The Gospel of John 9:24-25 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.” (John 9:24-25 KJV)

What an awesome and honest declaration of faith, this once blind man, giving glory and praise to God and the Miracle Maker, as: “He answered and said, “Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.”” (John 9:25 NKJV)!!! It is totally and conspicuously in contrast to the smug and arrogance of the holier-than-thou religious leaders. Without hesitancy, they uttered words of judgement against the Lord Jesus Christ: "we know that this man is a sinner." Wow!

Our protagonist has now gotten his sight. No one else knew it better. And, no one can take it away from him! This once-blind man now can see! This man with vision now desires to continue to see. We too must desire to see and, more importantly, to be found, as this beggar was, when he encountered the Lord. We were once lost and was dead. As we sought the Lord, now we're found. He met us where we're at, like the prodigal son, who once was lost and was dead. He turned around and sought his father's forgiveness. His father ran towards him, seeing him coming from a distance. 

We, too., must turn around and come to the presence of grace in Christ Jesus. As we did, by faith in Christ Jesus, He found us where we're at. Those who have not, now is the time. Scripture reveals that there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:10). Like the picture of the prodigal son and his father, our Father will always receive us and celebrate, declaring: “For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate." (Luke 15:24 ESV). 

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 9:20-23 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: but by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.” (John 9:20-23 KJV).

These passages give a view of the complex religious dynamics of the time when the Lord Jesus Christ walked on this earth in human form. It reveals the fear and pressure faced by those who met Him and the implications of publicly acknowledging Him as the Messiah. The evasive response of the blind man's parents reflects the strain of political and religious oppression, and the potential social impact of confessing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The same conditions that we, the true and born again believers of the only begotten Son of God, are experiencing these days.

From a broader view, these passages prompt us to reflect on how should we respond to questions and challenges regarding our faith. It raises concerns about our conviction to openly testify to the transformative work of the Lord in our lives, when faced with hostility or potential unfavorable repercussions. Especially in a cancel culture era.

These also invite us to consider the importance of personal testimony and the role it plays in sharing the true gospel of grace and truth of our Lord Jesus Christ. These parents, who were fearful of being excommunicated from their sect and thrown out of their religious synagogues, found a neutral way of handling the issue in the knowledge that their son was the primary witness to his own healing. They were able to conveniently direct the authorities to seek answers from him, being the firsthand witness of such supernatural event. In a similar way, our personal encounters with the Lord and the resulting transformation in our lives serve as powerful testimonies that we can share to impact others, especially those who are close to us.

Additionally, the passages challenge us to stand in faith for truth, even in the face of serious opposition or potential adverse consequences. Yes, the parents' fear caused them to sulk, but their son eventually spoke boldly and fearlessly about his encounter with the Lord. His testimony is now a profound witness to the healing and life-changing power of the Lord Jesus Christ.

These, therefore, serve as a challenge for us, being recipient of the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, not to fear and sulk. He commissioned us to be His witness from within our proximity to every parts of this world that are within our reach. The risen Christ Jesus proclaims this to the disciples and to us who are born again by faith in Him: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”” (Acts 1:8 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:

F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 9:18-19 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight. And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see?” (John 9:18-19 KJV)

Fulfilling the prophecies about the Messiah in Isaiah 29:18; 35:5 & 42:7, miraculously a man born blind had his eye sight healed. This event is historic, as nothing like it had ever happened before. However, as this was performed by the Lord on a Sabbath, this irritated the Jews - referring to the religious Pharisees, Priests and Scribes in Jerusalem which was the center of religious power of the time. These religious leaders totally refused to believed. Yes, they are supposed to shepherd the people, spiritually guided by God's Words handed down from Moses and the prophets, but sadly they have been corrupted by doctrines of customs and traditions made by men and some rituals borrowed from pagan and worldly creeds. Just like the present day religious institutions bearing the name of Jesus, which had been defiled with doctrines not coming from the holy and written Words of God. Some are even adopting worldly concepts of political correctness, climate, family and gender matters.

With hearts hardened by unbelief, these people continue to pursue their questioning by calling on the parents of the healed blind man. These poor parents, who are also held captive by their fears of these religious zealots, must be so anxious when they were asked: “Is this your son, the one you say was born blind? So how is it that he now sees?”” (John 9:18-19 MSG). In such a dilemma, thoughts of denying must have flashed their mind knowing the harm these interrogators could inflect on their family with a response contrary to their goal and intent.

This raises a pop up alert for us to be rooted in faith in Christ Jesus for such a time that He warned us of when He said: ““Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour.” (Matthew 10:16-19 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 9:17 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.” (John 9:17 KJV)

In this passage, we continue to watch our once blind protagonist being interrogated again by the religious Pharisees and Priests in hopes to perhaps hear him speak disparagingly of our Lord Jesus Christ. Interestingly, they do not question him about the miracle itself – which is undeniably authentic. Rather, they try to extract his opinion of the Miracle Worker. We find our guy stepping up to the plate – showing manifestation of faith building up from with in. With the probability of being prosecuted by his debriefers, fearless he states what he knew to be true of our Lord according to the light he had been given. He declared: “He is a prophet”. He indicated his belief that Jesus is a prophet, whose job description would include preaching, warning and miracle working. A prophet is God’s messenger to communicate with His people.

This healed man knew for certain that the Lord Jesus was from God, or else there would have been no way He could have accomplished the mighty work of restoring his sight. This raises the question for us to ponder, as well. Are we cognizant of the miracles that God works in our lives? Are we faithful to speak in His favor – stating forth the light we have received – when accosted by those who perhaps oppose Him? Scripture tells us, we must never step back to stand on the ground of truth. The psalmist proclaim: “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Psalms 118:6 NKJV)

These exhortations from Apostle Peter, further assure us: “Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.” (1 Peter 3:13-17 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 9:16 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.” (John 9:16 KJV)

This passage showcases a sad but profound warning about spiritual blindness and ignorance. It highlights a collision impact between religious doctrine and the truth of God's Word. The Pharisees are fixated in their observance of Sabbath rest according to their strict interpretation of the law through the lens of tradition. Many of them, when they saw the Lord healing a blind man on a Sabbath, they were quick to dismiss him as a sinner and someone who's not of God. This alerts us of the great dangers of legalism and rigid adherence to religious customs.

We must therefore be reminded to stay in the truth of God's Words and refrain from the influence of religion. Allow the Holy Spirit to do His work in our life by truly receiving the Lordship of Christ Jesus in our life. He is full of grace and truth. We must truly seek the Kingdom of God and the Lord's kingship through His Words - the Holy Scriptures. When we seek, we will find (Matthew 6:7). We'll see the truth from the Word that comes from the mouth of God. We will be able to recognize the miraculous work of His hand like the other group of Pharisees (this group probably includes Nicodemus, who went to see the Lord Jesus Christ one night in John 3:1-15). They were able to object: 'How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles?'

Let us, therefore, be rooted firmly in the Lord's Words of promise by believing in Him (John 6:29). The truth sets us free from the clutches of religion and the world. It is written: “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”” (John 8:31-32 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 9:13-15 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind. And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes. Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see.” (John 9:13-15 KJV)

These passages give us the profile of real faultfinders. As their actions show, instead of being awed by this supernatural healing of a man born blind from birth that has not ever happened in the history of the world, these unbelieving religious zealots are going the extra miles to find fault of it. Many of them, along with some people in the crowd, attempted to discredit it by saying this man is just a look a like of the blind beggar, which the once blind man himself shut off by confirming "I am he". Now, they brought the man for further investigation by the Pharisees - the fanatical agents of their religious enforcement.

These pious enforcers of religion are so rigid in honoring their man-made creeds, over God's Words. They're solidly possessed by their father the devil (John 8:44) that they're numb to the truth and heavenly miracle unfolding before them. Looking for faults, asking the blind who was given sights how he was healed, they honed in on the making of clay on a Sabbath day that the Lord smudged on the eyes of the blind. The Lord's command to wash it in the pool of Siloam, also caught their scornful mindset. Mixing and anointing and washing involve effort considered work according to their religious law. It is a sin if done on a Sabbath. Hence, they call the Lord a sinner (John 9:24b), for not observing their law of the Sabbath.

They totally missed the truth. That's the work of religion. It is only in Christ Jesus by faith, we shall see the truth. Responding to the Pharisees' accusation of doing unlawful things on the Sabbath, it is written: “Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”” (Mark 2:27-28 NIV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 9:10-12 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight. Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not.” (John 9:10-12 KJV)

In these passages, the blind recipient of miracle and made protagonist in this developing drama, gave a brief factual account of the healing he just received from the person of grace and truth, who is our Lord Jesus Christ. This supernatural event has created quite a stir among the people. It is developing into being the center of the town's talk. Some raised eyebrows were evident, with confusion and questions abounding. Something impossible just happened. With many declaring that the fingerprints of God are all over it.

In his brief account of the miracle done to his eyes, the once blind man stated that Jesus had placed mud on His eyes and then commanded him to go and wash. But, when his eyes were opened, the Lord had already gone His way. Again, the Lord's smearing of the clay on the man's eyes, made from dust and spittle from His mouth, brings to remembrance of where we were created from (Genesis 2:7). Truly the One who created us, restores us as we rest in His grace by faith in Christ Jesus, like this man who was blessed to be in the presence of the light of the world. He now sees the light!

Let's therefore seek Him. He is ever present. Now, we know His name, who is above all names (Philippians 2:9). He is our Lord Jesus Christ. He is calling us, you and I: “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). As we put our trust in Him, it is written: "Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 9:8-9 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged? Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he.” (John 9:8-9 KJV)

The Lord Jesus Christ who is the light of the world, just gave a man the sight to see the light of day for the first time. Such a reassuring demonstration for us that what ever dark valleys of life we are going through, when we get in the presence of His grace, His light guides us through it. He grants us what we need at the right moment, just being near Him, by faith not by way of religion nor whatever ways of the world. He can mix clays on Sabbath day against religious laws! His grace supplies the demands of their laws. Healing comes at the right moment. Now. Not later.

As there had not been any precedent of a man born blind having been healed, questions of wonder were raised by neighbors and people who once saw a blind man begging, now shockingly having sight. Surprised, they questioned his identity. Despite having witnessed it along with the crowd, many still would not believe. But the blind man's declaration, "I am he", who begged and was blind, is a stirring for us all, specially those who are still in the dark, to come to the Lord Jesus Christ. So that we, all together like this man, can declare as it is written: “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”(John 9:25 NIV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 9:6-7 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, and said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.” (John 9:6-7 KJV)

When the Lord Jesus Christ spat on the ground, mixed it with the dust to form 'clay', perhaps on the eyes of those who were watching it was somewhat yak and repulsive. The more so when He smothered it on the blind man's eyes, who was unaware of what's going on, I suppose. In our present day environment, it could be considered vicious to an ordinary unbelieving heart, with all the contagious illnesses people may be carrying that are transmittable by spittle. But, not from the mouth of the source of life, the Son of God, from whom comes the breath of life.

In truth, this blind man is blessed being in the presence of the Agent of creation. When the Lord 'sent' him to the pool of Siloam (a fountain in Jerusalem, which name means sent in Hebrew) to wash his eyes 'and washed', he saw the light of day for the first time. It was just like the day he was made truly born into this earth, and truly made a living being to enjoy the light of day, savoring the beauty of it. Through the eyes of faith, and for us all whose faith in Christ Jesus made us born again, this incident is reminiscent to when the Creator who is the Lord Jesus Christ - the Word (John 1:1-3 & 14) created man out of the dust. We, too, are now a restored living being with the breath of life, touched by the hand of grace in Christ Jesus. It is written: “then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.” (Genesis 2:7 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 9:4-5 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:4-5 KJV)

In these passages, the Lord Jesus is challenging us that we should be doing the work as long as it is daytime, as He did the work His Father sent Him for. As long as there is light—in the presence of Jesus it is daytime—the Light of the world is present. Using day and night as a figure of speech for life between the 'cradle and the grave', the Lord said that there is a time coming when the work can’t be done in the absence of light. He is referring to the time coming when He would no longer be on earth physically, and we too. Then, there would not be light and we too are not anymore physically in the light. Hence, He warns us that while we are still walking under the sun, we must be settled to do what we need to do. Night will come, then it's over. The Scriptures say: "...people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgement," (Hebrews 9:27).

Let us therefore, make the most of every opportunity. We have to do the work of God (John 6:29), while the light of day is here. The Lord Jesus demonstrated who He is and who His Father is. He came upon the man who was born blind. The man’s blindness was meant for that moment, so that God’s glory could be displayed. In that instant, He affirms being the Light who gives light to every person. He is declaring to His disciples and to all who believes in Him and are born again, (that's you and I) by faith in Him. And, He says: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:

F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 9:1-3 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” (John 9:1-3 NIV)

These passages exposed how people look at people. We, sometimes knowingly or unknowingly, view people on a dehumanizing way for our benefit or believing in pagan karma or for the simple reason of careless banter, as displayed by the Lord's disciples. Some, relate illness to sinful habits of gluttony, drunkenness, excessive smoking, sexual immorality, and other destructive vices. But the Lord reminds the disciples and us in this instance, with a man He saw who was blind from birth, that we all have a purpose no matter who or what we are, as the blind man was, for the works of God to be manifest through us. All are sinners because of the sinful DNA inherited from Adam. But, not all illness and misfortunes are results of sinful acts. Illnesses and afflictions are inherent in a world cursed by Adam's fall (Genesis 3:17).

But, as we remain resting in God's grace by faith in Christ Jesus, not by doctrines of religion and precepts of the world, we have the comforting assurance of His living Words. We must always remember, as it is written: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” (Romans 8:28-30 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.

The Gospel of John 8:57-59 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.” (John 8:57-59 KJV)

These passages exposed the core issue why these religious Jews could not comprehend the message they're hearing from the Lord Jesus Christ. It is not their lack of understanding nor lack of knowledge nor education. They're called scholars of their time, educated in their Ivy League rabbinic schools just like this present day Ivy League religious seminaries and scientific schools of learning. They have knowledge and wisdom, but of the world. Yes, that's of the world which scriptures say: "wisdom of this world is foolishness with God" (1 Corinthians 3.19). They just refused to understand. Their hatred for the truth made it impossible for them to grasp the Lord's message of truth. Their mindset is of the world. The Lord's message is from heaven. The reason that we must take lesson from these people and step away from religion. We must truly seek the kingdom of heaven. Let us come to the Lord Jesus Christ by faith who is the gate (John 10:9) through whom we enter the Kingdom of God (John 14:6).

When the Lord Jesus invoked the sacred name I AM, as He is, their hatred boiled to the point that they picked up stones to attempt stoning Him for blasphemy, according to their religious law. But, as the Lord's actions were guided by the Father, and that it is not His time to lay down His life, He was supernaturally shielded, hidden to slip out of the temple crowd, passing through the midst of them unscathed. And, yes, before Abraham He was. As earlier revealed: “He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made." (John 1:2-3 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 8:54-56 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.” (John 8:54-56 KJV)

The Lord Jesus Christ, full of grace and truth, continues to engage His detractors with grace and truth. These people totally shut off any truth revealed to them, as their attitudes reveal. But, the Lord who is love and who came into this world for He so love the world and that the world may be saved (John 3:16), remained true to His mission to save them. He is our example not to give up. In spite of what ever challenges confronting us, being children of God and born again by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we must never give up sharing the truth of God's Words. As long as we are still here, the opportunity and the door to eternal life is open for anyone who has breath, to enter in by faith. Even these people confronting the Lord, for them the door was open, if only they believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, which some of them have done in secret.

Like our present-day global phenomenon of cancel culture, the Lord Jesus in His interaction with these religious people is reminding us not to compromise so to be embraced by them. Lest we be in a lie. In this world, nowadays, worldly and religious precepts are converging. They pressure the true believers in Christ Jesus, who have been re-born in Spirit, to accept their ungodly non Biblical notions and creeds about family, gender, climate and others. We must remain rooted in truth of God's Words. We are not to give in and be part of it, nor are we to hate them. Rather, we continue to share them with love the truth as the Lord Jesus did, from His holy and written Words, the Holy Bible. It is for the hope that all may be saved.

As it was from the start, the truth of God's Words remain. Abraham, the physical ancestor of these religious Jews confronting the Lord, believed. We must too, being spiritual heirs of Abraham in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:29). We sure are filled with gladness to see the Lord's resurrection from the dead to give us newness in life, as Abraham was. He saw it from a distance assuring him of Isaac's restoration to life. On his way to sacrifice 'his only son, Isaac', as God commanded, it is written: “On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar. Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you.”” (Genesis 22:4-5 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 8:52-53 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?” (John 8:52-53 KJV)

It's so amazing how religion can warp people's thinking and belief system. The devil has really established a very effective tool in religion to keep many from seeing the truth. Well, with years of inculcation in paganistic religious rituals it is a sad reality that it becomes very difficult for them to turn around and leave behind what they have believed for a long time. It has already rooted deeply in their being, like those who practiced religion passed on to them for generations, this present day. Sadly, drawing them to the truth is an almost impossible task, like these religious critics of the Lord Jesus Christ. But, as children of God, born again by faith in Christ Jesus, we must not give up sharing the truth of God's holy and written Words, like the Lord did to religious people He encountered during His physical ministry. We may be scorned as well, as the Lord was. But, we must love them who are in our proximity. We love them all that the Lord Jesus loves.

In these passages, we watch how these religious groups continue to sink deeper in their mocking and scorning of the Lord Jesus Christ, condemning Him again as demon-possessed. They lifted up Abraham and the prophets and slandered the Son of God who came to save and bring them back to be one with the Father. They neglect the truth that Abraham believed the Lord (Genesis 15:6) and he was called a "freind of God" (James 2:23). Yes, Abraham and the prophets died physically, but by faith they shall live forever. And, we as well, not by religion, but by faith in Him, as the Lord declares: “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” (John 5:24 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 8:50-51 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.” (John 8:50-51 KJV)

The Lord, continuing to overlook the slurs these religious people angrily hurl at Him, stayed focused to reveal to them the Father who sent Him. It is for the Father's glory He is seeking as He declares the Father's message that He is conveying to them and to us all, as well. It is the Father who seeks them and everyone in the world to save us all. He is the One who judges who should enter the kingdom prepared before the creation of the earth (Matthew 25:34).

Emphasizing the importance of His message, that the Words He is saying are firsthand truth coming from the Father with whom He is one with, the Lord Jesus uses the word of absolute hope and sincerity. He proclaims 'truly or verily' coming from the Aramaic and Hebrew word AMEN! This says certainly. It is for sure! If we seriously take the Words of the Lord Jesus Christ and let it be the footing of our living, we'll never have to look the face of death. We will live forever!

The scriptures warned us, that by being like this religious antagonists of the Lord Jesus Christ who are engrossed with precepts of the world and doctrines of their religion, nothings is gained, but so much to lose. As the Lord Jesus does the will of God, we are called to believe in Him to be one with Him by faith. Hence, in Him Apostle John reminds with a promise: “And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:17 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 8:48-49 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.” (John 8:48-49 KJV)

These religious Pharisees, Scribes and leaders of the Jews in Jerusalem continue to sink lower and lower in their insinuations against the Lord Jesus Christ, to fuel their pursuit to stop Him from revealing the truth. Earlier, they insinuated that the Lord was an illegitimate child (John 8:41). Now, they are accusing Him again of having a demon (John 7:20). But, the Lord knowing the content of their hearts and their motivations, remain vigilant in directing them to the truth that can set them free. Truly, He is love (1 John 4:8). His grace is abounding even to those who are adamant in their unbelief, as these religious people are. And, to those in our present age who are stubborn in rejecting the Lord consciously or out of ignorance, the Lord Jesus continues to pursue each one by name (Isaiah 43:1b) driven by His love. Jesus loves!

On their part, the religious leadership view the truth as threat to their positions and possessions. Enjoying their religious lifestyles as so-called authorities controlling the lives of many (just like in our contemporary religious systems) they are working hard to keep the truth from freeing those they control to keep their lifestyles. Unbeknownst to many looking up to these people, sadly to all who are not truly seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33a) the clock is ticking. It is time to seek it and enter through the gate who is the Lord Jesus Christ by believing and receiving His gospel of grace. Sadly, many are deceived and like a blind guided by the blind hand of religion (Matthew 15:14) sleepwalking to eternal death. Religions are the devil's convenient tools to keep many as collateral victims in his doom (Revelations 20:10).

That's the truth that these passages exposed. The leadership of religion honors their father the devil, to hinder the truth that Lord Jesus Christ is revealing direct from the Father who sent Him to bring us back into His family. We must have this settled that by believing, the Lord's Words said : “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 8:46-47 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” (John 8:46-47 KJV)

The Lord Jesus, being full of grace and truth, remain steadfast in engaging with grace these nasty group of religious people, who on the other hand are resolved in their pursuit to trap Him. Such a profound demonstration of unconditional love we see in the Lord who came to save the world from their sins. Yet, He who was and is of no sin was being accused as a sinner that even these religious accusers could not point on any sin He committed. The Lord Jesus continue to give them the message of truth that they may believe and be saved, which He came to accomplish. He did not come to condemn.

The Lord already pointed to these so-called religious scholars, who are like our present day religious 'figures', the evidence of truth that they all have access to. As it was then, they, and today we, have the Scriptures (John 5:39-40) available, not creeds of religion made by men. They saw the miracles (John 8:18; 5:36) and heard the eye witness testimonies of John the Baptist, we have the apostles (John 5:32-33), and His own Words from the Father (John 8:26) for them to hear and see, and are written for us to reflect on. Theirs, and some of today's rejections, are because they don't want to. They follow the cue of their father the devil, as the Lord revealed.

As the Lord Jesus then wrestled with the prince of darkness and its minions in the flesh, we are warned that we too being His redeemed and born again by faith in Him, will wrestle against the same forces. Hence, we are reminded, as it is written: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (Ephesians 6:12-13 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 8:43-45 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.” (John 8:43-45 KJV).

In these passages, the Lord revealed that those who cannot understand the message from heaven and the will of God are those who do not want to. It is not a matter of ability to understand. It is a matter of commitment and intent. It is caused by the attitude of disdain rooted in the heart, as exhibited by these religious leaders of the Jews. As already pointed out, these people have access to the Scriptures (John 5:39–40), have witnessed of the Lord's miracles (John 3:1–2 ; John 5:36; John 8:18), have heard the testimony of John the Baptist (John 5:33–34), and have heard the very Words of Him who came from heaven (John 8:23), whose coming were written of by Moses and the prophets.

Their attitude reflects the nature of their real father, which the Lord subtly referred several times, he who is a liar and a murderer (John 8:44). Now the Lord plainly declared that they are in fact 'children of their father, the devil.' This statement is not a timid response by the Lord. It is an overt chastisement of the religious leaders who are leading many to hell (Matthew 23:15), also sadly manifested in today's worldly religious deceptions including and especially those who use the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in vain.

These religious Jews and those perpetuating their work of leading many the wrong way, are used as tools of their father who is the devil, as the Lord Jesus revealed. Their father, the devil, is sadly  invading many homes, through so-called 'churches' and places of learning, drawing many away from the true God who sent our Lord Jesus Christ. His motive is to cause suffering in the world and destroy the souls of many. The reason the Lord Jesus Christ gives us  the litmus test. He said: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matthew 7:13-14 NIV).

Hence, firmly rooted by faith in Christ Jesus, we enter the narrow gate in a personal intimate relationship with Him - Not by rituals of religion - Apostle Peter warned, as it is written: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” (1 Peter 5:8-9 ESV).

And the Lord Jesus Christ revealed to the Samaritan woman and to all of us that we must worship Him in Spirit and in truth, not in His physical image and representation, as some religions are doing. Scriptures remind through the Messiah who already came, that: "God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.” (John 4:24-26 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 8:41-42 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.” (John 8:41-42 KJV).

The Lord used the idea of fatherhood to explain why these religious leaders opposing Him are not "true sons" of Abraham. Children inherit the DNA and nature from their fathers. So, those who are the actual spiritual children of Abraham will do what Abraham did, which was to obey God and respond to His message. He points out that their actions reflect their father—who is neither God nor Abraham, who is associated with lies and murder. It is reflected in their attitude of scorn towards the Son of God and pursuit to kill Him.

In these passages, the interaction is taking a nasty turn. The statement of the Lord's critics: "we were not born of sexual immorality" is a direct slur against the Lord, alluding to their perceived controversy of His birth (Luke 1:30–38). In short, the critics are smearing the Lord's reputation by implying He is an 'illegitimate' child. The Lord forcefully repeats His assertion of truth that these men reject Him because they reject God. And, they neither belong to the family of God nor the family of Abraham. If they were, they would recognize His being true God and true Man, whose blood is unblemished by the sin of Adam. Mary being the first surrogate mother, did not pass her blood to the Lord while He was in the womb. These men are truly defiled by doctrines of religion.

This is evident in the tone of their discourse, which are also very conspicuous in the discourse we hear in this present age, by those who have not believed in Christ Jesus and not been born again. We regularly hear from the pronouncements of so-called "leaders" of our time, declaring evil things as good, and things of God, as evil. We are in such unfortunate time, exactly as Apostle Paul warned: “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5 NIV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 8:39-40 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Abraham is our father,” they answered. “If you were Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then you would do what Abraham did. As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things.” (John 8:39-40 NIV).

This amazing exchange continue showing these religious Jews' insistence of their being children of Abraham to stress their claim that God is their father. But, as the Lord already explained, to be part of God's family, as Abraham was, is not a matter of lineage but rather a matter of spirituality. The religious leaders descended from Abraham physically, but they were not true sons of Abraham for they did not believe the One sent by God, the Father (John 6:29). Totally confused, these religious Jews continue to display their arrogance in their claim of belonging to God's family and yet sought to kill the Lord Jesus Christ whom God sent to reveal them the truth. They disdained the God of Abraham who they claim of being their 'father'!

"Abraham believed God" (Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:3, Galatians 3:6). It was counted unto him for righteousness. That's what these religious people would have done if truly they're children of Abraham. Unlike those religious people, then and now, that's what we must do to become spiritual heirs of Abraham. We believe in Christ Jesus! It is written: “And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” (Galatians 3:29 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 8:37-38 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.” (John 8:37-38 KJV)

The "true" sons of Abraham, are those who are spiritually the sons of God—a status only available to those who trust in Christ Jesus (Romans 2:28–29; Galatians 3:29). These critics therefore who insist in their claim as children of Abraham yet sought to kill the Lord Jesus Christ are, in truth as the Lord Jesus disputed, not true seed of Abraham who spiritually belong to the family of God as Abraham was. Yes, they were under the physical lineage of Abraham, but they don't hear the Lord's message as they have different spiritual father. The Word of the Lord has no place in their hearts just like with many in this time and age who chose to draw away from the true God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

As the religious Jews continue to profess their descent from Abraham, the Lord, however, pointed out that for Abraham's descendants to be part of God's family is not by physical lineage but by faith. The true children of Abraham are those who have faith in God as Abraham did and believes in His only begotten Son, Christ Jesus. As the Lord Jesus alludes, their real father is in fact the one they follow in their pursuit to kill Him.

Hence, even for us gentiles, with our faith in Christ Jesus by grace, God's holy and written Words assure: “Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.” (Galatians 3:7-9 NIV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 8:34-36 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:34-36 KJV)

These passages reveal that, spiritually, people commit sin for they are slave to sin. It is the consequence of Adam's surrender to the forces of darkness when he chose to eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil that God forbade him to. That single act of disobedience placed all of us, Adam's descendants, spiritually enslaved to sin. Those who allow this control over their lives, to live as sinners, are those who have no relationship with God and the Lord Christ Jesus.

Being a slave to sin, one cannot belong to the family of God. Like this crowd who claims of being descendants of Abraham, they, may be in the house of Abraham but they certainly do not belong to the family because they are not part of his spiritual family. The true children of Abraham came from his son, the seed of promise, Isaac. The promised seed is Christ Jesus who came through the lineage of Isaac. They can only be truly spiritual descendants of Abraham by believing in Christ Jesus, as in so doing they are set free by the Son from enslavement to sin.

We too, by believing in Christ Jesus, are set free indeed and shall abide with the Son, forever. In Him, we are declared children of God. It is written: “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” (Romans 8:16-17 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 8:33 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?” (John 8:33 KJV)

These people claimed of being the physical seed of Abraham and therefore were never in bondage. In a sense, they brushed off the need for freedom from enslavement to sin that the Lord is offering. For the Lord was talking of their and everyone's enslavement to sin. For those who received Him, as we have by faith in Christ Jesus, and are born again, we are set free.

For anyone with the kind of stubbornness as these religious Jews are, Apostle Paul reminds with these exhortations: “Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.” (Romans 6:16-22 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:

F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 8:30-32 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“As he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:30-32 KJV).

John the Apostle, writing this gospel with the breath of God, revealed that as the Lord spoke these words of truth to these mixed crowd of visitors and locals attending the feast, many believed on Him. This handed a big problem to the religious critics of the Lord. The Pharisees and other local religious leaders are mostly concerned with their own power and reputation. The Lord's humanly shocking claims have led some people to question their leaders whom they viewed too weak to stop a man who they accused of being a blasphemer.

The Lord, addressing those Jews who believed, as well as those who claim to believe on Him now - in our present time, emphasized that it is by abiding in Him and immersing in His Words that make one truly His disciple. That is learning from Him, totally surrendered to Him, resting in His love, and dependence on His grace. The truth can only be uncovered from the truth of the Lord's holy and written Words. It is not from religious creed, not from political precepts and not from self-help books of worldly gurus. Truth is only from the Words of truth - the Words that proceed from the mouth of God - The Holy Bible. The Word is the truth that makes us free. And, He is Christ Jesus (John 1:1 & 14).

We have this truth of assurance: “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.” (Romans 8:1-2 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 8:27-29 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“They understood not that he spake to them of the Father. Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.” (John 8:27-29 KJV)

These passages bring to our awareness the blatant example of the Pharisees and religious Jews whose continued unwillingness to believe the Truth of God's Word brought about a hardening of their heart. It leads to spiritual blindness and blankness of knowing. Due to utter unbelief, the Lord Jesus said: “In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: “ ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’”(Matthew 13:14-15 NIV). The attitude of these religious people show that a person's intent is more powerful than someone's proof of evidence.

Hence, the Lord raised the bar higher in His messages with hint of Him being lifted up on the cross as a way for them to believe that He is I AM, the Messiah whom the Father sent. He does nothing of Himself but what the Father taught Him and of His will. Again He echoes God's words to Moses identifying Himself "I AM, WHO I AM" to say to His people Israel: "I AM has sent me to you."

The Lord Jesus plainly revealed to the Jews and to us all in these passages who He is. Yet knowing so, those religious Jews rejected Him. What a sad state of being!? Yes, it's sad!  As out of His extravagant love, the Lord came as an offering for us to have life eternal in communion with Him. But, just like these religious people confronting the Lord, many chose to reject Him, especially in this present age. Many opt for their customs and traditions of religious doctrines, instead of faith in the only begotten Son of God. We ought to keep this reminder at heart, while there's still time for grace - and time is running quick. For those who have not believed, it is time to believe! The Words of the Lord clearly say: “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” (John 3:18 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 8:25-26 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning. I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.” (John 8:25-26 KJV)

What a contemptuous daring question to ask? These crowds of religious people continue to display, asking the Lord: "Just who are you anyway? (John 8:25b MSG). In a way saying: "Who do you think you are?" All the same, the Lord Jesus who is full of grace and truth (John 1:14) continues to engage them with response in grace and truth despite the disdainful attitude He's been treated with. He remains firm in making it abundantly clear that He is sent by the Father in heaven to bring them and the world - that's all of us! - back into an intimate relationship with Him. Yeah, that's restoring mankind to when, He, the Almighty Creator, had that close fellowship with Adam and Eve in the garden before they renege dominion of this earth to the forces of darkness (Genesis 3:8).

The Lord again reminded the crowd of religious Jews that He, being with authority to judge, came not to judge but to save all that believe in Him through His grace. That's the Word of truth that He painstaking conveys to them and to us, which the Father who sent Him to bring to the world. And, that's the message we are encountering in these reflections! Not creeds of religion and other isms that the puppets of darkness are corrupting the minds of many with. The Lord Jesus Christ did not come so that, like the Pharisees, the Priests and the religious Jews who He called hypocrites, religious institutions and enterprises can be established perpetuating pagan doctrines and rituals. He came and was called Emmanuel - God with us (Matthew 1:23), so He can reside in us, His temple (1 Corinthians 3:16) and be our Savior (1 John 4:14), our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16) and our Lord (Romans 10:9).

He came, so that as we receive Him and His Words by faith, we are born again (John 3:3) and made a new creation. It is written: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 8:22-24 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come. And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” (John 8:22-24 KJV)

These passages reveal how desperate are the religious and political critics of the Lord Jesus in their desire to get rid of Him out of Jerusalem. At one instance, when the Lord said the same line of statement, they thought He will go unto the dispersed Jews among the gentiles, and teach them with the gentiles? (John 7:33-35). Now, they think He may be planning to take His own life. That would have been convenient for them to solve their problem to keep their religious lies from being exposed. But, nay. Those are imaginations of confused and distorted thinking of people totally held captive by religious and worldly creeds.

The Lord Jesus Christ is actually giving hint of His ultimate ascension back to heaven where He is from. That is after going through a sacrificial death on the cross through the hands of these religious authorities who claim to be disciples of Moses and guardians of the law and God's Words. They actually, as the Lord Jesus stated, have their line of belief from below. Hence, they failed to see the truth revealed to them from above. 

This revelation is a nudging to those who have not received the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior and have not been born again. It is a call for all to lift up spiritual eyes to heaven away from the trappings of the world to see things of heaven and believe in Him who came to save the world. For those who fail to believe, this passage warns, they will die in their sins! It is written: “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” (John 3:18 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 8:21 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.” (John 8:21 KJV)

Reflecting on this verse deeply, sends a chilling and ominous message to anyone stubbornly treating with disdain the Lord's loving offer of salvation by grace through believing in Him. There is a time that comes when one realizes the reality of the need for Him and His saving grace, but He is already gone and could not be found. There's a time when one dies in sin and realizes that there is an eternity, but had to be spent in a place of torment apart from the Lord as he can't come to where the Lord is. That would be the saddest and regretful moment to wake up to as there is anymore no options to choose. That's the end of it all, then face eternity in torment.

Everyone is put on notice. Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). Every soul is warned not to behave as the religious Jews; not as the present world scoffs on God, continuing to persecute and reject the Lord Jesus Christ and His followers. The Scriptures warn: “Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:15 NIV). The Lord Jesus said to the Seventy disciples: “But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.” (Luke 10:20 NLT). 

As the redeemed of the Lord Jesus Christ, who's been born again by faith in Him and ardently expecting for His return, these words remind us with assurance: “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” (Hebrews 9:27-28 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 8:20 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.” (John 8:20 KJV)

As the Lord Jesus Christ continues to escalate the spirituality of His interaction with the religious authorities running the temple, we are put in the know in this passage that all these happened on the area where the people would bring their offerings and contributions for the temple. The treasury is the financial traffic area and the storehouse of the temple's wealth. It is administered by the high priest of the religious authorities during this exact time the Lord Jesus was now revealing very openly and clearly who He is. This is the back drop when those religious leaders were in pursuit to arrest and kill Him.

This identification of the exact spot where the Lord boldly taught, emphasizes that the timing of the fulfillment of His mission is not dictated by the religious leaders nor anyone else, but rather by the timing set in heaven. Being right there in the proximity of the religious high Priest but was never laid hands on to be arrested, manifest the sovereign power of God as who the Lord Jesus claimed He is. His hour is not yet come.

Yes, when His time comes as His mission is revealed fully and when all that's needed to be done are accomplished for us to be saved, then, only then those priests could have their hands to take Him. The Lord Jesus declared for yours and for my redemption: “For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”” (John 10:17-18 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 8:19 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.” (John 8:19 KJV)

The Lord Jesus was the sole perfect being in human form that set foot on this planet AFTER Adam's fall. He was in the flesh yet lived perfectly in spirit, in truth, and fully submitted to the will of God. He came as our perfect kinsman redeemer (Galatians 4:4-7), duly qualified from heaven. He laid aside His glory (Philippians 2:7) so we the fallen human race may all be restored into glory (Hebrews 2:10) that we were, as Adam was, BEFORE the fall (Genesis 1:27).

If only those religious Jews truly reflected upon the holy and written Words of God to uncover the truth, instead of cheery-picking on it to make doctrines of religion, they and those who perpetuated it in this present age would have recognized who the Lord Jesus is. In human form, He was God incarnate (1 Timothy 3:16).

Those who have seen Him, have seen the Father (John 14:7). Unfortunately, the religious Jews, most specially the Pharisees, the Priests and the Sadducees were all blinded by the precepts of men they chose to observe rather than God's Words. They would have known the Son of God in their midst. That's how we must know Him, by faith, totally dependent on His gift of grace. He must not be just relegated as a religious figure, like many are doing who perpetuate the religious Jews that crucified the Lord. We must stick to the Scriptures that declare: “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.

The Gospel of John 8:14-18 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me. It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.” (John 8:14-18 KJV)

In these passages, the Lord Jesus raised the bar higher in His declarations and pronouncements about Him and His nature. He now declares in plain language who He is, as the Jews demanded, not anymore shrouded by allegories, analogies and metaphors. He stressed that what He says about Himself for Himself of Himself is enough as He is the ultimate authority of truth who came down from heaven sent by the Father to dwell among His own creation. In essence and in truth, He doesn't need to justify Himself to you and I. He is the Almighty God! His Words are more than enough! He and the Father bear witness of Him!

It is we who ought to seek Him, know Him, receive Him and worship Him. If we play dumb or even perhaps act like the Pharisees and religious Jews who refused to recognize Him or even disdain Him, we bear the serious consequences of it. We are warned: “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” (John 3:18 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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