Following the Living Christ

by: Pastor Jose V. Velasco, Jr. 

Read: John 21:18-22

   Twice in our Bible text Jesus tells Peter to follow Him (19, 22). Jesus called His first disciples to follow Him. He said to Simon Peter and Andrew, his brother, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Mt. 4:19).  Another day Jesus saw Matthew at a tax collector’s booth, He called him saying, “Follow me” (Mt. 9:9). Today. He still calls us to follow Him.

   Note that He does not call us to walk side-by-side with Him. This could imply a 50/50 sharing in power and authority in our life with Him. It is a 50/50 sharing in setting the rules for our life together with Him. So we obey Him 50 percent, and He also obeys us 50 percent. No. When we follow Him we have to deny ourselves and give Him full control. He says, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself. .” (Mt. 16:24).  We must deny all our desires for partial control. He provides all the rules and we only have to follow or obey.  Neither are we to walk before Him leading the way. No, He leads the way and we follow. The trouble with many Christians is they want to lead the way and Jesus must follow.  

   What does it mean to follow Christ? How can we follow Him if He has already gone to heaven and we cannot see Him anymore? First, as our topic says we are following the living Christ, not a dead Lord. He has gone to heaven but He also promised His abiding presence. “And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age” (Mt. 28:20). Second, to follow Him is to posses His spirit, mind and character (Phil. 2:5; Rom. 8:29; 1 Jn. 2:6). It is to live a Christ-like life. Now, we cannot follow something that we do not know. Hence, we must take time to know Christ’s life and teachings. This needs reading our Bibles, attending Bible studies and worshiping where Christ and His words are taught. But we do not get acquainted with Jesus alone in academic study about Him. We get to know Him in our personal intimate daily walk with Him: through constant prayer, meditating on His life and words, and worship. As we live intimately with Him moment by moment He imbues us with His spirit and mind and, through the work of His Holy Spirit in us, impacts us to become like Him. Spiritual formation is God’s work.

   Following Him could involve suffering and even death. Jesus said that a servant is not above his master, nor a student above his teacher. If Jesus was persecuted His followers shall also be persecuted (Mt. 10:24). From early times Christians have been persecuted. Today, in Iran Saeed Abedini , 40, has been in prison for more than two years now, in spite of his poor health, just because he is a Christian and a pastor. In Nigeria Christians are horribly abducted, killed and persecuted for their faith in Christ by Boko Haram and Muslim extremists. In both Canada and US there is a slow move to restrict the freedom of Christians and other religious groups to freely practice their faith in public. Prayers and Bible readings in schools and in public places are no longer allowed. In many places the display of religious signs like the Ten Commandments, the cross and the Lord’s Prayer is banned. And governments are caving in. If this gets worse eventually Christians may have to go to jail for openly practicing their faith. Jesus warned His disciples that to follow Him involves a price (Lk. 14:28f). If we are to be faithful to Him we must be willing to pay that price. Anyway, we are not alone to bear the price. God will empower us to carry our crosses in following Him (Eph. 3:16; Phil. 4:13). And we shall overcome.

Prayer: 

  Lord, may we hear your call to follow you. Strengthen and embolden us that come what may we would follow faithfully until the end. In Jesus’ blessed name. Amen.

  

The Kingdom of God

by: Pastor Jose V. Velasco, Jr.

  

     The kingdom of God was so basic and central in the teachings and ministry of Jesus. He opened His ministry by repeating the words of John the Baptist, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near” (Mt. 3:2; 4:17). Jesus said that His miracles and healing were powerful signs that the kingdom of God has now come and is real (Mt. 12:28). His teachings were the principles of life in the kingdom. During His last moments with His disciples physically, before He ascended to heaven, the theme of His conversation with them was the kingdom (Acts. 1:3b).

    What is the kingdom of God? By the way, the term more common in Matthew is the kingdom of heaven which carries the same meaning. During Jesus’ time the Jews popularly thought of the kingdom as a political rule. Hence, the Jews told Pilate that if Jesus was king He was displacing Caesar, Rome’s emperor. And they were pledging their allegiance to the emperor and not to Jesus (Jn. 19:12, 15c). 

    Jesus Himself explained that His kingdom (or God’s kingdom) is not a political rule. When asked by Pilate if He is a king, Jesus implicitly agreed by saying, “My kingdom is not of this world” (Jn. 18:36). So He is a king. But His kingship is not of the same category as of Caesar’s or of any other earthly ruler. God’s kingdom is moral and spiritual. The best definition of the kingdom so far is in the Lord’s Prayer. “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done” (Mt. 6:10). Combining the two phrases here, it means that the kingdom is wherever and whenever God’s will is known and obeyed.

  Jesus said, “- - the kingdom of God is within you” (Lk. 17:21.). It is not necessarily in a geographical place, but in our hearts and lives. When a person believes in God and firmly resolves to know His will and obey it God reigns in him/her. The kingdom is real in that person here and now.  Furthermore, when this happens to people it impacts the way they live their secular life. The principles of the kingdom which are God’s words and teachings will be carried over into their work places, home life, relationships, businesses and politics, thus influencing society.

    So it is not a reality that we are waiting to enter into only after death. Wherever God and His will is reigning there is already the kingdom of God. However, it is not yet completely established since all around us there is still much that is contrary to God’s will. Evil is still a fact. But our firm hope is that at the end of time, when Christ will come again, God will ultimately defeat all evils. And He shall reign forever and ever.

   Jesus invites us to enter that kingdom now by our believing, loving and obeying Him. We will all still die physically, but according to Paul departing from this life is only to be with Christ in His eternal kingdom. (Phi. 1:23). Now is the best time to prepare for and receive that kingdom (2 Cor. 6:2b).

Prayer: 

     Lord, unless we are in your kingdom we are surely lost. With the help of your Holy Spirit may you help us to forsake all things that are against you, and completely live by your holy will. May you establish your total reign in us. For the sake of your dear Son, we pray. Amen.

How to Enter the Kingdom of God

  

by: Pastor Jose V. Velasco, Jr.

     Jesus talked about entering the kingdom. To enter the kingdom one must become like a little child (Lk. 18:17). It is harder for a rich person who values more his wealth than God to enter the kingdom (Lk. 18:24). One must throw away anything that causes him/her to sin in order to enter the kingdom of God (Mk. 947). 

       To understand the topic we should recall briefly the definition of the kingdom. It is a condition or state of life in which God is totally reigning. Before Adam and Eve sinned God was completely reigning. The garden of Eden where God put Adam and Eve was thus God’s kingdom (Gen. 2:8). But when Adam and Eve sinned Satan’s partial rule was introduced. And God banished them out and they lost the kingdom (Gen.3:23). In sin we are all now under the kingdom of Satan. But God wants everyone to be saved, to be restored into His kingdom (1 Tim. 2:4; Ezekiel 18:23). God has been working on this which is the story of the whole Bible. What God did to finally accomplish this was to send Jesus to die on the cross to offer His forgiveness and redemption. “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins”- -(Eph. 1:7).

      But what must we do to appropriate this offer of forgiveness from the cross? Since sin which is disobedience and rebellion against God is keeping us out of God’s kingdom, we must renounce that sin to re-enter the kingdom, and we must submit to God’s total will and rule. This is repentance. Peter told those listening to him on the day of Pentecost, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). Repentance is forsaking all the sins and evils we are doing. Sin and evil do not belong in the kingdom. They must be gone forever.

      Repentance is an inner act of the will. It is a decision and inclination in the mind and heart to avoid sin and do God’s will. It is a spiritual renewal. Hence, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. ---no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit” (Jn. 3:3, 5).  It is an inner purging of the heart and mind.

      Then this inner renewal expresses itself in outward and tangible change in life style. We  must now live by God’s rules. These are defined in the Ten Commandments, the teachings of the prophets and the teachings and life of Jesus. These are further explained in the apostolic writings in the New Testament. Hence, we must diligently study these rules and follow them in our lives.

     As we learn God’s will in the Holy Scriptures we must also ask the Holy Spirit to help us understand them and empower us to apply them. Have you now invited God to reign in your life? Are you now living in the kingdom? You can do that right now by praying sincerely as follows:

Prayer: 

       Lord, I open my life to you. May you come and reign in me. Help me to know your will and help me to live by them. Help me to forsake and avoid all things that are against you. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

Living in God’s Kingdom 1

by: Pastor Jose V. Velasco, Jr.   

     Let us ever keep in mind that God’s kingdom is not something we just wait for after this life is over or when Jesus comes again. It is a reality that begins here and now, but continues in the life to come. It begins in our personal lives the moment we accept God as our Lord and King, and we lovingly and willingly obey His words. When society is governed by God’s principles as set forth in His commandments and words, then society also becomes His kingdom. Because of the presence of sin, the kingdom is not yet fully established on earth. But like the mustard plant that starts from a small seed the kingdom will also grow (Mt. 13:31-32). When Jesus comes again He shall fully establish it by defeating all the forces of sin and evil which are opposed to it. Then God shall perfectly reign forever and ever.

     By our true submission to God’s will we are now in God’s kingdom. How should we live in the Kingdom?  There is a mark difference between living in the kingdom of God and living in the kingdom of Satan. The kingdom of Satan is in direct contrast to the kingdom of God. Hence, in His prayer Jesus said that His followers are in the world, but not of the world (Jn. 17:11, 14). The world here means the kingdom of Satan, and God’s people do not follow the life-style in Satan’s kingdom.

    God’s kingdom has its own distinct culture, different from that of Satan. One parable likens the kingdom to a wedding banquet (Mt. 22:1-2, 11-13). All guests must wear a specific banquet attire. The host, who was a king, noticed that one guest was not wearing the proper attire. The king ordered that guest to be brought out and be excluded from the banquet. The banquet attire stands for the kingdom- culture, or the life-style in the kingdom. Missing that culture or life-style will disqualify us from continuing in the kingdom. How would we know that culture or life-style? They are spelled out in God’s commandments, the teachings of Jesus and the apostolic teachings. To sum it all up, it is revealed in the very life of Jesus. Paul said, “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 13:14). We can see fully in Jesus Christ the life-style in the kingdom. Live like He lived to remain fit in the kingdom.

     I can hear some objections to this requirement of living in the kingdom of God. No one can fully live like Christ because He is perfect and sinless, and we are not. So no one shall ever enter God’s kingdom. But first, to be like Christ is not the condition to be in the kingdom. It is a description of the life in the kingdom. And it is the by-product of being in the kingdom. The condition to be in the kingdom is faith, surrender and commitment of life to God in Christ. And second, God does not expect us to live like His Son if it is not possible. It is possible, not because we are able to, but because God will enable and empower us by the Holy Spirit to be like His Son (2 Cor. 3:18). All we do is to aspire and ask Him to remold us to be like Him. What are the characteristics of the life in the kingdom? We will discuss this question in the succeeding reflection.

Prayer: 

     Lord, we thank you for your gift of the kingdom. Help us to surrender fully our will to you that your will may be completely done in our lives. In Jesus’ Holy name we pray. Amen.

Living in God’s Kingdom (2)

by: Pastor Jose V. Velasco, Jr.

      By true faith in Jesus Christ we are now citizens of heaven, or God’s kingdom (Phil. 3:20). We are now living in it. In this reflection, we continue to learn more in detail the life-style in the Kingdom. As was already noted in the previous reflection it is different from the life of the ordinary unbelieving person. God has revealed the nature of that life in and through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The life of Jesus is the life-style in the Kingdom. What are the basic traits of the life in the Kingdom?

     Love. James calls this the royal law. “If you keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right” (James 2:8). Jesus spelled this out in His entire ministry by healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and finally dying on the cross for sinners (Rom. 5:8). We are to do the same because whatever loving deeds we do for others we do it also to God (Mt. 25:40). So He commands us to love and serve (Jn. 15:12).

   Holiness. The word holy is commonly used to ascribe a special honor to people who have sacrificially and lovingly given their best to meet the material and spiritual needs of others in the name of God. Such persons have been canonized as saints in the church. In the Bible holy means set apart. The Israelites were set apart by God to be His people and He called them “a holy nation” for Himself (Exodus 19:6). In the New Testament Paul in his letters to churches called common believers saints, that is holy, not because they were less sinners, but because they belonged to Christ Jesus Christ by their faith. Paul addresses the Christians in Corinth thus, “—to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy,”-- (1 Cor. 1:2). So, in the New Testament sense all of us who truly believe in Christ belong to Him and are thus holy.

     Righteousness. We are also set apart to live a life of obedience to all God’s commands and to keep His covenant. “Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession” (Exodus 19:5). This would redound to righteous living. On our part this requires an earnest learning of His words and applying them in our lives. We must study the Bible, read Christian literatures and learn from other Christians.

    Deep devotion. In the kingdom we, His subjects, must be intensely devoted to God the King. Jesus said, “My food—is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work” (Jn. 4:34). Obeying and serving God is as important as food. This is deep devotion. A lukewarm and shallow commitment does not count for anything to Christ (Rev. 3:15-16). You must really be serious.

    In our human weakness, we are unable to live the life in the kingdom. But we can pray the Holy Spirit to enable and empower us, and we can attain it.

Prayer: 

     Loving Lord, thank you for welcoming us graciously into your kingdom now as we believe in your Son. Thank you for the beautiful life you bestow upon us when we enter your kingdom. In Jesus Christ your Son we pray. Amen.

We Are Servants of the King

by: Pastor Jose V. Velasco, Jr.

Photo is owned by No Demo Monkey

     We are Children of the King, our God. But we are also His servants. There are people who resent the idea of being God’s servants. One reason is they equate servant with slave.  And surely God would not enslave human beings whom He created as His children. He created them free to decide for themselves. The master may own and treat his slave like he does his working animals. And the master may do anything with his slave. The slave cannot leave his master unless the latter freely releases him. In contrast, the servant is not the property of his boss. He is hired to work for him. And they bilaterally agree on the terms of the working condition and their relationship as servant and boss. The servant can leave anytime as may have been provided in their agreed terms. In some ways we are servants of God in this sense. God has called us to serve Him, and we must respond to Him gladly, lovingly  and willingly. We are His servants because we serve Him.

     Jesus exemplified  servant-hood. He said, “- - the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mt. 20:28). His ultimate service was His death on the cross to save us. So Christ is the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53. And He enjoins us to serve. After washing His disciples’ feet to serve them He told them that they should also do the same (Jn 13:14-17).  

     When Jesus said that the disciples were His friends He did not remove the idea of their serving Him (Jn. 15:14-15). He just put a deeper meaning into their relationship to Him. They were to serve Him as their Lord and friend throughout their remaining lives.

     As God’s children we must serve Him. “Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling (Ps. 2:11). “Serve the Lord with gladness (Ps. 100:2). In heaven God’s people shall serve Him day and night in His temple (Rev. 7:15). We serve God in three areas: 

     First, we must serve in His kingdom work. We must serve to extend His kingdom in the whole world by preaching and teaching His word, financially supporting the work of the church, giving our time and talents for various tasks, etc. We must live as good Christian examples so people may be persuaded to believe and follow Christ. 

     

      Second, we must serve those who are suffering and destitute. This is the meaning of the Parable of the Last Judgment (Mt. 25:31-46). We must serve the hungry, the sick, the homeless, the strangers and others who are in need. When we do these we are also serving God (Mt. 25:40). 

      Third, we also serve in and through our ordinary vocations and work. The doctor serves the sick. The teacher serves the students. The farmer serves to provide food for people. They do these not only to earn their living but to serve people. In any work we do we can serve people. And serving people is also serving God. Thus, we should always serve in the spirit of love.

Prayer: 

     Father God, we thank you for the opportunity to serve. Help us that in our serving you and the people we may give our best. For your honor and glory, and In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

The Coming of the Messiah Foretold

by:  Pastor Jose V. Velasco 

    In a month Advent season will come. It is a time when we begin preparing for the celebration of Christmas. Since we got only four reflections to cover Advent and Christmas it may be well for us to begin reflecting on these two seasons now. So, for now, we will reflect on the messianic prophecy recorded in Isaiah 9:6. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”

     Christians believe that this prophecy was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ. Christ is the incarnate Son of God (Jn. 1:14). But the Jews would not believe that Jesus was the Messiah for the reason that His birth was poor and lowly. They believe that the Messiah would be born in a very royal and magnificent way. The Gentiles did not believe that it was possible for God or heavenly beings to be born as human. so the incarnation was a myth. Thus in Jesus’ time to the Jews and Gentiles the incarnation was a stumbling block and foolishness respectively (1 Cor. 1:23). But the story of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus is the total message of the gospel.

     In the text, four two-word names are given to the coming Messiah:

     The first is Wonderful Counselor. What does a counselor do? He/she guides people to solve a personal problem or meet a need. Jesus is the great counselor. Through His life and teachings He guides people to right living. He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (Jn. 14:6). Live like He lived and follow His teachings and you will always be on the right way.

      The second is Mighty God. In the Bible name is not just an identity label. It is a description of the person. The Messiah is mighty God. He is a powerful God. Some people do not believe that Jesus Christ is God. Here He is God. And He is mighty, powerful. His power does not lie on military and physical force. It lies on love and righteousness. He did not fight militarily when He was crucified. He relied on God’s power of love and righteousness, and three days after He was entombed He victoriously defeated death and sin by His resurrection.

     Third, He is Everlasting Father. The role of a father at least is to take care of, provide for the needs, and protect the family from all dangers. The Messiah is a caring father. He provides all the spiritual nurture of His people. But we must avail ourselves of all these blessings, if we are to enjoy them, by being close to Him in faith. We must be constant in prayer, eager in knowing His words and living by them.

     Fourth, is Prince of Peace. The reign of the Messiah shall be characterized by peace. This is so because His rule shall be defined by love and justice. When love and justice reign there is unity, understanding and harmony. It is only as the spirit of Christ is reigning in the hearts and lives of people that the world will truly attain real peace. This is also true in our closer personal relationships.

Prayer: 

     Our Loving God, we unceasingly pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” But that will only happen when Your Son is known and received by all people as Your messianic Son. Grant that we will be truly earnest in proclaiming Him as Your Redeemer Son. In His name we pray.  Amen.