The Pathways to Encountering God

February 25, 2026 Reflexions

The Pathways to Encountering God: Lessons from King Asa

Introduction

A. The Power of Godly Leadership The influence of a single godly leader can ignite profound spiritual reform within an entire nation. King Asa of Judah stands as a timeless example of how one man’s commitment to righteousness can redirect the heart of a people toward their Creator.

B. The Purpose of Peace When God grants rest from external conflicts, it is not an invitation to spiritual laziness. Rather, the peace God provides is a strategic season intended for building, prospering, and strengthening our spiritual foundations.

C. Divine Power Over Human Might The history of Judah reveals a fundamental truth: true victories are never achieved through human strength alone, but through the intervention of the Almighty.

D. The Promise of the Seeker Scripture establishes a clear, unbreakable principle: anyone who sincerely seeks God will find Him. 📖 2 Chronicles 15:2 — "The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you."

E. Four Pathways to Encountering God Based on the life of Asa in 2 Chronicles 14 and 15, we will examine four essential paths to finding God:

1. Abandoning Idolatry.

2. Enjoying the Peace He provides.

3. Trusting Him for the Victory.

4. Seeking Him with all your heart.

I. Abandoning Idolatry

(2 Chronicles 14:1–5)

A. Integrity in the Eyes of God

The Bible records that Asa did what was "good and right" in the eyes of the Lord (14:2). Unlike kings who compromised, Asa’s heart was fully devoted to Jehovah (1 Kings 15:11-14).

• Doctrinal Principle: God demands uprightness and active obedience, not just religious sentiment (Deuteronomy 6:18; Romans 12:9).

B. The Necessity of Tearing Down

Asa did not merely add God to his life; he removed everything that competed with God. He smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles (14:3).

• Biblical Context: History shows that destroying idols is never "popular." From Paul in Athens (Acts 17) to the riot in Ephesus (Acts 19), the world clings to its idols.

• Application: Before we can build a spiritual temple, we must clear the ground. We must identify and destroy the "altars" of pride, greed, or secret sins that occupy the space intended for God.

C. The Mandate to Seek

Asa did not leave the people in a vacuum. He commanded Judah to seek the Lord and obey His laws (14:4).

• Doctrinal Emphasis: Seeking God is a recurrent biblical command (Psalm 105:4; Matthew 6:33). It involves knowing His will through the Word and submitting to His revelation.

II. Enjoying the Peace That God Provides

(2 Chronicles 14:6–8)

A. Rest as a Reward of Obedience

After the removal of idolatry, the land had rest (14:6). In a violent, war-torn era, ten years of peace was nothing short of a divine miracle.

B. Peace for the Purpose of Edification

Asa did not waste the "quiet years." He used the time to build fortified cities and organize his people (14:7).

• Spiritual Principle: God’s peace is not passivity; it is an opportunity for growth.

• Philippians 4:7: This peace acts as a "guard" for our hearts and minds, allowing us to focus on the things of the Spirit.

C. True Prosperity

The world’s prosperity is fleeting and often leads to envy (Psalm 37:7-9). However, the prosperity of the righteous is a gift from God. As seen in the life of Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:5), as long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success. Conversely, transgression halts the flow of blessing (2 Chronicles 24:20).

III. Obtaining Victory Through God

(2 Chronicles 14:9–15)

A. The Trial Following the Peace

Suddenly, the peace was shattered. Zerah the Cushite marched against Judah with an army of one million men—the largest recorded in the Bible. Often, a season of great blessing is followed by a season of great testing.

B. The Correct Reaction: Prayer

Facing a 2-to-1 disadvantage, Asa did not count his chariots; he called upon his God. His prayer in 14:11 is a masterpiece of faith:

• Short and Precise: He went straight to the throne.

• Dependent: "Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty."

• Confident: He asked God to act for the sake of His name.

• Scriptural Truth: One can chase a thousand when God fights the battle (Joshua 23:10). We are invited to approach the throne of grace with that same boldness (Hebrews 4:16).

C. The Victory was the Lord’s

God struck the Cushites, and they fled (14:12).

• Doctrinal Emphasis: God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). When we pray according to His will, He hears us, and the victory is complete (1 John 5:14-15).

IV. Seeking God with All Your Heart

(2 Chronicles 15:1–19)

A. The Prophetic Call

Through the prophet Azariah, God gave Asa a conditional promise: "The Lord is with you when you are with him." * The Sovereign Response: God responds to our proximity. If we draw near to Him, He draws near to us. If we abandon Him, He respects our choice and withdraws His manifest presence (Jeremiah 29:13).

B. The Covenant of the Heart

Asa and the people did not just make a "resolution"; they entered into a Covenant to seek the Lord with all their heart and soul (15:11-12).

• The Great Commandment: This mirrors Jesus' command in Matthew 22:37 to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. It is a total, all-consuming devotion.

C. The Result of the Search

When they sought Him eagerly, He was found by them (15:15). This search brought more than just the absence of war; it brought deep peace, joy, and security.

• Doctrinal Principle: Superficial seeking yields no results. But the sincere heart—the heart that comes without masks—will always find the open arms of the Father (Hebrews 10:22).

Conclusion

The life of Asa teaches us that finding God is not an accident; it is the result of a deliberate journey.

1. We must abandon our idols.

2. We must steward the peace He gives.

3. We must pray with total dependence during the storm.

4. We must commit our entire being to the search.

God is not hiding. He is waiting to be found. Are you ready to clear the path today?

How To Be a New Man in Christ

February 25, 2026 Reflexions

The New Man in Christ: A Transformation of Heart and Habit

Introduction

A. The Reality of Conversion The "New Man" in Christ is not the result of a New Year's resolution or a superficial self-help program. It is the miraculous result of a true conversion—an internal transformation operated by the Holy Spirit. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, "If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

B. A Shift in Focus The Christian life cannot remain tethered to the graveyard of earthly passions. We are called to a higher plane. Holiness is not merely an option; it is our destination.

C. The Apostolic Blueprint In Colossians 3:1-15, the Apostle Paul provides a vivid "before and after" picture. He outlines two monumental responsibilities for every believer:

1. What we must seek: Our new spiritual orientation.

2. What we must shed: The removal of the "old clothes" of sin.

I. The New Man Seeks the Things Above

(Colossians 3:1–4)

A. A Resurrected Condition

Paul begins with a conditional statement: "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ..." (v. 1).

• This spiritual resurrection is symbolized and sealed in baptism. In Romans 6:3-4, Paul explains that we were buried with Him through baptism into death so that we might walk in "newness of life."

• Doctrinal Point: Baptism is not a hollow ritual; it marks the funeral of the old self and the birth of the new. If we have truly "risen," it must be visible in our daily conduct.

B. A New Orientation

We are commanded to "set your minds on things above, not on earthly things" (v. 2).

• The Temporal vs. The Eternal: Earthly things are passing away (1 John 2:15-17) and are inherently insecure (Matthew 6:19-20).

• The Hidden Life: Our real life is now "hidden with Christ in God" (v. 3). Like a seed buried in the soil, the world may not see the full glory of the believer yet, but our source of life is secure in the heavenly places.

C. A Glorious Hope

The motivation for this upward focus is the return of our King. When Christ is manifested, we will share in His glory (v. 4). The New Man lives in a state of active expectation, looking past the horizon of this world toward the coming Kingdom.

II. The New Man Put to Death the Earthly Nature

(Colossians 3:5–7)

Seeking "things above" is impossible if we are still embracing the rot of "things below." Paul uses violent language here: "Put to death" (Mortify).

A. The Execution List (v. 5)

1. Sexual Immorality (Fornication): Any sexual activity outside the covenant of marriage.

2. Impurity: Moral uncleanness in thought and speech.

3. Lust and Evil Desires: Uncontrolled passions for that which is forbidden.

4. Greed (Avarice): Paul defines this as idolatry. It is the act of trusting in material gain more than in God.

B. A Solemn Warning (v. 6)

We must not play with sin, for "the wrath of God is coming" upon the disobedient. Scripture is clear: it is a "dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Hebrews 10:31).

C. Things of the Past (v. 7)

Paul reminds the Colossians that these sins were part of their former life. They are "dirty laundry" that should produce shame (Romans 6:21) and should not even be named among the saints (Ephesians 5:12).

III. The New Man Put on the Character of Christ

(Colossians 3:8–15)

The Christian life is not just about "taking off"; it is about "putting on." We do not remain naked; we clothe ourselves with the virtues of our Savior.

A. Descarding the Old Rags (vv. 8–9)

We must cast aside: Anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language. We must also stop lying to one another, for the "Old Man" thrived on deception, but the "New Man" dwells in the truth.

B. The New Wardrobe (vv. 10–12)

We are being renewed in the image of our Creator. In this new humanity, there is no room for racial or social prejudice (v. 11); Christ is all and in all. As God’s chosen, holy, and dearly loved people, we put on:

• Tender Compassion: Like the Good Samaritan who saw a need and acted.

• Kindness: Active, useful goodness toward others.

• Humility: The honest recognition that we are nothing without Christ.

• Gentleness: Strength under control; power tempered by love.

• Patience (Longsuffering): The ability to endure difficult people and situations without retaliation.

C. Restored Relationships (v. 13)

The New Man is a person of peace. We are called to "bear with each other" and "forgive one another." The standard is high: Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Failure to forgive is a sign that one has not truly grasped the New Life (Matthew 6:14-15).

D. The Supreme Virtue (vv. 14–15)

Above all these virtues, we put on Love, which binds everything together in perfect unity.

• The Peace of Christ: This peace must act as an "umpire" in our hearts, making the final call in our conflicts.

• Thankfulness: Regardless of the storm, the New Man is characterized by a heart of gratitude.

Conclusion

If we claim to have "resurrected with Christ," the proof must be in the "walking."

• Are you still wearing the tattered, filthy rags of your old life?

• Is your mind fixed on the dust of the earth or the glory of the throne?

Conversion is not a finish line; it is a starting blocks. Today, let us determine to put to death what is earthly and clothe ourselves in the beautiful, holy character of Jesus Christ.

What was the role of Mary in the Bible?

February 25, 2026 Reflexions

Mary: A Faithful Servant and Recipient of Grace

Introduction

A. The Angelic Greeting Over two thousand years ago, in the humble town of Nazareth, a young woman’s life was forever changed by a divine encounter. The angel Gabriel appeared to her with an extraordinary greeting: 📖 Luke 1:28 — "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."

B. The Historical Dilemma Throughout church history, two extreme views regarding Mary have emerged:

1. Exaltation: Some elevate her to a level nearly equal to Christ, attributing to her roles like "Co-Redemptrix" or "Mediatrix."

2. Dismissal: Others, in reaction to the first extreme, minimize her role and fail to give her the respect due to a woman of such profound faith.

C. The Biblical Balance Both extremes are incorrect. The Holy Scriptures provide a clear, balanced portrait: Mary was an essential instrument in God’s plan of redemption, a model of piety, and the mother of our Lord according to the flesh—but she was never intended to be an object of worship.

I. A Chosen Woman, but Subject to the Human Condition

While Mary was uniquely selected by God, the Bible maintains the consistency of human nature regarding her person.

A. The Universality of Sin Romans 5:12 — "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned." As a descendant of Adam, Mary shared in the fallen condition of humanity. She was a daughter of the Fall who, like all of us, required the grace of God.

B. The Human Perception of Joseph Mateo 1:18-20 When Joseph discovered Mary was pregnant, his first thought was to divorce her quietly. This indicates that there was no "visible halo" or supernatural perfection that made her pregnancy self-explanatory. She lived a real, human life subject to human misunderstanding.

C. Her Own Surprise Luke 1:29, 38 Mary was "greatly troubled" by the angel’s words. She did not expect a special mission. Her response, "I am the Lord’s servant," demonstrates her humility, not an inherent divinity.

Doctrinal Principle: Mary was a faithful and godly woman, but she remained human—a recipient of grace, not the source of it.

II. Favored Among Women, Not Above Them

The Bible uses specific language to describe Mary’s privilege, which must be understood through the lens of original Greek and context.

A. "Highly Favored" (Charitoo) The Greek term used in Luke 1:28 is related to the word for "grace." It indicates that she was "endowed with grace" or "the object of grace." Just as believers are "accepted in the Beloved" (Ephesians 1:6), Mary was a recipient of God's unmerited favor.

B. Blessed Among Generations 📖 Luke 1:48 — "From now on all generations will call me blessed." We rightfully call her "blessed" because of her unique privilege: being the Theotokos (the God-bearer) in the mystery of the Incarnation.

C. The Foundation of True Blessedness Jesus provided a crucial clarification on what makes someone truly "blessed" in God's eyes:

• Luke 11:27-28: When a woman shouted, "Blessed is the mother who gave you birth," Jesus replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."

• Matthew 12:47-50: Jesus taught that anyone who does the will of the Father is His "brother and sister and mother."

Doctrinal Principle: Jesus did not dishonor His mother, but He taught that spiritual greatness is found in obedience to God’s Word—a path available to every believer.

III. The New Testament Focus: Christ, Not Mary

One of the strongest arguments for the biblical role of Mary is the "divine silence" found in the later books of the New Testament.

A. Limited Presence After the birth narratives, Mary appears only a few times:

• The Wedding at Cana: Where she tells the servants, "Do whatever he tells you" (John 2:5).

• The Cross: Where Jesus entrusts her to the care of the Apostle John (John 19:27).

• Upper Room: She is seen praying with the 120 disciples before Pentecost (Acts 1:14).

B. The Apostolic Silence It is telling that in all the Epistles of Paul, Peter, and James, Mary is never mentioned by name. Even John, who lived with her and cared for her, does not exalt her in his three letters or the book of Revelation.

• Doctrinal Principle: The focus of the Apostles was the Exalted Christ. Worship (latria) belongs solely to God. Matthew 4:10 — "Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only."

IV. Mary Required a Savior

The most definitive proof that Mary was a redeemed sinner like the rest of the church comes from her own lips in the Magnificat.

A. Her Personal Testimony Luke 1:46-47 — "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." The very fact that Mary calls God "my Savior" is a confession of her need for redemption. One does not need a "Savior" unless one is lost or subject to the consequences of sin.

B. The Necessity of the Mediator The doctrine of salvation teaches that there is a vast gulf between God and man that only one Person can bridge. 1 Timothy 2:5 — "For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus." Mary was the mother of the Savior according to His humanity, but she was saved by Him according to His divinity.

Conclusion

What was Mary's role in the Bible?

1. She was a Chosen Vessel used by God to bring the Messiah into the world.

2. She was a Model of Obedience and humility for all believers.

3. She was a Saved Sinner who recognized her own need for Christ.

We honor Mary best when we follow her own advice given at Cana: "Do whatever He tells you." She does not point us to herself; she points us to her Son, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

How to Help Our Children Face Life's Crises

February 25, 2026 Reflexions

Anchored in the Storm: How to Help Our Children Face Life's Crises

Introduction

A. The Sacred Duty of Parenthood Raising children in the modern era is a task that demands more than just providing food and shelter. It requires profound care, boundless patience, consistent effort, and a sacrificial love that mirrors the heart of God.

B. Children as a Divine Heritage We must begin by recognizing the true value of our children. They are not burdens, nor are they merely biological successors; they are a gift from the Almighty. Psalm 127:3 — "Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him."

C. The Mandate of Discipline and Instruction While the world offers various philosophies on child-rearing, the believer is called to a higher standard. We are commanded to raise them according to the blueprints of Heaven. Ephesians 6:4 — "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."

We live in an age of moral, spiritual, and familial crisis. To protect our children, we cannot simply shelter them from the wind; we must build them into houses founded upon the Rock so that when the storms come, they remain standing.

I. Navigating Spiritual Crises

The most devastating crisis a child can face is the loss of spiritual direction. Without a compass, they are at the mercy of every wind of doctrine.

A. Prioritizing the Eternal over the Temporal Many parents are consumed with their children’s academic success or athletic achievements but neglect their souls. Jesus asked a piercing question: "What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?" (Matthew 16:26).

B. Diligent Instruction in the Home Deuteronomy 6:7 — "Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." The formation of a child’s faith is not the exclusive responsibility of the Sunday School teacher or the Youth Pastor. It is the primary responsibility of the parents. Faith is caught as much as it is taught.

C. Planting the Fear of the Lord Psalm 34:11 — "Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord." The "fear of the Lord" is not a cowering terror, but a profound reverence that leads to wisdom and acts as a shield against the temptations of the world.

D. Preventing a "Forgotten Generation" History warns us in Judges 2:10 of a generation that "knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel." We must constantly transmit the works of God to the next generation (Psalm 78:4-8) so they do not lose their identity.

Doctrinal Principle: Faith is transmitted through both explicit instruction and a consistent, lived example.

II. Facing Existential Crises

Our children are bombarded by a "identity market" that offers confusion regarding purpose, gender, and values.

A. Proactive Protection Proverbs 22:6 — "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." Guidance must begin early. By the time a child is in the midst of a crisis, the foundation should already be laid.

B. The Truth as an Anchor When teenagers ask, "Who am I?" or "Does my life matter?", we must point them to the only objective reality. John 17:17 — "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." In a world of "subjective truths," the Bible provides the absolute anchor of identity: they are created in the image of God and redeemed by the blood of Christ.

III. Healing Emotional Crises

Internal wounds—such as rejection, academic failure, or heartbreak—can be just as paralyzing as external threats.

A. Modeling Divine Compassion Psalm 103:13-14 — "As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed..." Parents must be a safe harbor. If we are only harsh judges, our children will seek comfort in destructive places.

B. The Power of Restoration The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:21-24) is the ultimate blueprint for emotional crisis management. The father’s love was not contingent on the son’s perfection. When the son failed, the father reacted with compassion and restoration, not "I told you so."

C. Accessibility and Tenderness 1 Thessalonians 2:7 — "Instead, we were like young children among you, just as a nursing mother cares for her children." Tenderness builds a bridge of trust. During sensitive stages like adolescence or vocational decisions, parents should orient and guide rather than ridicule or dismiss.

IV. Overcoming Social Crises

Human beings are social creatures, and the "crowd" exerts a massive influence on a child’s development.

A. The Art of Listening Effective help begins with listening. We cannot solve a crisis we do not understand. Dedicating time to conversation is a spiritual investment.

B. Strengthening Bonds Through Shared Service Philippians 2:22 — "But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel." Working together for the Kingdom strengthens the bond between parents and children, giving them a sense of belonging and mission.

C. Guarding the Circle of Influence 1 Corinthians 15:33 — "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" We must teach our children to choose friends who sharpen them rather than those who dull their spiritual edge. Isolation is often the precursor to depression; therefore, fostering healthy, godly community is vital.

How to Help Our Children Face Life's Crises

See Also

Conclusion

How do we help our children face the crises of this world?

1. By securing their Spiritual Foundation through the Word.

2. By providing an Existential Anchor in Biblical truth.

3. By offering Emotional Restoration through Christ-like compassion.

4. By fostering Social Communion that strengthens their character.

Our goal is not to produce children who never face a crisis, but children who, when the crisis comes, know exactly where to turn because they have seen the faithfulness of God modeled in their own homes.

Why Must We Long for Spiritual Things?

February 24, 2026 Reflexions

Why Must We Long for Spiritual Things?

Introduction

A. The Definition of Longing In the Greek New Testament, the word for "longing" or "desiring" is epithumeo. It describes an intense desire, a strong internal impulse that is persistent and driving. It is not a passing wish, but a hunger that moves the soul toward its object.

B. The Misplaced Hunger of the World Most people spend their lives longing for the temporal: a better job, a larger house, a newer vehicle, or financial prosperity. While these things have their place, they are not the ultimate purpose of our existence.

C. The Kingdom Priority The Bible teaches us to direct our deepest desires toward spiritual realities. As Jesus commanded in Matthew 6:33, we must seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. We long for spiritual things because they are the only things that remain and the only things that lead us to eternal life.

Central Question: Why must we long for spiritual things?

I. Because Spiritual Desires Lead Us to Salvation

Longing is the compass of the soul. Where you point your desires, your life will follow.

A. Longing for God's Deliverance

Psalm 119:174 — "I long for your salvation, Lord, and your law is my delight." The Psalmist reveals that his priority was not earthly escape, but divine rescue. When we long for salvation, we find joy in God's Law because we recognize it as the path to Him.

B. Joy in the House of the Lord

Psalm 122:1 — "I rejoiced with those who said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord.'" Spiritual longing produces a natural joy in corporate worship. If there is no desire to congregate with the saints, it is a diagnostic sign that the heart's spiritual fire is fading.

C. Determination in Seeking

Psalm 27:4 — "One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life..." David didn't just "wish" to be near God; he sought it with determination. True spiritual desire is active, not passive.

Doctrinal Principle: Salvation belongs to those who seek God with all their heart, for He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

II. Because Only God Can Satisfy the Human Soul

There is a vacuum in the human heart that the world can never fill.

A. The Thirst of the Deer

Psalm 42:1-2 — "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God." The imagery here is extreme: a deer in a parched land, desperate for life-giving water. We must ask ourselves: Are we thirsty for God, or have we allowed ourselves to be "filled" with the junk food of the world?

B. Christ, the Living Water

Juan 4:13-14 — Jesus taught the Samaritan woman that physical water only satisfies for a moment, but the water He gives becomes a spring welling up to eternal life. Material things provide temporary distraction; spiritual things provide eternal satisfaction.

C. Diligent Seeking

Psalm 63:1; Isaiah 26:9 — The thirsty soul seeks God "early" and "in the night." It is a 24-hour preoccupation because the soul knows its source of life.

Doctrinal Principle: The human soul was created by God and for God; therefore, nothing else in the universe can truly fill it.

III. Because God’s Word is Our Spiritual Sustenance

Just as the body requires bread, the spirit requires the Truth.

A. Gasping for the Commands

Psalm 119:131 — "I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands." The Psalmist describes himself like a person breathless, desperate to inhale the Word of God.

B. Asimilating the Truth

Ezekiel 2:8; 3:1-3 — God commanded the prophet to actually eat the scroll. This teaches us that the Word must be asimilated and digested into our very being, not just heard with the ears.

C. The Hunger of a Newborn

1 Peter 2:2 — "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation." A healthy baby cries when it is hungry. Do we cry out for the Word of God, or have we lost our appetite due to spiritual sickness?

Doctrinal Principle: Without spiritual food, there is no growth. Those who do not eat the Word remain "infants" in Christ, unable to discern good from evil (Hebrews 5:13-14).

IV. Because Spiritual Desire Produces Service and Maturity

Our internal longings manifest in our external works.

A. An Open Heart to the Truth

Acts 13:7 — Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man, "longed to hear the word of God." His spiritual hunger opened the door for the Gospel to transform his life and his region.

B. The Ambition to Serve

1 Timothy 3:1 — "Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task." God approves when we long to take on spiritual responsibility. This isn't about seeking a title, but about an internal "impulse" to serve the body of Christ.

Doctrinal Principle: Spiritual desires are the evidence of a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit. A heart that longs for God will inevitably long to serve God's people.

V. Because Spiritual Things are Eternal

We must long for what lasts.

2 Corinthians 4:18 — "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

The house you live in will one day crumble. The car you drive will eventually rust. Even the body you inhabit will return to the dust. But your relationship with God, the fruit of the Spirit, and the treasures laid up in heaven are eternal. When we allow material longings to take first place, we fall into idolatry (Colossians 3:5).

Conclusion

Why should we long for spiritual things?

1. Because they are the path to our Salvation.

2. Because they are the only things that Satisfy the soul.

3. Because they are our necessary Sustenance.

4. Because they lead to Service and growth.

5. Because they are Sacred and Eternal.

Is your heart "panting" for God today, or is it gasping for the things of this world? Let us repent of our earthly distractions and ask the Holy Spirit to give us a fresh hunger for the things that truly matter.

How must we walk in a holy manner?

February 24, 2026 Reflexions

Walking in Holiness: A Divine Mandate

Introduction

A. The Call to Holiness The Christian has been summoned to a life of holiness for one primary reason: our God is holy. As 1 Peter 1:15-16 declares, "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"

B. The Mirror of Conduct Our "walk"—how we carry ourselves day by day—is the ultimate proof of our identity. It demonstrates who we truly are and, more importantly, whom we serve.

C. The Biblical Meaning of "Walking" In the language of the New Testament, to "walk" (peripatéō) is a metaphor for a person's lifestyle. It encompasses the entirety of our daily conduct: our habitual actions, the architecture of our thoughts, and the gravity of our decisions.

The question before us today is: How must we walk in a holy manner?

I. Walk in a Manner Worthy of Your Calling

Ephesians 4:1 — "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called."

A. Integrity Between Word and Deed

Paul, writing from a prison cell, does not ask for sympathy but for consistency. A man or woman of God must practice what they preach. Without coherence between our lips and our lives, our testimony loses its power.

B. The Meaning of "Worthy"

The Greek word axiōs refers to a set of scales. It implies "balance" or "equal weight." Our behavior should "weigh" as much as the glorious calling we have received. If the calling is high, the conduct must be high.

C. The Price of the Calling

We were called by the Gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14), a calling made possible only by the precious blood of Christ (Acts 20:28). Because the price paid for us was infinite, our standard of living cannot be mediocre.

D. Landmarks of a Worthy Walk

• With Humility, Gentleness, and Patience: Bearing with one another in love (Eph. 4:2).

• In Newness of Life: Leaving the grave of sin behind (Romans 6:4).

• According to the Spirit: Not governed by fleshly impulses (Romans 8:4).

• By Faith: Guided by God's promises, not just what we see (2 Corinthians 5:7).

• In Good Works: Fulfilling the purpose for which we were created (Efesios 2:10).

Holiness is not a dry theory; it is a daily practice.

II. Do Not Walk as the Gentiles Walk

Ephesians 4:17 — "So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking."

A. A Visible Distinction

The difference between a believer and the world should be as unmistakable as the difference between high noon and midnight.

B. Characteristics of a Godless Walk

When someone walks without God, their life is defined by:

1. Futility of Mind: Empty thoughts that lead nowhere.

2. Darkened Understanding: An inability to perceive spiritual reality.

3. Hardness of Heart: A callousness toward God and conscience (Eph. 4:18-19).

4. Greed and Licentiousness: A never-ending hunger for impurity.

Doctrinal Principle: Holiness requires a moral separation from the sinful system of this world (2 Cor. 6:17). A Christian cannot live as if they have never been transformed.

III. Walk in Love

Ephesians 5:2 — "And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

Christian holiness is not just about what we don't do (separation from evil); it is about what we do (manifesting Christ's love).

• The Supreme Model: We are commanded to love exactly as Christ loved us (John 13:34-35).

• The Divine Tutor: We are "taught by God" to love one another (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10).

• The Permanent Debt: In the Christian life, the only debt we are allowed to keep is the debt of love (Romans 13:8).

• Love Without Hypocrisy: True love is not a feeling or a greeting; it is demonstrated through tangible actions and truth (Romans 12:9; 1 John 3:18).

IV. Walk as Children of Light

Ephesians 5:8 — "For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light."

A. Our Identity in a Dark World

Jesus said, "You are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14-16). We are called to shine like stars in a crooked and depraved generation (Filipenses 2:15-16).

B. The Function of Light

1. It Illuminates: It brings the knowledge of the glory of God (2 Cor. 4:6).

2. It Guides: Like a lamp to our feet (Psalm 119:105).

3. It Reveals: It exposes things for what they truly are (Juan 3:19-20).

If the light does not shine, it fails its only purpose.

V. Walk Not as Fools, but as Wise

Ephesians 5:15-16 — "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity..."

A. The Walk of the Fool

The fool says in his heart, "There is no God" (Psalm 14:1). The biblical fool:

• Spouts folly and rejects discipline (Proverbs 15:2, 5).

• Stirs up strife and conflict (Proverbs 18:6).

B. The Walk of the Wise

The spiritually wise person:

• Redeems the Time: They understand that time is a stewardship and that the days are evil.

• Treasures Knowledge: They seek the Word over opinion (Proverbs 10:14).

• Fears the Lord: They turn away from evil because they respect God (Proverbs 14:16).

Holiness requires spiritual intelligence and constant diligence.

Conclusion

The Bible teaches us that holiness is not an unreachable mystical state reserved for a few. It is the "walk" of every true believer.

• It is a Worthy walk.

• It is a Different walk.

• It is a Loving walk.

• It is a Bright walk.

• It is a Wise walk.

If you claim to be a child of God, your footsteps must tell the same story as your faith. Let us determine today to align our walk with our calling.

Three Terrible and Appalling Things Before God

February 24, 2026 Reflexions

Three Terrible and Appalling Things Before God

Introduction

A. The Divine Proclamation In the book of Jeremiah 5:30-31, God speaks through the prophet to declare that something "appalling and horrible" was taking place in the land of Judah. This was not a minor infraction or a cultural misunderstanding; it was a state of absolute spiritual emergency.

B. The Anatomy of Abomination The Hebrew word for "appalling" (shammah) carries the weight of something that causes one to gasp in horror. It communicates moral rot, spiritual filth, and a state of desolation. It wasn't just an error in judgment; it was a deep-seated spiritual decay.

C. The Triple Corruption God identifies three specific groups that had merged to create this stench in His nostrils:

1. The Prophets who spoke lies.

2. The Priests who ruled by their own authority.

3. The People who loved it that way.

D. The Consequence This collective rebellion provoked the judgment of God. Today, we must analyze these three realities to ensure we do not repeat the "terrible and appalling" mistakes of the past in our modern context.

I. Something Terrible: Prophets Who Prophesy Falsely

Jeremiah 5:31 — "The prophets prophesy lies..."

A. The True Calling of the Prophet

In the Old Testament, the prophet (nabi) was a "mouthpiece." They were called directly by God to speak exactly what was commanded—no more, no less.

• Numbers 12:6: God spoke to them through visions and dreams.

• Deuteronomy 18:18: God promised, "I will put my words in his mouth."

• Doctrinal Principle: The authority of the message depended entirely on its divine origin, not the messenger's charisma.

B. The Gravity of Distortion

Under the Mosaic Law, a false prophet was subject to the death penalty (Deuteronomy 13:1-10; 18:20-22). Why? Because to distort the Word of God is to poison the soul’s only source of life.

C. The Corruption in Jeremiah’s Day

The prophets of that era had become spiritual "yes-men."

• Jeremiah 6:13-14: They cried, "Peace, peace," when there is no peace.

• Micah 3:5, 11: They tailored their messages based on who paid them.

• Isaiah 28:7: They were physically and spiritually intoxicated, reeling while seeing visions. They traded the "burden of the Lord" for the "approval of men."

D. Application for Today

Paul warned Timothy that a time would come when people would "accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires" (2 Timothy 4:3). When a preacher softens the reality of sin or accommodates the message to fit cultural trends, it is appalling to God.

• Doctrinal Emphasis: Preaching must be faithful to the Scripture, regardless of the public's appetite.

II. Something Terrible: Priests Who Rule by Their Own Authority

Jeremiah 5:31 — "...the priests rule by their own authority..."

A. The Divine Design of the Priesthood

God intended for the priests to be the guardians of the Law and the mediators between Himself and His people (Exodus 19:6). They were to lead by the Word, not by their whim.

B. Sacerdotal Corruption

When the leaders stop following the Map (the Word), the travelers get lost.

• Hosea 4:6: "My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge."

• Malachi 2:6-8: The priests, who were supposed to preserve knowledge, caused many to stumble by their instruction. They ruled "by their own hands," meaning they used their positions for personal power rather than divine service.

C. Application for the Church

Today, we believe in the "Priesthood of all Believers" (1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 1:6). Every Christian has a priestly duty to represent Christ.

• A Solemn Question: Are we leading others to Christ by our example, or are we "ruling by our own authority"—living according to our own desires while wearing a religious mask? When spiritual leadership lives in open contradiction to God’s Word, it is "terrible" in His sight.

III. Something Terrible: The People Love It That Way

Jeremiah 5:31 — "...and my people love it this way."

This is perhaps the most alarming part of the text. Corruption in the pulpit is one thing, but a demand for corruption from the pews is a death knell for a nation.

A. The Rejection of Truth

The people of Judah did not want the truth; they wanted comfort.

• Isaiah 30:9-10: They literally said to the prophets, "Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions."

• Nehemiah 9:26: They went so far as to kill the messengers who dared to admonish them.

B. The Danger of Itching Ears

The truth confronts, corrects, and transforms. Lies, however, provide temporary comfort while leading to eternal condemnation.

• Romans 16:18: Many are deceived by "smooth talk and flattery."

• 2 Timothy 4:3: People seek out what their "itching ears" want to hear.

C. The Final Question

Jeremiah ends this section with a devastating question: "But what will you do in the end?"

• John 12:48: The Word that we reject today will be the judge that condemns us on the last day.

• Doctrine of Final Judgment: God will demand an account based on His revealed Word. There will be no excuses for those who chose "pleasant lies" over "painful truths."

Three Terrible and Appalling Things Before God

Conclusion

It was "appalling and horrible" to God because:

1. The Truth was Exchanged for Lies: The prophets betrayed their calling.

2. Authority was Usurped: The priests served themselves instead of God.

3. The Heart was Hardened: The people preferred a comfortable lie to a saving truth.

God is looking for a people who love the truth even when it hurts, and leaders who fear God more than they fear the opinion of the crowd.

Preaching On 1 John 1:7 - What it Means to Walk in the Light

February 23, 2026 Sermons

What it Means to Walk in the Light: A Study on 1 John

Introduction

A. Etymology of the term In the original Greek of the New Testament, the verb for "walk" is peripatō. This word does not simply mean to travel from point A to point B; it refers to one's "conduct," "lifestyle," or "habitual behavior." To walk in the light is to have the very trajectory of your life defined by God’s presence.

B. Reflecting the Source Scripture tells us that "God is light" (1 John 1:5). Therefore, a Christian united to Christ is not a source of light, but a reflector of it. As Jesus commanded in the Sermon on the Mount, we are to let our light shine before others so that they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

C. Context of John’s Epistle The Apostle John wrote this letter to a church facing the threat of early Gnosticism—a philosophy that claimed one could possess secret spiritual "knowledge" while living in habitual sin. John writes to shatter this illusion, proving that spiritual reality is always evidenced by moral conduct.

Proposition: To walk in the light is to live in continuous fellowship with God, obeying His Word, imitating Christ, and practicing the truth.

I. Living in Continuous Fellowship with God

1 John 1:7 — “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”

A. A Continuous Action

The Greek verb peripatōmen ("we walk") is in the present continuous tense. This indicates that walking in the light is not a one-time emotional experience or a momentary flash of piety. It is a persistent, daily habit. John is not describing those who occasionally stumble into the light, but those whose life direction is defined by it.

B. As He is in the Light

God does not merely dwell in light; He is light. As Paul describes in 1 Timothy 6:16, He dwells in "unapproachable light." This light represents God's nature: absolute holiness, crystalline purity, and perfect truth.

• Doctrinal Principle: The holiness of God is the foundational reason for the believer’s call to sanctification. We walk in light because our Father is the Father of Lights.

C. The Two-Fold Blessing

1. Horizontal Fellowship: True Christian unity is impossible without vertical fellowship. When we walk in God's light, we find ourselves walking alongside other believers.

2. Continuous Purification: The text says the blood of Jesus cleanses (present tense) us.

◦ Doctrine of Atonement: While the sacrifice of Christ justified us once and for all, His blood provides a "fountain of cleansing" that remains active as we walk in obedience, dealing with the daily sins we commit.

II. Walking in the Light is Keeping His Commandments

1 John 2:3 — “We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands.”

A. The Evidence of True Knowledge

John argues that the test of "knowing" God is not an intellectual feeling, but an ethical result. Jesus taught, "If you love me, keep my commands" (John 14:15). To claim to know God while living in rebellion is, quite simply, a lie (1 John 2:4).

B. Remaining in God

Obedience is the "glue" of our relationship with the Father (1 John 3:22-24). This obedience produces:

• Confidence in Prayer: When our will aligns with His commands, we pray with boldness.

• Communion with the Spirit: The Holy Spirit dwells comfortably in a heart that seeks to obey (John 14:17, 23).

• Doctrinal Principle: Obedience is not legalism (trying to earn salvation); it is the fruit of regeneration (the evidence that we have been saved).

III. Walking in the Light is Walking as Christ Walked

1 John 2:6 — “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”

A. Imitating the Perfect Model

Jesus is our "Protótypon"—the original pattern. He went about doing good (Acts 10:38) and committed no sin (1 Peter 2:21-22). Peter tells us that Christ left us an example so that we might "follow in his steps."

B. Personal Purity

Walking as He walked requires a commitment to purity.

• 1 John 3:3: We must purify ourselves just as He is pure.

• While Christ was inherently pure, we must actively engage in the purification of our hearts (James 4:8) and souls (1 Peter 1:22).

C. Justice and Sacrificial Love

• Practice Justice: To walk in light is to do what is right in the eyes of God (1 John 3:7).

• Sacrificial Love: Just as Christ laid down His life for us, we must be willing to sacrifice our comforts, time, and even our lives for our brothers and sisters (1 John 3:16; John 15:13).

IV. Walking in the Light is Walking in Truth

2 John 4 — “It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth...”

A. The Joy of Integrity

There is no greater joy for a spiritual leader than to see believers living with integrity. "Walking in truth" means there is no gap between our Sunday profession and our Monday practice.

B. The Regulator of Conduct

The Truth is not a set of suggestions; it is the regulator of our behavior (3 John 3-4).

• Moral Integrity: Honesty in business and speech.

• Consistency: Being the same person in the dark as you are in the light.

• Biblical Submission: Recognizing that Truth is not relative or subjective; it is the revealed Word of God.

• Doctrinal Principle: Truth is not a matter of opinion; it is a divine revelation that demands our total submission.

Preaching On 1 John 1:7 - What it Means to Walk in the Light

See Also

Conclusion

To walk in the light is the highest calling of the human soul. It is more than a religious duty; it is a life of vibrant, active communion with the Creator. It means:

1. Continuous Fellowship with the Holy God.

2. Faithful Obedience to His life-giving commands.

3. Active Imitation of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

4. Absolute Integrity by living according to the Truth.

Are you walking in the light today, or are there corners of your life still hidden in the shadows? The blood of Jesus is ready to cleanse, and His light is ready to guide.

Preaching On James 4:8 Draw Near to God

February 23, 2026 Reflexions

Draw Near to God: The Mandate for Spiritual Intimacy

Introduction

A. The Audience of the Epistle In James 4:8, the Apostle is not primarily addressing the unbelieving world, but rather believers who had allowed their fellowship with God to grow cold. This was not a crowd suffering from doctrinal ignorance, but from spiritual apathy.

B. The Diagnosis of the Heart The problem among these believers was worldliness, a divided heart ("double-mindedness"), and a creeping spiritual chill. They had not lost their knowledge of God, but they had lost their closeness to Him.

C. God’s Gracious Invitation God intensely desires communion with His people. He is not a distant, disinterested deity; He is ready and willing to draw near to us. However, His holiness demands a response of repentance and sincerity from our side.

D. Universal Access Unlike the powerful rulers of this world who require appointments and protocol, God offers free access. Because of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, we can approach the Creator of the universe at any moment (Hebrews 4:16).

Proposition: Drawing near to God is a divine mandate that results in restoration, fellowship, and spiritual victory.

I. Drawing Near to God is a Commandment

A. It is Not Optional

The word "Draw near" (or “Approach”) is in the imperative mood. It is not a suggestion for the "super-spiritual"; it is a divine order. To move away from God is to move toward ruin.

• Psalm 73:27-28: "Those who are far from you will perish... But as for me, it is good to be near God."

• Doctrinal Principle: Communion with God is the "oxygen" of the spiritual life. Without it, the soul begins to suffocate in worldliness.

B. The Manner of Our Approach

Scripture defines exactly how we are to approach the Holy One:

• With Confidence: Not based on our merit, but on the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16).

• With Sincerity: A heart without hypocrisy (Hebrews 10:22).

• With Faith: Believing that He exists and rewards those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

C. The Rejection of Superficiality

God is not impressed by religious performance or lip service.

• James 1:6-8: He rejects the "double-minded" man who tries to keep one foot in the Kingdom and one foot in the world.

• Isaiah 29:13: God warns against those whose hearts are far from Him even while their mouths speak His name.

• Doctrinal Emphasis: God looks past the outward appearance and examines the integrity of the heart.

II. How Can We Draw Near to God?

The Bible provides a clear roadmap for two types of people:

A. For the Unbeliever (Initial Access)

For those outside of Christ, the path to God is through the Gospel response:

1. Hear: Faith comes by hearing the Word (Romans 10:17).

2. Believe: Trusting in the sacrifice of the Son (John 3:16).

3. Repent: Turning away from sin toward God (Acts 2:38).

4. Confess: Acknowledging Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9).

5. Be Baptized: For the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).

B. For the Believer (Restoration of Fellowship)

When a Christian sins, they do not necessarily lose their salvation immediately, but they do lose their communion. The "signal" is blocked by the static of sin.

• 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us..."

• The Process: It requires genuine humbleness, confession, and a "cleansing of the hands" through repentance.

• Doctrinal Principle: Sanctification is a continuous process of staying clean before God to maintain unbroken fellowship.

III. Obstacles to Spiritual Intimacy

James 4:8 identifies the two primary barriers that keep us at a distance from the Almighty.

A. Unconfessed Sin

"Wash your hands... purify your hearts."

• Psalm 24:4-5: Only those with clean hands and a pure heart can stand in His holy place.

• Isaiah 59:1-2: It is not that God’s ear is too dull to hear; it is that our iniquities act as a wall of separation. Sin breaks the flow of intimacy.

B. Double-Mindedness

This is the attempt to live in two worlds. One day we are with God; the next we are chasing the world's values.

• Warning: James 4:4 is blunt—friendship with the world’s system is enmity toward God. You cannot be "near" God while embracing what He hates.

IV. The Results of Drawing Near to God

God’s promise is reciprocal: “And he will draw near to you.”

• 1. Peace: When we are near Him, we receive the peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).

• 2. Exaltation: God lifts up those who humble themselves in His presence. True honor comes after true humility (1 Peter 5:6).

• 3. Victory over Temptation: Many try to fight the devil while living far from God. That is a recipe for defeat.

◦ The Divine Order (James 4:7-8):

1. Submit to God.

2. Draw near to Him.

3. Resist the devil.

4. Then he will flee.

Doctrinal Principle: Spiritual victory is a byproduct of divine proximity.

See Also

Conclusion

Drawing near to God is a command, but it is also the greatest privilege of the human experience. He is waiting for you to take the first step toward Him so that He may take a thousand steps toward you.

Do not allow sin or a divided heart to keep you in the cold. Cleanse your hands, purify your heart, and come back to the Father who loves you.

Preaching On Will of God: The Necessity of Submission

February 23, 2026 Sermons

Why Must We Accept the Will of God?

Introduction

A. The Necessity of Submission In this study, we explore the fundamental call to accept the will of God, regardless of the circumstances. Acceptance is not merely a passive endurance; it is an active, faithful response to His sovereignty, even when His plans seem difficult, painful, or impossible to understand through human logic.

B. The Heritage of Faith Throughout the Holy Scriptures, we find a "cloud of witnesses" who accepted God's will despite suffering, loss, or the threat of death. They did not view their trials as reasons to abandon God; rather, they saw them as opportunities for their faith to be refined and their eternal rewards to be secured.

C. Our Current Conviction Today, we need those same convictions. We live in a world that promotes self-will and personal comfort, yet the Christian is called to a faith that does not negotiate with divine decrees.

Proposition: We must accept the will of God because He is Sovereign, He is Good, and His will is Perfect.

I. Biblical Examples of Submission to the Divine Will

Doctrine is best understood when illustrated by those who lived it. Let us examine the giants of faith who chose God's way over their own.

A. Abraham: Obedience Without Destination

• Genesis 12:1-4; Hebrews 11:8: Abraham was commanded to leave his land, his relatives, and his security. He obeyed and went out, even though he did not know where he was going.

• Doctrinal Teaching: True faith obeys even when the destination is hidden.

B. Job: Acceptance in the Midst of Suffering

• Job 1:21; 2:10: In a single day, Job lost his wealth and his children, and soon after, his health. Yet he declared: "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." He refused to charge God with wrongdoing.

• Doctrinal Teaching: God is sovereign even in our pain. Our trials do not cancel out His goodness.

C. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: Fidelity Unto Death

• Daniel 3:15-18: Facing a fiery furnace, these three men chose the possibility of death over the certainty of idolatry. Their conviction was: "But even if he does not [deliver us], we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods."

• Doctrinal Teaching: The will of God is more precious than the preservation of physical life.

D. Jesucristo: The Supreme Example of Submission

• Matthew 26:38-39; Philippians 2:8: In the Garden of Gethsemane, faced with the weight of the cross, Jesus prayed: "Not as I will, but as you will." * Doctrinal Teaching: Our salvation was only made possible because Christ accepted the Father's will over His own human desire to avoid the cup of suffering.

E. Peter, John, and Stephen: Obedience and Martyrdom

• Acts 4:18-19; 5:29; 7:54-60: The Apostles declared that it is necessary to obey God rather than men. Stephen, the first martyr, accepted a violent death while fixing his eyes on the glory of God.

• Doctrinal Teaching: Accepting God's will may cost us our status or our lives in this world, but it secures our place in the next (Galatians 1:10).

F. Paul: Accepting the "No"

• 2 Corinthians 12:7-9: Paul pleaded three times for his "thorn in the flesh" to be removed. God’s answer was not healing, but a promise: "My grace is sufficient for you." Paul accepted this, boasting in his weakness so that Christ's power might rest on him.

II. What Does it Mean to Accept God's Will Today?

Accepting His will is not just about enduring tragedy; it is about active obedience to His revealed Word in our daily lives.

1. Accepting Divine Discipline: Hebrews 12:5-7 reminds us that discipline is proof that we are God’s children. To resist His correction is to fight against our own spiritual growth (Acts 5:38-39).

2. Sovereignty of the Word: We must receive the Bible not as the words of men, but as the actual Word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Accepting His will means total submission to Scripture.

3. The Living Sacrifice: Romans 12:1 calls us to present our bodies as holy and pleasing to God.

◦ Doctrine of Sanctification: Christianity is not just a belief system; it is a life consecrated to His purposes.

4. The Mandate of Forgiveness: Matthew 6:14-15 makes it clear: to refuse to forgive is to reject the will of God.

5. Intercession and Honoring Family: God wills that we pray for all people (1 Timothy 2:3) and that we honor and care for our parents (1 Timothy 5:4).

6. Accepting Loss for Christ’s Sake: Like the believers in Hebrews 10:34, we should accept the "confiscation of our property" or the loss of worldly gain with joy, knowing we have better and lasting possessions in heaven.

III. Why Must We Accept His Will?

1. Because God is Sovereign: He is the Creator; we are the creation. He has the absolute right to rule.

2. Because His Will is Perfect: Romans 12:2 describes His will as "good, pleasing, and perfect." He sees the end from the beginning; we only see a small part of the picture.

3. Because Resistance is Futile and Harmful: To struggle against His will is to fight against the One who loves us most.

4. Because it Glorifies God: Our submission in the dark proves to the world that God is worth more than our comfort.

5. Because it Brings Eternal Reward: Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

Preaching On Will of God: The Necessity of Submission

See Also

Conclusion

Accepting the will of God is the ultimate evidence of true faith. It is easy to say "Thy will be done" when the sun is shining and the path is easy. But the depth of our discipleship is proven when we can say it through tears, through loss, and through "thorns."

God does not promise that His will will always be easy, but He does promise that His grace will be sufficient. Will you stop negotiating with God today and start submitting to Him?

Preaching On John 6:68 To Whom Shall We Go?

February 23, 2026 Reflexions

To Whom Shall We Go? The Exclusivity and Sufficiency of Christ

Introduction

A. The Apostolic Verdict In John 6:68, we find one of the most profound confessions in the New Testament. Simon Peter, speaking on behalf of the twelve, responds to a piercing question from Jesus with a question of his own:

“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

B. The Context of Crisis This passage serves as the climax of the "Bread of Life" discourse. Jesus had just revealed Himself as the Bread that came down from heaven (John 6:35) and confronted the crowds for seeking Him only for material gain—for physical bread that perishes (John 6:26). They wanted a Provider; Jesus offered Himself as the Savior.

C. The Offense of Truth When Jesus taught the hard truths of total dependence on Him, the response was immediate: “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” (John 6:60). The truth is often uncomfortable to the unregenerate heart. Humanity, by nature, prefers "smooth things" over sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3-4; Isaiah 30:9-11).

D. The Great Desertion The result was tragic: “From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him” (John 6:66). Turning to the Twelve, Jesus asked: “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Peter’s response is the anchor for every believer today: To whom shall we go?

I. The Decision is Inevitable: Two Ways

Life is not a series of infinite spiritual paths; it is a choice between two diametrically opposed directions.

• Only Two Gates and Two Paths: In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus simplifies human existence into two options. There is a wide gate leading to destruction and a narrow gate leading to life. There is no middle ground, no "third way," and no spiritual neutrality.

• The Responsibility of the Individual: We are commanded not to follow the crowd to do evil (Exodus 23:2). Truth is not a democracy; it is not determined by popularity. Salvation does not depend on how many people are walking a path, but on whether that path is Christ.

• The Impossibility of Dual Loyalty: Matthew 6:24 reminds us that no one can serve two masters. We cannot walk toward the world and toward God simultaneously.

• The Call to Choose: Like Joshua commanded Israel, we are told to "choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve" (Joshua 24:15). Our present decision regarding Christ determines our eternal destination (Matthew 25:41, 46).

Doctrinal Application: While the Fall has deeply corrupted human nature, Scripture affirms our moral responsibility. Every man is accountable before God to respond to the divine call.

II. The Alternative to Christ: The Path of Sin

If we turn away from Christ, we do not go toward "nothing"; we inevitably return to the dominion of sin.

• Sin Brings Death: It is not merely a mistake; it is a terminal condition. It results in physical death, spiritual deadness, and eternal separation (Romans 6:23).

• Sin Creates a Barrier: The problem is not that God lacks the power to save, but that our iniquities have built a wall between us and our Creator (Isaiah 59:1-2).

• Sin Enslaves: The world offers "freedom" as the ability to sin, but Jesus defines freedom as the ability not to sin. Without Christ, man is a slave to his lusts (Romans 6:17).

• Sin Deceives and Hardens: It promises pleasure but delivers destruction, hardening the heart against God's grace (Hebrews 3:13; Romans 7:11).

• Sin is Rebellion: It is anomia—lawlessness. It is a direct strike against the authority of God (1 John 3:4).

Doctrinal Emphasis: We believe in the Total Depravity of man—that sin has affected every part of our being. Without Christ, there is no "Plan B." If we leave Him, will we go to hollow philosophies? To temporary pleasures? To certain death?

III. Christ is the Only Answer

Peter did not say, "We will look for better options." He recognized that Jesus was not a choice among many, but the only source of life.

• Words of Eternal Life: Only Christ speaks words that transcend time and satisfy the soul's eternal hunger (John 6:68).

• The Exclusive Way: Jesus did not claim to be a way, but the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). This is the absolute exclusivity of the Gospel.

• The Perfect Advocate: When we stumble, we have Christ as our Advocate before the Father, interceding on our behalf (1 John 2:1).

• The Only Mediator: There is one God and one Mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5).

• The Only Savior: Acts 4:12 leaves no room for doubt: "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."

Doctrinal Emphasis: We uphold the Solus Christus—Christ Alone. His redemptive work is sufficient, His grace is central, and His Person is the only satisfaction for the human heart.

Preaching On John 6:68 To Whom Shall We Go?

See Also

Conclusion

The question "To whom shall we go?" is not a question of confusion, but a declaration of conviction. When the world turns back, when the "hard sayings" of Scripture challenge our comfort, and when the majority chooses the wide gate, we stand with Peter.

We stay with Jesus because there is nowhere else to go. No other religion offers grace; no other philosophy offers hope; no other person offers life. Christ is not just the best option; He is the only Life.

Our Life is Fleeting: How Then Should We Live?

February 22, 2026 Reflexions

Our Life is Fleeting: How Then Should We Live?

Introduction

The Holy Scriptures repeatedly compare our lives to things that are brief, fragile, and temporary. These comparisons are not meant to discourage us, but to remind us of a fundamental truth: we are just passing through this world. We are not permanent residents of this earth; we are pilgrims.

• 1 Peter 1:17: "Live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear."

• 1 Peter 2:11: "I urge you, as foreigners and exiles..."

Despite these warnings, many people live as if they will never die, pouring all their energy into a world that is fading away. The critical question we must answer is this: If our life is so brief, how then should we live it?

I. Biblical Descriptions of the Brevity of Life

The Bible uses vivid, earthly metaphors to illustrate the fragility and transience of our existence.

1. Like a Vapor (Mist)

• James 4:14: "What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." Just as the morning mist burns off under the heat of the sun, our life is visible for a fleeting moment and then simply evaporates into the atmosphere of eternity.

2. Like a Shadow

• 1 Chronicles 29:15; Job 8:9; Psalm 102:11: A shadow has no substance and no permanence. It moves according to the light and eventually disappears into the night. Our days pass quickly, and we cannot hold them back.

3. Like a Breath

• Job 7:7; Psalm 39:5: A breath lasts only a second. This is how short our existence is when measured against the backdrop of God’s eternity.

4. Like Grass and Flowers

• Psalm 90:5-6; Isaiah 40:6-8; 1 Peter 1:24: Grass flourishes in the morning but is dry and withered by evening. Flowers bloom with beauty, but they are incredibly delicate. Youth, strength, and physical beauty are temporary seasons that inevitably fade.

5. Like Spilled Water

• 2 Samuel 14:14: "Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered." Once water is poured out on the soil, it cannot be gathered back into the jar. Every day that passes is gone forever; we cannot relive or reclaim a single wasted moment.

Central Doctrine

Human life is temporary; eternity is the only permanent reality. Hebrews 9:27 reminds us that "people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment." The brevity of life is a clarion call to live with an eternal perspective.

II. How Should We Live?

Since we know our time is short, the Bible instructs us on how to steward our remaining days with wisdom.

1. Do Not Boast About Tomorrow

• Proverbs 27:1; James 4:16: To boast about our future plans without acknowledging God is a sin of arrogance. We see this in the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21). He planned for many years of ease, but God said, "You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you."

• Doctrinal Principle: Self-sufficiency is a form of practical idolatry.

2. Recognize God’s Sovereignty

• James 4:15: "Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.'" Our lives do not belong to us. Psalm 31:15 declares, "My times are in your hands." We must yield our schedules and our ambitions to the Sovereign King.

3. Choose Spiritual Value Over Material Wealth

• James 1:9-11; 1 John 2:17: Wealth is as fleeting as the wildflower. Social status and bank accounts do not change our fundamental fragility. We must invest in what lasts.

• Doctrinal Principle: Eternal value always outweighs temporal gain.

[Image comparing a pile of gold coins next to a Bible and a glowing crown, illustrating the contrast between temporal wealth and eternal rewards]

4. Live According to the Word of God

• 1 Peter 1:23-25: Everything human passes away, but "the word of the Lord endures forever." If our lives are to have any lasting impact, they must be built on the unchanging Truth.

• Doctrinal Principle: The final authority for the Christian life is the Scripture. We must be regulated by God's will and constant obedience.

5. Be Prepared for Eternity

• Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Timothy 4:7-8: We must store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. A faithful believer lives with their eyes fixed on the "crown of righteousness" that the Lord will award on that final day.

Practical Application

If life is indeed brief, we must act with urgency:

1. Do not delay your obedience: If God has called you to do something, do it now.

2. Do not delay your reconciliation: Forgive and seek forgiveness today.

3. Do not delay your service: Use your gifts for the Kingdom while you still have breath.

4. Do not delay your repentance: Tomorrow is not promised.

As Ephesians 5:15-16 commands: "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."

Our Life is Fleeting: How Then Should We Live?

See Also

Conclusion

The Bible teaches us that life is a mist, but it is a mist that determines our eternity. Do not live for the shadow; live for the Substance. Do not live for the grass that withers; live for the Word that endures. Every day is a gift from God and a responsibility before Him.