Keep The Faith

A journey through early Christianity, Jewish authority, the teaching of Jesus, and the symbol of the Nicolaitans By Wayne  |  Monday, September 7, 2026  |  Theology & Spirit-Led Living The Bible is a precious witness — but the One to whom it points is more precious still. Here is something worth sitting with for a moment: ask almost any Christian today what “the Word of God” means, and the answer will come quickly — the Bible . The equation feels obvious, settled, almost beyond question. But here is what I find endlessly fascinating: if you had walked into a gathering of first- or second-century Christians and said the same thing, you would likely have been met with puzzled looks. Not because they didn’t treasure the Scriptures — they did, deeply. But because for them, “the Word of God” was first and foremost a living Person. A breathing, moving, ever-present reality that no leather binding could contain. Something happened between then and now. Somethi...

When God Opens the Eyes of the Heart Sometimes God awakens the human heart suddenly, and sometimes gently. The stories of Jonah and Jesus washing the disciples’ feet reveal two sides of God’s mercy: a warning that shakes us awake, and a humility that softens us. Both are invitations to return to Him. The Sign of Jonah Luke 11:29 (NASB) “This generation is a wicked generation; it seeks for a sign, and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah.” The Greek word for “generation” is genea , which can also mean “age.” Jesus may be saying, “This age is a wicked age…” The word for “sign” means a miracle, a token, a wonder — something that awakens awe. Jonah’s message to Nineveh was short and simple: Jonah 3:4 (CEB) “Just forty days more and Nineveh will be overthrown!” The Hebrew word for “overthrown” is haphak — meaning to turn, to change, to be converted, to return. Jonah’s warning was not only about destruction....

The Hammer Story By Wayne Koch (Pop Pop) Dedicated to my grandson Here is a story that I told my grandson when trying to get him to go to sleep. It began as a much simpler version, but over time it grew — and now reflects my own life and how God has shown Himself to me. The Story Once upon a time there was a hammer. Now, this hammer was a very special hammer. Its Creator gave it a brain. It could choose what project to work on and who would use it to build the project. There was just one problem: it often bent nails. At first, Hammer chose easy projects — step stools, tables, birdhouses, and treehouses. When it came to treehouses, he chose only the simplest ones or only wanted to do the ladder. As for who would use him, he would choose just anyone. Over time, he saw some of his projects turn out pretty good, some just so-so, and others really bad. When he bent a nail, the person using him would usually just bend the nail the rest of the way over to the ...

📖 Scripture Focus “Above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:14 (ESV) “The glory that You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one even as We are one.” John 17:22 (ESV) 🌤 Opening Reflection Becoming one is not about losing ourselves — it is about discovering who we truly are when God’s love flows freely between us. Scripture calls us into a unity that mirrors the very heart of the Trinity: a shared life, a shared light, a shared energy. Writers like those in The Celestine Prophecy describe this as the difference between giving energy and taking energy . And while the book is not Scripture, it names something Scripture has always taught: when we give life, we grow; when we take life, we shrink. 🔍 Insight or Revelation 1. Giving Energy: The Way of the Spirit In The Celestine Prophecy , giving energy means offering presence, encouragement, attention, and love without demanding anything in ...

Becoming Like Little Children to Enter the Kingdom Matthew 18:3 (NIV) ( Mattityahu 18:3 OJB ): “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:4 (NKJV) ( Mattityahu 18:4 OJB ): “Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Mark 10:15 (NASB) ( Markos 10:15 OJB ): “Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” Luke 18:17 (NIV) ( Lukas 18:17 OJB ): “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” I also like looking at what the book of John says. I explain why in my post, “ Why the Gospel of John Is Essential to Study .” John’s Perspective on Entering the Kingdom John mentions the “kingdom of God” explicitly only twice, both in Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus: John 3:3 ( Yochanan 3:3 OJB ) — You cannot see ...

Can We Trust God to Protect Us? Can we trust that God will protect us no matter what we're going through? I believe we absolutely can. Many of us are facing moments that feel uncertain and frightening. We worry about our future, our children, our neighbors, our nation, and even the world around us. But when we belong to God, we don't face these fears alone. We stand under the care of a Father who sees, knows, and guards His own. Think about what it truly means to be God's children. He is our Father — steadfast, present, and unchanging. No matter how old we become or how complicated life feels, His role as our Father never shifts. And because He is our Father, His protection is not fragile or occasional. It is rooted in His character, His promises, and His love. God’s Protection in Acts: A Foundation of Certainty These passages don’t just show isolated miracles — they reveal a pattern of God safeg...

  How Can You Know You're Listening to the Right Lord? As I reflect on this question, it becomes clear that true discernment begins with being part of God's kingdom. According to John 17:2 , entrance into that kingdom comes through eternal life—a gift given by Jesus Christ. But what is eternal life? Jesus defines it in John 17:3 : it is the sure and intimate knowledge of the Father, the one true God, and of Jesus Christ, whom the Father sent. This isn't just intellectual assent; it's relational certainty. So how can you know you're in the kingdom of God—and thus listening to the right Lord? Your life will reflect the character and example of Jesus. The way He lived on earth becomes the blueprint for those who truly follow Him. His compassion, truth, humility, and obedience to the Father are not just admirable traits—they're signs of kingdom citizenship.

🌿 Eternal Life: Beyond Time and Into God's Kingdom What Is Eternal Life? I’ve often wondered why the Bible calls it eternal life . Jesus defines it in John 17:3 as knowing the Father, the one true God, and Jesus Christ, whom He sent. In the original Greek, the word translated “know” is ginosko —meaning to know absolutely, to be sure, to understand deeply. So, what is eternal life? Is it simply living forever, or is it the fullness of knowing God? That question has lingered in my heart. Time and the Human Condition This morning, I was talking with my wife, and she offered a profound insight: it has to do with time . We live in a world governed by time. We’re born, we live for a finite span, and then we die. But in God’s realm, time doesn’t exist. He always was, and He always will be. Because of sin, God set a limit on human life. Today, 120 years seems to be the outer boundary—a reflection, perhaps, of the declaration in Genesis 6:3 . But this limit is not imposed on God. He exis...

Giving Glory and Honor to Father God and His Son, Jesus How are we, as Americans, giving glory and honor to Father God and His only begotten Son, Yeshua (Jesus), in the midst of our current political and cultural climate? Yeshua endured unimaginable suffering so that we could be forgiven. But forgiveness is not passive—it requires a heart that longs for transformation. To honor Him, we must choose to turn away from division, fear, and hostility, and instead walk in the mercy He freely offers. The social shifts we see today echo patterns from the past, particularly the atmosphere of 1933 Germany. History teaches us that when people rely solely on human strength to resist destructive tides, their efforts often collapse. Our strength must come from a higher source. When Yeshua walked the earth, He loved without boundaries. He embraced the broken, the poor, the outcast, and the overlooked. If we are to endure what lies ahead, we must reflect that same love—not only in ...

Why Does God Allow Bad Things to Happen? Most of us have wondered at some point: “Why does God let bad things happen to good people? Why doesn’t He just get rid of those who do evil?” These questions are honest, human, and deeply spiritual. Years ago, I read The Shack by William P. Young and later watched the film. Both helped me see certain things from a different angle — not perfectly, but in ways that opened my heart to God’s perspective. In Chapter 10 , Mack asks Jesus why God doesn’t simply take control of the world to protect its beauty. Jesus explains that God refuses to impose His will because true relationships must be built on love, not force. Love cannot be coerced. “Here Come Da Judge” — A Deeper Look When Mack enters the cavern, he is still carrying unbearable grief and anger. The loss of his daughter has left him questioning everything — God’s goodness, justice, and love. He wants answers, but what he receives is something far de...

Does God Have a Native Language? This morning, a simple but intriguing thought surfaced. Across the world, every culture uses different names for the same divine reality. I call God “Father God” or simply “God.” I call Jesus “Jesus” or “Yeshua.” In Spanish, God is “Dios,” “Señor,” or “Padre,” and in Mexico the Child Jesus is affectionately called “Niño Dios,” “Chucho,” or “Chuy.” Different languages, different sounds — yet the same God. Despite our linguistic diversity, the image of God we hold in our hearts is often remarkably similar. The same is true of Jesus. It’s astonishing that God can speak to each of us in our own languages at the same time, and Jesus can do the same. The Question That Sparked the Meditation If God communicates through every human language, does He Himself have a native language? Jesus existed with Father God long before creation. If Jesus has a native language, is it the same as the Father’s? And if so, what ...

Can Someone Who Does Not Believe in God Love? Yes — I believe they can. Not because belief creates love, but because there is “that of God in everyone.” This is why even those who do not name God can still act with compassion, tenderness, and deep moral clarity. What Do Quakers Mean by the “Inner Light”? Quakers describe the Inner Light as the divine spark placed within every person — a quiet, guiding presence that nudges us toward truth, peace, and love. It is not a claim that humans are divine, but that God’s love reaches into every human heart. The Human Problem Imagine if we could love all the time — truly, consistently, without interruption. There would be peace. But that’s not how life works. You may have a close friend you cherish. Being with them feels peaceful and grounding. Then something happens — a misunderstanding, a wound, a moment of pride — and suddenly the peace is gone. Communication stops. Distance grows. The bond fractures. This is the human ...

I had an intriguing thought last Sunday morning about the contrast between Jewish and Christian teachings. In Judaism, there is a strong emphasis on knowing and obeying the law. Meanwhile, Christianity centers around love as the guiding principle. But this raises a thought-provoking question: If someone loves but does not know the laws, will that love naturally lead them to obedience? Conversely, if a person diligently follows the laws, does that process cultivate love within them? ChatGPT provided an insightful response on this topic, exploring both perspectives. Jewish Perspective: In Judaism, obeying the laws (mitzvot) is foundational. These commandments serve as a path to holiness, righteousness, and a deeper connection with God and others. However, the laws are not solely about strict adherence—they are meant to be observed with intention and love. The Torah reinforces this idea with commandments such as “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18). In this way, obedience i...

I woke up early this morning and I remembered that I was dreaming about LOVE. I was specifically dreaming about the medic, Desmond Doss, who is credited with saving more than 70 solders lives, even enemy soldiers', during one of the bloodiest battles of World War II in the Pacific. He did it without carrying any kind of protection for himself. He refused to carry a weapon or take a person's life. When he enlisted into the Army, he told them this and was almost rejected for service. They thought that he wouldn't make a good solder, but they took him anyway. He went through literal hell from his commanders and fellow soldiers, but he never quit/gave up. Click the link and go down to the 'Synopsis' of the movie. The movie, ' Hacksaw Ridge ', based on true events. It is well worth seeing if you haven't already. (maybe without children). His whole character was amazing, hard to believe, and is one example of LOVE (AGAPE LOVE). The kind of LOVE that Father God...

What does it really mean when Scripture says that God is “one”? Across the Bible, the Tanakh, and the Qur’an, this oneness points not to isolation but to a divine unity rooted in perfect love. From the plural language of creation to Yeshua’s prayer in John 17, the story of God reveals a relationship of shared glory, purpose, and oneness—a unity we are invited to enter. God Is One: A Oneness Rooted in Love In the Christian Bible, the Jewish Tanakh, and the Islamic Qur’an, God—Yahweh—Allah—is described as one . We often interpret this to mean a single, solitary Deity. But I’ve come to believe that “one” means something deeper than numerical singularity. I believe “one” means perfect unity—perfect love. Let me explain. The Plural Language of Creation In the creation accounts of all three traditions, the Creator sometimes speaks in the plural: we , us , our . If “one” simply meant a solitary being, why not use I and my ? Consider the creation of humanity in Genesis: Genesis 1:26–27 (NIV)...