “Where did you get that idea? You don’t know me. We just meet.” The Lord Jesus answered, “One day, long before Philip called you here, I saw you under the fig tree.”” Nathanael's question somehow seems to sound hypocritical, considering his stereotypical comment about anything good coming from Nazareth, the place where the Lord Jesus came from.
The Lord Jesus, in His response, poked holes on Nathanael's prejudicial mind. By describing what Nathanael was doing before Phillip invited him, the Lord Jesus hinted of His divine knowledge and omniscience. The Lord knows everything about us all. The minute details of who we are is open book in His eyes, as with what He knew about the simple and mundane things, like having seen Nathanael under the fig tree. The Lord sees everything we do alone in private. He knows our sins, the reason He came to save us from it.
The Lord Jesus Christ knows who we are. Sinners as we were under the curse of Adam's fall, He loved us, nevertheless. He died for Nathanael and us driven by love. It is written: “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 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.
“Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.” (John 1:48 KJV)
Somewhat taken by surprise at the Lord's first impression assessment of his authenticity and openness, “Nathanael asked, “Where did you get that idea? You don’t know me. We just meet.” The Lord Jesus answered, “One day, long before Philip called you here, I saw you under the fig tree.”” Nathanael's question somehow seems to sound hypocritical, considering his stereotypical comment about anything good coming from Nazareth, the place where the Lord Jesus came from.
The Lord Jesus, in His response, poked holes on Nathanael's prejudicial mind. By describing what Nathanael was doing before Phillip invited him, the Lord Jesus hinted of His divine knowledge and omniscience. The Lord knows everything about us all. The minute details of who we are is open book in His eyes, as with what He knew about the simple and mundane things, like having seen Nathanael under the fig tree. The Lord sees everything we do alone in private. He knows our sins, the reason He came to save us from it.
The Lord Jesus Christ knows who we are. Sinners as we were under the curse of Adam's fall, He loved us, nevertheless. He died for Nathanael and us driven by love. It is written: “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 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.
Thursday, February 15, 2024
The Gospel of John 1:47 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” (John 1:47 KJV)
Addressing Nathanael as a guileless Israelite is an affirming declaration that this young man is a true descendant of the renewed man blessed by God, Israel. He's not like the religious Jews, who were still reflecting the nature of Jacob-'the deceiver', but truly is a son of the one whom God renamed Israel, after he wrestled with God (Genesis 32:24-28).
This statement of the Lord seemed a slight sarcastic teasing response to Nathanael's unflattering remark about Nazareth, and a cue for us, who are to walk in God's grace by faith in Christ Jesus, not to make hasty judgment, as well. This tacitly points to the behaviors of the non-believing religious Jews that incessantly pass judgments against the Lord Jesus Christ. They accuse the Lord Jesus of driving demons by the power of the prince of demons (Matthew 5:22).
Considering that the Lord Jesus Himself did not come to judge but to save (John 12:47). And, He is the only qualified Judge! All judgement is entrusted unto Him by the Father (John 5:22). The Lord rebukes the religious Jews, as it is written: “You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one.” (John 8:15 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.
“Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” (John 1:47 KJV)
Addressing Nathanael as a guileless Israelite is an affirming declaration that this young man is a true descendant of the renewed man blessed by God, Israel. He's not like the religious Jews, who were still reflecting the nature of Jacob-'the deceiver', but truly is a son of the one whom God renamed Israel, after he wrestled with God (Genesis 32:24-28).
This statement of the Lord seemed a slight sarcastic teasing response to Nathanael's unflattering remark about Nazareth, and a cue for us, who are to walk in God's grace by faith in Christ Jesus, not to make hasty judgment, as well. This tacitly points to the behaviors of the non-believing religious Jews that incessantly pass judgments against the Lord Jesus Christ. They accuse the Lord Jesus of driving demons by the power of the prince of demons (Matthew 5:22).
Considering that the Lord Jesus Himself did not come to judge but to save (John 12:47). And, He is the only qualified Judge! All judgement is entrusted unto Him by the Father (John 5:22). The Lord rebukes the religious Jews, as it is written: “You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one.” (John 8:15 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.
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
The Gospel of John 1:45-46 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.” (John 1:45-46 KJV)
Here, we are shown the continuing pattern of invitation these young men are in a habit of doing. On this same manner, these reflections are also my invitation to those who are blessed to come across of these blogs on the Web. As with Andrew, now Phillip invites Nathaniel to "come and see." This young man, Nathanael, posed a very interesting profiling question, 'can there any good thing to come out of Nazareth?' Which lead us to ask, is there anyone from Nazareth? That is a picture of disappointment, failure, hopelessness, poverty, shame and surrender. That was what Nazareth signified then, a gloomy small laid-back village, secluded and poor.
Well, wherever we came from, whatever was our background, who or what we are now doesn’t really matter. What matters is who we can be. Let us just “COME AND SEE THE LORD WHO HAS COME.” He, who was promised, that Moses and the prophets wrote, has come for you and me. He brought heaven down here on earth, that's what matters. Not the circumstances and the state we are in. In Christ Jesus, by faith in Him, it will change for the better and for the best. He transforms us from glory to glory, which comes from the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Let's just take the attitude of Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, whose name was given by his Mom as a label, meaning pain. As we put our trust in God by His grace through faith in Christ Jesus from Nazareth, our territory, our domain, our life can change drastically. Let's respond to Phillip's invite, 'come and see.' And, just like Jabez, all we need to do is call upon the Lord. It is written: “Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.” (1 Chronicles 4:10 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.
“Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.” (John 1:45-46 KJV)
Here, we are shown the continuing pattern of invitation these young men are in a habit of doing. On this same manner, these reflections are also my invitation to those who are blessed to come across of these blogs on the Web. As with Andrew, now Phillip invites Nathaniel to "come and see." This young man, Nathanael, posed a very interesting profiling question, 'can there any good thing to come out of Nazareth?' Which lead us to ask, is there anyone from Nazareth? That is a picture of disappointment, failure, hopelessness, poverty, shame and surrender. That was what Nazareth signified then, a gloomy small laid-back village, secluded and poor.
Well, wherever we came from, whatever was our background, who or what we are now doesn’t really matter. What matters is who we can be. Let us just “COME AND SEE THE LORD WHO HAS COME.” He, who was promised, that Moses and the prophets wrote, has come for you and me. He brought heaven down here on earth, that's what matters. Not the circumstances and the state we are in. In Christ Jesus, by faith in Him, it will change for the better and for the best. He transforms us from glory to glory, which comes from the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Let's just take the attitude of Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, whose name was given by his Mom as a label, meaning pain. As we put our trust in God by His grace through faith in Christ Jesus from Nazareth, our territory, our domain, our life can change drastically. Let's respond to Phillip's invite, 'come and see.' And, just like Jabez, all we need to do is call upon the Lord. It is written: “Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.” (1 Chronicles 4:10 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.
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
The Gospel of John 1:43-44 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.” (John 1:43-44 KJV)
These passages tell us that the day after Andrew brought his brother Peter to present him to the Lord Jesus, the Lord went to Galilee. It is located on the shore of the Sea of Galilee in the northern area of Israel. There He found Phillip, whose name in Greek means lover of horses, and invited him "follow me." The Lord invited Phillip to be one of His disciples. And, he did follow Him like a bridled horse, which shows us his willingness to learn from Him and serve Him.
This was a simple call for radical change. Phillip's upbringing being from Bethsaida, which literally is a 'house of fish' or 'fisher town', tells us that he's exposed to the fishing trade like Andrew and Peter, whom the Lord already met. These are kids who are mentored by their parents to carry on their fishing enterprises. These are ordinary young men who were not cut for high educational pursuit. They are carved for hard work for living. They are far from those who are pursuing elitist learning under the tutelage of the religious Pharisees, Sadducees and political teachers of their day. They are considered uneducated by them who rub elbows with those who call the shots in the halls of power.
This is the direction these passages point to, observing the pattern where the Lord Jesus recruited His disciples. Which is affirmed by Apostle Paul's exhortation: “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:27-29 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 day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.” (John 1:43-44 KJV)
These passages tell us that the day after Andrew brought his brother Peter to present him to the Lord Jesus, the Lord went to Galilee. It is located on the shore of the Sea of Galilee in the northern area of Israel. There He found Phillip, whose name in Greek means lover of horses, and invited him "follow me." The Lord invited Phillip to be one of His disciples. And, he did follow Him like a bridled horse, which shows us his willingness to learn from Him and serve Him.
This was a simple call for radical change. Phillip's upbringing being from Bethsaida, which literally is a 'house of fish' or 'fisher town', tells us that he's exposed to the fishing trade like Andrew and Peter, whom the Lord already met. These are kids who are mentored by their parents to carry on their fishing enterprises. These are ordinary young men who were not cut for high educational pursuit. They are carved for hard work for living. They are far from those who are pursuing elitist learning under the tutelage of the religious Pharisees, Sadducees and political teachers of their day. They are considered uneducated by them who rub elbows with those who call the shots in the halls of power.
This is the direction these passages point to, observing the pattern where the Lord Jesus recruited His disciples. Which is affirmed by Apostle Paul's exhortation: “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:27-29 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.
Monday, February 12, 2024
The Gospel of John 1:40-42 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.” (John 1:40-42 KJV)
Somehow, true to his name Andrew, which is a Greek name meaning strong or manly, the first thing he did was to find his brother Simon and brought him to Jesus. This must be by God's design that a man of strength should encounter the Messiah first. It is mentioned that these two (Andrew and John, the writer of this gospel) were the only present when John the Baptist spoke of the Lamb of God. One can see that they were also eager to meet Him. And, Andrew demonstrated the first and right thing to do in such a great encounter with the Lord, who we are to follow. We have to share the experience with others, especially first to those who are close to us.
In doing so, the Lord Jesus is excited, too. He said in one of His teachings that for every sinner that repents and comes to find Him, the angels in heaven are rejoicing (Luke 25:15). Then, as we come to Him believing, He transforms us. He gives us a new name just like Andrew's brother Simon, whose name is derived from an adjective in Greek meaning flat-nosed, whom the Lord gave the new name in Aramaic, Cephas and in Greek, Peter, which means stone.
That's what the Lord does to us all too, who come to Him dependent in His grace through faith. We'll be called children of God. It is written, as we are already made aware of: “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,” (John 1:12 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.
“One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.” (John 1:40-42 KJV)
Somehow, true to his name Andrew, which is a Greek name meaning strong or manly, the first thing he did was to find his brother Simon and brought him to Jesus. This must be by God's design that a man of strength should encounter the Messiah first. It is mentioned that these two (Andrew and John, the writer of this gospel) were the only present when John the Baptist spoke of the Lamb of God. One can see that they were also eager to meet Him. And, Andrew demonstrated the first and right thing to do in such a great encounter with the Lord, who we are to follow. We have to share the experience with others, especially first to those who are close to us.
In doing so, the Lord Jesus is excited, too. He said in one of His teachings that for every sinner that repents and comes to find Him, the angels in heaven are rejoicing (Luke 25:15). Then, as we come to Him believing, He transforms us. He gives us a new name just like Andrew's brother Simon, whose name is derived from an adjective in Greek meaning flat-nosed, whom the Lord gave the new name in Aramaic, Cephas and in Greek, Peter, which means stone.
That's what the Lord does to us all too, who come to Him dependent in His grace through faith. We'll be called children of God. It is written, as we are already made aware of: “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,” (John 1:12 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.
Sunday, February 11, 2024
The Gospel of John 1:39 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.” (John 1:39 KJV)
When we seek Him, the Lord Jesus Christ is always eagerly waiting to invite us to 'come and see.' In whatever time, even in the tenth hour which is about four in the afternoon, or about two hours before sunset, as we can see in this example by the experience of these two young boys, He invited them in. Time is of no regard for the Lord to receive us to Him.
The passion and zeal of the Lord Jesus Christ is to start without delay things pertaining to salvation. He wasn't too busy for John and Andrew. He has time for them in the right now moment for a personal close fellowship. He was ready to stay and be with them right there "that day." He always has quality time and full attention to speak to those who really want to be with Him. Yes, He wants to be with us, too! He stepped down from heaven into this world to have a personal intimate relationship with us. He did not come to establish a religion. He came to be with us and in us, one on one.
He came to earth to seek us, as well, while we seek Him! Especially, those who are lost, He came not only to seek them, but to save them! It is written: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”” (Luke 19:10 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.
“He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.” (John 1:39 KJV)
When we seek Him, the Lord Jesus Christ is always eagerly waiting to invite us to 'come and see.' In whatever time, even in the tenth hour which is about four in the afternoon, or about two hours before sunset, as we can see in this example by the experience of these two young boys, He invited them in. Time is of no regard for the Lord to receive us to Him.
The passion and zeal of the Lord Jesus Christ is to start without delay things pertaining to salvation. He wasn't too busy for John and Andrew. He has time for them in the right now moment for a personal close fellowship. He was ready to stay and be with them right there "that day." He always has quality time and full attention to speak to those who really want to be with Him. Yes, He wants to be with us, too! He stepped down from heaven into this world to have a personal intimate relationship with us. He did not come to establish a religion. He came to be with us and in us, one on one.
He came to earth to seek us, as well, while we seek Him! Especially, those who are lost, He came not only to seek them, but to save them! It is written: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”” (Luke 19:10 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.
Saturday, February 10, 2024
The Gospel of John 1:37-38 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?” (John 1:37-38 KJV)
These two young disciples of John the Baptist, who heard him speaks about the Messiah passing by, are great models of true seekers. They did not waste time to respond when their mentor directed them over to the One he proclaimed and of whom he prepared the path for. When he said: "Behold the Lamb of God!” they quickly followed Him. True to God's holy and written Words saying "those who seek will find" (Matthew 7:7), these young men found the Lord that they've been seeking for. Their interest to know where He stayed revealed their intent to know Him intimately. Addressing Him Master affirmed their desire to follow Him. Which attitude, we too should have. We will not be disappointed. James 4:8a says: “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”
This is a very reassuring demonstration of the Lord's grace when we faithfully seek Him. In whatever state we are in, even the Israelites during their worst plight of exile, they had God's promise. For us too, by faith in Him, in whatever mess we're in. We will find Him and He restores us. As to the Israelites in diaspora, His Words say, (and these Words are for us, as well): “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile." (Jeremiah 29:13-14 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.
“And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?” (John 1:37-38 KJV)
These two young disciples of John the Baptist, who heard him speaks about the Messiah passing by, are great models of true seekers. They did not waste time to respond when their mentor directed them over to the One he proclaimed and of whom he prepared the path for. When he said: "Behold the Lamb of God!” they quickly followed Him. True to God's holy and written Words saying "those who seek will find" (Matthew 7:7), these young men found the Lord that they've been seeking for. Their interest to know where He stayed revealed their intent to know Him intimately. Addressing Him Master affirmed their desire to follow Him. Which attitude, we too should have. We will not be disappointed. James 4:8a says: “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”
This is a very reassuring demonstration of the Lord's grace when we faithfully seek Him. In whatever state we are in, even the Israelites during their worst plight of exile, they had God's promise. For us too, by faith in Him, in whatever mess we're in. We will find Him and He restores us. As to the Israelites in diaspora, His Words say, (and these Words are for us, as well): “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile." (Jeremiah 29:13-14 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.
Friday, February 9, 2024
The Gospel of John 1:35-36 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; and looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!” (John 1:35-36 KJV)
These passages hinted that when John the Baptist saw by revelation from heaven of the presence of the Messiah the day before, none of his disciples were present. Hence, this day when he was in his post continuing to do his mission to prepare people's heart for the Lord whose presence in their midst he already affirmed, the Lord Jesus Himself passed by. Two of John's disciples were present. They're among the firsts blessed to see the Lord in the flesh other than John the Baptist.
This gesture demonstrated by John is a compelling example of unselfishness and true act of service. He stayed in the lane assigned him. He was not enamored of the fame he gathered with the many followings looking up to him. Which, in many cases in our worldly environment, we tend to be protective to the goodwill of adulation and attention we get. We tend to ride along on it. It fuels human ego standing on some kind of pedestal. But, it’s not with John. He is well aware of his assignment to witness the One who's greater than him and who's already come. So, he drew the attention of his two disciples away from him and directed them, turning them over to the Lord Jesus, the Lamb of God.
The Lord Jesus is the Passover Lamb, pointing to the first Passover experience in Egypt when all the first-born of the land were taken, but the first-born of Israel were spared by the protection of the blood of the lamb. By grace through faith in Him, He is the Lamb worthy to ransom us for God. He took our place to set us free from the clutches of sin in the hands of the enemy of our soul. It is written that at the heavenly throne, Scriptures reveal: “And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. And they sang a new song with these words: “You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” (Revelation 5:8-9 NLT)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
“Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; and looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!” (John 1:35-36 KJV)
These passages hinted that when John the Baptist saw by revelation from heaven of the presence of the Messiah the day before, none of his disciples were present. Hence, this day when he was in his post continuing to do his mission to prepare people's heart for the Lord whose presence in their midst he already affirmed, the Lord Jesus Himself passed by. Two of John's disciples were present. They're among the firsts blessed to see the Lord in the flesh other than John the Baptist.
This gesture demonstrated by John is a compelling example of unselfishness and true act of service. He stayed in the lane assigned him. He was not enamored of the fame he gathered with the many followings looking up to him. Which, in many cases in our worldly environment, we tend to be protective to the goodwill of adulation and attention we get. We tend to ride along on it. It fuels human ego standing on some kind of pedestal. But, it’s not with John. He is well aware of his assignment to witness the One who's greater than him and who's already come. So, he drew the attention of his two disciples away from him and directed them, turning them over to the Lord Jesus, the Lamb of God.
The Lord Jesus is the Passover Lamb, pointing to the first Passover experience in Egypt when all the first-born of the land were taken, but the first-born of Israel were spared by the protection of the blood of the lamb. By grace through faith in Him, He is the Lamb worthy to ransom us for God. He took our place to set us free from the clutches of sin in the hands of the enemy of our soul. It is written that at the heavenly throne, Scriptures reveal: “And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. And they sang a new song with these words: “You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” (Revelation 5:8-9 NLT)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Thursday, February 8, 2024
The Gospel of John 1:32-34 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.” (John 1:32-34 KJV)
This vision described by John, as he baptized Jesus, is a spiritual phenomenon emanating from heaven. It is a sign given to him from heaven so he can testify who the Son of God is, whose path he was sent to prepare. He did not know Him (v.33). Though John the Baptist show a sign of recognition of the Messiah when they were both in their mothers' womb (Luke 1:41), these passages reveal that they both grew as normal kids, unmindful of their calling. The timing for manifestation of their missions were set in heaven.
He knew the sign revealed to him that the One on whom the Holy Spirit coming like a Dove rests on, He is the Son of God. Now, He, who John did not know, is made known to him through the vision of the Holy Spirit descending from heaven resting upon Jesus. The chosen Son of God is revealed. For our sakes, the Lord Jesus was chosen before the foundation of the world to restore us with God by grace through faith in Him! (1 Peter 1:20).
And, we, all of us who seek Him, receive Him and rest in His grace by faith, are chosen to be sons and daughters of God. It is written: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.” (Ephesians 1:3-6 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.
“And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.” (John 1:32-34 KJV)
This vision described by John, as he baptized Jesus, is a spiritual phenomenon emanating from heaven. It is a sign given to him from heaven so he can testify who the Son of God is, whose path he was sent to prepare. He did not know Him (v.33). Though John the Baptist show a sign of recognition of the Messiah when they were both in their mothers' womb (Luke 1:41), these passages reveal that they both grew as normal kids, unmindful of their calling. The timing for manifestation of their missions were set in heaven.
He knew the sign revealed to him that the One on whom the Holy Spirit coming like a Dove rests on, He is the Son of God. Now, He, who John did not know, is made known to him through the vision of the Holy Spirit descending from heaven resting upon Jesus. The chosen Son of God is revealed. For our sakes, the Lord Jesus was chosen before the foundation of the world to restore us with God by grace through faith in Him! (1 Peter 1:20).
And, we, all of us who seek Him, receive Him and rest in His grace by faith, are chosen to be sons and daughters of God. It is written: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.” (Ephesians 1:3-6 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.
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
The Gospel of John 1:29-31 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.” (John 1:29-31 KJV)
This is amazing to note that the day right after the skeptics from Jerusalem left - them who confronted John the Baptist, a very momentous event occurred. The public ministry of The Messiah was launched by the highest point of fulfillment of John the Baptist's mission. Among those who came to be baptized, John saw Jesus coming who was fresh from His 40 days of fasting and experience of temptation by the devil (Matthew 4:1-11). He came to be baptized.
John the Baptist beheld Him in awe and reverence saying: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29b NIV). He was drawing dramatic attention to the onset of an unprecedented event beginning to unfold. This was a startling statement for the Jews to hear Jesus declared the “Lamb of God.” He is the One whom John earlier affirmed to those who confronted him - He who comes after him, but preferred before him. He is He, whose sandals he is not worthy to unlatch. He is He of whom he came to baptize and usher to manifest to the descendants of Israel.
He is the Lamb of God who was appointed to be slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8b). He is worthy of honor and glory. As it is written, around the throne in heaven the voice of angels is heard, “saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”” (Revelation 5:12 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 next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.” (John 1:29-31 KJV)
This is amazing to note that the day right after the skeptics from Jerusalem left - them who confronted John the Baptist, a very momentous event occurred. The public ministry of The Messiah was launched by the highest point of fulfillment of John the Baptist's mission. Among those who came to be baptized, John saw Jesus coming who was fresh from His 40 days of fasting and experience of temptation by the devil (Matthew 4:1-11). He came to be baptized.
John the Baptist beheld Him in awe and reverence saying: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29b NIV). He was drawing dramatic attention to the onset of an unprecedented event beginning to unfold. This was a startling statement for the Jews to hear Jesus declared the “Lamb of God.” He is the One whom John earlier affirmed to those who confronted him - He who comes after him, but preferred before him. He is He, whose sandals he is not worthy to unlatch. He is He of whom he came to baptize and usher to manifest to the descendants of Israel.
He is the Lamb of God who was appointed to be slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8b). He is worthy of honor and glory. As it is written, around the throne in heaven the voice of angels is heard, “saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”” (Revelation 5:12 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.
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
The Gospel of John 1:28 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.” (John 1:28 KJV)
This passage specifically reveals that this encounter of John the Baptist with the minions of the religious and political leaders happened at Bethabara or Bethany. That's where John was administering baptisms for those who publicly expressed repentance of their sins, they’re those who decided to change the direction of how to live. For those who sincerely received it, they were preparing for the coming Messiah.
The place was a region beyond Jordan, which signify opening the doors to welcome those who are outside of the tribe of Israel, the Gentile people. This was prophesied in Isaiah 40:3 as "the wilderness", which is far from Jerusalem. Yes, that's referring to us. We, the Gentiles who were in "the wilderness" before we receive the Lordship of Christ Jesus and before we were born again. We do not belong to the covenant promises of God. Yet, we were in the mind of God when He sent John the Baptist to prepare the way of our Savior. That's a great blessing that we all ought to be grateful for! By grace through faith in Christ Jesus we are made partakers of Him and in Him.
Hence, grateful of God's grace, let us take heed of this caution and reminder: “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”” (Hebrews 3:12-15 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.
“These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.” (John 1:28 KJV)
This passage specifically reveals that this encounter of John the Baptist with the minions of the religious and political leaders happened at Bethabara or Bethany. That's where John was administering baptisms for those who publicly expressed repentance of their sins, they’re those who decided to change the direction of how to live. For those who sincerely received it, they were preparing for the coming Messiah.
The place was a region beyond Jordan, which signify opening the doors to welcome those who are outside of the tribe of Israel, the Gentile people. This was prophesied in Isaiah 40:3 as "the wilderness", which is far from Jerusalem. Yes, that's referring to us. We, the Gentiles who were in "the wilderness" before we receive the Lordship of Christ Jesus and before we were born again. We do not belong to the covenant promises of God. Yet, we were in the mind of God when He sent John the Baptist to prepare the way of our Savior. That's a great blessing that we all ought to be grateful for! By grace through faith in Christ Jesus we are made partakers of Him and in Him.
Hence, grateful of God's grace, let us take heed of this caution and reminder: “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”” (Hebrews 3:12-15 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.
Monday, February 5, 2024
The Gospel of John 1:26-27 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; he it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.” (John 1:26-27 KJV)
The message that John the Baptist heralded, crying in the wilderness, was an invasion into the religious domain of that day. He revealed that the Messiah was already in their midst but they did not know it. So, when asked by these zealot religious messengers with accusatory questions about his authority to baptize, saying "Who do you think you are?" (John 1:25), John the Baptist responded that his ministry of repentance uses physical symbol of baptism with water. But the ministry of Him who is the Messiah will go far beyond physical symbolism rituals.The Messiah is so much greater than John the Baptist that he declared his unworthiness to untie the straps of His sandals. In that culture, caring for another person's feet was the work of the lowliest servant. Declaring his unworthiness, he expressed the depth of his cognizance of the eternal God Almighty, for them who questioned him to be aware that He is already in their midst.
He is God incarnate. And, He is in the midst of humanity. To Him, of whom we being His children by grace through faith, must have the same mindset of reverence as with John the Baptist. And, as with John the Baptist, our posture of humility should be like that of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior. Apostle Paul exhorts us with these words: “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8 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.
Sunday, February 4, 2024
The Gospel of John 1:24-25 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?” (John 1:24-25 KJV)
Shifting their attention to the baptism that John was performing, in the minds of these men, a person baptizing others ought to have some kind of 'priestly office' like them, or prophetic authority. But, John the Baptist says he is not the long-awaited Messiah. He is not Elijah, who many believed would physically come back in order to tell others about the Promised One. He's neither the prophet which Moses promised in Deuteronomy 18:18. John the Baptist hasn't made any claims to authority. In fact, he's made it plain that his mission is to make a path for someone else. Hence, they resorted to asking John the Baptist, "Who do you think you are?" In John 1:21, John the Baptist ignored questions about himself, and focused on the coming Messiah. On the same manner, we ourselves by faith ought to look to Him, the Messiah, who is Christ Jesus the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
These emissaries, who confronted John the Baptist, were from the party of the Pharisees. They're the embodiment of religious hypocrisy. They composed the Sanhedrin who mocked, tried and condemned the Lord to death. Sadly, their doctrines are perpetuated by many religions of the day, drawing many away from the truth of God's holy and written Words with their pagan based teachings using the name of Christ Jesus in vain. The Lord Jesus warned us about them in Matthew 24:24. Apostle Peter warns that: "In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories (2 Peter 2:3a).
“And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?” (John 1:24-25 KJV)
Shifting their attention to the baptism that John was performing, in the minds of these men, a person baptizing others ought to have some kind of 'priestly office' like them, or prophetic authority. But, John the Baptist says he is not the long-awaited Messiah. He is not Elijah, who many believed would physically come back in order to tell others about the Promised One. He's neither the prophet which Moses promised in Deuteronomy 18:18. John the Baptist hasn't made any claims to authority. In fact, he's made it plain that his mission is to make a path for someone else. Hence, they resorted to asking John the Baptist, "Who do you think you are?" In John 1:21, John the Baptist ignored questions about himself, and focused on the coming Messiah. On the same manner, we ourselves by faith ought to look to Him, the Messiah, who is Christ Jesus the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
These emissaries, who confronted John the Baptist, were from the party of the Pharisees. They're the embodiment of religious hypocrisy. They composed the Sanhedrin who mocked, tried and condemned the Lord to death. Sadly, their doctrines are perpetuated by many religions of the day, drawing many away from the truth of God's holy and written Words with their pagan based teachings using the name of Christ Jesus in vain. The Lord Jesus warned us about them in Matthew 24:24. Apostle Peter warns that: "In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories (2 Peter 2:3a).
Here's what these religious people did, it is written: “But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” “He is worthy of death,” they answered. Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?”” (Matthew 26:63-68 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.
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.
Saturday, February 3, 2024
The Gospel of John 1:21-23 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.” (John 1:21-23 KJV)
These emissaries sent by religious leaders continue to illicit answers from John the Baptist. Whether those were sincere or merely questions of entrapment, John responded with total honesty. With questions alluding to what was prophesied, he did not claim to be a particular figure; neither the return of Elijah (Malachi 4:5) nor the prophet that Moses wrote in Deuteronomy 18:15.
These tactics of religious skeptics aren't really questions to seek an answer for the truth. These are designed to draw answers from John the Baptist that they can point fingers on. Yet, John the Baptist, instead of talking about himself, he stood grounded on his mission to tell them about the Messiah. He made it crystal clear that he is the fulfillment of the prophecy. He is "the voice" (Isaiah 40:3). He points awareness to 'The Word' (John 1:1) and "the Light of all mankind" (John 1:4). “He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through his testimony all might believe.” (John 1:7 NIV).
He was sent to "Make straight the way of the Lord." And, that's to give light to those in darkness, that’s you and I, before we were born again by faith in Christ Jesus. Yes, he was sent to take us out of darkness by the dawning of His great light, “so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.”” (Matthew 4:14-16 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.
“And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.” (John 1:21-23 KJV)
These emissaries sent by religious leaders continue to illicit answers from John the Baptist. Whether those were sincere or merely questions of entrapment, John responded with total honesty. With questions alluding to what was prophesied, he did not claim to be a particular figure; neither the return of Elijah (Malachi 4:5) nor the prophet that Moses wrote in Deuteronomy 18:15.
These tactics of religious skeptics aren't really questions to seek an answer for the truth. These are designed to draw answers from John the Baptist that they can point fingers on. Yet, John the Baptist, instead of talking about himself, he stood grounded on his mission to tell them about the Messiah. He made it crystal clear that he is the fulfillment of the prophecy. He is "the voice" (Isaiah 40:3). He points awareness to 'The Word' (John 1:1) and "the Light of all mankind" (John 1:4). “He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through his testimony all might believe.” (John 1:7 NIV).
He was sent to "Make straight the way of the Lord." And, that's to give light to those in darkness, that’s you and I, before we were born again by faith in Christ Jesus. Yes, he was sent to take us out of darkness by the dawning of His great light, “so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.”” (Matthew 4:14-16 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.
Friday, February 2, 2024
The Gospel of John 1:19-20 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.” (John 1:19-20 KJV)
These passages reveal that the 'Jews', referring to the high local political and religious leadership, sent to John the Baptist their priests and Levites. They were the professed guardians of the law from Jerusalem. Those religious leaders called Pharisees were extremely 'devout' with the tendency to be cold, arrogant, legalistic and harshly judgmental. They were mostly blinded by the corrupted doctrines of their religion, except for Nicodemus (John 3:1-2), who apparently saw the truth and became a believer of the true gospel of grace (John 19:39).
These Jews, certainly, must have read the prophecy of the coming Messiah. Hence, checking on John the Baptist whose teaching had gained following was a right thing to do for those who consider themselves caretakers of the promise and who await for coming Messiah, if only it's for a sincere motive. In answer to their question, John was so candid to clearly declare he was not the Messiah. John the Baptist stayed in his lane, well aware of his mission, as we must, too.
The Word was sent to earth by the Father from heaven because He so love the world (John 3:16). Hence, we must be in the know that our mission and purpose here on this planet is to let God love us, by totally resting in His grace through faith in Christ Jesus. It is written: “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” (1 John 3:1-3 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.
“And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.” (John 1:19-20 KJV)
These passages reveal that the 'Jews', referring to the high local political and religious leadership, sent to John the Baptist their priests and Levites. They were the professed guardians of the law from Jerusalem. Those religious leaders called Pharisees were extremely 'devout' with the tendency to be cold, arrogant, legalistic and harshly judgmental. They were mostly blinded by the corrupted doctrines of their religion, except for Nicodemus (John 3:1-2), who apparently saw the truth and became a believer of the true gospel of grace (John 19:39).
These Jews, certainly, must have read the prophecy of the coming Messiah. Hence, checking on John the Baptist whose teaching had gained following was a right thing to do for those who consider themselves caretakers of the promise and who await for coming Messiah, if only it's for a sincere motive. In answer to their question, John was so candid to clearly declare he was not the Messiah. John the Baptist stayed in his lane, well aware of his mission, as we must, too.
The Word was sent to earth by the Father from heaven because He so love the world (John 3:16). Hence, we must be in the know that our mission and purpose here on this planet is to let God love us, by totally resting in His grace through faith in Christ Jesus. It is written: “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” (1 John 3:1-3 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.
Thursday, February 1, 2024
The Gospel of John 1:18 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.” (John 1:18 KJV)
The Word, who was in the beginning, the only begotten and eternal Son of God, who forever rests in the bosom of the Father, He is the unseen being of the Father Himself who became flesh, the perfect Man, God incarnate. No one has seen God at any time. Except the one and only begotten Son of the Father who came to live among us, had Him displayed for us to behold.
The Lord Jesus Christ is the true reflection of the Father revealed to us, so that we can truly see and experience who God is and the depth of His love. He came for us, to be with us, so we can be with Him. By His Word and by the testimony of the apostles and the disciples, we can know Him. We can only know God the Father by knowing His only Son, “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son,” (John 1:18a NIV)
Being full of grace, His transcending love is upon us as we receive His only begotten Son by faith. The Lord Jesus Christ, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:15-17 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.
“No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.” (John 1:18 KJV)
The Word, who was in the beginning, the only begotten and eternal Son of God, who forever rests in the bosom of the Father, He is the unseen being of the Father Himself who became flesh, the perfect Man, God incarnate. No one has seen God at any time. Except the one and only begotten Son of the Father who came to live among us, had Him displayed for us to behold.
The Lord Jesus Christ is the true reflection of the Father revealed to us, so that we can truly see and experience who God is and the depth of His love. He came for us, to be with us, so we can be with Him. By His Word and by the testimony of the apostles and the disciples, we can know Him. We can only know God the Father by knowing His only Son, “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son,” (John 1:18a NIV)
Being full of grace, His transcending love is upon us as we receive His only begotten Son by faith. The Lord Jesus Christ, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:15-17 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.
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