Category Archives: Jesus (hearing from God)

Doubt / Lacking Faith, Faith / Trusting God, Jesus (hearing from God), Purposeful / Intentional, Repenting from Sin, Revelation, Seeking God, Through Prophets, Visions

Lukewarm Faith (Revelation 3:14–22)

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If Yeshua is the faithful and true witness, what does your life testify about your devotion to Him?

Key Verse:
“These things says the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God.” —Revelation 3:14 NASB

Background Context:
Laodicea was wealthy, self-sufficient, and proud of its prosperity. It lacked nothing materially — yet spiritually it was in grave danger. Before confronting their condition, Yeshua identifies Himself carefully.

He calls Himself “the Amen” — the One who confirms and fulfills truth. He is “the faithful and true Witness” — perfectly reflecting the Father. And He is “the Beginning of the creation of God” — not the first created being, but the origin, ruler, and source of creation itself. He is co-eternal with the Father, one with Him, and the Spirit testifies likewise. The One speaking to Laodicea is no mere teacher — He is the eternal Son.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Revelation 3:14-22

Message to Laodicea

      14“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this:

      15‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. 16‘So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. 17‘Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, 18I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. 19‘Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. 20‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. 21‘He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

Reflection on Revelation 3:14–22:
Yeshua begins by reminding the church who He is before exposing who they are. As the faithful and true witness, He is our example above all others. His life displayed perfect obedience, devotion, and alignment with the Father. If we are to follow anyone, it is Him.

His authority makes the rebuke weighty. Laodicea is lukewarm — neither hot nor cold. They are spiritually indifferent. Their self-evaluation is dangerously inflated: “I am rich… and have need of nothing.” But Yeshua, who sees truly, calls them poor, blind, and naked.

Material success had masked spiritual poverty.

Lukewarm faith is particularly offensive because it reflects divided allegiance. It is not outright rebellion, but it is not wholehearted devotion either. Comfort has replaced dependence. Self-sufficiency has dulled zeal.

Yet even here, grace is extended. Yeshua counsels them to receive what only He can give — refined gold (true spiritual wealth), white garments (righteousness), and eye salve (clear spiritual vision). He disciplines those He loves. His correction is not rejection — it is invitation.

“Be zealous and repent.” Repentance is still the path forward. And then comes the tender image: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” This is spoken to the church. Even after rebuke, fellowship is offered.

He promises the overcomer a place with Him on His throne. The eternal Son, co-ruler with the Father, invites faithful believers to share in His reign. The contrast is stunning — from lukewarm complacency to shared glory.

Laodicea reminds us that knowing true doctrine about Christ must result in true devotion to Christ. He is the faithful and true witness. We are called to reflect Him faithfully in return.

Application:

  • Let Yeshua’s faithfulness shape your own devotion.

  • Guard against self-sufficiency that dulls spiritual hunger.

  • Measure your life honestly through Christ’s evaluation, not your own.

  • Respond to correction quickly — repentance restores intimacy.

  • Pursue wholehearted zeal rather than comfortable indifference.

Closing Prayer:
Lord Yeshua, faithful and true Witness, guard me from lukewarm faith. Help me follow You wholeheartedly and reflect Your devotion in my life. Expose self-reliance in my heart and renew my zeal for You. When You knock, may I open the door quickly and welcome Your presence. In Your holy name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Faith / Trusting God, Jesus (hearing from God), Obeying God, Purposeful / Intentional, Repenting from Sin, Salvation, Through Prophets, Visions

Alive in Name Only (Revelation 3:1–6)

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Is it possible to look spiritually alive — yet be lifeless in the sight of Yeshua?

Key Verse:
“I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.” —Revelation 3:1 NASB

Background Context:
Sardis was once a powerful and prosperous city, but by the time of Revelation it had declined from its former glory. Into this setting, Yeshua speaks to a church that mirrors its city’s story — living on reputation rather than present vitality.

He introduces Himself as the One who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars — emphasizing His authority over the churches and the fullness of the Spirit. What follows is one of the most sobering evaluations in the seven letters.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Revelation 3:1–6

Message to Sardis

      1“To the angel of the church in Sardis write:
He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2‘Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God. 3‘So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you. 4‘But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 5‘He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. 6‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

Reflection on Revelation 3:1–6:
Yeshua does not begin with praise. He begins with exposure. Sardis has a reputation — a name — for being alive. Perhaps they were once vibrant, once passionate, once deeply devoted. But reputation is not reality. What people say about a church is not the same as what Christ sees.

This is a warning for every generation. A church may appear active, organized, even influential, yet lack true spiritual vitality. Activity is not the same as life. Yeshua searches beyond appearance.

The command is urgent: “Wake up.” Strengthen what remains before it dies completely. There is still something left — but it is fading. Repentance is required. Yeshua is not content to leave His people unchanged. He loves too much to accept spiritual drift as normal.

Again we see that those called by His name are expected to repent. There are consequences for refusal. He warns that He will come like a thief — unexpected and decisive. Complacency is dangerous.

Yet there is hope. Yeshua says there are a few in Sardis who have not soiled their garments. It is not the majority — but it is not none. They are described as worthy and will walk with Him in white.

He then makes a striking promise: “He who overcomes… I will not erase his name from the book of life.” This is a serious statement. At minimum, it is meant to create urgency and sober reflection. It reminds us that perseverance matters. Faith is not something we drift through passively. It is something we guard and continue in.

Scripture consistently calls believers to endure, to overcome, and to remain faithful. Sardis warns us against complacency — against assuming that yesterday’s faithfulness guarantees today’s vitality.

This letter is not meant to create fear, but alertness. The call is not despair, but awakening.

Application:

  • Examine whether your spiritual life rests on reputation or present reality.

  • Refuse complacency; wake up and strengthen what remains.

  • Repent quickly when conviction comes — Yeshua calls us to change.

  • Do not assume past faithfulness replaces present obedience.

  • Guard your heart from drifting back toward cultural compromise.

Closing Prayer:
Lord Yeshua, search my heart and expose anything that is lifeless beneath outward appearance. Wake me up where I have grown complacent. Strengthen what remains and help me walk faithfully with You. Guard me from drifting and keep my name secure as I continue to trust and obey You. In Your holy name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Discerning / Judging, False Prophets / Teachers, Jesus (hearing from God), Love, Obeying God, Rebuke Wrong Behavior, Repenting from Sin, Revelation, Study the Word, Through Prophets, Visions

Love With Discernment (Revelation 2:18-29)

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Are your deeds aligning with your confession—or have you begun tolerating what Yeshua calls sin?

Key Verse:
“And I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.” —Revelation 2:23 NASB

Background Context:
Thyatira was known for trade guilds and economic life tied to idolatrous practices. For believers, pressure to compromise was constant. In this letter, Yeshua introduces Himself as the Son of God with eyes like a flame of fire and feet like burnished bronze—imagery that communicates His purity, His penetrating judgment, and His unshakable authority. He evaluates this church not merely by what they claim, but by what they do—and what they tolerate.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Revelation 2:18-29

Message to Thyatira

      18“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write:
The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like burnished bronze, says this:

      19‘I know your deeds, and your love and faith and service and perseverance, and that your deeds of late are greater than at first. 20‘But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. 21‘I gave her time to repent, and she does not want to repent of her immorality. 22‘Behold, I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds. 23‘And I will kill her children with pestilence, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds. 24‘But I say to you, the rest who are in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they call them—I place no other burden on you. 25‘Nevertheless what you have, hold fast until I come. 26‘He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, TO HIM I WILL GIVE AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONS; 27AND HE SHALL RULE THEM WITH A ROD OF IRON, AS THE VESSELS OF THE POTTER ARE BROKEN TO PIECES, as I also have received authority from My Father; 28and I will give him the morning star. 29‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

Reflection on Revelation 2:18–29:
Yeshua begins by reminding the church that He knows their deeds. Their love, faith, service, and perseverance matter to Him. He wants more than acknowledgment with words—He expects a life that reflects obedience. That goes for us as well.

Yet He is not pleased that they are tolerating a false prophetess among them. Notice: she is not presented as an obvious enemy claiming Satan. She is a “prophetess”—someone who would appear spiritual and connected to the community of believers. This is what makes the danger so serious: false teaching often comes from inside the church, wearing a religious label while leading people into what is displeasing to God.

Yeshua says He gave her time to repent, but she refused. Judgment will follow, and He warns that those who follow her will also face consequences unless they repent. Repentance is not merely feeling bad or saying sorry—it is turning around, changing direction, and returning to His ways.

We should not miss that Yeshua searches minds and hearts, and He gives to each one according to deeds. Living for Him is far more than a moment at an altar or a single prayer long ago. There is an expectation of transformation. There is also an expectation that we do not “mix and mingle”—blending good with evil and calling it acceptable.

This letter makes clear that it is not enough to avoid sin personally. Yeshua also confronts the church for tolerating those who lead fellow believers astray. We are not called to sit silently on the sidelines while deception spreads. We are to reject false teaching, speak truth, and separate from what corrupts.

To those who hold fast and overcome, Yeshua promises reward—authority with Him and “the morning star.” Throughout Scripture, blessing follows obedience and consequence follows rebellion (see Deuteronomy 30:19; and the broader blessings and curses framework in Deuteronomy 28). The call is clear: choose life.

As we read these letters, we can also notice that Yeshua introduces Himself differently each time—the sword in one letter, eyes of fire and feet of bronze in another. The symbolism matters. There is significance worth further study and prayer. If you feel led to dig deeper, test multiple sources—but always test everything back to Scripture itself.

Application:

  • Let your deeds match your confession—Yeshua cares deeply about how we live.

  • Do not tolerate false teaching simply because it sounds spiritual or “churchy.”

  • Repent quickly when convicted—turning around is more than regret.

  • Reject mixing good with evil; obedience requires clarity, not compromise.

  • Protect fellow believers by speaking truth and refusing to enable deception.

  • Choose life daily—blessing follows obedience, and disobedience has consequences.

Closing Prayer:
Lord Yeshua, search my heart and expose anything in me that tolerates what You call sin. Strengthen me to live in obedience—not just in words, but in deeds. Give me discernment to recognize false teaching, courage to reject it, and humility to repent quickly when You correct me. Help me hold fast and overcome by Your grace. In Your holy name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Courage / Fear, Discerning / Judging, Faith / Trusting God, Jesus (hearing from God), Obeying God, Purposeful / Intentional, Revelation, Visions

Holding Fast Without Compromise (Revelation 2:12–17)

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Are you standing firm in Christ — or quietly tolerating what His Word clearly confronts?

Key Verse:
“Repent therefore; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth.” —Revelation 2:16 NASB

Background Context:
Pergamum was a powerful pagan city, saturated with emperor worship and idolatry. Jesus describes it as the place “where Satan’s throne is,” indicating deep spiritual opposition. The believers there faced serious pressure and even martyrdom. Yet while they held fast to Christ’s name publicly, false teaching had begun to take root within the church itself.

In this letter, Yeshua identifies Himself as “the One who has the sharp two-edged sword.” This imagery is not accidental. The sword represents the Word of YHWH — the standard by which all teaching, behavior, and belief are judged.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Revelation 2:12–17

Message to Pergamum

      12“And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write:
The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this:

      13‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14‘But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality. 15‘So you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16‘Therefore repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth. 17‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.’

Reflection on Revelation 2:12–17:
Yeshua commends Pergamum first. They held fast to His name. They did not deny the faith, even when Antipas was killed. This was not a timid church. They endured persecution and remained publicly loyal to Christ.

Yet serious compromise existed within the body. Some held to teachings compared to Balaam — encouraging idolatry and immorality — and others followed the Nicolaitans. This was not simply external pressure; it was internal corruption. There was a mixing of truth and error, faith and compromise.

Jesus introduces Himself as the One with the sharp two-edged sword because it is by the Word of YHWH that we are judged and corrected. Scripture reinforces this:

Ephesians 6:17 calls the Word of God “the sword of the Spirit.”

Hebrews 4:12–13 reminds us that the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, judging the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Nothing is hidden from His sight.

It is not by cultural opinion or majority vote that truth is defined — it is by the Word of YHWH. And not everyone who claims to teach that Word teaches it accurately. We are called to test teaching carefully, not simply accept a pastor’s voice or popular interpretation without discernment.

Repentance here is not emotional regret. It means to turn around — to change direction — to align behavior and belief with the truth of Yeshua. The warning is sobering: if they refuse to repent, He Himself will come and make war against them with the sword of His mouth. These are not pagans outside the church. These are people within the church body promoting false doctrine.

There are consequences for refusing correction.

Yet the promise to the overcomer is rich with hope. Hidden manna recalls YHWH’s provision in the wilderness — sustenance for His faithful people. The white stone suggests cleansing and acceptance. The new name speaks of belonging and new identity. Where false teaching offers compromise, Christ offers true provision, forgiveness, and renewed identity.

Pergamum reminds us that it is possible to endure persecution outwardly while tolerating corruption inwardly. Faithfulness requires both courage under pressure and purity in doctrine.

Application:

  • Hold fast to the name of Yeshua, even under pressure.

  • Test every teaching against the Word of YHWH, not personal preference.

  • Refuse to tolerate false doctrine within the body of believers.

  • Understand that repentance means real change, not mere regret.

  • Trust Christ’s provision, cleansing, and promise as you overcome.

Closing Prayer:
Lord Yeshua, guard my heart from compromise and my mind from false teaching. Give me discernment to test what I hear against Your Word. Strengthen me to hold fast to Your name and to turn quickly when correction is needed. Keep me faithful in truth and pure in devotion. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Am I on the path?, Core Teaching, Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Jesus (hearing from God), Obeying God, Share the Good News, Submitted / Servant

The Great Commission – Make Disciples Of All The Nations

This is an important core teaching, so please take some extra time to read through it as it is a bit longer than perhaps an average post. It is worth it. Pray for the LORD to speak to you and guide you as you reflect on the message.

Yahweh came down to live among us in the person of Yeshua (Hebrew name of Jesus). Both fully man and fully God, He demonstrated a perfect sinless life of devotion and submission to the Father. He set a perfect example for us to learn from and replicate. Then Yeshua fulfilled the purpose for which He came through His suffering, death, and resurrection… providing a path for those of us who accept Him as Lord to be reconciled with our Father regarding the punishment of our sins.

After His resurrection, Yeshua gave a clear command to His disciples regarding what He wanted them to do. We should study this command and obey it as well. It not only applies to the disciples who walked with Yeshua during His earthly ministry, but to all who truly submit to Yeshua as Messiah and therefore commit to do His work and obey His will and honor His kingdom. The command may not be easy to follow, but neither was dying on the cross easy. Yeshua’s command should be very important to each of us that declare Him “Lord”.

Matthew 28:16-20

16But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. 17When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Those of us who serve Christ have our marching orders, a mission if you will. Yeshua did not say… “Live comfortably and according to your own desires. When you feel like it and when it is convenient and easy, please consider telling others about me.” Not at all. Quite the opposite. Jesus commands us to go and make disciples of all the world! Do not think that this was easy for the disciples either, but rather it was a challenging task. Let’s examine the command a little more closely as we begin.

“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”

This statement clearly confirms to us that Yeshua has the full authority to speak for God. Yeshua’s tone is different now from earlier in His earthly ministry when He consistently said He could do only His Father’s will. He absolutely has authority over us and to refuse to obey His command is to rebel. You either obey or rebel. There is no “comfortable” middle ground where we sort of obey, but not fully.

But what is He asking us to do when He says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.”

“Go”

“Go” certainly seems clear. It is an action very different from “wait”. We should take action to fulfill the request, not wait for people to come to us and ask about Yeshua.

“therefore”

“Therefore” refers to the sentence preceding… because Yeshua has all authority, He has authority over us and He is commanding us to perform this mission. We either obey or rebel. There is no comfortable and convenient middle ground.

“…and make disciples…”

To make “disciples” is to make “learners”, people who can learn about Yahweh and then, once ready, teach others. We are not commanded to make “converts”, who accept Yeshua, but then require constant care and feeding (spiritually) from a pastor or other members of the body of Christ. We are to first lead them to conversion and then prepare the new followers of Christ to be able to “feed” themselves, growing in their relationship with the Lord for the rest of their lives. This obviously implies that we, too, must learn first how to feed ourselves and become mature disciples of Yeshua, seeking and submitting to the Father and obeying His word while constantly learning to know Him more intimately.

“…of all the nations…”

Of whom are we to make disciples? Just those like us? Just those nearby or just those far away? No. We are to make disciples of “all the nations”. To accomplish this we will clearly have to work together as the body of Christ, united in one mission… one purpose… each using the gifts and abilities Yahweh has given us to fulfill this great commission. Everyone must participate; no one can sit on the sidelines just watching and letting others complete the mission. Notice He does not command us to make disciples of all the people… as many will reject Him and we can not force someone to accept Yeshua. But we are to bring the message around the world so all can hear the good news of the gospel.

“…baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit…”

Baptism is important because it represents a public proclamation of submission to our Creator. Yeshua commands us to publicly acknowledge Him before others. There is no such thing as a private or secret faith. Such faith is not faith at all. Many ask if the name of Yahweh matters… YES, the name matters. God revealed through Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is very different than other false gods and false representations of God. God revealed through Father, Son, ands Holy Spirit is, by definition, different than even the incorrect Jewish belief that worships the God of the Old Testament (which is correct), but rejects Yeshua as God (incorrect). All religions are not equal. Only one is correct. This is not opinion. They contradict one another. Those who accept Yeshua will have eternal life with Yahweh, those who follow other gods will be separated from Him for eternity in hell… as a result of their own choice to reject Him. If this is a hard teaching and you want to reject it, your argument is not with me, but with our Father, Himself.

“…teaching them to observe all that I commanded you…”

How can we teach others if we do not first learn ourselves? We must study and seek Yahweh consistently and for a lifetime. Do not only read the Bible in a year. Read it over and over for a lifetime. Focus on understanding and applying rather than just reading a target number of pages in an arbitrary timeline such as a year. Reading scripture was not helpful to the Pharisees and religious leaders as they were not truly applying it correctly. They read it, and memorized it, but did not fully understand and apply it correctly. Truly there was more rejoicing in heaven for the sinners who repented and sought forgiveness in Yeshua, despite not knowing the scriptures well, than for all the “learned” and “well read” scholars that refused to submit to Yahweh. That said, when we submit to Yeshua, we must take on the serious work of reading scripture and understanding it and applying it in our lives.

Note also that Yeshua commands us to obey and teach others to obey “all that I commanded you”. All means all. Those truly submitted to Christ do not get to pick and choose which of His teachings they want to follow and which they reject because they do not like them or understand them or because they are unpopular. Righteousness is unpopular. So is holiness. So was Yeshua. Seek to please the Father rather than men. Obey and teach all that Yeshua commanded.

Just for clarity, this includes observing the laws given by Yahweh through Moses in the Torah, or first 5 books of the Bible, to the extent they have not been fulfilled by Yeshua. (We should be careful in studying what has been fulfilled and what has not. Yeshua clearly states he did not come to abolish the law.)

Matthew 5:17-19

17“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. 18“For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19“Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

The earthly ministry of Yeshua did not change right and wrong so as to lead us away from following Yahweh’s law or “set us free” from Yahweh’s law. Rather Yeshua constantly lived the example of honoring the law including things like honoring Sabbath and celebrating Passover, which have been incorrectly tossed aside by mainstream Christianity today. For more on this subject, read our teaching on Understanding The Law – What Does It Mean For Us Today?

“… and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

It is amazing and at times overwhelming how much significance is contained inside this command from Yeshua, commonly called the Great Commission. To obey such a command may seem a daunting or intimidating task. So, too, it must have seemed to the disciples when Yeshua first commanded them. That is why He finishes by assuring them that He will be with them throughout this mission and beyond.

We now have the benefit of seeing the successes and failures of God’s people in living out the Great Commission 2000 years later. While individuals and groups of people often fail, God has none the less used many courageous servants to spread the good news of the gospel across the world. (For more on the gospel, read our teaching The Message Of The Cross – Salvation.)

But there is much more work to be done. The mission is not complete. Now it is our turn!

How do we begin such a task? Study and follow the example of Jesus Christ. Likewise, we can study how others, like Paul or Moses or Elijah practiced discipleship to share God’s word. We explore this in more detail in our teaching, The Great Commission – Personal Discipleship Plan.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father help draw me near to You and open my eyes to Your wonderful ways. Let me not live for men or for myself, but rather for You. Help show me how to live out the great commission consistent with Your calling for me. Amen. 

Shalom

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Church / Body of Christ, Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Jesus (hearing from God), Obeying God, Seeking God, Study the Word

The Law, Grace, and Truth—All Working Together (John 1:14-18)

Have we misunderstood what Yeshua said about the Law?

Many today believe that grace through Yeshua replaced the Law given through Moses. However, Scripture tells a different story—one of fulfillment, not replacement. The Law was given through Moses, but grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. These two are not in opposition but work together as part of God’s unchanging plan. Yeshua Himself made it clear that He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, and not even the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.

Key Verse:
“For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.” – John 1:17 (NASB)

Background Context:
John 1:14-18 reveals the incredible truth that the Word—Yeshua—became flesh and dwelt among us. He brought grace and truth, fulfilling what had been spoken of Him throughout the Scriptures. This does not mean that He replaced the Law, but rather, that He embodied its perfect fulfillment.

Matthew 5:17-19 reinforces this by explicitly stating that Yeshua did not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it. He warns that anyone who annuls even the least of the commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, while those who keep and teach them will be great. This passage directly contradicts the modern misconception that the Law is obsolete.

Peter also warned that Paul’s writings were hard to understand and that many misinterpret them to their own destruction (2 Peter 3:14-16). If a seeming contradiction arises between Paul’s letters and Yeshua’s direct words, should we not take Yeshua’s words as our foundation? After all, He is the living Word of God.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

John 1:14-18

The Word Made Flesh

      14And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.15John testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’” 16For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. 17For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. 18No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.

Matthew 5:17-19

   17“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. 18“For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19“Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Reflection on John 1:14-18 and Matthew 5:17-19

Grace and Truth in Christ (John 1:14-18)

  • Yeshua, the Word made flesh, came full of grace and truth—not replacing the Law but completing it.
  • Grace does not mean lawlessness; it means receiving undeserved favor while still being called to obedience.

The Law Still Stands (Matthew 5:17-19)

  • Yeshua explicitly states that He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it.
  • The Law remains in effect until all is accomplished, which includes His return and the final restoration of all things.
  • Our obedience to YHWH’s commands directly impacts our standing in the kingdom of heaven.

Misinterpretation of Paul’s Writings

  • Peter warns that Paul’s letters are difficult to understand and that many distort them (2 Peter 3:14-16).
  • If we find something in Paul’s writings that appears to contradict Yeshua, we must be diligent in our study and align our understanding with Yeshua’s clear words.

Are We Testing What We Have Been Taught?

  • Many church traditions teach that the Law is no longer relevant, but Yeshua’s words challenge that assumption.
  • We must be diligent to study Scripture for ourselves rather than simply accepting traditions that contradict it.

Summary Key Points

  • Yeshua did not replace the Law but fulfilled it, demonstrating its true purpose.
  • The Law remains in effect until all is accomplished—Yeshua’s return and final restoration.
  • Those who keep and teach God’s commandments will be great in His kingdom.
  • Paul’s writings should be carefully interpreted in light of Yeshua’s direct teaching.
  • We must test church traditions and teachings against Scripture to ensure they align with God’s unchanging truth.

Application

  • Spend time studying both the Old and New Testaments to see how they fit together.
  • When faced with difficult teachings, ask yourself, Does this align with Yeshua’s words?
  • Strive to walk in obedience to God’s commands, knowing that grace empowers us to live righteously, not lawlessly.
  • Pray for discernment to distinguish between biblical truth and man-made traditions.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word, which is both grace and truth. Help me to fully understand Yeshua’s teachings and to follow His example. Give me wisdom and discernment as I study Scripture so that I do not fall into misunderstanding. Let me walk in obedience, not because I am earning salvation, but because I love You and desire to honor You. May my life reflect Your ways and bring others closer to You. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Faith / Trusting God, Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Jesus (hearing from God), Obeying God, Psalms, Scripture (e.g. Bible)

Is God’s Law A Burden? (Part 4 of 4)

This post is the last in a four-part series about Psalm 119.

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. It was written originally in Hebrew in a literary style that begins one section after another, each with the next letter of the aleph bet (Hebrew alphabet). It is beautiful and passionate. It focuses on the law of God. Read and digest all that it claims about the Law of God and then ask yourself, does it describe the law as burdensome? difficult? harsh? or does it describe it as quite different than that? Put aside what you think you know about the law from those who do not understand it and listen to how it is described by one who understood it well and loved our heavenly Father very deeply.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Psalm 119:137-176

Meditations and Prayers Relating to the Law of God.

Tsadhe.

     137Righteous are You, O LORD,
And upright are Your judgments.

      138You have commanded Your testimonies in righteousness
And exceeding faithfulness.

      139My zeal has consumed me,
Because my adversaries have forgotten Your words.

      140Your word is very pure,
Therefore Your servant loves it.

      141I am small and despised,
Yet I do not forget Your precepts.

      142Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
And Your law is truth.

      143Trouble and anguish have come upon me,
Yet Your commandments are my delight.

      144Your testimonies are righteous forever;
Give me understanding that I may live.

Qoph.

     145I cried with all my heart; answer me, O LORD!
I will observe Your statutes.

      146I cried to You; save me
And I shall keep Your testimonies.

      147I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I wait for Your words.

      148My eyes anticipate the night watches,
That I may meditate on Your word.

      149Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness;
Revive me, O LORD, according to Your ordinances.

      150Those who follow after wickedness draw near;
They are far from Your law.

      151You are near, O LORD,
And all Your commandments are truth.

      152Of old I have known from Your testimonies
That You have founded them forever.

Resh.

     153Look upon my affliction and rescue me,
For I do not forget Your law.

      154Plead my cause and redeem me;
Revive me according to Your word.

      155Salvation is far from the wicked,
For they do not seek Your statutes.

      156Great are Your mercies, O LORD;
Revive me according to Your ordinances.

      157Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,
Yet I do not turn aside from Your testimonies.

      158I behold the treacherous and loathe them,
Because they do not keep Your word.

      159Consider how I love Your precepts;
Revive me, O LORD, according to Your lovingkindness.

      160The sum of Your word is truth,
And every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting.

Shin.

     161Princes persecute me without cause,
But my heart stands in awe of Your words.

      162I rejoice at Your word,
As one who finds great spoil.

      163I hate and despise falsehood,
But I love Your law.

      164Seven times a day I praise You,
Because of Your righteous ordinances.

      165Those who love Your law have great peace,
And nothing causes them to stumble.

      166I hope for Your salvation, O LORD,
And do Your commandments.

      167My soul keeps Your testimonies,
And I love them exceedingly.

      168I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies,
For all my ways are before You.

Tav.

     169Let my cry come before You, O LORD;
Give me understanding according to Your word.

      170Let my supplication come before You;
Deliver me according to Your word.

      171Let my lips utter praise,
For You teach me Your statutes.

      172Let my tongue sing of Your word,
For all Your commandments are righteousness.

      173Let Your hand be ready to help me,
For I have chosen Your precepts.

      174I long for Your salvation, O LORD,
And Your law is my delight.

      175Let my soul live that it may praise You,
And let Your ordinances help me.

      176I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant,
For I do not forget Your commandments.

Just to reflect on a few of the things God’s word says about the law in today’s scripture: Your word is very pure and therefore your servant loves it, Your law is truth, Your commandments are my delight, I will observe Your statutes, I meditate on Your precepts, the wicked are far from Your law, revive me according to Your ordinances,  every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting, I love Your law, I praise You because of Your ordinances, those who love Your law have great peace and do not stumble, all Your commandments are righteousness, Your law is my delight, Your ordinances help me

None of this sounds like the description of a burden, or something I can’t wait to get rid of, which is how many Christians describe or talk about following the law. It sounds like a beautiful set of instructions from the Lord, which I want to understand more… both in their original context and with regards to how they still apply to my life today. Psalm 119, if we let it, can really be a testimony for the law of God as a wonderful gift and guide that helps us to know how God thinks we should live and what He values. Obviously to fully understand the depths of what is in the law and how it may still apply, we need to study the Torah (1st 5 books of the Bible).  Some of the elements of the law (e.g. ceremonial law) can no longer be carried out as God specified while there is no temple and no Levitical priesthood, but that should not discourage us from understanding and following God’s law as much as we can. Should we walk away from doing as Christ taught just because we can’t do it perfectly? If we do, what then will be our standard?

The Torah is a great place to start for any Christian, many of whom have been taught to really focus only on the New Testament. Spoiler alert… if the New Testament is the building, the Old Testament is the foundation that holds it up. They are not contradictory, but rather complementary.

Pray with me that our Creator and Father would open our eyes, and the eyes of His followers around the world, that we may behold wonderful things from His law. Give us understanding, that we may observe His law and keep it with all our heart.

To learn more:

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Powerful / King of All, Encouragement, Healer, Help / Serve Others, Hope, Jesus (hearing from God), Miracles, Miracles, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Thankfulness

Miracles of Compassion: Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son (Luke 7:11-17)

Have you ever felt the weight of grief pressing down on your heart, leaving you with little hope for the future?

In Luke 7:11-17, we encounter a scene of profound sorrow and unexpected joy as Jesus performs a miraculous act of compassion that brings hope to a grieving widow and transforms a funeral procession into a celebration of life.

Reconnect: In the Gospel of Luke, preceding this passage, we witness Jesus healing the servant of a centurion in Capernaum, demonstrating His authority over sickness and distance. This theme of compassion and authority continues in Luke’s account as we delve into the miraculous raising of a widow’s son in the village of Nain.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Luke 7:11-17

  11Soon afterwards He went to a city called Nain; and His disciples were going along with Him, accompanied by a large crowd. 12Now as He approached the gate of the city, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a sizeable crowd from the city was with her. 13When the Lord saw her, He felt compassion for her, and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14And He came up and touched the coffin; and the bearers came to a halt. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise!” 15The dead man sat up and began to speak. And Jesus gave him back to his mother. 16Fear gripped them all, and they began glorifying God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and, “God has visited His people!” 17This report concerning Him went out all over Judea and in all the surrounding district.

Summary Key Points:

  • Jesus encounters a funeral procession in the village of Nain, where a widow is mourning the loss of her only son, her source of support and security (Luke 7:11-12).
  • Filled with compassion, Jesus approaches the grieving mother, touches the open coffin, and commands the young man to arise, restoring him to life (Luke 7:13-15).
  • Witnessing this miraculous event, the crowd is filled with awe and recognizes Jesus as a great prophet, declaring that God has visited His people (Luke 7:16-17).

Call to Action:

  • Embrace Compassion: Let us follow Jesus’ example of compassion by reaching out to those who are grieving or in need, offering them comfort, support, and hope in their darkest moments.
  • Believe in Miracles: Just as Jesus demonstrated His power over death in this passage, let us trust in His ability to work miracles in our lives and in the lives of those around us.
  • Praise and Give Thanks: As we witness God’s miraculous interventions in our lives, let us respond with hearts full of gratitude and mouths filled with praise, glorifying His name for His wonderful deeds.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the compassion and power displayed through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant us the courage to embody His love and mercy in our interactions with others, especially those who are suffering or in despair. Strengthen our faith to believe in the miraculous work You continue to perform in our lives. May our hearts overflow with thanksgiving and praise for Your mighty acts. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Help / Serve Others, Jesus (hearing from God), Submitted / Servant

To Be Great Is To Be A Servant To All

As the time for Jesus’ suffering and death drew nearer, He continued to try to prepare His disciples for what was coming. On one such occasion, Jesus tells His disciples explicitly what is going to happen. There is no response documented, but instead, James and John engage Jesus in a discussion about the honor of sitting beside Him in heaven.

Mark 10:32-45

Jesus’ Sufferings Foretold

      32They were on the road going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking on ahead of them; and they were amazed, and those who followed were fearful. And again He took the twelve aside and began to tell them what was going to happen to Him, 33saying, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles. 34“They will mock Him and spit on Him, and scourge Him and kill Him, and three days later He will rise again.”

      35James and John, the two sons of Zebedee, came up to Jesus, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You.” 36And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 37They said to Him, “Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory.” 38But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39They said to Him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you shall drink; and you shall be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized. 40“But to sit on My right or on My left, this is not Mine to give; but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

      41Hearing this, the ten began to feel indignant with James and John. 42Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. 43“But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; 44and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. 45“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

It is amazing to ponder that as Jesus tells them He will suffer and die, the response is to ask about honor for themselves. Perhaps they were simply standing in solidarity with Him with willingness to suffer alongside Him. I will give them the benefit of the doubt. The were likely not sure what to say about the news Jesus was sharing with them. To their credit, they truly meant well and were willing to suffer and die with Jesus to follow Him. Most of us our truly not willing to do that for Him.

The other disciples were indignant at James and John. Conflict arose at least to some degree. Jesus settled the situation by focusing on what was important. He clarified how greatness is measured in the kingdom of heaven.

42Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. 43“But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; 44and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all.

I am always impressed how Jesus gets right to the heart of the matter, and is not bogged down with distractions. He leads the disciples away from infighting and arguments about who is greater and points them toward what it means to be great so they can all pursue greatness through righteousness and obedience to Christ. If they want to debate who is greatest, they must serve one another. It brings them together in unity and humility.

Are you pursuing greatness in some part of your life? Do you measure your success by the same standard that Jesus does?

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, thank You for sending Yeshua as our savior and example. Thank You for His teaching and recording it in the Bible so we could study and understand it. Help me to be humble and focus on being a servant to others in Your name. Let me not try to be great in the eyes of the world, but rather in Your eyes. Amen. 

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Children, Faith / Trusting God, Jesus (hearing from God), Seeking God

Receive the Kingdom of God As a Child Would

We can easily get busy with our daily activities. Even when we are doing good or important activities, let us take care not to overlook the children.  Take time to appreciate and engage children, as Jesus did.  It is best not to think of children as a distraction, but rather as  gifts from God and as the wonderful creations they really are. The kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Jesus set a great example for us by making time for children even during His short and busy earthly ministry.

Mark 10:13-16

Jesus Blesses Little Children

      13And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. 14But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15“Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” 16And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them.

Children are remarkably open to accept the truth about Jesus. They listen with an open, unbiased mind. They are not yet led astray by the world and by those who make up reasons to reject God and then pressure others to reject Him also. Jesus takes the opportunity not only to show love for the children by making time for them, but also to make an important point. When he says that he the kingdom of God belongs to such as these, He is not only referring to children, but to those who receive the kingdom of God like a child.

Let us pay attention to both lessons that Jesus teaches in this scripture. Value and make time for children, even when you are busy. Secondly, challenge yourself to embrace the kingdom of God as a child, without reservation and doubt… wholeheartedly.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please help me to appreciate and encourage little children. Help me to not look on them as a distraction, but as a treasure. Help me to embrace You and Your kingdom with the faith of a young child, without reservation and doubt. Amen. 

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.