The BIG Picture (Shorts)

During His earthly ministry, the Messiah esteemed the seventh-day Sabbath, keeping it according to the Law as a Jew among Jews. As Luke 4:16 notes, it was His custom to attend the synagogue, though He frequently corrected man-made traditions to show that doing good on the Sabbath was lawful. Because He was "made under the law," His observance aligned with God’s instructions to Israel at that time. However, rightly dividing the Word reveals that these observances were shadows pointing to a future reality. According to the mystery revealed to the Apostle Paul, the body of Christ is no longer bound by holy days, new moons, or Sabbath days. Colossians 2:16–17 clarifies that these ordinances are of no effect under grace, as our standing rests solely on Christ’s finished work. In this current dispensation, Paul’s epistles serve as our doctrinal guide, moving us away from the shadows of the Law toward the substance of Christ. Ultimately, God’s will in this dispensation is simple and...

Read the following verses which all have the same theme: Psalm 115:3; Isaiah 46:10; Ephesians 1:11; Isaiah 55:8-9; Romans 8:28 A Hope Beyond Our Horizon When trials weigh us down and God seems silent, it is easy to feel forgotten. Yet, Scripture reveals that God’s "pleasure" isn’t tied to our immediate comfort, but to His eternal wisdom. He operates on a scale far beyond our limited vision, weaving our struggles into a design that serves our ultimate benefit and His sovereign glory. Consider the life of Joseph. His journey was defined by betrayal, slavery, and false imprisonment—years of silence where it seemed God’s pleasure was absent. Yet, God was doing exactly what He pleased and purposed. Joseph’s suffering wasn't a sign of God's neglect, but the very design used to save nations from famine. Joseph eventually realized this higher perspective, telling his brothers in Genesis 50:20 , "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good....

In Acts 21, Paul joined in a purification rite at the Temple—not because he needed it for salvation, but to show respect and accommodation toward his fellow Jews who were zealous for the Law. He did this to quiet rumors and to build bridges, while never compromising the truth of the gospel of grace. Paul’s act reminds us that accommodation is not compromise. He remained steadfast in the doctrine revealed to him—that we are saved by grace through faith, apart from works of the Law. Yet he was patient, humble, and willing to walk alongside others in their journey, showing them respect while gently pointing them to the liberty we have in Christ. Today, we too are called to this balance: Accommodation : Respecting others’ convictions without judgment. Patience : Bearing with those who may not yet see the fullness of grace. Commitment to truth : Standing firm in the doctrine of grace, never wavering from the liberty we have in the Spirit. Paul’s example teaches us that our witness is strong...