A LETTER OF TRUST AND DISCIPLESHIP: WRESTLING WITH THE DEEPER QUESTIONS Dr Josimar Salum

 

A LETTER OF TRUST AND DISCIPLESHIP: WRESTLING WITH THE DEEPER QUESTIONS

Dr Josimar Salum

29/6/2025

Daddy, can I ask you something personal?

I sometimes wonder… am I stressing you out with all my questions, especially on things I can’t really change? If I am, please let me know, and I promise I’ll stop. I just don’t want to be a burden.

But the truth is, you’re the only person I genuinely trust when it comes to explaining the Bible and helping me understand the deeper meaning of the Scriptures. Since I met you back in 2016, the way you teach has completely changed my life.

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot… To truly accept everything we’ve talked about, I feel like I’d have to:

1. Rethink what the covenant of God really means,

2. Redefine who the people of God are,

3. Reevaluate the central place of Jesus Christ,

4. And reconsider the entire story of redemption.

When I read Matthew 28:18–20, I feel like that mission isn’t just for the original disciples, it’s for all of us who believe in the God of Jesus. But that leads me to wonder:

Are even the Jews supposed to be told the Good News? Or are they somehow treated differently, like their case is set apart?

And what about Mark 16:16? Does it apply to them too?

Another thing that’s been on my mind:

We always refer to the Jews as the sons of Israel. But as far as I know, Jacob (Israel) had 12 sons, not just one. So technically, there were 12 tribes, 12 families. Judah (Yehuda) was just one of them.

So… what about the rest of the Israelites who aren’t from Judah? Where are they in all of this?

My dear son,

First, never be afraid to ask me your questions — you are never a burden to me. On the contrary, you are a joy, and it is a privilege and an honor to help you search the Scriptures and grow in understanding. Please never feel that your questions are too much for me. I welcome them because they show your hunger for truth, and that is something priceless.

I want you to keep asking, even if the questions feel hard or uncomfortable. We grow in truth when we wrestle with it together, seeking the Lord with sincere and humble hearts. Never let fear stop you from seeking.

You are right that to fully accept these things, you would have to rethink and redefine many foundations — and that is exactly what Jesus calls us to do. 

The greatest goal of my life is to keep changing: changing the way I think, changing my beliefs, changing my attitudes, changing my behaviors, changing every area of my life to align with Him. 

I am totally and wholeheartedly committed to change. I am not afraid of change. I do not cling to dogmas, patterns, traditions, or religious rites, but I am always open to change anything the Lord Jesus tells me needs to change. If there is something to unlearn, I want to unlearn it. If there is something to learn, I want to learn it. That is the posture of a true disciple.

Regarding your observations and questions about the covenant of God, the identity of His people, the "centrality" of Christ, and the entire story of redemption — all of these come together perfectly in Him. But religion and tradition can hide this clarity and keep people stuck. That is precisely why we must challenge those patterns with the truth of the Scriptures and the voice of the Holy Spirit.

About Matthew 28:18–20, you are correct — the commission is for all disciples, in every generation. That includes sharing the Good News with the Jewish people. There is no separate gospel for them; there is only one Name under heaven by which all can be saved, both Jew and Gentile. The Jews are not exempt from hearing the message of salvation, nor is there another covenant apart from Christ’s blood that can save them.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.’”

— Romans 1:16–17 (NKJV)

As for Mark 16:16, yes, it applies to everyone: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” The word whoever includes every nation, tribe, and language — even Israel. There is no other message for the Jewish people apart from the same Gospel of Jesus Christ. That is why Peter preached it first to the Jews on the day of Pentecost, calling them to repent and be baptized in the Name of Jesus.

“These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: ‘Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”

— Matthew 10:5–7 (NKJV)

So yes, the Jews must also be told the Good News just like every other people group, because Jesus is the Way for them as well.

About the tribes: yes, Israel (Jacob) had twelve sons, and the covenant included all of them. Throughout history, many of those tribes were dispersed, and Judah became the most identifiable tribe because of its role in preserving worship, leadership, and Scripture, but God has not forgotten any of them. They are known to Him even if unknown to us, and their restoration is in His plan. Jesus, as the Son of David from Judah, came first to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, and then opened the door of salvation to every family, tribe, and nation on earth.

The rest of the Israelites who aren’t from Judah are included in God’s redemptive plan through Christ. Even though many of their descendants are scattered, God knows their lineage and their hearts, and He calls them to Himself through the same Gospel. They are part of the promise — they are not lost to God, even if history has lost track of them. His grace reaches every tribe, including those whose identity seems forgotten, because in Christ there is ONE new man made out of every people.

God’s promises remain, but their complete fulfillment is in Jesus Christ alone, who unites all the tribes, all nations, all peoples into ONE Kingdom under His reign.

So, my son, ask — keep asking — and don’t hold back. You are deeply loved, and I am always here to help you discover what God is showing us through His Word. Never doubt that I walk with you on this journey, with patience, faith, and love.

#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

TESTIMONY OF A 17 YEAR OLD YOUNG MAN WHO DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS!

TESTIMONY OF A 17 YEAR OLD YOUNG MAN WHO DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS!

Josimar,

I was thinking a few hours ago here with me that I'm starting to pick up your habits.

When you preach, when you advise, when you help!

I took this as an example of you, I see you preaching to people in the places you stop by and I am doing the same thing, I see you helping people and I am doing the same thing.

You have been a blessing in my life, my dear father!

Jesus once said that He only does the things that He sees the Father doing, and I am also doing the things that I see the father that God has given me to do.

Always know that you are a great example for me 

Fillipe Ferreira

Is it important to be baptized? Josimar Salum

Is it important to be baptized?
Josimar Salum

“So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading:  “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth.” The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?”Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him." Acts 8: 27-38

A God-fearing man finds that to be a disciple of Jesus, he must be baptized. And he himself contravenes who taught him about Jesus Christ to baptize him.

Today it is emphasized that one must teach someone about the things of God in a special class so that one may decide whether or not to be baptized.

The truth is that what initiates a person to be a disciple of Jesus is baptism.

“Jesus came and spake to them, saying, All power is given to me in heaven and in earth. Go therefore, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them to keep all the things that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always until the end of the century. ”Matthew 28: 18-20

What makes a person a disciple of Jesus is baptism. Without baptism this person has not even become a disciple yet.

There is nothing clearer than this Truth in the entire New Testament.

“When they heard these things, their hearts were moved, and they asked Peter and the other apostles, What shall we do, brothers? Peter answered them, “Repent, and each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For to you is the promise, to your children, and to all that are yet far off, even as many as the Lord our God will call. Then those who accepted his word were baptized, and there was an increase on that day of nearly three thousand people. ”Acts 2: 37-39, 41

Be a disciple!

"African brother Torli Krua wrote properly: "Most American Christians are consumers of Biblical teachings - passive spectators, who sit In pews & cheer the pastor Sunday after Sunday." Not just Americans, but Brazilians, Spanish speaking, Africans and so forth. Yes, Jesus has never commanded us to go to church to be a witness for him. It is time to get real about following Jesus. It is time do live 24/7 our testimony - if we have one indeed- and be a true disciple." (JSalum)