Calculate the Cost, Part 2 – Luke 14:31-33

In Luke 14:28, Jesus uses a parable to illustrate the importance of deliberate decision-making: a man first sits down to calculate the cost of building a tower to ensure he has sufficient resources to complete it. In the same way, those who desire to follow Christ must thoughtfully evaluate what it means to live a life built upon Him. Discipleship is not casual. It is a commitment that requires intentional preparation and spiritual cost analysis.

To “count the cost” involves acknowledging and accepting the terms that Christ sets forth. As John Koessler observes, “In following Christ, we cannot simply follow our own inclinations. We cannot follow Him and the world’s way at the same time. Following Him may mean we lose relationships, dreams, material things, or even our lives.” This underscores the exclusivity of discipleship—it demands our full allegiance and a willingness to surrender anything that competes with Christ’s lordship.

Furthermore, to count the cost means responding to Christ’s call to serve Him out of wholehearted devotion, according to His will. Discipleship cannot be taken lightly, for nothing bears more eternal weight. Every act of obedience has lasting implications. Peter exemplifies this commitment in Matthew 19:27, where he declares, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You,” reflecting the seriousness of abandoning all for the sake of Christ.

Jesus’ teachings about eternal life are often paired with stern warnings. John MacArthur notes that Christ repeatedly emphasized the difficulty of the path to salvation: “The cost of following Him is high, the way is narrow, and few find it. Many who call Him Lord will be turned away from the kingdom of Heaven.” Salvation, then, is not a superficial decision but one that involves full submission and reverence for the gravity of the call.

Total Commitment and Total Surrender
A crucial component of discipleship is complete, unconditional commitment to Christ. Throughout history, nations at war have required unwavering loyalty from their citizens—even to the point of death. Likewise, Christ calls His followers to an even greater level of devotion, one that may cost their very lives. What often stands in the way is our lack of faith and human pride. Overcoming these barriers requires abiding in Christ continually, drawing strength from Him for both endurance and victory over sin.

Scripture gives us powerful images of this level of commitment, especially in the context of the end times. Revelation 20:4 presents a vision of faithful believers who were martyred “because of their witness of Jesus and because of the word of God.” They refused to worship the beast and were rewarded with reign alongside Christ. Such examples underscore that unwavering loyalty to Christ—regardless of cost—is the standard of discipleship.

True assurance in our commitment comes when Christ becomes our ultimate aim. Only those with undivided hearts can truly follow Him. Discipleship demands that all of life be oriented around Christ, with nothing withheld. This heart posture must precede action; it is the only acceptable offering.

But how does one practically live out this commitment? Acts 2:42 gives us the framework: devotion to the Word of God, genuine fellowship, the breaking of bread (communion), and persistent prayer. These spiritual disciplines serve as the fruit of discipleship. Through them, we grow in love for God and for others, manifesting the marks of a true follower of Jesus.

Even more fundamental than commitment is unconditional surrender. Jesus illustrates this through another parable: a king facing certain defeat wisely sends a delegation to seek terms of peace (Luke 14:31–32). In the same way, surrendering to Christ involves acknowledging our inability to save ourselves and entrusting everything—our future, ambitions, and rights—into His hands.

A life of surrender and commitment becomes a powerful testimony of faith. Abraham demonstrated this when he was willing to sacrifice Isaac in obedience to God’s command. His actions showed both total trust and complete surrender. Similarly, Paul gives voice to this lifestyle in Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…”

In verse 33, Jesus concludes by declaring, “So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” One of the most common obstacles to full surrender is the love of money and possessions. Acts 3:6 reminds us of the value of spiritual wealth over material wealth. Christ must be recognized as the source and owner of all we have; anything less risks idolatry.

Money is perhaps the most persistent idol in history, and even believers are not immune. As 1 Timothy 5:8 warns, failing to provide for one’s household is worse than disbelief. Similarly, in Matthew 19:21, Jesus tells the rich man to sell all he has and follow Him. These verses highlight that stewardship, not ownership, is the Christian view of resources.

Ultimately, what matters after death is not how much we accumulated but what we surrendered for God’s glory. Our willingness to part with material wealth for His sake reflects the sincerity of our discipleship. As 1 Timothy 6:10 states, the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Thus, Christ must be Lord not only over our hearts but also over our possessions.

John Flavel succinctly captures the essence of biblical stewardship: “If I am the Lord’s, then, my time, my talents, and all that I have are His.” The call to discipleship encompasses every area of life. True followers recognize that everything belongs to God and must be used to honor Him. Only then can we truly say we have counted the cost.

June 22, 2025 0

Calculate the Cost – Luke 14:25-30

The real disciples of Jesus Christ are those who love Him more than anyone or anything, willing to take up their cross and follow Him. Our text this morning comes from the Gospel of Luke 14:25-32, where Jesus’s words on discipleship are sovereign—not meant to upset, but to reveal what every believer must do. Discipleship is not a small matter or a mere choice; it is a matter of life and death that must happen to every single believer. Jesus says that everyone must “calculate the cost,” a phrase familiar from our daily lives, like when we shop for groceries or budget for our needs. Just as we know our budget and what we can afford, so too must we count the cost of following Jesus. Biblical discipleship requires us to recognize and agree to the terms Jesus sets, which may include losing relationships, dreams, material things, and even our very lives. What does it take, and what is the outcome of following Jesus Christ? Counting the cost is essential to true discipleship.

Counting the cost is not a small matter; “it’s a matter of death and life”. As John Koessler said, “Counting the cost” means recognizing and agreeing to some terms first. In following Christ, we cannot simply follow our own inclinations. We cannot follow Him and the world’s way at the same time. Following Him may mean we lose relationships, dreams, material things, or even our lives…” Jesus demands this severity because He wants to build his church (Matthew 16:18). He is the first builder. Being a disciple means we enter the fight against the devil. Jesus is building His church, which the gates of Hades will not overcome. Jesus is not looking for many but a few. Like Gideon, who defeated the Midian armies with only 300 men, Jesus seeks a dedicated few. As John Wesley stated, “If I had 300 men who feared nothing but God, hated nothing but sin and would be determined to know nothing among men but Jesus Christ him crucified, I will set the world on fire”.

Failure to count the cost means we will turn away at the threat of sacrifice and rebel against Christ when difficulties arise. Judas failed to count the cost, leading to his betrayal and suicide. We often drop God’s word, prayer, and church, while clinging to our ambitions and idols. This means we didn’t calculate the cost at the beginning. The result is that the building is left unfinished. The person may have the form of holiness, but there’s no power of holiness in their lives. They are like the unfinished Oceanwide Plaza twin buildings in downtown LA, an ugly symbol and a shameful symbol of failure because they ran out of funds.

Jesus Himself is the initial original builder. Philippians 2:6-8 says Jesus “emptied Himself, by taking the form of a slave” and “humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” in order to fulfill His mission of redemption. He counted the cost to build His church. In the same way, our discipleship must calculate the cost and be built on Christ.

To count the cost and build true discipleship, four things are necessary:

True Belief: A genuine believer is transformed, desiring a new nature and daily struggling with the old. This internal fight, as Paul described in Romans 7:24, “Wretched man that I am who will deliver me from the body of this death,” is a normal Christian experience leading to victory, for “there’s no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
Trust: “Unless Yahweh builds the house, they labor in vain who build it” (Psalm 127:1). When we trust God, He builds in our hearts. Like the Thessalonian Christians, we must “turn to God from idols to serve a living and true God” (1 Thessalonians 1:9).
Obedience: R. A. Torrey defined obedience as “the entire surrender of our wills, ourselves, and all that we have to Him”. Obedience says, “Take me, do with me what you want to send me where you want me to go and use me as you desire me to be used for you.” This complete surrender of ourselves to God is the condition of our receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Do you obey God’s commands?
Prayer: Prayer and discipleship are inseparable. The Gospels show Jesus constantly praying. Then the disciples prayed in the book of Acts, leading to the birth of the church. Prayer is like a radar to detect Satan’s work and it is God’s appointed way for obtaining things, and the most important business of a disciple’s life. The quality of our discipleship depends on prayer. “Prayer is just the heart’s response. We breathe in Scripture and we breathe out prayer, Breathe in and breathe out… That’s the basic shape of Christian as everyday communion with God. Prayer is the breath of heavenly life.” (Michael Reeves)

Counting the cost is crucial for Jesus’ name and our own credibility. Failure leads to public ridicule, as Jesus warns: “This man began to build and was not able to finish” (Luke 14:30). Counting the cost means our hard work, our sweat, and blood for discipleship. Kanye West’s public turn, claiming “I’m god” and rejecting the fear of God, serves as a recent example of total failure due to not counting the cost. Counting the cost is a lifelong process that makes our lives fuller, fruitful, and better. Let us keep trusting, obeying and praying in all circumstances so Jesus looks really worthwhile more than anything as we glorify Him in our discipleship.

June 15, 2025 0

Test of the Jesus Disciple – Luke 14:25-27

Love and obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ are the defining characteristics of a true disciple. In the Gospel of Luke, two distinct groups of people emerge: the first is a large crowd that follows Jesus out of curiosity or self-interest, yet does not demonstrate genuine love or obedience. The second group consists of true disciples—those who sincerely love and obey Christ as they follow Him. Luke also identifies two essential conditions for discipleship: prioritizing Christ above all, including one’s own life, and willingly suffering for His sake.

The large crowds that followed Jesus likely did so for a variety of reasons. Some were drawn by His miracles and teachings, others were curious about His character, and many hoped He was the long-awaited Messiah who would liberate them from Roman rule. However, not all who followed truly believed in Him or loved Him. In the passage examined today, Jesus confronts the crowd with the true cost of discipleship—a message that ultimately causes many to turn away, revealing the authenticity of their faith.

Jesus poses a powerful challenge: “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26). This statement is not a call to literal hatred, but rather a demand for radical prioritization. A true disciple must love Christ so supremely that all other affections pale in comparison. Genuine discipleship is marked by eternal life, entry through the narrow gate, and a personal commitment to Christ above all else.

Jesus’ use of the word “hate” is hyperbolic, meant to underscore the level of devotion He requires. He is not advocating animosity or neglect of family but emphasizing that loyalty to Him must come before even the closest human relationships. In a world where family often holds the highest place in one’s life, Jesus calls His followers to place Him at the very center.

Moreover, Christ teaches that a disciple must even “hate” his own life (Luke 14:26). This concept involves self-denial—the rejection of selfish desires and ambitions in favor of honoring and obeying Christ. A.W. Pink describes this as “loving and obeying Christ, to honor Christ, and to spend ourselves for Him.” The Apostle Paul echoes this in Galatians 2:20, stating that we are “crucified with Christ,” indicating that self-denial begins at salvation and continues throughout the Christian life.

The second condition for discipleship is a willingness to suffer for Christ. Jesus declares, “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:27). Carrying one’s cross symbolizes a readiness to endure shame, hardship, and sacrifice for the sake of Christ. It is a daily, active commitment to follow Him regardless of the cost.

What does it mean to carry our cross? It may involve:

Shame: Facing rejection or ridicule from the world for following Christ.
Obedience: Choosing God’s will over personal comfort, regardless of circumstance.
Love: Sacrificially loving others, including enemies, as Christ loved us.

James MacDonald describes the life of a true disciple in vivid terms:

“The opposition of loved ones. The reproach of the world. Forsaking family and the comforts of life. Complete dependence on God. Obedience to the Holy Spirit. Proclaiming an unpopular message. A path marked by loneliness. Attacks from religious institutions. Suffering for righteousness’ sake. Slander and shame. Pouring out one’s life for others. Death to self and the world.”

The Apostle Paul expresses a similar sentiment in Philippians 3:8–11:

“More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.”

To come to Jesus is to live as He lived—with purpose, resolve, and unwavering obedience to the Father. Though disciples may suffer outwardly, inwardly they possess an eternal hope. The Apostle Peter writes that Christ left us an example in His suffering:

“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in His mouth. When He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:21–23).

Every true disciple should strive to echo the words of the Apostle Paul at the end of his life: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). For those who may feel unsure about their own commitment in light of these teachings, it is never too late to repent and turn to God. As long as we live, His grace remains available.

June 8, 2025 0

Danger of Assuming Salvation – Luke 14:15-24

Our attention is drawn to Luke 14:15-24, the parable of the great feast or dinner, which is parallel to the parable of the wedding feast in Matthew 22. The parable is a response to a remark made by one of those reclining at the table with Jesus: “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God”. This statement, potentially suggesting that everyone present or all Jews would be saved, prompted Jesus to reveal that many assume they are saved and who is actually saved.

Jesus described a man hosting a big dinner and invited many people. This host is identified as God, holding a great feast representing the kingdom or salvation. The invitation system in that day involved a dual confirmation: an initial oral invitation followed by a second message from a slave when everything was ready. In this parable, the host sent one slave at the dinner hour to say, “Come, for everything is ready now”. This single slave is understood to be the Messiah, Jesus Christ, proclaiming that the kingdom of God is at hand. Salvation is absolutely based on God’s invitation and initiative, originating from God’s predestination and election. God has no obligation to invite anyone, as all deserve eternal punishment.

When the slave delivered the second invitation, those who had been invited and initially accepted, began to make excuses unanimously. The excuses included buying a piece of land and needing to see it, buying five yoke of oxen and needing to try them out, and having just married a wife. These excuses, though some might seem rational or urgent on the surface, are wicked and foolish in rejecting God’s offer for salvation. These excuses are based on man’s total depravity, meaning people are born dead in sin, held captive by a love for sin, suppress the truth, and are hostile toward God. They are driven by the self, prioritizing their ego, selfishness, and self-righteousness over Jesus Christ. Their excuses are also a form of idolatry, placing priorities like possessions (land, oxen representing wealth) above God’s invitation. Furthermore, the excuses are dishonest and based on lies. The married man’s excuse is so brazen it’s almost a joke. People think these excuses make sense because they are blind. Ultimately, the excusers delay or reject because they hate God.

When it comes to salvation, many people have a false sense of security. Like the builders in Thailand, who were confident in their structure despite using substandard materials, leading to collapse during an earthquake and many tragic deaths. Similarly, some people might assume they are saved based on external actions like being born in church, being baptized, serving the church, or even dying in church. Being in the church is different from being in Christ. There are many churchgoers who are “almost Christian”. Those who appear perfect in action and words but lacks the true power of godliness. The almost Christian is genuine, sincere, and passionate in their thoughts and deeds. However, salvation is not about outward form but inward transformation and the power of godliness. Relying on lineage (like having Abraham as a father) or religious practices for salvation is a false assumption.

Upon hearing the excuses, the head of the household became angry. God does not always smile, and His wrath is expressed. The one who does not believe is already judged and will eventually face judgment. While God is angry towards the ones who reject Him, He is gracious to those who are rejected. The master then commanded the slave to go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city and bring in the poor, crippled, blind, and lame. These represent truly repentant people who recognize their need, their inability to save themselves, and humbly seek God’s mercy as beggars, not creditors. The slave reported that the command had been done, “and still there is room”. The master, being gracious and passionate, then commanded the slave to go out into the highways and along the fences and compel them to come in so that the house may be filled. This is God’s passion, showing His true heart for the lost, demonstrated ultimately by the sacrifice of His Son. God stopped at nothing to save the sinners. His grace is abundant, powerful, and available. The sinner must seek it. Even today, God still invites,and the door of salvation remains open.

There is a consequence for rejecting God’s offer of salvation in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The master declared, “None of those men who are invited shall taste of my dinner”. This means exclusion from the dinner, the kingdom meal, which signifies no salvation. Generally speaking, anyone who makes excuses to reject God’s offer will not taste His dinner. This exclusion from the kingdom means being in hell, a place of never-ending suffering. Rejecting Jesus means shutting out the blessing of God.

Salvation is fundamentally God’s work, originating from His invitation and initiative. It can be hindered and rejected by those who make wicked and foolish excuses rooted in total depravity, self, idolatry, and hatred of God. False security based on external religious association is not true salvation. However, salvation is still possible due to God’s grace and passion, extending the invitation to those who recognize their need and humbly repent. When this offer is rejected, it incurs severe accountability and results in exclusion from the kingdom. Believers, having experienced the wonderful gift of salvation, should follow God’s example and continue proclaiming, “there is still room”, compelling others to come to Christ.

June 1, 2025 0

Kingdom Economy: The Value of Humility – Luke 14:12-14

Christians are called to be citizens of God’s kingdom, defined by a lifestyle rooted in love and humility. These kingdom values shape not only individual character but also the communal and eternal economy described in Scripture. The passage for today centers on the “kingdom economy,” particularly emphasizing the cost and reward associated with humility. While God, in His sovereignty, is not indebted to humanity, there is one notable exception: He promises to reward believers at the resurrection of the righteous. This divine “repayment” implies a moral and spiritual exchange rooted in grace, not obligation.

True blessing, as understood in the Christian context, is not merely earthly happiness, but spiritual fulfillment that stems from God. Though people often pursue happiness through worldly means, Scripture asserts that blessing is unattainable apart from addressing the problem of sin. In the New Testament, Jesus outlines the path to blessing in the Beatitudes, where He states, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). This reflects the paradox of kingdom life—those who recognize their spiritual poverty are the ones who inherit the riches of God’s kingdom.

Timing is crucial in understanding the promise of reward. The repayment occurs at the “resurrection of the righteous,” a time when God will evaluate the lives of believers. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:10, “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” The Greek term for “judgment seat” is bema, which historically referred not to a place of punishment but to a platform where rewards were distributed. Jesus uses this concept to teach that believers will be judged not to be condemned, but to be rewarded based on their faithful service.

Significantly, those who will receive this divine repayment are described as people who extend hospitality and compassion to society’s marginalized. This is shown in the parable of the Great Banquet that Jesus speaks to, where true generosity is shown not by inviting the wealthy or influential, but by welcoming “the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind” (Luke 14:13). In contrast, hospitality extended only to the socially elite reflects a transactional culture—one of self-interest, not kingdom values. Jesus critiques this mindset, noting that if one loves only those who reciprocate, “what reward do you have?” (Matthew 5:46). Such actions, while socially accepted, do not merit divine repayment because they are not grounded in agape—the selfless, unconditional love of God.

So, when does God “owe” anything to His people? Only when they live out agape love. Those who embody this divine love toward others—especially the vulnerable and overlooked—reflect the heart of Christ and participate in the values of the kingdom. Jesus modeled this love by humbly serving and caring for sinners and the spiritually needy (Matthew 15:31), ultimately offering His life in obedience to the Father’s will. For His loving humility, Jesus was exalted by God (Philippians 2:9–11), providing the ultimate example of the reward awaiting those who follow Him in love and humility.

Furthermore, genuine hospitality in the kingdom of God is distinguished by its sacrificial and inclusive nature. It does not consist merely of providing resources or performing community service. Rather, it involves extending personal invitations, forging relationships, and offering love to strangers. Kingdom hospitality arises from a heart transformed by Christ and reflects an eternal perspective—one that values treasures in heaven above rewards on earth (Matthew 6:20–21).

How can believers sustain this kind of life? Through humility. Love, according to Scripture, “does not seek its own” (1 Corinthians 13:5). As Tim Challies writes, “Love is impossible without humility. If I want to excel at love, I first need to learn to be humble.” Andrew Murray adds that true humility is only proven in our relationships with others, as we learn to forsake self and allow God to be all. The ultimate display of divine love and humility was Christ’s sacrifice for us “while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8).

As God’s people, we are invited to see His kingdom by faith and to live according to its values now, with eternity in mind. Those who understand the kingdom economy—where humility and love hold ultimate worth—must live accordingly. The reward awaiting believers in heaven will reflect the depth of their love and humility on earth. Therefore, the Christian life is not merely about right belief but about embodying the heart of Christ: loving others through humility, serving without expectation, and investing in the eternal.

May 25, 2025 0

Humble Yourself – Luke 14:7-11

The context for our parable today is the kingdom of God. Jesus has been teaching and revealing who He is (the Lord of the Sabbath) and what the kingdom of God is like. Here, Jesus teaches that entering the kingdom of God requires humility. Humility is not a simple or easy subject, yet it is significant. Without humility, Christians cannot endure to the end of their pilgrimage. Many fall away before the end because they are not humble enough to trust and depend on the Lord. While humility is praised across many religions, true humility requires looking to Jesus Christ himself. We must avoid merely moralizing humility; true humility is interpreted in the context of Jesus Christ.

Conversely, we must understand the profound danger of pride. Pride is described as extraordinarily evil and wicked. It is the “sin of sins.” Pride is clashing with God by attempting to be Him, fight Him, or go over Him. Pride leads to the Lord’s immediate attention. God reacts quickly and fast to pride, unlike many other sins. Proverbs 6:16-17 states that Yahweh hates six things, and chief among them are haughty eyes – pride. Pride involves forgetting our identity as creatures and acting as if we are the Creator. It is full of self, self-righteousness, and self-centeredness, holding an idol of self. The worst form of pride is spiritual pride, hypocrisy without internal transformation or holiness. Pride does not remain neutral; it always leads to consequences. As scripture warns, pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Pride is like standing on bubbles; it wins no glory and no crown.

Jesus illustrates the path of humility and the folly of pride in a parable about a wedding feast. The wedding feast represents the kingdom of God. Those who proudly take the places of honor risk being asked to move to the lowest place in shame. This shame, in the context of the wedding feast being the kingdom, signifies being cast out or destruction, which is hell. Even performing outwardly good actions means nothing before God if they are done with pride. Pride blinds people and keeps every Christian from the narrow gate because it is too tall and too big in both thought and action. They think they are in, but they are cast out. In contrast, the one who takes the last place, who humbles himself, will be invited to move up higher by the host (who is God) and receive honor in the sight of all. This humility in earthly life ultimately points to the glorification of believers in the future. Abraham provides an example by humbly allowing Lot to choose the best land, even though he had every right to choose the land first. Abraham was ultimately recognized and honored by God and became the spiritual father of every believer.

True humility is essential. It is not hiding, self-hatred, weakness, or continuous self-deprecation. These can be outward displays masking inner pride. True humility is characterized by giving up the self and taking a place of perfect nothingness before God. It is sinking down into one’s own nothingness while remaining trustful, patient, and meek, surrendering entirely to Jesus Christ. Humility is regarding others as more important than ourselves, not just looking out for our own interests, but also the interests of others. This makes humility sacrificial. The ultimate example is Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, emptied himself by taking the form of a slave, becoming obedient to the point of death on a cross. (Philippians 2:6-11) Humility means being lost, ruined, and undone, yet victorious in Christ. Humility is the first duty of God’s creatures and the root of every good quality. Without it, grace cannot take root. To believe in Jesus means having the humility of Jesus Christ.

Therefore, how can we live in humility? Firstly, by becoming a genuine Christian. Without humility, one cannot become a Christian. The first act of becoming a Christian involves self-denial, rejecting the self, and accepting the exchange of our self for Christ, who is the substance and source of humility. When Christ lives in you, humility lives in you. Secondly, by frequently visiting the cross of Jesus Christ. When tempted by pride, look at the cross. The cross is the greatest symbol of humility, where pride was crucified and is gone. Fixing our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross, helps us practice internal self-denial and absolute submission to the Father’s will through humility. Putting yourself under the authority of God’s Word is also humility. Trusting in God, especially in difficult circumstances, like giving thanks in all things, is humility.

Living in humility allows God to lift us up in His timing. Humble yourself before the Lord in faith, and He will lift you up. Humility is a sign of our true salvation, the key to true repentance and genuine saving faith. As we learn from Jesus, the embodiment of humility, our own humility can increase. We are invited by God, and by living humbly before Him, we can be called His friend.

May 18, 2025 0

Jesus Heals; Only He Can Satisfy Our Needs – Luke 14:1-6

God is the Creator of all things, and humanity is the pinnacle of His creation, having been made in His image. Yet, ever since the Fall, human beings have sought to fill the void left by the broken relationship with God—a relationship that once existed in the perfection of the Garden of Eden. St. Augustine famously remarked that humanity has a “God-shaped hole” in the heart, which only God Himself can fill. As a result, sinners live in a state of constant restlessness. True peace and deliverance from sin and judgment can only be found in God.

In the biblical passage under consideration, we encounter a man suffering from a condition known as dropsy. While not fatal, this illness left him in desperate need of healing. Upon encountering Jesus, the man received not only physical restoration but also spiritual healing—an inner renewal that surpassed mere bodily relief.

Jesus had been invited to a meal at the house of a Pharisee leader on the Sabbath. The Sabbath held deep religious significance for the Jewish people. However, over time, the religious leaders had burdened God’s simple commandment to rest with numerous additional regulations, transforming it into a legalistic observance that was difficult, if not impossible, to follow. These leaders closely observed Jesus, hoping He would violate their man-made Sabbath laws, thereby providing them grounds for accusation.

Despite having seen Jesus’ works and heard His teachings, the Pharisees and legal experts never asked Him the most vital question: whether He was the promised Messiah and Prophet. They did not seek salvation from Him. This same type of spiritual blindness persists today in what might be called “almost Christians”—those who outwardly appear religious but lack genuine faith. Like the Pharisees, they may lead others astray, appearing pious while lacking the truth and transformation of a real relationship with Christ.

True Christianity is marked by a continual abiding in Christ, as described in John 15:5. Believers are branches connected to the true vine, Jesus, and their lives reflect a commitment to His word and love. Those who truly remain in Him demonstrate their faith through obedience to His commandments (John 15:10). This consistent connection to Christ distinguishes authentic followers from those who merely profess belief without genuine discipleship.

The Pharisees and lawyers, despite their extensive knowledge of the law, lacked sincerity and integrity. Jesus, fully aware of their hearts, exposed their hypocrisy. The text illustrates this when the leaders remain silent in response to Jesus’ questions:

“And Jesus answered and spoke to the scholars of the Law and Pharisees, saying, ‘Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?’” (v. 3)
“And He said to them, ‘Which one of you will have a son or an ox fall into a well, and will not immediately pull him out on a Sabbath day?’ And they could make no reply to this.” (vv. 5–6)

We must ask ourselves whether we are truly honest with God, especially in times of need or uncertainty. Do we earnestly seek His healing and submit to His will, or do we cling to our own desires and understanding? Genuine faith requires surrendering control and aligning our hearts with God’s word and purposes.

Jesus’ confrontation revealed their duplicity, a theme He addressed repeatedly (cf. Luke 13:15). In contrast, we are called to be people of integrity—honest before God so that we may receive His healing and forgiveness.

Spiritual healing comes only through union with Jesus Christ. The man with dropsy serves as an example of approaching Jesus with one’s burdens and trusting in His power to heal. In response to Jesus’ question, the religious leaders remained silent, but Jesus acted: He took the man, healed him, and sent him away (v. 4). In doing so, Jesus revealed His identity—not only as healer, but as omniscient Lord of the Sabbath, the very one who instituted it. By His actions, He demonstrated that true obedience to God’s law is fulfilled in love (Romans 13:10).

Furthermore, the man with dropsy exhibited a longing for something greater than physical healing; he sought the One who is the Bread of Life and the Living Water. Only Christ can satisfy the soul that honestly and humbly seeks Him. With compassion and authority, Jesus restored the man and sent him out—likely to testify about what the Lord had done. Those who genuinely seek salvation are given the opportunity to encounter the compassionate Savior. Jesus’ invitation still stands: “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:29).

May 11, 2025 0

Spiritual Fellowship – Hebrews 3:13

Today, we’re looking at Hebrews 3:13. This passage is very important for the health and maturity of the church. We want knowledge and growth and so we read books but we must understand why we want to grow. The main reason to grow is to serve the church and we want to grow together. Without biblical fellowship, the church isn’t truly growing as a unit or a community.

Think about World War II veterans versus Vietnam veterans. World War II guys came back on ships for 30 days. During that journey, they had time to talk, share, and process the traumatizing experiences together in a community. They reflected on the war and therefore when they came back they could handle normal society better. On the other hand, Vietnam veterans came back quickly by plane, in a day or two. No time to talk, no fellowship. That’s why many struggled with PTSD, drugs, and homelessness. Even in a secular sense, fellowship is very important. Society has many problems because homes are broken and there’s no fellowship. If we want a strong, growing church, we must make a true community based on biblical fellowship.

Hebrews 3:13 says, “But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin”. Fellowship cannot be done alone. We need community, a group doing it together. Even in Genesis 2:18, God said, “It’s not good for the man to be alone”. Man needs fellowship.

The book of Hebrews was written when Jewish believers faced huge persecution and were tempted to return to Judaism to escape. Some were getting ready to fall away, which is apostasy. This happens today too – backsliding, getting away from God, caring less. When we face challenges, feel isolated or forsaken, we might doubt if God is truly there.

The Holy Spirit gives us the solution in verse 13. Biblical fellowship is essential and vital. We cannot grow or mature alone. We need each other. Christian fellowship is the Holy Spirit’s solution to daily challenges. It is God’s wisdom.

True Christian fellowship is not just social activity, like movies, dinner, or funny stories. Our change is internal. Biblical fellowship is about sharing a common life with other believers, a life shared with God the Father and God the Son. It is a relationship, not an activity. It should stimulate us to share experientially. It’s a relationship and partnership with a common goal. Through the Holy Spirit, we have communion with each other.

How do we do this biblical fellowship? The text tells us to encourage one another. Encouragement means giving courage, increasing confidence, inspiring spirit and strength. It is literally “to call alongside,” to get close to someone to give help or aid. It enables a person to meet difficult situations with confidence. It is a command to do habitually and practically, daily. Paul encouraged disciples facing persecution in Acts 14:22, telling them to continue in faith because “through many afflictions we must enter the kingdom of God”. It is more than just saying “be good” or “do nice”.

How do we encourage each other?

Care one another: Consider their pain as yours. We are one body.
Honor each other: Not competing, being happy for others’ success, concerned for their betterment.
Reprove (correct) one another: Sometimes we need to guide them, say something right in truth and love. Humble correction is an external form of prayer. It is counseling, helping someone, not criticizing. We are not perfect and need correction.
Pray for each other: Biblical fellowship includes prayer. Prayer is a great investment. Praying together changes people.
Share God’s word: Christians are centered around God’s word. We share what God has done in our lives through the word.

How can we do this continually? It comes from understanding objective truth. First, we must realize true faith. We must ask if we are true Christians. True fellowship only happens between true believers. Ask yourself if you are dependent on the Spirit, if you are in Christ, if you have fellowship with God. Paul said, “I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. And the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” (Galatians 2:20). For true Christians, Jesus is second to none. We are gaining Christ daily. Only true Christians can have this kind of fellowship.

Second, we must have communion with God. This is personal but very important. It means starting and closing the day with the Lord. Christian life is an all-day affair. Christ and His word must dominate everything we care about. This communion involves meditating on God’s word all the time. Meditating on God’s word is essential for grace and growth. We meditate to find God, our sin, the solution, application, and obedience. As you meditate, prayer naturally follows. It is also about living before God, acting as if always under His eye. At the end of the day, reflect on whether you gained something or bore fruit. Close the day with thankfulness. God’s faithfulness brings peace, hope, and joy.

Why is biblical fellowship so essential? Because we only have today. “As long as it is called today”. Fellowship is not for tomorrow. The Holy Spirit might prompt you to call or text someone to encourage them. Share what God has done. We have many things to share, give, and care for one another. The urgency is to prevent our hearts from being hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Sin is deceitful, like sugar – we know it is harmful, but we love it.

Being alone is a sign of danger, a peril. Anyone alone in scripture tends to commit sin. Look at Peter; he denied Jesus three times when he was alone in the high priest’s room (John 18:16). When you get prideful, thinking you know something, you want to be alone; you talk but do not listen. Biblical fellowship helps balance each other, giving and taking, nourishing and being nourished. Without it, there is no hope for the future.

Biblical fellowship means watching out for someone’s back, helping, pushing, walking together. David sinned when he was alone, but he was restored with Nathan. This is what Christian fellowship is. We are both David and Nathan, needing each other and helping one another in fellowship, so that the church will grow healthy and strong in the Lord.

May 4, 2025 0

What a Precious Salvation – Luke 13:34-35

In today’s text, salvation is shown as the most valuable gift bestowed by God, emphasizing its rarity and significance. Despite being widely offered, Scripture underscores that only a few will ultimately be saved, pointing to the gravity of embracing this divine gift with one’s entire being. The author frames salvation not as a peripheral spiritual idea, but as the sole matter of importance at the time of death, one that determines entry into the eternal kingdom of God.

One of the primary reasons for salvation’s value is its origin in the character of God, who acts out of love, grace, kindness, and compassion. The lament over Jerusalem in verse 34 illustrates how God’s offer of salvation was tragically rejected by the very people He longed to save. Though Jerusalem was chosen by God and honored as the dwelling place of His temple, its history of killing prophets reflects a persistent rejection of His messengers. Still, Jesus’ sorrow over the city signifies God’s deep compassion, and His determination to offer salvation not just to Jerusalem, but to the entire world.

Furthermore, salvation is seen as God’s ongoing mission, demonstrating His persistent effort to reach humanity. The phrase “how often” reveals His tireless pursuit of sinners, highlighting that God never ceases in His redemptive work. Even after Christ’s resurrection, the Spirit continued spreading salvation through the early Church and beyond, ensuring that the gospel would reach generation after generation. This unrelenting divine initiative is what ultimately enables believers to hear, respond to, and accept the message of salvation.

The imagery of God gathering His people like a hen gathers her chicks reveals both His protective nature and His desire to draw humanity into intimate relationship. Salvation is not simply about deliverance from sin, but about being drawn near to God. In doing so, God transforms sinners not only into citizens of His kingdom, but into priests—representatives of His presence and truth in the world. This divine gathering reflects not only justice but a nurturing heart, echoing maternal tenderness found in Scripture.

However, the passage also confronts the tragic reality of human rejection of salvation. Though God offers numerous opportunities for redemption, sinners often resist it, not on intellectual or emotional grounds, but because of a willful preference for sin. According to the author, the human condition, being spiritually dead, naturally gravitates away from God. Thus, the refusal of salvation is not due to God’s failure to offer it, but the sinner’s stubborn desire to remain apart from Him.

The stakes of rejecting salvation are portrayed as ultimate and irreversible. The Bible offers vivid imagery of hell and eternal separation from God, reinforcing the urgency of embracing salvation in this life. Once a soul has passed into eternity without Christ, there remains no further opportunity for redemption. This understanding compels believers to proclaim the gospel boldly, while there is still time for others to respond.

Salvation’s worth is also reflected in the eternal hope it offers believers. In contrast to the despair of judgment, salvation brings a lasting joy rooted in the presence of God. Christ Himself modeled this hope during His suffering, enduring the cross for the joy set before Him. The Christian’s hope, then, is not based on circumstances, but on the future promise of glory, a hope that sustains believers through trials and gives them a vision of heaven even amid life’s darkest moments.

In conclusion, the passage encourages believers to treat salvation with reverence and seriousness, understanding its divine origin, enduring hope, and eternal consequences. It calls for a life marked by “fear and trembling,” not out of dread, but in recognition of the immense gift that salvation is. More than anything else, salvation is presented as the greatest treasure one can possess, both now and forever.

April 27, 2025 0

The Evidence and Impact of Jesus’ Resurrection – Acts 25:18-19

Traditionally, we celebrate two major Christian events every year: Christmas and Easter. Easter is all about Jesus passing over from death to life. While many people believe in these events, there are always those who doubt, attacking Jesus’ birth and especially His resurrection. They try to say it’s just like old myths, like Horus and Isis or the Indian Krishna, who supposedly died and rose.However, when you really look at it with careful consideration, it’s completely different. These myths lack the message of hope that we find in Jesus’ resurrection. And did those mythological figures visit Jerusalem and die there? No! Jesus himself said in Luke 13:33 that a prophet must perish in Jerusalem. The Messiah had to die and be crucified there. These other stories don’t fit that historical reality. And it wasn’t just because people back then were dumb or gullible. These other mythologies weren’t powerful enough to change the world like Jesus’ resurrection. People are drawn to Christ, their lives are changed, and they have hope beyond death because of it.

Jesus’ resurrection is unique. Even within Judaism at the time, resurrection was seen as a group event at the end of the world, not a single Messiah dying and rising. And while Romans believed in a spiritual resurrection, Jesus’ resurrection was bodily. He ate with His disciples, cooked for them and showed Himself for 40 days. It was a physical resurrection. And we believers expect the same for ourselves someday.

Now, look at Apostle Paul in Acts 25:18-19. His Jewish accusers couldn’t bring charges of evil deeds. Instead, it was about disagreements in their own religion and this Jesus, “a dead man whom Paul asserted to be alive”. His core message was “Jesus is risen!”. That’s why he was arrested, that’s why he was going to Rome, and that’s why he would eventually be executed.

What evidence did Apostle Paul have? And how did this resurrection shape his life? These are key questions. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is everything for Christians. If it truly happened, if that tomb was really empty, then it changes everything about how we live and think. Jesus becoming the first fruit is our pattern for future resurrection. Without the resurrection, there is no hope at all.

Imagine if Jesus never rose. The gospel would be empty words, God’s promises unsustainable, our faith useless, and we would still be lost in our sins. As 1 Corinthians 15:14 says, “if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain”. Without the resurrection, we might as well just live for today because tomorrow we die. In fact, without the resurrection, Christians would be the most pathetic people, wasting their lives.

But the resurrection is a divine vindication, affirmation, and validation. Without Easter, the cross means nothing; Jesus’ death would just be another death. So what is the evidence Jesus rose? Some point to the empty tomb and the gospel accounts, which contain historical facts. Paul’s conversion itself is powerful evidence. And the birth of the church on Pentecost is another amazing sign. But for me, the best evidence is the eyewitness accounts. Paul was one of many who saw the risen Lord.

Consider the women at the tomb. At least five women – Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salome, Joanna, and another – saw the risen Lord and talked to Him. In the first century, women’s testimony wasn’t considered trustworthy. Yet, the Bible records their account. This points to its truthfulness. The Gospel of Peter, a later writing, tries to say male Jewish officers were the first witnesses, precisely because they knew women’s accounts weren’t valued. This is why it’s not part of the Bible and not a true gospel.

Richard Bauckham, a great theologian, highlights how these women saw Jesus die, saw where He was laid, saw the empty tomb, saw the rolled-away stone, and saw the angel. Even Bart Ehrman, an agnostic historian, is struck by the consistency in the independent accounts placing Mary Magdalene at the cross and the tomb. He admits it seems likely that the empty tomb tradition is rooted in history.

And Apostle Paul himself? He saw Jesus. In 1 Corinthians 15:8-9, he says he was like one untimely born, even considering himself the least of the apostles because he persecuted the church. He hated Christians, plotted to kill them, including Stephen. But Jesus showed him mercy through the resurrection.

Then there were James, Jesus’ half-brother who was a skeptic, and Peter (Cephas) – they also saw Jesus after His resurrection and became pillars of the early church. Apostle Paul, James, and Peter all have one thing in common: they were martyred for their belief in Jesus’ resurrection. They never recanted, even until death. People die for what they believe is true, but no one dies for a lie. These men willingly faced death for their testimony of the resurrected Christ.

Think about the reaction of the chief priests and Pharisees. They remembered Jesus saying He would rise after three days, and they were afraid His disciples would steal the body and claim resurrection, making the “last deception worse than the first”. If Jesus hadn’t risen, wouldn’t they have just produced His body? The tomb was empty. In the book of Acts, the apostles kept preaching Jesus’ resurrection, and the high priests never refuted it by showing a body.

Chuck Colson explains the truthfulness of the resurrection through the Watergate cover-up which he was a part of. Twelve of the most powerful men couldn’t maintain a lie to protect the President for more than three weeks. How could twelve ordinary men 2,000 years ago consistently maintain a lie about something they knew was false, even to the point of death? They couldn’t have been telling anything but the truth. Apostle Peter even asked to be crucified upside down.

Why? Because the resurrection defeats and destroys sin. Sin brings death, but the resurrection brings life. Because of the resurrection, we are personally transformed. Without it, the cross is meaningless. But the resurrection is a divine victory over sin and death. Even Paul, who was a blasphemer worthy of death, found forgiveness and purpose because of the risen Lord. The resurrection conquered Satan.

Five points on Jesus’ resurrection:

Christ alone saves. No other religious leader has risen from the grave.
It confirms the veracity of God’s Word. The Old Testament prophesied the Messiah’s death and resurrection. Scripture is truth.
The resurrection shows that Jesus is God. When Peter preached on Pentecost, he declared that God had made Jesus both Lord and Christ because He was resurrected.
The true church is built by the risen Lord. Jesus promised, “I will build my church”. He is the head of the church. The church endures because He lives.
The resurrection empowers us to serve the Lord. Paul, by the grace of the risen Lord, was transformed from a persecutor to an apostle who labored tirelessly. Knowing the risen Lord impacts how we serve, reaching out to the lost. Therefore, we should be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing our labor is not in vain.

His resurrection is everything. It’s our foundation and our direction. Like Apostle Paul, we should forget what lies behind and press on toward the goal. At the end of his life, Apostle Paul said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing”. (2 Timothy 4:7-8) His whole life was shaped, driven, and governed by the resurrection. May we all realize that Jesus is truly risen, not just in theory but in practice, impacting us deeply now and giving us hope for the future.

April 20, 2025 0