Reflecting on a Tragic Week

A Call to Anchor in Truth and Love: Reflecting on a Tragic Week

By Bill Vanderbush, Faith Mountain Ministries

Good morning, and welcome to the broadcast of Faith Mountain Ministries. My name is Bill Vanderbush, and I come to you during a heavy and weighty week here in the United States. Many podcasts thrive by addressing current events, and there are countless voices doing a fantastic job of that. However, my goal has always been to create messages that are timeless, ones you could listen to ten years from now and still glean hope—messages that echo the eternal truths found in the letters of Paul and the pages of Scripture, applicable across all seasons of life.

That said, there are events this week that I cannot ignore—events none of us can ignore. This is a pivotal moment for our nation. While some may argue that violence, including the tragic loss of lives like the young Ukrainian girl on the train or the students in Colorado, is not new, the recent assassination attempt on Charlie Kirk stands out for two reasons.

Charlie Kirk: A Voice for Freedom

First, Charlie Kirk was an outspoken supporter of the gospel of Jesus Christ. You may have disagreed with his perspectives or political views, but his unapologetic conviction and commitment to truth deserve respect. His ideology was not rooted in fleeting trends but in an unchanging truth anchored in Scripture. At just 31 years old, Charlie was growing in grace, and we had yet to see the fullness of what his life—rooted in the gospel, love for this country, and knowledge of the Constitution—could have become. In his short life, he changed the course of history as much as any influencer could, shaping the world through his bold voice.

Second, Charlie represented free speech and the ability to express what we believe without fear of violence. The beauty of this country lies in our freedom to speak our minds and hearts, to share what has been revealed to us as truth. This week, that freedom was threatened—not just for Charlie but for all of us. The fabric of truth should never tear under the weight of hard questions. When perspectives collide, we are given the opportunity to anchor deeper in what we believe or to embrace a greater truth with wisdom and humility.

Jesus: The Word Made Flesh

This brings us to the heart of the gospel. Jesus Christ came to confront our perspectives with truth, not through a thundering voice from the heavens but as God in the flesh, living among us. He didn’t rely solely on miracles to validate His message; often, He told those He healed to keep silent about it. Why? Because He valued communication through words, inviting people into discourse. As John 1 declares, He is the Word made flesh, stepping into our story to confront us with the truth of Himself.

Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6, NASB). Not a way, but the way—the only path to the Father. When we anchor our lives in Him, we find wisdom that confounds, challenging us to either hold fast to what we believe or embrace a new and living way.

The Danger of Anchoring Faith in People

Too often, we anchor our faith in people—pastors, leaders, or influencers—rather than in Christ alone. When we do this, our faith becomes as fragile as the person we follow. Leaders are imperfect, and even the most anointed among us will fail. This is by design, to remind us that the gospel is the power of God, not the power of man. If your faith hinges on a person’s righteousness, it’s a weak faith destined for disappointment.

Jesus Himself confronted the beliefs of His day, revealing God not just as holy, king, or master, but as Father. This revelation shifts our identity. When God is merely Lord, it affects what we do. When He is Father, it transforms who we are. Many resist this, preferring a checklist of tasks to earn God’s approval. But Jesus invites us to rest in the truth that we are born of the will of God, not of human effort.

The Threat to Free Speech and Love

The tragedy of this week is not just the loss of a life but the attack on our freedom to express truth without fear. When we label others as “false teachers” or “dangerous” without engaging in loving dialogue, we risk fueling hatred and violence. The story of Stephen in Acts 6 illustrates this. Filled with grace and power, Stephen spoke with wisdom that his opponents couldn’t refute. Instead of engaging, they falsely accused him, stirred up a mob, and stoned him to death—believing they were doing God a favor.

Today, similar dangers exist. I’ve experienced this personally—threats against my family, blood poured on my driveway, and attempts to harm me. These acts stem from misguided zeal, often inflamed by reckless words on platforms like social media. As believers, we must be cautious with our words, for they can ignite violence in weak minds. Jesus calls us to be known by our love for one another, not by judgment or division.

A Call to Unity and Grace

In John 17, Jesus prayed that we would be one, united not by dogma but by love that transcends prejudice, hatred, and even our enemies. The parable of the prodigal son shows a father who never loses sight of his son’s identity, despite rebellion. Likewise, God’s perspective of us as His children remains unshaken. He took all of our sin on the cross, and responded by giving us grace that calls us sons and daughters.

Let us anchor our faith in Christ alone, not in predictions, divisions, or human leaders. Our call is simple: preach the gospel—that Jesus rose from the dead, defeating sin, death, and the devil. His love overpowers all darkness. Let’s stop obsessing over who’s “in” or “out” and instead share the good news with the world.

In this heavy week, may we honor Charlie Kirk’s legacy by boldly proclaiming truth with love, defending free speech, and living as children of a loving Father. Let’s be known by our love, not our condemnation.

Scriptures Referenced (NASB)

1.  John 14:6
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.”

2.  John 1:14
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us; and we saw His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

3.  John 1:12-13
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of a man, but of God.

4.  Acts 6:7-12
The word of God kept spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith. And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. But some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and argued with Stephen. But they were unable to cope with his wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and they came up to him and dragged him away, and brought him before the Council.

5.  John 17:21
“…that they may all be one; just as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.”

6.  Matthew 7:1-2
“Do not judge, so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.”

7.  Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”

8.  Matthew 10:33
“But whoever denies Me before people, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.”

9.  Matthew 24:14
“This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.”

10.  Acts 1:7-8
He said to them, “It is not for you to know periods of time or appointed times which the Father has set by His own authority; but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and as far as the remotest part of the earth.”

11.  John 13:35
“By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.”

Cleansing the Veins of the World

In these wild, fractious days, where violence and raw hatred run like a fever through the veins of our world, we’ve got to watch our tongues when it comes to slapping labels like “dangerous” or “false teacher” on folks who see things differently. That kind of talk is like tossing matches into the dry grass of troubled minds and might just spark some poor soul to think they’re doing God’s work by raising a hand against a brother or sister in Christ. 

Now, don’t get me wrong. There are theological stances out there that I’d swear are so far off the gospel’s mark they’re practically dancing with the antichrist. But you won’t catch me in the public square, megaphone in hand, shouting “false teacher!” or slapping “heretic” on a church door. I’m not in the business of burning bridges by lobbing the religious equivalent of a Molotov Cocktail. We’ve been handed the ministry of reconciliation, people. That’s a divine call to stitch things back together, not tear them apart. Our survival as a society depends upon it.

Breaking Free from Spiritual Codependency

Breaking Free from Spiritual Codependency

by Bill Vanderbush

Redefining Our Relationship with God

Many people see God as a Master or Lord, but viewing Him as Father transforms not only what we do but who we are. This shift in perspective changes our identity and relationship with Him. Yet, many believers find themselves in an unhealthy, codependent relationship with God, driven by fear rather than love. This post explores the concept of spiritual codependency, its roots, and how to break free by embracing our identity as God’s beloved children.

What Is Spiritual Codependency?

Have you ever felt, in any human relationship, an unhealthy need to manage other people’s behavior? You realize their behavior is dictated by your choices, so you must manage not only your choices but also their moods, emotions, and expectations. Often, we position ourselves as mediators or defenders, explaining others’ actions to those who misunderstand them: “They didn’t really mean that,” or “This is why they’re doing that.” This is called codependency, and while it's an insufficient description, it captures the dynamic.

Spiritually, codependency manifests similarly. Many believers act as if they must manage God’s reputation, defend His actions, or earn His approval. It’s like being in a grandmother’s kitchen at Thanksgiving, frantically stirring pots, chopping vegetables for a feast you didn’t plan, convinced that if you don’t micromanage everything, the entire meal will be a disaster. That’s codependency in human terms and it's an exhausting dance, a bizarre tango where you’re appointed the fixer of everyone’s moods, choices, behaviors, and expectations.

In religion, this dynamic is even more consuming. God neverleaves nor forsakes us (Hebrews 13:5 NASB), which is comforting in a healthy relationship but terrifying in a codependent one. Many people’s relationship with God is driven by fear, such as a fear of rejection, not being good enough, or being abandoned by someone more powerful.

Hebrews 13:5 (NASB): “Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever abandon you.’”

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The Roots of Spiritual Codependency

Fear-Based Faith

If any part of your relationship with God is anchored in unhealthy fear (fear of punishment, torment, or not measuring up) you may be experiencing spiritual codependency. These fears include:

• Fear of Rejection: The fear of being cast away, found wanting, or tossed into the dustbin, as if God is a divine accountant auditing your worth.
• Fear of Not Being Good Enough: The accuser (Satan, from the Greek kategoros, meaning to classify or assign value) convinces us we don’t measure up. We see our shortcomings and feel God is evaluating whether we’re “good enough.”
• Fear of Abandonment: Subtly different from rejection, abandonment is the fear of being forgotten, not even important enough to remember.

When asked, “Do you know that you’re going to heaven when you die?” many Christians pause, saying, “I sure hope so.” This hesitation reveals a lack of confidence in the finished work of the cross, as described in John 19:30 NASB.

John 19:30 (NASB): “Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!’ And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.”

The Burden of Defending God

Early in ministry, I was drawn into conversations I couldn’t fully answer, becoming obsessed with apologetics, which is defending the faith. I studied books like Josh McDowell’s Evidence That Demands a Verdict and Lee Strobel’s Case for Christ, aiming to win any argument. But this was a futile waste of time. 1 Peter 3:15 NASB instructs us to be ready to give an answer for the hope within us, not every possible question.

1 Peter 3:15 (NASB): “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect.”

Some questions aren’t worth our peace, but the one question we must answer is: “What is the reason for the hope that lies within you?” If we lack hope, we need to return to the Holy Spirit, who reconciles us to the Father through Christ’s blood and convinces us of our righteousness.

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God’s Reputation and Our Role

God Doesn’t Need Our Defense

We often act as if God needs us to prop up His throne, polish His reputation, or patch holes in His eternal plan. But God made Himself of no reputation (Philippians 2:7 NASB). His arrival and death were scandalous, yet He isn’t concerned about His image in the way we think. Jesus came to tear down the barriers created by religious leaders who made God seem unapproachable.

Philippians 2:7 (NASB): “But emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.”

If God is just a Master or Lord, it affects what we do like a job description, a duty. But if He is our Father, it shapes who we are. It shapes our identity. God is a “big boy” who can defend Himself. We don’t need to tidy up His loose ends or explain His mysteries.

Resting in the Finished Work

To rest in the finished work of the cross is to settle down at the party table, trusting that Jesus is more than enough to sustain, save, and hold the universe together (Colossians 1:17 NASB). The gospel isn’t about our efforts but about the resurrection power of Christ, setting us free as His beloved children.

Colossians 1:17 (NASB): “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”

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Embracing Our Identity as God’s Children

The Fatherhood of God

Jesus revealed God as Father. Not just His Father, but ours (John 14:6-7 NASB). This truth reshapes our identity. If God is our Father, what does that mean about us? It means we are His beloved children, loved extravagantly (John 16:27 NASB). Our identity isn’t a product of our work, prayer, or belief but of what God believes about us through Christ’s work.

John 14:6-7 (NASB): “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.’”

John 16:27 (NASB): “For the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father.”

We were born into mystery. Our race, gender, nationality, and parents were not our choice. Similarly, our spiritual identity as God’s children is a gift of grace, not something we earn. The Holy Spirit teaches us to live as sons and daughters, revealing our purpose without diminishing our individuality (Acts 17:28 NASB).

Acts 17:28 (NASB): “For in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His descendants.’”

The Gospel’s Invitation

The gospel reconciles the entire cosmos in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:19 NASB). It invites those who feel orphaned, rejected, or unworthy to return to their identity as children of a good Father who is not abusive, insecure, or moody. Religion often paints God as a monster, but Jesus reveals a Father who loves us unconditionally.

2 Corinthians 5:19 (NASB): “Namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their wrongdoings against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.”

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Breaking Free from Spiritual Codependency

The Dangers of Spiritual Malpractice

Spiritual codependency is a soul-sucking vampire, draining the joy from faith. It casts us as God’s publicist, fretting over His image, explaining His mysteries, or managing expectations like a circus ringmaster juggling flaming chainsaws. This stems from poor theology that views God as a fragile deity or distant taskmaster whose love depends on our performance.

Religion turns the wedding feast of grace into a dreary board meeting, but Scripture laughs at this nonsense. Jesus upholds all things by the word of His power (Hebrews 1:3 NASB), and “all” means everyone and everything—atheist, child, clown, or king.

Hebrews 1:3 (NASB): “And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.”

Crashing the Party of Grace

Breaking codependency requires crashing the party of grace, flinging ourselves like children into a ball pit, trusting in Christ’s finished work. Salvation is a gift, not a joint venture (Ephesians 2:8-9 NASB). We unwrap it with empty hands, letting go of faith in our own efforts.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NASB): “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Romans 8:15 NASB reminds us we haven’t received a spirit of slavery leading to fear but a spirit of sonship, crying, “Abba! Father!” This is the resounding invitation to discover our identity as beloved children of an extravagant Father.

Romans 8:15 (NASB): “For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons and daughters by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’”

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Conclusion: A Prayer for Freedom

Embrace your identity as a child of God and reject the distortions of religious legalism. Step into the freedom of knowing who you are in Christ. Pray with me:

Jesus, I believe Your work on the cross was enough and more than enough to bring me into this family. Holy Spirit, teach me to walk as a child of God, to live as an eternal child of a good Father. Continually reveal the Father’s heart to me, that I may know who I am as I behold who You are. Thank You, Jesus, for saving, loving, blessing, and resting upon us. You are good, and everything You do is good and perfect. Amen.

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Scripture References

• Hebrews 13:5 (NASB): “Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever abandon you.’”
• John 19:30 (NASB): “Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!’ And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.”
• 1 Peter 3:15 (NASB): “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect.”
• Philippians 2:7 (NASB): “But emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.”
• Colossians 1:17 (NASB): “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”
• John 14:6-7 (NASB): “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.’”
• John 16:27 (NASB): “For the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father.”
• Acts 17:28 (NASB): “For in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His descendants.’”
• 2 Corinthians 5:19 (NASB): “Namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their wrongdoings against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.”
• Hebrews 1:3 (NASB): “And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.”
• Ephesians 2:8-9 (NASB): “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
• Romans 8:15 (NASB): “For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons and daughters by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’”

Consider Kindness

Consider the theology of kindness. Kindness may be the most neglected fruit of the Spirit, yet it is undeniably a fruit of the Spirit. We often equate kindness with general niceness, assuming it to be a human entitlement or a basic expression of goodness from one person to another. However, we rarely associate kindness with strength or masculinity. More often than not, we view kindness as evidence of weakness, found in followers who are incapable of leading much of anything. Leaders must be tough as nails, soldiers and workers must have the capacity for endurance, and menial laborers at home can afford to be kind to one another to avoid hurt feelings. Isn't that the stereotype?

The Holy Spirit is a person, and as a person within the Trinitarian expression of God, the Holy Spirit is to be regarded as co-equal with the Father and the Son. It is the Holy Spirit who manifests fruit in our lives, as if the Holy Spirit were the seed in the soil of humanity, bringing forth something truly supernatural and life-giving. This is the fruit of the Spirit, and that fruit is supernatural power. The Bible lists nine fruits of the Spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law" (Galatians 5:22-23, NASB). The fruit of the Spirit is an expression of the Holy Spirit’s power, the mightiest force in the entire universe across all time and eternity. Therefore, every fruit of the Spirit must be seen as having supernatural weight and power.

Kindness is power. Kindness is spiritual power. Kindness is supernatural power. There is a supernatural force in the fruit of the Spirit of kindness. Consider how we try to change people. We attempt to modify their behavior through teaching, education, warnings, fear, threats of consequence, or even violence. Yet the Bible declares, “Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and restraint and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4, NASB). Repentance, from the Greek word metanoia, means to change one’s mind. But it is more than merely turning around; it is a transcendent, higher thought, elevating the conversation or perspective so that we see from a different vantage point. We are not just looking at a different thing; we are seeing everything differently. It is not the fear of God, the threats of God, the joy of God, or the blessings of God that lead us to repentance. The supernatural power to change our perspective, elevate our view, and grant access to the mind of Christ is kindness. When we ignore the power of kindness, we resort to manipulation, fear, and education to change people’s minds.

One of the beautiful benefits of freedom in Christ is that God grants us the capacity to express creativity and kindness. In the past, our expressions of creativity, kindness, and compassion have often been manipulative, tied directly to evangelism or as investments expecting a return. But God does not do this. As His children, we must allow the supernatural fruit of kindness to reveal the heart of each one of us. Can we love simply for the sake of loving? Can we express kindness as an act of worship, or do we need to see results to feel our time was not wasted? This is where phrases like “give, expecting nothing in return” find application: “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil people” (Luke 6:35, NASB). If kindness is the doorway to repentance, then receiving kindness from others and feasting on this fruit of the Spirit can become an access point to higher thought, brilliant ideas, and greater intelligence.

Consider how our independent self-sufficiency and pride, which cause us to feel above receiving charity, keep us ignorant. We are foolish for rejecting kindness, and even more foolish for ignoring opportunities to express it. Now, consider the people in your life who embody the supernatural gift of kindness. Do you look up to them, or do you find it easier to admire the strong, the forceful, or even the mean? Do you see those who carry supernatural kindness as easy to take advantage of? Consider the brilliance squandered by overlooking the spiritual power of kindness in those who stay behind the scenes, serving selflessly. Brilliance can come through self-education, and being kind to yourself is a powerful way to lead yourself into a lifestyle of ever-increasing transcendent thought, greater intelligence, mental acuity, and emotional health.

If God’s kindness leads us to repentance and God is not separate or distant from us but lives within us by His Spirit, then denying kindness to ourselves is denying union with God. Perhaps you feel unworthy of kindness because of something bad or evil you have done. Yet the Bible says God is kind even to the ungrateful and evil (Luke 6:35, NASB). Allowing the kindness of God’s grace to be expressed to you—both from within and from others—may be the key to seeing yourself rightly and understanding that your identity is not aligned with the kingdom of darkness.

God’s kindness does not mere drive us to think differently; it leads us to think higher. It goes before us and beckons us to follow. Kindness does its part, and we must do ours by agreeing with God’s kindness and aligning with the supernatural grace of His heart poured out upon us. Without it, we may remain tied to lower, natural thinking rather than aligning with the mind of Christ. Paul told the Philippian church, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5, NASB), and to the Corinthians, “We have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16, NASB). This means we have access to God’s thoughts. How different would the world be if we thought God’s thoughts? How transformed would our lives be if we aligned our minds with His? Perhaps the key to knowing God’s mind is receiving His kindness. Perhaps the greatest spiritual power overlooked in the church is intentionally expressing God’s kindness.

In these days of exposure and victimization, kindness is so easily overlooked. Yet we need it now more than ever. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32, NASB). How rarely is this verse quoted outside of children’s church? Is kindness merely a tool to teach children how to behave while they are young? I don't think so. There is no expiration date on kindness for a child of God. If we are to grow in grace, then the more we grow in faith, the kinder we ought to become. Perhaps the strongest among us are those who have mastered the fruit of the Spirit and the power of kindness.

Consider kindness as power. Consider it a force. Consider it a supernatural strength with the capacity to change the world. Consider kindness as the tool of an artist whose Father has given the freedom to create whatever we set our minds to. Consider ways to express God’s kindness daily with intention. Consider ways to allow God’s kindness to flow through you moment by moment. Reflect on moments of anger and frustration that arise throughout the week, prompting us to cast kindness aside. Consider that kindness may be more than a reward for someone’s good behavior; it is an expression of grace to those who don’t deserve it. We cannot give away what we do not have, and we cannot possess what we will not receive. Begin today by receiving the kindness of God, and as freely as you have received, freely give (Matthew 10:8, NASB).

Friars and Faith

I had such a delightful time this morning visiting with Friar Charles here in Rome. I love the Franciscans. They’re like a flock of scruffy sparrows nesting in the cracks of cathedrals, yet never owned by the grandeur. They’re poets of the poor who see the face of Christ in every beggar’s grin. They’re the stewards of the earth, whispering to wolves and birds, coaxing the world into praise. They’re the sacrament of the ordinary, splashing the complacent with the champagne of heaven. 

These guys don’t chase miracles; they trip over them in the dirt, where a crust of bread or a brother’s laugh becomes the body of the Lord. I heard some wild stories of mind blowing miracles. But they dont market ministry on power. They have learned the joy of having nothing but everything in Christ. They’re the church’s reminder that the Kingdom of God is for the riffraff. The first time I watched an old copy of “Brother Son Sister Moon” on VHS and saw the Archbishop bend down to kiss the dusty feet of humble Francis, I was floored right along with him.

No Heat, No Heart

The fire of the Holy Spirit will restore within you hope no earthly circumstance can take away. The fire of the Holy Spirit will open your eyes to see yourself as seated with Christ on a throne that cannot be threatened by any earthly power: “And raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6). The fire of the Holy Spirit will redeem and restore the time you thought you lost forever. It will renew your youth and ignite within you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of the Word: “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him” (Ephesians 1:17). The fire of the Holy Spirit restores your childlike wonder and awakens your ability to see the Kingdom of God.

So then how is it when there are churches where the power of the Holy Spirit is ignored or unwelcome? Recently I was in Troy, NY at Redeeming Love Church and Pastor Stacy Medick shared a brilliant analogy during a meal one day. Picture this. You’re cozied up in your living room at Christmas, craving the soul-warming crackle of a real fire. But instead of logs and flames, you’ve got a YouTube video looping on your flatscreen. A cozy fireplace montage, complete with flickering visuals and the soothing pop-pop of burning wood. It’s got all the vibes, all the ambiance, and it’s almost convincing, until you stretch out your hands and realize there’s no heat. No warmth to thaw you to your core, no energy to stir your soul, and not enough power to blow the fuzz off a peanut. (As my Dad used to say.) It’s a counterfeit glow, a digital imposter that leaves you shivering in your Christmas socks. That, my friends, is what it’s like to preach the gospel without the Holy Spirit’s fire.

And let’s be real here: nobody’s crowding around a TV to get warm, walking away from that sermon with their heart ablaze, ready to storm the gates of hell with a squirt gun full of grace. The Holy Spirit isn’t some optional add-on, like a side of fries or a Spotify playlist for your spiritual road trip. Holy Spirit is the very heat, power, and energy of the gospel. The divine dynamite that makes the good news more than just a nice story. Without Holy Spirit, you’re left with a message that’s about as life-changing as a motivational poster in a dentist’s office. A message without the Holy Spirit is just like a TED Talk but less interesting. Without the power of the Spirit you don’t have the fire that burns away sin, heals the broken, or sends you out to love the unlovable. 

The fire is not optional, and Holy Spirit isn’t optional either. 

As Pastor Stacy’s analogy so brilliantly reminds me, a gospel without the Spirit is a fake fireplace: it looks the part, sounds the part, but it’s got no power to warm anybody’s soul, but leaves them untouched by the wild, untamable Spirit who once blew through Jerusalem and turned fishermen into world-changers. 

(From the new book "The Fire is Not Optional" by Bill Vanderbush. Coming Summer 2025.)

The Crimson Revolution: How Jesus’ Blood Rewrites Your Story

The blood of Jesus is the heartbeat of the gospel, not a relic or ritual, but a living reality declaring who you are and what Christ has done. I’ve called it the currency of heaven—the signature of the new covenant, the key to your identity as God’s beloved child. The cross isn’t about what you must do; it’s about what Jesus has done. The blood is evidence of the finished work, not a magic formula to plead. We believe and receive it. It speaks a better word than any accusation, shame, or lie.

Let’s unpack this through Scripture. 

First, the blood redeems you completely. It’s not a transaction, but the price Jesus paid—the greatest price possible. Ephesians 1:7 says, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (NASB). This freed us from sin’s slave market. You’re not a slave to sin, fear, or condemnation. First Peter 1:18-19 declares, “You were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ” (NASB).

I heard a story about a man in California who chained a young eagle to a stake. It walked in circles, seeing other eagles soar but bound by the chain. When it was strong enough to fly, he freed it, but the eagle kept walking the same path. That’s us sometimes. Jesus’ blood set us free. Romans 8:2 says, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death” (NASB). Ephesians 2:14-15 and Colossians 2:14 show the Law was nailed to the cross. Second Corinthians 5:17 proclaims, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come” (NASB). Galatians 2:20 adds, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (NASB). The blood is for you. It’s not cheap grace—it cost God everything. It doesn’t cover sin; it destroys it, giving you a new identity.

Second, the blood cleanses you completely. First John 1:7 says, “If we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (NASB). Notice the tense: “cleanses.” It’s ongoing—a fountain of grace. Walking in the light isn’t perfection; it’s living in God’s love. When you mess up, the blood speaks: forgiven, clean, whole. Romans 5:9 adds, “Much more then,media having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him” (NASB). The blood declares you righteous, satisfying God’s justice so you’re at peace with Him.

Third, the blood unites us with God. It tore the veil, opening access to His presence. Hebrews 10:19-20 says, “Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh” (NASB). You don’t need a priest or ritual. The blood invites you into God’s life—where you live, not just visit. You’re family, seated with Christ (Ephesians 2:6).

Finally, the blood speaks. Hebrews 12:24 says we’ve come “to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel” (NASB). Abel’s blood cried for vengeance (Genesis 4:10); Jesus’ blood cries for mercy, grace, and restoration. It’s God’s megaphone shouting your freedom, silencing the enemy’s lies.

Living in the blood’s reality means trusting the finished work. Rest in it—don’t strive for approval. Ephesians 1:6 says you’re “accepted in the Beloved” (NASB). The blood speaks louder than any lie. Declare its truth: I am forgiven, righteous, whole, free. Revelation 12:11 says, “And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death” (NASB). Walk in intimacy with God, knowing you’re a son or daughter. Share this gospel—the blood’s for the world. Tell others of Christ’s love poured out on the cross.

The blood is enough—the final word, the answer to every question, the solution to every problem, the victory in every battle. It’s not about what you do; it’s about what Christ has done. The blood has redeemed you, cleansed you, brought you near, and given you a new name.

Father, thank You for the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Thank You for redeeming us, cleansing us, and bringing us into Your presence. Holy Spirit, open our eyes to the beauty of the cross and the power of the blood. Let us live in the freedom and joy of the new covenant. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

(Excerpt taken from the FMM podcast, May 10, 2025)

The Bubble Mower

 Some time ago I was going through some old boxes and found an old photo of my son, Britain, when he was a little boy, pushing a plastic lawnmower that puffed out streams of bubbles with every step. It took me back to those days when I was a young dad, mowing the yard under the hot Texas sun, my little boy watching from the house, eyes wide with fascination. He wanted so badly to join me, to be part of the action.

So, one day, I went to Walmart and bought him a bubble mower. Every Saturday after that, we’d head out together—me with the gas powered mower, him trailing behind with his plastic toy mower, bubbles and grass clippings swirling together in the air. His mower didn’t cut a single blade of grass. It just made bubbles. But to him, we were working together.

When the lawn was even and we’d worked up a thirst, we’d head inside, sweaty and tired, and pour ourselves glasses of iced tea. We’d sit at the table, clinking our glasses together, grinning like we’d just conquered the world. “We mowed the lawn, didn’t we, buddy?” I’d say. He’d beam, nodding proudly. When his mom, Traci, came out, we’d brag about our work—how we got the edges just right, how the yard looked perfect. His smile would stretch ear to ear, and my heart would swell. There’s nothing like spending time with my son.

One day, as I looked at him, I felt the Lord speak to me, kind and clear. “You do realize that’s you and me, right?” This was a shot to the ego because we had been in the sweet spot of buying land, building a church, a watching it grow. I was getting all kinds of recognition from our denomination and was constants reminded that we were being watched with great delight. It felt good. We had new people coming and many were giving their lives to Jesus and encountering the Holy Spirit. Lives were being impacted, and we were effective. It felt really good. But pride is a sneaky monster, and God won’t leave that unconfronted. 

He said. “You’re out there, pushing your bubble mower, thinking you’re doing big things for My kingdom. And that’s okay—I love that you try, and I love being with you. But I’m the one doing this work. You’re just blowing bubbles, and I  am delighted to make you look like a genius.”

It hit me hard, but it was so gentle. God lets us sweat and strive, lets us feel the weight of the work, and then He celebrates us, saying, “Well done. We cut the grass, didn’t we?” And I smile, knowing I’m just pushing the bubble mower, but He makes it matter. He makes it beautiful. And in those moments, sitting with my son, drinking iced tea, and I see it: the joy isn’t in what we accomplish, but in doing it together—Him and me, me and my boy, all of us covered in bubbles, grass, sweat, and grace.

His incredible grace and the furious love of God is the foundation of your identity and the fuel for your life. First Corinthians 13 is not just a description of love but a revelation of who God is and who you are becoming. As you behold Him, you are transformed, reflecting His patience, kindness, and endurance. This transformation is not about self-discipline but about surrender, allowing Christ in you, the hope of glory, to take the lead (Colossians 1:27).

God’s love is transformative because it is unconditional. He does not love you based on your performance but because you are His. This love casts out fear (1 John 4:18), frees you from shame, and empowers you to live boldly. When you know you are loved, you can love others without reservation, becoming a vessel of God’s grace in a broken world.

As you embrace this love, you’ll find that it changes everything. It reshapes your perspective, heals your wounds, and empowers you to live out your identity. You are not defined by your past, your mistakes, or the lies you’ve believed. You are defined by the love of God, a love that never fails and always endures. It’s bigger, faster, stronger, and more powerful than every lie you or anyone has ever believed about you.

The Joy of Ruling and Reigning

Your assignment as a child of God is no less than that of Adam in the Garden: to rule and reign. Genesis 1:26 is clear—God gave humanity dominion over the earth, a mandate to steward creation with wisdom and love. This calling hasn’t changed. You and I are called to reign according to our identity and rule according to our authority. But let’s not make this too heavy, like some cosmic job description. The word "authority" might sound serious, even intimidating, but it’s not meant to drag you down. The very essence of God’s presence is marked by joy, and this calling to rule and reign in union with Christ is meant to be an adventure marked by joy and overflowing with grace.

The Bible declares, "In the presence of the Lord is fullness of joy" (Psalm 16:11). If you’re not experiencing the abundance of enjoying life, don’t worry. You’re just beginning to discover the depth of your identity and authority in union with Christ. Jesus came to give us abundant life (John 10:10), not a life of religious drudgery or endless striving. The Christian life is not about grimly checking boxes or proving your worth to God and the church—it’s about living in the freedom and delight of who God created you to be. If you find yourself bogged down by seriousness, religion, or legalism, it’s a red flag telling you that you’ve forgotten the joy that marks God’s presence.

This joy is deeper than happiness. It will sustain you in grief and suffering. It is not a fleeting emotion but a reflection of God’s nature. In the context of this joy, God, whose very essence is love, prophesied you into being. He thought of you in a happy mood, with a heart full of delight. The Psalmist writes, "How precious are your thoughts toward me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand" (Psalm 139:17-18). Every thought God has toward you is precious, filled with love and purpose. He spoke you into existence with His voice and breath, crafting you as a unique expression of His heart.

No other creation in the universe is made like humanity. While God spoke the stars and seas into being, He formed humanity with His hands, voice, and breath together. This is union with Christ, our creator and sustainer, from the very beginning. The Bible tells us, "Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature" (Genesis 2:7). Picture this intimate moment: God, the Creator of all things, kneels in the dust, shapes Adam with His hands, lifts him to His face, and breathes His Spirit—the very Word—into his lungs. The first breath humanity took was the Holy Spirit, the life-giving presence of God Himself.

This truth shatters the idea that the Holy Spirit’s presence was a new phenomenon in Acts 2. The Spirit has always been the means of our existence, the breath that animates us. Acts 2 was not the arrival of the Spirit but a fresh outpouring, an upgrade in our awareness of what we’ve always had access to. The Spirit has never left us, for "in Him all things hold together" (Colossians 1:17). You cannot lose the presence of God; you can only lose your awareness of it. On a cellular level, you are held together by the power of His Word, a constant reminder of your origin in Him.

The joy of ruling and reigning comes from this awareness. When you know that you are held together by the Word of God, that His Spirit is the source of your life, you can step into your calling with confidence. You are not alone in this assignment. The God who created you is with you, empowering you to reflect His image and exercise His authority. This is not a task to be endured but a privilege to be enjoyed, a partnership with the Creator who delights in you.

(From an upcoming book on New Covenant Identity by Bill Vanderbush)

It Is Finished: The Cosmic Victory of the Cross

Turn to John 19:30, where we find what I believe are the three most important words ever uttered in all of time and eternity: "It is finished". These words, spoken by Jesus Christ from the cross, carry a weight that surpasses even the profound declarations of God’s love or the creation of humanity in His image. Today, I invite you to gather around the Word of God as we unpack one of the most misunderstood, mind-blowing moments in human history.

Picture Jesus on that old rugged cross, bloodied and bruised, shouting a phrase that still echoes through the ages: "It is finished". Just three words, three syllables, yet they carry immense weight. On this Easter Sunday, many sermons will focus on Jesus completing His redemptive work, tying it up neatly. But what if there’s more? What if "It is finished" is an invitation to something bigger, wilder, than we’ve ever imagined?

Let’s dive into this story, a journey that will challenge assumptions and set your heart ablaze with the truth of what Jesus accomplished. This isn’t just about the forgiveness of sins—though that’s massive. This is about a cosmic victory over death itself, the fulfillment of ancient promises, and a demonstration of God’s fierce love that rewrote humanity’s story. 

Imagine this scene: the sky dark, the earth trembling, clouds rolling in. Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, cries out with His final breath, "It is finished". For many, this signals the completion of redemption, the payment for sins. While that’s part of the story, it’s not the whole picture. Jesus’ work was just beginning to unfold. It wasn’t until He carried His blood into the heavenly Holy of Holies and sat at the Father’s right hand, as declared in Hebrews 10:12, that the full scope of our redemption was sealed.

So, what was finished? Jesus was announcing the end of the old covenant system—the Mosaic law, the priesthood, and the sacrifices. Born of Abraham’s line, circumcised, and raised under the law (Galatians 4:4), Jesus didn’t just live under this system; He fulfilled it perfectly. (Matthew 5:17). On the cross, He declared the old covenant done, its demands satisfied, and He opened up a new and living way.

Let’s go back to Genesis 12:2-3, where God promised Abraham, "I will bless you, make you a great nation, and through you, all the families of the earth will be blessed". This was no casual agreement but a blood covenant, sealed with sacrifice. The Hebrew word for covenant means “to cut,” reflecting the gravity of these agreements. When Israel received the law at Sinai (Exodus 20), it became the rulebook for the covenant. Yet, no one could keep it perfectly. God, in His mercy, provided a priesthood and sacrifices to cover—not erase—sin, as Hebrews 10:4 explains, since the blood of bulls and goats was only a temporary fix like a bandaid to a massive problem.

Enter Jesus, the seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:16), who lived a sinless life, embodying the law’s perfection. He didn’t just patch up the old system; He fulfilled and set it aside (Hebrews 8:13). The law, priesthood, and sacrifices were shadows pointing to Christ (Colossians 2:17). When He declared "It is finished", He closed the old covenant and ushered in the new covenant—His blood sealing a bond between the Father and humanity, bringing us into a new reality.

This new covenant, the covenant of Christ, is more than substitution; its vicarious representation. Jesus took us with Him to the cross, dying not just for us but as us, burying our old sin nature, and rising as us in resurrection power. He didn’t come to tweak behavior or stamp a ticket to heaven. He came to fix the root problem: death, introduced in Genesis 2:17 when God warned Adam and Eve that eating the forbidden fruit would bring death.

Death, not just sin, is the real enemy. Hebrews 2:14-15 tells us Jesus partook of flesh and blood to "render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery". Sin’s wages are death (Romans 6:23), but Jesus destroyed death’s power. Before the cross, He was already forgiving sins, as seen in Mark 2:5, when He told the paralyzed man, Son, your sins are forgiven. The cross wasn’t just about sin; it was about shattering death’s grip.

The early church obsessed over the resurrection because it proved death’s defeat. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:17, "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless, and you are still in your sins". The empty tomb is the victory, validating our innocence and making us alive in Christ (Romans 6:4). We’re not just forgiven; we’re reconciled, innocent, whole, and delivered by trusting in the finished work of the cross, and as we realize that truth we find ourselves confessing He is Lord and believing God raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 10:9).

Western Christianity often focuses tightly on sin and the cross, but the Eastern church emphasizes the resurrection’s triumph over death. Both are true: the cross deals with guilt and shame; the resurrection gives life and crushes death. Jesus, the vicarious last Adam (2 Corinthians 5:21) took our sin, shame, sickness, and death, giving us His righteousness and life. His blood satisfied justice once and for all (Hebrews 9:12), and when He sat at the Father’s right hand (Hebrews 1:3), it was the ultimate mic drop—mission accomplished.

Even Caiaphas, the high priest, unknowingly prophesied this in John 11:47-52, declaring that one man’s death would save the nation and gather God’s children into one. When Israel’s leaders cried, "His blood be upon us", Jesus turned their curse into grace, His blood redeeming not just Israel but all humanity (Hebrews 9:15). His earthly ministry revealed the Father’s heart, His vicarious work on the cross sealed redemption (Hebrews 9:24), and now, as our high priest, He intercedes for us (Romans 8:34), empowering us for the greater works He said we would do.

Why believe this? Because of the disciples. Ordinary men, once cowering in fear, encountered the resurrected Christ and became unstoppable, each dying brutally for the truth. James was beheaded, Andrew crucified, Peter crucified upside down, Paul beheaded, and others tortured or killed—none recanted. Their unwavering faith, sealed by their deaths, is to me the greatest historical case for the resurrection. (See my old Easter blog "Why I Believe")

What does this mean for us? Freedom. Freedom from death’s fear, sin’s guilt, and the old covenant’s demands. "It is finished" declared the end of striving and the dawn of grace, life, and union with the Father. Jesus said in John 14:20, "I am in the Father, and you are in me, and I am in you". This Easter, lean into this truth: you’re not just forgiven—you’re innocent, alive in Christ, seated in heavenly places. Confess Jesus as Lord, believe in His resurrection, and step into a new reality where death is defeated, sin is forgiven, and the Father’s love is unstoppable.

Celebrate this holy week with joy. Dance in the freedom Jesus won. Tell the world and all your religious friends: "It is finished", and live like it’s true—because it is.

(Blog edited from the transcript of the Bill Vanderbush podcast titled: "It is Finished, Really!")

Sheep, Goats, Rich Men, and Beggars

Sheep, Goats, Rich Men, and Beggars

(The following is an edited condensed transcript of a teaching from Bill's online class called "The Table". To sign up to hear the expanded teaching as well as join us live every Monday night, go to billvanderbush.com.)

This study is all about engaging with the Word—both the letter and the Spirit. Both are a mystery, and both contain elements that are easily misunderstood apart from a renewed mind.

When I say “the Word,” I’m talking about Jesus, the living Word, and the Bible, the written Word. The Bible reveals Jesus; it doesn’t confine Him. If you view Scripture through the lens of law, Jesus remains concealed behind religious barriers. The Scriptures are one giant question, to which Jesus is ultimately the answer.

Consider the story of Jesus on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). Two disciples, disheartened by Jesus’ death, walk with Him without recognizing Him. Their sorrow blinds them, even though the resurrected Son of God is with them for seven miles. Jesus reveals Himself through the law and the prophets—the Old Covenant Scriptures. Intrigued, they invite Him to dinner, and only when He breaks bread do they recognize Him. Then, He vanishes, knowing how to make an exit. This shows the nature of engaging with the Word: we often seek formulas or codes—who’s in, who’s out, how to get to heaven—when the reality is far more dynamic.

When Jesus rose and ascended, and the Holy Spirit fell in Acts 2, God became closer than the disciples ever imagined—not just near enough to touch, but dwelling within us. This changes our identity and relationship with God, our Father. Preaching the resurrection isn’t about a future event but a present reality. Circumstances often distract us from this power, pushing our hope to a future time with no present responsibility. I recall a lady in my childhood church saying, “The devil’s attacking me, but pray I’ll hold out till the end.” My dad called that an obituary, not a testimony. We live a testimony life, declaring what Jesus has done and the hope He gives daily. The written Word points to the living Word, and His Spirit within us resonates this truth. What an incredible life!

Yet, difficult Scriptures can make us question God’s goodness. We revert to His holiness, saying, “He’s holy, so He can do what He wants,” letting that shape our perspective. But Jesus reveals God’s true nature. He tells scary stories but lives a grace-filled life. For example, He said, “If you deny me before men, I will deny you before my Father” (Matthew 10:33)—an absolute statement. Yet, Peter, who denied Jesus three times (Luke 22:54-62), was restored by Jesus on a beach (John 21:15-19), with no condemnation. Jesus’ actions seem to overturn His own words, showing that God can extend grace beyond what we expect.

Grace is unearned and belongs to those who don’t deserve it. Jesus, the author of grace, demonstrates God’s character through it. On the cross, He took everyone dead in sin with Him (2 Corinthians 5:14; Ephesians 2:1-5), making us alive by His love. This grace isn’t for us to exploit but to recognize as the heart of God’s nature.

Chris Gore recently shared a story about someone asking if he was “just another grace preacher.” I thought, if only every Christian were a grace preacher, proclaiming God’s love meeting us at our worst, raising us to heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Both grace and faith are gifts from God. We live in Christ, who is grace itself (1 Corinthians 1:30).

Now, let’s explore a challenging passage: the parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25:31-46. It begins, “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all His angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats” (Matthew 25:31-32). The sheep, on His right, are told, “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34), because they fed the hungry, clothed the naked, and visited the sick and imprisoned. The goats, on His left, are told, “Depart from Me, accursed ones, into eternal fire, which has been prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41), for failing to do these acts.

Both groups are surprised, asking, “Lord, when did we see You?” (Matthew 25:37-39, 44). The sheep don’t know they’re sheep, and the goats don’t know they’re goats. This challenges the Western evangelical focus on knowing you’re saved. Early theologians like Clement of Alexandria (150–215) saw this as a call to Christ-like love, Origen (185–254) as a contrast between divine wisdom and earthly selfishness, and John Chrysostom (347–407) as a lesson in compassion. Augustine of Hippo (354–430) saw it as universal judgement and tied it to works distinguishing the saved, but earlier views saw the fire as purifying, not punitive.

The Greek word for “punishment” in Matthew 25:46, kolasis, means pruning or correction for improvement, not eternal torment. “Nations” (ethnos) refers to people groups divided by ethnicity or systems. Jesus isn’t condemning entire nations but systems rooted in selfishness, not love. Satan, the accuser (kategoros), thrives on categorization—dividing by race, gender, nationality, or social status. Jesus prayed for unity in John 17:21, reflecting the Trinity’s love, rooted in the last Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45).

This parable dismantles division, urging us to love the least. In America, 43,000 denominations reflect our tendency to divide. King David’s census (2 Samuel 24) brought judgment for prideful division. God’s heart, seen in Psalm 23:5, is to prepare a table for enemies to discover they’re brothers. Jesus modeled this on the cross, loving those who cursed Him (Luke 23:34).

We seek love, but deeper, we seek to be love. This parable shows no selfish system will last; only love endures. Titus 2:11says, “The grace of God, bringing salvation, has appeared to all men,” teaching us to live righteously. Jesus’ command to “love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34) excludes no one, even the proud, whom God opposes (James 4:6).

Early Christian art on tombs often depicted Jesus carrying both lambs and goats, symbolizing an incredible hope. The parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) further illustrates this. Jesus targets the Pharisees, “who were lovers of money” (Luke 16:14), to confront their pride. The story begins, “There was a rich man who habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, joyously living in splendor every day. A poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores and longing to be fed with crumbs which were falling from the rich man’s table. Besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores”(Luke 16:19-21). Both die: Lazarus is “carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom,” while the rich man, “in Hades, lifted up his eyes, being in torment” (Luke 16:22-23).

The rich man sees Lazarus with Abraham and begs, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus so he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame” (Luke 16:24). Abraham replies, “Child, remember that during your life you received good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things. Now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides, between you and us there is a great gulf fixed” (Luke 16:25-26). The rich man pleads for his brothers, but Abraham says, “They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them” (Luke 16:29). The rich man insists, “No, Father Abraham, if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent,” but Abraham counters, “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead” (Luke 16:30-31).

This parable isn’t a diatribe on the afterlife but a cultural jab at the Pharisees’ pride. Jesus uses Hades, a Greek mythological underworld, and Abraham’s bosom, a Jewish concept, to provoke. Jews didn’t believe in heaven or hell as modern Christians do; they revered Abraham as their savior figure. By placing a rich Jew in Hades for wealth alone and a poor, unclean man in Abraham’s bosom for poverty, Jesus flips their values. The rich man’s request for Lazarus to touch his tongue—despite Lazarus’ sores—would disgust the Pharisees, as would his depiction of Abraham as powerless and indifferent. Jesus crafts each detail to infuriate, exposing their reliance on heritage over God’s love.

The parable’s climax points to Jesus Himself: “They will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead” (Luke 16:31). This foreshadows His resurrection, which the Pharisees will reject. In John 11:47-52, their reaction proves this: “The chief priests and the Pharisees convened the council, saying, ‘What are we doing? This man is performing many signs’” (John 11:47). Caiaphas prophesies, “It is expedient for you that one man die for the people so that the whole nation will not perish” (John 11:50), unknowingly declaring Jesus’ purpose: “to gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad” (John 11:52).

This parable challenges ethnic and social divisions, showing that pride in status—whether wealth or heritage—blinds us to God’s grace. The rich man’s fate in Hades isn’t eternal but a mirror to reflect the Pharisees’ self-righteousness. Jesus, the cornerstone, becomes their stumbling block (1 Peter 2:6-8), dismantling their categorizations to reveal a God who loves beyond boundaries, calling us to do the same.

In John 11:47-52, Caiaphas unwittingly prophesies Jesus’ death for the nation and to gather all into one. Jesus breaks down divisions (Ephesians 2:14), making one new man (2 Corinthians 5:17). His blood revalues us, declaring, “You are mine.”