Words of Christ

  The Power of Persistence: What "Kakós" Teaches Us About Quitting and Faith In the hustle of life, it’s easy to feel like giving up when answers don’t come quickly. Yet, Jesus’ Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8) offers a timeless lesson: persistence in faith is the antidote to quitting. At the heart of this parable lies a Greek word, ἐγκακεῖν (enkakein), and its cousin κακός (kakós, Strong’s G2556), which together reveal why quitting isn’t just stopping—it’s a "bad" state that undermines trust in God. The Parable: A Call to Never Give Up In Luke 18:1, Jesus shares the parable “to show them that they should always pray and not give up” (NIV). The Greek phrase here is μὴ ἐγκακεῖν, where ἐγκακεῖν (Strong’s G1573) means “to lose heart,” “grow weary,” or “become discouraged.” The story follows a widow who relentlessly seeks justice from an unjust judge. Despite his indifference, her persistence wins out—he grants her request, not out of kindness, but because ...

  From Eve to the Church: Bringing Life to the World Names in the Bible are more than labels—they carry purpose, identity, and destiny. The story of Adam and Eve, the first humans, sets the stage for humanity’s journey, while Jesus and the Church complete the narrative of redemption. Their names and roles reveal profound truths about who we are and who we’re called to be. Let’s explore how Adam’s naming, Eve’s legacy, Jesus’ righteousness, and the Church’s mission as the "new Eve" shape our understanding of life and faith. Adam: Righteousness or Sin? In Hebrew, "Adam" (אָדָם) isn’t just a name—it means "man" or "humanity," rooted in "adamah," the earth from which he was formed (Genesis 2:7). Adam wasn’t given a personal name like Abraham or Moses; his title reflects his role as God’s image-bearer, tasked with stewarding creation. One of his first acts was naming the animals (Genesis 2:19-20), a sign of his authority and wisdom. But what...

  The Profound Moment of Luke 2:50: Jesus’ Messianic Consciousness Dawns In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2, verse 50, we encounter a pivotal moment in the early life of Jesus that reveals the dawning of His Messianic consciousness. The verse states, “And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them” (KJV). This brief statement captures the bewilderment of Mary and Joseph as their twelve-year-old son, Jesus, speaks of His divine purpose in a way that transcends their comprehension. The Greek text and its interpretation, as explored by scholar A.T. Robertson, offer profound insights into this transformative moment. The Context of Luke 2:50 The scene unfolds during the Feast of the Passover in Jerusalem. Mary and Joseph, assuming Jesus was among their traveling group, realize He is missing after a day’s journey. They return to Jerusalem and, after three days of searching, find Him in the temple, engaging with the religious teachers, “sitting in the midst of the doctors, both...

  The Holy Spirit: Our Down Payment on Glory Have you ever made a down payment on something big—like a house or a car? That initial deposit is a promise, a guarantee that the full amount is coming. In the Bible, God uses this same idea to describe something far greater: our salvation. The Greek word ἀρραβών (arrabōn), found in 2 Corinthians 1:22, 5:5, and Ephesians 1:14, paints the Holy Spirit as a "pledge" or "deposit" guaranteeing the full inheritance of eternal life. But what does this mean for us today, and how does it connect to the glory awaiting us? The Holy Spirit as the Earnest Payment When we come to faith in Christ, God doesn’t leave us empty-handed. He gives us His Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, as a divine down payment. This isn’t just a symbol—it’s God Himself dwelling in us, sealing us for salvation (Eph. 1:13–14). The Spirit empowers us, transforms us to be more like Jesus (2 Cor. 3:18), and produces fruit like love, joy, and peace (Ga...