The Gospel of Luke 9:57-58 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” (Luke 9:57-58 KJV).

These verses emphasize the radical commitment and cost expected for following our Lord Jesus Christ, particularly the reality that true discipleship involves relinquishing comfort and attachment to worldly trappings. This gives a stark illustration of the sacrificial lifestyle and complete dependence on God that true commitment entails. The context of these passages is not about a lifestyle of depravity. It reminds our role of stewardship, as oppose to ownership, while we are still in this world. In a position of no possession, we are to totally depend on God’s provision of grace.

The man’s offer to follow "wherever You go" is a significant step to take, and the Lord's realistic response is meant to clarify the immense, uncompromising nature of His calling. His statement that the Son of Man "hath not where to lay his head" is not a deterrent, but an honest description of the path we go through as we follow Him by faith, showing that worldly comfort is not a part of the deal. Following the Lord avails firstly: the comfort from heaven. With the heavenly things being pursued first, all earthly gains are added unto us (Matthew 6:33).

These passages call for a complete renunciation of the old life—leaving behind worldly frills and vanities with the need for physical security, and then entering a new life of faith to take on new earthly calling commissioned from the Lord Jesus Christ. In Him we are to fully and totally depend in His grace. God's provision through grace, suggesting that even in the face of hardship, there is a constant supply of what is needed from God. We have the assurance, as it is written: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Philippians 4:19-20 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.

The Gospel of Luke 9:54-56 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.” (Luke 9:54-56 KJV).

These passages serve as a powerful illustration of the contrasting natures of the Old Covenant of the Law and the New Covenant of Grace. The Lord’s rebuke of the disciples' vengeful spirit highlights His mission to save, not to condemn. These remind us, who are saved by grace through faith, and are made a new creation by the process of spiritual rebirth, that under grace we have a mission of love, and a spirit of patience, not of vengeance - even in the face of rejection.

In this scene we watch James and John, inspired by the Old Testament figure Elijah, wanting to call fire down from heaven in a spirit of vengeance when their message was rejected. Hence, the Lord Jesus rebuked them, stating, "You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives but to save them". A "law-based" mindset, seeks to punish rejection. In contrast, as manifest by the Lord’s rebuke, He represents the "grace-based" heart of the New Covenant, which seeks to save all people.

These passages call all today's believers to examine their own hearts and motives. These urge people to ask if their actions are motivated by a desire to punish those who reject their message of truth or by God's grace to love, serve, and save them. The true Gospel of the Grace of God reminds that instead of wanting to bring down judgment, we should depend on God's grace to bring life and salvation to others, just as we are saved. When rejected, the Lord Jesus - the person of Grace reminds us to shake the dust off our feet, and move on in the spirit of compassion and love.

Yes, we must be compassionate and loving. But, we must not be tainted by the "dust" - that is pagan influence, of the rejecting towns we enter. Hence, to the Apostles that He sent on mission, and to us who are saved by His grace through faith and are sent as well, He gives this command: “And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. As you enter the house, greet it. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town.” (Matthew 10:11-14 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.

The Gospel of Luke 9:52-53 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“and sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:52-53 KJV).

The context of these passages tells us that the Lord Jesus "resolutely set out for Jerusalem," signifying His commitment to fulfilling His mission, which included His eventual suffering and death in the hands of the religious priests in Jerusalem. This journey takes Him on short-cut way from Galilee through Samaria., Most religious Jews avoid this way, opting for a longer way. Historically, there was deep hostility and prejudice between the Jews and the Samaritans, partly due to the Samaritans having an alternate worship site on Mount Gerizim. As He sent His messengers ahead to prepare for Him, the Samaritan villagers learned that the Lord was heading to Jerusalem - a grievous insult in their culture. They refused Him hospitality.

The story of Samaria started when it was established out of Israel's persistent idolatry and rebellion against God. So, God ordained the nation of Assyria to destroy and conquer them. Assyria did not keep the conquered people together as a way of preventing them from unifying and revolting. They scattered them throughout their empire, leaving only a few remnants in their homeland. Then people of other conquered nations were moved in (2 Kings 17). The "Samaritans" were descendants of the Jewish remnants who intermarried with Gentile immigrants. Their religion is a hodgepodge of Judaism and foreign pagan idolatry.

By the time of the Lord's earthly ministry, things were even more mixed up. Four hundred years before, around the time of the prophet Malachi, a group of priests left Jerusalem and established a new religious worship center near Shechem and Mount Gerizim in Samaria. They created their own religious branch or denomination of Judaism, about which history remembers little. Among the few details retained is that they believed Mt Gerizim in Samaria, not Jerusalem, was God's preferred place of worship. Hence, this deeply engrained division and hostility between the Jews and the Samaritans.

This kind of religious denominational system and religion as a whole, is the wall the Lord Jesus came to eradicate. But, sadly it is perpetuated by present day worldly oriented people to deceive many. This is therefore a reminder for all who now see and receive the message of Grace and Truth in Christ Jesus (John 1:14), that we are to get off the grip of religion and come to Christ Jesus in a personal relationship with Him by faith, not by pagan-based religious rigmaroles and rituals.

Religion is not of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who sent the Messiah - our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus did not come so people can use His name to set up religion/s, religious enterprises and institutions. He came to release us from the Old Covenant of the Law (Galatians 3:13) and bring us back to Himself in the New Covenant of Grace (John 1:16). It is written: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:17-19 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 9:49-51 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:51 NIV).

This passage marks as a pivotal moment for our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only begotten Son of God, sent by the Father to save us. He sets His direction to go towards Jerusalem the stronghold of religion. This seals the critical turning point in the Lord's mission, shifting His sight from Galilee to go to Jerusalem for His eventual climactic sacrifice in the hands of the Jewish religious leaders. The Lord Jesus unwaveringly resolve to go to Jerusalem, the city of David, for his final divine appointment. He "set His face toward Jerusalem" to fulfill his divine mission, which is a journey to be "taken up" in His death, His resurrection, and His ascension.

Every step the Lord Jesus takes towards Jerusalem was an act of love for you and I. It’s the only way for forgiveness to be made possible through His sacrifice. We are loved. The reason the Lord Jesus left the majesty of heaven to come step into the earth He created to rescue us from the darkness of this world. Scriptures declare: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 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 Luke 9:49-50 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.” (Luke 9:49-50 KJV).

Despite having witnessed the Lord Jesus affirmed as the Messiah (Luke 9:18–20), awed by the glory of God affirming the Lord (Luke 9:28–36), and watched amazed the crowds’ reaction to His power (Luke 9:43), the disciples seemed to have gotten the whole thing off-track. They have become greatness focused. They fail to hear the Lord talking about betrayal by one of them, and be killed (Luke 9:44–45; Mark 9:30–32). They argue over what positions of importance they'll have when the Lord Jesus comes to reign in His kingdom (Luke 9:46–48).

Now, in these passages, in spite of the lessons the Lord has given them about serving to be great, they respond by complaining of a man not from their circle casting out devils in the name of the Lord Jesus. This response is way off. And they have performed this miracle when the Lord Jesus empowered and sent them out (Luke 9:1–6, 10). But, recently, they found themselves unable to cast out a single demon from a long-suffering boy (Luke 9:38–40). Their failure led the Lord Jesus to call them "faithless and twisted," like the rebellious children of Israel (Luke 9:41). Perhaps it also seeded envy in them of others performing what they could not.

They apparently are still thinking about worldly power and authority. They seemed to be protecting their physical closeness with the Lord or perhaps they’re in a feeling of exclusivity with a spirit of jealousy. Their hearts seem to be heading back to their religious upbringing under the law. They forbade those other believers to use the name of the Lord, for which they earn the Lord’s correction not to forbid.

These passages show us the inclusivity of God's kingdom. God is not a respecter of person. He is a respecter of faith. By faith in Christ Jesus, in His grace, you and I are as close to God as with anyone who believes with no preferential treatment. He sees us in His Son who shed His blood for us. Apostle Paul declares in one of his exhortations, which we too must declare and abide. It is written: “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.

The Gospel of Luke 9:47-48 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him, and said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.” (Luke 9:47-48 KJV).

Amidst the disciples’ crab-like-mentality-sounding commotion to grab greatness, the Lord Jesus having perceived their hearts’ thoughts turned the world’s whole idea of greatness upside down. Throughout history of the nations and the world, most people have established that greatness is determined by status, position, and being served by others. The Lord Jesus, however, taught and demonstrated that greatness is determined by service to others, especially those whom some see as unimportant and considered society’s rejects.

In the days when the Lord Jesus was here in the flesh, to give attention to and to welcome or care about children was considered a waste of time by so called "people of importance". The child was a symbol of those viewed as of no value as a person - only insignificant people spent their time on kids not their own. However, the Lord Jesus said that a truly important Kingdom person is going to find the left out, the forgotten, and the neglected to welcome and serve them, rather than trying to name-drop, hang around with the "in crowd" and ride on coat-tails of the rich and nobility. Greatness is about serving the least. It is neither about standing on a pedestal nor having great numbers of following on social media.

In the Kingdom of God, each one of us who are saved by grace must keep rooted in our hearts that greatness is being least and last. When in another occasion the issue of taking a seat of greatness popped up among the disciples, the Lord Jesus raised the bar from serving to sacrifice. It is written: “But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles Lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”” (Matthew 20:25-28 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 Luke 9:46 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.” (Luke 9:46 KJV).

The Lord Jesus has just warned His disciples that He is going to be betrayed (Luke 9:43-45). In fact one of them will betray Him and hand Him over “into the hands of sinners” (Matthew 26:45-49). Rather than wonder who, or if one of them might be the offender, they grappled with their own delusions of grandeur. Instead of praying with the Lord to stay close with Him in this dark warning of betrayal, they were looking for their own place in glory. So often our pride and desire to be noticed can blind us to a lurking danger of our own risk for failure, as these disciples are. Like you and I, they're still in their human flesh.

Rather than being great, forget about being the greatest, these disciples would all let the Lord Jesus down during His most difficult moment. They will fall away and be scattered. Scriptures reveal: “Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “ ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.”(Matthew 26:31; 56 NIV).

When we feel ourselves striving, in this physical realm, for very tempting human recognition and are frustrated because we don't get recognized as prominently as someone else, let's remember the disciples. Take lessons out of their spiritual blindness so we can avoid the same case of our own spiritual blindness; and escaped the danger of falling away. As God’s children and co-heirs with our Lord Jesus (Romans 8:17), purchased by His blood in His grace by faith (1 Peter 1:18-19, 1 Corinthians 6:20, and Revelation 5:9), let’s be grounded in His Word. His Word is the rock, our only unshakable foundation. 

We may not be the greatest but the least, yet we have the Lord’s assurance: ““Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25 ESV). The fundamental truth is this, the Lord Jesus says: "The greatest among you will be your servant." (Matthew 23:11 NIV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 9:43b-45 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“… But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples, Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men. But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.” (Luke 9:43b-45 KJV).

These passages describe the event after the Lord’s spectacular healing of a boy with an unclean spirit. The crowd is "amazed at the majesty of God" (Luke 9:43a NKJV). But in the midst of this acclaim, the Lord Jesus gives His disciples a somber warning about His imminent suffering. The crowd's as well as the disciples' fixation on the miracles the Lord Jesus performed distracted them from the core message of the Lord’s gospel of the grace of God. Their astonishment at the Lord's power pulls them from the Lord’s core message. This mirrors how present day believers can as well focus so much on the blessings rather the source. It alerts us not to be over awed and mesmerized with the physical benefits of God’s acts of power, but rather look to glorify the giver. Focus on the physical aspects endangers us of missing the central truth of the Gospel: the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross.

This account of Luke stated that: they did not understand and they feared to ask him of what He said. Their fear and human view hindered them from grasping the deep and divine truth of the cross. They were focused on the earthly view of the Lord’s triumphant works, which made the idea of suffering to save humanity beyond logic. The disciples stand right in the middle of transition from the law given through Moses to grace in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. They're reasonably confused without the benefit of hindsight of the Lord’s finished work on the cross. But, at the right time, the statement that the Lord said along with the transfiguration they just witnessed will become an affirming testimony for them - the Lord's early disciples and all believers after the Lord’s resurrection.

Now, we who are saved by grace through faith, with the blessings of hindsight of what've been written of the Lord's spoken Words, are privileged with the revelation, as Scriptures reveal: “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.” (Hebrews 1:1-2 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 9:42-43a When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“While he was coming, the demon threw him to the ground and convulsed him. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God.” (Luke 9:42-43a ESV).

These passages demonstrate the authority of the Lord over the power of the enemy. How this authority manifests, is God’s way to show His grace and love. The Lord Jesus is our answer to all sorts of challenges we face in this world. Whether it's a physical ailment, a financial problem, or a demonic issue, the name of our Lord Jesus Christ is the name we call for help. Here in these verses, when the Lord Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, it shows His complete dominion over demonic forces. As God’s children of grace by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are encouraged to use the Lord’s authority and power when dealing with dark spiritual battles. We rebuke the demonic forces by speaking the name of Christ Jesus over spiritual challenges.

As this scene illustrates, evil spirits are real and can cause genuine suffering. The demon's violent reaction (throwing the boy to the ground by onrush of convulsion) as the boy moved towards the Lord Jesus, showing the enemy's final desperate effort before being cast out by the Lord’s divine power. But the enemy is impotent in the presence the Holy One - our Lord Jesus Christ. As the Lord healed the boy and gives him back to his father, they’re all amazed by the power of God, as they must. And, we too must be amazed, rest in total dependence in our Savior.

It is, therefore, fitting for us to declare and proclaim with the Psalmist, as it is written: “For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.” (Psalm 62:5-8 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 9:40-41 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not. And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither.” (Luke 9:40-41 KJV).

In this scene, we find a man who brings his demon-possessed one-and-only son to the Lord's disciples for healing. They are unable to cast out the demon. The Lord Jesus arrives and rebukes the disciples for their lack of faith, then heals the boy himself. The core emphasis is, as always, on the Lord’s finished work on the cross, the New Covenant of grace, and the believer's righteousness through faith in Christ. Our focus is not on our own self effort or religious teaching of having faith to help in our effort, to work hard to observe the "old covenant" of the law. That mentality brings judgment (2 Corinthians 3:7-9), not healing nor right living.

Through the lens of the Lord’s grace, one learns from this story not to focus on his or her own spiritual deficiencies or strength. Instead, one should rest in Christ's finished work. Having been born again by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we must declare our righteousness is in Him. This perspective shifts the focus from the believer's faith to the faithfulness of Christ Jesus, which brings about miraculous fruits in our lives.

Yes, as we link our faith with the faith of Christ Jesus our Lord in His grace by believing in Him, our state of being will be totally transformed. We yield our life to the Lord. It is no longer you and I who live. Our life now is Christ who lives in us. Apostle Paul testifies, as it is written: “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. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” (Galatians 2:20-21 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 Luke 9:37-39 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him. And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child. And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him.” (Luke 9:37-39 KJV).

These passages recount the descent of the Lord Jesus from the Mountain after His Transfiguration. As He steps into the valley, a large crowd of people meet Him. Among the crowd He encounters a desperately pleading father whose demon-possessed son, an only child, is suffering terribly. He begs the Lord Jesus to look at his only son, who is being tormented by a bad spirit. The bad spirit makes the boy scream, throws him into violent convulsions with foaming at the mouth, batters his self. This is slowly destroying the boy, he explains.

This case is a reality of the nature of the world, which is so vivid in contrast to the Lord’s glorious transfiguration up on the mountain. This pre-set juxtaposition of the divinity and the humanity, the heavenly and the earthly, emphasize the grace and humility of the Lord Jesus as He engages with the brokenness of the world. The timing of the Lord’s encounter with "much people" reminds us that the manifestation of the Lord's glory is inextricably linked to His mission of redemption and reconciliation. The Transfiguration was not a climax in itself but rather a signpost pointing to the ultimate purpose of His coming - to seek and save the lost, to bring healing and wholeness to the broken, and to offer the hope of eternal life to all who would believe in Him.

The Lord Jesus in His glory is ever present to meet our needs where we’re at, as this encounter shows us. While in this world, being God’s children, born again by faith in Him, yet in spite of our humanity being in the world, Scriptures assure us as it is written: “I have seen their ways, but I will heal them; I will guide them and restore comfort to Israel’s mourners, creating praise on their lips. Peace, peace, to those far and near,” says the Lord. “And I will heal them.”” (Isaiah 57:18-19 NIV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 9:36 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.” (Luke 9:36 ESV).

In this passage, we witness the transcending power of the Lord's transfiguration and the essence of beholding the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Father’s own spoken voice. Seeing Moses and Elijah conversing with the Lord Jesus is seen as a foreshadow of the New Covenant and God's promise to provide for us through Christ Jesus, who is "more than our king" and "our best friend". As the disciples witness, this divine glory, they're able to speak of the majesty of the Lord Jesus Christ. Even in their own failings, like Peter's desire to build tents for them, they eventually moved past the Old Covenant personalities and focused on the Lord Jesus Christ alone. They passed on from the law to the true gospel of grace, not a mix of grace and law.

Yes, in the true gospel of the grace of God, the Lord Jesus purchased us by His blood from the curse of the first covenant under the law (Galatians 3.13). The Lord Jesus redeemed us from the old covenant of the law that we may receive the eternal inheritance in the new covenant of grace. It is written: “The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.” (Hebrews 9:13-15 NIV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 9:35 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.” (Luke 9:35 KJV).

While Peter was having his pitch suggesting to the Lord Jesus of building three tabernacles, one for each of them Moses, Elijah and the Lord, a cloud comes and overshadows them (Luke 9:34). And out of the cloud, a voice of divine correction came from God, the Father. He declares the Lord Jesus is His Son and instructs the disciples to "hear Him". The disciples—and every believer—must not place the Lord Jesus on the same level of footing as the law (represented by Moses) or the prophets, but should instead hear and follow Him.

God corrects Peter's attempt to create equal "tabernacles" for the Lord Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. Instead, pointing to the Lord Jesus as the unique source of the Father's will. The Father’s command to "Hear Him" is an instruction to live by faith in His grace, not by trying to keep the law perfectly. No one can, except the Son of Man. When we follow the law, it leads to condemnation because we will inevitably fail. But, when we listen to and believe in the Lord Jesus, we receive holiness that surpasses the law’s ability to attempt by self effort.

Holiness is once and for all by faith in Christ Jesus. It is written: “When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10:8-10 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 9:32-34 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said. While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.” (Luke 9:32-34 KJV).

We can identify with Peter, can't we? Speaking without thinking, just like a person with a flesh. Here he is waking up from sleep and see a one-time world event ever that no one is prepared how to react. For sure, he does not know what to do or say. I would not know too. It’s overwhelming to see renown personalities you heard from stories of old passed on from ancestors, from generation to generation. Stories that you yourself is certain to tell your children. Now, here you see them!

Seeing Moses and Elijah for sure is an astounding moment for Peter, James and John. Knowing the impulse of Peter, humility and awe would have suggested that he remain silent and take his cue from the Lord Jesus Christ. Instead, Peter talked when it was really a time for silence. In so doing, He diminished the divinity of the Lord Messiah. By his declaration and proposition to build three tabernacles for the Lord, Moses and Elijah, he pulled down the Son of God to the level of Moses and Elijah. However, his impertinent and shallow comments were put in their place as the unfolding event humbles him into terror. Reverence, awe, and listening were the proper responses to a magnificent glimpse of the Lord Jesus Christ in His glory!

Where must we be? It is by being in a place to listen and hear God’s holy words. As children of God by faith in Christ Jesus, we are expected to listen, hear and follow. It is written:, “Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.””(John 8:47 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 9:29-31 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:29-31 KJV).

These verses describe the Transfiguration of the Lord Jesus Christ, where, as He prayed, His appearance dramatically changed. His clothes became dazzling white. It is a momentous event showing the Lord’s divine glory. It is a fore shadow of His death and resurrection, and affirms His identity as the Son of God in the presence of His closest disciples. It displays the splendor of the Lord’s divine nature and the glory of His true identity, which will be fulfilled through His suffering and death.

The presence of Moses, who represents the Law, and Elijah, representing the prophets, affirms the prophecy of scriptures that the Lord’s true being shall be witnessed by the Law and the prophets. Here in this mountain of prayer, and witnessed by the disciples, the splendor of the Lord’s true being is revealed. They talk of the Lord’s upcoming death in the hands of the Pharisees, the priests and religious leaders; whose intent to get rid of the Lord Jesus Christ is being used by the enemy of our soul.

God's plan to save us is already set in motion to be fulfilled on the streets of Jerusalem. These remind us therefore, that our salvation is settled. We can have free salvation by believing, because He paid for it dearly with hefty price. It is written: “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:13-14 NIV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 9:28 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray.” (Luke 9:28 NIV).

In this passage, several reminding reveals are given that requires the unction of the Holy Spirit to fill our spiritual understanding. Firstly, the mention of "about eight days", which in Hebrew 'eight' means ‘new beginnings'. This conveniently sets the stage for a profound event about to happen that transforms the disciples’ perspective of the Lord’s mission. We rest to be transform, as well, by His Word.

Secondly, why only the three disciples are with Him? That being in the know that Peter is one that boasts frequently of loving the Lord and fails. Yet, Peter never fails to come and rest in the presence of the Lord. While John, he is the only one that had a good grasp of the Lord’s message of love declaring often that he is the disciple that the Lord Jesus loves. And James is one of the two disciple sons of Zebedee was a zealous man – nicknamed by the Lord “The sons of thunder” along with his brother John (Mark 3:17), he followed the Lord with an even-keel. He would become the first of the twelve apostles to be martyred by King Herod Agrippa (Acts 12:2). These three are the closest and among the Lord's first disciples.

Thirdly, a mountain on which the Lord came to pray, reminds of the Father’s presence. It represents encounter with God, like when Moses encounters Jehovah at the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-15). On the mountain was the place where Abraham encounters God to offer Isaac for sacrifice (Genesis 22:2). As His children by faith in Christ Jesus, we look up to God on the mountain of the Lord to receive His divine provision. This Abraham declares: “So Abraham called the name of that place, “The Lord will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”” (Genesis 22:14 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 9:27 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:27 KJV).

Reflecting this passage through the lens of God’s grace - that is His unmerited favor and blessings, the Lord reveals that believers will experience the Kingdom of God within them through the Holy Spirit and revelation of grace and righteousness in the physical realm before they die. We discern from this passage that being born-again by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, though they may die physically, they will not "taste" death (eternal separation from God) because they have eternal life in Christ.

In the context of physical death, Stephen the first martyr of faith in Christ Jesus, on the edge of life and on the brink of being murdered by the religious Pharisees and priests, tasted; and saw a glimpse of the kingdom. And as they were stoning Stephen, before he fell asleep he called out, “And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” (Acts 7:56-60 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 9:26 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.” (Luke 9:26 KJV).

In this passage the Lord Jesus emphasizes that being “ashamed” of Him and His Words is rejection of Him and His finished work of grace on the cross. This is warning those who, with conscious intent, are ashamed of Him and reject Him as their Savior, and His sacrifice, after hearing the truth of His message of grace. Yes, grace, that is His undeserved favor or gift of salvation, healing and well-being. This matter of being ashamed is not referring to believers who fall short and fail to live up to their faith in moments of tests and trials in this world. Believers, in their failures, can run into the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ who is full of grace, and be restored like Peter was when he failed.

The core aspect of being ‘unashamed’ is in believing right. It is neither an act of performing the demands of the law, nor doing righteous deeds by self-effort. Rather, it is total dependence on the Lord’s supply of grace by faith in Christ Jesus. Failure to rest in His grace, the Son of Man shall be ashamed of him and all of them who are ashamed of Him and His words.

The Lord’s being ashamed becomes His divine judgement on them who are ashamed of Him, when the Son of Man comes in His own glory and the Father’s glory and of the holy angels. Then, this divine judgement is meted self-ordained by and on them who are ashamed of Him and His Words. Scriptures declare this truth: ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 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.” (John 3:16-19 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

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

When God Says …

“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” (Luke 9:24-25 KJV).

Here's the greatest and profound paradox: to gain life, lose it by surrendering your life to Christ Jesus. When we release our life to the Lord’s sovereignty, He gives it back to us with power and with His guidance through the unction of the Holy Spirit and by the light of His holy and written words. That’s what Moses did. When God Jehovah commanded him to throw on the ground his staff (his tool for living being a shepherd), he did so without hesitation, and God returned it to him with power (Exodus chapter 4).

In this physical realm, we are given one opportunity to live this limited life. That's it. No more and no less. What we do in this borrowed life determines how we will spend eternal life. And, there are two eternities after this physical life. How this life is spent directs where we settle in eternity. Those who are saved and live by faith in Christ Jesus will have eternal life. Those who live without a savior will have eternal death.

So, if we live our lives apart from the Lord Jesus, trying to bring fulfillment to ourselves and seeking to achieve things that bring honor to only us, we're going to end up losing everything of eternal value. There are no towing hitches on hearses for a reason. The one thing we can take with us into the next life is our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and with those whom He loved. Even if there are hitches, it can only tow up to the burial ground. So let's not pursue what is ultimately insignificant, inconsequential, and perishable. The only lasting investment for our lives is our relationship by faith with Christ Jesus! He said: “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:2-3 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 9:23 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23 KJV).

When the Lord Jesus turn to them all, looking in their eyes and says: "take up your cross daily," as stated in this passage, He is not talking about physical self-effort of self-denial to earn holiness to impress God. He is not impressed by self-effort, even righteous works. He said: all our righteous acts are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6 NIV). Rather, He is stressing to them and to us now that it is about total dependence on the grace of God to be transformed for success and victory in our life. Following the Lord Jesus in faith, not as an example to re-do what He has done, but to rely instead resting by faith on His finished work on the cross, and trusting that His unmerited favor, or grace, provides the power and ability to live a righteous living. Faith in the Lord's finished work is the cross we must carry daily.

Righteous living is not a choreographed, manicured and perfect living for the applause of the crowd and the world. It is living by faith in Christ Jesus, led by the Holy Spirit and guided by the light of His Words. The work of God that we do is to believe in Him whom Father has sent (John 6:29), to bring about an abundance of breakthroughs, healing, and supply. We follow the Lord Jesus Christ by relying on His finished work on the cross, knowing that everything needed to be done are already done, as it is written: “When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” (John 19:30 ESV). Apostle John further writes: "And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. The thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment."" (Revelation 21:4 ESV). 

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 9:21-22 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing; saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.” (Luke 9:21-22 KJV).

In these verses, we see the Lord Jesus instructing the apostles to keep His identity secret. In our view of understanding, this is a bit perplexing. But in the full context of the Lord’s mission and the political condition of the Jewish people who needs help in their pursuits for freedom from the Romans, it is a human reality. It is understandable that the Lord does not want people to redefine His being the Messiah as someone in a political mission. Many, including the apostles and disciples are on the impression that the Messiah is on the mission to establish a physical political kingdom.

The Lord Jesus also states plainly that He must suffer in many ways, be rejected by the religious leaders and priests. He declares His sacrifice towards our redemption. He will be killed, and be raised again on the third day. So, by faith in Him, we can have a new life. This is a direct contrast to the disciples' expectations of Him to be a glorious earthy king of Israel. 

As the Son of Man, yes He is king given authority, glory and sovereign power. Having received Him by believing, in grace He saves us and makes us citizens of His kingdom forever. His kingdom is everlasting, not political, not temporal and will never be destroyed, as Daniel prophesied. It is written: ““In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:13-14 NIV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 9:20 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.” (Luke 9:20 KJV).

It is not what people of the world might view the Lord Jesus Christ - then and now, that matters. It is not what religion and religious Jews and of these days religion thinks about Him that matters. Whether it’s the crowd, or enemies of the Lord Jesus may think of and about Him, as they conceive Him to be, it's not what matters. The Lord Jesus’ concern about what His disciples knew of the truth about Him, is what matters. Yeah, theirs and our knowledge of the truth of Him is what matters the most to the Lord. For to all who believe, He would leave His mission. In the disciples’ hands and ours, He entrusted to proclaim the Gospel - that is of the Grace of God (Acts 20:24) to all creation (Mark 16:15).

All believers would be called upon to put their lives on the line (Matthew 10:22). Every believer would be called to move from being merely followers to become laborers together with God (1 Corinthians 3:9), with the apostles whose footsteps we now follow. Apostle Peter answered the Lord’s question for them and for us who believe: "You are the Messiah sent from God!" So, who is the Lord Jesus to you? Is he your Messiah, the gift sent from God to save you? If not, what stands in your way?

The Lord Jesus is asking you: “But who do you say that I am?” Is He your Messiah? Do you rest in His grace by entering in His presence and have Him be your Savior? Let Him be, now! This moment and time! If you haven’t, the holy Scriptures exhort: “Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:1-2 ESV).

So, wherever you are now, proclaim these by the words of your mouth from your heart: "Lord Jesus, I come before your presence, believing you are the Son of God (Acts 16:31). Thank you that I'm beloved by you (Jeremiah 31:3; John 3:16; Romans 8:38-39) and I surrender to your love for you are love (1 John 4:16). Thank you for making me a new creation in You (2 Corinthians 5:17) and now I am the righteousness of God by Your Grace (2 Corinthians 5:21). In the most holy name of Christ Jesus this I declare, AMEN!" 

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

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

When God Says …

“And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am? They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.” (Luke 9:18-19 KJV).

In these passages, the Lord Jesus asks the twelve apostles during one of His private prayer sessions, about the public’s view of Him. “He asks them: “Who do the crowds say I am?”” (Luke 9:18b NIV). The human perspective of the crowd revealed by the apostles is what we observe happening in our present day world environment, with the proliferation of many denominational religious enterprises. That’s not what the intent of heaven for the Messiah to be viewed. When the Lord Jesus - the only begotten Son of God was sent from heaven, He came to bring the kingdom of heaven into the world (Mark 1:14-15), so that the world can have a relationship with God in a personal intimate level of oneness.

The Lord Jesus came God incarnate to live among us, so we can be reconciled with Him by grace through faith. He came to break the stronghold of religion that led people away from God which was engrained in the minds and hearts of the religious Jewish crowd. Sadly, that religious public view is being perpetuated by today’s religious enterprises, which distract many from the truth. Religion is used as tool by the enemy of our soul to draw many away from the Lord’s true gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24).

Equating the Lord merely as a prophet, the crowd debased the Lord merely as human. Yes He is a prophet and a human, but He is the true God stepping down from His throne in heaven. To you and I, we are instructed, as it is written: “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 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 2:5-11 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 Luke 9:17 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.” (Luke 9:17 KJV).

With the little things you have, when you break it and share it with those who are in need, those whom you share are satisfied to their fill. And multiple times of what you originally have, like a seed that produces much fruits, from the little you share brings fort quantified remnants in your possession. That is if, first and foremost, you look up to heaven where it all comes from, declare and acknowledge the source with thanksgiving. As we see, the five loaves of bread and two fishes, produce multiple basketfuls of excesses for each of the apostles, who in the first place were anxious and worried how to feed the multitudes who were hungry and weary.

The crowd were supernaturally provided to have their fill. The apostles have their twelve baskets of leftovers from the five loaves of bread and two fish. In the presence of the Lord Jesus with thanks to our Father, we have the assurance, Apostle Paul attests, as it is written; “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Philippians 4:19-20 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.

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

When God Says …

“Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.” (Luke 9:16 KJV).

Earlier, the apostles bring to the Lord's attention to suggest sending the crowd home as evening is coming. And the crowd are getting hungry, and tired, too. They needed food to eat, and a place to sleep. The Lord said - "you feed them." (Luke 9:13). They reason out that it needs two hundred days worth of wages for the cost of food to feed this crowd (Mark 6:37). And, they only have five loaves of bread and two fishes (John 6:7-9). The Lord instructed them to have the crowd seated in groups of around fifty each group. Then He took the meager loaves of bread and fishes, blessed them, broke them and gave to the apostles for serving with the crowd.

The Lord Jesus set the example for us to follow and do, with every blessing we have in our hands. We must look to heaven where our source comes from. We are to give thanks! Then, we break it, symbolizing our readiness to share! Recognizing that we are children of God in Christ Jesus through faith by His grace, we rest assured. We are favored with blessings. Scriptures assure us that His power is at work within us, as it is written: “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21 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 Luke 9:14-15 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company. And they did so, and made them all sit down.” (Luke 9:14-15 KJV).

The number fifty signifies celebration and fullness in spirit. When the Lord instructs the apostles to make the crowd of about five thousand men (not counting women and children present) to sit down in a group of fifties, the Lord is declaring affront the resulting fullness and celebration that come out of this somewhat dire situation. The supply of grace will be manifest through these five loaves of bread and two fishes, with number five symbolizing grace and number two symbolizing witness to the truth (John 8:17).

The Lord’s instruction to make the crowd sit down in group of fifties, is an echoing reminder of our Father’s reassuring promise of divine provisions to all that believes. He is our Shepherd, as the Psalmist declares and we too can declare as children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Scriptures affirm : “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. 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 23:1-3, 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 Luke 9:12-13 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place. But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people.” (Luke 9:12-13 KJV).

Worry. Yeah, watching the multitudes in a secluded place and the day quickly wearing down, anxiety is building. Evening is coming and the people are hungry and weary. That’s what creeps in the hearts of the twelve apostles when they approach the Lord Jesus suggesting to send the crowd away, so they could find a place to eat and sleep in the surrounding towns and country. They’re worried what to feed these people. Like you and I, they’re human! With one's physical eyes, they watch such huge crowd, and they have no food to feed them.

It is amazing to note that these twelve apostles just returned from their own mission without provision, but with power to heal and to cast out demons (Luke 9:1–6), they were never in want. The Lord Jesus provided for them. The twelve apostles don't seem to think of trusting on the same power of God to feed these people. They fail to realize the power of Grace in the person of the Lord in their midst. With the five loaves of bread in their hands, with “five” and the number five being grace in Hebrew, it signals the sufficiency of provisions to feed the multitude. It is therefore our stir to stay alert that our source will and can provide.

As God's children by faith in Christ Jesus we are instructed not to worry, as it is written the Lord Jesus said: ““Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:25-26 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 Luke 9:10-11 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.” (Luke 9:10-11 KJV).

In these passages, Luke starts to give us an account of the apostles’ return from their respective missions the Lord Jesus commissioned them to do. They went out town after town spreading the message of the kingdom of God and performing miracles of healing, casting out demons and raising up the dead. The Lord Jesus for a reason, that is for them to rest in His presence (Mark 6:31), took them aside to a private place in the desert of Bethsaida. But, the crowds followed them. Hence, manifesting His compassion, the Lord Jesus welcomes the crowds, speaks to them about the Kingdom of God and heals the sick.

This moment of rest for the apostles, who just returned from the mission they have been commissioned to do, marks the transitional milestone of the apostles' growth from followers to messengers. As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, saved by His grace, this is our cue that we must be conscious and ready to respond to our commission too. In this dire time of the world’s polarization and incivility, we are to stand ready to go town after town, let our fingers walk through the web super highway, spreading the Gospel of the Grace of God. You and I, who are born again in Christ Jesus are commissioned as it is written: “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” (Matthew 28:18-20 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.

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

When God Says …

“Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead; and of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again. And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.” (Luke 9:7-9 KJV).

These passages highlight the confusion of Herod, who executed John the Baptist for chastising him of his adulterous relationship with his brother’s wife. He’s perplexed because of news of miracles of the Lord Jesus that reached him which some people said that the Lord is John the Baptist coming back to life. King Herod desired to see the Lord Jesus.

This reveals that people of different walks in life may be drawn to have desire to seek the Lord Jesus for every kind of motive and reason. Like this king called Herod who’s only curious to see the Lord Jesus in action. His intent may only be a superficial fascination with a spectacle, not a genuine need to believe for salvation. His intent is in contrast with the "seeking" of the shepherds (Luke 2:15-20) and wise men from the east (Matthew 2:1-2) who left their charge behind to find the Lord Jesus glorifying and praising God, to worship Him.

Our key take away from these passages is that we should "seek" the Lord Jesus for a personal relationship, and to see the truth of His grace. For those who are lost and have not receive His Lordship, when you seek Him you'll find Him, and He will bring you home. This He promised: “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.” (Jeremiah 29:13-14 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 9:6 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.” (Luke 9:6 KJV).

This passage tells us that the twelve Apostles, after having been given their marching instructions, left to do their appointed mission. They went from village to village, to carry out the Lord’s commission, proclaiming the gospel and performing miracles to heal people’s diseases, casting out demons and raise the dead. This event marks a significant moment where the Lord Jesus empowers and commissions His twelve closest disciples to actively participate in His ministry. This serves as their training ground of their life's mission that they will carry on, pass on to other disciples and to us now that follow them by faith in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Lord Jesus Christ ordained them with power and authority to heal, to cast out demons and to raise the dead (Matthew 10:8). The miracles are meant for signs to validate the good news about the kingdom of God—which in this instance they are instructed to share only with the Jews that are willing to hear the Lord’s message of the Gospel that the Kingdom of God is at hand (Matthew 10:5-7). Everywhere they go, in the context of their basic ability and capability to travel, they freely healed those who need healing that come their way.

This empowerment is for us too. With Apostle Paul's edifying words to Timothy, we too are commissioned. As children of God by faith in our Jesus Christ we are charged to be ready in every season for our call to share the Good News of the kingdom of God. It is written Scriptures say: “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:1-2 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 9:5 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”” (Luke 9:5 NIV)

The instruction given by the Lord Jesus Christ in this verse is meant to display the testimony against a town’s rejection of the Lord's message of grace of the Kingdom of God. This symbolic act is a deliberate, public and visible gesture to testify that the message of the Kingdom of God has been offered to the town but rejected. Shaking the dust off one's feet was a Jewish custom in Bible era when leaving Gentile territory to enter a Jewish land, representing a removal of pagan defilement. By telling the disciples to do this even in Jewish towns they visit that rejects them and God's message, the Lord equates those who reject His message with unclean Gentiles. This act marks them as outside of the covenant community.

The Lord’s instruction serves as a pop up alert for us to be mindful with the zeal of faith. If we find a town where no one will listen, emulating them, we are not to stay and beg. We are to leave, symbolic of judgment against the town as if it were pagan and unclean. By shaking the dust off their feet, they illustrate there is nothing in that town worthy of their attention. The Lord Jesus adds by saying: “As you go into the house, give it your greeting [that is, ‘Peace be to this house’]. If [the family living in] the house is worthy [welcoming you and your message], give it your [blessing of] peace [that is, a blessing of well-being and prosperity, the favor of God]. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace. Whoever does not welcome you, nor listen to your message, as you leave that house or city, shake the dust [of it] off your feet [in contempt, breaking all ties]. [Mark 6:11; Acts 13:51] I assure you and most solemnly say to you, it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that city [since it rejected the Messiah’s messenger].” (Matthew 10:12-15 AMP).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 9:4 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.” (Luke 9:4 KJV).

The Lord Jesus continues His instructions to the Twelve Apostles as He commissioned them to branch out to mission on their own - to heal the sick and to preach the message of the kingdom of God. He has already instructed them to go as they are on their basic personal possession, to travel light without extra provisions (Luke 9:3). He tacitly tells them to rely on the sufficiency of His grace for whatever their needs. And, now in this passage, the Lord is telling them to find a house to stay when they come to a city. And, they are to remain in that house until they move.

When our Lord Jesus instructs the Twelve Apostles not to hop around but to stay in one house, He is teaching them a deep lesson about the nature of brotherhood and the relationships they will build in their journey. This is not just about finding a place to rest. It is about fostering brotherhood and sisterhood. By committing to a household, the Apostles can form bonds with the family and neighbors of the house they choose, allowing the Gospel to be shared in a more intimate, genuine and powerful way.

This passage provides us the wisdom to understand what’s important and relevant in our present day broken society. As we navigate through our personal and spiritual journey of living, this reminds us the essence of commitment and investment in relationships. By choosing to remain present and engaged, we open up pathways to deeper closeness and spiritual growth. Share to the needs of saints or fellow children of God in grace by faith in Christ Jesus. Scriptures exhort us with these words: “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” (Romans 12:10-13 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 9:3 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics.” (Luke 9:3 ESV).

This is highlighting to us the Lord's instruction to the apostles who are the first group of laborers He sent out for the harvest that He referred to in Matthew 9:37-38. This is our example to follow being the contemporary workers chosen through His grace by faith in Him. Unlike the present day’s so-called "missionaries" who are sent by religious enterprises, true laborers for the harvest totally depends on God's provisions, not people. As these twelve apostles were sent by themselves without luggages and extra resources, we too as true laborers for the harvest ought to go totally dependent on the Lord who is our provider and source for everything.

The risen Lord Jesus also sent Apostle Paul to far flung fields of harvest, as our model for doing the work of spreading the true gospel of the grace of God. Apostle Paul share in one of his testimonies, that he supported himself through his own labor to avoid being a financial burden. He said to the believers in Thessalonica: “In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.” (2 Thessalonians 3:6-8 NIV).

As the Lord’s own, we are purchased by His blood, you and I, having been reborn by grace through our faith in Him, He chose us. We too are sent to do our part as laborers for the harvest. As with the apostles, scriptures affirm. It is written: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9 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 Luke 9:1-2 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.” (Luke 9:1-2 KJV).

These passages talk about power (dunamis in Greek from which this was translated), or "the right to effectively act" and authority (exousia in the original Greek version) or “the moral right to exercise”, something that belong to the Lord Jesus Christ. It is His for having done the work in creating and sustaining the universe. It is His out of His loving obedience and sacrifice to redeem us on the cross. It is His by virtue of His resurrection from the dead. All authority is His - to command, to execute and to give. This He gives to the apostles to demonstrate to us that He is the source, we are His vessels. Any authority we have is based on the Lord Jesus' grace to give it to us. This truth takes all the selfish pride or arrogance from us. To the Lord Jesus belongs all the glory and the power for any good thing we are entrusted to bear fruit with, and for any intrusion of the enemy in the lives of those in bondage that have been banished because of us, being used as channel of the Lord’s message of the Gospel of the Grace of God.

We have a mission to accomplish in this limited realm of living we are in. We are not placed here just to slide through untouched. So, let us seek Him and not seek power for its own sake. In honoring Him by our faith in Him, we will find ourselves useful to others as an instrument of the Kingdom of God no matter how the Lord chooses to use us or to empower us by His authority.

The Lord Jesus says these words to the apostles, to the disciples and to us all who believe and receive His gift of salvation, by faith. We are saved and chosen to bear fruit by grace not by religious red tapes and rituals. It is written, the Lord Jesus declares: “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.” (John 15:15-17 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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