Tag: bible

Loving the Lost – Luke 15:1-2

Jesus’ deep love for the lost is clearly displayed in Luke 15:1–2. These verses reveal His tender and compassionate heart, particularly toward those who were marginalized by society. He intentionally spent time with sinners and outcasts, sharing meals and offering them dignity and love. Christians today are called to follow His example by developing a genuine concern for the lost. Unfortunately, the modern church often becomes insular—more focused on personal salvation and individual comfort than on reaching others. Priorities such as family, career, and personal convenience often take precedence, which contrasts sharply with the selfless, inclusive love that characterized Jesus’ ministry. As God incarnate, Jesus demonstrated a love that transcended all social barriers, embracing sinners without partiality.

In Luke 15:1–2, we read that “all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to Him.” The inclusion of tax collectors is intentional; they were despised in Jewish society for collaborating with the Roman oppressors and for their notorious corruption. These individuals not only betrayed their fellow Jews but often profited by overcharging taxes and lining their own pockets. Seen as traitors and exploiters, they were considered among the worst kinds of sinners. Yet, it was precisely these individuals who were drawn to Jesus, and it was to them that He offered His presence and teaching.

Jewish cultural texts illustrate the disdain for tax collectors. The Mishna states, “If a tax gatherer entered a house, [all that is within it] becomes unclean… If thieves entered a house, only that part is unclean that was trodden by the feet of the thieves.” This reflects how tax collectors were regarded as even worse than common criminals. Despite this stigma, Jesus did not hesitate to associate with them. His love knew no bounds. He embodied a love rooted in mercy and compassion—one that acknowledged humanity’s brokenness and offered hope. Christians, who have experienced God’s impartial grace, are likewise called to love all sinners without discrimination, remembering their own prior state of spiritual blindness.

Many believers today are reluctant to engage with the lost due to fear, prejudice, or discomfort. The fear of rejection, a tendency to judge, or the reluctance to step outside of one’s comfort zone are common obstacles. However, Scripture calls for a selfless commitment to Christ’s mission. As 1 John 4:18 reminds us, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear.” Overcoming these hesitations involves recalling Jesus’ Great Commission—to go and make disciples of all nations. Every Christian was once lost and came to faith because someone else chose to share the gospel. If our hearts lack love for the lost, we must turn to prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to soften our hearts and lead us in love. As the Spirit indwells every believer, one of the fruits of that Spirit is indeed love.

Jesus’ love for sinners was not passive. He spent time with them so that they would hear the gospel, repent, and believe for the forgiveness of sins. His meals with sinners were not casual social events, nor were they reduced to generic messages of kindness. He boldly preached the truth, calling people to turn from sin and follow Him. The gospel is meant to confront and convict, and while this may offend, it is also the pathway to salvation for those who are called. True love does not withhold truth; rather, it delivers truth with compassion and urgency.

Furthermore, Jesus’ willingness to eat with sinners demonstrated personal involvement in their lives. The fact that these sinners desired to be near Him and share a meal suggests a level of trust and admiration. In Jewish culture, table fellowship implied mutual respect and connection. For a rabbi to dine with the despised was unheard of, making Jesus’ actions profoundly countercultural. His humility gave sinners hope—hope that despite the weight of their past, they could be forgiven and restored. He not only healed bodies but offered salvation to souls, no matter how deep their sin.

R.C. Sproul once reflected, “Isn’t it interesting how Jesus drew sinners to Himself? Yet sinners tend to flee from us. I wonder what they saw in Him that they don’t see in us… Sometimes we think that God has appointed us not to be vessels of grace but to be the policemen of the world.” Jesus was approachable, and people flocked to Him. As followers of Christ, we must ask: how can we live in such a way that sinners are drawn to us to hear the message of hope? Integrity is essential. Chuck Swindoll once said, “Integrity is what you are when no one is looking. It means being deeply honest.” If we live with honesty before God, that same honesty will be evident before others. Christians must not exhibit moral superiority, but humbly recognize that they are saved only by grace. With a clear conscience, consistent prayer, and heartfelt love, believers can effectively point others to the gospel. It is the Holy Spirit who convicts, opens hearts, and brings the sinner to faith.

To truly love the lost requires action. It means intentionally spending time with non-believers, forming meaningful relationships, and identifying real needs. Through authentic friendship and consistent prayer, opportunities arise to share the gospel—not through forced encounters, but through loving witness. Prayer was central to Jesus’ ministry, and it must be central to ours. Soul-winning begins on our knees, and with God, no one is impossible to be saved.

0

The Anatomy of Faith – John 20:24-31

In John 20:24-31, we find the famous story of Thomas after Jesus’s resurrection. Initially, he did not believe the other disciples when they claimed to have seen Jesus risen from the dead. Unless he saw Jesus himself and felt his hands, he would not believe. He needed evidence. Later, Jesus appeared to the disciples again and invited Thomas to touch his hands. Thomas believes and confesses to Jesus, “My Lord and My God”. This message is titled “The Anatomy of Biblical Faith”. Anatomy means examining something carefully to understand its nature and meaning.

We need to know who Thomas is. Thomas, also called Didymus, means ‘twin’. He represents someone who doubts, hence ‘doubting Thomas’ throughout history. His personality is impulsive and emotional, as seen in John 11:16, when he said, “Let us go so that we may die with Him”. But Thomas is also curious, as in John 14:5, when he asked, “Lord, we do not know where You are going; how do we know the way?”. He is also rational, stating, “Unless I see… I will not believe”. Thomas is the first example of evangelism because the other disciples told him they had seen the Lord. Thomas represents all believers in the beginning, as many of us have little faith and doubt. Faith is the initiating issue in our Christian life; without it, we cannot be Christians.

How does faith begin?

The timing of genuine faith is decided by God. God is the kickstarter. Faith is a gift of God. He has to present, give, initiate, start, open it up; then we will believe. When you start believing, it is true and persevering. Our faith may waver, but it eventually gets up again. After eight days, Thomas was with them. This is the day Thomas was saved; until God initiated, Thomas was not a Christian. God calls the sinner. Believers remember who shared the gospel with them; that is God calling them. So, we must continually share the gospel.

What is real faith?

Truth biblical faith is defined with two foundational elements.

The first is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Every Christian’s faith is grounded in Christ’s faith, which is based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The resurrection defeated the final enemy of death. This truth must permeate every aspect of our faith. Jesus was bold to show the resurrection to Thomas. He commanded Thomas: “Bring your finger here and see My hands; and bring your hand here and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing”. Jesus wants to spread His resurrection, for everyone to live by resurrection faith. Jesus picked His resurrection as the specific, best miracle for our faith. Romans 10:9 states, “If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved”. Everything about Jesus, the gospel, and salvation is true because the resurrection is true. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:14, “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching and faith is in vain”. Satan relentlessly tries to distract our hearts from Jesus’s resurrection. Some deny or downplay the resurrection, hindering faith, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:35 and 2 Timothy 2:17-18. This resurrection defines our faith.

Faith is action and obedience. Faith becomes alive when the resurrection takes a central place in our lives. Think about Hebrews 11:36-37, how people endured hardships and became martyrs. Polycarp served Christ for 86 years and wouldn’t blaspheme his King and Savior, because Jesus is the living God. Daniel prayed despite the king’s edict because God is the living God. Paul and Silas prayed and worshiped in jail because Jesus is the living God, the risen Lord. When Jesus’s resurrection is the centerpiece, our faith continually revolves around it.

Second, an essential element in real faith is confessional. Thomas responded to Jesus’s resurrection with a confession: “My Lord and my God”.

  • Lord: This means Jesus is sovereign; He has full and complete control and authority. Jesus alone possesses controlling authority. Jesus’s Lordship is a fact. Genuine faith expresses Jesus’s Lordship in all circumstances. To follow Jesus, you must see Him as Lord. Matthew 19:21-22 shows Jesus’s demand for the young rich ruler to surrender everything. Without Lordship, faith is dead. James 2:26 says, “For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead”. Works are our obedience to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
  • God: This means Jesus is deity; He is the only true God, divine in nature. John 1:1-3 states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”. Philippians 2:6-7 shows He existed in the form of God. Colossians 1:16-17 says all things were created through Him and for Him, and He holds everything together. Nothing happens without His permission. We worship Jesus because He is God. True faith looks like 1 Thessalonians 1:10, “turning to God from idols to serve a living and true God”. Thomas’s confession, “My Lord and my God,” shows Jesus is ‘mine,’ indwelling and operating within. This means trusting the Lord in all circumstances, knowing He is Yahweh. Psalm 23:1-4 exemplifies this: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me”. John 10:11 says Jesus is the good Shepherd who gave His life for you; that’s why He became “my God and my Lord”.

Not all faith is equal.

Not all faith is equal. Jesus evaluated Thomas’s confession and implied a better, blessed faith. He said, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed?”. Jesus didn’t disqualify Thomas’s faith, but there is a better faith: “Blessed are those who did not see and yet believed”. Why is a faith without seeing stronger and blessed? Because seeing does not always mean believing; many people saw Jesus’s countless miracles, even Judas, yet still rejected or denied Him. Believing by seeing is not consistent. Faith is stronger when it’s without seeing. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen”. It’s a deep trust in God’s character and His word, even when the outcome is not immediately apparent. Faith has its own sight. The centurion in Matthew 8:10 had such “great faith”. We believe in the deity of Jesus, which is superior to everything else and will be revealed one day. 1 Peter 1:8-9 says, “Though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls”. How can we have a faith that believes in the most difficult circumstances? Because of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:3 states, “no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit”. The Holy Spirit continually holds onto us as we believe and trust His resurrection and bow to Him as Lord and God.

True Christian faith is not blind.

Lastly, true Christian faith is not blind. Blind faith believes something without requiring or seeking evidence or reason; it is an unquestioning acceptance, even if unreasonable or illogical. Christians do not believe for the sake of believing. We believe because the content is true, not because emotions lead us. There is enough evidence. John 20:30-31 says, “Many other signs Jesus also did in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name”. The evidence shows itself today in the transformed lives of believers. We know how good Jesus is, His word, and His church. The power of God’s word transforms lives; for example, Robert Germaine Thomas, a missionary to Korea, whose Bible became a wallaper and simply by people reading that wallpaper, led to a house becoming the first church in Pyongyang. For Christians, blind faith is impossible because the word of God contains mountains of evidence. Don’t let your Bible get dusty; that’s a huge sin. The word of God is full of evidence to free us from blind faith, leading us to know who Jesus is and proving He surely rose from the dead, becoming God and Lord.

Conclusion

This is what faith is all about. Who’s going to defeat God and Lord? Who’s going to defeat someone who defeated death? He’s mine and He’s yours. Let’s walk by faith, not by sight.

0

Alive in Christ – Romans 8:9-11

In today’s society, identity has become increasingly defined by feelings and appearances rather than by objective truth. This confusion is not limited to gender or race but has also affected how people understand Christianity. Many assume that if someone looks, talks, and behaves like a Christian, then they must be one. This superficial approach resembles the so-called “duck test”—if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck. However, Christianity is not a matter of behavior or outward appearance. It is about life—eternal life that comes from God through faith in Jesus Christ. The true mark of a Christian is not church attendance or moral conduct but whether they have the indwelling life of the Holy Spirit. As John 3:16 emphasizes, eternal life is given to those who believe, not those who merely act the part.

Romans 8 powerfully distinguishes between those who are truly alive in Christ and those who are still spiritually dead. The apostle Paul outlines four contrasts in this passage: being in the flesh versus being in the Spirit, having the Spirit versus not having Him, being dead versus being alive, and belonging to Christ versus not belonging to Him. These contrasts reveal a binary reality: one is either saved or unsaved. There is no in-between. Christianity is not a sliding scale of righteousness or performance; it is a condition of being—either indwelt by the Spirit of God and alive or outside of Him and dead. The presence of the Holy Spirit in a person’s life is the defining evidence of true salvation.

To be “in the Spirit” is far more than a metaphorical statement. It represents an intimate, spiritual union with God. Jesus described this kind of unity in His relationship with the Father, saying, “I am in the Father and the Father is in Me.” This mutual indwelling reflects the deep, mysterious relationship within the Trinity, and Jesus prayed that believers would share in that same union. Being a Christian means more than following teachings; it means being united with the Triune God. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, we have been brought into this divine relationship. We are not merely followers or servants—we are God’s children, adopted and made new through His Spirit.

This union is made possible by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Paul makes it clear: if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Him. This truth dispels common misconceptions that equate emotional religious experiences or speaking in tongues with the presence of the Spirit. Instead, the Spirit’s indwelling marks a change in ownership and identity. We no longer belong to ourselves or to sin but to God. Our bodies become temples of the Holy Spirit, and we are liberated from the law of sin and death. Belonging to God means living under His love, protection, and lordship.

Although our physical bodies are still subject to decay and death due to sin, our spirits have been made alive through the righteousness of Christ. Romans 8:11 assures us that just as God raised Jesus from the dead, He will also give life to our mortal bodies through His Spirit. This resurrection is both spiritual and physical. The new life we have in Christ begins in the spirit, unseen but real. While we may not fully grasp or feel this transformation now, Scripture promises that we will one day see its fullness. Our current struggles and limited understanding do not negate the life we have; rather, they remind us that the best is yet to come.

This new life is accessed and sustained by faith, specifically, faith in Jesus Christ. Many people have faith in various things, but it is not faith itself that saves; it is the object of that faith that matters. Only faith in Christ, the Son of God, has the power to justify and give life. It is not the intensity or size of our faith that brings salvation, but the fact that it is rooted in the right person. Through faith, we are justified, reconciled to God, and indwelt by the Spirit. This grace transforms us from spiritual death to abundant life in Christ, a life that is rich not because of external blessings but because of our union with God.

The Christian life is deeply fulfilling because it is lived in relationship with the Triune God. This life does not depend on wealth, comfort, or worldly success but on knowing and being known by God. Scriptures such as Psalm 84, Ephesians 1, and John 15 highlight the joy, peace, and blessing that come from belonging to God. Our purpose as Christians is to glorify Him, and this purpose infuses even our pain and weakness with meaning. We are called to bear fruit, to grow, and to reflect God’s character in our daily lives. The presence of spiritual fruit—love, joy, peace, and more—is the evidence of our inner transformation. A life that shows no growth is not truly alive. As Paul says in Galatians, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.”

To be alive in Christ means to live with purpose. Our aim is the glory of God in all that we do, whether in hardship or in joy. The life God gives us is not to be hoarded or lived for ourselves. It is to be used in love and service toward God and toward others. The Spirit gives each believer gifts not for personal gain but for the benefit of the body of Christ. Love is the first and defining fruit of the Spirit, and through it we fulfill our calling. As Christians, we are invited to abide daily in Christ, to drink deeply from His grace, and to walk in obedience. This is both our duty and our highest privilege: to live as those who are truly alive, empowered by the Spirit, and committed to the glory of God.

0

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.

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:

  1. 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).
  2. 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).
  3. 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?
  4. 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.

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.

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.

0

The Lord’s Most Heartfelt Plea – Luke 13:6-9

This passage contains a brief but powerful parable—a heartfelt and earnest plea from the Lord for us to bear the fruit of repentance. Through this parable, Jesus is urging us to take heed of His message. He has already warned us that unless we repent, we will all perish. But repentance isn’t just about feeling sorry—it’s about change, a transformation that produces visible fruit. This is the final, serious warning.

To illustrate this, think of the warning issued by the United States to the people of Japan during World War II. They were told of the impending nuclear bomb and urged to evacuate. It was a matter of life and death, and many perished because they didn’t heed the warning. In contrast, the people of Nineveh listened to Jonah’s warning and repented, sparing their lives (Jonah 3:4-5).

Luke 13:6-9 presents a parable with two applications: one for the nation of Israel and one for the individual. The fig tree, common in Israel, symbolizes Israel itself, with the vineyard representing the nation. In the Old Testament, God judges Israel for failing to bear fruit due to sin and idolatry (Isaiah 5:2-3, Hosea 2:12). On an individual level, each sinner is like a fig tree, needing genuine repentance that bears fruit. Repentance without fruit is not true repentance.

Why must repentance bear fruit? Because God has the right to fruit. 

God has the right because everything belongs to God. Everything we have is borrowed from Him, and we are entirely dependent on His provision. Nothing is truly ours, and we cannot act outside of His authority “The earth is Yahweh’s, and everything in it.”(Psalm 24:1-2) Even our very breath belongs to God. “We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out.” (1 Timothy 6:7) We are stewards, not owners. God owns us and created us with a purpose: to repent and bear fruit. As our Creator, He has the right to call us to this purpose. His desire is for all people to be saved, and the means He has set for salvation is through repentance.

God has the right because it’s His moral expectation. “He came seeking fruit on it and did not find any” God planted fig trees so He could have figs. He did not want apples or oranges but figs. From the beginning, bearing fruit was the original plan for Adam and Eve and all mankind (Genesis 1:28, Genesis 9:7). God is the faithful vineyard owner that took great care of the fig trees. This is why he expected to see fruit. Whether little or big, there was an expectation of fruit.

Therefore, bearing fruit is the sign we are in alignment with God and our obedience to Him (Matthew 7:16) It is the evidence of our inner nature. Before conversion we can only bear the fruit of wickedness but after we repent and are converted then we live life according to God’s will even in the face of great adversity and suffering. (Acts 20:23-24) It is what you are on the inside that produces what you have on the outside. A good tree bears good fruit. You cannot lie to your heart. Regarding the necessity to bear fruit, R. C. Sproul said, “We are justified by faith alone but not by a faith that is alone. True faith always manifests itself in the fruits of repentance and good works. Good works don’t justify us but if they’re not there, that’s evidence that there is no real faith.” This is God’s expectation of the trees He plants and cultivates.

To bear fruit, we must repent. However not all repentance is genuine. Here are some signs of fake repentance:

  • Faith without obedience – A faith that does not obey is not true faith. Eventually, it reveals itself as false. Like Esau, false repentance desires God’s blessings but does not seek true transformation through repentance (Hebrews 12:16-17).
  • Seeking Blessings, Not God – Fake repentance is self-centered. It desires God’s favor but not God Himself. It is driven by personal gain rather than a love for God.
  • Habitual or Deliberate Sin – Continuing in deliberate sin without genuine remorse is a sign of an unrepentant heart. True repentance results in a transformed life.
  • Fear in Crisis, But No Lasting Change – Some only “repent” out of fear during a crisis. Like Ahab, who tore his clothes and mourned when God pronounced judgment, but his repentance was shallow and temporary (1 Kings 22:8).
  • Mere Conviction Without Change – Repentance is more than feeling guilty or saying “I’m sorry.” It is not just avoiding a few major sins but a complete turning away from sin and self.

A. W. Pink describes true repentance as a total surrender to God: “In saving repentance, the whole soul turns to Him and says: ‘I have been a disloyal and rebellious creature. I have scorned Thy high authority and most rightful law. I will live no longer thus. I now desire and determine with all my might to serve and obey Thee as my only Lord. I subject myself unto Thee, to submit to Thy will…’”

True repentance:

  • Surrendering Everything to God – Repentance is giving up all that you are and have and accepting what God offers and God is now the central figure in your life. It is turning away from self and turning into God. As a result, every action and circumstance is an opportunity to glorify God.
  • Poor in spirit – Matthew 5:3 says the poor in spirit is true repentance. It is acknowledging there is nothing good in me but completely relying on God
  • A Change in Attitude Towards Sin – True repentance shifts from tolerating sin to hating it because sin offends God. Loving God’s Word and hating sin gives glory to Him (Psalm 119:104).
  • Does not compromise – It is not just being a Christian on Sundays but living for Christ every day, in every area of life.
  • Pursuing Sanctification – The more we realize how terrible sin is, the more we desire a pure heart (Psalm 51:10). True repentance leads to a pursuit of holiness.
  • Continual – We cannot repent or live perfectly, so true repentance is ongoing. It is a daily turning to God, recognizing our constant need for His grace.

Lastly, God has the right to punish those who do not bear fruit. “For three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree without finding any. Cut it down!“ (Luke 13:7) For three years He has given perfect and complete care, waiting patiently for fruit, yet there is none. God asks, “Why does it even use up the ground?” Not only is the unfruitful fig tree useless but they are harmful. They must be cut down because they use the ground that others could use. Bearing fruit is not neutral but detrimental to others. For example, there are those who are churched but not true Christians. Eventually, when they face correction or don’t get what they want, they turn against the church, causing disunity and attacking others. A lack of fruit will eventually reveal itself as a lack of true repentance. This is God’s final warning that He will eventually punish those who do not bear fruit.

Remember repentance is a gift of God. It is God’s litmus test to those who are truly saved or not. True repentance bears fruit.  It is God’s right to expect the fruit of repentance. He has the right because we belong to Him. It is also God’s right to expect the fruit of repentance. He has the right to punish when there is no fruit as He intended and desired. This is Jesus’ earnest plea to us in order to avoid God’s righteous judgement and receive His mercy. Repent.

0

Back to Basics: God’s Word – Psalm 119:105

A new year is an opportunity to start some things over again. People set goals for the coming year by making New Year’s resolutions. The most common resolutions are related to health and being healthy. Ultimately the goal of resolutions is to live a happy life. One question we must ask for the coming year is “How to be driven by the Lord this year?” As the Word of God leads us we will give God glory and gain happiness.

Based on Psalm 119:105, God’s word, the Bible, is the ultimate spiritual guide. The word of God is essential to guide us through this dark and wicked world. 

“Your word” This is not man’s word but Yahweh’s word (Psalm 119:57). God’s word is unshakeable and stands strong in heaven (Psalm 119:89). 

”Your” refers to Yahweh. Who is Yahweh? He is God, the one true and living Creator of all things. He is not merely cosmic energy or a source of positive vibes, but a real, personal God who desires to communicate with His people. Unlike Allah or the concept of karma, Yahweh embodies both mercy and justice. He alone has Jesus, the Son, through whom He offers us mercy we do not deserve while addressing the punishment we do deserve. Forgiveness is found only through Jesus Christ, as Yahweh is the only true God. His righteous and holy nature makes Him completely trustworthy, and we can have full confidence in what He says.

Five reasons God’s Word is a lamp

The Bible is inspired by God or God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16). This means when Scripture speaks God speaks. The Bible was written by men but God is the author. Over 40 authors over hundreds of years, God used men as they were, with their style and in their context to produce divinely authoritative and inerrant writings. Today, we have the complete Bible, the divine revelation of God, which is a great privilege and blessing to us. The doctrine of inspiration results in the following:

  • God’s word is authoritative because God is God who dwells in heaven and has all authority (Isaiah 1:2). Example: God said, “Let there be light” and there was light (Gen 1:3). God’s word has authority over all circumstances and is relevant in every part of our lives (Luke 5:5).
  • God’s word is sufficient. It is enough to save us from hell and all other situations (2 Tim 3:15). There is deliverance in God’s word. Not just for salvation but it is all we need for growth and sanctification.
  • God’s word is inerrant. There is no wrong in any part of the Bible in its original form. “Inerrancy signifies the quality of being free from all falsehood or mistakes and so safeguards the truth that Holy Scripture is entirely true and trustworthy in all its assertions.“ – Chicago Statement. The Bible is not a scientific book or philosophy book but whenever it does speak on those subjects it is accurate. God never lies, therefor the Bible as God’s word never lies
  • God’s word is infallible. This means there are no mistakes or flaws in the Bible. It is without error and will not lead you to any error. Psalm 119:7 explains “The Law of Yahweh is perfect, restoring the soul. The testimony of Yahweh is sure, making wise the simple.“
  • God’s word is effective. Effective means having the power to cause or produce. God’s word bears fruit. This is because God’s word is alive and active accomplishing its purpose in the hearts of men (Hebrews 4:12). The Gospel of Jesus is not just words but the power of God to transform the dead to life (1 Thess 1:5).

If God’s word is the above things to you, and you hold onto the Word of God, then you will be able to navigate the unknowns of the upcoming year. 

“Lamp to my feet and light to my path”

One of the aspects of modern society, since the invention of electricity, is that we have lights everywhere, inside and out. It’s never really dark. King David wrote this psalm in ancient times, long before electricity, when there were no lights in the fields where he shepherded or in the caves he hid while running away from King Saul. In those dark moments, the Word of God is our light. Try driving your car on a dark road without headlights. It is terrifying. Light is so important to see at night. The Word of God shows us the way. When we are anxious or worried, we can find the light of God in His word and trust in Him (Psalm 42:5). God’s word provides hope and strength. 

This world is completely lost in darkness. Jesus is the light but the world did not know Him (John 1:9). The light had come but they couldn’t recognize who Jesus is because they were blind. So they hated the light and eventually murdered Jesus. God’s word is the light that shines on our path. We all walk a different path with different circumstances. Our paths are full of danger, especially since we have chosen to enter through the narrow gate. There are many falsehoods and temptations we encounter every day. So we must rely on God’s word as our light to deal with all the things we face.

We follow Jesus and His word. The Word of God illuminates us and helps us understand (Psalm 1:1-3). We understand that as we avoid the way of the wicked and pursue God’s word, then we will be joyful, content, and strong in God. 

Therefore, we must read. Make this your New Year’s resolution. To know and understand God’s word, first, we must read. 

Happy is the man who possesses a Bible. Happier still is he who reads it! Happiest of all is he who not only reads it but obeys it and makes it the rule of his faith and practice. – J. C. Ryle

If you do not read, then you do not love God. Read the Bible to know God and obey it to love Him. Understand that the Bible will be God’s judgment, and it is dangerous to ignore what it says. So read to know who He is and how to walk the righteous path. The Word of God is free to all and inexhaustible. It has a word for everyone, young and old. I pray we may all read the Bible daily, diligently, and faithfully.

0

Biblical View of God – Luke 12:13-31

We are looking at the topic of greed. It is easy to talk about greed as a moral issue. Lots of religions warn against greed. The Catholics include greed in the seven deadly sins that can’t be forgiven. This is wrong. Greed is a serious sin and Jesus talks about the serious consequences of greed, it is a matter of the soul, but we must have a biblical view of greed. It is not merely a moral issue but has to do with our salvation. Christians should learn about and deal with greed from the beginning when they are saved. We exchange our earthly treasures for the riches of salvation in Jesus Christ. Every Christian is not just a receiver but also a giver, which means we are rich and able to give. Greed is one of the accusations against capitalism, that capitalism advocates for greed which is why socialism is gaining popularity in our society today. Socialism is foolish and just another form of greed. We should learn what our Lord has to say about greed. What is greed, how does greed work, and the solution to not being greedy?

Jesus is finishing his teaching on the damning issue of hypocrisy. A man in the crowd comes to Jesus with a family financial issue. Seems strange to ask Jesus to deal with this sort of matter. However, this is a matter of Jewish law (Numbers 27:6-7) and Jesus is “Rabbi”. Jesus responds with a disapproving question, “Man, who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?”. Jesus’ purpose was to redeem people from their sins, not to settle petty disputes. Sometimes we treat God in the same way, like a vending machine for our needs. This is what the prosperity gospel does. Some people love God’s gift more than God himself.

While this question has nothing to do with Jesus’ purpose, Jesus continues to answer. Jesus sees this situation as more than just an argument between brothers. The deeper issue that applies to everyone is greed. Greed has many forms. Jesus says “Be on your guard against every form of greed”. Greed is covetousness, a desire to have more. Greed is desire more and more and never being satisfied, an insatiable desire. Greed is very toxic and you must watch out for all forms. Greed is more about wanting money but can include power, sex, relationships, family, the internet, games, entertainment, knowledge, or whatever. It’s when you obsess over anything, and try to get as much as you can.

Jesus says an important and clarifying point about greed. “for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.” There’s no true life in possessions. True life is the gift of God. Your life is not generated by what you have. Life is what God offers you through forgiveness in Jesus Christ. Only God can give you life and life is faithful to God. When Job lost everything, he understood that his life was from God and for God (Job 1:21-22). When losing everything, real life stands out. With greed, real life is dead. When you have real life, then you won’t be obsessed with your own life but will be sensitive to others and will help others in need (Mark 8:12). Jesus has given so much to you, provides what you need, shows you compassion so there is no reason for the Christian to be greedy. Those who have real life are satisfied with God alone (Matthew 4:4). If you are not satisfied with God then you are greedy. They doubt God and His word. They want something more outside of God. Instead, God should be our most precious and wonderful possession. We worship God instead of worshipping possessions.

Jesus begins a parable about a rich man. Being rich is not a sin. There are many rich and faithful people in the Bible. That’s because being rich comes from God. This man became rich because the land was very productive. This implies that his riches came from God because God made the land productive. That leads to the first problem, which is that the man was not thankful to God. God is the cause of this man’s wealth, yet the man did not give thanks to God. So we should learn to be thankful to God in all circumstances.

Secondly, this man is full of self. This man asked himself, “What should I do?”. He is only concerned about himself, his problem, and his plans. Jesus on the other hand, as he got closer to the cross, was more and more concerned about his disciples and showed His love for them to the end. For the rich there was no room or concern for others but only for himself. Jesus says we should deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. So this man makes a plan. Plans are not bad, they are wise. But plans made without God are foolish and will not stand. You must realize that your life is part of a larger story of God’s plan. Plans are God, but make plans by God, with God, to God, and for God.

Self also builds a false sense of security. The man says to himself, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry.” This security is built on sand. It is not real and does not last. “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days happen and the years draw near in which you will say, “I have no delight in them”;”(Ecclesiastes 12:1) So remember the Lord Jesus Christ and put your trust in Him and not your possessions.

“But God said to him, ‘You fool….”. God seemed distant to this man but was actually always there. He rebukes this man and calls him a fool. A fool is an unbeliever. The fool is wicked and says in his heart there is no God. “What fools are they who, for a drop of pleasure, drink a sea of wrath.” – Thomas Watson. The rich man is a fool to think he will enjoy all his riches and live out the rest of his days being merry. He was greedy and acted with God. The greedy forget and deny God and His generosity. God is the most generous, even giving His only Son, loving and saving the sinner. The greedy fool rejects God’s love and chooses to perish.

“Now who will own what you prepared?” This is the judgment against the greedy. What you have will be given to others. So do not store up treasures for yourself but be rich towards God(Luke 12:21). The treasures you store up will not last (Matthew 6:19-20). Think about what you store for yourself, whether it is money or time. Do you spend your time and effort on the Lord or on yourself? So be rich towards God, serve God as your master, and live as a pilgrim on this earth (Matthew 6:24). Remember that what we have we do not own, but we are stewards. Also giving is better than receiving. Jesus gave to us even unto death. We give up everything because it is all rubbish but we gain Christ (Philippians 3:8). We give, not because we have an abundance, but because we know God provides what we need (Philippians 4:19). Christians are givers. We should not be greedy but always be giving. “Giving is true having. We are receiving from the Lord through our blessed giving.” – Charles Spurgeon

0

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑