Called 4 Jesus

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  • Psalms 142

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    Commentary: Psalms 142
    A Maskil of David in the Cave
    By TA York

    The word maskil is Hebrew for “instruction.” In the biblical context, it refers to divine guidance or a necessary correction to align our lives with God’s standards.

    1. I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy.

    Imagine living in a cave. It is cold, damp, dark, and grueling. In that space, one feels a crushing sense of insecurity, a loss of purpose, and the physical ache of hunger. This was David’s lowest point; he had hit “rock bottom”—no pun intended.

    In that darkness, David did the only thing he could: he cried aloud to the Lord. Men, have you ever truly cried? I remember when I thought my eldest son might die. I wept aloud (I also wept quietly, I just cried out) to God, lifting my voice for mercy. Those were tears of desperation, begging for His compassion and healing. I was so broken that I asked God to give me my son’s illness instead. That was my rock bottom.

    I learned then that most people must hit the floor before they finally let go and give God total control. King David needed to remember the humility of this prayer later in life when he encountered Bathsheba.

    When things are easy and we are satisfied, God often ceases to be our priority.

    Consider a person struggling with addiction. As long as they get their daily fix or are enabled by well-meaning family, they feel “satisfied” in their sin. Their “god” is the substance. This leads to a “convenience store” Christianity, where people pick and choose which parts of the Bible to follow while ignoring the rest.

    Scripture warns us clearly that a lukewarm or selective faith is dangerous (Revelation 3:16; John 15:4-6; 2Tim 3:5; Eph 5:6-7; Titus 3:10-11). Be assured: if you choose to follow God’s true prescription rather than your own convenience, you will face persecution. I share this from repeated personal experience. Do not close your eyes to the sin around you. Do not separate yourself from Him. Ask people in sin to repent.

    2. I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble. 3. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way. In the path where I walk people have hidden a snare for me. 4. Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life.

    Like David, we must be quick to seek God’s face. David didn’t sugarcoat his feelings; he poured out his complaints. God wants to see the real you—the person without the mask. He doesn’t need “check-in” prayers like, “Hi God, talk to you tomorrow.” He wants your raw honesty.

    Every time I allow myself to be truly vulnerable with God, I experience a shift from frustration to peace. I once flew to Indonesia feeling overwhelmed. I didn’t know the language, and I had no idea how I would even navigate the airport. I prayed, “Lord, I don’t know what I’m doing.”

    During a transfer in Singapore, I struck up a conversation with a man who, despite 95% of the population being Muslim at the time, happened to be a theology student. His brother worked at the airport I was heading to. I hadn’t told him my fears, but God answered my silent “complaint” by providing a guide before I even landed.

    5. I cry to you, Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.”

    Many people accept Christ based on a fleeting “feeling,” but when the emotion fades, they wander away. You must be certain that Jesus is your only refuge—the only Way, Truth, and Life.

    In the Old Testament, the Levites received no land as an inheritance because God Himself was their “portion.”

    At one point in my life, I lost everything and lived out of a car. In that “cave,” I learned that God is my portion. He eventually replaced what I lost with so much more. How could I not trust Him now?

    6. Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. 7. Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.

    The best prayers are often birthed in caves. While desperation can make some people bitter, staying close to God is the only way through. My parents were physically abusive, and as a child, I cried out for a rescue that didn’t seem to come. For years I asked, “What was the point of this suffering? If I’d had normal parents, I would have had a better life.”

    That mental anguish took years to heal. Finally, God helped me understand that He calls us His “precious treasure” (Deuteronomy 7). My “abnormal” life was training for my calling. Had I lived a comfortable, easy life, I would have only learned to serve the “unholy trinity”: me, myself, and I.

    God knew what He was doing. He set me free from the prisons of bitterness, anger, and worthlessness. Today, my life isn’t perfect, but it is far better than anything I could have built on my own. I am surrounded by brothers and sisters in the church who love and support me.

    That is my prayer for you: not that you find “religion,” but that you receive a revelation of Jesus. I want you to find the quiet in the midst of the storm. As the martyr Polycarp said, “I wish I had a hundred lives to give to Christ.”

    God bless.

  • 1 John 2:7-14

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    by TA York

    Commentary: 1 John 2:7-14

    1 John 2:7-8

    “Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.”

    John begins with a paradox. He speaks of a command that is both old and new. To understand this, we must look at “the beginning.” John identifies Jesus Himself as the Beginning (see John 1:1, 14). In this sense, the command to love is as old as the Gospel itself.

    So, what makes it “new”? Jesus defines it in John 13:34-35:

    “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

    The “newness” isn’t the concept of love, but the standard of love: we are to love as Christ loved us. This isn’t the conditional love the world offers, nor is it merely the natural affection we feel for family. This is Agape—a sacrificial care that values others enough to share Jesus with them through both word and deed.

    Every Saturday, I visit an elderly lady who has been bedridden since 2020. She has no family, struggles with depression, and often complains. I listen patiently. My friends and I buy things to make her comfortable; they read, pray, and sing to her. I have even tried to get on her official family list at her facility, though the administrator hasn’t called me back yet.

    The world might say, “Why waste so much effort on one woman?” A seeker of platforms might say, “She is just one person; I need a crowd.” But Christ says, “I died for this woman; do not neglect her.” This is how we live out verse 8—by letting the darkness pass away as the true light shines through our actions. The more you pursue the Truth that is Jesus, the more His light radiates through you.

    1 John 2:9-11

    “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.”

    In Greek, the word for “hate” can imply “to love less.” Gandhi once famously said, “I love Christ, but I hate the Christians.” Sadly, we Christians can be so full of ourselves—judgmental, argumentative, and spiteful. When we push others away with our attitudes, that is the darkness in our hearts.

    Imagine walking a dark trail. Even if you are careful, you will eventually stumble. A flashlight provides sure footing, but the ultimate clarity comes from walking in the daytime. To “walk in the day” means to examine yourself through the Holy Spirit. It means taking off the mask, forgetting your ego in prayer, and becoming a child crying out to “Abba.”

    1 John 2:12-14 John addresses three stages of spiritual maturity: Children, Young Men, and Fathers.

    Children: We begin by learning the foundations—forgiveness, our connection to the Father, and our identity in Christ.

    Young Men: As we grow, we learn to overcome. We apply what we learned as children to defeat the enemy and our “old selves,” strengthened by the Word. As they say in seminary: “You can’t have a testimony without a test.”

    Fathers: These are the mentors. They use their life experiences and the wisdom gained along the road to give back and increase the Kingdom. They have a testimony to share.

    I’ve found that learning about God is a lifelong process. We don’t “graduate” from one level and forget it; we are often a child, a young man, and a father all at once. We revisit these stages as we uncover more about the Triune God. That is the beauty of the Bible—it meets us exactly where we are, changing as we change.

    Press on, good pilgrims.

    God bless.

  • Hear Me, Lord!

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    by TA York

    Psalms 86:1-3

    “Hear me, Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long.”

    Imagine a swimmer about to enter a race, wearing a heavy jacket and full clothing. Do you suppose he will win? Would you bet your life savings on him? Of course not. You might even laugh at the sight, knowing that to win this contest, the swimmer must strip down to the bare minimum to move freely.

    Time to move freely in Christ.

    This is exactly how we must come to God. We need to strip off the masks of pride, selfish desires, and anger—anything that holds us back from getting “real” with Him. Many gamble with their eternity by clinging to sin while calling themselves Christians. But death can arrive in a fraction of a second. We must stop gambling and hoping that God will accept us alongside our sin.

    If we refuse to forsake our sins, how can we expect God to ignore what He has expressly forbidden? If you want God to hear you, cry out: “I’m poor and needy. I’m a sinner—forgive me! I am Your servant.” Only then, through that surrender, will you find His mercy. Jesus will save and guard you, but from that point on, you must remain faithful and obey His teachings.

    Don’t misunderstand: God vehemently desires to show us mercy. He loves us so much that He appointed His own Son to die for us. Yet, because God is holy, He calls us to be holy. Holding onto sin is a sign that we do not truly trust Him, regardless of the excuses we use.

    Psalms 86:4

    “Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you.”

    Trusting God brings joy; the Bible tells us it is our strength. How do I know this is true? Though doctors tell me I will die soon, I am filled with a sense of peace and His joy. Whether I live or die, I belong to Christ! I look forward to sitting at the supper table with my Lord.

    Every day, I confess. Every day, I ask God to reveal my shortcomings. Nothing is greater than feeling His loving hands on my shoulders. I live in pain, but it is a small price to pay for His presence.

    Consider these examples of what happens when we place our trust in Him:

    David: A stone thrown by a child, guided by God, penetrates man-made armor to fell a giant.

    Joseph: A slave, alone in his faith but obedient to God, becomes second-in-command of Egypt.

    The Boy: A child gives Jesus two small fish and five loaves, and 5,000 are fed.

    Lazarus: A man dead for days is raised to life.

    Joseph (Mary’s husband): He listened to angels over the laws of men, saving Mary and the baby Jesus.

    Was it the humans who performed these miracles, or was it God?

    Proverbs 3:5-6

    “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

    Trust God with all your heart!

    We often use personal excuses to talk ourselves out of serving Him, yet Jesus holds the answers to our yesterdays, todays, and tomorrows.

    Has my Christian life been perfect? Absolutely not. I have faced persecution and rejection for my beliefs.
    Yet, I echo the words of the martyr Polycarp:

    “Eighty-six years have I served Him, and He never once wronged me; how then shall I blaspheme my King, who has saved me?”

    What are you waiting for? God invites you this very minute to return to His loving arms. Pray this with me:

    “Jesus, forgive me for my failures. I cry out to You; I am poor and needy. I need You in my life. Help me to overcome the sin that so easily ensnares me. Help me to be obedient to Your word, for I cannot do it alone. I trust in You. Thank You, Jesus, for hearing me. In Jesus mighty name, Amen.”

    Daily recommitment builds faith. Praying against strongholds allows the Holy Spirit to guide you. Praying for humility calms the heart, and praying for wisdom grounds you on a solid foundation.

    It is okay to question God about the hardships of life; it is okay to be upset when you don’t understand.

    The Bible says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Wait for His answer. As humans, we want to fix things with our own hands, but that is often a mistake. Allow God to answer. Often, the answer comes from the strangest place when you least expect it. That is how it has always been for me.

    Press on, good pilgrims. Press on in the name of Jesus.

    God bless.

  • The Song of the Goose

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    by TA York

    1 Peter 1:14-15

    “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.”

    One night, during a conversation with the Holy Spirit, He spoke something unexpected to me. He told me that I was a “goose.” At first, I simply replied, “Okay,” not entirely sure what He meant by such a comparison.

    He then explained: “In most churches, you have to be a duck to be accepted. You have to walk, talk, and act like a duck to fit in. Yet, you are a goose.” In that moment, I understood. There are people who simply do not fit into the standard mold because they are “geese.” These are the individuals who don’t just fall into line or blindly follow a group; they refuse to hang solely on the words of a pastor because they are driven to discover Bible doctrine for themselves.

    In many ways, these “geese” were the very foundation of the Reformation. Consider the example of Jan Hus. In his native Bohemian language, the name Hus literally means “Goose.”

    The Legacy of the Goose

    Hus wrote De Ecclesia (The Church), a work that laid the groundwork for future spiritual revolution. He advocated for the church to return to Christ as the center of faith and pushed for the Bible to be translated into the common language so that everyone could build a personal relationship with Jesus. Because he spoke out against the corrupt practices of the 15th-century church, he was labeled a heretic.

    When Hus was sentenced to death by fire for challenging the worldly powers of his day, his final words were prophetic:

    “You are going to cook a goose now, but in a century, you will have a swan which you can neither roast nor boil.”

    The “ducks” of that day thought they had won. Yet, exactly 102 years later, that prophecy was fulfilled when Martin Luther—the “swan”—nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg church.

    A Call to Holiness

    Today, it is time once again for God’s people to turn fully and completely to Christ. We live in a nation filled with wickedness, where even many who confess to be Christians remain entangled in purposeful sin. We must ask ourselves: Is it right to effectively place Jesus back on the cross? Should He be whipped again because of our continued, intentional disobedience? Absolutely not.

    We are called to proclaim the true Gospel loudly. While men may judge us wrongly, and we may face persecution or be “slain all the day long,” we must endure. Often, the sharpest pain comes from the persecution of those we call our brothers and sisters. May God give us the desire to burn with the same conviction as Hus, and may we sing even louder than he did amidst the flames.

    2 Corinthians 4:2 reminds us:

    “Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.”

    Returning to the Source

    The time for revival has come, but it can only happen if we place Jesus Christ back on the throne. He is the head of the Church—not any man, and not any teaching that seeks to take His place. Scripture is clear: there is no other way to the Father except through Him. There are no additions or subtractions required; it is Christ alone.

    Jesus is our only source of heavenly power. We do not need beads, statues, indulgences, or prayers to others. We must ask ourselves: what idols have taken His place? It is time to study your Bible to cultivate a personal relationship with the Creator. While it is good to be involved in church and listen to your pastors, you must be a “Berean”—search the Scriptures and learn about Jesus for yourself (see Acts 17:11).

    The truth of the Bible is written in blood. Many have died so that you could read these words freely, following the ultimate example set by Jesus. Honor Him by reading His words.

    2 Corinthians 4:8-12

    “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed… So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.”

    Today is the day of repentance. Will you be a “goose” for the Kingdom?

    Sing the song of the “geese.”

    God bless.

  • Kingdom of Heaven

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    by TA York

    In Matthew 13:44-46, the Bible says:

    “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”

    While sharing at a convalescent home Bible study recently, I realized that many people struggle to truly understand the depth of this scripture.

    I shared with the group that my doctors want me to begin dialysis, but I have decided that dialysis is not God’s current choice for me. In response, many people insisted—almost demanded—that I “choose life” and follow the medical recommendations. Of course, if God clearly told me to do so, I would have no problem obeying Him.

    However, the Holy Spirit shared a different perspective with me. God is the Creator of heaven, earth, and all of mankind; He has the power to heal me in a split second, a power I have witnessed firsthand during foreign missions.

    I must emphasize to you, my friends, that what I am sharing is a personal conviction. This is the path the Holy Spirit has set for me, and as a result, I am at complete peace.

    So, for those of you experiencing kidney disease or any trial, I encourage you to pray about the desires of God’s heart for your specific situation. During the quiet “midnight hours,” I felt the Lord confirm that He can heal me completely if that is His assignment for me. If not, then I get to go home to Him, where I will be healed eternally.

    This is exactly where the scripture of the “Hidden Treasure” and the “Pearl of Great Price” comes into play. I have “sold everything to buy it.” This isn’t necessarily about selling worldly goods; rather, it is about being completely “sold out” to God. It reflects the command to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind (Matt 22:37).

    In other words, I have “bought into” the idea of giving every part of myself over to Jesus. The pearl of great price—the ultimate treasure—is Jesus Himself. I have surrendered everything I am and placed my complete trust in Him. Ultimately, there is no better way to express my love than to literally hand my life over to Him.

    As Romans 14:8 says:

    “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”

    Our words rarely carry as much weight as our actions. Today is the day of salvation; I urge you to dedicate your lives fully to Christ. There is nothing to regret.

    God bless.

  • God’s Word

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    by TA York

    Hebrew 4:12
    “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

    During my time in convalescent ministry, we held a Bible study every Sunday. Each week, a woman in a wheelchair would roll past our gathering. The following week, she paused briefly to listen for just a minute before moving on. This pattern continued for several weeks. Although we invited her to join the service, she politely declined each time.

    Gradually, however, something began to change. She started lingering in the hallway—first for 15 minutes, then for 30 minutes. Finally, one Sunday, she wheeled herself into the library of the convalescent home and stayed for the entire service. This transformation demonstrates that the Bible is truly powerful, active, and alive. It is far more than words printed on paper; it is the very life flow of Jesus Christ.

    On the other hand, for those who refuse God’s gentle tap on the shoulder urging them to change, judgment awaits. They will eventually judge their own hearts and attitudes and feel the weight of guilt. If they don’t experience this conviction, their consciences may have become seared and hardened.

    I recall one encounter that illustrates this point. I noticed a cross someone was wearing and commented, “Nice cross—are you a Christian?” His response was immediate: “No.” Puzzled, I asked, “Then why do you wear a cross?” He simply replied, “Just in case.”

    “Just in case” people have no place in righteousness (Matt 5:20, Eccl 3:17, Eph 4:17-19). Uncommitted Christians follow Christ in speech but their actions deny Christ (Titus 1:16, James 4:17).
    So to those people, ask yourself, do I have a place in heaven?
    Also, this sin will prevent growth. Needless to say, insulting the
    suffering of Jesus, is not spiritually healthy.

    This raises a crucial question: How does a person know when they are going to die? How will you know when it’s time to make that emergency call to God?
    The sobering reality is that some people don’t get that opportunity to cry out to Him.
    That’s why today is the day of salvation! Take the time now to pray and cry out for God’s saving grace.

    Don’t wait until your soul and spirit are divided beyond repair.

    God bless

  • 1 John 2:1-8

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    Living in the Light of Christ

    Scripture Text:

    “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

    3. We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4. Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6. Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” 7. Dear friends, I am not writing you a new commandment, but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. 8. Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.

    A Heart of Love and Protection

    John begins by reinforcing what he established in chapter one, using a tender phrase—”my dear children”—that reveals the deep love he has for his readers. This isn’t merely casual affection; it demonstrates a pastoral heart concerned for their spiritual well-being.

    The central message of this passage is clear: do not sin. However, John also acknowledges a sobering reality—accidents happen, and when they do, we have an advocate: Jesus. An advocate serves as our representative before the judge, who is the Father. Much like a lawyer speaks on behalf of a client, Jesus stands with us and speaks for us. Furthermore, this advocate is completely trustworthy and dependable.

    Yet here’s the critical warning: if a person deliberately refuses to obey God’s commands while on earth, they risk being without an advocate when they need one most. To put it plainly, when someone purposefully sins against God, they are gambling with their salvation and eternal judgment.

    The Urgency of Today

    Consider how quickly life can change. I remember joking around with my friends one moment—minutes later, they were gone. Do you think any of us were discussing death in those carefree moments? Of course not. We were young, living with the assumption that death was 50 or 60 years away.

    Think about the young man who was crossing railroad tracks while absorbed in his cell phone conversation. A train struck him, and he was dead in the blink of an eye. Do you imagine he was telling his mother, “I have 30 seconds to live—do you have anything important to tell me?” Death rarely announces itself.

    The Bible makes no promise of tomorrow. Today is the day of genuine repentance, and we must take it seriously. Just because you’re alone in your room doesn’t mean you’re safe from the reality of mortality. Live each day as if it might be your last, because one day, you’ll be right.

    Our Righteous Advocate

    Jesus stands in right relationship with the Father. He is the atonement—the complete reparation for our sins. This is not something we should ever take lightly or forsake.

    Importantly, Jesus doesn’t evaluate people based on intelligence or productivity. Jesus wants your heart—not merely in words, but in your soul, heart, and body. He gave us a new commandment that encompasses everything: Love God with all your heart, soul, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.

    Choosing Love Over Offense

    I work to live out this commandment as an example. Truthfully, there’s plenty I could be offended by, but I choose love instead. My personal struggles could easily dominate my perspective—my limitations, financial pressures, physical weakness, lack of sleep. Then there’s the overwhelming nature of the world itself: pain, bills, cruel people, and even those who claim to follow Christ but act otherwise.

    If I focused on the negative, I could become a monster. Instead, I deliberately choose to restrain my reactions to demonstrate something better to my family and friends. I give my problems to God, which significantly reduces my desire to sin against both people and God.

    Truth Revealed Through Obedience

    The passage continues: “We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”

    Keeping His commands demonstrates that we have truly come to know and understand Him. Conversely, the opposite is equally true: those who deliberately, persistently sin are liars, and the truth is not in them.

    This connects to Jesus’s declaration in John 14:6, where He identifies Himself as “the way, the truth, and the life”:

    The way – our spiritual journey

    Truth – shining light on the things that belong to God

    Life – zoe, meaning God-breathed life

    This means God illuminates our spiritual journey, providing a clear path to follow. Where does this path lead? Toward eternal life. The choice is yours: allow God’s presence to direct you rather than unholy desires. Follow life or follow death.

    The Old Command Made New

    John concludes this section: “Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.”

    The “beginning” John references echoes what he established in chapter one. The command he’s highlighting is the most essential truth: eternal life exists only in Jesus. He is the sole access point to the Father—nothing added, nothing subtracted.

    Many religious systems that claim to be Christian add their own requirements: “It’s Jesus plus our doctrine.” However, anyone who teaches this fails to understand the ancient commandment: “You shall have no other gods before Me”—before Jesus. No other idols. The new command flows from this: love God with everything you have.

    John personally saw Jesus, met Him, knew Him intimately, and understands Him as the truth itself. As we grow in knowing Jesus, the darkness passes away from us, and the true light shines progressively brighter in us and through us.

    An Obsession Worth Having

    I’ve been called obsessed with Jesus, and I gladly accept that description. The world offers countless things to obsess over, but in time, they will all pass away. Jesus and His words will never pass away.

    That’s an obsession worth having.

      God bless

    1. 1 John 1: A Study Guide

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      Verse 1 opens with the word “beginning,” translated from the Greek arche, which also means “most important.” What’s so important?

      John, the beloved disciple, heard, saw, and looked into the face of Jesus. He touched Jesus, and Jesus touched John. John refers to Him as “the Word” (see John 1:1)—the Word of life.


      Moving to verse 2, we learn that the Life appeared when Jesus came into the world. The apostles saw Jesus and now testify about Him. To testify literally means to be charged with a responsibility, carrying a strong sense of personal involvement. John assures us that Jesus is eternal life, emphasizing that Jesus was assigned by the Father and came to earth with this divine mission.


      Verse 3 raises an important question: Why do the apostles proclaim this message? The answer is so that others may come to understand and believe. Once again, the apostles assure us that they have fellowship not only with Jesus but also with God the Father.
      This leads us to consider: Is there enough evidence to convict you as a Christian? Have you ever thought about how desperately Satan wants the Rapture to occur—perhaps even more than Christians do? Why? Imagine the havoc that will unfold once obedient Christians are removed from the earth. Do we truly understand the parameters that God places on us?


      Verse 4 states, “We write this to make our joy complete.” Do you understand that God delights in us? How does this happen? First Peter 1:16 provides the answer: “Be holy, for I am holy.” We are called to be distinct, set apart, and pure. This must be our daily practice.


      Consider the passage from Deuteronomy 23:12-14, which instructs: “Designate a place outside the camp where you can go to relieve yourself. As part of your equipment have something to dig with, and when you relieve yourself, dig a hole and cover up your excrement. For the LORD your God moves about in your camp to protect you and to deliver your enemies to you. Your camp must be holy, so that he will not see among you anything indecent and turn away from you.”


      The world is full of impurity—like excrement. We must dig a hole and bury it so that God will move freely around us and our homes. Do you think God wants to see or hear what you do in secret? Keep your house and your person holy so that your family can be safe and blessed.


      Verse 5 declares: “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” The apostles heard this message directly from God as recorded plainly in the Bible. Now they declare it to us: “God is light; in Him there is no darkness at ALL.” Therefore, it is essential that we also be light.

      Zephaniah 2:3 reinforces this call:
      “Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD’s anger.”


      Verse 6 warns: “If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.” Scripture is clear that there is no inheritance of heaven for the unrighteous (see 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:5; 1 Timothy 1:9).


      However, verse 7 offers hope: “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.” To walk in the light means to pursue the things of God with intentionality.
      As your father, I can only point you toward Jesus, strive to be an example, and pray for you—which I do daily. Yet you must choose to read Scripture, pray, and take God seriously.


      Verses 8-10 present a sobering truth: “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.”


      Do not claim to be sinless—especially before God. It’s time to “take the mask off,” a phrase I often use when sharing Scripture. If we claim sinlessness, we deceive ourselves, and Jesus disqualifies us because the truth is not in us.


      Therefore, it is time to confess our sins—not to me, but to God. Ask God to purify you with the blood of Jesus.


      Notice that John repeats himself in verses 8 and 10, demonstrating the critical importance of this message. The theme of this entire chapter revolves around the supreme importance of walking in truth, confessing our sins, and maintaining fellowship with God through Jesus Christ.

      So, obey Christ and forget the world!

      God bless

    2. # Evangelizing to Muslims

      by

      *By T.A. York*

      ## Tips for Evangelism

      – Study the Bible, know the Scripture, and pray.

      – Every person is an individual—treat them as such.

      – The best way to speak into a person’s life is to become their friend.

      – Allow them to share about their life, beliefs, and character.

      – Be honest and authentic. If you don’t know an answer, say so, but commit to finding out.

      – Affirm the person: Example: “That’s a good question.”

      – Show genuine concern: Example: “How’s your family?”

      – Most Muslims are converted through a Christian’s love or a divine dream. Show them agape love.

      – Debates rarely win a person over. A debate can feel threatening, causing people to become defensive and unmovable.

      – Listen, listen, and listen.

      ## Some Facts About Islam

      – The Quran was written around 570 to 610 AD, which postdates the biblical accounts.

      – Devout Muslims read the Quran in its original language (Arabic) due to concerns about mistranslation.

      – Muhammad wrote: “I’ve been commanded to fight the world until there’s no other god except Allah” (Sahih Muslim 22).

      – Muslims practice something called “Taqiyya”—the act of lying to any non-Muslim if that lie furthers the interests of Islam.

      – Muhammad never learned to read or write; therefore, his followers memorized his sayings and later wrote them down. This differs from Jesus’ followers, who were firsthand witnesses.

      – Muhammad claimed he received messages from the angel Gabriel. Jesus is God, so His message came directly from Himself and God the Father.

      ## Evangelistic Questions and Responses

      ### Q: Are you assured of salvation?

      **Tip:** Muslims believe their good works need to outweigh the bad.

      **A:** Jesus died for the sins of the world. Christians are saved by grace, not by works.

      *John 3:16; Romans 8:28, 38-39; Hebrews 10:22; 1 John 5:11-12; John 14:6*

      ### Q: Is there a passage in the Quran where God comes out to greet a follower?

      **A:** In the story of the prodigal son, the Father not only left His house to greet the son—He ran to him. Jesus also left heaven to rescue God’s people. God’s people are those who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.

      *Luke 15:11-32; John 1:1-10; Romans 10:10-13*

      ### Q: Why do you pray five times a day? What do you pray about?

      **A:** Have you prayed for the forgiveness of your sins? Are you assured that they are forgiven?

      “Az-Zumar 39:56 states that no sinful soul will say on judgment day, ‘Woe to me for neglecting my duties towards Allah while ridiculing the truth.’”

      You pray, but how do you know that you’ve done enough duties to satisfy this command? Jesus assures the believer of salvation and forgiveness of sins.

      *Ephesians 1:7; Romans 5:8, 6:23, 8:1, 10:9, 13; John 8:3-11*

      ### Q: Have you ever looked at a woman lustfully?

      **A:** The prophet Jesus (Muslims believe Jesus is a prophet) said that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart (Matthew 5:28).

      ### Q: Have you ever lied? Is a lie a sin?

      **A:** Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.”

      *John 8:34, 44*

      ### Q: Have you ever stolen anything?

      Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:38 states: “As for male and female thieves, cut off their hands for what they have done—a deterrent from Allah. And Allah is almighty, all-wise.”

      **A:** Jesus has forgiven us of all transgressions (Colossians 2:13).

      *Luke 23:32-43; John 1:29; 1 John 2:2*

      ### Q: The Quran 4:171 says: “The Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah…” What is the definition of Messiah?

      **A:** The definition of Messiah is “savior of a particular group of people”—the promised deliverer of the Jewish nation prophesied in the Hebrew Bible.

      *John 1:1, 14; John 10:30; John 8:58*

      ### Q: One of the six basic beliefs in Islam is Judgment Day, when the deeds of all people will be placed on a scale. A Muslim needs to have enough personal merit and righteousness to make it to heaven.

      **A:** “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

      *Romans 3:20; Titus 3:5*

      Blessings to the family of believers!

    3. What is Pentecost?

      by

      By TA York

      Acts 2:1-2
      “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.”

      Sometimes we read through the Bible without asking questions, simply taking for granted what has been written to us by the hand of God. However, in my quest to understand God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, I choose to ask questions. This is how I have learned about God the Father.

      Consider the first verse in Acts chapter 2: “They were all together…” This refers to the apostles and other believers, and we all agree on that interpretation. The fact that the believers came together indicates this gathering was preplanned. They didn’t simply email each other saying, “Bible study at Peter’s place tonight.” In those days, everything had to be planned far in advance, with every believer receiving a verbal invitation—at least, that’s my assumption.

      This led me to ask myself: What exactly is this Pentecost? Where did it originate? How was it developed?

      The answer lies with the Israelites. To fully understand this celebration, we must first examine the Jewish Pentecost before exploring the Christian Pentecost.

      The Jewish Pentecost

      The Jewish Pentecost is called Shavot, also known as the Feast of Harvest (or the Feast of Weeks or First Fruits, as mentioned in Exodus 23:16). This elaborate celebration required extensive preparation.

      The preparations began immediately after Passover and extended for 49 days, with the 50th day marking Shavot itself. Each day was carefully counted, creating anticipation and spiritual readiness for the coming celebration. Interestingly, “Pentecost” means “fiftieth” in Greek, directly referencing this timing.

      The physical preparations were considerable. Homes and temples were thoroughly cleaned and decorated with roses, lilies, leafy branches, and herbal fragrances. Additionally, fruit gathering formed an essential part of the ritual. The finest produce from the early harvest was collected to be brought to the temple in Jerusalem as an offering to God, with seven specific kinds of produce being gathered.

      Beyond the physical preparations, Shavot commemorated the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, making spiritual preparation equally important. This involved intensive Torah study, including the Jewish custom of “Tikkun Leil Shavut”—the practice of staying up all night on the eve of Shavot (the 49th night) to study the Torah.

      Even the meal required special consideration. Since the first Shavuot marked when the Israelites received the Torah with its dietary laws, sufficient time was needed to prepare kosher foods. Furthermore, when the Temple in Jerusalem stood, a pilgrimage was necessary, requiring careful planning for both the journey and the required offerings.

      Here’s a fascinating detail: the celebration spans seven weeks (49 days), with seven days in each week and seven offerings from the first fruits. This gives us 777—God’s perfect number.

      For additional references regarding Jewish Pentecost, see Exodus 34:22, Leviticus 23:15-21, and Deuteronomy 16:9-12.

      Christian Pentecost

      I wanted to share the details of the Jewish Pentecost to illustrate the intricacies and extensive planning involved for believers to come together for this celebration. This context helps us understand that the gathering described in Acts was the first celebration of believers since Jesus’ ascension.

      If tradition held true, the believers would have stayed up all night reading the Torah. I can envision them praying and contemplating the words of Jesus, truly seeing the Torah come to life as Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies concerning Himself.

      Through this preparation, the believers’ hearts were ready and softened for the changes to come. In Acts 1, the believers had been instructed to wait, and that’s exactly what they were doing: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised” (Acts 1:4).

      Then came the surprise of a lifetime. According to tradition, the people were supposed to bring an offering to God. Yet through their obedience to God, these believers were instead anointed by the Holy Spirit. How gracious God is—He gave us an offering: the gift of the Holy Spirit!

      Rather than eating kosher foods, tongues of fire came from the believers’ mouths, feeding those around them with spiritual food. The old Jewish Pentecost was transformed, and the old covenant was left behind. A mighty wind blew into that room and changed the atmosphere forever! At that moment, the new covenant with the new Pentecost began.

      The impact was immediate and profound. The people were cut to the heart and asked the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37).

      Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).

      Jeremiah 31:33

      “This is the covenant I will make with the people Israel after that time, ” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.”

      So from the Jewish Pentecost, a celebration of the Torah. To the celebration of the Christian Pentecost, the Holy Spirit indwelling in us. We add it together and the Bible comes alive, with joy.

      A Personal Call

      Isn’t it time to obey the voice of God and respond to His call? Have you ever felt the fire of the Holy Spirit?

      I feel that flame even now as I write. His love is beyond imagination. Your problems won’t disappear, but the peace God gives supersedes all the issues of life.

      Please don’t miss your opportunity. Repent and be baptized.

      God bless you, my friends.