ducminh

I prefer the KJV version than NIV: Php 2:29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: Php 2:30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me. Paul did not say to the Philippian Church to honour Epaphroditus, but to welcome him with cheers because he had given himself much for the mission of the Gospel. He held an excellent reputation for being a good servant of God. The word honour, for me, seems require much respect and reverence, just like the Roman Catholic believers are honouring their Popes. The definition of the word HONOUR is as follows: 1. high respect; great esteem: a person or thing that brings esteem: 2. the quality of knowing and doing what is morally right: a woman's chastity or her reputation for being chaste: 3. something regarded as a rare opportunity and bringing pride and pleasure; a privilege: a thing conferred as a distinction, especially an official award for bravery or achievement: 4. bridge an ace, king, queen, jack, or ten. I don’t believe Paul was asking the Philippian followers of the faith to pay respect and reverence to Epaphroditus like Roman Catholic followers are giving to their Church leaders.

I have only one statement to say: “Stay away from all Christian Churches, and learn the Word of God, and live by His commandments”. As per the Word of God: Rev 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. Rev 18:5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Rev 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

The Church leaders today can be seen as the disaster of Christianity. They do not bring people to God, but are preying on them, and use them as milking cows. Church leaders are mostly a kind of entrepreneurs under the coat of Christianity. I have not seen any worthy church leader in my life. My leader is Jesus Christ himself, and the Word of God is my light of life. Today, the worst thing is to follow a Church leader like a dumb sheep because one would not like to learn the Word of God for himself. The larger is the church, the more corrupted Church leaders it has. I do not want to name those Christian churches because the server of this site may not have the capacity to hold all of their names. Jesus said: Joh 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. Joh 10:12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. Joh 10:13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. Joh 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. Joh 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. Therefore, it is very much hopeless to follow a church leader if one does not want to live and abide by the Word of God and His commandments. What did Jesus say to this generation? Rev 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. Rev 18:5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Rev 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

Each person is born with special characters. Each person is a masterpiece of God’s art. God is the potter and He fashions each one of us according to His desire. Rom 9:21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? Therefore, Timothy was designed to carry out God’s purpose. His life had gone through treatments, teaching, guidance and tests that were necessary for the purpose of God. Timothy was made with such special and genuine characters to fulfil God’s will and be the light bearer for many other disciples to follow Jesus Christ. Timothy was a tall candlestick for the church at that time, but Jesus Christ was always the Light of life. That was the role of Timothy in the church; he was a role model to help many followers to learn the truth from the Word of God, so they might grow in turn into other candlesticks for many generations to come. We were all born in sin: Psa 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. But we are all called to the light: Psa 51:6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. It is our free choice to respond to God’s call. If we accept Jesus Christ as our Light of life, then God can always help us to grow and to perfection our characters, so we may also become new candlesticks to carry the Light of God in the world. Psa 51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Psa 51:8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Psa 51:9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Psa 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psa 51:11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Psa 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Psa 51:13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. The Word of God is my light and it is the rock on which I built my house. God would not be able to help me if I choose otherwise. Leaders and elders who do not grow in God’s grace can be compared to the salt that has lost its savour. Mat 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. There is no need of pointing out the finger to anyone, if everyone live and grow by the Word of God. All of us are also called to be leaders and elders in the church for our children and our grandchildren. May God’s grace help everyone who has accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their Light of life.

I have gone through many struggles and obstacles in my life, but I have never considered them as sacrifices unto God, or for His honour. I regard my struggles as steps of learning for growing in faith. Without those struggles I would not be able to appreciate the sacrifice of Christ Jesus for the forgiveness of my sins. Being a sinful man, I am looking up to Christ for His promise of forgiveness of my sins. In sin I was born, in sin I grew up, so who am I to think that the overcoming of my struggles is an offering to honour God. Yet, without God’s grace, I would not be able to go through those struggles. Without God’s grace I might have fallen into the depth of sin. Without God’s grace how can I find the way out of the snare of Satan? There is no offering of mine that can please God, except the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, my Saviour. That is the reason for me to have faith in Christ, and in Him I have hope for my eternal life. Paul did not even boast about his sacrifice in the service of faith for those who believe in Christ through his preaching. He simply said that it was his joy to offer himself as a sacrifice for the service of their faith. He recognised himself as a servant of Christ Jesus, hence it was his duty to serve them, even if he had to sacrifice his own life for the sake of their faith. He was sharing his joy with them, so they might also rejoice with him through their struggles to maintain their faith, and to give their life for the Good News of Jesus Christ for many generations to come. For this reason Paul could also rejoice in the day of Christ (when Jesus returns and the dead will be resurrected) that all of his works and sacrifices for the service of their faith were not in vain. Php 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Php 2:17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. It is very wrong to teach believers of the Gospel that their sacrifice will honour God. By doing so, the sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin of Jesus Christ is nullified. All living on earth are sinful, so there is only one sacrifice that can honour God, it is the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. Ecc 7:20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. Ecc 7:21 Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: Ecc 7:22 For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others. Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Rom 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Rom 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; Rom 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Let’s be humble before God and never consider our struggles and our sacrifices in this world will add any value to the sacrifice of Christ Jesus. Our struggles are just the necessary tests that Satan wants to give us; if we curse God in our struggles then it would be a victory for Satan. Let’s always remember the example of Job in the Old Testament whenever we have to go through difficulties in this world. Job 1:9 Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Job 1:10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. Job 1:11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. Job 1:12 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD. The more struggles in life will simply help our growth in faith, that we may truly appreciate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. May God’s grace help those who humbly put their faith and hope in Christ Jesus. Amen.

When Christ Jesus states that His disciples are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, He has defined their role on earth and in the world. They are to be a peculiar people living in the world but not blended with the world. Their way of life must be an example for the world to see and they are the witnesses of the truth of God; they are also the preachers of the Good News to the world. Mat 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Mat 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Mat 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. The world of life is the word of God; it is meant firstly for the current life, then secondly, the hope of eternal life. God is the “God of the living”, hence He must be true to the current life. Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. God must be the important source of life, the support of life, the light of life and the way of life. The living man must be able to find the truth of God in his current life before he can look up to the eternal life, which only comes after his death. The word of God must be true in all aspects of life for the living man, before he can believe in the promise of eternal life. If the living man is unable to find satisfaction with his current life, he will not believe in the message of hope of eternal life. The sad truth of Christians in the world is, though professing their faith in Christ Jesus, they do not abide to the word of God and His commandments. Instead of following God, they are following different ways directed by false teachers and false prophets that come in the name of Jesus Christ. Those individuals preach many different gospels and lead people astray from the truth of God. Mat 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. Mat 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. The New Age movement that has been introduced into Christian churches, is leading followers to search for enlightenment and wellbeing through spiritualism and mysticism. Christians are led away from God because of their lack of knowledge of the word of God. The false teachers and the false prophets are preying on those ignorant living souls for their financial benefits, and to achieve their ambition of political power in the world. When Christians are not abiding to the word of God and His commandments, they are unsatisfied with their current life; they find no rest and have no peace; therefore, it is easy for them to believe in spiritualism and mysticism of pagan religions. This is the actual state of Christianity in the world. The Old Testament has said: Hos 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. Hos 4:7 As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame. Jesus has also said: Luk 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? Will God intervene to stop the fall away Christians? The answer is “NO”. Just like the way God has left Adam and Eve by themselves in the garden of Eden, God also leave mankind free to choose between obeying to His commandments, and believing in the word of Satan (the master of this world). Today, Christian churches instead of calling believers of Christ to abide to the word of God and His commandments, they are preaching about love, harmony and unity for building a new world where all faiths will be tolerated and accepted, so mankind can have PEACE and SAFETY. This is the ecumenism of Christianity and pagan religions. Paul has told us: 1Th 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 1Th 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and Safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. The only way for Christians to hold fast, or hold forth, or hold out the word of life, is to learn the word of God for themselves, and abide to God’s commandments. If they remain ignorant, they would be caught out in surprise and be deceived with the rest of the world. Paul told us: 1Th 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 1Th 5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 1Th 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 1Th 5:7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 1Th 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 1Th 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 1Th 5:10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 1Th 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. Anyone who is following the way of the ecumenism, should repent and return to God, learn His word and abide to His commandments. Let’s stay alert and be vigilant to rebuke any sweet lies of Satan that are pumped into Christian Churches through the mouth of false teachers and false prophets.

First, the initial word of King James Version is “lights in the world”, not “stars in the dark sky”. I do not agree with the translation of NIV, because Jesus did not say that we should shine like stars in the dark sky: Mat 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Mat 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Therefore, we should stay in line with what Jesus has said: Php 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; The stars in the dark sky is more suitable for Hollywood celebrities than for Christians. Anyone who introduces or changes the meaning of the word of God is not follower of Jesus Christ, hence it is not right to keep silence and stay in harmony with that person. We should always rebuke those who change the meaning of the word of God. Jesus has said: Mat 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Mat 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. The Old Testament has said: Deu 4:2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. Pro 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Pro 30:6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. Paul has said: Gal 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. John has said: Rev 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Christians should always be alert about new gospels that are being preached in the world to exchange the ordinance of God for “love and unity”. This means people can live in love, in harmony, and in unity without the word of God and His law. Mat 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Christians should stand out in the world and shine not because of their good works but because they are witnesses to the truth of God. They do not boast about themselves but about the glory of God. Psa 34:2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. Psa 34:3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. Isa 61:6 But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves. Rom 2:17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, Rom 2:18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; Rom 2:19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, Rom 2:20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Only by abiding to the word of God and His commandments that we can achieve true love, harmony and unity in this world. If for the sake of the truth of God and His gospel that I should argue with anyone, then let it be.

Paul in this letter, is addressing to the Philippian church; he is not talking about any individual, hence he means the salvation of the entire church, which means the preservation of the grace of God for the sanctification of the life of the church as one body. This body is form by all individuals that are united in Christ Jesus, and with God’s grace they should be bond together for the wellbeing and good functioning of the church, and so to produce good fruits that everyone can benefit. This is the reason for Paul telling them: Php 2:3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Php 2:4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Php 2:14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, Php 2:21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

The humility that the Bible teaches is humility towards God. Jas 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. 1Pe 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Act 20:19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: It is not the humility to show in front of men, such as we have seen on TV that Christians line up in front of the Pope to bow and kiss his ring. Jesus’ humility is to submit himself to His Father’s will. He did not show any humility to the scribes and Pharisees, did he? If he had exercised such kind of humility then he would not have been killed. His apostles also did not show any humility to those who ordered them not to preach the Good News: Act 4:7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? Act 4:18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. Act 4:19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. Towards men, the Lord Jesus has commanded us to love with compassion and understanding: Mat 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But this kind of genuine love cannot be achieved by man himself, his heart must be united with Christ. He must choose to worship God and reject the values of the world that Satan would offer to him, as he had tempted Jesus: Mat 4:9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Mat 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Today, Christian churches are preaching a lot about humility, love, self-denial, and unity as the qualities that man can achieve himself without Christ. The ecumenical movement of the Roman Catholic Church is calling for unity of all Christian churches, but that is not all. This movement wants to unite all faiths of the world into one United World Religion for a New World Order system. Christians are called to humble themselves so they can be blended with the pagan world. Is it what Christ Jesus wants from His followers? Jesus said: Mat 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Mat 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. If we are to be the light that must be set on the candlesticks, then it is not possible for us to be blended with the pagan world in unity and love as per propaganda of the world. What can make we live in humility and love our neighbours as ourselves, and also stand out on the candlesticks for the world to see? The answer is, stay united with Christ Jesus, knowing that He is: Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Why do we have such kind of questions? The more man questions about the divinity and the human form of Christ Jesus the further he is led far away from faith. Jesus Christ had never tried to convince anyone to agree with Him during His three years in mission on earth. He often said: Mat 11:15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. God has told us about the incarnation of Christ through His prophets and His Apostles, so whoever is called to the faith let him/her reads the word of God and believes in what was written. Does it help anyone to have true faith by questioning the divinity and the human form of the Messiah? Certainly not for me! I come to Christ Jesus because I believe in the Word of God that was written by the prophets and the Apostles. The Bible is sufficient for me to grow in faith. God’s teaching is authoritative. The Word of God does not need any doctrines of the churches that have been developed by theologians. Christ has His doctrine for His Church already written in the Bible, so let no man adds, or removes, or questions or gives fancy explanations about His Word. Paul has said: Gal 1:8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 2Co 11:4 For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough. Anything that is not in line with the Word of God is of Satan. Unfortunately, today we have many new versions of the Bible that have been produced to lead astray the multitude of Christians. Jesus has declared: Mat 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Mat 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. And John also has given his warning: Rev 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Christ Jesus did not cling to His equality with God, because He did not exercise all of His divine power while in mission on earth. He came to fulfil His Father’s will that He should be the ultimate sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin. One of the proof can be found in the following statements of the scriptures: Luk 9:54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? Luk 9:55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. Luk 9:56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village. The beauty of Christ Jesus’ obedience to His Father’s will is to keep his silence during His trial, even when the Jews provoked His ego: Mat 26:63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Mat 27:40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Mat 27:43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. Thus Christ Jesus had fulfil the prophecy of the prophet Isiah: Isa 53:1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? Isa 53:2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. Isa 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Isa 53:4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. Isa 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isa 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isa 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. Isa 53:8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. Isa 53:9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Isa 53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Isa 53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Isa 53:12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. And the Centurion at the foot of the cross exclaimed: Mat 27:54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. And Paul had all the right reasons to proclaim the divinity of Christ Jesus to the believers: Php 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: Php 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: Php 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Php 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: Php 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; Php 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. I don’t need any fancy arguments of theologians to tell me that Christ Jesus is God, since I can find everything in the Bible. I thank God that the holy scripture is so easy to understand and has been given to my generation from His prophets and Apostles of thousands of years ago.

Unity can always be achieved when every follower of Christ Jesus understand the purpose of their faith. If the believers, though claiming to believe in Christ Jesus, pursuit their own ambition of political power, or fame, or financial advantage, then they are not true followers of the Lord. With a congregation that every individual comes to church with a heart still attached to the values of the world, we will never be able to achieve unity. The word of Paul in this NIV translation is “being united with Christ” "If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded…." (Phil 2:1-2) It is clear that Christ is the bond of members of the church, hence without Christ there is no unity. Humility is also a character of Christ that members of the church would inherit when they are in direct connection with Him. It is not a quality that they can achieve by themselves (Phil 2: 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus) Jesus has said: Joh 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. Unity has not been achieved among Christian Churches, because every elder, or group of elders has their own ambition. Many of them have introduced new doctrines which are not of the Bible, hence the division of Christian Churches is a fact for almost 2000 years. I can’t see how to achieve unity among Christian followers unless every one of them returns to the Word of God, and learns to know God, and builds personal relationship with Him. Once every person has Christ in heart then unity is simply a natural matter because Christ Jesus is the Shepherd of the flock. Everyone will follow Him wherever He leads them. In the current time, people do not worship the true God anymore. Many are idolaters of many gods because they are seeking prosperity, wellbeing, enlightenment, political power, fame and vain glory of the world. Thus Christ Jesus has said: Mat 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. He also said: Luk 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? Jesus did not say will he find anyone who claims Him as Lord when He returns, but will he find faith on earth. We may have many people proclaiming His name and call Him Lord, but they do not have genuine faith in Him. This is the reason for Jesus to say again: Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. How can believers do God the Father’s will, if they have been taught by elders of the churches that the old covenant has been abolished? How can Christians call God their Father, if they ignore His ordinance? How can we claim to be followers of Christ if we ignore the commandments of His Father? How can we have “humility” if we do not submit ourselves to Him, the Father, in obedience to His commandments? Jesus Christ did not abolish His Father’s law, how can Christian churches abolish His law? Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. Christians are being persuaded by skillful preachers with their doctrines; they are not followers of Christ Jesus, but those famous men/women. They do not read the word of God for themselves and are not guided by the Holy Spirit. They do not have true connection with Christ Jesus in their life. How can we have humility and unity if no one is united with Christ?

The full statement of Paul is: Php 1:22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. Php 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Php 1:24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. Php 1:25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; Paul would desire to accept death so he could be with the Lord, but he chose to stay in the world for the benefit of those who believed in Christ who still needed his spiritual support. To die in Christ, or die for the faith does not mean one will be with God in heaven after death. The Word of God never contradicts to itself or causes confusion to the faithfuls of God. It is men who introduce their own reasoning and establish new doctrines to persuade ignorant believers and lead them away from the truth of God. To understand the true state of man after death, one must read the Bible and pray that the Holy Spirit open him/her to the correct understanding of the scripture. We must not let ourselves be swayed to left or right by the interpretation of the preachers without referring to the scriptures of the Bible. Some preachers also says that the old covenant has been abolished. But God would not declare a perpetual covenant if it could be abolished later. Did Christ Jesus declare any old covenants abolished? Certainly not, but many Christian Churches have declared God’s old covenants are now abolished, so they can lead the multitude of people away from God’s ordinance. In regards of death we can find the following statement in the Bible: The Bible compares death to sleep and the spirit ceases all activities: Ecc 9:5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Ecc 9:6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun. Ecc 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. Psa 13:3 Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; Psa 146:4 His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish. Joh 11:11 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Joh 11:12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Joh 11:13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Act 2:34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, God will reveal himself to the dead upon His appointed time (or the day of judgement) that they will be resurrected: 1Ti 6:14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 1Ti 6:15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 1Ti 6:16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. 1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 1Co 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 1Co 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 1Co 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 1Co 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 1Co 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 1Co 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 1Co 15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 1Co 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Joh 5:26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; Joh 5:27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Joh 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, Joh 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. Therefore the preachers who inspire believers that some will go to purgatory, others go to heaven for their good work, or be thrown into hell because of their deadly sins; they are teaching the doctrine of eastern pagan religions. By doing so, they have nullify the sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin of the Lamb of God, and they also void the last judgement day of the world. Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: Heb 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Christians should read the Bible and be taught by the Holy Spirit, instead of listening to preachers who sell their own doctrines giving them false hope of heaven, or fear of hell, or more time for repentance after death. Having clear understanding of the Word of God, Christian will build for themselves the perfect confidence in the promise of salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus the purpose of their life is well defined, and with the holy Spirit’s guidance their faith cannot be swayed by false teachers of the world. Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Fear is the result of lack of faith, or doubt, or have no confidence. Simon Peter is the Apostle who gave us many examples of fear: Mat 14:30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. Mat 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? Mat 26:73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. Mat 26:74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the **** crew. This is also another form of fear, when Christian reason that suffering should not come upon them, example: Mat 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Mat 16:22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. In this world Christian will have to face tribulation in many ways like many other living people; their only weapon against those test is faith. And faith only comes by knowing God through His Word. Without securing their faith the Word of God, Christians have nothing to conquer the challenge, so they will certainly succumb and fear will dominate their mind because doubt presides their hearts. The lack of faith is the proof that we have no support of the Holy Spirit. This also means we are not yet the “born again” Christians. We may proclaim Jesus Christ is our Lord, and sing praises unto God, but when facing the tribulation we may see doubt and fear manifest within us. Thus our lips may be sealed, our tongues may be bound, and we may be swayed by the world to follow its compromised proposal and walk away from our faith. Mat 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. Mat 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. I pray that Christians will deepen their faith in the Word of God, and have no doubt in the promise of salvation that Jesus Christ has offered to all those who have faith in Him. Amen.

Certainly we can only rejoice if our vision and purpose of life is for the Kingdom of Heaven, but not of this world. If our purpose of life is for happiness and fulfilment in this world then very quickly we will find that Christian faith is a lost cause, a failure or an absurd reason of life. Jesus Christ’s response to Pilate was: Joh 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. There is no reason for anyone to follow Christ Jesus if the Kingdom of Heaven is not the purpose of life. If one’s eyes can open to see the glorious Kingdom of Heaven then the glory and fame of this world are simply vanity, which will quickly turns to dust, or the most detestable thing to embrace for living. Only by rejecting the glory and fame of this world that we can stand firm and boast for our Christian faith. We will therefore have the joy to face all adversities of life, and comprehend the joy of Paul that he has expressed while in prison. Our strong base of faith is the Word of God. It is the rock on which we should build our house. Many Christians, though claiming to have faith in Jesus Christ, but are reluctant to read the Bible. They prefer to listen to the preachers who will give them fabulous and sweet sermons, but they will soon forget all, and then live in fear of the trials of life. Mat 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: Mat 7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. Mat 7:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: Mat 7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. Every Christian should read the holy scripture for himself/herself instead of relying to some nice sermons of the Pastor to secure their faith. Many Christian preachers may twist the word of the Bible and introduce their own interpretation (doctrine) to lure the ignorant believers to work for their own agenda, or ambition. The Word of God is our light of life, His Holy Spirit is the oil for our lamp, let no one forget the parable of the Ten Virgins: Mat 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. Mat 25:2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Mat 25:3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: Mat 25:4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Mat 25:5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. Mat 25:6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Mat 25:7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. Mat 25:8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. Mat 25:9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. Mat 25:10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Mat 25:11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. Mat 25:12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Mat 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. God is in control of all, but only if we take His Word into our hearts, we will not be able to smile when facing the tribulation of this world. Amen.

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The Messenger of the truth must always have his life tested through tribulation. This is how followers of Christ Jesus can testify the truthfulness of the gospel. Having said that, personal struggles, stress, and problems are just the necessary ingredients to bring one’s characters to maturity. The test of Job is an example that all Christians should learn from the Bible. God allow our life to be tested and the tester is the one mentioned in the book of Job: Job 1:8 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Job 1:9 Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Job 1:10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. Job 1:11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. Without difficulties in life, we would not be able to understand the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ, so we would not be able to live and follow Him faithfully. Without tribulation Christian faith cannot grow strong and taller than any other faiths in the world. Therefore stress, struggles, difficulties, and dangerous enemies will be sending to us during our lifetime, but they are true blessings for all those who can overcome them. Jesus Christ our Lord has said: Mat 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Joh 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Unfortunately, most Christians today are praying only for prosperity, and easy life. They all wish to be far away from poverty and all kind of adversities. But the tester of God is always at their doorsteps to give them the necessary test in due time. Riches and pleasures he certainly also gives them, but only to take them to the way of perdition, before giving them the deadly blow. Therefore, being Christians we should only pray for spiritual strength that we may also overcome our own personal struggles, stress and difficulties. That is how we can carry our cross and follow Christ Jesus. Mat 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Paul asks God to give Philippians discernment, so they may be able to make the right judgement to choose the best option that may bring forth the glory of God through their life. The result of discernment is their ability to live in righteousness and in obedience to God’s commandment. They may have to stand in defence of their faith in Christ Jesus, in opposition to the sinful inclination of their society. I would prefer the verse of KJV which clearly depicts that Christians should not violate God’s commandment: Php 1:10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; The word “offence” is rightly used to refer to God’s law. Without God’s law, Christians won’t be able to make judgement what is right according to God (not according to men). The NIV uses the words “pure and blameless”, these attributes cannot be applied to any believers because only Christ Jesus is pure and blameless in sight of God. Rom 3:9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; All men are sinful creatures. If Christians can turn out to be pure and blameless then the sacrifice of Christ Jesus is nullified. The new trend of today’s world is to “love” their neighbours and go along with whatever men define as “good”. The world want Christians to integrate themselves into the society instead of being apart for God. Psa 4:2 O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah. Psa 4:3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. Psa 4:4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. The world wants Christian to love all, accept all, and please all. But if Christians want to stand for their faith in Christ Jesus, they should abide in God’s commandment. Only then it is possible to confirm that we are: Php 1:11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. Selfishness is defined as having or showing concern only for yourself and not for the needs or feelings of other people. It is certainly an obstacle for Christians to follow Christ Jesus. Being selfish is also being idolater of self; this will bring men to covetousness and that is an offence against God’s commandment: Exo 20:17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ***, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's. There is no need to say that selfishness can cloud discernment, it is not acceptable for anyone who sincerely want to live joyfully by the word of God and thrive in faith in Christ Jesus. The following verses of Psalm 119 can tell us all: Psa 119:35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Psa 119:36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. The good is enemy of the best because the Lord Jesus has said the following: Mat 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Mat 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. We should always aim for the best as much as possible if we truly want to love God with all our heart, all our soul, and all our mind, and love our neighbour as ourselves. Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. Mat 22:38 This is the first and great commandment. Mat 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Aiming our life just to be good will certainly not helping us to break down the wall of selfishness and follow the Lord Christ Jesus. Christians must be peculiar people in the world: 1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Paul expects that God will continue to help the faithful Philippians to thrive in faith and maintain their spirit to last until the day of the return of Christ Jesus. It is their sincere and genuine fellowship that allow him to be confident and to expect that God would keep them strong and long-lasting. We can also expect God to help us to grow strong in faith and be able to endure for life, if we also have sincere hearts to live for the Gospel in obedience to God’s commandment.

Financial partners are helpful for the ministry work of the Pastors and the propagation of the faith, but giving lots of money does not mean one can expect receiving back more blessing from God than those who give less. One obvious lesson can be found in: Mark 12: 43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. God does not measure the purse but the heart. Jesus, himself, did not want his disciples to use their apostolic mission as a mean for enriching themselves. The proof is in the instructions when he sent them out pair by pair: Luke 10: 3 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. 4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. 5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. 6 And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. 7 And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. Jesus wanted his disciples to put their trust in God’s providence to provide whatever they need for their journey. The evangelisation of the world is the duty that Christ Jesus wanted the disciples to accomplish, but it can never be a reason for exploiting the generosity of the believers and coveting and enriching the churches as we see in the world today. Instead of clinging to the principle “the laborer deserves to be paid,” Paul conscientiously chose to preach for free. And that meant, Paul had to work a day job. Fortunately, since Paul was trained by the ancient rabbis who believed in teaching the Torah out of love and not for profit, Paul was skilled in a trade and that trade was tentmaking. Act 18 1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; 2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. 3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. Paul earned money through manual labor while performing his duty as a “servant of Christ Jesus”, and he wanted all church elders and leaders should follow his living example: 1Th 2: 9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. 10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe. 2Th 3: 7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; 8 Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: 9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an example unto you to follow us. Supporting the mission of the church is not limited in providing financial resource alone. The partnership of believers can be their participation in charity work, or developing evangelical programs, or organizing Bible study sessions, or simply welcoming new comers and helping them to integrate into the local church community.

The word “slave” in the context of Paul’s letter to Christian churches means “servant” of Christ Jesus. Being a servant of the Lord Jesus, he has the duty to preach the Gospel; it is not of his good will and it is not a service that he is doing to those who believe in Christ Jesus. Being a “slave of Christ Jesus”, Paul is committed for life to do the duty that the lord Jesus Christ has confided to him. The root idea of “saint” in the context of the early Christian churches comes from the Greek word “hagios”, which means “consecrated to God, holy, sacred, pious." It is almost always used in the plural, “saints.” Both words “slave” and “saint” have a common meaning that denotes “a person bought with a price paid by Christ Jesus”. Their relationship with God is for eternity because they are property of God paid by Christ Jesus with His own blood.

The word “slave” in the context of Paul’s letter to Christian churches means “servant” of Christ Jesus. Being a servant of the Lord Jesus, he has the duty to preach the Gospel; it is not of his good will and it is not a service that he is doing to those who believe in Christ Jesus. Being a “slave of Christ Jesus”, Paul is committed for life to do the duty that the lord Jesus Christ has confided to him. The root idea of “saint” in the context of the early Christian churches comes from the Greek word “hagios”, which means “consecrated to God, holy, sacred, pious." It is almost always used in the plural, “saints.” Both words “slave” and “saint” have a common meaning that denotes “a person bought with a price paid by Christ Jesus”. Their relationship with God is for eternity because they are property of God paid by Christ Jesus with His own blood.

Daniel's essential prayer is for pleading on God's mercy and His forgiveness of sin to the nation of Israel, and for its restoration. The grounds of his appeal are: God's precedent. God delivering Israel from Egypt provides a precedent for delivering them from Babylon (9:15). God's glory. Just as God's glory was known through the deliverance from Egypt, so the deliverance from Babylon will bring him glory (9: 15). Dan 9:15 And now, O Lord our God, that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and hast gotten thee renown, as at this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly. God's righteousness. Deliverance of God's people shows God's righteousness as an act of mercy (9:16). God's personal identification with Jerusalem. God has identified himself with Jerusalem, the City of God ("your city Jerusalem") and the temple mount ("your holy mountain"). While Israel's sins have brought scorn to Jerusalem and Israel -- and to God, by association -- deliverance will erase that scorn (9:16). Dan 9:16 O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain: because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us. God answers to Daniel's prayer by sending His messenger Gabriel to give Daniel the skill of understanding his vision and to comfort him (9:21-23). Dan 9:21 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. Dan 9:22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. Dan 9:23 At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.

Daniel is a righteous man but also humble. He bears the love for his country therefore; he identifies the sins of Israelites as his own. The sins of Israel are communal transgressions against God's covenant, so Daniel has seen himself committing those sins. Jesus sought forgiveness for his people and those in the world who believe in Him. He offered Himself as a Sacrificial Lamb for the forgiveness of sin to those who believe in Him. Because He did not commit any sin, His sacrifice was a perfect offering to God the Father for the salvation of many in the new covenant. The covenant that was made between God and men through Him. Mat_26:28 because this is my blood of the new covenant that is being poured out for many people for the forgiveness of sins. Mar_14:24 He told them, "This is my blood of the covenant that is being poured out for many people. Luk_22:20 He did the same with the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant sealed by my blood, which is being poured out for you. Rom_11:27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. Heb_8:6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. Heb_12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. Heb_13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

Daniel prays with sincere and humble heart. He expresses his attitude in the traditions of the Jewish community of that time: "in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes." He admits the sins of Israel nation and pleads for God's mercy. When I read this section of Daniel, I notice that none of our Christian churches has made calls to followers to repent from sin, and plead for God's mercy during this time of wars and calamities of the world. Christian churches continue to ignore the signs of heaven, and believers continue feasting and thriving in vain values. Some churches may have annual fasting, but those fasting and prayers are of traditional rituals. We do not truly express any genuine repentance and amendment of life. Christians today should learn more about Daniel's example. We may not need to wear sackcloth and ashes, but our communities should make sincere and genuine repentance in our way of living, and plead for God's mercy. We should encourage one another to seek God's truth in the holy scripture and submit ourselves to God's commandments.