When God Says …
“These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.” (John 11:11-13 KJV)
These passages reveal few insightful revelations in context with God's ultimate plan for His flock, those whom He gives the right to be His children by faith in Christ Jesus. The Lord Jesus used the term sleep for Lazarus who already died even before the message of his illness reached Him. For believers in Christ Jesus, this assures us all who rest in His grace that we'll never die. We only sleep after our mission here on earth is done. Then, we will arise and live forever. As the Lord said He will go and wake him, He will wake us too from our sleep when time comes.
The disciples, whose frame of mind were still in the general perspective of the world - not having fully grasp the fullness of truth yet, thought that the Lord was talking about a nap or normal cycle of rest to regain strength. When He declared "Lazarus has fallen asleep", they were thinking that Lazarus was getting better in a physical sense. They're unaware he was already physically dead days earlier, shortly after the messenger of Mary and Martha left to inform the Lord. The Lord Jesus knew it when He received the words from His beloved friends Mary and Martha. Which was the reason He delayed two days before returning to Bethany. This sets the stage for one of the most compelling signs to be manifest who the Lord really is, as it is written: “But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”” (John 11:4 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.
Saturday, August 31, 2024
Friday, August 30, 2024
The Gospel of John 11:9-10 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.” (John 11:9-10 KJV)
Responding to the disciples' concern, the Lord injected another metaphor to remind them that following God is the safest thing to do in the seeming presence of danger in our physical perspective. The physical reality at times is merely an illusion. It is the enemy's holographic 3D tool to scare and hinder us from accomplishing our God ordained order of business of living. This is therefore, our reminder that while it is daytime we make use of its available light to fulfill our call. Here, the Lord assures the disciples that as they walk in the light of day they are safe. In contrast, in the dark of night dangers lurk under the cover of darkness. People could stumble in the dark, but can walk safely in the light.
The Lord Jesus Christ therefore is prompting them and us that while He is present, we can have Him by believing in Him and make use of the privilege of walking in the light. We are able to see our path as we depend on Him. So, as the sheep in His flock, we must keep our ears open to listen to His call and follow Him. That, we do, not by way of religion and concepts of the world, but by personal intimate relationship with Him.
We must allow ourselves to be loved by Him, like these three siblings Lazarus, Mary and Martha. Also, like Apostle John who always proclaim the Lord's love for him, instead of his love for the Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lord Jesus Christ came to love us (John 3:16). We must rest in His grace by totally depending on Him in faith. He is the Light of the world! He promised as 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.
“Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.” (John 11:9-10 KJV)
Responding to the disciples' concern, the Lord injected another metaphor to remind them that following God is the safest thing to do in the seeming presence of danger in our physical perspective. The physical reality at times is merely an illusion. It is the enemy's holographic 3D tool to scare and hinder us from accomplishing our God ordained order of business of living. This is therefore, our reminder that while it is daytime we make use of its available light to fulfill our call. Here, the Lord assures the disciples that as they walk in the light of day they are safe. In contrast, in the dark of night dangers lurk under the cover of darkness. People could stumble in the dark, but can walk safely in the light.
The Lord Jesus Christ therefore is prompting them and us that while He is present, we can have Him by believing in Him and make use of the privilege of walking in the light. We are able to see our path as we depend on Him. So, as the sheep in His flock, we must keep our ears open to listen to His call and follow Him. That, we do, not by way of religion and concepts of the world, but by personal intimate relationship with Him.
We must allow ourselves to be loved by Him, like these three siblings Lazarus, Mary and Martha. Also, like Apostle John who always proclaim the Lord's love for him, instead of his love for the Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lord Jesus Christ came to love us (John 3:16). We must rest in His grace by totally depending on Him in faith. He is the Light of the world! He promised as 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.
Thursday, August 29, 2024
The Gospel of John 11:7-8 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judæa again. His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?” (John 11:7-8 KJV).
Several days after the Lord Jesus received an urgent dispatch from Mary and Martha stating that His beloved friend Lazarus is gravely ill, He announced unexpectedly to His disciples that they are returning to Bethany in Judaea. That's about twenty miles or over thirty kilometers from their location at Bethabara. It's around two days journey. This was probably a shock to the disciples knowing that the religious Jews were vigorously pursuing to arrest and stone the Lord. But the Lord Jesus Christ has a greater mission to do for the glory of the Father. The time and setting are ripe.
Without the benefit of hindsight, we see that in the midst of threat of great danger, the Lord is decided to follow through the words of comfort He uttered in the presence of the messenger of Mary and Martha. Their message to the Lord said, Lazarus is sick. “When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”” (John 11:4 NIV). This is a promise from the source of life (Genesis 2:7). And, He is a promise keeper (Proverbs 30:5-6; Hebrews 10:23).
As His redeemed, paid by His blood through grace by our faith in Him, we are made sheep in His pasture. We are safe and shielded from dangers. He said: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:27-28 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.
“Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judæa again. His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?” (John 11:7-8 KJV).
Several days after the Lord Jesus received an urgent dispatch from Mary and Martha stating that His beloved friend Lazarus is gravely ill, He announced unexpectedly to His disciples that they are returning to Bethany in Judaea. That's about twenty miles or over thirty kilometers from their location at Bethabara. It's around two days journey. This was probably a shock to the disciples knowing that the religious Jews were vigorously pursuing to arrest and stone the Lord. But the Lord Jesus Christ has a greater mission to do for the glory of the Father. The time and setting are ripe.
Without the benefit of hindsight, we see that in the midst of threat of great danger, the Lord is decided to follow through the words of comfort He uttered in the presence of the messenger of Mary and Martha. Their message to the Lord said, Lazarus is sick. “When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”” (John 11:4 NIV). This is a promise from the source of life (Genesis 2:7). And, He is a promise keeper (Proverbs 30:5-6; Hebrews 10:23).
As His redeemed, paid by His blood through grace by our faith in Him, we are made sheep in His pasture. We are safe and shielded from dangers. He said: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:27-28 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.
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
The Gospel of John 11:5-6 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.” (John 11:5-6 KJV).
These verses reemphasize to affirm the Lord's love for these truly believing family who have gotten hold of the truth that they are beloved by Him. In earlier verses, we learned that the Lord just got words that Lazarus, one of the siblings that He loved, was sick. The distance from Bethany to Bethabara where the Lord was, takes over a day of travel by a very efficient messenger delivering such an urgent message. His assurance that this illness will not result in death gives a comforting promise. But, there was no sign of urgency on His part to respond.
When He decided to extend His stay and delay responding to such an urgent request and call for help, felt somehow confusing, considering the travel time needed. But God has intent and plans that we can only grasp in hindsight. And, His consoling response that this ailment will not end in death may have reached to the sisters, Mary and Martha. But, they did not see Him coming. And yet, He never reneges on His promise. He stands by His Word. He magnifies His Words above His name (Psalm 138:2)! We can only trust that His delay was meant to use this circumstance for the glory of God, as it is written: “But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”” (John 11:4 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.
“Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.” (John 11:5-6 KJV).
These verses reemphasize to affirm the Lord's love for these truly believing family who have gotten hold of the truth that they are beloved by Him. In earlier verses, we learned that the Lord just got words that Lazarus, one of the siblings that He loved, was sick. The distance from Bethany to Bethabara where the Lord was, takes over a day of travel by a very efficient messenger delivering such an urgent message. His assurance that this illness will not result in death gives a comforting promise. But, there was no sign of urgency on His part to respond.
When He decided to extend His stay and delay responding to such an urgent request and call for help, felt somehow confusing, considering the travel time needed. But God has intent and plans that we can only grasp in hindsight. And, His consoling response that this ailment will not end in death may have reached to the sisters, Mary and Martha. But, they did not see Him coming. And yet, He never reneges on His promise. He stands by His Word. He magnifies His Words above His name (Psalm 138:2)! We can only trust that His delay was meant to use this circumstance for the glory of God, as it is written: “But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”” (John 11:4 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.
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
The Gospel of John 11:4 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”” (John 11:4 NIV)
Sickness is inherent in a world cursed by Adam's disobedience. And the Lord Jesus Christ did not come to reverse the curse of that disobedience on the world that is passing away (Matthew 24:35). He came to save the world's humanity from the eternal penalty of sin (John 3:16-18). Everyone on this planet is still susceptible to the physical curse of illness. Even us and all those whom the Lord loves, like these siblings Mary, Martha and Lazarus who are greatly favored by the Lord. The earth suit we are wearing, while we are still here, is wearing away and ultimately recycles into the dust where it came from (Genesis 3:19). It's just a matter of time. Scriptures say: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV).
But for God's glory, when our trust is in the Lord Jesus Christ who loves us, like He loved Lazarus and his sisters, when we go through the challenges of physical health, it won't always end in death of the flesh. Yes, God use it for His glory. And being His children through grace by faith and being the sheep in His flock, we have His comforting promise and assurance. We can declare: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4 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 he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”” (John 11:4 NIV)
Sickness is inherent in a world cursed by Adam's disobedience. And the Lord Jesus Christ did not come to reverse the curse of that disobedience on the world that is passing away (Matthew 24:35). He came to save the world's humanity from the eternal penalty of sin (John 3:16-18). Everyone on this planet is still susceptible to the physical curse of illness. Even us and all those whom the Lord loves, like these siblings Mary, Martha and Lazarus who are greatly favored by the Lord. The earth suit we are wearing, while we are still here, is wearing away and ultimately recycles into the dust where it came from (Genesis 3:19). It's just a matter of time. Scriptures say: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV).
But for God's glory, when our trust is in the Lord Jesus Christ who loves us, like He loved Lazarus and his sisters, when we go through the challenges of physical health, it won't always end in death of the flesh. Yes, God use it for His glory. And being His children through grace by faith and being the sheep in His flock, we have His comforting promise and assurance. We can declare: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4 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.
Monday, August 26, 2024
The Gospel of John 11:1-3 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.” (John 11:1-3 KJV).
These passages open the setting in the town of Bethany where the Lord's close friends Lazarus, Mary and Martha live. The news about Lazarus being gravely ill reaches the Lord, as his sisters sent Him words of his health condition. This unfolding scene is a learning example for us in such dire situation. True to their close relationship with the Lord and with faith, these women called for help to the One who is the source for everything we need, in this case for healing of their sick brother.
These family is very close to the Lord and truly, like John the beloved, fully grasp that they are the Lord's beloved. When we truly recognize and allow the Lord to love us, only then we can manifest its fruit as demonstrated by Mary who washed the Lord's feet with costly perfume and dried them with her hair at one incident. With our true relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ bound by His love through faith in Him, we have our first line of help to call in times of need. He is our 911.
God's holy and written Words assure us that as we call upon the Lord He answers and saves us. We have these promises to rest on:
“Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalms 124:8 NIV)
“for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”” (Romans 10:13 NIV)
These siblings truly got it, as the Psalmist declared: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
“Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.” (John 11:1-3 KJV).
These passages open the setting in the town of Bethany where the Lord's close friends Lazarus, Mary and Martha live. The news about Lazarus being gravely ill reaches the Lord, as his sisters sent Him words of his health condition. This unfolding scene is a learning example for us in such dire situation. True to their close relationship with the Lord and with faith, these women called for help to the One who is the source for everything we need, in this case for healing of their sick brother.
These family is very close to the Lord and truly, like John the beloved, fully grasp that they are the Lord's beloved. When we truly recognize and allow the Lord to love us, only then we can manifest its fruit as demonstrated by Mary who washed the Lord's feet with costly perfume and dried them with her hair at one incident. With our true relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ bound by His love through faith in Him, we have our first line of help to call in times of need. He is our 911.
God's holy and written Words assure us that as we call upon the Lord He answers and saves us. We have these promises to rest on:
“Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalms 124:8 NIV)
“for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”” (Romans 10:13 NIV)
These siblings truly got it, as the Psalmist declared: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1 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.
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, August 25, 2024
The Gospel of John 10:39-42 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand, and went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode. And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. And many believed on him there.” (John 10:39-42 KJV)
There is power in godly legacy in the hearts of those who honor the one who left them the legacy. It is manifest in these passages that John the Baptizer is dead, but the revelation he left behind is very much alive. He testified great things about the Lord Jesus Christ. He was sent to prepare the way for the Messiah. Yes Herod had Him killed, but his voice and influence weren't silenced. None will ever be like Him to any degree. The Lord Jesus said: there is no greater prophet than John the Baptist among those born of women (Luke 7:28). And, we can borrow his example to be bearers of truth to people we encounter. As the redeemed of the Lord, paid by His blood, we can be a witness to them who come to our proximity. We can speak about the Lord's grace and love, and point them to find the Lord Jesus by the truth of the Word. The Word is in us, who is our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, by faith. That's a legacy that can live for generations and make an eternal difference in the lives of those that follow us!
Yes, as we share the truth of the Word of God and speak the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we may be hated, and many may reject Him and us, like the religious Jews who are still represented by religions of today. As these passages show us, we see the Lord escaping to where John the Baptist first did his baptism, as these Jews attempted again to stone Him. Religion disdained Him. And, of course religion and the world really hate it when we mention the truth, too.
But, there will be a select few, that love the legacy, who will embrace it. Yes, few will embrace the truth. And, many go in droves to the wide highway of religion, that the scriptures say, like the world are headed for destruction. But, those few are precious, as for every soul that finds home to be saved, angels in heaven rejoice and celebrate (Luke 15:7). We, who are born again, few as we are, just have to show the gate, so those few who seek it can enter. The Lord gave us the litmus test: go where the few are going. We have to keep in mind, the Lord Jesus said: ““Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13-14 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.
“Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand, and went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode. And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. And many believed on him there.” (John 10:39-42 KJV)
There is power in godly legacy in the hearts of those who honor the one who left them the legacy. It is manifest in these passages that John the Baptizer is dead, but the revelation he left behind is very much alive. He testified great things about the Lord Jesus Christ. He was sent to prepare the way for the Messiah. Yes Herod had Him killed, but his voice and influence weren't silenced. None will ever be like Him to any degree. The Lord Jesus said: there is no greater prophet than John the Baptist among those born of women (Luke 7:28). And, we can borrow his example to be bearers of truth to people we encounter. As the redeemed of the Lord, paid by His blood, we can be a witness to them who come to our proximity. We can speak about the Lord's grace and love, and point them to find the Lord Jesus by the truth of the Word. The Word is in us, who is our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, by faith. That's a legacy that can live for generations and make an eternal difference in the lives of those that follow us!
Yes, as we share the truth of the Word of God and speak the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we may be hated, and many may reject Him and us, like the religious Jews who are still represented by religions of today. As these passages show us, we see the Lord escaping to where John the Baptist first did his baptism, as these Jews attempted again to stone Him. Religion disdained Him. And, of course religion and the world really hate it when we mention the truth, too.
But, there will be a select few, that love the legacy, who will embrace it. Yes, few will embrace the truth. And, many go in droves to the wide highway of religion, that the scriptures say, like the world are headed for destruction. But, those few are precious, as for every soul that finds home to be saved, angels in heaven rejoice and celebrate (Luke 15:7). We, who are born again, few as we are, just have to show the gate, so those few who seek it can enter. The Lord gave us the litmus test: go where the few are going. We have to keep in mind, the Lord Jesus said: ““Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13-14 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.
Saturday, August 24, 2024
The Gospel of John 10:37-38 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.” (John 10:37-38 KJV).
The key to seeing the truth is believing in the person of truth who is Christ Jesus (John 8:31-32). In these passages the Lord Jesus Christ reminded again these religion-polluted Jewish leaderships of the need to believe. And, these should serve as nudge to many today who are held captive by myriad of religious and quasi- spiritual beliefs contagion. As the Lord pointed out, "Look at my work, and you will know whether I am telling the truth or not." The issue is not the Lord's identity, but these people who are possessed in their wrong beliefs. Believing starts with the honest desire to seek and honor God. With a heart not truly seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33), many are consumed by traps of the enemy using the net of religion.
The truth about the Lord Jesus and knowing who He is, resonate in the hearts of those who truly seek to find God and to know Him. The Lord's actions and His Words call us to believe Him. If we don't fully believe Him, we are rejecting Him and effectively belittling Him. There is no middle ground. We must look at the signs manifest in His presence. The sick are healed. With the things He taught, the way He lived His life, and the great works He did, we then decide: Is this the work of a mad man, or is He the Messiah from God? Is He the Son of God in human flesh? His life, ministry, sacrifice, death, resurrection, and His manifestation to many disciples after His resurrection assure us that He is indeed the Son of God.
We can vow with trust, assurance and comfort, as Apostle Peter declared when the Lord Jesus asked the twelve if they too shall turn away. It is written: “Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”” (John 6:68-69 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.
“If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.” (John 10:37-38 KJV).
The key to seeing the truth is believing in the person of truth who is Christ Jesus (John 8:31-32). In these passages the Lord Jesus Christ reminded again these religion-polluted Jewish leaderships of the need to believe. And, these should serve as nudge to many today who are held captive by myriad of religious and quasi- spiritual beliefs contagion. As the Lord pointed out, "Look at my work, and you will know whether I am telling the truth or not." The issue is not the Lord's identity, but these people who are possessed in their wrong beliefs. Believing starts with the honest desire to seek and honor God. With a heart not truly seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33), many are consumed by traps of the enemy using the net of religion.
The truth about the Lord Jesus and knowing who He is, resonate in the hearts of those who truly seek to find God and to know Him. The Lord's actions and His Words call us to believe Him. If we don't fully believe Him, we are rejecting Him and effectively belittling Him. There is no middle ground. We must look at the signs manifest in His presence. The sick are healed. With the things He taught, the way He lived His life, and the great works He did, we then decide: Is this the work of a mad man, or is He the Messiah from God? Is He the Son of God in human flesh? His life, ministry, sacrifice, death, resurrection, and His manifestation to many disciples after His resurrection assure us that He is indeed the Son of God.
We can vow with trust, assurance and comfort, as Apostle Peter declared when the Lord Jesus asked the twelve if they too shall turn away. It is written: “Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”” (John 6:68-69 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, August 23, 2024
The Gospel of John 10:34-36 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?” (John 10:34-36 KJV)
In these passages the Lord Jesus engaged the religious Jews using their convoluted claim of knowledge of the law and the scriptures. This is to expose that, even by their own standards, they're being hypocrites. He pointed to them the Old Testament writings in Psalm 82:1-8 where those human authorities who received God's words for just dispensation of judgement are called gods. So, the Lord says, “If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be set aside—what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world?”
The Lord's point is this: you charge me with blasphemy based on my use of the title “Son of God”; yet your own Scriptures apply the same term to others besides God. If those who hold a divinely appointed office or those who have a divine position in the spiritual realm can be considered “gods,” how much more can the One whom God has chosen and sent (John 10:34–36)?
Yet, the Lord Jesus does not need to justify to these people. He was giving them a leeway, sort of walk the extra mile to give them the opportunity to see the truth. The truth is, all the Old Testament writings pointed to His coming. Now, He is in their midst and they reject Him whom they expected. They accuse Him of blasphemy for revealing that He who was promised is come, the only begotten Son of God. At the transfiguration, the Father's voice from heaven declared to Peter, James and John. Hence, we too must listen to Him being His redeemed, the sheep in His flock. “He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”” (Matthew 17:5 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
“Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?” (John 10:34-36 KJV)
In these passages the Lord Jesus engaged the religious Jews using their convoluted claim of knowledge of the law and the scriptures. This is to expose that, even by their own standards, they're being hypocrites. He pointed to them the Old Testament writings in Psalm 82:1-8 where those human authorities who received God's words for just dispensation of judgement are called gods. So, the Lord says, “If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be set aside—what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world?”
The Lord's point is this: you charge me with blasphemy based on my use of the title “Son of God”; yet your own Scriptures apply the same term to others besides God. If those who hold a divinely appointed office or those who have a divine position in the spiritual realm can be considered “gods,” how much more can the One whom God has chosen and sent (John 10:34–36)?
Yet, the Lord Jesus does not need to justify to these people. He was giving them a leeway, sort of walk the extra mile to give them the opportunity to see the truth. The truth is, all the Old Testament writings pointed to His coming. Now, He is in their midst and they reject Him whom they expected. They accuse Him of blasphemy for revealing that He who was promised is come, the only begotten Son of God. At the transfiguration, the Father's voice from heaven declared to Peter, James and John. Hence, we too must listen to Him being His redeemed, the sheep in His flock. “He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”” (Matthew 17:5 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.
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, August 22, 2024
The Gospel of John 10:31-33 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.” (John 10:31-33 KJV).
In these passages we picture a setting where the Lord was cornered by these hostile religious leaders. He was in the porch of the temple called Solomon's colonnade where there is only one passage route back out through the main hall of the temple. The porch was walled on the sides and an embankment drop on the other. And, here He was surrounded by these angry mob with stones in their hands. This reveals to us that these people were prepared coming in with violent intent.
This is the irony of religious people, they come to their place of worship supposed to be honoring their god but in most cases they come with a different intent, like these people. Some come for a show, like many in today's religious followers. They say they believed in the God of Abraham and of Moses, but here they come in their place of prayer with violence in mind. They accuse the Lord Jesus Christ of blasphemy for telling them the truth that He is sent by the Father, the God they purportedly believed. They disregarded the miraculous signs they've been shown affirming who the Lord Jesus is and who sent Him.
That's how dangerous religion is. It gives people comfort in the things they do that totally go against God's Words, fueled by wrong believing born out of doctrines designed to keep many from seeing the truth. And, sadly these are prevalent in our present day proliferation of different forms of religions. Some are formed in various denominations, bearing the name christ which the scriptures warned as false christ (Mathew 24:24). They use the Bible too, just like when the devil conveniently quoted the scriptures for the purpose of tempting the Lord in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Many of the enemy's minions in religion are holding the Bible in their hands. But the Lord is not in religion! What matters is the truth, that can only be found by faith in Christ Jesus in a personal intimate level through the process of rebirth. It is a state of total dependence in His grace by His finished work on the cross.
That's what the Lord Jesus tried to convey to these religious Jews, and to us, too. We must be reminded always to work the works of God, which He revealed, as it is written: “Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”” (John 6:29 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
“Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.” (John 10:31-33 KJV).
In these passages we picture a setting where the Lord was cornered by these hostile religious leaders. He was in the porch of the temple called Solomon's colonnade where there is only one passage route back out through the main hall of the temple. The porch was walled on the sides and an embankment drop on the other. And, here He was surrounded by these angry mob with stones in their hands. This reveals to us that these people were prepared coming in with violent intent.
This is the irony of religious people, they come to their place of worship supposed to be honoring their god but in most cases they come with a different intent, like these people. Some come for a show, like many in today's religious followers. They say they believed in the God of Abraham and of Moses, but here they come in their place of prayer with violence in mind. They accuse the Lord Jesus Christ of blasphemy for telling them the truth that He is sent by the Father, the God they purportedly believed. They disregarded the miraculous signs they've been shown affirming who the Lord Jesus is and who sent Him.
That's how dangerous religion is. It gives people comfort in the things they do that totally go against God's Words, fueled by wrong believing born out of doctrines designed to keep many from seeing the truth. And, sadly these are prevalent in our present day proliferation of different forms of religions. Some are formed in various denominations, bearing the name christ which the scriptures warned as false christ (Mathew 24:24). They use the Bible too, just like when the devil conveniently quoted the scriptures for the purpose of tempting the Lord in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Many of the enemy's minions in religion are holding the Bible in their hands. But the Lord is not in religion! What matters is the truth, that can only be found by faith in Christ Jesus in a personal intimate level through the process of rebirth. It is a state of total dependence in His grace by His finished work on the cross.
That's what the Lord Jesus tried to convey to these religious Jews, and to us, too. We must be reminded always to work the works of God, which He revealed, as it is written: “Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”” (John 6:29 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
The Gospel of John 10:27-30 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one.” (John 10:27-30 KJV)
The Lord is saying, ‘The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice’. But the problem is: in this world, in the flesh, we when we step into its ground we become possessed by it. By default, we belong to it and adapt to its sinfulness. Scriptures reveal: "Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me." (Psalms 51:5 NIV). We don’t always listen to his voice. Our hearing wanders to other noises and not always open to listen. Listening is a challenge and requires effort.
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one.” (John 10:27-30 KJV)
The Lord is saying, ‘The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice’. But the problem is: in this world, in the flesh, we when we step into its ground we become possessed by it. By default, we belong to it and adapt to its sinfulness. Scriptures reveal: "Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me." (Psalms 51:5 NIV). We don’t always listen to his voice. Our hearing wanders to other noises and not always open to listen. Listening is a challenge and requires effort.
But the moment we choose to seek the Lord truly, we find Him. And as we receive the Words we hear from Him, our spirit connects with His Spirit. The voice of His holy and written Words becomes clear for us to listen. As we reflect on His Words and let them sink in, His Words enable us to hear His voice loud and clear. These passages placed in our power of choice to be that sheep under the guiding hands of the true and good Shepherd who is our Lord Jesus Christ.
When the Lord Jesus says, “I give them eternal life, and they shall not perish,” He means very bluntly that there are two eternal destinies. The one destiny is eternal life, which comes to those who hear His voice and follow Him. The other is eternal death, which comes to those who reject His voice and go their own way or any other ways which many are opting to go. In Christ Jesus, we are secure in His and the Father's hands. No one can snatch us away from their hands.
The key is, while still in this world, we rest in His grace by faith. And Scriptures remind: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2 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.
When the Lord Jesus says, “I give them eternal life, and they shall not perish,” He means very bluntly that there are two eternal destinies. The one destiny is eternal life, which comes to those who hear His voice and follow Him. The other is eternal death, which comes to those who reject His voice and go their own way or any other ways which many are opting to go. In Christ Jesus, we are secure in His and the Father's hands. No one can snatch us away from their hands.
The key is, while still in this world, we rest in His grace by faith. And Scriptures remind: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2 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.
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
The Gospel of John 10:25-26 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.” (John 10:25-26 KJV).
The Prophet Isaiah prophesied: “He said, “Go and tell this people: “ ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’” (Isaiah 6:9 NIV). Talking about the religious Jews and crowds that followed Him, this was echoed by the Lord Jesus when He 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.” (Matthew 13:14 NIV). And further He said: “so that, “ ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’ ”” (Mark 4:12 NIV).
He is referring to those who pretend to seek Him out, but for the wrong reasons like these religious leaders who saw the works He did in the Father's name but did not believe. And sadly, many in this present times are still caught up and chained to religion, like these Jews who are pursuing the Lord. He's not talking about the world at large who care nothing about anything other than their world. Some look to their god for moral and pious living in the eyes of the world for people to see, to be in some kind of being set apart from the world. They end up in evil's alternative in religion where many are navigating towards destruction. Some are even bearing the name of Jesus Christ. They are the most vicious enemy of the true Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord warned us (true believers who are born again by faith in Christ Jesus) about them. They are prevalent in our present age. The Lord Jesus spoke of these sobering words: “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand.” (Matthew 24:24-25 NKJV).
In these passages, the Lord is cornered by those "false shepherds" of sheep that do not belong to the flock of the Good Shepherd who is our Lord Jesus Christ. As with these religious Jews, who are pursuing Him, and other religious 'shepherds', He is telling them: “But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you.” (John 10:26 NKJV). Beloved, let us therefore come and believe and be the sheep in our Lord's flock. Let's truly seek Him and His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33). Let us behold and look to Christ Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), and in so doing, the Father draws us, as He said: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.” (John 6:44 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 them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.” (John 10:25-26 KJV).
The Prophet Isaiah prophesied: “He said, “Go and tell this people: “ ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’” (Isaiah 6:9 NIV). Talking about the religious Jews and crowds that followed Him, this was echoed by the Lord Jesus when He 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.” (Matthew 13:14 NIV). And further He said: “so that, “ ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’ ”” (Mark 4:12 NIV).
He is referring to those who pretend to seek Him out, but for the wrong reasons like these religious leaders who saw the works He did in the Father's name but did not believe. And sadly, many in this present times are still caught up and chained to religion, like these Jews who are pursuing the Lord. He's not talking about the world at large who care nothing about anything other than their world. Some look to their god for moral and pious living in the eyes of the world for people to see, to be in some kind of being set apart from the world. They end up in evil's alternative in religion where many are navigating towards destruction. Some are even bearing the name of Jesus Christ. They are the most vicious enemy of the true Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord warned us (true believers who are born again by faith in Christ Jesus) about them. They are prevalent in our present age. The Lord Jesus spoke of these sobering words: “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand.” (Matthew 24:24-25 NKJV).
In these passages, the Lord is cornered by those "false shepherds" of sheep that do not belong to the flock of the Good Shepherd who is our Lord Jesus Christ. As with these religious Jews, who are pursuing Him, and other religious 'shepherds', He is telling them: “But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you.” (John 10:26 NKJV). Beloved, let us therefore come and believe and be the sheep in our Lord's flock. Let's truly seek Him and His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33). Let us behold and look to Christ Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), and in so doing, the Father draws us, as He said: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.” (John 6:44 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, August 19, 2024
The Gospel of John 10:22-24 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.” (John 10:22-24 KJV)
It is really amazing how religious creeds and doctrines can warp people's line of thinking, as these so-called religious leaders of the Jews are showing. How much plainly do they want the Lord Jesus Christ to declare? They are now blaming the Lord for their doubt. What is plainly, by the way, if with what the Lord already proclaimed many times are not plain? The Lord has clearly said many times: I am the Living Bread from heaven, I am the Son of God, I am the Living Water, I am the Door, I am the Good Shepherd, I am the Light of the World. What more plain do they want? The blind man really hit it on spot when he said: “I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again?" (John 9:27).
The scene gives a picture of the Lord walking in the temple's porch of Solomon on a winter day during the feast of dedication, also called Hanukkah or Festival of Lights. This festivity of lights sends a message of significance that they should see. But, with blindfolds of religion they could not, in spite of the presence of the Light. The scene tells us that these religious leaders literally formed a ring around the Lord Jesus Christ. They are basically coercing Him to say something they can use against Him to justify an arrest they've been trying to, many times, but failed.
Yes, they hear and see the Lord's messages and signs. But, they couldn't understand and receive because of preconceived unbelief. This is therefore a nudging revelation for us to seek with intent to know, and to believe, so we'll get a grasp of the fullness of truth. Believing in Christ Jesus, in a personal intimate level is the key. Not religion, as these Jews were wired on. To the disciples and all of us who believe, the Lord Jesus revealed: “And he said to them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables, so that “‘they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven.’”” (Mark 4:11-12 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.
“And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.” (John 10:22-24 KJV)
It is really amazing how religious creeds and doctrines can warp people's line of thinking, as these so-called religious leaders of the Jews are showing. How much plainly do they want the Lord Jesus Christ to declare? They are now blaming the Lord for their doubt. What is plainly, by the way, if with what the Lord already proclaimed many times are not plain? The Lord has clearly said many times: I am the Living Bread from heaven, I am the Son of God, I am the Living Water, I am the Door, I am the Good Shepherd, I am the Light of the World. What more plain do they want? The blind man really hit it on spot when he said: “I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again?" (John 9:27).
The scene gives a picture of the Lord walking in the temple's porch of Solomon on a winter day during the feast of dedication, also called Hanukkah or Festival of Lights. This festivity of lights sends a message of significance that they should see. But, with blindfolds of religion they could not, in spite of the presence of the Light. The scene tells us that these religious leaders literally formed a ring around the Lord Jesus Christ. They are basically coercing Him to say something they can use against Him to justify an arrest they've been trying to, many times, but failed.
Yes, they hear and see the Lord's messages and signs. But, they couldn't understand and receive because of preconceived unbelief. This is therefore a nudging revelation for us to seek with intent to know, and to believe, so we'll get a grasp of the fullness of truth. Believing in Christ Jesus, in a personal intimate level is the key. Not religion, as these Jews were wired on. To the disciples and all of us who believe, the Lord Jesus revealed: “And he said to them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables, so that “‘they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven.’”” (Mark 4:11-12 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, August 18, 2024
The Gospel of John 10:19-21 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him? Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?” (John 10:19-21 KJV).
In these passages, new truths begin to shed light through the darkened hearts of those religious Jews. Akin to the blind man whose eyes were opened to see the light, amidst the clouded lens of their religion, the light of the truth of the Lord's Words and the manifest signs from heaven cracked the stony hearts of some of those Pharisees, Priests and Sadducees that pursue to question the Lord's every word and action. Hence, there are those who already are unsure of what they're doing and show signs they are on the brink of believing.
We see, “This kind of talk caused another split in the Jewish ranks. A lot of them were saying, “He’s crazy, a maniac—out of his head completely. Why bother listening to him?” But others weren’t so sure: “These aren’t the words of a crazy man. Can a ‘maniac’ open blind eyes?”” (John 10:19-21 MSG).
For us today, this gives hope in the power of God's holy and written Words. We must not get tired on sharing it to those we love and who are lost in the crowded world full of deceptive trappings that the enemy of our soul dishes out in the form of material things and quasi-spiritual options of religion that lead to where the world is heading. We must, therefore, remain steadfast in holding a tight grip on God's holy and written Words. It is a two-edged sword that slices through to the soul and spirit, bones and marrow (Hebrews 4:12), as in these passages did to some of the hardened Jews.
There is always hope. Hope we must look to in Christ Jesus. Personally, my hope is in the Lord (Psalm 39:7). We all, together with our loved ones looking to our Good Shepherd and Lord Jesus Christ, must enter through Him. But, sadly, many are entering in droves the wide gates of religion. The litmus test is, only a few enter it. He is the narrow gate (John 10:7) and we are earnestly invited to: ““Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13-14 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.
“There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him? Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?” (John 10:19-21 KJV).
In these passages, new truths begin to shed light through the darkened hearts of those religious Jews. Akin to the blind man whose eyes were opened to see the light, amidst the clouded lens of their religion, the light of the truth of the Lord's Words and the manifest signs from heaven cracked the stony hearts of some of those Pharisees, Priests and Sadducees that pursue to question the Lord's every word and action. Hence, there are those who already are unsure of what they're doing and show signs they are on the brink of believing.
We see, “This kind of talk caused another split in the Jewish ranks. A lot of them were saying, “He’s crazy, a maniac—out of his head completely. Why bother listening to him?” But others weren’t so sure: “These aren’t the words of a crazy man. Can a ‘maniac’ open blind eyes?”” (John 10:19-21 MSG).
For us today, this gives hope in the power of God's holy and written Words. We must not get tired on sharing it to those we love and who are lost in the crowded world full of deceptive trappings that the enemy of our soul dishes out in the form of material things and quasi-spiritual options of religion that lead to where the world is heading. We must, therefore, remain steadfast in holding a tight grip on God's holy and written Words. It is a two-edged sword that slices through to the soul and spirit, bones and marrow (Hebrews 4:12), as in these passages did to some of the hardened Jews.
There is always hope. Hope we must look to in Christ Jesus. Personally, my hope is in the Lord (Psalm 39:7). We all, together with our loved ones looking to our Good Shepherd and Lord Jesus Christ, must enter through Him. But, sadly, many are entering in droves the wide gates of religion. The litmus test is, only a few enter it. He is the narrow gate (John 10:7) and we are earnestly invited to: ““Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13-14 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.
Saturday, August 17, 2024
The Gospel of John 10:17-18 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.” (John 10:17-18 KJV).
In these passages, the Lord Jesus Christ continues to reveal words unbelievable to human understanding, most especially to people like His antagonists - the religious fanatics in Jerusalem. His claims of being the only legitimate means of salvation for mankind (John 10:1-13) and His revelation that He has another sheep belonging to other flocks - the gentile nations (John 10:14-16) whom He will bring into intimate relationship with the Father, we're too difficult for religious people to take. It is for this reason that the Father loves Him, as He lays His life for His sheep. Yes! And, the Father gives Him the power to voluntarily give his life and take it again, by resurrection from the dead.
He is doing it all to fulfill His Father's command. He humbled Himself to die for us, whose faith in Him brought us into reconciliation with the Father (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). Scriptures affirm, as it is written: “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:8-11 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
“Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.” (John 10:17-18 KJV).
In these passages, the Lord Jesus Christ continues to reveal words unbelievable to human understanding, most especially to people like His antagonists - the religious fanatics in Jerusalem. His claims of being the only legitimate means of salvation for mankind (John 10:1-13) and His revelation that He has another sheep belonging to other flocks - the gentile nations (John 10:14-16) whom He will bring into intimate relationship with the Father, we're too difficult for religious people to take. It is for this reason that the Father loves Him, as He lays His life for His sheep. Yes! And, the Father gives Him the power to voluntarily give his life and take it again, by resurrection from the dead.
He is doing it all to fulfill His Father's command. He humbled Himself to die for us, whose faith in Him brought us into reconciliation with the Father (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). Scriptures affirm, as it is written: “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:8-11 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Friday, August 16, 2024
The Gospel of John 10:14-16 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” (John 10:14-16 KJV).
Continuing in His use of shepherd and sheep analogy, in these passages the Lord Jesus Christ invoked His most sacred name I AM to emphasize that He is the Good Shepherd. This gives us an urgent alert that there are bad shepherds who come with intent to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). He is our Good Shepherd who comes with the intent to care for our good (Psalm 23).
When we put our trust and faith in Him, we will know Him and hear His voice. It starts with our seeking Him, deep within us. We are to seek His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33a). When we seek we will find Him as the Father draws us unto Him. He knows the Father for He is one with Him. He will raise us up on the last day (John 6:44).
That's the deal we have by faith in Him - our Lord Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd. He died as ransom (1 Timothy 2:6), for us who belong to another fold - the Gentile flock. Now, we too are brought into the fold by becoming spiritual descendants of Abraham. Through faith in Christ Jesus, we hear His voice who is our Shepherd. We are now heirs of the promise to Abraham. “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:29 NIV).
And, here is the promise: “After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.”” (Genesis 15:1 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.
“I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” (John 10:14-16 KJV).
Continuing in His use of shepherd and sheep analogy, in these passages the Lord Jesus Christ invoked His most sacred name I AM to emphasize that He is the Good Shepherd. This gives us an urgent alert that there are bad shepherds who come with intent to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). He is our Good Shepherd who comes with the intent to care for our good (Psalm 23).
When we put our trust and faith in Him, we will know Him and hear His voice. It starts with our seeking Him, deep within us. We are to seek His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33a). When we seek we will find Him as the Father draws us unto Him. He knows the Father for He is one with Him. He will raise us up on the last day (John 6:44).
That's the deal we have by faith in Him - our Lord Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd. He died as ransom (1 Timothy 2:6), for us who belong to another fold - the Gentile flock. Now, we too are brought into the fold by becoming spiritual descendants of Abraham. Through faith in Christ Jesus, we hear His voice who is our Shepherd. We are now heirs of the promise to Abraham. “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:29 NIV).
And, here is the promise: “After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.”” (Genesis 15:1 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, August 15, 2024
The Gospel of John 10:12-13 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.” (John 10:12-13 KJV)
Here, the Lord Jesus Christ is giving us a cookie alert, that hired hands who act like shepherds and do not own the sheep, when dangers arise they flee. They don't care about the sheep. This refers to those who are entrusted to care and serve the flock. They're the paid service providers who care about the pay and not the service they give. Some, just watch the time goes by as they are paid by the hour, not by the quality of their work. When they lead the flock to the fields they don't care if the grass is lush green or brown dry. Whether the flock is fed well or starving, for them it doesn't matter. When the lions, the bears and the wolves come to prey and catch the sheep, they run and leave the scattered flock behind. The Lord is describing those religious 'leaders' who are leading many to eminent eternal danger and death.
They are totally in contrast to a true shepherd who's exemplified in the person of David. He was a foreshadow of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord is our true Shepherd when we entrust our lives in Him by faith, as sheep in His flock. King David, whose line of ancestry the Lord Jesus came in the flesh, when he was young, entrusted to shepherd his father's flock, he described how he cares for the sheep. When he was about to face the giant named Goliath, King Saul tried to dissuade him. He persisted to take Goliath, as he described to King Saul how he took care of his father's sheep as a true shepherd. It is written: “But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, ..”” (1 Samuel 17:34-36a 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.
“But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.” (John 10:12-13 KJV)
Here, the Lord Jesus Christ is giving us a cookie alert, that hired hands who act like shepherds and do not own the sheep, when dangers arise they flee. They don't care about the sheep. This refers to those who are entrusted to care and serve the flock. They're the paid service providers who care about the pay and not the service they give. Some, just watch the time goes by as they are paid by the hour, not by the quality of their work. When they lead the flock to the fields they don't care if the grass is lush green or brown dry. Whether the flock is fed well or starving, for them it doesn't matter. When the lions, the bears and the wolves come to prey and catch the sheep, they run and leave the scattered flock behind. The Lord is describing those religious 'leaders' who are leading many to eminent eternal danger and death.
They are totally in contrast to a true shepherd who's exemplified in the person of David. He was a foreshadow of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord is our true Shepherd when we entrust our lives in Him by faith, as sheep in His flock. King David, whose line of ancestry the Lord Jesus came in the flesh, when he was young, entrusted to shepherd his father's flock, he described how he cares for the sheep. When he was about to face the giant named Goliath, King Saul tried to dissuade him. He persisted to take Goliath, as he described to King Saul how he took care of his father's sheep as a true shepherd. It is written: “But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, ..”” (1 Samuel 17:34-36a 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, August 14, 2024
The Gospel of John 10:11 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11 KJV)
The Lord Jesus continues to present with metaphors His being our good Shepherd. In this passage, asserting His divinity, He invokes again subtly His sacred name, I AM! This echoes the declaration of God to Moses through the burning bush (Genesis 3:14). 'I AM' assures His ever presence in our life. He is our Jehovah Shammah (Ezekiel 48:35; Matthew 28:20).
In earlier analogies, the Lord Jesus pointed out that the sheep only follow the voice of their true shepherd. They don't listen to the calls of strangers. Those who belong to other 'shepherd', like the religious Jews, reject Him because they're not of His flock. The Lord also said that He is the door. Yes, He is that door. He is that gate which He revealed as narrow that only a few will find. He is the gate that we must enter that leads to life eternal. He warned that entering another door, especially one wider and easy, leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14).
In this analogy, the Lord Jesus emphasized that He is the Good Shepherd. He is the One who cares for us. He is One ready to die for us and to gave His life so that by faith in Him we can have life. Now, in Him by grace through faith, we are alive because our Good Shepherd died, was buried to pay for our sin and rose again. He is our forever High Priest and advocate before the presence of the Father(1 John 2:1).
So, we must have this rooted in our being. “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 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.
“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11 KJV)
The Lord Jesus continues to present with metaphors His being our good Shepherd. In this passage, asserting His divinity, He invokes again subtly His sacred name, I AM! This echoes the declaration of God to Moses through the burning bush (Genesis 3:14). 'I AM' assures His ever presence in our life. He is our Jehovah Shammah (Ezekiel 48:35; Matthew 28:20).
In earlier analogies, the Lord Jesus pointed out that the sheep only follow the voice of their true shepherd. They don't listen to the calls of strangers. Those who belong to other 'shepherd', like the religious Jews, reject Him because they're not of His flock. The Lord also said that He is the door. Yes, He is that door. He is that gate which He revealed as narrow that only a few will find. He is the gate that we must enter that leads to life eternal. He warned that entering another door, especially one wider and easy, leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14).
In this analogy, the Lord Jesus emphasized that He is the Good Shepherd. He is the One who cares for us. He is One ready to die for us and to gave His life so that by faith in Him we can have life. Now, in Him by grace through faith, we are alive because our Good Shepherd died, was buried to pay for our sin and rose again. He is our forever High Priest and advocate before the presence of the Father(1 John 2:1).
So, we must have this rooted in our being. “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 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.
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
The Gospel of John 10:10 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10 KJV)
In this passage the Lord Jesus is warning us about the thief, representing the devil and his religious minions. They're those who climb off the kraal to sneak in the sheep-barn, as He earlier revealed in this series of parabolic analogies. They come to steal, you and I - His sheep. The first order of business the devil does is to steal the seed of God's Word because he knows that the Word gives us life. God's Word is Spirit that gives us life (John 6:63). Without the Word, we are vulnerable to whither. He kills our hope, to die and be destroyed for eternity.
The Lord Jesus warned us of it in another parable. He said: “When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path.” (Matthew 13:19 NIV). The seed is the Word of God (Luke 8:11). We must hold and secure the seed of His Words in the well-tilled soil of our heart, by believing and continuously meditating on it.
The reason the Lord Jesus Christ has come, He who is the Word (John 1:1 & 14), so we can receive Him in a personal intimate relationship (1 John 4:19) through His grace by faith in Him (Ephesians 2:8). He brings life that is truly abundant, not on things of the world, but on matters beyond. This is what Apostle John prayed for us all - to have a wholly holy (meaning - set apart) life both body and soul. “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” (3 John 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.
Monday, August 12, 2024
The Gospel of John 10:8-9 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” (John 10:8-9 KJV).
In these passages, the Lord Jesus Christ specially addressed those who came before Him that corrupted the people from God's way. They claim to be teachers and people of titles taking self-appointed roles of authority to regulate the affairs of their religion. Their only goal was to lift up and enrich themselves while oppressing the people under their control. These self-ordained leaders, like these religious Jews, who came before the Lord were only thieves and robbers. They're wolves in sheep's clothing. They deceived and plundered the people, teaching them perverted way of life and salvation through religious dos and don'ts, than by believing in the Messiah. But, of course, His sheep, those who truly seek and the Father chooses (John 6:44), did not hear them.
The Lord Jesus Christ says plainly to us in these texts that He is the only door for salvation. One may ask: salvation for or from what or who? That's salvation from the curse of the world my friend! One may ask: what curse? And, one may add: I have everything the world can offer! All's good! My friend, that's exactly what and who we all need to be saved. That's an illusion of the world. The world and all that's in it pass away! Scriptures say: “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:17 NIV). And, the Lord Jesus further says: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Matthew 24:35 NIV)
We have a choice to believe in His Words! We can enter the door who is Christ Jesus. Through Him we can enter in and out with freedom in His pasture. In Christ Jesus by faith we are His and the sheep in His pasture, as He alone saved us by His grace. “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”” (Acts 4:12 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
“All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” (John 10:8-9 KJV).
In these passages, the Lord Jesus Christ specially addressed those who came before Him that corrupted the people from God's way. They claim to be teachers and people of titles taking self-appointed roles of authority to regulate the affairs of their religion. Their only goal was to lift up and enrich themselves while oppressing the people under their control. These self-ordained leaders, like these religious Jews, who came before the Lord were only thieves and robbers. They're wolves in sheep's clothing. They deceived and plundered the people, teaching them perverted way of life and salvation through religious dos and don'ts, than by believing in the Messiah. But, of course, His sheep, those who truly seek and the Father chooses (John 6:44), did not hear them.
The Lord Jesus Christ says plainly to us in these texts that He is the only door for salvation. One may ask: salvation for or from what or who? That's salvation from the curse of the world my friend! One may ask: what curse? And, one may add: I have everything the world can offer! All's good! My friend, that's exactly what and who we all need to be saved. That's an illusion of the world. The world and all that's in it pass away! Scriptures say: “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:17 NIV). And, the Lord Jesus further says: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Matthew 24:35 NIV)
We have a choice to believe in His Words! We can enter the door who is Christ Jesus. Through Him we can enter in and out with freedom in His pasture. In Christ Jesus by faith we are His and the sheep in His pasture, as He alone saved us by His grace. “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”” (Acts 4:12 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Sunday, August 11, 2024
The Gospel of John 10:6-7 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.” (John 10:6-7 KJV)
The Lord Jesus Christ used another figure of speech in this parabolic analogy to explain why these religious critics don't listen to His Words. These hostile keepers of religion disputed the Lord's giving sight to a man born blind shown in John chapter 9. In this parable He reveals that those who don't listen to Him belong to a different flock and that only those sheep who belong to Him hear and listen to His call.
Continuing to confuse these unbelieving religious 'scholars', here, in this text, the Lord introduced another metaphor of Him being the 'door of the sheepfold' through whom His sheep enter. These guys have no inkling what the Lord is talking about. The gospel is hidden in parables from them who are perishing and unbelieving. But, not for those who believe (Mark 4:10-12).
As we receive the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ by faith in Him, we who were once in darkness have His light shine through our hearts. Apostle Paul testified in His epistle to the believers in Corinth: “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:3-6 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.
“This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.” (John 10:6-7 KJV)
The Lord Jesus Christ used another figure of speech in this parabolic analogy to explain why these religious critics don't listen to His Words. These hostile keepers of religion disputed the Lord's giving sight to a man born blind shown in John chapter 9. In this parable He reveals that those who don't listen to Him belong to a different flock and that only those sheep who belong to Him hear and listen to His call.
Continuing to confuse these unbelieving religious 'scholars', here, in this text, the Lord introduced another metaphor of Him being the 'door of the sheepfold' through whom His sheep enter. These guys have no inkling what the Lord is talking about. The gospel is hidden in parables from them who are perishing and unbelieving. But, not for those who believe (Mark 4:10-12).
As we receive the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ by faith in Him, we who were once in darkness have His light shine through our hearts. Apostle Paul testified in His epistle to the believers in Corinth: “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:3-6 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.
Saturday, August 10, 2024
The Gospel of John 10:4-5 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.” (John 10:4-5 KJV)
The Lord Jesus continuing His analogy of Him being our shepherd and as we being His flock, gives the assuring picture that He leads us out as His very own to the pastures where we can be feed. He goes before us to guide and bring us to the right place of provision, rest and security. This tells us that by faith, as His sheep dependent on Him being the Shepherd whose voice we know, we follow Him.
As the sheep demonstrate, by running away from strangers whose voice they do not know, we, as true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, born again by faith in Him should be able to discern strangers acting as if our shepherd. We do not recognize its voice. The Holy Spirit who is in us to guide us, leads us out of danger and not to follow the strange voice of false shepherds.
“And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.” (John 10:4-5 KJV)
The Lord Jesus continuing His analogy of Him being our shepherd and as we being His flock, gives the assuring picture that He leads us out as His very own to the pastures where we can be feed. He goes before us to guide and bring us to the right place of provision, rest and security. This tells us that by faith, as His sheep dependent on Him being the Shepherd whose voice we know, we follow Him.
As the sheep demonstrate, by running away from strangers whose voice they do not know, we, as true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, born again by faith in Him should be able to discern strangers acting as if our shepherd. We do not recognize its voice. The Holy Spirit who is in us to guide us, leads us out of danger and not to follow the strange voice of false shepherds.
As the Lord's true flock, by His grace through faith, we are settled in the comfort of our Shepherd's mighty hands. We are secured. In Apostle Paul's exhortation, it is written: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35-39 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.
Friday, August 9, 2024
The Gospel of John 10:3 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.” (John 10:3 KJV)Continuing on the parable, this verse tells us that the gate guard of the sheep barn gives the true Shepherd free access through the gate. He enters in the gate. He doesn't sneak in. The keeper of the gate recognizes Him and the sheep too. Again, we must be in the know that the Shepherd in this metaphor is the Lord Jesus Christ. When He calls the sheep by name they hear Him. We, who believe, are the sheep. He knows each our every name and calls us individually by name (Isaiah 43:1).
The sheep will only listen to their own shepherd's voice. This reveals to us that who we listen to is our shepherd. Or, in other words, whose voice we recognize and follow becomes our shepherd. To which the Lord Jesus said about the religious Jews that they listen and follow their father the devil (John 8:44) who is their shepherd. This also alludes the same to those who march by the cadence of present day religions. They do not recognize Him and His voice because they do not belong to His flock.
The true Shepherd, who is the Lord Jesus Christ, leads His sheep - that's us who believed in Him and are born again, redeemed by His blood. He is not a religious head appointed by men. He is the One risen from the dead who is in us. Yes, by faith in Him through His grace and by the finished work He did on the cross, we become the sheep in His flock. In our hearts we can consciously acknowledge and proclaim, as King David did. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:1-6 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Thursday, August 8, 2024
The Gospel of John 10:1-2 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.” (John 10:1-2 KJV)
In this chapter's opening verses, with emphasis of certainty, the Lord Jesus Christ starts by presenting an allegorical parable of two types of shepherds. He begins by describing that those who climb into the kraal in a furtive way are bandits and thieves who come not to care about the sheep but only to gain of and from them (John 10:1). In contrast, the true shepherd enters the sheep fence openly, by the gate (John 10:2).
Sadly, the false shepherds that these texts describe still abound today in the form of religious figures and quasi-believers of God. They are more interested in fleecing the flock they managed to deceive for their own personal gain, fame and power, than in feeding and protecting the sheep as the True Shepherd does. They act as if they are the shepherds instead of directing the flock to the true Shepherd in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ. Some of them present themselves as the representation of Jesus on earth acting like God with claims of infallibility. None of those are true, like these Pharisees, Priests, Sadducees and leaders of the Jews, who claimed the power to judge who's a sinner or saint and the power to condemn by stoning those who they deemed a sinner. Truth is, God is the only One Lawgiver and Judge (James 4:14).
The Lord Jesus Christ did not give a special power-of-attorney representation to anyone here on earth, as He is alive and is here on earth with us in the person of the Holy Spirit. In truth, you and I, by faith in Christ Jesus through grace by His finished work on the cross, as He lives in us, all of us who are born again in Him, we are His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:30). The Apostle Paul, who the risen Lord Jesus appointed to be His instrument to proclaim the fullness of the gospel of grace and truth, testifies: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.” (John 10:1-2 KJV)
In this chapter's opening verses, with emphasis of certainty, the Lord Jesus Christ starts by presenting an allegorical parable of two types of shepherds. He begins by describing that those who climb into the kraal in a furtive way are bandits and thieves who come not to care about the sheep but only to gain of and from them (John 10:1). In contrast, the true shepherd enters the sheep fence openly, by the gate (John 10:2).
Sadly, the false shepherds that these texts describe still abound today in the form of religious figures and quasi-believers of God. They are more interested in fleecing the flock they managed to deceive for their own personal gain, fame and power, than in feeding and protecting the sheep as the True Shepherd does. They act as if they are the shepherds instead of directing the flock to the true Shepherd in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ. Some of them present themselves as the representation of Jesus on earth acting like God with claims of infallibility. None of those are true, like these Pharisees, Priests, Sadducees and leaders of the Jews, who claimed the power to judge who's a sinner or saint and the power to condemn by stoning those who they deemed a sinner. Truth is, God is the only One Lawgiver and Judge (James 4:14).
The Lord Jesus Christ did not give a special power-of-attorney representation to anyone here on earth, as He is alive and is here on earth with us in the person of the Holy Spirit. In truth, you and I, by faith in Christ Jesus through grace by His finished work on the cross, as He lives in us, all of us who are born again in Him, we are His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:30). The Apostle Paul, who the risen Lord Jesus appointed to be His instrument to proclaim the fullness of the gospel of grace and truth, testifies: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
The Gospel of John 9:40-41 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.” (John 9:40-41 KJV)
The Lord's words and actions are constantly being monitored and scrutinized by His antagonists who are always on His trail, surrounding Him wherever He goes. Their pursuit is to harm, and to hinder the message of truth from being revealed. They cavil and grumble for every truth the Lord exposes about them, and now with the Lord alluding to their blindness pricked their arrogant ears. Their high regard of selves for having the claim of being Israel's 'teachers' say: "how dare you speak to us as such?"
In essence, the Lord is talking about their spiritual accountability. These Pharisees, Priests and Sadducees are Israel's teachers. One of them named Nicodemus once approached the Lord under the cover of darkness (John 3:1-10). Yes, these are teachers of Israel, who are supposed to guide their people to the truth. Yet, they are blind to it. They are lessons for us to reflect on as children of God by faith is Christ Jesus. We, therefore, must rest in total dependence on Him and be reminded that: “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” (James 3:1 ESV).
“And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.” (John 9:40-41 KJV)
The Lord's words and actions are constantly being monitored and scrutinized by His antagonists who are always on His trail, surrounding Him wherever He goes. Their pursuit is to harm, and to hinder the message of truth from being revealed. They cavil and grumble for every truth the Lord exposes about them, and now with the Lord alluding to their blindness pricked their arrogant ears. Their high regard of selves for having the claim of being Israel's 'teachers' say: "how dare you speak to us as such?"
In essence, the Lord is talking about their spiritual accountability. These Pharisees, Priests and Sadducees are Israel's teachers. One of them named Nicodemus once approached the Lord under the cover of darkness (John 3:1-10). Yes, these are teachers of Israel, who are supposed to guide their people to the truth. Yet, they are blind to it. They are lessons for us to reflect on as children of God by faith is Christ Jesus. We, therefore, must rest in total dependence on Him and be reminded that: “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” (James 3:1 ESV).
In His grace much is expected of us. We are to point our loved ones and those who are in our proximity to the truth, in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ. By the anointing we receive, (referring to the Holy Spirit who lives in us) by faith, teaches us, as it is written: "But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him." (1 John 2:27 NKJV).
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, August 6, 2024
The Gospel of John 9:39 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.” (John 9:39 KJV)
This passage describes the polarized state of those who can spiritually see versus the spiritually blind, represented respectively, by the once blind beggar who now can see and the religious Pharisees, the Priests, the Sadducees and other religious Jews who have physical eyes that are well yet are blind to see things of God. Those who recognize their need, admit it and seek for the only source to provide their need like this blind beggar, will find and see it. Seek and you shall find, Scriptures assure (Matthew 7:7). He got his sight! The blind man found the Lord Jesus Christ (John 9:1).
Those who are arrogant and presumptive to possess knowledge are hardened, and failed to see the truth in the person of Christ Jesus. They have healthy physical sight, yet are blind in spirit. Their unbelief blinded them from seeing the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 4:4). They can't understand it for they don't want to understand it (John 7:17).
Hence, by the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, judgement comes into this world. “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”” (John 3:19-21 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
“And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.” (John 9:39 KJV)
This passage describes the polarized state of those who can spiritually see versus the spiritually blind, represented respectively, by the once blind beggar who now can see and the religious Pharisees, the Priests, the Sadducees and other religious Jews who have physical eyes that are well yet are blind to see things of God. Those who recognize their need, admit it and seek for the only source to provide their need like this blind beggar, will find and see it. Seek and you shall find, Scriptures assure (Matthew 7:7). He got his sight! The blind man found the Lord Jesus Christ (John 9:1).
Those who are arrogant and presumptive to possess knowledge are hardened, and failed to see the truth in the person of Christ Jesus. They have healthy physical sight, yet are blind in spirit. Their unbelief blinded them from seeing the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 4:4). They can't understand it for they don't want to understand it (John 7:17).
Hence, by the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, judgement comes into this world. “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”” (John 3:19-21 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.
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, August 5, 2024
The Gospel of John 9:35-38 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered, “And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you.” He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.” (John 9:35-38 ESV).
Earning the ire of the religious leaders, this healed beggar who once was blind from birth, had him thrown out of their Jewish synagogue. They were abashed by his confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Miracle Worker who healed him. His challenge of faith to the arrogant religious leaders earned him their insults and outright excommunication. The Lord heard his plight and found him for a post-healing encounter. This man did not see the Lord Jesus Christ after his eyesight was restored. This second encounter is very compelling as we follow the flow of their interaction. The question the Lord posed to the man is a question of faith affirmation on the Son of Man, who is the Messiah in His person - Christ Jesus our Lord.
The once blind man's confession "Lord I Believe" and his worship of the Lord Jesus Christ is such a great example and pattern for emulation by those who are still acting like the religious leadership of the Jews. Our declaration of belief in the Lord Jesus Christ is the most powerful life-changing utterance for salvation that our mouth can speak. It is written, the Lord Jesus said: “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”” (Matthew 12:36-37 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 heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered, “And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you.” He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.” (John 9:35-38 ESV).
Earning the ire of the religious leaders, this healed beggar who once was blind from birth, had him thrown out of their Jewish synagogue. They were abashed by his confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Miracle Worker who healed him. His challenge of faith to the arrogant religious leaders earned him their insults and outright excommunication. The Lord heard his plight and found him for a post-healing encounter. This man did not see the Lord Jesus Christ after his eyesight was restored. This second encounter is very compelling as we follow the flow of their interaction. The question the Lord posed to the man is a question of faith affirmation on the Son of Man, who is the Messiah in His person - Christ Jesus our Lord.
The once blind man's confession "Lord I Believe" and his worship of the Lord Jesus Christ is such a great example and pattern for emulation by those who are still acting like the religious leadership of the Jews. Our declaration of belief in the Lord Jesus Christ is the most powerful life-changing utterance for salvation that our mouth can speak. It is written, the Lord Jesus said: “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”” (Matthew 12:36-37 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, August 4, 2024
The Gospel of John 9:34 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.” (John 9:34 KJV)
These repetitive attempts by the Pharisees, Priests and Scribes to debunk the miracles performed by the Lord Jesus Christ for their benefit are backfiring bigly on them. With the former blind man's sincere responses, in a tone of sarcasm, reveal the true colors of these religious men. They're indeed hypocrites in their on right. Their verbal exchange with the unlearned healed blind man exposed this truth. They claimed not to know where Jesus was from; the healed man said Jesus' miracles speak loudly enough of who He is (John 9:25). The scribes and Pharisees claimed Jesus was a "sinner;" the healed man pointed out that a "sinner" wouldn't have access to God's power (John 9:30–31).
Hence, running out of munition for a legit debate, they resort to personal holier-than-thou attack. They're using the same insults they hurled to question the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:41). In response to this poor once-blind, but healed man's declaration of truth (John 8:32-33), they condemned him with arrogance. “To this they replied, “You were steeped in sins at birth; how dare you lecture us!” And they threw him out.” (John 9:34 NIV).
That's the same hatred the Lord Jesus Christ warned us of for being His redeemed, and for being born again by faith in Him. But, resting in His grace trough faith in Him, we must endure to the end! The Lord Jesus warned us with assurance: “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. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:19-22 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.
“They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.” (John 9:34 KJV)
These repetitive attempts by the Pharisees, Priests and Scribes to debunk the miracles performed by the Lord Jesus Christ for their benefit are backfiring bigly on them. With the former blind man's sincere responses, in a tone of sarcasm, reveal the true colors of these religious men. They're indeed hypocrites in their on right. Their verbal exchange with the unlearned healed blind man exposed this truth. They claimed not to know where Jesus was from; the healed man said Jesus' miracles speak loudly enough of who He is (John 9:25). The scribes and Pharisees claimed Jesus was a "sinner;" the healed man pointed out that a "sinner" wouldn't have access to God's power (John 9:30–31).
Hence, running out of munition for a legit debate, they resort to personal holier-than-thou attack. They're using the same insults they hurled to question the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:41). In response to this poor once-blind, but healed man's declaration of truth (John 8:32-33), they condemned him with arrogance. “To this they replied, “You were steeped in sins at birth; how dare you lecture us!” And they threw him out.” (John 9:34 NIV).
That's the same hatred the Lord Jesus Christ warned us of for being His redeemed, and for being born again by faith in Him. But, resting in His grace trough faith in Him, we must endure to the end! The Lord Jesus warned us with assurance: “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. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:19-22 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.
Saturday, August 3, 2024
The Gospel of John 9:30-33 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.” (John 9:30-33 KJV).
This is such a profound declaration of a man who has just for the first time saw the light to truly mingle with people and participate in the hustle and bustle under the light of day. The unlearned vs the 'learned', demonstrated a better grasp of divine things than the whole council of the Pharisees, Priests and Sadducees. No one can do the miracle that has just been performed restoring his sight. Yes, indeed, apart from God, man can do nothing, as scripture said: “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”” (Matthew 19:26 NIV).
Our God is an awesome God, as this now seeing blind man affirmed. The Lord Jesus Christ was present at creation, “He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” (John 1:2-3 NIV). He is the Miracle Worker. In Him nothing is impossible. As His sons and daughters, let's rest in His grace by faith. He said to the once barren woman Sarah. “Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.”” (Genesis 18:14 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 man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.” (John 9:30-33 KJV).
This is such a profound declaration of a man who has just for the first time saw the light to truly mingle with people and participate in the hustle and bustle under the light of day. The unlearned vs the 'learned', demonstrated a better grasp of divine things than the whole council of the Pharisees, Priests and Sadducees. No one can do the miracle that has just been performed restoring his sight. Yes, indeed, apart from God, man can do nothing, as scripture said: “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”” (Matthew 19:26 NIV).
Our God is an awesome God, as this now seeing blind man affirmed. The Lord Jesus Christ was present at creation, “He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” (John 1:2-3 NIV). He is the Miracle Worker. In Him nothing is impossible. As His sons and daughters, let's rest in His grace by faith. He said to the once barren woman Sarah. “Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.”” (Genesis 18:14 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, August 2, 2024
The Gospel of John 9:28-29 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples. We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is.” (John 9:28-29 KJV).
In response to the challenge of the once blind man if they desire to become disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, these arrogant religious people literally piled up on him. Sadly, the only confession of truth these Jewish authorities said about the Lord Jesus Christ in this drama was that they knew nothing about Him. Their claim of being Moses' disciples is therefore marked with a big question. If they really were disciples of Moses, as they said they were, they would have known the Lord. If they really knew God, they would have known the Messiah. Basically, the reason so many people reject our Lord Jesus Christ because they don't really know him. With 'church' religious experiences and rigmaroles, with 'church' people, or lifestyles in the mix, many get impeded on their journey of truly knowing the Lord Jesus Christ.
As we seek to reach the lost, we must remember that the core, the essence, the truth we share must be centered in Christ Jesus and the holy and written Words that proceed from the mouth of God. Rather than getting lost in a lot of 'church' mumbo jumbo, let's share Jesus, who came full of grace and truth, with those who are somehow caught up with religious doctrines, customs and traditions. Let's help them see the Savior through the lens of grace and His finished work on the cross. We must always be rooted in these revelations:
* The Truth is the person of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
* The Truth is the Word (John 17:17).
* The Word is Christ Jesus (John 1:1 & 14)!
So, when we look to the Lord Jesus Christ in spirit through our hearts by faith, not in a physical image shaped by human hands (Exodus 20:4), come into His presence in spirit wherever we are (John 4:24) and not in physical buildings made by men (Acts 7:48-49; Acts 17:24-28), we see His true being and truly know Him. Then, as His redeemed by grace through faith, it is written we will: "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.
“Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples. We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is.” (John 9:28-29 KJV).
In response to the challenge of the once blind man if they desire to become disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, these arrogant religious people literally piled up on him. Sadly, the only confession of truth these Jewish authorities said about the Lord Jesus Christ in this drama was that they knew nothing about Him. Their claim of being Moses' disciples is therefore marked with a big question. If they really were disciples of Moses, as they said they were, they would have known the Lord. If they really knew God, they would have known the Messiah. Basically, the reason so many people reject our Lord Jesus Christ because they don't really know him. With 'church' religious experiences and rigmaroles, with 'church' people, or lifestyles in the mix, many get impeded on their journey of truly knowing the Lord Jesus Christ.
As we seek to reach the lost, we must remember that the core, the essence, the truth we share must be centered in Christ Jesus and the holy and written Words that proceed from the mouth of God. Rather than getting lost in a lot of 'church' mumbo jumbo, let's share Jesus, who came full of grace and truth, with those who are somehow caught up with religious doctrines, customs and traditions. Let's help them see the Savior through the lens of grace and His finished work on the cross. We must always be rooted in these revelations:
* The Truth is the person of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
* The Truth is the Word (John 17:17).
* The Word is Christ Jesus (John 1:1 & 14)!
So, when we look to the Lord Jesus Christ in spirit through our hearts by faith, not in a physical image shaped by human hands (Exodus 20:4), come into His presence in spirit wherever we are (John 4:24) and not in physical buildings made by men (Acts 7:48-49; Acts 17:24-28), we see His true being and truly know Him. Then, as His redeemed by grace through faith, it is written we will: "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, August 1, 2024
The Gospel of John 9:26-27 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God Says …
“Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes? He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?” (John 9:26-27 KJV).
These pompous critics of the Lord Jesus Christ continue to exert their arrogance in rejecting the Lord and the miracle He has performed to heal the blind man in their midst. They called the formerly blind man again for another round of hostile debrief and interrogation. They ask the same questions more than once, akin to common tactics used in espionage circles for caught enemy spies. His questioners are looking for inconsistencies, or loopholes in the story that they can use to substantiate their established unbelief. Since they have already asked the same question several times and have been answered, the miracle recipient takes a bold, brave, and incredibly honest and effective approach to touch the nerves of these conniving and hateful religious leaders.
The once blind beggar thoroughly embarrassed the religious elites with an honest answer to their repeated questions. His answer cuts through deeply the core of the Pharisees, Priests and Scribes' unbelief, as “He answered, “I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too?”” (John 9:27 NIV).
That should have stirred them, as it should stir us too. Our questions about the Lord must lead us to see the truth and be His disciples by believing in Him. But, not for these religious zealots. Their spiritual eyes are blinded by their religions. Hence, for us who are saved and given the right to be called children of God by faith in Christ Jesus (John 1:12-13), we must stand firm with heels dug-in deep. In seeing the truth, the Lord declares to the believing Jews and to all who believes, as 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.
“Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes? He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?” (John 9:26-27 KJV).
These pompous critics of the Lord Jesus Christ continue to exert their arrogance in rejecting the Lord and the miracle He has performed to heal the blind man in their midst. They called the formerly blind man again for another round of hostile debrief and interrogation. They ask the same questions more than once, akin to common tactics used in espionage circles for caught enemy spies. His questioners are looking for inconsistencies, or loopholes in the story that they can use to substantiate their established unbelief. Since they have already asked the same question several times and have been answered, the miracle recipient takes a bold, brave, and incredibly honest and effective approach to touch the nerves of these conniving and hateful religious leaders.
The once blind beggar thoroughly embarrassed the religious elites with an honest answer to their repeated questions. His answer cuts through deeply the core of the Pharisees, Priests and Scribes' unbelief, as “He answered, “I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too?”” (John 9:27 NIV).
That should have stirred them, as it should stir us too. Our questions about the Lord must lead us to see the truth and be His disciples by believing in Him. But, not for these religious zealots. Their spiritual eyes are blinded by their religions. Hence, for us who are saved and given the right to be called children of God by faith in Christ Jesus (John 1:12-13), we must stand firm with heels dug-in deep. In seeing the truth, the Lord declares to the believing Jews and to all who believes, as 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.
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