Like a chestnut tree

Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father, who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. (Matthew 6:9)

Because of the extraordinary greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. (vv. 7-9)

In this chapter, Paul addresses the Corinthians with the tenderness of a gentle father, desiring the very best for his children and laboring in prayer day and night for their growth in holiness, that they may be found without blemish. This reflects the character of the Father Himself, who blesses us abundantly. The highest of all His blessings is the Kingdom of God, where we will dwell forever in imperishable bodies and incorruptible spirit.

Yet we must be instructed and prepared for that Kingdom. Through many sufferings, our faith is strengthened, like silver refined seven times in the fire. As the Word dwells within us, we too are refined—purified and shaped according to His will.

The words of the LORD are pure words; Like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, filtered seven times. (Psalm 12:6)

There may be strife, jealousy, angry tempers, selfishness, slanders, gossip, arrogance, disturbances within your church. Though false believers stir up trouble and seek to draw the faithful away, the saints are, through such turmoil, being trained and strengthened, so that their faith may grow more steadfast.

The devil strove fiercely against Jesus Christ, even leading Him to death. Yet through Christ’s suffering and death, eternal life was secured for us. In this, it is made clear that the devil, though called the prince of this world, is ultimately powerless and destined to perish.

God is the author of the story in which we live, sovereign over all things and able to bring His purposes to pass. Even suffering—though its purpose is often hidden from us—works toward our good in the end. The death of Christ was a stumbling block and a deep sorrow to His disciples at the time, but later they understood, as the Holy Spirit opened their eyes.

Many in this world experience suffering and ask God for its reason. Yet our understanding is limited, and we do not always perceive His purposes. Still, nothing occurs without meaning. All things move toward their appointed end: the Kingdom of God. There, we come to know God truly as our Father—one who loves us and cares for us. Though our bodies may perish, His Word endures forever, and in Him we are made one with the Word.

And a man named Joseph, who was a member of the Council, a good and righteous man (he had not consented to their plan and action), a man from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who was waiting for the kingdom of God— this man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. (Luke 23:50-52)

For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, this you tolerate very well! (v. 4)

Theology, although it sounds intelligent and sacred, has led many astray. The truth is in the Bible, not in men’s words. Many scholars have argued over many different theories, but in the end, only one is true—that is, God. So if anyone finds more pleasure in reading men’s words than God’s Word, that is not a good sign.

All false theology leads us back to slavery. However, freedom does not mean we do whatever we feel like doing. True freedom comes from understanding God’s Word. We become able to discern what is true and what is not through God’s Word and the power of the Holy Spirit.

God has established an educational system for us to learn about Him—that is, the visible church. However, not all visible churches are able to teach about God correctly. In fact, many have gone astray and preach what is not true. They preach incomplete grace, which is not grace at all, and salvation by works.

The reason I strongly oppose Covenant Theology and the Active Obedience of Christ is that they lead people back to slavery. I am convinced that they are not based on truth but were shaped by human needs at the time. Theologians developed these theories to rule over people on earth.

What we need to remember is that Paul the Apostle went through all those sufferings to free us from slavery. He did it because it was God’s will. By the power of God, he was able to carry out the duties given to him. He was also strengthened by the love of God and His people. Eternal life and the Kingdom of God kept him going, and the Holy Spirit gave him strength.

Paul is no longer with us in the body, just like many other saints. But we are united under one head—that is, Jesus Christ. We will meet all our family members one day, and we will see God face to face.

For you, being so wise, tolerate the foolish gladly. For you tolerate it if anyone enslaves you, if anyone devours you, if anyone takes advantage of you, if anyone exalts himself, if anyone hits you in the face. To my shame I must say that we have been weak by comparison. (vv. 19-21)

There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illuminate them; and they will reign forever and ever. (Revelation 22:3-5)

I ask that when I am present I need not be bold with the confidence with which I intend to be courageous against some, who regard us as if we walked according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not wage battle according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete. (vv. 2-6)

God knows that we need material things to live on earth. But this does not mean that Christians will never die of hunger. We all eventually die. Yet God provides what we need until our time on earth comes to an end.

Look at the birds of the sky, that they do not sow, nor reap, nor gather crops into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more important than they? And which of you by worrying can add a single day to his life’s span? And why are you worried about clothing? Notice how the lilies of the field grow; they do not labor nor do they spin thread for cloth, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you. (vv. 26-33)

Jesus Christ established the church so that visible churches might teach, admonish, and help those in need. However, many visible churches have abandoned this duty. For financial and political gain, they have forsaken the truth and speak lies about God and Christ. They try to please the public so that they may be loved by them. But such love is false. Evil people rejoice when they hear lies about God. They are not God’s people. They pursue what does not truly exist until the day they die. They boast of their ranks and positions in society and in the church, yet they are not interested in the truth, nor do they respect those who speak it. They pretend to help others, but their hearts are not right. Therefore, their deeds are not regarded as offerings to God. Instead, their actions serve only to cover up their evil nature. Many people fall for their lies and follow them.

On the other hand, true Christians spend their time, money, and effort preaching the gospel without any hint of falsehood. They do it out of true love that is from God. They do so because they have the true Teacher, the Holy Spirit. The Spirit interprets and guides us as we read the Bible. Throughout history, there have been countless brothers and sisters in the faith. We also learn from them through the Three Ecumenical Creeds and the Three Forms of Unity. Yet even if someone does not know these core Christian doctrines, the Spirit still teaches them through the Word of God.

The attitude of true Christians is to preach the gospel without conditions. The gospel was given to us free of charge—it is the pure grace of God that does not depend on conditions. Therefore, there is nothing in us to boast about.

But we will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the domain which God assigned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you. For we are not overextending ourselves, as if we did not reach to you, for we were the first to come even as far as you in the gospel of Christ; not boasting beyond our measure, that is, in other people’s labors, but with the hope that as your faith grows, we will be, within our domain, enlarged even more by you, so as to preach the gospel even to the regions beyond you, and not to boast in what has been accomplished in the domain of another. But the one who boasts is to boast in the Lord. For it is not the one who commends himself that is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. (vv. 13-18)

So I considered it necessary to urge the brothers that they go on ahead to you and arrange in advance your previously promised generous gift, that the same would be ready as a generous gift, and not as one grudgingly given due to greediness. (v. 5)

God does not eat or drink as we humans do. He does not require material things to fulfill His needs. Everything belongs to Him, and He is not in need of our offerings. Yet God allows us to experience what it is like to be in need. He also gives us the heart to share what we have with others who are in need. This spirit of sharing is rooted in agape—sacrificial love.

No one can truly say, “I have everything; I need nothing,” because life is full of unexpected turns. One day you may be comfortably living in your own house, and the next you may find yourself with nothing. When we go through difficult times, we ask for God’s mercy. He moves the hearts of others to help us. In the same way, by knowing what it is like to be in need, we learn to help others who are in need.

God has given me material things. They are entrusted to me, and I have the freedom to decide how to use them. However, we should be careful not to make vows impulsively. Sometimes, in a moment of emotion, people make promises they cannot keep. Some churches even turn such vows into snares, stirring emotions with loud music and pressure during gatherings. As a result, some people give away all their wealth to their churches while leaving their own families uncared for. Would God truly be pleased with such offerings?

If you have made a vow without understanding the consequences and later regret it, pray to God for forgiveness. God has plans for each person, and the vow you made may not be in line with His plan. God is merciful and will forgive you. And if there is a penalty to bear, you can accept it as a lesson and grow from it.

But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and kept back some of the proceeds for himself, with his wife’s full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God.” (Acts 5:1-4)

The death of Ananias and Sapphira shows that there were Christians who did not truly know God. If they had genuine faith, they would have confessed their sin and asked for forgiveness. They were given an opportunity, but they rejected it. They trusted only in what they could see—the miracles of the apostles and their reputation. They did not truly believe that God existed and that He knew everything they did. This is the fate of false Christians.

Concerning vows to God, it is better not to make them. God knows our sinful nature and the cunning of our hearts. We can quickly change our minds when it benefits us.

Having been born into a family that followed the Roman Catholic Church, I have probably made many vows since my youth—some of which I no longer even remember. I have also made vows to God that I do not think I have kept. If a vow truly needs to be fulfilled, God will remind me of it and give me both the heart and the opportunity to carry it out. The most important thing is agape, sacrificial love. Life is a continual process of learning. God corrects my mistakes, rebukes me, and guides me onto the right path.

The law is not meant to enslave us but to teach us about God’s sacrificial love. We do not exist for visible churches; rather, we belong to the invisible church. If you have made a vow and feel that you must fulfill it, pray to God. He will either give you the ability and opportunity to fulfill it with willingness and joy or set you free from it. Still, it is wiser not to make vows in the first place, because of our limited understanding and our sinful nature.

Again, you have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT MAKE FALSE VOWS, BUT SHALL FULFILL YOUR VOWS TO THE LORD.’ But I say to you, take no oath at all, neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God, nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, nor by Jerusalem, for it is THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING. Nor shall you take an oath by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. But make sure your statement is, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil origin. (Matthew 5:33-37)

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. I give my opinion in this matter, for this is to your advantage, who were the first to begin a year ago not only to do this, but also to desire to do it. But now finish doing it also, so that just as there was the willingness to desire it, so there may be also the completion of it by your ability. For if the willingness is present, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. For this is not for the relief of others and for your hardship, but by way of equality— at this present time your abundance will serve as assistance for their need, so that their abundance also may serve as assistance for your need, so that there may be equality; as it is written: “The one who had gathered much did not have too much, and the one who had gathered little did not have too little.” (vv. 9-15)

God is love, and He pours His love into our hearts so that we may share with others what we have first received from Him. Paul and the other apostles did not live for themselves; they devoted their time, strength, and even their bodies to proclaim the good news so that others might be saved. They cared for brothers and sisters who were suffering persecution and supported those in need.

Many Christians continue to share this love faithfully. Yet it is sorrowful to see that some churches are more concerned with constructing buildings than nurturing living faith. The church is not a structure we enter once or twice a week. It is the people of God. Too often believers are led to think that a church building is the temple of God, but Scripture teaches that God’s temple is our body, where the Holy Spirit dwells.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? (1 Corinthians 6:19)

This does not mean that the Holy Spirit physically resides in my physical body in a material sense. Rather, it means that through the Holy Spirit, God and I are united. We belong to Him, and He abides in us. In this way, we share a spiritual union that cannot be separated. There are theological terms that attempt to explain this mystery, but we do not need to master technical language to grasp its truth. This union is reflected in the passages about the Lord’s Supper and in John 17, where Jesus speaks of believers being one with Him as He is one with the Father.

What I am saying is that many churches seem more concerned with constructing impressive buildings to display the greatness of their community than with caring for the poor. They collect tithes and various kinds of “offerings,” often directing large sums toward construction projects. A healthy Christian community is indeed vital for spiritual growth. However, it is troubling when excessive amounts of money are spent on buildings while genuine needs go unmet. In such cases, it can appear as though they are building their own kingdom rather than serving God’s.

When churches focus heavily on fundraising for physical structures, many problems can arise—division, pressure, pride, and misplaced priorities. A physical building is not the temple of God.

And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and sensible steward, whom his master will put in charge of his servants, to give them their rations at the proper time? (Luke 12:42)

I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us. For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death. For behold what earnestness this very thing, this godly sorrow, has produced in you: what vindication of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment of wrong! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be innocent in the matter. (vv. 9-11)

Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. (Revelation 3:19)

Our first ancestors, Adam and Eve, were created innocent, but they did not have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them to know and understand God fully. They were called blameless, but not righteous, because righteousness is associated with the knowledge and wisdom of God. Until the Holy Spirit permanently resides in us, we are not righteous. Indeed, we all need to ask for the Holy Spirit to come to us, but this is not initiated by us. God prepares and guides us throughout our lives. When the Holy Spirit comes, we gain the knowledge of God. We then know the difference between lies and truth. We begin to understand God and confess our faith in Him.

However, we continue to sin because that is our nature. We pursue our old self until we realise that we are like pigs swimming in mire. God invites us to be His children, washes us, and clothes us with a white robe, which is Christ.

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all the tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands. (Revelation 7:9)

Sometimes we forget God’s grace and chase after lust and the desires of the world like mad people, only to realise that we are back in the pig pen. Visible churches exist for our education and training. Attending a church service on Sundays helps us stop the madness and reminds us of our changed status through Jesus Christ.

However, many churches have become corrupt. They no longer preach the grace of God and the coming Kingdom. They preach half-grace, which is no grace at all. They appear to promote a morally upright life, but many churches have become pig pens full of pigs. They do not want to be criticised for their actions. Any rebuke is considered unloving and cruel. The leaders respond to rebukes by saying, “Aren’t you also dirty? Christ forgave us,” and they continue accepting immorality.

Those churches that call themselves “fundamentalist” have created their own kingdoms. They are often led by a few families. Anyone who questions their decisions is isolated and even considered a threat to their communities.

Even though the apostles of the first century are no longer physically present, their words—written through the Holy Spirit—remain with us. However, many churches turn a blind eye to immorality and, by doing so, end up promoting it.

Let us be clear: love is not remaining silent about immorality in the church. If the leaders refuse to listen, then shake the dust off your feet and leave. Why stay in a pig pen and be swept away with the rest when the Lord comes?

When you rebuke someone, remember that anyone can fall into temptation. How people respond to a rebuke is ultimately up to them. You have done your duty by speaking the truth. Do it with love and prayer, and ask for God’s guidance. People with the Holy Spirit will eventually turn away from sins. But evil people try to justify immorality by misusing Bible verses. Their judgment will be severe. However, we must not take vengeance into our own hands. God is the judge, and we only do our duty.

You shall not hate your fellow countryman in your heart; you may certainly rebuke your neighbor, but you are not to incur sin because of him. You shall not take vengeance, nor hold any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD. (Leviticus 19:17-18)

Do not be mismatched with unbelievers; for what do righteousness and lawlessness share together, or what does light have in common with darkness? Or what harmony does Christ have with Belial, or what does a believer share with an unbeliever? (vv. 14-15)

We live in a strange time when many can no longer distinguish between good and evil. People call something good if it benefits them and evil if it disadvantages them. In this way, they act as their own god, judging everything by their personal standards.

This tendency is even stronger in some churches. The line between good and evil becomes blurred. Churches welcome false Christians who no longer follow sound doctrine, as long as there is financial gain. Some even claim that unbelievers will be forgiven and enter heaven regardless of faith.

Or what agreement does the temple of God have with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I WILL DWELL AMONG THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. “Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE,” says the Lord. “AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you. “And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” Says the Lord Almighty. (vv. 16-18)

At the present time, it is often better not to argue about religion. Many people are weary of disputes about whose god is better or true. I avoid unnecessary debates. If someone asks about Christianity, I am ready to share what I believe. But I do not want to spend my time arguing with those who have no interest in reading the Word of God and are only curious about different ideas.

Those chosen by God will eventually seek His Word. The Bible is widely available—sold everywhere and freely accessible online—except in places where Christianity is banned or in isolated communities. Even there, the gospel reaches people according to God’s plan. What is saddening is that some who receive the gospel with joy are later misled by people in churches who call evil good and good evil.

Paul the Apostle was alarmed, as we read in First Epistle to the Corinthians chapter 5, that the church in Corinth tolerated serious wrongdoing. Even today, some churches allow those living in open adultery to take part in the Lord’s Supper, telling others that Christians must simply forgive and move on.

Many people do not want to live morally. Movies and books often portray lawbreakers as admirable. Freedom is frequently misunderstood in the media. True freedom is not doing whatever we want; it is being released from a sinful life. We are no longer slaves to sin. If we are truly free, why would we continue to pursue immorality and be consumed by sinful desires? Many call themselves free but keep sinning. Truly free people hate sinning. They uphold the law.

Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now that you maintain, ‘We see,’ your sin remains. (John 9:41)

Those whom God has chosen and loves seek to live in ways that please Him. We do not repay evil for evil. We endure suffering until Jesus Christ returns. However, we must still call evil what it is. Do not be enslaved by anything or anyone. Our souls are free, whether we are in chains or not.

Never repay evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all people. (Romans 12:17)

For if we have lost our minds, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that those who live would no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose on their behalf. (vv. 13-15)

There are good doctrines and bad doctrines. Good doctrines strengthen our understanding of God and help us avoid meaningless arguments. Bad doctrines lead to confusion and eventually to a misunderstanding of God. Since the knowledge of God is closely related to our righteousness, bad doctrines mean unrighteousness. We all know that the unrighteous are not saved. By this, I am not saying that those who study Christian doctrines diligently will be saved. Rather, those who are elected (saved) know what is right and what is wrong.

Many theologians and ministers follow doctrines that proclaim universal salvation or salvation by works. They often quote Paul’s words, but their teachings are full of paradox. They want to believe something that is not true. When other Bible verses say things that differ from what they assert, they simply ignore them. They try to please others, meaning they seek money and fame. We should always be on high alert when they speak falsely about God.

Paul used metaphors here and there to make his message easier for readers to understand. As a highly learned man, his letters have a logical flow. However, it is not easy to grasp the whole picture if one does not know what the entire Bible teaches. Paul’s message is simple: those who are united with Christ died with Him and were resurrected with Him. This applies not only to those who participated in the Lord’s Supper, but to those who are spiritually united with Him by the Holy Spirit and have new life. Physically attending the Lord’s Supper does not, by itself, mean anything. Judas Iscariot participated in the Lord’s Supper but was rejected.

The Son of Man is going away just as it is written about Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born. (Matthew 26:24)

We know that some are saved and others are rejected by God. We do not know who is truly saved, but we know that God loves those who are humble. We know that there is nothing good in us that deserves the Kingdom of God. We struggle and stumble every day as we carry our own cross. God’s words sustain us, and we trust entirely in His guidance. God does not reject such people, and they are humble because of the Spirit.

For indeed, we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life. Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a pledge. (vv. 4-5)

Those who receive praise from people and hold high positions cannot be humble. They may pretend to be humble, but they simply cannot be. God gives them wealth and fame, and as a result they cannot remain humble. However, people follow them like flies to light. It is sad to see that some ministers and theologians receive much praise and have many followers. Together, they preach false doctrines, and their followers become just like them.

As we read the Bible, we must remind ourselves of the true gospel. Paul, under much suffering and many challenges, wrote letters so that we would not be enticed. Churches must preach the Kingdom of God, but most ministers and their followers are not interested. This is because the Holy Spirit is not in them; they have not been given hope. Without the Kingdom of God, a sermon is a dead sermon.

Now after John was taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (vv. 14-15)

But we have this treasure in earthen containers, so that the extraordinary greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying around in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who live are constantly being handed over to death because of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal flesh. So death works in us, but life in you. But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written: “I believed, therefore I spoke,” we also believe, therefore we also speak, knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus, and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, so that grace, having spread to more and more people, will cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. (vv. 7-15)

The core messages of Christianity are the Kingdom of God and eternal life—a new world and a new, everlasting life without sickness or suffering. The law, sin, and punishment were given to us so that we would eagerly wait for the Kingdom of God. Through all this, God wants us to understand the immeasurable depth, width, and height of His love for us.

For this reason I bend my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner self, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled to all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:14-19)

Those God loves, He gives them greater suffering on the earth. I am not lying and this is written in the Bible.

Because of the extraordinary greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. (2 Corinthians 12:7-9)

This is different from what most churches teach—that God will make people prosper on earth and bless them with wealth and children. The prosperity of the patriarchs shows the blessings we will receive when Christ comes. Abraham, Joseph, and Job received wealth after much suffering, but their earthly wealth is only a symbol of the eternal blessing in Christ.

Many churches claim that they do not preach the prosperity gospel, yet they praise members who have wealth and fame, whose children are healthy and successful in the world. Such people often take up leadership roles and hold authority in their churches. I rarely hear sermons about the Kingdom of God because their interests are earthly. False Christians are not interested in the Kingdom of God because all they care about is themselves and their possessions, including their children.

We cannot entirely blame them, because they have not been shown the hope of the Kingdom of God. God has not opened their eyes to see that the Kingdom of God is coming. Christians already live the life of eternity, even under the harshest conditions on earth. The body may perish, but our spirit lives forever with God.

People who are not given the wisdom to know and understand God through the Bible cannot have the hope of eternity. Any church that does not preach the Kingdom of God is false. The Kingdom is not the place you go when you die. The Kingdom will replace our world when Christ comes.

Those who are content in this world want to live forever in their bodies. With the development of AI, some even speak of eternal life through technology. But we look forward to the new world in the Kingdom of God. Our bodies must decay so that we may long for the Kingdom and for a new body that does not decay.

Those who suffer for the Kingdom will be greatly rewarded. Such suffering is not self-inflicted; only those to whom God has chosen can suffer for the Kingdom. Not everyone can become like Paul. We all work for the Kingdom according to the tasks given to us. We pray to God that we may do our best and not remain idle. When we suffer, we do not suffer for ourselves but because of our love for fellow Christians. And that love is not from us but from God.

Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer person is decaying, yet our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (vv. 16-18)

Such is the confidence we have toward God through Christ. Not that we are adequate in ourselves so as to consider anything as having come from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (vv. 4-6)

There is a movie called 12 Years a Slave. I have mentioned this film once or twice to illustrate the nature of the new covenant. If a person is born free, that person cannot truly be enslaved, even if it may appear so outwardly. Others may attempt to enslave a free person, but a man who is free by nature cannot become a slave in essence.

In the same way, Christ—who is naturally free as the only begotten Son of God—cannot be enslaved by becoming a man. Although He was born under the law, He was not subject to the law in the same way the rest of humanity is, because His origin is not that of a slave. He became man in order to free those who were naturally born slaves. Death cannot rule over Him who is life itself.

Some theologians and ministers claim that Jesus could have fallen like Adam if He had failed to keep the law perfectly. If I am not mistaken, Louis Berkhof expressed this view in his writings. This reflects a serious misunderstanding of both Christ’s nature and the new covenant. It raises the troubling question of how someone can so fundamentally misunderstand the person of Christ and still be regarded as a faithful teacher of the faith.

For us to be set free, we required a free man—not another slave like ourselves. And we did not need another creation like Adam, who was capable of unfaithfulness. Adam’s failure stemmed from his limited understanding of God. Though he was given knowledge and wisdom, and was innocent and blameless, he was not righteous. Righteousness is often misunderstood as mere moral excellence, but in Scripture it goes far beyond that. Righteousness belongs to God alone. Only God is righteous and holy. Only God fully understands God.

Therefore, our salvation required God Himself to become man—not merely a blameless man under the law, but God in the flesh, who alone could redeem those born in bondage.

Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave, although he is owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father. So we too, when we were children, were held in bondage under the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of the time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons and daughters. Because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba! Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God. (Galatians 4:1-7)

Moses in the Old Testament was a shadow of Jesus Christ. He served as a mediator between God and the Israelites. In the same way, Christ is the mediator of the new covenant. However, Christ is not merely a repetition or exact counterpart of Moses. He is far superior to Moses because He is God, the second person of Godhead.

This was the true Light that, coming into the world, enlightens every person. He was in the world, and the world came into being through Him, and yet the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own people did not accept Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of a man, but of God. (John 1:9-13)

Therefore, having such a hope, we use great boldness in our speech, and we are not like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face so that the sons of Israel would not stare at the end of what was fading away. But their minds were hardened; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed in Christ. (vv. 12-14)

We humans tend to follow other humans and believe that we can become like them. Buddhism, for example, idealizes Buddha, and those who follow his teachings believe they can attain what he attained. Christianity, however, is not like other religions. God became man not so that we could imitate Him in our own strength, but so that He could make us His children. He gives us eternal life and a new world.

Yet many Christians do not truly want to see God face to face. Instead, they prefer Moses with a veil over his face. Many still believe—or want to believe—that their good deeds can earn them eternal life and rewards. This is what many churches teach today. They deny absolute grace and replace it with conditional grace, which is no grace at all.

Our good deeds do not earn life; they flow from the love given to us by God.

But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their hearts; but whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. But we all, with unveiled faces, looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. (vv. 15-18)