Lakas Angkan Ministry - Isulan

03/06/2026

29/05/2026

Subjective Assurance Looks to Self. Objective Assurance Looks to Christ.

Assurance of salvation must stand on an objective foundation. If my assurance depends on my performance, spiritual progress, or visible fruit, then my assurance becomes subjective and unstable.

The believer is then forced to keep looking inward:

“Have I changed enough?”
“Have I obeyed enough?”
“Have I loved enough?”
“Have I served enough?”
“Have I persevered enough?”

Instead of resting in Christ, the focus slowly turns to self-examination. The certainty of God’s promise is replaced by the uncertainty of human experience.

This is one of the serious problems with Lordship Salvation. Though it often says salvation is by grace through faith, assurance is commonly tied, at least partly, to the evidence of spiritual transformation. But this creates a major problem: how much evidence is enough?

How much obedience proves I am truly saved?
How much victory over sin is required?
How much fruit must be seen before I can have assurance?

No clear objective measurement is given. So assurance becomes a moving target.

But the New Testament presents assurance differently. Jesus said:

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.”
(John 6:47)

Notice the foundation: not the believer’s performance, but Christ’s promise.

John also wrote:

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.”
(1 John 5:13)

The basis of assurance is the written testimony of God concerning His Son. The believer’s confidence is not found in measuring the quality of his works, but in trusting the finished work of Christ and the promise of God.

This does not mean spiritual growth, obedience, and good works are unimportant. They are very important in the Christian life. Scripture calls believers to walk in holiness, serve faithfully, and grow in maturity. But these belong to sanctification, not the basis of justification.

Growth is not the same in every believer. Some grow quickly. Some grow slowly. Some struggle deeply. Some go through seasons of weakness, failure, or carnality. If assurance is based on spiritual growth, then assurance will rise and fall with daily performance.

True assurance rests on something far stronger:

Not, “I see enough righteousness in myself.”
But, “God has promised eternal life to everyone who believes in Christ, and I have believed in Christ as my Savior.”

One foundation is subjective and changing.
The other is objective and unchanging.

One turns the believer inward toward self.
The other turns the believer outward toward Christ.

Assurance is not found by looking at the strength of my performance, but by looking at the certainty of Christ’s promise.

My salvation is secure, not because I am faithful enough, but because Christ is faithful and His work is finished. Amen!

26/05/2026

**“Why Do I Feel Like I Lost My Salvation?”**
**When Faith Is Misunderstood, Assurance Becomes Confusion**

Many believers are told this beautiful truth:

**Christ died for your sins.**
**You are forgiven.**
**You are saved by grace through faith.**

But later, without realizing it, the message becomes confusing:

“Now you must maintain it.”
“Now you must prove you are still saved.”
“Now your standing before God depends on your performance.”

This is where many Christians begin to live in fear.

They believe Christ saved them, but they are not sure if Christ still keeps them. They know they were forgiven, but every failure makes them wonder if they are rejected again. They confess salvation by grace, but they live as if salvation is maintained by works.

This often happens because **faith is misunderstood**.

Faith is not trusting Christ only at the beginning, then trusting yourself afterward. Faith is not confidence in your ability to maintain your salvation. True faith looks away from self and rests in Christ -His death, His resurrection, His righteousness, His promise, and His finished work.

Paul said:

**“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.”**
-Ephesians 2:8, ESV

Notice carefully: salvation is **not your own doing**. It is **the gift of God**.

And Paul continues:

**“Not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”**
-Ephesians 2:9, ESV

If works did not earn your salvation, works are not the foundation that keeps your salvation. Good works matter, but they are not the basis of your acceptance before God.

This does not mean we glorify sin. Sin is serious. Sin destroys, deceives, hardens, and grieves God. Grace is never a license to live carelessly.

Paul asked:

**“Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means!”**
-Romans 6:1–2, ESV

So yes, sin must be confessed. Sin must be corrected. Sin must not be taken lightly. But remember this: your failure is not greater than Christ’s finished work.

The problem for many believers is that their **position and identity in Christ** were never clearly taught.

Paul does not tell believers to live from fear. He reminds them who they are in Christ.

**“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”**
-Romans 8:1, ESV

No condemnation does not mean no correction.
No condemnation does not mean no discipline.
No condemnation does not mean sin is acceptable.

It means Christ has already borne the judgment for your sin. Your performance is no longer the basis of your standing before God. Christ is.

Believer, your identity is not “condemned.”
Your identity is not “forsaken.”
Your identity is not “barely accepted.”
Your identity is **in Christ**.

Paul said:

**“For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”**
-Colossians 3:3, ESV

Your life is hidden in Him.

That means your security is not found in the strength of your emotions, the consistency of your performance, or the perfection of your obedience. Your life is hidden with Christ in God.

This is why we must grow in the knowledge of grace.

Grace does not make a believer lazy. True grace transforms. The more we understand what Christ has done, the more our hearts are moved to live for Him.

Paul said:

**“The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions.”**
-Titus 2:11–12, ESV

Grace saves us, and grace trains us.

We do not obey to become accepted.
We obey because in Christ, we are already accepted.
We do not pursue holiness to earn salvation.
We pursue holiness because Christ has made us His own.

So when you feel like you lost your salvation, do not begin by looking at your feelings. Look to Christ.

When guilt rises, look to Christ.
When shame accuses you, look to Christ.
When old habits are exposed, look to Christ.
When God corrects your attitude, look to Christ.

Ask Him:

“Lord, reveal what habits need to change.”
“Reveal what attitudes dishonor You.”
“Reveal what lifestyle patterns are not pleasing to You.”
“Teach me to walk worthy of the grace You have given me.”

But do not ask these things as someone trying to earn God’s love. Ask as someone who is already loved in Christ.

Paul said:

**“He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”**
-Philippians 1:6, ESV

The One who began the work is the One who will complete it.

So rest in Christ. Know your identity in Him. Grow in grace. Take sin seriously. Walk in the Spirit. Let God correct what needs to be corrected. Let His Word renew your mind.

But never forget:

Your salvation is not maintained by your performance.
Your salvation is secured by Christ.

Your life is hidden in Him.
Your righteousness is found in Him.
Your hope is anchored in Him.
Your transformation flows from Him.

Do not live trying to become accepted.
Live because in Christ, you already are.

**Focus on Christ. Know who you are in Him. And let the grace of God transform your life for the glory of His holy name.** Amen!

25/05/2026

**A Righteousness Greater Than Religion**

Jesus said:

“Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
(Matthew 5:20)

This statement is very serious.

During the time of Jesus, the scribes and Pharisees were seen as very religious people. They studied the Law, taught the Scriptures, prayed, fasted, gave tithes, and carefully followed many traditions. To ordinary people, they looked like the highest example of righteousness.

So when Jesus said that our righteousness must exceed theirs, the question is:

**How can anyone be more righteous than the Pharisees?**

But Jesus was not saying, “Add more rules. Try harder. Be more religious than them.”

He was exposing the kind of righteousness they had.

The Pharisees had an outward righteousness. They looked righteous before men, but Jesus exposed the condition of their hearts.

Jesus said:

“So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”
(Matthew 23:28)

Their problem was not that they took obedience seriously. Their problem was that much of their obedience became external, religious, and self-trusting. They were careful with outward actions, but many of them missed the deeper issue of the heart.

That is why in Matthew 5, Jesus showed that God’s standard is not only about outward behavior.

A person may say, “I have not murdered.”
But Jesus said anger in the heart is also serious before God.

A person may say, “I have not committed adultery.”
But Jesus said lust in the heart is already sin.

A person may appear clean outwardly, but God sees the heart.

This shows us that true righteousness is not merely about religious performance. It is not only about what people can see. It includes the heart, motives, desires, thoughts, faith, and true submission before God.

And this brings us to an important truth:

**No sinner can produce this righteousness by himself.**

If even the Pharisees, who were known for religious discipline, were still not righteous enough, then no person can enter God’s kingdom by self-effort, religious works, or law-keeping.

Paul said:

“None is righteous, no, not one.”
-Romans 3:10

And again:

“For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight.”
-Romans 3:20

So Jesus’ words should humble us. They should make us realize that we need a righteousness greater than our own.

That righteousness is found only in Christ.

Paul said:

“And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ.”
-Philippians 3:9

This is the righteousness that truly exceeds the righteousness of the Pharisees.

It is not self-righteousness.
It is not religious pride.
It is not outward appearance.
It is not confidence in our own works.

It is the righteousness that comes from God through faith in Jesus Christ.

We are not saved because we are more religious than others.
We are not accepted by God because we performed better than the Pharisees.
We are made righteous because of Christ.

Christ fulfilled what we could not fulfill.
Christ lived the righteous life we failed to live.
Christ died for our sins.
Christ rose again for our justification.
And by faith, we are found in Him.

But this does not mean true believers continue in hypocrisy or careless living.

The righteousness that comes from Christ also produces a changed life. True faith bears fruit. True faith leads to obedience. But the order must be clear:

We are not saved by our works.
We are saved by faith in Christ.
And that faith produces good works.

The Pharisees had righteousness before men.
But Christ gives righteousness before God.

The Pharisees focused on external religion.
Christ changes the heart.

The Pharisees trusted in their own performance.
The believer trusts in Christ alone.

So when Jesus said our righteousness must exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, He was pointing us away from shallow religion and self-righteousness, and pointing us to the true righteousness that only God can give.

**True righteousness is not found in religious appearance, but in Jesus Christ alone.** Amen!

18/04/2026

“How will they believe if they have not heard? Romans 10:14
As we culminate our first Dare to Share the Gospel session, we step out in faith to proclaim Christ. Let’s go and make Him known. 🙌🔥 ”

13/04/2026

1 Body, 1 Mission 🤝🔥

What a powerful reminder of what it means to be one in Christ!

Recently, some of our brethren from other ministry areas came to visit us not just to fellowship, but to stand with us in one purpose: to encourage hearts and proclaim the Gospel in our community.

Though we come from different places, we are united as one body in Jesus Christ, sharing one mission to make Him known.

Their presence strengthened us. Their words lifted us. And together, we were reminded that the work of the Lord is never meant to be done alone.

📖 “So we, though many, are one body in Christ…” Romans 12:5

Let us continue to support one another, go together, and shine His light wherever He sends us. Go Team 6!

One Body. One Mission. One Gospel. 🙌

26/02/2026

This is an important question and one that skeptics often raise.

Short answer:

**No. Paul and the other apostles did not preach different Gospels.**
The New Testament itself directly addresses this issue.

Let’s examine it carefully.

1️⃣ The Bible explicitly says there is only ONE Gospel

**Epistle to the Galatians 1:6–9**

Paul says:

> If anyone preaches another gospel… let him be accursed.

If Paul had a different Gospel from the Jerusalem apostles, this statement would condemn himself.

He insists:

* There is only one Gospel.
* No variation allowed.

2️⃣ Paul met the other apostles and they affirmed him

**Epistle to the Galatians 2:1–9**

Paul went to Jerusalem and laid before:

* Peter
* James
* John

the Gospel he was preaching.

What happened?

> They added nothing to me.

They extended the right hand of fellowship.

That means:

* Same message.
* Same Gospel.
* Different mission fields (Jews vs Gentiles).

3️⃣ The Jerusalem Council proves unity

In **Acts of the Apostles 15**, the big question was:

Do Gentiles need to keep the Law of Moses?

* Peter says salvation is by grace.
* Paul says salvation is by grace.
* James agrees.

They conclude:

> We believe we shall be saved in the same manner as they.

No competing Gospel.

4️⃣ What skeptics usually claim

Skeptics argue:

* Jesus preached “Kingdom Gospel.”
* Peter preached Jewish Gospel.
* Paul invented justification by faith.
* Paul removed the Law.
* Paul changed Christianity.

But Scripture shows continuity:

Peter teaches grace:

**First Epistle of Peter 1:18–19**
Redemption through the blood of Christ.

John teaches faith:

**Gospel of John 20:31**
Believe and have life.

James teaches faith that works:

**Epistle of James 2**

Even James does not contradict Paul he addresses dead faith, not justification by Law.

5️⃣ Where confusion comes from

There are differences in:

* Audience
* Emphasis
* Vocabulary
* Cultural issues

But not in the core message:

Christ died for sins.
He rose again.
Salvation is by grace.
Received through faith.

Paul summarizes the apostolic unity clearly:

**First Epistle to the Corinthians 15:11**

> Whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

That destroys the “two Gospels” theory.

The Real Difference

There is:

* One Gospel
* Multiple contexts
* One Lord
* One faith
* One salvation

The apostles did not compete.
They were united in Christ.

24/02/2026

buymeacoffee.com/iamrjknight/when-falling-becomes-living-the-danger-deliberate-sin

Post by Jeremiah Knight

23/02/2026

1️⃣ Nature of Tongues

📖 Paul’s Teaching

In Acts of the Apostles 2, tongues were real human languages.

In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul uses the word glōssa (normal Greek word for language). He even says:

“There are many kinds of languages in the world…” (14:10)

This strongly suggests intelligible human languages.

He also assumes interpretation is possible.

🔥 Modern Charismatic Practice

Often described as a heavenly prayer language

Usually not identifiable as any known human language

Frequently repetitive syllables

Interpretation is rare or subjective

🔎 Key difference:
Biblical tongues appear to be structured languages; modern practice often does not resemble known linguistic systems.

2️⃣ Purpose of Tongues
📖 Paul’s Teaching

Paul says tongues:

Are a sign for unbelievers (14:22)
Must be interpreted to edify the church (14:5)
Without interpretation, they should be kept private (14:28)
Public edification is Paul’s priority.

🔥 Modern Charismatic Practice

Often emphasized as:

Personal spiritual edification
Evidence of Spirit baptism
A sign of deeper intimacy with God
Frequently practiced corporately without interpretation

🔎 Key tension:
Paul restricts uninterpreted tongues publicly; many modern services allow mass simultaneous tongues.

3️⃣ Order in Worship
📖 Paul’s Teaching

Paul gives strict structure in 1 Corinthians 14:27–28:

Only 2 or 3 at most
One at a time
Must have an interpreter
If no interpreter → remain silent

He concludes:

“God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” (14:33)

🔥 Modern Charismatic Practice

Often many speak at once
No limit to number
Interpretation not always required
Sometimes emotionally driven atmosphere

🔎 Major contrast:
Paul regulates; modern practice often normalizes spontaneity and group expression.

4️⃣ Tongues as Evidence of Spirituality
📖 Paul’s Teaching

In 1 Corinthians 12:29–30, Paul asks:

“Do all speak in tongues?”
The Greek grammar expects the answer: No.

Tongues are one gift among many it is not universal.

🔥 Modern Charismatic Practice

Some groups teach:

Tongues are initial evidence of Spirit baptism
Every believer should speak in tongues
It marks higher spirituality

🔎 Clear difference:
Paul does not make tongues universal nor the main evidence of maturity.

5️⃣ Tongues and Maturity

📖 Paul’s Teaching

Paul actually downplays tongues compared to:

Prophecy
Teaching
Love (chapter 13)

He even says:

“In church I would rather speak five words with my mind…” (14:19)

Tongues are not the centerpiece of spirituality.

🔥 Modern Emphasis

In some circles, tongues:

Receive strong emphasis
Are frequently highlighted in worship
Become a defining doctrinal identity

The Core Question

The real issue is not:

“Can God give a heavenly language?”

The real issue is:

“Does modern practice match Paul’s clear instructions?”

Do not drift away from the simplicity of the Gospel. Christ finished all the work for you. Rest in Him and live in the righteousness and holiness He has given you.” Amen!

22/02/2026

Context of 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Paul writes:
“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,.”

Many believers apply this verse to filtering negative thoughts or mentally guarding the mind. While that application can have value, we must first ask:

What is Paul actually talking about in context?

In 2 Corinthians, Paul is defending his apostolic authority against critics who questioned his message and accused him of walking according to the flesh.

He responds by saying:

Our weapons are not carnal.
They are mighty through God.
They pull down strongholds.
They demolish arguments.
They tear down ideas that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God.

Paul is not primarily addressing private intrusive thoughts.
He is confronting false arguments, wrong belief systems, and proud reasoning that oppose the Gospel of Christ.

🏰 What Are These “Strongholds”?

Strongholds are not random bad thoughts.

They are mindsets and doctrinal positions that contradict the truth of what God has accomplished in Christ.

Examples:
“You must earn righteousness.”
“You are still defined by your past.”
“God accepts you based on performance.”
“You must maintain your salvation by effort.”

These ideas exalt themselves against the knowledge of God revealed in Jesus.

Throughout Romans, Paul makes it clear:

Righteousness is a gift.
Justification is by faith.
There is no condemnation in Christ.
The old man was crucified.
We are united with Him.

Any belief that contradicts this must be demolished.

⚠️ Where Many Preachers Miss It

Some interpret this passage as:

“Control your thoughts by your own discipline.”
“If bad thoughts come, pray harder.”
“Read more chapters to defeat the enemy.”
“Try harder to stay pure.”

Now hear this clearly:
Reading Scripture and praying constantly are beautiful and essential.

But if they are used as tools of self-effort to earn acceptance, then we have gone back to performance.

It subtly becomes:

“If I do enough spiritual activity, I will stay righteous.”
“If I pray enough, God will be pleased.”
“If I read enough, I will overcome.”

That mindset is exactly the kind of stronghold Paul is tearing down.

It shifts the focus from Christ’s finished work to my spiritual performance.

✨ Reading and Praying Are Fruit Not the Foundation

We don’t read to become righteous.
We read because we are righteous.

We don’t pray to be accepted.
We pray because we are accepted.

Spiritual disciplines are the result of new identity not the way we secure it.

🧠 Taking Thoughts Captive

To “bring every thought into captivity” means:

Any idea that contradicts:

Your new identity in Christ
The righteousness given to you
The finished work of Jesus
…must bow to Him.

When a thought says:

“You are still your old self.”
“You must earn God’s approval.”
“God is disappointed in you.”
“You need to perform better.”

You arrest it.

You declare:
“That exalts itself against the knowledge of God.”
“My righteousness is a gift.”
“My acceptance is secured in Christ.”
"I am the child of God now because of Christ."

This connects with renewing the mind in Romans 12:2 not striving harder, but believing rightly.

Transformation comes from aligning with truth, not increasing effort.

Beloved, not every thought deserves agreement.

Do not return to the flesh by turning grace into another performance system.

Yes, read the Word.
Yes, pray continually.
But do it from identity not for identity.

You are not fighting for righteousness.
You are standing in the righteousness already given.

You are not trying to win victory.
You are enforcing the victory Christ already won.

Let every lie bow to the finished work of Jesus. Amen!