Acts 20 and the Question of Continuity: Why God Chooses People Over Systems

Doesn't it seem like Acts 20 (Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders) echoes Moses’ farewell in Deuteronomy? Both leaders poured out their lives in service, warned about dangers to come, and trusted God with the people once they were gone. They are my saddest moment in the Bible. And, I wondered — does God not care about continuity in His work? — and it touches something important. Let’s break it down to have a deep look: God does care about continuity, but His method is relational, not mechanical. He doesn’t set up a “failsafe system” that makes faith automatic, because His kingdom is built on love, trust, and free will. A rigid system might prevent failure, but it would also strip away responsibility and relationship. Instead, He entrusts His work to people who must choose obedience daily.  Leaders are stewards, not replacements for God. Moses and Paul both warned their people, but they also handed them back to God. Paul says in Acts 20:32: “And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace…” God’s way is not to lock His people into safety by force, but to give them the Word, the Spirit, and shepherds — then call them to walk faithfully. The apparent “failures” are also part of God’s larger story.  Israel did drift after Moses, and wolves did come into the Church after Paul. Yet, God always raises voices — prophets, reformers, witnesses — to call His people back. The history of God’s people is one of falling and being restored. This ongoing cycle highlights His mercy and His sovereignty, not just human weakness.  God promotes men because He delights in partnership. The Bible shows that God takes joy in working through flawed people, not because He “needs” them, but because He loves to involve them. Continuity is secured not by systems but by the living Spirit of God. Jesus Himself promised: “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).  So, i conclude my thought this way: God does care about continuity, but He entrusts it to living faith, not an unbreakable system. He ensures His ultimate purposes never fail, even if the human side stumbles. In the end, His continuity is guaranteed not by human strength, but by His Spirit that never leaves the Church. 👉 It’s almost like God is saying: “My work is safe, because I am with you. But your faith must stay alive — not just your structures.” In the follow up post I would like to show how this principle plays out in church history after Acts 20, where Paul’s warning sadly came true, yet God still preserved His testimony. #ContinuityOfGodsWork #GodPartnersWirhFallenMan #GodsEnduringGrace #ManAboveSystems #BibleStudy #ChristianLiving

Why You Must Discover God for Yourself: Faith Is Not Inherited but Personal

Introduction Many people believe that being born into a Christian family or raised in a religious environment makes them automatically godly. But the truth is simple and unshakable: faith cannot be inherited. Every soul must make a personal discovery of God. Your parent’s or mentor’s encounter with God can guide and inspire you, but it can never replace your own personal relationship with God. The Danger of Ignorance Without knowing God for yourself, it is easy to misunderstand His ways. For example, many think it is acceptable to rejoice when an enemy stumbles. Yet God’s word teaches otherwise: Proverbs 24:17–18 (ESV): "Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles, lest the Lord see it and be displeased, and turn away his anger from him." This shows that God’s heart is filled with mercy, not malice. But unless you are personally walking with Him, you will miss this truth. That is why discovering God personally is essential. Inherited Faith Is Not Enough Being born into a peaceful, godly home is a blessing, but it does not equal salvation. The Bible makes it clear: Ezekiel 18:20: "The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son." John 3:7: "You must be born again." Every person is accountable to God individually. A godly background may give you direction, but it will never substitute for knowing God for yourself. Biblical Examples of Personal Discovery The Bible is filled with stories of men and women who had to encounter God personally: Samuel: Though raised in the temple, “Samuel did not yet know the Lord” until God called him directly (1 Samuel 3:7–10). Timothy: He inherited the faith of his mother and grandmother, but Paul emphasized that Timothy had to embrace his own faith (2 Timothy 1:5). Paul: Raised in strict religion, yet only a direct encounter with Jesus on the Damascus road transformed him (Acts 9:3–6). These examples prove that faith is personal. Each one had to make their own personal discovery of God. How to Personally Discover God Through the Word of God "Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." (Romans 10:17) Immersing yourself in Scripture opens the way for God’s truth. Through Repentance and Faith "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord." (Acts 3:19) Through Obedience and Relationship "Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me." (John 14:21) True knowledge of God shows itself in transformed living. The Evangelical Call God’s invitation is deeply personal. Your family’s testimony cannot save you. Religion cannot stand in place of relationship. John 17:3: "This is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." Jesus is calling you to more than tradition—He is calling you to Himself. Conclusion & Invitation Your parent’s discovery of God can instruct you, but it cannot substitute for your own encounter. Don’t settle for inherited religion. Seek the truth, and you will find that the truth is a Person—Jesus Christ. Revelation 3:20: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." Today, Christ is knocking at your heart. Will you open the door and discover Him for yourself? "Faith cannot be inherited. Every person must personally discover God through Jesus Christ. Learn why knowing Him for yourself is essential for salvation." #PersonalDiscoveryOfGod #FaithIsPersonal #KnowingGodForYourself #FaithCannotBeInherited #BornAgain #PersonalRelationshipWithGod #DiscoverJesus #ChristianFaithAndSalvation #TrueChristianLiving #EternalLifeThroughJesus

Love Your Brother: And Your Neighbors Too.

Psalm 133 is a poetic gem—brief but brimming with depth. Here's a contemplative walk through its verses and imagery: 🌿 Psalm 133: A Song of Unity and Blessing Verse 1: "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" - This is more than a statement—it's a divine exclamation. “Behold” invites us to pause and truly see. - “Good” speaks to moral excellence; - “pleasant” to emotional delight. - Unity isn’t just tolerable—it’s beautiful. It’s the kind of peace that nourishes the soul and reflects heaven’s harmony. Verse 2: "It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments." - The anointing oil on Aaron, the high priest, was sacred and fragrant. - It symbolized consecration, abundance, and divine favor. - Unity, like that oil, flows generously—it doesn’t stay confined. It blesses everything it touches. Verse 3: "As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore." - Dew is gentle, life-giving, and essential in dry lands. - Hermon’s dew was legendary for its richness, and here it’s imagined descending on Zion—a metaphor for unity bringing vitality to the spiritual heart of the people . - Where unity dwells, God commands blessing—not just favor, but “life forevermore”. 🔍 Why This Matters Today In my reflection this morning I saw that: resentment and hate fracture relationships. Psalm 133 doesn’t just idealize unity—it anchors it in sacred ritual and divine promise. It tells us that unity is not only achievable, but it’s also the very place where God chooses to pour out His blessing. In a world of tribalism and division—whether in families, churches, or nations—this psalm is a call to intentional reconciliation. Not passive peace, but active unity. #GlobalReconciliation #PeaceInTheWorld #BrotherhoodOfNations #ChristLikeLiving