The Key to Transformation: Do You Understand What You’re Reading?

The Key to Transformation: Do You Understand What You’re Reading?

By Dr. Josimar Salum

   One of the biggest challenges for anyone studying the Bible is understanding it. This is captured in Philip’s question to the Ethiopian man in Acts 8:30:

“Do you understand what you are reading?”

   All throughout history, how we interpret Scripture has shaped the Church—its beliefs, identity, and behavior. But many interpretations have been influenced by traditions, cultural values, personal experiences, and theological bias rather than Scripture itself.

   True understanding doesn’t just come from knowledge. It comes from a relationship with God—a love for Him and for others, demonstrated by how we live, love, and serve daily as followers of Jesus.

   Going Beyond Tradition

   The Holy Spirit still asks us: Do you truly understand what you believe? Have you tested your beliefs beyond what was handed down to you?

   Many believers eventually realize they’ve accepted myths or traditions that aren’t actually biblical. Much of what we call “truth” is often just human interpretation.

   Personally, I’ve questioned many of my own beliefs—and I’ve never feared that doing so would take me away from Jesus. In fact, seeking truth has drawn me closer to Him.

   This is where transformation begins—by having the courage to question, learn, and renew our thinking. As Romans 12:2 says:

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so you can know God’s will—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

   What Blocks Transformation?

   Many resist change because they’re attached to routine or afraid to question tradition. Here are 10 common excuses that often prevent growth:

1. “This isn’t how we do things here.”

Many churches follow old patterns without asking if they please God or reflect true worship. In trying to attract people, we often end up entertaining them instead of transforming them.

2. “We tried that before, and it didn’t work.”

This mindset kills creativity. But the gospel is about new beginnings—God is always doing something new (Revelation 21:5).

3. “We have to follow the Bible.”

True—but whose interpretation are we following? If we keep doing the same things and seeing no change, we should re-examine our methods.

4. “I’ll pray about it.”

Prayer is vital—but this phrase often hides indecision or inaction.

5. “I’ll ask the pastor.”

The Bible says every believer is a priest (1 Peter 2:9). Leaders should equip, not control.

6. “Is this from the original Greek?”

Many ask this to avoid uncomfortable truths, even without understanding Greek—or even their own language.

7. “This might offend someone.”

Real change always challenges the comfortable. Jesus often offended the religious establishment.

8. “We have to follow the rules.”

Rules matter—but when they matter more than people, they block God’s work. Jesus always prioritized love and truth.

9. “That’s just your opinion.”

Dismissing insights from others shuts down healthy conversation. God can speak through anyone.

10. “This will cost too much.”

Fear of lack limits vision. But Jesus said if we seek His Kingdom first, everything else will follow (Matthew 6:33).

   Ministry Beyond the Church Walls

   Another major misunderstanding is the idea that only pastors are in ministry. The Bible teaches that every believer is a full-time minister—whether you’re a teacher, farmer, artist, engineer, a housewife.

   Jesus and His disciples did most of their ministry in homes, on streets, and in the workplace, not inside religious buildings. The early church transformed the world because they lived out the gospel everywhere, not just on Sundays.

   There is no biblical divide between “clergy” and “laity.” We are all called to bring God’s Kingdom into business, education, media, politics, arts, and family.

   How God Provides for His Mission

   God funds His Kingdom through the work of His people—not only through miracles. From the tabernacle to Solomon’s Temple, God used skilled workers and faithful givers.

   Proverbs 13:22 says, “The wealth of the wicked is stored up for the righteous.” But that wealth comes through diligence, wisdom, and righteous living, not by wishing for it.

   The marketplace is not secular. It’s a mission field.

   A New Kind of Church Is Rising

   Around the world, God is raising a new model of “church”—not focused on buildings or services, but on believers living the gospel in daily life. True transformation is happening as disciples of Jesus bring His Kingdom into homes, workplaces, and communities.

   This will continue until Acts 3:20–21 is fulfilled:

“Heaven must receive [Jesus] until the time comes for God to restore everything, as He promised through His holy prophets.”

   So the question remains:

Do you understand what you’re reading?

The answer will determine whether you stay in religion or step into real transformation.

   #ASONE

ARE YOU A DISCIPLE OF JESUS?

ARE YOU A DISCIPLE OF JESUS?

Revised and expanded with Scripture

By Josimar Salum

   Introduction: The Call to True Commitment

   Commitment is more than a decision; it is a covenant. According to the dictionary, it is the act of entrusting or pledging oneself to something or someone. In our case, commitment to Jesus is the voluntary surrender and binding of ourselves to God and His will.

   Ask yourself:

• Do I truly give myself, my life, and all I have to Jesus?

• Am I so bound to Him that there is no turning back?

• Is my life aligned with His mission, not just His blessings?

   Following Jesus demands total commitment to His person and His purpose. But we live in a generation of superficiality—relationships, convictions, and even faith are often shallow and disposable.

   2 Timothy 3:1–5 (NKJV) warns that in the last days, men would be “lovers of themselves… having a form of godliness but denying its power.”

   We must ask:

• Are our friendships disposable?

• Is our faith cultural or covenantal?

• Are we members of an organization, or of Christ’s living Body?

   Many today leave churches like canceling a gym membership. When trials or offenses arise, people walk away from years of spiritual fellowship as if it meant nothing. But the call to follow Christ is not about personal comfort—it’s about covenant loyalty.

   1. A Disciple Begins with Repentance

   To be a disciple, you must first repent—a radical change of mind and direction, not just sorrow for wrong deeds, but a turning away from sin at the root.

   Isaiah 55:6–9 (NKJV):

   “Let the wicked forsake his way… Let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him…”

   Repentance is not merely feeling bad for sin—it is surrendering your thoughts, worldview, and identity to God’s truth. We were not only sinners; we were sin—corrupt at the root.

   2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV):

   “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

   Jesus died to make us righteous. His call is not only to forgive but to transform us.

   Luke 24:46–47 (NKJV):

   “…that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations…”

   Acts 2:38 and Acts 3:19–21 emphasize this same truth:

• Repentance brings forgiveness

• Forgiveness brings refreshing

• Refreshing prepares us for restoration

   Repentance is the foundation of discipleship.

   2. A Disciple Believes and Loves Jesus

   Faith is more than intellectual agreement; it is trust, rooted in love.

   Proverbs 3:5–6 (NKJV):

   “Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and He shall direct your paths.”

   John 3:16 (NKJV):

   “…whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

   Belief in Christ flows from love for Him. We trust only those we love. True faith does not waver with circumstances.

    Luke 10:27 (NKJV):

    “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart… and your neighbor as yourself.”

   A disciple loves God deeply and trusts Him completely.

   3. A Disciple Follows Jesus Daily

   Following Jesus isn’t a one-time decision—it’s a daily dying to self.

    Luke 9:23 (NKJV):

   “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

   You cannot follow Jesus and live for yourself. Discipleship is costly.

    Luke 14:26–27, 33 (NKJV):

   “Whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple… Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.”

   You cannot be His disciple unless you’re willing to lose everything for Him—reputation, possessions, relationships, even your own life.

   Mark 10:29–30 (NKJV):

   “There is no one who has left house or family… who shall not receive a hundredfold now… and in the age to come, eternal life.”

   But the reward is Christ Himself—eternal life, and fellowship with God.

   4. A Disciple Seeks God’s Kingdom First

   Discipleship is not about being blessed, but about being faithful. It is not about what we get, but who we become.

   Matthew 6:33 (NKJV):

   “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

   Many seek God for what He can give them. But true disciples seek Him because He is worthy—He is the treasure.

   Matthew 6:25–34 shows that worry has no place in the life of a disciple. God knows our needs. We must seek His Kingdom, not His provisions.

   Conclusion: Many Are Called, Few Are Chosen

   Matthew 22:1–14 (NKJV):

   Jesus told of a king who prepared a wedding feast, but those invited made light of it. Some ignored the call, others mocked and killed the messengers. Only those who responded were worthy. Even then, one man came without the proper garment—he accepted the invitation, but not the transformation.

   You may be called, but if you do not come clothed in righteousness—repentant, believing, and obedient—you will be cast out.

   Final Challenge:

• Are you truly committed to Jesus, or are you a casual believer?

• Have you repented, believed, and decided to follow Him at any cost?

• Are you bound to Him in an unbreakable covenant?

   #ASONE

THROUGH THE GOOD OR BAD KEEP LEARNING By Jones Singini

THROUGH THE GOOD OR BAD KEEP LEARNING 

By Jones Singini

Life presents uphill and downhill moments. 

It will not always be Winter they say.

Sweet moments are followed by bitter ones, such are the ingredients that life is made of.

Never regret a day in your life, pick your lesson and be on the go again.

Whatever the state of affairs now, it will be gone tomorrow. 

"Good days give you happiness and bad days give you experience." 

Most often our greatest struggles form our greatest strength, and our worst experiences end up teaching us our greatest lessons.

In whatever experience, write the notes for reference later. 

Be grateful for all experiences in your life, for they shaped who you are today and they keep on building you up for where you are going. 

The great tree in the forest has been through the worst of droughts, the coldest winters, the storms that uprooted their colleagues and even the forest fires. 

Amidst all that, the tree remained rooted. 

 If the stories of the greats amongst us are fully shared, then you will appreciate that we are and ought to be learners through this life.

The great Anonymous is ever right even through these words; "Everything that you are going through is preparing you for what you’ve asked for."

We ask for so much, yet never seem ready for those things when they arrive.

Sometimes not getting what you ‘want’ right away is a great blessing and a powerful life lesson. 

Wherever you are and whatever you are going through, it's only a season as the great Preacher articulated, there is time for everything. (Ecc 3:1)

Learn from each moment and keep going. 

I believe in you and the massive deposit you possess. Keep going. 

#JSalum

#ASONE

WHEN WE DON'T LEARN MORE BECAUSE WE THINK WE KNOW TOO ENOUGH. By Dr Josimar Salum

WHEN WE DON'T LEARN MORE BECAUSE WE THINK WE KNOW TOO ENOUGH. By Dr Josimar Salum

The Lord awakened me this morning to something very serious and important in our lives.

God sets before us people who are His Voice. But as time goes by, we “mature” and purposefully silence this Voice of God.

“Said person does not always speak correctly! By what right does he or she speak like this to me? I'm not a child anymore!"

This happens first with our parents.

“They no longer talk within reason, they no longer know as much as they knew, they have become obsolete and inadequate. Today we know more!”

In addition to parents are friends and our parents in faith. Those who discipled us lost the right to correct us, because we are already enough. We don't learn anymore because we don't need to. We become masters and judges.

 “By what right can they continue to correct me?”

The apostle Paul scoffed at the Corinthians on this: “Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have begun to reign—and that without us! How I wish that you really had begun to reign so that we also might reign with you! For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like those condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to human beings." 1 Corinthians 4:8‭-‬9 

In fact, we feel humiliated and ashamed when we are corrected in front of others. A sense of irritation takes over because of our feeling of inferiority. Both this and the feeling of superiority is in fact a great spiritual imbalance of the sin of pride.

When I stop listening to my brothers and sisters who correct me to justify my ability, I may have already erased the Holy Spirit in my life.

Don't grieve the Holy Spirit. Don't resist the Holy Spirit. Don't quench the Holy Spirit.

The path between saddening and quenching may be shorter than we think.

May we clothe ourselves with humility without which we can never truly learn and not be transformed in a religious world of so many myths, false teachings and traditions that try to invalidate the Word of God.

#ASONE