The Gospel of Luke 19:15 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.” (Luke 19:15 KJV).

This passage is given to us not as a terrifying test of works or anxiety, but as an encouragement to rest in God's grace and operate from the place of His unmerited favor. The nobleman, who represents the Lord Jesus, returns from the far country - that points to heaven where He’s affirmed of His kingship. Though the citizens that refer to the religious Jews rejected Him, He’s always been the chosen King from the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4-6).

With wisdom, through the Holy Spirit who teaches us all things (John 14:26), we reflect this verse on the lens of God’s unmerited favor. Not on the demands of the law for performance-based works of self-effort. This focuses on the Lord Jesus returning as King, being who He is before time began. He called His servants to account for the gifts of grace He entrusted them with. The Mina or money given represents the Gospel of the Grace of God that He entrusts with every believer in equal, lavish measure.

You and I, who are blessed to receive the grace of God, are empowered to increase and prosper this gift. We are to let this grace work in us from the inside out by total surrender of our life in our Lord Jesus Christ through faith. When our King and Lord returns, He will call us to account how much we’ve gained allowing by allowing His grace to work in our life. We are reminded to do the work trading in the grace of God. In one of the Lord’s encounter with the crowd, the Scriptures reveal: “Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”” (John 6:28-29 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 19:14 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.” (Luke 19:14 KJV).

In this passage, the Lord illustrates that the "citizens" representing the self-righteous religious Jews, the world’s religious system and the pagan world who reject Him. They reject His free gift of grace in favor of self-effort, the Law and doctrines of men. Their rebellious cry of rejection, "We will not have this man to reign over us," points to the modern world's rejection of God's unmerited favor. Worldly people prefer to rely on their own performance rather than having the Lord Jesus as their loving Savior. They assume the role of God on their lives.

The good news of the covenant of grace is, when the Lord Jesus reigns, He supplies His people with His righteousness and blessings. The citizens’ hatred stems from their being duped by the deception of the enemy of the soul using a worldly alternative in religion - represented by the Pharisees, priests and Sadducees, making people believe in a god other than the true God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Our God is the God of grace, not of rules. He is the God who loves us first so we can love Him the moment we yield to be loved by Him. The citizens of the far country represent the Lord’s fellow Jews and the world that rejected Him. This, therefore, reminds us to take lesson from this parable and be in the posture of acceptance to His love and reign.

It is of the utmost that we must be cognizant of His love, as it is written: “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:16-19 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 19:11-13 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.” (Luke 19:11-13 KJV).

The Lord Jesus, now nearing Jerusalem, tells the Parable of the Minas to correct the crowd’s perception that God's physical kingdom would come immediately. Those that follows Him expected instant establishment of an earthly, political kingdom and overthrow Roman rule. So, He tells them: keep "occupying till I come" in embracing the New Covenant of God’s unmerited favor, resting by faith in Him, and reign in life through His grace.

The story is about a nobleman going to a far country to receive a kingdom and then returns. Before leaving, he gives his ten servants ten minas (equal amount of money-representing grace, for each of them) and commands them to "do business till I come". In the context of grace, the minas are gifts given by the nobleman who represents the Lord Jesus. The ten servants (with the number 10 pointing to the ten commandments that shackled them in the law mindset), are to steward the gift of grace they received during his absence. “Doing business" or "occupying" until the Lord returns is not about striving for worldly and religious endeavors. It is about reaching out to all, sharing the gospel of the grace of God. The servants are expected to move away from law efforts, be transformed and spiritually reborn children of God in Christ. They are expected to behave as those who found and have grasped the message of truth. You and I, who are now set free from the world and religious systems, are to be occupied freely giving the gift of salvation by grace to all in our proximity both physically and the cyber space.

The Minas represent God’s grace given in equal measure to each one by God’s unmerited favor through faith. Our job is not to earn more grace, but to "trade or share" what we've already been given for others to believe and rest in it. This we do ‘til the our Lord Jesus Christ returns, keeping at heart the Lord’s words of oath, as it is written: “Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.” (Matthew 24:46-47 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 19:9-10 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:9-10 KJV).

Reflecting these passages through the lens of the Lord’s gospel of grace, we are touched by how the Lord Jesus treats Zacchaeus with compassion. The Lord Jesus declares Zacchaeus a son of Abraham based on his submission to the Lord’s grace, not legal observance to be perfect. We watch the Lord’s unmerited favor at work, with the Lord not demanding that Zacchaeus change his lifestyle first before visiting his home. Our relationship with God is not a matter of religious transformation of ourselves by ourselves to be like Him. It is a matter of us coming to Him in total surrender as we are yielding to His grace to be transformed from the inside out by the power of the Holy Spirit and His Words.

That’s what happened to this publican named Zacchaeus. The Lord declared him son of Abraham, not so much of his family ancestry, but as to his recognition of the Lord’s grace. He came to see the Lord as he was. No religious make over. He came a sinner as he was branded by religious people. He yielded himself to the Lord when called to come down from a tree. Now he is saved by the One who climbed to a tree, hanged for Zacchaeus’ and all humanity’s salvation from their sins. That includes you and I, in our posture of coming to the Lord Jesus Christ, helpless, lost as we were once and needed salvation. In Him we’re saved by grace. 

In our worst state, by act of surrender, as with Zacchaeus, to all those who have yielded their lives to our Lord Jesus Christ, now is the time to come and by saved by grace. His holy and written words declare: “For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”(2 Corinthians 6:2 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 19:8 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And Zacchæus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.” (Luke 19:8 KJV).

In this passage, we see the ultimate example of how grace transforms a person’s being from the inside out. Zacchaeus—a wealthy and despised tax collector who cheated his own fellow Jews, stood stunned. The Message Bible paraphrase says, “….. He stammered apologetically, “Master, I give away half my income to the poor—and if I’m caught cheating, I pay four times the damages.”” (Luke 19:8 MSG).

As revealed, the Lord Jesus did not give Zacchaeus a demand list of laws and rules or require repentance before entering his home. Our Lord Jesus simply extended him acceptance, grace and unconditional love. His spontaneous hospitality was not an attempt to earn God's favor, but the result of encountering the Lord’s grace and love. This manifests that experiencing the Lord’s unmerited favor and forgiveness naturally lead to a transformed life, producing generosity and moral renewal.

This un-assuming taxman Zacchaeus is in direct contrast with the Rich Young Ruler, who attempted to pander the Lord. He calls Him Good Master. The Rich Young Ruler boasted his presumptive law-keeping and walked away sorrowful when asked to give up his wealth (Luke 18:18-23; Mark 10:17-22; Matthew 19:16-22). Zacchaeus on the other hand (a notorious publican and labelled sinner with nothing to boast about) received the Lord joyfully in his house and willingly offered to give half his wealth away.

This voluntary act of Zacchaeus is our reminder to stay rooted by faith in our Lord’s grace and love, not our perceived possessions and accomplishments. We must remain stirred and mindful to reflect on the Lord’s question with wonder, as it is written: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 19:7 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.” (Luke 19:7 KJV).

This verse exposes the clash between human judgment and divine grace. When the crowd of religious and law-based-mindset people that followed the Lord Jesus Christ on His way to Jerusalem witnessed that He chooses to visit the home of Zacchaeus - a corrupt tax collector, they grumble. These religious crowd marked Zacchaeus as a public sinner. And they judged the Lord Jesus for opting to associate with him. These people operate under a "works-based" religious system, akin to the present day world environment. They believe that God's presence is reserved only for the morally qualified and “people’s award recipients” whose names are marked on their “good works”.

The Lord Jesus who is full of grace and truth (John 1:14), instead of condemning Zacchaeus or giving him a list of rules to observe, He offered him acceptance and friendship. He embraced Zacchaeus by His radical grace and love. This highlights that He did not wait for Zacchaeus to clean up his life before offering salvation. He extended His grace and love first, as He did to us all even when we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8). The process of renewal and transformation starts to manifest in a person upon experiencing this unconditional love of the Lord, that triggers a change in Zacchaeus. The Lord’s unmerited favor gave Zacchaeus the power to freely repent and freely give. Which reminds us all of the Lord’s instruction: “You received without paying; give without pay.” (Matthew 10:8b ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 19:5-6 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchæus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.” (Luke 19:5-6 KJV).

As the Lord Jesus passes through the city of Jericho, He came to the spot where the despised chief tax collector, Zacchaeus, tries to get a glimpse of Him up a sycamore tree. The Lord looks up, calls him by name, and tells him to hurry down because He "must" stay at his house. Zacchaeus joyfully scrambled down the tree, stunned and thinking ‘what a luck’ he has just gotten. Even though he came simply curious and trying to see this famous man, the Lord Jesus was actively seeking him out. This illustrates that God searches for those hated by the world and lost by His divine grace.

By calling the outcast, wealthy tax collector by name and asking to stay at his house, the Lord Jesus offered him grace and fellowship instead of judgment. He extended Zacchaeus radical acceptance to salvation. Our Lord Jesus said He must stay at Zacchaeus's house today. Zacchaeus responds with urgency and joy. His welcoming obedience, shows that true transformation begins the moment you eagerly accept our Lord Jesus Christ into our everyday life. This is our reminder, as Scriptures affirmed: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 19:1-4 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchæus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.” (Luke 19:1-4 KJV).

In this story about Zacchæus, we watch on display the comforting picture of radical unmerited favor. This filthy rich chief tax collector named Zacchaeus wanted to see our Lord Jesus who’s passing through the city of Jericho. But he faced physical limitations for he’s short and small that he could not get through the wall of crowd blocking him. But, he could not be deterred. He finds his way to see the Lord Jesus. He is our example of one who truly seeks God, that no matter your state of being as this drama unfolds, if you have a desire to meet the Lord Jesus, you can. He will meet you where you are.

In this city, the people looked at Zacchaeus and others like him with disdain. As corrupt publicans, 'they deserved judgment'. For many of the people around him, especially the religious people, he is a sinner not worthy to hang around with. He merely represents "dead works" and human decadence. But, here he is determined to see God. So, he climbed a Sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of the Lord. His act of faith will show us that God notices our sincere desire to know who the Lord Jesus is.

This man is an exemplification of one in a state of worldly decay, viewed deplorable in the eyes of the law, by the religious system and by the benchmark of humanity. But, unbeknownst to him, his conscience is responding to the call of grace. By pursuing to see the Lord Jesus, he is responding to the Lord’s command to seek God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:33). He and those who are still lost in this presently darkened world is assured to find the Lord, as it is written: ““Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 18:42-43 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.” (Luke 18:42-43 KJV).

These passages give us a very beautiful and comforting declaration from the Lord to the persistent blind man. This follows the Lord’s compassionate interaction with him, saying: ““What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord,” he said, “I want to see!” And Jesus said, “All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.”” (Luke 18:41-42 NLT). This is such a powerful illustration of disproportionate grace to receive God's abundant supply of blessings entirely through faith rather than human merit of performance.

The blind beggar did nothing impressive to earn his sight; he simply cried out for mercy from the depth of his lungs and believed. The man’s healing was both physical and complete salvation/wholeness (sozo in Greek). Faith is not a difficult work you must perform. It is simply believing that God is the "source and giver" who wants to meet your needs. This shows that God's grace is always available if we trust Him.

We are meant to "receive heaven's supply". When the blind man received his sight, he followed the Lord Jesus naturally glorifying God, demonstrating that transformation comes from encountering God's goodness and grace by faith, not from following strict rules. Instead of trying to perform or work to earn God's blessings, we rest in His unmerited favor by faith and allow His grace to empower you and I. Gratefulness and worship draw people of faith to praise God. In the epistle of Apostle Paul, Scriptures say as it is written: “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:1-3 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 18:40-41 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.” (Luke 18:40-41 KJV).

Hearing the blind man cried for mercy, the Lord stopped! Despite being surrounded by a massive crowd, our Lord Jesus stops for one disregarded individual. The man's desperate plea shows unwavering determination. He did not let the crowd's intimidation and rebuke stop him from approaching our Lord Jesus Christ. As the Lord asks, "What do you want me to do for you?", it draws out an authentic declaration of faith. This is not a perfunctory greeting of how are you? or hi! Then ignore the response, as most people often do, that could either be “fine” or “pain”. It's an open invitation to bring our specific struggles to our Lord.

The man’s plea to regain his sight, goes beyond physical healing. These passages serve as a metaphor for spiritual blindness. It is a reminder to ask God to help you see His abounding grace, understand His will for your life, and view the world through the eyes of faith rather than human limitations. This man’s desire is borne out of faith in grace to see God’s goodness. The Psalmist testifies for our reminder, as it is written: “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” (Psalms 27:13 NIV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 18:38-39 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.” (Luke 18:38-39 KJV).

As we continue to reflect on these passages through the lens of the Lord’s gospel of grace, we see the work of power of crying for mercy. We observe the blind man humbles before the Lord Jesus, not boasting of his own goodness or good deeds (unlike the self-righteous Rich Young Ruler earlier in Luke 18:18-30). Instead, he threw himself fully upon the mercy of the Lord - calling Him by His human royal lineage as Son of David, revealing his knowledge that the Messiah comes through the line of King David. Yes, he yields to the Lord’s mercy and grace. It is in the context that mercy is not getting the bad things one deserves (sickness, disability like blindness, or penalty of sin), and grace is to receive the good things one doesn't deserve. When you are at the end of your own strength, crying out for mercy is what attracts God's compassion.

The crowd, representing the law and the religious system, rebuke the man to be quiet and stop making a scene. The religious system and the Law can only condemn. It makes you feel like an outcast and unwelcome when you need help. The blind man who is in the proximity of the Person of Grace refused to let the crowd silence him and instead shouted all the more. This is to encourage us believers to be bold in our prayers. We are to stand by faith in the finished work of Christ Jesus our Lord on the cross - resting in His grace. The Scriptures remind: “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 18:35-37 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: and hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.” (Luke 18:35-37 KJV).

Luke is about to wind down his “travelogue” of the Lord’s journey towards Jerusalem. The Lord is around the area near Jericho (a distance of nine hours on foot to Jerusalem), with a blind beggar on the side of the road. The blind man hears a commotion of people passing by which alerted him of a major activity happening.

This beggar is in a unique vantage point. He couldn’t see, but he hears clearly to get a grasp of what’s unfolding and which is useful to gain access into believing, as scriptures say: faith comes by hearing. When a person loses one of his major sense, like seeing, the remaining senses magnify its sensory ability and capability. So, he knows and accepts the blunt truths of what he has heard about the Lord Jesus Christ. Hearing is one of his effective and reliable tool of knowing and believing. As a blind man, he doesn’t have to seek visual signs to believe, like the Pharisees and other religious people do.

When this blind man asks the passers-by what’s going on? They answer, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by". From all he's heard, this man named Jesus is the promised fulfillment of God's covenant with David—He is the Son of David! Apparently, he has also heard that the Lord Jesus can heal. From what he has heard, certainly it planted a seed of belief in the Lord Jesus Christ in his heart. That’s all he needs. And we too, being children of God to have become children of God, we only need to hear His words. Hence, it is of a paramount importance for us not to disregard using our ears to hear. With an ear to hear, we are blessed! As it is written: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 18:31-34 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: and they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again. And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.” (Luke 18:31-34 KJV).

In these passages, our Lord Jesus takes His disciples aside and tells them in the third person perspective that everything written by the prophets in the Old Testament concerning Him will be fulfilled in Jerusalem. He details His impending suffering: He will be delivered to the Gentiles, mocked, insulted, spit upon, flogged, and killed, but He will rise on the third day. Without the benefit of hindsight and under the era of the work-based mindset, the scripture notes that the disciples understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them in that moment, though will be brought to their remembrance later. The Holy Spirit who comes at the Pentecost will teach them and us, who now believe, all truth.

Viewed through the lens of the gospel of the grace of God, these passages emphasize several points of truth. These highlight the imminent fulfillment of the demands of the covenant of the law, and the ushering in of the supply of the covenant of grace. The Lord was killed - not as a victim of murder, but as an intentionally appointed Savior.

When the Lord says “all things... will be accomplished,” it points out that He knew exactly what He was walking into. He boldly faced the cross to endure the mocking, scourging, and death —because He knew His sacrifice was the only way to completely pay the sins of humanity once and for all. It is written that, “For even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”” (Mark 10:45; Matthew 20:28 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 18:28-30 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.” (Luke 18:28-30 KJV).

Decisions. Decisions. Decisions. There are thousands of decisions we make daily in our lives which lead us to where we are in our state of being in the now and where we will be, forever. Here, we have a very reassuring revelation for us to decide: we can’t out-give God! Apostle Peter reacted with declaration of their decisive response to the Lord’s call: Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men." “At once they left their nets and followed him.” “They left all and followed the Lord.” (Matthew 4:19-20; Mark 1:17-18).

The Lord’s follow through response to Apostle Peter, further reassures that no matter what you decide to give up for His Kingdom, the blessings He provides far outweigh the loss for what you give up. It gives a picture of seed time and harvest. You give up and lose a seed buried in the ground, for exponential return of manifold seeds at the time of harvest.

Blessings abound to you and I, in this present life and in life everlasting, when we make that core decision driven by love to give God our life to be loved by Him. Lord Jesus said: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:37-39 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 18:26-27 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” (Luke 18:26-27 KJV).

In the midst of the Lord’s teaching of the impossibility for the rich to enter God’s kingdom, those who heard it, including the disciples, were shocked and asked - "Who then can be saved?" For a person driven to strive his best this is a question of wonder. Or, perhaps, this is somehow a question of someone not listening, as the Lord has emphatically said - “sell all your possessions and come follow me!”

The rich young ruler who encounters the Lord, represents human pride and self-reliance. By trusting in his own wealth and perceived good works, he believed he could earn his way into heaven. Our Lord’s statement reaffirms that salvation is impossible to achieve through man’s self-effort, willpower, or even personal sacrifice.

We are therefore reminded, as the Lord Jesus points out, that what you cannot do on your own to be perfectly righteous, save yourself, overcome afflictions, or change a hopeless situation, God can. It is written: “But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,” (Romans 3:21-24 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 18:24-25 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” (Luke 18:24-25 KJV).

When the Lord Jesus witnessed the rich young ruler’s reaction to His command, He said as per the Message Bible paraphrase, “Do you have any idea how difficult it is for people who have it all to enter God’s kingdom? I’d say it’s easier to thread a camel through a needle’s eye than get a rich person into God’s kingdom.” This, seriously, warns of the great risk work in self-righteousness through observance of the law and trust in one's own resources, can cost your eternal life, rather than resting in the grace of God in Christ.

The issue with the presumptive rich ruler is not his having money, but his trust in it. He loved his wealth more than God, allowing his riches to become his idol. Those who rely on their own merits, reputation, successes and their "riches”, will find it difficult to enter the kingdom of God. They’re caught in a struggle to surrender to the grace of God because they believe they have done enough on their own.

The Lord, by using the illustration that it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, tells of the impossibility for a person possessed by wealth to enter the kingdom of God. The lesson is about where the heart puts its trust—either in riches and personal ability to gain righteousness or faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ by grace.

It reminds us that righteousness is received as a gift of God through Christ Jesus. It is, therefore, fitting that we meditate on this passage always. It is written: “For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:17 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 18:23 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.” (Luke 18:23 KJV).

It is hard for us to grasp what’s in this rich young ruler’s heart when he asks the Lord - what shall I do to inherit eternal life? (Luke 18:28). We can just surmise based on how the interaction unfolded and by his reaction when the Lord told him what to do. As one of those who rely on self effort to work for justification and salvation by trying hard to observe the law, this rich young ruler expected an applause and commendation for his perceived accomplishments. He’s not seeking the key for inheriting eternal life. He seeks fleeting instant gratification for his best but failing effort.

In this passage, we see that sorrow is the unavoidable outcome when a person trusts in her/his own efforts and the material things he possessed. It leads to the realization that they cannot keep God's standard on their own efforts and by their possessions. The Lord’s instruction to sell all that he has was intended to bring him to the end of himself, showing him that what he would gain by following our Lord Jesus Christ far outweighs what he would physically lose. In fact, by losing the material things and other worldly paraphernalia, as he follows our Lord’s command, he not only gains eternal life, but treasures in heaven, as well. Scriptures declare, as it is written: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 18:22 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.” (Luke 18:22 KJV).

Going along the rich ruler’s boasting of having obeyed all the commandments and having heard such arrogant claim, our Lord Jesus says: you lacked one thing. And, He tells this young ruler: sell all your possessions, give it to the poor and follow me! Our Lord used the law in this passage to expose the man's self-righteousness. Instead of commending the ruler (as no one had and will ever fulfill the law), He gave him another standard he could not meet, proving that no one can earn eternal life through works.

The rich young ruler thought he was righteous because of his riches and his claim of obedience to the commandments. By telling him to go sell everything, the Lord Jesus exposed the young man's true idol—his possessions. It shows him and the crowd present that he fell short of true and perfect obedience. He needed grace, as we all do. His riches not scattered but hoarded, give him away. He failed bigly to keep the law. Scriptures say: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 18:20-21 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.” (Luke 18:20-21 KJV).

When the Lord Jesus narrated few of the commandments to this rich ruler, we witness an expose’ of arrogance in self-righteousness. The Lord used the Law not to show the way to inherit eternal life, but to highlight that human effort and rule-following cannot justify a person, ultimately driving them to need a Savior relying solely on grace. When He quoted the commandments, He was testing the man's heart, which was idolizing money, not following the law perfectly which he brags to follow from his youth. In reality, no man has ever fulfilled the demands of the law, and no one will, except our Lord Jesus Christ. He fulfilled the law for you and I who believe in Him.

While the ruler claims to have kept the commandments from his youth, which the Lord knows he hasn’t, he lacked the ultimate requirement: loving God more than anything including money, highlighting that nobody can be justified by works.

This, therefore, reminds us that we cannot keep all the laws and that we must stop trying to earn righteousness through works, but by faith (Romans 3:21-26). Let’s allow grace to transform us from the inside out. We have this call from scriptures and it is fitting for us to respond by resting on the grace of God in Christ. It is written: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

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

When God Says …

“And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.” (Luke 18:18-19 KJV).

Here, when a ruler calls the Lord Jesus "Good Master," the Lord is not denying His divinity. Rather, He directs the man to realize that God is only One who is good. Highlighting on “goodness”, the Lord sets this up to challenge this man's intent to get affirmation on his perceived merit to earn eternal life by his own work of righteousness, rather than relying on God.

The ruler’s question: what shall I DO to inherit eternal life, reveals his self-serving intent to brag. It exposes his reliance on the law. There’s a sense of air he may seek for the Lord to pander him with what he is doing as he calls Him Good Master. Knowing the content of this ruler’s heart, the Lord’s question, "Why do you call Me good?" was intended to lead the ruler to recognize that if He is good, then he knows that He is indeed God.

This interaction of our Lord with this ruler is framed as a crucial moment for the ruler to stop seeking salvation through works of self-righteousness. He and we, reflecting on this now, ought to listen and realize that He who this ruler is speaking with is the Source of righteousness and life. It is written the Lord Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:27-28 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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