I did not grow up planning to write a manifesto. I first began attending church when I was about thirty years old, in 1990. At the time, I wasn’t looking for God. I was married, with four children, and we had just bought a house in 1989. Three doors down lived a family whose children were the same age as ours, and they quickly became friends. We soon discovered that this family were church people. Before long, Annette and the kids were regulars at church, while I kept my distance.
Our oldest daughter, Stephanie, began to press me about going with them. I always had an excuse. One day, after a particularly hard time, she was bugging me so much that I snapped and told her I would never go to her church. But you can guess what happened—next Sunday morning I was sitting in a pew. I found out quickly it was a “holy roller” church, and I was nervous. Yet to my surprise, I recognized a few men from work, and that helped me feel at ease.
For me, there was no single emotional crisis that drove me to God. It was slower, gentler. After attending for a while and enjoying both the services and the people, I stood in my garage one afternoon and looked up at the sky. I told God that if I was going to do this, I wanted two things: the truth—not Catholic truth, not Baptist truth, not even UPCI truth—but His truth. And second, I did not want to be a hypocrite.
Not long after, during a particularly powerful Sunday night service, I went to the altar. My life changed that night. I repented of my sins and was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Though I am not an emotional man, tears flowed freely. When I received the gift of the Holy Spirit, I knelt at the altar weeping like never before. I did not fully understand what was happening, but I knew it was real. From that moment on, the Bible came alive to me.
As I grew, I found myself drawn deeper into the Word. Again and again, my study returned to the end times. I read Daniel, Ezekiel, and Revelation with eagerness. Yet dispensational theology left me unsettled. So many words and phrases were explained away, and massive assumptions were made. For a long time I went along, wondering who I was to question it. But then I encountered partial preterism. At last, the pieces fit. For the first time, I found an eschatology that made sense and honored the integrity of God’s Word.
Now, after thirty years of walking with the Lord, I feel compelled to write this manifesto. The modern church has drifted far from the truth. Many want to be called Christians but refuse to follow Christ. We have countless Bible translations and endless voices claiming that God told them what to say—yet where is the unity? Where is the love? Where is the obedience and the commitment to become what God wants us to be? Instead, compromise and politics often take the place of holiness and prayer.
I believe God is calling His people back to the pattern of Acts 2, back to holiness, back to prayer, back to Spirit-filled living. I write these words to remind myself, and to leave a testimony for others, that Jesus Christ must remain first.
This manifesto is not the story of a perfect man, but of a faithful God. It is my declaration of belief, my commitment to live as a disciple, and my call to the church to return to the pattern set by Christ and His apostles.
Introduction
Every generation faces a moment when silence is no longer possible. The prophets of Israel stood in their day and cried out, “Thus says the Lord.” The apostles stood before councils and declared, “We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). Our generation is no different. The world is changing. The church is under pressure. Truth is being redefined. In such a moment, I believe it is time to speak.
This Christian Manifesto is my declaration of faith. It is not a new doctrine. It is not another theory to add to the confusion. It is a call back to what Scripture has always declared. I write as one who has wrestled, studied, prayed, and lived through seasons of both clarity and struggle. What I set down here is not theory but conviction.
The Confusion of Our Age
We live in an age of voices. News channels, social media feeds, political rallies, and even pulpits flood us with opinions. Everyone has a message. Everyone has a platform. Yet in all the noise, the voice of God is often ignored.
Some in the church have lost confidence in Scripture. They treat the Bible as outdated or optional. Others have elevated traditions, culture, or politics above the Word of God. Still others chase after predictions and speculations, trying to chart the end times while neglecting the mission Christ gave us.
I believe we must clear away the confusion. We must return to the foundation: the Bible as God’s Word, the church as God’s people, and Christ as our hope. Without this, we will drift. With it, we will stand.
Why a Manifesto?
The word manifesto means a public declaration of beliefs and aims. This is what I intend here. I am not writing for scholars alone, though I hope scholars can find it useful. I am not writing only for pastors, though I hope pastors will take courage from it. I am writing for the people of God—new believers seeking clarity, and seasoned believers needing a call back to simplicity.
This manifesto is not about me. It is about Christ. Yet I write in the first person because faith is always personal. I believe these truths. I have lived them, stumbled under them, and been lifted by them. At times, I say “we,” because faith is also shared. The church is a community. We believe together, suffer together, and hope together.
The Foundation of Scripture
The first conviction of this manifesto is that the Bible is God’s Word. Without this foundation, nothing else stands. If Scripture is unreliable, then everything we believe becomes unstable. But I am convinced that “all Scripture is breathed out by God” (2 Timothy 3:16). It is infallible, trustworthy, and supreme in authority.
This is why Chapter 3 begins with the Bible. From its divine inspiration to its authority over tradition, the Bible remains the anchor. I believe we must recover confidence in the Word, reading it, obeying it, and proclaiming it with boldness.
The Life of the Church
The second conviction is that the church is the body of Christ. Too often, people treat the church as optional. They say, “I love Jesus, but I don’t need the church.” Yet Jesus said, “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). The church is His plan, His bride, and His witness in the world.
In Chapter 4, I walk through the commitments of the early church: teaching, fellowship, prayer, generosity, worship, and witness. These are not relics of the past. They are the lifeblood of the church today. I believe if we return to these commitments, the church will be revived.
The Warning of Drift
The third conviction is that the church must heed the warnings of Scripture. Jesus warned the churches in Revelation to repent, remain faithful, and endure. Paul warned Timothy that some would turn aside to myths. These warnings are not for the first century alone. They are for us.
In Chapter 5, I sound the trumpet for our time. The church must not place politics above Christ. We must not compromise truth for comfort. We must not grow lukewarm. I believe God is calling His people to wake up, return to their first love, and live as soldiers of Christ, focused and faithful.
The Hope of Eschatology
The fourth conviction is that our hope is secure in Christ. Eschatology has too often become a playground for speculation. Charts and predictions multiply, but hope diminishes. Yet the Bible is clear: Jesus has fulfilled God’s promises, He reigns now, and He will return.
In Chapter 6, I lay out a partial preterist perspective: the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70 confirmed the end of the old covenant system, and Christ’s reign continues today. But our blessed hope remains: “the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). I believe this hope should lead not to fear but to faithfulness, not to speculation but to holy living.
The Call to Stand
Why write all this? Because I believe the church must stand. Not in arrogance, but in conviction. Not with pride, but with faith. The world does not need another shallow voice. It needs a church rooted in God’s Word, living as Christ’s body, enduring hardship, and holding to hope.
This manifesto is my stand. I invite you to join me. As Joshua declared, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). That is the spirit of this book.
What Lies Ahead
As you turn the pages, you will find more than opinions. You will find Scripture. You will find warnings and promises. You will find the call of Christ to His people. I encourage you to read with an open Bible and an open heart. Test everything by the Word of God.
I do not claim perfection in these words. But I do claim conviction. These truths have shaped my walk with Christ, and I believe they are needed for the church today.
So let us begin where all true faith begins, with the Bible as God’s Word, the final authority for all that we believe and all that we do.
The Bible
What is the Bible? At first glance, it looks like a collection of ancient writings, gathered from many authors over centuries. Yet when we read it, we discover something far greater. The Bible is not just history or poetry, law or letters. It is the Word of God given to us.
The Bible comes from many voices but has one Author. Moses, David, Isaiah, Matthew, Paul, and others wrote in their own times and cultures. Yet behind every word stood the Spirit of God. Scripture itself declares, “All Scripture is breathed out by God” (2 Timothy 3:16). These men were not inventing wisdom. They were carried along by the Holy Spirit, recording what God desired His people to know.
I believe the divine origin of the Bible sets it apart from every other book. Nations rise and fall, philosophies come and go, but the Word of God stands forever. It is more than paper and ink. It is living, powerful, and able to change hearts.
As we begin this chapter, I want to speak plainly about what the Bible is and why it must be the foundation of our faith. Let us begin with the Bible as God’s Word.
The Bible as God’s Word
The Bible is unlike any other book because it carries the very breath of God. Paul reminds us that “all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Though written by human hands, the message did not come from human minds. The Spirit guided the writers so that what they recorded was exactly what God intended. From the first line, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1), to the final promise, “Surely I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:20), every word bears the mark of divine origin.
Trustworthiness and Unity
Because the Bible is inspired, it is also trustworthy. Jesus Himself treated the Scriptures as authoritative and true. When He faced temptation, He answered with the words, “It is written” (Matthew 4:4). The message of the Bible holds together across centuries, cultures, and authors because its true Author never changes. I believe this unity confirms its reliability. The grass withers and flowers fade, but “the word of our God will stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8).
Purpose and Power
The Bible was given to accomplish God’s work in us. Isaiah records the Lord’s words: “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty” (Isaiah 55:11). God’s Word always fulfills its purpose, whether to comfort, to convict, or to guide. The writer of Hebrews adds that “the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). This is why I cannot treat it as optional. I have found it to be my strength in weakness, my light in dark times, and my guide when I did not know which way to turn.
Moving Forward
The Bible calls itself “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). Without it, we walk in darkness. With it, we walk in truth. Because of this, we must begin by recognizing the authority of the original writings, which carried God’s inspired Word without error. That will be our focus in the next section.
Authority of the Original Writings
When we speak of the Bible’s authority, we must begin with the original writings, often called the autographs. These were the inspired manuscripts written by Moses, the prophets, the apostles, and others. Their authority did not come from men. No council voted them into existence. No church body bestowed power on them. Scripture holds authority because it is God’s Word. As Peter reminds us, “no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). Because the words came from God, they carried His authority from the moment they were written.
Why Final Authority
I believe the Bible must be our final authority because no higher standard exists. Human opinions shift. Traditions change. Even church leaders can drift into error. But the Word of God never fails. Jesus declared, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). The church does not stand over Scripture to judge it. The church stands under Scripture to be judged and corrected by it. Its authority is inherent, rooted in God’s nature, and therefore absolute.
Preserved for Us
Though we do not possess the original autographs, God has preserved His Word with remarkable care. Scribes copied the Scriptures with diligence. Discoveries like the Dead Sea Scrolls show how faithfully the text was transmitted across centuries. What God breathed out, He also kept intact. Isaiah records the Lord’s promise: “My word… shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose” (Isaiah 55:11). That promise includes the preservation of His truth for every generation.
When I open my Bible today, I do so with confidence. I may not hold Paul’s parchment or Isaiah’s scroll, but I hold a faithful witness of God’s inspired Word. Its authority has not been diminished. In the next section, we will consider how translations serve to bring this authority into the languages we speak today.
Versions and Translations
Because the Bible was written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, most of us depend on translations to understand it. Some worry that a translation weakens the authority of Scripture, but I believe the opposite is true. Translation is part of God’s plan. At Pentecost, the people declared, “we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God” (Acts 2:11). God has always intended His Word to speak in every language.
A Brief History
When the New Testament was first printed in Greek, Erasmus played a key role. His 16th-century work provided the basis for what became known as the Textus Receptus, which influenced the King James Version of 1611. Later, in the 19th century, scholars Westcott and Hort produced a new edition of the Greek New Testament, drawing from older manuscripts not available to Erasmus. Their work shaped many modern translations. I mention these names not to stir debate, but to remind us that translation has always required careful scholarship and a desire to preserve God’s Word faithfully.
Language and Change
Another factor is the natural change of language over time. The King James Bible was a faithful translation in 1611, but English itself has shifted. Words once clear have taken on new meanings. For example, “study” in 2 Timothy 2:15 meant “be diligent,” not simply read books. The word “peculiar” in Titus 2:14 meant “belonging to,” not strange or odd. These shifts remind us why new translations are valuable. They help modern readers understand the original meaning without confusion.
Confidence in God’s Word
While translations differ in style—some more literal, others more dynamic—the message remains clear. I trust the God who said, “the word of our God will stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8). No translation gives the Bible its authority. That authority comes from God Himself. Translations are simply bridges, carrying His Word from the ancient world to our present day.
Authority of Scripture Over Tradition
Every church carries traditions. Some are small, like the order of a service. Others are weighty, like creeds or practices passed down for centuries. Traditions can serve us well, but they must never rise above the Word of God. Jesus warned the Pharisees, “You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men” (Mark 7:8). When tradition becomes greater than Scripture, we fall into error.
Protestant and Catholic Views
This has long been a dividing point between Protestants and the Roman Catholic Church. The Catholic Church teaches that both Scripture and sacred tradition carry authority. In practice, this means tradition can shape or even add to what the Bible says. Protestants, however, stand on the conviction of Sola Scriptura—Scripture alone. This does not mean tradition has no value. It means Scripture must always be the final authority. Traditions must serve the Bible, never correct it.
Scripture as Supreme Authority
I believe the Bible is infallible, meaning it cannot fail. Every word is true because it comes from God. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Traditions may be useful tools for remembering truth, but they are not truth itself. Only God’s Word carries that weight. The church does not give Scripture its authority. The authority belongs to Scripture because it is God’s Word.
No Contradictions Allowed
When tradition aligns with Scripture, it can strengthen faith. For example, the weekly gathering of believers for worship has biblical roots and has been practiced for centuries. But when a tradition contradicts or overshadows God’s Word, it must be set aside. Hebrews reminds us that “the word of God is living and active… discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). The Bible judges us and our traditions, not the other way around.
For this reason, I hold Scripture as supreme. Traditions may help, but they cannot rule. The Bible is God’s infallible Word, the final authority for faith and life. In the next chapter, we will turn from Scripture itself to the life of the church that Scripture shapes.
The Bible is God’s Word. The authority of the original writings still carries through to the translations we hold today. Scripture must remain above tradition, no matter how cherished. Without the Bible, we lose our anchor. With it, we have the truth that sets us free.
I believe this with all my heart. The church in every age must come back to this foundation. When we drift from Scripture, we drift from God. When we cling to Scripture, we cling to Christ. Every truth in this manifesto rests on this conviction: the Bible is the living Word of God, and it must remain the final authority for our faith and our lives.
The Church
What is the church? Some people think of buildings, stained glass, or Sunday gatherings. But the church is far more than that. It is the people of God, called out from the world and brought together in Christ. The church is not man’s idea. It is God’s plan from the beginning. Jesus declared, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).
I believe the church is central to God’s work in the world. It is where believers gather, grow, and go forth with the message of Christ. In this chapter, I want to consider what the church is called to, how it lives together, and the hope that carries it forward.
Commitments of the Church
The early church in Acts 2 gives us a clear picture of the commitments that shaped their life together. Luke records, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42). These commitments remain our pattern today.
Teaching (Apostles’ Doctrine)
The first devotion was to teaching. The apostles delivered what they had received from Christ. Their doctrine was not human invention but the truth revealed by God. I believe every church must put Scripture at the center. Sermons, Bible studies, and conversations must be rooted in God’s Word, not in opinion. “All Scripture is breathed out by God” (2 Timothy 3:16). Without sound teaching, the church drifts. With it, the church grows strong.
Fellowship
The second devotion was to fellowship. This is more than coffee and conversation. The Greek word koinonia means sharing life together. Believers carried one another’s burdens, rejoiced together, and walked in unity. Fellowship reminds us that faith is not private. It is lived out in community. I have found strength in the simple presence of other believers who stood with me in prayer and encouragement.
Breaking of Bread (Shared Meals)
The third devotion was to the breaking of bread. This likely included both ordinary meals and the Lord’s Supper. Shared meals built bonds of love. Communion reminded them of Christ’s sacrifice. Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). Eating together remains one of the most powerful ways the church shows its unity. Around the table, walls fall and hearts draw near.
Prayer
The fourth devotion was to prayer. Prayer was not an occasional duty but a regular rhythm. The church prayed in homes, in the temple, and in times of crisis. When Peter was imprisoned, “earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church” (Acts 12:5). I believe prayer is the breath of the church. Without it, we suffocate. With it, we thrive.
Generosity
The early believers also practiced radical generosity. Luke writes, “All who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need” (Acts 2:44–45). Their giving was voluntary, flowing from love, not compulsion. I believe the church must still be marked by open hands. Generosity reflects the heart of God, who gave His only Son.
Worship
Worship filled their gatherings. They praised God together with glad hearts (Acts 2:47). Worship is not limited to songs but includes every act of devotion to God. Yet music often becomes the language of praise, lifting hearts heavenward. I believe worship reorients us. It takes our eyes off ourselves and fixes them on Christ.
Witness
The early church was a witnessing church. “The Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). Their witness was not through marketing strategies but through transformed lives and bold proclamation. I believe every believer is called to witness. We are to be salt and light, showing Christ in word and deed.
The Ordinances of the Lord
The church also observes the ordinances Christ gave. These practices are visible signs of invisible grace.
Communion (The Lord’s Supper)
Communion is a continual reminder of Christ’s sacrifice. Paul wrote, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). It calls us back to the cross and forward to His return.
Foot Washing
Jesus washed His disciples’ feet and said, “I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you” (John 13:15). Foot washing reminds us of humility and service. While some churches practice it literally and others symbolically, the lesson remains: the church must be marked by serving love.
The Pattern of Acts 2
The pattern of Acts 2 is not locked in the past. It is a living model for today. Teaching, fellowship, prayer, breaking bread, generosity, worship, and witness are not optional extras. They are the lifeblood of the church. I believe every generation must return to this pattern. When the church drifts into programs or traditions without life, Acts 2 calls us back to simplicity and devotion.
Church Attendance and Fellowship
Some people ask why church attendance matters. Can’t we just follow Christ alone? The writer of Hebrews answers: “not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:25). I believe gathering is essential. The church is a body, and a body cannot function if its parts are scattered. Attendance is not about keeping score but about staying connected. In worship, prayer, and fellowship, we strengthen one another and display Christ’s unity to the world.
Christian Life Together
The church is not just Sunday gatherings. It is life lived together in Christ.
Individual Responsibility
Each believer carries responsibility to grow in faith. Paul urged Timothy, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved” (2 Timothy 2:15). No one can do our spiritual growth for us.
Family as the First Church
I believe the family is the first church. Parents are called to teach their children. “These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children” (Deuteronomy 6:6–7). When faith is nurtured at home, the church grows strong.
Community of Believers
The community of believers supports, corrects, and encourages one another. Paul said, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Christianity is not a solo journey. We walk together.
Christian Individualism
At the same time, I believe in a healthy individualism. Faith is personal. No one can believe for us. Yet this individual faith finds its place in community. We are both individuals in Christ and members of His body.
Unity of the Faith
Unity does not mean uniformity. The church has many gifts and callings, yet “there is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:4–5). Our unity is found in Christ, not in identical opinions.
Stewardship of God’s Gifts
Every believer has gifts to use for the good of the body. Peter wrote, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10). Stewardship is not optional. The church thrives when everyone uses what God has given.
Mission of the Church
The church is not only called to gather but also to go.
The Great Commission
Jesus commanded, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). This commission is not for pastors alone but for every believer. I believe the church exists to make disciples, not just converts.
Witness to the Nations
The mission is global. Jesus said, “You will be my witnesses… to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). The church must look outward, carrying the gospel to every people and place.
Living as Salt and Light
Our mission is also local. Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13–14). Salt preserves and light reveals. The church’s daily witness in neighborhoods and workplaces matters as much as its mission to distant lands.
Hope of the Church
The church does not live only for today. It lives with hope.
Christ Our Blessed Hope
Paul called Jesus “our blessed hope” (Titus 2:13). Our hope is not in politics, programs, or buildings. It is in Christ Himself.
Living with Confidence, Not Fear
Because Christ is our hope, we live with confidence, not fear. The world may rage, persecution may come, but we belong to Him. Jesus promised, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus
Hebrews urges us to run “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). The church’s strength is not in itself but in the One who holds it. When we fix our eyes on Him, we endure.
The church is God’s people, called together to live for Christ and shine His light in the world. From Acts 2 until today, the same commitments remain: teaching, fellowship, prayer, worship, generosity, witness, and service. I believe when we follow this pattern, the church thrives.
The church is not perfect, but it belongs to Christ. He is building it, and the gates of hell will not prevail. Our task is to remain faithful—gathering, serving, and witnessing until He comes.
Warnings and Callings
The church is called to live in the power of God’s Word and Spirit, yet history shows how easily we drift. Israel often forgot the Lord who delivered them. The early church wrestled with division and compromise. Today is no different. We face new pressures, but the old temptations remain.
I believe the church needs clear warnings and strong callings. These are not meant to discourage but to awaken. A watchman sounds the trumpet not to frighten the city but to protect it. In this chapter, I want to sound that trumpet. The dangers are real, yet the call of Christ is greater.
A Word to the Modern Church
The modern church stands at a crossroads. Surrounded by cultural noise, political battles, and shifting values, we must ask: are we walking in the Spirit or drifting with the world?
Politics Over Christ
One danger is elevating politics above Christ. Some believers have tied their faith to political parties or leaders, as if salvation came through elections. But Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). I believe Christians should engage with society, yet we must never confuse earthly kingdoms with God’s kingdom. When politics eclipses the gospel, the church loses its witness.
Drift and Compromise
Another danger is drift. Paul warned Timothy that “the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching… and will turn away from listening to the truth” (2 Timothy 4:3–4). That time is here. Churches compromise to avoid offense. Truth is softened, sin is redefined, and holiness is neglected. Drift rarely happens in one moment. It comes step by step, until the anchor is gone. I believe the only cure is to return to God’s Word and stand firm in what it says.
Return to the Acts 2 Model
The solution is not complicated. We must return to the pattern of Acts 2. Teaching, fellowship, prayer, generosity, and witness are not outdated. They are timeless. The early church had no political clout, no buildings, and no wealth. Yet they turned the world upside down. I believe the church today can do the same—if we return to simplicity, devotion, and the power of the Spirit.
Soldiers of Christ
Paul often used the image of a soldier to describe the Christian life. “Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:3). Soldiers are focused, disciplined, and committed. The church needs this same spirit.
Not Entangled in the World
Paul continued, “No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him” (2 Timothy 2:4). The danger for believers is becoming so entangled in the world’s pursuits that we lose sight of Christ. This does not mean withdrawing from life. It means keeping priorities clear. I believe every Christian must ask: am I living to please Christ, or am I distracted by lesser things?
About the Father’s Business
Jesus, even as a boy, declared, “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49). Some translations say, “about my Father’s business.” His focus was clear from the beginning. If Christ lived this way, how much more should we? The church is not called to chase trends or build empires. We are called to be about the Father’s business—preaching the gospel, making disciples, and serving in love.
Persecution and Endurance
The call to follow Christ is also a call to suffer with Him. The early church knew this well. Today, persecution looks different in various places, but the principle is the same.
Suffering for Christ
Jesus warned, “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). To suffer for Christ is not a sign of failure but of faithfulness. Paul told the Philippians, “It has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake” (Philippians 1:29). I believe the church in the West has often avoided this reality, but we must be prepared.
Faithful Witness Under Trial
Persecution is not the end of the church. In fact, history shows the opposite. The blood of martyrs became the seed of the church. Faithful witness under trial displays the power of Christ more clearly than comfort ever could. Jesus promised, “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). Endurance does not come from human strength but from fixing our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for us.
501(c)(3) and the Church
In our day, another subtle challenge faces the church, particularly in America. Many churches operate under 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. This brings certain freedoms, but also certain dangers.
Faithfulness vs. Dependence on Systems
I believe the real danger is not in having tax-exempt status but in depending on it. The church must never place its faith in government recognition or legal protections. Our authority comes from Christ, not from the state. If laws change and benefits are withdrawn, the mission of the church remains the same. We must be faithful whether we enjoy favor or face opposition. The early church had no tax exemptions, yet they grew. Their strength was the Spirit, not systems.
The church today faces many pressures—political distractions, cultural drift, persecution, and even over-reliance on government systems. Yet Christ’s call remains the same: be faithful. I believe we must hear the warning and answer the calling. The warning is clear: do not compromise, do not entangle, do not lose focus. The calling is strong: live as soldiers, endure suffering, and stay about the Father’s business.
I am convinced that if the church returns to the simplicity of Acts 2, embraces the focus of a soldier, and endures with hope, we will shine as Christ intended. The trumpet has sounded. The time is now. Let us rise as His people, ready and faithful, until He comes.
Eschatology
Few topics stir more questions in the church than eschatology, the study of last things. Over the years, believers have debated timelines, charts, and theories. Some look to the future with fear, others with speculation. Yet the Bible calls us to look with confidence. Eschatology is not meant to confuse or divide. It is meant to anchor us in Christ, who is the fulfillment of God’s promises and the hope of His people.
I believe we must clear away the clutter of speculation and return to what Scripture says plainly. The message of eschatology is not about predicting dates or fueling fear. It is about Christ—His fulfilled promises, His reign, and His sure return.
Fulfilled Promises in Christ
The story of the Bible is a story of promise and fulfillment. From the garden, God promised a Savior who would crush the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15). The prophets spoke of a coming kingdom and a new covenant. In Christ, these promises find their fulfillment.
Paul declared, “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him” (2 Corinthians 1:20). Jesus is not one step in a long plan—He is the plan. The law, the temple, and the sacrifices all pointed to Him. The shadows have given way to the substance.
Eschatology begins here. It is not primarily about events but about a Person. I believe the heart of biblical prophecy is the unveiling of Christ, not the mapping of human history. When we see Him as the fulfillment of God’s promises, we find stability for our faith.
The Fall of Jerusalem (AD 70)
One of the most debated subjects in prophecy is the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. Yet Jesus Himself spoke directly of it. He warned, “Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place” (Matthew 24:34). Within forty years of His words, Rome destroyed the temple, ending the sacrificial system forever.
I believe this was a key turning point in God’s redemptive history. The old covenant order passed away, and the new covenant stood in full light. The writer of Hebrews said, “What is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away” (Hebrews 8:13). In AD 70, that vanishing was complete.
Some have misunderstood this event, treating it as the end of the world. But Jesus was not speaking of the planet’s destruction. He was speaking of judgment on Jerusalem, confirming His role as the true Temple and final sacrifice. For me, this clarifies so much confusion. Prophecy is not about failed predictions—it is about fulfilled reality in Christ.
Christ’s Present Reign
After His resurrection, Jesus declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). He is not waiting to reign. He reigns now. Peter preached at Pentecost that Jesus was seated on David’s throne, fulfilling God’s promise (Acts 2:30–33).
I believe this present reign is central to eschatology. Too often, believers push Christ’s kingship into the future, as if He is not yet ruling. But Paul wrote, “He must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet” (1 Corinthians 15:25). That reign is happening now.
This means the church is not waiting for power. We live under the authority of the risen Christ. His kingdom grows not by force but by the gospel. The nations are hearing, disciples are being made, and Christ’s reign continues until the last enemy, death itself, is destroyed.
The Blessed Hope of Believers
Eschatology is not only about what has been fulfilled but also about what is yet to come. Paul wrote of “our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). Our hope is not in a timeline but in a Person.
I believe this hope shapes how we live. Because Christ is our hope, we live with confidence, not fear. We do not wring our hands at the state of the world. We look to Christ, who promised, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
Hope is not escape. Hope is endurance. The Thessalonians were told not to grieve “as others do who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). For believers, the grave is not the end. Our hope is resurrection, restoration, and eternal life with Christ.
The Return of Christ and Final Judgment
The Bible is clear: Christ will return. “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). The return is certain, though the day and hour are unknown (Matthew 24:36).
I believe this return will bring final judgment and final renewal. The dead will be raised. Every knee will bow. John saw a vision of the great white throne, where the books were opened (Revelation 20:11–12). For the believer, this judgment is not condemnation, for “there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). It is vindication, the final declaration that we belong to Him.
The return of Christ does not drive me to fear. It calls me to faithfulness. Peter wrote, “What sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness” (2 Peter 3:11). Eschatology is not meant to paralyze us with speculation but to move us to holy living.
Eschatology is not about charts and speculation. It is about Christ—His fulfilled promises, His present reign, His blessed hope, and His sure return. The destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 confirmed the passing of the old covenant and the rise of the new. Today, Christ reigns at the Father’s right hand, and we live under His authority. One day, He will return in glory to judge the living and the dead, and to bring His people into everlasting joy.
I believe this message should not divide the church but unite it. We may not agree on every detail, but we can agree on this: Jesus is Lord, He is reigning now, and He will come again. That is the anchor of our hope.
Closing Declaration
Every journey has a destination. Every word written in this manifesto has pointed to one central truth: Christ is Lord, and His Word is our foundation. We began with the Bible as God’s infallible Word. We looked at the church, God’s chosen people. We faced warnings and callings for our day. We considered the hope of eschatology—promises fulfilled, Christ reigning now, and His sure return.
Now, we come to the closing declaration. I believe every believer, and the church as a whole, must be willing to stand and say, “Here I stand.” This is not a time for silence or compromise. It is a time for faith, courage, and clarity.
The Word as Our Anchor
I declare again: the Bible is God’s Word. It does not depend on men for authority. It is authoritative because it is God-breathed. Every promise will stand. Every command will endure. “The word of our God will stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8).
This means that my life, and the life of the church, must remain anchored in Scripture. Traditions, cultures, and leaders come and go, but the Word remains. I believe we must return to the Scriptures again and again. When the church drifts, it is the Word that pulls us back.
The Church as God’s People
The church is not a building, not a denomination, not an institution of man. The church is the people of God, redeemed by Christ, filled with His Spirit, and sent into the world. Jesus promised, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).
I declare that the church must live as the body of Christ. We must return to the simplicity and devotion of Acts 2: teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, prayer, generosity, worship, and witness. Programs and strategies may serve a purpose, but they cannot replace these commitments. The church’s strength has never been in its numbers or its wealth but in the Spirit of God working through faithful people.
The Warning to Our Generation
I believe the Spirit is sounding a warning to the church in our time. Politics has too often overshadowed Christ. Comfort has replaced sacrifice. Compromise has dulled our witness. The church must repent and return.
I declare that Christ is calling His people back to holiness, humility, and boldness. We must not be entangled in the world’s pursuits. We must be about the Father’s business. We must be willing to suffer for His name. The warnings of Revelation’s letters to the churches still ring true: do not lose your first love, do not tolerate false teaching, do not grow lukewarm. Those who overcome will receive the crown of life.
The Call to Endurance
The path ahead will not be easy. Jesus Himself said, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). We are not promised ease. We are promised victory in Christ.
I declare that endurance is our calling. Like soldiers, we must not be distracted. Like athletes, we must run with discipline. Like farmers, we must sow with patience. The church is called to persevere until the end. I believe this endurance comes not from our strength but from fixing our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for us.
The Hope That Sustains Us
Our hope is not in politics, programs, or possessions. Our hope is in Christ. He is our blessed hope (Titus 2:13). He reigns now at the Father’s right hand. One day, He will return to judge the living and the dead and to bring His people into everlasting joy.
I declare that hope drives out fear. We do not live in dread of the future. We live in the confidence of Christ’s victory. We do not grieve as those who have no hope. We look forward to resurrection, restoration, and eternal life with Him.
A Final Declaration of Faith
Therefore, I stand and declare:
I believe the Bible is God’s Word, infallible, trustworthy, and supreme in authority.
I believe the church is the body of Christ, called to faithfulness, fellowship, and mission.
I believe the modern church must heed the warnings of drift, compromise, and distraction.
I believe we are called to live as soldiers, enduring suffering with courage and hope.
I believe Christ reigns now, and He will return in glory to complete His work.
This is not a private belief for me alone. It is a public confession. Like Joshua of old, I say, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).
A Word to the Reader
If you have read these pages, I ask you to join me in this declaration. Stand on the Word. Live as the church. Reject compromise. Embrace endurance. Fix your hope on Christ.
This manifesto is not the end but the beginning. It is a call to live out what we confess. I have written not to offer new theories but to call us back to ancient truth. The world will press, the enemy will fight, but Christ is with us. His Spirit empowers us. His Word anchors us. His return assures us.
Closing Benediction
May the church rise in faith. May the people of God live with boldness. May the Word of Christ dwell in us richly. And may we hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23).
I end this manifesto where the Bible ends: with the promise of Jesus—“Surely I am coming soon.” To which I reply with the saints of all ages: “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).