Meditate on the Word - For a Decent and Investigative Christianity (EN)

  The greatest failure of humanity, illustrated by the life of Judas Iscariot, serves as a warning to all about the consequences of wasting opportunities and making wrong choices. The story of Judas is one of the most well-known in the Bible, not only because of his betrayal of Jesus but also because of what that betrayal symbolizes: the rejection of the greatest opportunity for transformation and salvation. Judas had everything within his reach to be an example of redemption. He was chosen by Jesus, after a night of prayer, to be one of the twelve apostles. This gave him the privilege of walking alongside Christ, hearing His teachings, witnessing miracles, and seeing the very Son of God in action. He participated in the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, saw the blind receive their sight, and witnessed the dead being raised. Despite all this access to the truth, Judas did not take the opportunity to fully surrender to Jesus. His mistake was not just an isolated act of betray...

 God's mission is the expression of His eternal purpose for creation, especially for humanity. Since the fall of man, God has been working throughout history to redeem and restore the broken relationship between Himself and humanity. God's mission, or Missio Dei , is centered on bringing all things back into harmony with His will, and the Church is called to be the primary heir and collaborator in this divine mission. The Church as the Redeemed The Church is made up of those who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ. Redemption is a central concept in the biblical narrative, where God rescues His people from the slavery of sin and death into the freedom of life in Christ. As the redeemed, members of the Church are called to live in a way that reflects this new reality. They are called to be light in a world of darkness, living according to the principles of the Kingdom of God and proclaiming the gospel of salvation to all people. The Church as the Elect The elect are those ...

Often, we confuse fear with reverence when it comes to our relationship with God, but these two feelings have very different meanings and impacts. While fear drives us away from God's presence, true reverence for the Lord brings us closer, guiding us to divine wisdom and revealing His love. This article explores how reverence for the Lord can transform our lives, freeing us from paralyzing fear and inviting us to walk in God's light. The Beginning of Wisdom Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of a life of wisdom and spiritual discernment. Unlike fear, which paralyzes and distances us, reverence for the Lord is an attitude of awe, respect, and deep love. It is not a feeling of terror before God but rather an acknowledgment of His majesty, holiness, and power. It means understanding that God is the Creator, and we are His creatures, dependent on His grace and mercy. Psalm 25:14 reinforces this truth by saying, "The Lord confides in those who fear Him; He makes His coven...

  In this six-day article, we explore the crucial difference between fear and the fear of the Lord, and how these concepts shape our relationship with God. While fear drives us away from God, the fear of the Lord draws us closer, guiding us toward a life of wisdom, obedience, and trust. Let's examine each of these days more closely to understand how we can apply these principles in our daily lives. Day One: The Beginning of Wisdom The first step toward a life of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. As stated in Proverbs 9:10, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This fear is not a common fear but a deep reverence and recognition of God's majesty, power, and holiness. By fearing the Lord, we are led to seek His wisdom, which is far more valuable than human knowledge. This fear is the foundation upon which we build our spiritual lives. Psalm 25:14 reinforces this idea, saying, "The Lord confides in those who ...

  The Parable of the Prodigal Son , found in Luke 15:11-32, is one of the most profound and well-known stories told by Jesus. It is part of a series of three parables (The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin, and The Prodigal Son) that Jesus told in response to the criticism of the Pharisees and scribes. They complained that Jesus associated with sinners and ate with them, which, in their view, was unworthy of a religious teacher. Through this parable, Jesus reveals the loving, merciful, and forgiving character of God and contrasts it with the judgmental and exclusive attitude of the religious leaders. Cultural Context In Jesus' time, Jewish society was highly patriarchal and based on a system of honor and shame. The family was the central nucleus of social life, and respect for parents, especially the father, was considered one of the most sacred commandments. Therefore, any act that dishonored the father was considered extremely serious. The Parable Jesus begins the parable by saying that ...