The Gospel of John 12:17-19 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle. The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.” (John 12:17-19 KJV).

Brethren, friends and all who stumble on these reflection, these reminders are for you and I, that we must not be deceived like these religious Jews. They've, unfortunately, been brainwashed so deeply in their religious rituals of customs, traditions and doctrines borrowed from pagan world. It blinded them from the truth - God incarnate, in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, is in their midst! They failed to recognize Him. And, many knowingly refused to recognize. They purposely reject Him though now they know who He is by the works He has done.

Here is the reality. Those who oppose the Lord Jesus lost! God's will be done, no matter! While in utterance of desperation, the religious enemies of the Lord, unbeknownst to them, affirm the will and the work of God as they proclaim: "Look, everyone has gone after him!" Yes, those who witness the resurrection of Lazarus spread their testimony to those attending the Passover observance. Little did these religious people know that their plan to stop the Lord will end up handing Him the ultimate victory in fulfilling the mission He came for. When the Lord is crucified and lifted up on the cross, He fulfills God's will. When He rises from death, He conquers those opposed to God's will and calls all people seeking God to himself through the message and triumph of grace on the cross. He will accomplish salvation of the world including those who rejected Him. Victory is ours by faith in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Redeemer.

So now, it is all up to us! The ball is in our court, so to speak. We are given the choice what to do - receive or reject. With the benefit of hindsight, it's time to get out of the snare of religion and the trappings of world. Let us always consider these words deeply: “But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:8-9 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 12:16 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.” (John 12:16 KJV).

In hindsight, now seeing the unfolded outcome of all that just transpired during this occasion, we can see and understand all these as seekers for truth. These were all written about Him! But, in the eyes, minds and perspectives of the disciples and others who were in the midst of all the commotion, these were beyond their natural understanding to discern. In one instance, after the resurrection the Lord Jesus said to Thomas, who was in the midst of it and did not believe at first: “Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”” (John 20:29 NIV).

Yes, we were not present and did not walk with the Lord in the physical. But, as we believe in His holy and written Words in this time of post resurrection dispensation of His grace through His finished work on the cross, we are blessed to know as the disciples remembered. He is in us and walk with us, always (2 Corinthians 6:16). So, by faith in Him, we are raised with Him and have hope, as it is written: “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 12:14-15 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt.” (John 12:14-15 KJV).

Prophesied by prophet Zachariah Five hundred years before (Zachariah 9:9), we see in these passages how it comes to fulfillment in the triumphal entry of our Lord Jesus Christ into the City of Jerusalem. Written with precision hundreds of years prior, the Lord enters the city of Zion riding on a donkey colt, minutely follows the prearranged progress of His mission for the salvation of mankind.

The Lord's choice of using an ass or donkey is a metaphor for the nature of His mission. Asses and donkeys are beasts of burden used in the hardest and most humiliating tasks that man does to survive during historic times. The Lord Jesus came to earth with the humblest and most humiliating mission of burden to save humanity and bring life to its dying state.

The burden of sin that leads the Lord to carry His own cross on the streets of Jerusalem that He now enters, will bring to the ultimate sacrifice that He will offer for you and I. He humbly gave His life by hanging on the cross (Philippians 2:8). This sacrifice and death He freely gave. By choice, He took our place to die. He declared unequivocally: “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”” (John 10:18 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 12:12-13 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.” (John 12:12-13 KJV).

People came to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration, which is the remembrance of how God spared the Israelites' firstborns when He took all the firstborns of Egypt to break Pharaoh's hardened heart (Exodus 12:1-36). The crowd were expectant of the Lord Jesus to come during the celebration as their conquering savior to deliver them from Roman oppression. They look to Him as the physical heir of their great King David recorded in Jeremiah 23:5-6 and affirmed in Matthew 21:9. The Lord however, came as servant and peaceful Savior that Zechariah prophesied in Zachariah 9:9-12. Yes, He came through the lineage of David, but He comes as a peacemaker, not as a conquering warrior.

Prepared with palm branches (ancient symbol for victory) the crowd meet and hail the Lord Jesus Christ crying, Hosanna!, for His triumphal entry in the city of David. Echoing the Psalmist's declaration, they welcome Him in glory. He came to save, that many of those in the crowd failed to see. Let us, therefore, keep rooted by faith and rest in His grace and know, He is our Savior, once and forever (Hebrews 7:25 NLT). He was, He is and always will, from the moment we pleaded: “Save us, we pray, O Lord! O Lord, we pray, give us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! We bless you from the house of the Lord. The Lord is God, and he has made his light to shine upon us. Bind the festal sacrifice with cords, up to the horns of the altar! You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you. Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalm 118:25-29 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:

F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 12:9-11 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.” (John 12:9-11 KJV).

In the Lord's earlier visit in Bethany, He raised Lazarus from death in a never-before-seen supernatural public spectacle. It was a miracle only God can do. No question, it was a sign from heaven affirming who the Lord Jesus is. Rather than accepting this proof of His divinity, the religious priests and leaders in Jerusalem strengthened their resolved to have the Lord Jesus killed. As collateral victim for being raised from death, the religious leaders and Sanhedrin of the Jews, now included Lazarus in their efforts to eliminate the threat to their possessions and positions. For because of Lazarus, their religious attendance was affected. Many who saw the sign from heaven, now see the truth and are set free. They believed in the Lord Jesus Christ! Here, they all converge in the village of Bethany to see the Lord, as well as Lazarus, who He raised from the grave.

These passages give us a heads up that when we choose to receive the Lord Jesus Christ in our life to be our Savior - in a personal intimate level, and be transformed through the process of being born again in spirit, there are always undesired implications on it's wake. Our religious and worldly friends start avoiding us. They isolate us, like they do to a leper. Some may even unleash hatred. In a culture we are in, they'll cancel us. When the Lord Jesus is mentioned in our group discussions, many would either run out or kick you out. Some, who manage to stick around, could not even say Amen to God's Words of truth.

Families would even disown their own! In real time, these are happening in many parts of the world, as well as, to many families in our proximity. The Lord Jesus warns us gravely of all these in His Words, saying: “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 10:21-22 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 12:7-8 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.” (John 12:7-8 KJV).

God's holy and written Word is clear: We are to help the poor, feed the hungry, and care for widows, orphans, and strangers among us (Matthew 6:1-4). But, we are always confronted with questions about: How and what we should specifically and graciously do to help those in need among us? What do we give as sacrifice offering to the Lord, generously and extravagantly? These are all important and honor God, coming from the heart, done for God's glory. So, let's not be critical of those who give extravagantly, like Mary, to honor and glorify the Lord.

God knows the hearts of the givers, and we need to rejoice in their generosity to honor Him. Even more, we all need to be generous with the Lord and those in need! After all, Jesus himself reminds us that how we use our blessings is important and that we are actually caring for Him when we care for those less fortunate! The Lord said: "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).

Well and good, but all those "good works" on display for people to see are considered filthy rags, apart from the Lord by faith in Christ Jesus (Isaiah 64:6). For it to be manifest in our lives, it must be done not by our self effort but by the faith of Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:9) from within, with the unction of the Holy Spirit who lives in us (Galatians 5:18). He now lives in us from the time we are born again by receiving the Lordship of the Lord Jesus Christ, as our gift by grace (John 16:13). Without God, scriptures declare: “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13 ESV).

And I say, AMEN

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 12:4-6 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.” (John 12:4-6 KJV).

Even among the chosen elect, some can be used by the enemy of our soul to discredit our sincere display of faith, than to edify or encourage it. Satan has a way of worming in the body of believers to find greedy and selfish hearts like Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, who was among the twelve chosen by the Lord. He was equipped with pious sounding words to criticize those who are willing to sacrifice, as Mary did, for the glory of God.

Does that mean we give up on believers as a whole? Well, did Jesus give up on his other inner circle of believers because one of them was a greedy traitor, or always overstate his faith and love or doubting or often confused? Of course not! Where else can we find a person wrestling with heart issues, other than among those still in the world! That's why by faith, we need the grace of our Saviour!

The real issue is whether those who see and experience it among those who are saved, give in to pious sounding critics or gently confront them with the truth, as the Lord Jesus did with Judas. That is what we are reminded in these passages. Too many who sacrifice and serve are not affirmed, but rather are vilified. The Lord Jesus shows us this must not be! Apostle Paul is nudging us with this exhortation:“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11-18 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 12:1-3 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.” (John 12:1-3 KJV)

These passages open the setting again in the village of the newly resurrected dead man Lazarus and his sisters. On His way to attend the Passover celebration in Jerusalem, the Lord Jesus Christ stopped by Bethany to spend quality time with His beloved friends for the last time. He was given a party reception at the house of Simon the leper and are enjoying a meal together, as also described in Matthew 26:6-13 and Mark 14:3-9. This was Martha's forte who loves to serve and always takes the helm in the kitchen, these passages imply. While Lazarus sits at the table with the Lord. Mary, with her devotion to the Lord, as in other instances in Luke 10:39 and John 11:32, fell at the feet of the Lord Jesus with a pound of costly perfume held in her hand. She anoints His feet and wiped it with her hair.

Having observed the selfless devotion and costly generosity of Mary, remind us of One in the Scriptures whose gift is vastly more extravagant beyond measure. The Apostle Paul described that Person and the fragrant aroma of His gift filling the home of those who believed in Him. It is written: “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:7-14 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 11:55-57 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves. Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast? Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.” (John 11:55-57 KJV).

These passages exposed the power of religion and wrong believing that hold many captive in satan's dark dungeon of deception. We wonder why they could not see the truth and opportunity to be free? While there may be many explanations we can form, there is only one clear answer: Satan blinded them from the truth. Satan doesn't want them to be set free. The miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead was unprecedented and very conclusive sign to answer their question of who the Lord Jesus Christ is. But, still they would not believe. The Lord Jesus came to offer freedom. But, they wouldn't receive it. Instead, these Priests and Pharisees were determined to rid of the Lord so they can stay happily settled in the lap of the devil's offerings, designed to keep them from the truth. They even use the attendees of the Passover who sought the Lord to help them arrest Him.

This warns us that as much as we may pray and share with people the true gospel of Christ Jesus, some will not believe. But, we must remain steadfast to live by God's grace rooted in faith, always ready in season and out of season to share the Lord's Words of truth (2 Timothy 4:2). We must therefore continue sharing these truths unashamed, as apostle Paul exhorted and testified for our motivation: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”” (Romans 1:16-17 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 11:54 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.” (John 11:54 KJV).

This passage gives us a peek into the Lord's determination to abide in His timeline to culminate the earthly mission He was sent for by the Father. Sensing the tension with the unbelieving religious Jews rise to its boiling point, on the brink of confrontation, the Lord withdrew with His disciples to a secluded place. The imminent collision of His divine purpose against religious resistance is threatening to thwart the appointed time for His sacrificial offering.

The Jewish Sanhedrin, with their possessions and positions exposed and at stake, is fixated to eliminate Him as quickly as they could, saying: “.. “What are we accomplishing?” they asked. “Here is this man performing many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.”” (John 11:47b-48 NIV).

Hence, the Lord Jesus retreated to spend intimate time with His closest disciples. He prepares them for his eventual sacrifice and going away to return to the Father who sent Him. In one instance, Scriptures reveal: “From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” (Matthew 16:21 NIV).

And as His redeemed, in our dark moments of tests, experiencing the burdens we carry, this assures us that He is with us, intimately. He says to the house of Jacob and to us too, who are born again by faith in Him: ““Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb; even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.” (Isaiah 46:3-4 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 11:51-53 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; and not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.” (John 11:51-53 KJV).

Was there a time that you uttered something trivial and did not realize how profound it really was? That's Caiaphas in this instance, a high priest of the Jews - the enemies of the Lord, speaking prophetic truth. His remark, unbeknownst to him, predicts the Lord's sacrificial death. The Lord Jesus came for the main reason of becoming the sacrificial lamb for the sins of the world. Yes, that's for everyone. But, sadly, many refused to receive the benefits of it by their unbelief, like these religious Jews. In this time of dispensation of grace of the Lord's true gospel - the single sin, an unforgivable sin that a person commits is unbelief in the person of Grace who is Christ Jesus.

Chiapas, a hardened non-believer, was simply trying to get rid of one he viewed as a troublemaker; one he thought could cause them to lose what they have. He works to keep their own version of peace and to keep them from losing their power and influence. For him, this was about keeping things the way they were comfortable with. He had no idea he was really prophesying and speaking a powerful and wonderful word from the Lord.

Through the Lord's death and the power of His resurrection, by faith in Him, we're delivered from all sin/s (past, present and future), diseases and eternal death. The Lord Jesus, gathered us all Jews and Gentiles, as one children of God. He gives us eternal life. We are born gain by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. And Apostle Paul exhorts us with these words: “But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.” (Romans 6:17-18, 22 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 11:49-50 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.” (John 11:49-50 KJV).

Caiaphas was the high priest appointed by the Romans to head the Jewish council that year. He's a member of a religious group and political party called the Sadducees. In contrast to the Pharisees, this group doesn't believe in the resurrection (Acts 23:8). As with the religious Pharisees, their beliefs are totally whacked. His statement shows us that God can make the words and actions of the enemies of the gospel reflect His sovereign will or plan. He can use them to work for His glory. This man's words and actions unwittingly affirmed prophecies hundreds of years before, when it was spoken of Christ Jesus dying for the people (Isaiah 52:12b).

No one can thwart God's design and plan. And these religious Jews' efforts (despite their worst intentions) will in fact lead to the precise fulfillment of what the Lord wants to accomplish. (But, it does not negate either the free will of humanity, or their accountability for the consequences of their words and actions.)

We must all be reminded, that His holy and written Words said: “So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. " (Romans 14:12 ESV).

And the Lord Jesus affirmed: “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.

The Gospel of John 11:47-48 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.” (John 11:47-48 KJV)

Reflecting on these verses, two very important questions prop up: What do we value most in life? What's our greatest hindrance in yielding to the sovereignty and Lordship of the Lord Jesus Christ? These questions alert us not to miss it, like these religious council of chief priests and Pharisees. The points of skirmish in our spiritual battle are our mind and heart. These are the battlegrounds we fight in. Our mind and heart are the targets of our adversary the devil. He does all that it takes to distort our values and displace the will of God in your heart.

The Temple was important to Jewish people, like the so- called elaborate 'churches' of present day religious enterprises. As such, they gave it more importance than the will of God. The Scriptures are essential to God's people, but they thwart it to reject God's Messiah. The religious leaders were important to Jewish heritage, but they love their power to supplant the sovereignty of the true King, Jehovah, the great I AM! The religious council of Pharisees and chief priests were so intent on keeping what they have that they rejected God and His only Son. They couldn't see the good things the Lord Jesus did because their true treasure was in what they have and not in the God they claimed to serve. What about us?

Obviously, blinded by religion, many totally missed it. Hence, this is our pop up alert, as children of God by faith, not to miss it, too. The Lord Jesus declared this undeniable truth: “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”” (Matthew 16:25-28 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 11:45-46 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.” (John 11:45-46 KJV).

It is incredibly and unbelievably sad that amongst those who witnessed an unparalleled miracle, people can remain obstinately unyielding to such powerful display of God's power. Unbelief has always been and will always be an issue for humanity, especially with those who are held captive by religion, as these Jews were. Thankfully, many believed in the Lord! This is such an obvious demonstration of the two groups of people choosing the available gates and roads to eternity.

Even in such compelling event, some choose to be shackled by the chain of their doctrines, customs and traditions. They rush to their leaders - the Pharisees, the Priests and the Sadducees who are dressed as shepherds but are wolves inside, akin to present day organized pagan-based religious 'churches' of watered down precepts cherry-picked from the Bible. They are those who opted to enter the wide gate leading to the highway of destruction. 

This is therefore a reminder to all who are on the crossroad of choosing where to go. We have a litmus test: Choose the way where only a few are going! The Lord Jesus Christ gives us this very important instruction: ““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.

The Gospel of John 11:43-44 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.” (John 11:43-44 KJV).

These passages bring to our remembrance, He who by His Word declared creation into being. Yes, He who controls everything from galaxies, to governments and to each our lives; and, He who sustains everything by the call of His Words, He raises the dead man to life by the sound of His voice. King David reveals this Truth: "The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic" (Psalms 29:4 NIV).

The Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ and our Redeemer, who is the resurrection and life (John 11:25), raises Lazarus to life by His own power, as the Father's exact reflection. Scriptures declare: “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful Word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV)

And we have the comfort of the assuring promise of resurrection by faith in Him. It is written: “But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” (Romans 8:10-11 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 11:41-42 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.” (John 11:41-42 KJV)

The Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated for our benefit the right posture of prayer in a Father and Son bonded relationship. Firstly, to the crowd watching this event and all those who sit on the bench of unbelief and wrong believing, then and now, this show them as well as all of us, that He is who He said He is. He is the Son of God, the Father sent to save the world. He is the promised Messiah. Secondly, this shows us how a son approach his father in receiving the provisions for his need/s. Conscious of sonship, in faith, a declaration of gratitude is uttered: "Father, I thank you!"

In this time of post resurrection period, we are now under the New Covenant of Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. By faith we are given the right to be called children of God (John 1:12). The stone of sin that separated us from the presence of the Father has been rolled away by our faith in Christ Jesus. The stench was taken cared of. We now have access to the Lord's limitless supply of grace, as sons and daughters of God. And, we are now privileged to see who the Lord Jesus is. In Him by faith, scriptures exhort: “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:5-7 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 11:40 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” (John 11:40 KJV)

This passage reminds us that it is by faith we can see the supernatural display of the mighty works of God's heavenly power. Yes, it is through the eyes of faith we see His glory! The reason those religious Jews couldn't see, their eyes of faith were filtered by the clouds of worldly doctrines, customs and traditions. Their faith was anchored on the god of pagan-based religion, like in today's religious enterprises in this atheistic society. This tacit reminder springs up from Martha's caution of a rotten smell, as the Lord ordered the stone seal of the tomb rolled away.

In the Lord's reply upon receiving the sisters' message four days before, He made a promise 'this illness will not end in death' (John 11:4). And, in their earlier encounter outside the village, Martha declared that she 'believes in Him - the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world' (John 11:27).

It is, therefore, a nudge for us to remain settled in our faith, knowing we are born again by grace through faith in our risen Lord Jesus Christ. It is by our believing in the Only begotten Son of God, we can truly experience and see the glorious presence of God in our daily living. “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”(Romans 1:17 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 11:38-39 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.” (John 11:38-39 KJV).

The reality of Lazarus' death — the agonizing absence of a friend, the disappointment, the pain, the death, grave, and stench — now in the brink of something unexpected, being in the midst of it is a plain display of courage and resolve. Lazarus is four days gone. His tomb is shut. His body stinks. His sisters are disappointed by Jesus' delay and absence. All those close to Lazarus grieve his passing. All these realities, however, must give way to a greater reality for the glory of God, so the Son may be glorified through it! (John 11:4).

The Lord Jesus Christ, the Light of world is in the vicinity of a dark sealed tomb. And, He is life everlasting to those who believe (John 3:36). Yes, the grave stinks. The body of Lazarus is in the process of rotting to return to dust. That's the bitter realities of death, even in this supernatural event beginning to unfold with this family - beloved of the Lord. As the Lord Jesus orders the stone seal of the tomb rolled, He is declaring to unseal what keeps people's heart in the dark. He is signaling us to let the light of truth to come in. Let's be reminded: “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”” (John 8:12 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 11:36-37 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

““Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?” (John 11:36-37 KJV)

With some religious Jews readily available, Satan never fails to distort any good thing by corrupting it. We shouldn't be surprised that he would try to distort the Lord's genuine love for Lazarus, using his religious minions, to cast doubt on why he did not show up to prevent him from dying. Throwing in statements like: "He could heal folks, so why didn't he heal him? He could have stopped all this mourning, so why didn't he?"

Not firmly settled of the Lord's Words of truth, the evil one can also tempt us to ask those questions about the Lord's intentions for us. Satan steers our minds to the questions of uncertainties, trying to make us doubt of His love for us. But, we must not let the Devil steal God's love for us in our moments of shock, loss and pain. We know that He is always for us. He showed that when He suffered and died in the most horrible way of hanging on the cross for us.

So, while we may not have the answer to our "Whys?", we don't let that keep us from the right answer to our "Who?" question. The Lord Jesus Christ is our answer! He is our hope! He redeemed us! We know that because He showed His love for us by dying in our stead. Nothing can rob those nail scars on His hands from God's triumphant message to us: "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved." (Ephesians 2:4-5).

As some of the Jews recognized saying: "Behold how he loved him!", we must stand strong on this undeniable truth. Being children of our Most High God by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, we are His beloved. His holy and written Words remind: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:18-19 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:

F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 11:35 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Jesus wept.” (John 11:35 KJV).

This verse, one of the two shortest Bible verses, conveys the message that the Lord Jesus Christ was deeply grieved. It shows His humanity. Expressing His genuine emotion for those He loved, He did not scream and yell like the mourners. The Lord Jesus did not grieve for the death of Lazarus. He grieved because of the delusions of those around Him. The view of those mourners was that there's no more hope for Lazarus. For them, Lazarus had no alternative but to remain dead in the grave.

The Lord Jesus Christ wept in several occasions. He wept over Jerusalem's future destruction (Luke 19:41-44) and in the garden of Gethsemane, for the burden of saving the sin of mankind (Matthew 26:36-46). His weeping is evidence of His genuine humanity and compassion for all humanity who are like sheep without a shepherd. He is God who put on flesh to live among us in the world He so loved. He felt the pain of Martha and Mary. 

As our perfect mediator before God, the risen Lord Jesus Christ revealed through Apostle Paul to remind us. It is written: “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.” (1 Timothy 2:5-6 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 11:33-34 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, and said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.” (John 11:33-34 KJV)

When Mary, who was gravely mourning and weeping, heard that the Lord Jesus is on His way coming and summoned her, she responded quickly. It attracted the attention of others mourning with her, which probably includes religious people from Jerusalem. And, the Lord was filled with compassion watching Mary and those with her sobbing. In other version, it describes the Lord's reaction "deeply moved in His spirit." This reveals the Lord's full humanity just like us. He empathizes with our struggles. The Book of Hebrews states, that the Lord Jesus in His human form experienced all the tests that we do. So, He felt saddened within His being, asking Mary: where is he buried?

The question was not a question of gathering for information to know. The Lord Jesus, being All-knowing and Fore-knowing, knows where His freind Lazarus is laid. This is a question setting to affirm and comfort the mourning sisters and crowd. This establishes to validate faith for all of them, and us that believe, as they led the Lord to come and see.

Our Savior’s heart groaned in spirit from the sight of Mary and her Jewish comforters weeping. He was fully aware, though, the circumstances were on the brink of shifting to demonstrate how much His heart is inclined to empathize with us. He is our great High Priest in heaven, who not only continuously intercedes for us, but also One who is able to sympathize in all our weaknesses. The Book of Hebrews reveals: “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.

The Gospel of John 11:30-32 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him. The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there. Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” (John 11:30-32 KJV)

Here in these passages we are reminded, that the Lord is constant in His place. When we feel distant from Him, we are the ones who moved away. He remained steady. Our attitude must be to meet Him even if He is still out of town, for He is close by, like these sisters in the midst of their tragedy.

Also, we can see that He's never in a hurry. His pace is in concert with the heavenly Father's timing. He extended two days before making the move to come. He abides with the Father's perfect will in His rhythm of grace.

Watching the communal support these sisters are surrounded with, this touched a nerve within us that we too are to comfort those in our midst who are faced with grief and loss. And, the Lord assures us that we are comforted, declaring: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." (Matthew 5:4 NIV). The crowd of mourners noticing Mary in haste to rise going out, they followed her, a show of care and sympathy for these sisters of the departed. They thought that Mary was going to the tomb to weep.

Mary was actually headed to see the Lord Jesus Christ who was still outside the village. Falling down at the Lord's feet, like she always does in His presence, Mary expressed her faith in the One who is greater and higher, in the person of the Great Shepherd, to be able to bless her - the one who is lesser and feeble, a sheep in His flock. The same faith we must always nurture in our intimate relationship with Him.

Mary was not privy to the Lord's earlier interaction with Martha. Yet, her statement (John 11:32) echoes the Lord's message of truth, that we must hold strong to believe, which He declared to Martha: “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”” (John 11:25-26 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 11:28-29 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee. As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.” (John 11:28-29 KJV).

Four days after Lazarus died and was buried, the Lord Jesus Christ came to Bethany to visit His mourning friends Martha and Mary. Martha went to see Him first before He arrived their home. In their interaction, she expressed her faith in the Lord's divine power. To the Lord's declaration that He is, 'the resurrection and the life', she affirmed: ““Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”” (John 11:27 NIV).

As this transpired between the Lord and Martha, at home deep in mourning was Mary, surrounded by their friends. Being passionate in nature, it is evident that Mary must have taken the loss of her brother very deeply. But arising quickly in response to Martha's whisper that the 'Teacher or Master' is looking for her validates her total grasp of the Lord's role in her life and her position as His disciple and God's child in faith.

This was profoundly demonstrated when at the house of Simon the leper, Mary 'came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask. Then she poured it over his head.” When she was scolded by one of those present for wasting such precious perfume that should have been sold to help the poor, the Lord intervened, as it is written: “But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”” (Mark 14:6-9 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 11:25-27 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.” (John 11:25-27 KJV).

These passages remind that those whose faith is in the Lord Jesus Christ will be raised from the dead in a glorified body and live forever. The power of resurrection gives a promise to all who believe in the Son of God and who are reborn in spirit that they will have victory over death. Their spirits will return to God when their earth suit (their body) will wear away and return to dust (Ecclesiastes 12:7). Then they will rise again in a new glorified body to live eternally with God in the last days.

Martha's knowledge of eternal life was abstract and distant. We, too, may have the same view of it. And the Lord shows her and all of us that it can be a clear real-time personal experience, as we rest in an intimate relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. He is very close to us in the now. The Lord corrects her idea that victory over death is a future expectation, and instead shows her that it's a present reality. We are to live by His grace through faith!

The Lord's promise that those who believe in him will live even after they die, is the manifest provision of His grace. Grace means that God loves, forgives, saves and blesses us because of Christ's finished work on the cross, not because of who we are or what we do. He profoundly declared, hanging on the cross, with His last breath: "It is finished." (John 18:30). We receive and live justified by His grace through faith alone. The risen Lord's post resurrection revelation of His true gospel through Apostle Paul says: “yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.” (Galatians 2:16 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:

F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 11:23-24 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” (John 11:23-24 KJV)

In response to Martha's seeming discourse of failings, but with concluding statement of faith, the Lord assured her with the comforting promise of Lazarus' eventual resurrection from the grave. 'Thy brother shall rise again' is a statement of truth to rest on for all whose faith is in God and the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the knowledge and belief that ought to give comfort to all who felt and experience the loss of loved ones and endeared friends that physically died in faith of the Lord. The religious Pharisees had notions of it, as well (Acts 23:8). But sadly rejected the Person of resurrection, who is our Lord Jesus Christ.

This general belief of rising again from the dead is not a new teaching the Lord Jesus gives. Job believed and declared it in Job 19:26. And, in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ - the first born of Resurrection Power, Martha in this passage makes a bold declaration of faith: "I know he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day." Physical death is not something to mourn for those who are in Christ Jesus, by faith - not by religion. Those who belong to religion and of course the world, they wail in mourning. Hence, with this truth of God's holy and written Words, the Apostle Paul gives this comforting post-resurrection dispensation of grace pronouncement: “as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:20-21 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 11:20-22 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.” (John 11:20-22 KJV)

Reflective of Martha and Mary's contrasting attitudes, we see Martha rushing to meet the Lord Jesus Christ when she heard Him coming. Martha is one who is practical and concerned with mundane matters, while Mary is serious and passionate on things that matter. Their nature was exposed in one of the Lord's visit to teach at their house. As recorded in Luke 10:38-40, Martha was shown distracted by all the preparations and servings, while Mary was relaxed sitting by the Lord's feet listening to what He taught. Here, in these passages, we see her dashing to meet the Lord without even telling Mary, as she did not even budge from her seat.

Martha sounds accusative, when she confronts the Lord, which seems to imply it's His fault that Lazarus died for not showing up when he was sick. But, she's aware, though, how much travel time needed to their place from where the Lord was. So, knowing her nature, these words she blurted out to the Lord are perhaps expressions of sadness mixed with hope. Her further statements expressed faith and trust in the Lord, when she said: “But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.””(John 11:22 NLT).

She after all, in the midst of her busyness, listened to the Lord's Words of truth, as we too should being His redeemed by faith. Apostle John, in one of his epistle, reminds: “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.” (1 John 5:13-15 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 11:18-19 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: and many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.” (John 11:18-19 KJV).

We can feel, together with the company of the Lord and the disciples, that we are in the midst of people in the state of mourning. The presence of many comforting the sisters Mary and Martha, tells so much about their prominence in the area. And many of those are religious Jews, no doubt from Jerusalem, who may have come not just to comfort the sisters. Bethany is just fifteen furlongs (around two miles) from Jerusalem the center of religion. Some may be fully aware that these sisters are beloved friends of the Lord and are coming to watch what miracle He would do in this unfortunate time. Some could be spies and agents of those leaders of the Lord's religious enemies, who plan to corner and arrest Him.

With the presence of genuine mourners, who are four days deep into their mourning, there is no doubt that Lazarus is truly dead and decomposing. The sizable crowd present is a great setting for a wondrous manifestation of the Father's glorious affirmation of the divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ. Looking back the event's unfolding, from the time the sisters sent their message to the Lord, we can see that the Lord Jesus Christ purposely delayed His response to the summons He received. And knowing that the Lord is faithful, He stands by the promise He sent to Mary and Martha, upon hearing that Lazarus was sick. 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.

The Gospel of John 11:17 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.” (John 11:17 KJV)

This passage gives the time line of this sad and yet momentous event unfolding. This set the stage of the crowning miracle to be displayed for the glory of the only begotten Son of God and the Father. It is for all our benefit that we shall believe, especially those hard core religious fanatics in Jerusalem, and those who are held captive by religion and stubborn unbelief in this present age (John 11:15). This passage reveals that Lazarus was already four days in the tomb. He, therefore, died before the Lord Jesus received the summons from His friends Mary and Martha, right after the messenger left to deliver their message. And, the Lord being omniscient, knew this fact. He, therefore, deliberately delayed responding for a very important reason and lesson.

The Lord, thence, is setting a very crucial manifestation of sign and penultimate miracle to bring the unbelieving to an unarguable demonstration of His deity. He is who He says He is. The works He is doing speak loudly for everyone to hear, and show clearly as the light of day for all to see that He is God incarnate. And, now in this post-resurrection time we are in, He is in us in Spirit by our faith in Him (Galatians 2:20).

Yes, He is God with us! As the angel proclaimed to Joseph in a dream, when he was flooded with confusion, Scriptures recorded: “But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).” (Matthew 1:20-23 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 11:16 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.” (John 11:16 KJV).

This passage pivots on Thomas (the twin), one of the twelve apostles, making some sort of "gallows humor", in response to the Lord's decision to head back to Bethany in the area of Judaea. The area is controlled by the religious Jews who want to kill Him. They are keeping watch on the Lord Jesus in order to arrest and execute Him to death. This disciple is the one who'll be known later as 'doubting Thomas' for unbelief in the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ until he sees the wounds. In this instance, Thomas believed this decision to return to Bethany is a suicide mission. Yet, he sarcastically resolved that they go along and may, as well, die together with the Lord.

The truth is, our Lord's post-resurrection revelation, affirmed Thomas' prophetic joke. Apostle Paul exhorts that through faith in our risen Lord Jesus Christ: “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:6-11 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 11:14-15 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.” (John 11:14-15 KJV)

When the Lord Jesus was in the midst of His day's activities in the place where John the Baptist baptized Him, an urgent message from His friends in Bethany interrupted Him. Lazarus is sick and in fact has already fallen asleep. But, He waited several days before responding to go, see and wake him up. This was for the benefit of His disciples. And the disciples, who were somehow out of the loop, said: 'sleep is good.' Hence, the Lord Jesus stated plainly that Lazarus is dead.

On the part of Mary and Martha, and as with all of us, in our human view, this may look as if God failed to respond to the call for help. In such experience, many would get angry with God for not bringing healing prayed for. Yet, as with this account of Lazarus's illness, God could be holding off for greater miracle for a momentous timing. This is a setting for test of faith, trusting God no matter what and how He responds. One must remain in the posture of seeking Him. Rest and wait. His plans are greater than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).

As His children by faith in Christ Jesus, we may feel abandoned and exiled, at times, in this hostile world. But, we have His promise to hold on to, as it is written God said: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.” (Jeremiah 29:11-14 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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