“What Must I Do to Be Saved?”

 

Acts 16:30–31(CSB)
"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They answered, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household."

Few questions in life matter more than this one. Everything else—career success, relationships, wealth, even health—fades compared to the eternal weight of this question: What must I do to be saved? This question wasn’t asked in a synagogue, by a scholar, or during a peaceful Bible study. It was asked by a Roman jailer in a moment of crisis. An earthquake had shaken the prison where Paul and Silas were held. Chains had fallen off. The cells were open. Death seemed imminent, and yet, what the jailer feared most wasn’t losing his life, but losing his soul.

Why did he ask this question? It wasn’t just the earthquake that rattled him—it was the peace he saw in Paul and Silas. Despite their wounds and chains, these men prayed and sang hymns to God. That joy and faith amid suffering were a powerful witness. The jailer saw something real, something deeper than religion—he saw the transforming presence of Christ.

Today, we live in a world full of distractions and false hopes. Many people believe that salvation comes through good deeds, religious rituals, or personal merit. Others avoid the question altogether, thinking they can delay spiritual matters until later. But the gospel cuts through the confusion with clarity and grace: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.”

Belief in Jesus is not a vague acknowledgment of His existence. It’s a surrender of heart. It means recognizing our sins, accepting that Jesus died and rose again for us, and yielding our lives to Him as Lord. This is not a transaction; it's a transformation. The moment we believe, the Holy Spirit enters our lives, sealing us for eternity and beginning to make us more like Christ (Ephesians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 5:17).

And what happened to the jailer didn’t stop with him. His entire household heard the gospel and believed. This is the ripple effect of salvation—it moves through individuals, families, communities, and generations. You may be the first believer in your family, or perhaps you're still praying for your loved ones to know Jesus. Take heart. God is in the business of saving households, just as He did with this Roman jailer.

Reflection:
Have you asked this question— “What must I do to be saved?”, and responded in faith? If so, rejoice in your salvation. If not, let today be the day of your salvation. And for those of us who have believed, may our lives, like Paul and Silas', reflect the joy, peace, and power of the gospel so clearly that others are compelled to ask the same question.

May God bless and keep you, and may the Lord help you renew your spirit.

Dr. Dimas Castillo

 

 

When Obedience Feels Unreasonable

 

"At dawn, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, ‘Children, don’t you have any fish?’ ‘No,’ they answered. He said, ‘Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.’ When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.” John 21:4–6

A Familiar Shore, an Unfamiliar Voice

After the trauma of the crucifixion and the confusing reports of the resurrection, the disciples were at a crossroads. Life felt uncertain. So, they did what many of us do in a time of grief or confusion: they returned to what was familiar. For them, that was fishing.

But even in this familiar task, they found failure. A long night brought nothing. Empty nets. Exhaustion. Discouragement. And then a voice from the shore—still unrecognized—offered a strange suggestion: try the other side. There are some lessons we can learn from this passage.

Lesson 1: Obedience Over Understanding

Jesus’ instruction seemed almost laughable. These were seasoned fishermen. They had tried everything. What difference would a few feet make? But the disciples obeyed—and abundance followed.
We often want to understand before we obey. But God often calls us to trust before He explains. True faith obeys even when it doesn’t make sense. Whether it’s forgiving someone who hurt us, giving when finances are tight, or sharing the gospel with someone who seems uninterested obedience precedes the miracle. Let me ask you; What “right side of the boat” is God asking you to trust Him with today? Don’t wait to understand—obey.

Lesson 2: God Meets Us at the End of Ourselves

Jesus didn’t show up when the nets were half full or when the disciples still had hope in their techniques. He appeared after they had exhausted every effort. Why? Because that’s where pride is stripped away, and dependence is possible. God’s grace often waits for the moment we stop striving and start surrendering. When we stop trusting our strength, we’re finally ready to lean on His.  Are you trying to muscle your way through a situation without God? Maybe He’s waiting for your surrender.

Lesson 3: The Answer is Often Closer Than We Think

The difference between failure and fullness was the width of the boat. Just a few feet. But the key wasn't the distance, it was the direction. The key was hearing and obeying Jesus. Sometimes we think God is far away, that His answer is out of reach. But what if it’s right there—on the “right side of the boat”—just waiting for our obedience? The solution to what you’re praying for may not be “out there.” It may be right where you are—if you listen closely and follow God’s lead.

Final Thoughts

This post-resurrection encounter reminds us that Jesus is not just the Lord of the empty tomb—He is Lord of the empty nets too. He stands on the shores of our weariness, calling us gently, inviting us to trust Him again. He still multiplies. He still fill you up.. He still speaks. And He still blesses obedience—even when it doesn’t make sense.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, Sometimes I find myself exhausted, discouraged, and unsure of what to do next. Thank You for meeting me right where I am. Teach me to obey You, even when I don’t fully understand. Help me trust Your voice, surrender my plans, and follow You wherever You lead. May I never grow tired of listening for Your call—and may my life be filled with the fruit of faithful obedience.
Amen.

May God bless you and keep you and may these words help you renew your spirit.

Dr. Dimas Castillo

Cuando la obediencia se siente irrazonable

 

"Al amanecer, Jesús se presentó en la orilla, pero los discípulos no se dieron cuenta de que era Jesús. Él les gritó: 'Hijos, ¿no tienen peces?' 'No', respondieron. Él les dijo: 'Echen la red a la derecha de la barca y encontrarán'. Cuando lo hicieron, no pudieron sacar la red debido a la gran cantidad de peces."  (Juan 21:4-6)

Tras el trauma de la crucifixión y los confusos informes de la resurrección, los discípulos se encontraban en una encrucijada. La vida se sentía incierta. Así que hicieron lo que muchos de nosotros hacemos en momentos de dolor o confusión: regresaron a lo familiar. Para ellos, eso era pescar.

Pero incluso en esta tarea familiar, fracasaron. Una larga noche no les trajo nada. Redes vacías. Agotamiento. Desánimo. Y entonces, una voz desde la orilla, aún desconocida, ofreció una extraña sugerencia: probar el otro lado. Hay algunas lecciones que podemos aprender de este pasaje.

Lección 1: Obediencia antes que comprensión

La instrucción de Jesús parecía casi ridícula. Eran pescadores experimentados. Lo habían intentado todo. ¿Qué diferencia habrían hecho unos pocos metros? Pero los discípulos obedecieron, y la abundancia llegó.

A menudo queremos entender antes de obedecer. Pero Dios a menudo nos llama a confiar antes de explicar. La verdadera fe obedece incluso cuando no tiene sentido. Ya sea perdonar a alguien que nos lastimó, dar cuando las finanzas son escasas o compartir el evangelio con alguien que parece desinteresado, la obediencia precede al milagro. Permíteme preguntarte: ¿En qué lado correcto del barco te pide Dios que confíes hoy? No esperes a entender, obedece.

Lección 2: Dios nos encuentra al final de nuestro camino

Jesús no apareció cuando las redes estaban medio llenas ni cuando los discípulos aún tenían esperanza en sus técnicas. Él apareció después de que habían agotado todos sus esfuerzos. ¿Por qué? Porque ahí es donde el orgullo se desvanece y la dependencia es posible. La gracia de Dios a menudo espera el momento en que dejamos de esforzarnos y empezamos a rendirnos. Cuando dejamos de confiar en nuestras fuerzas, finalmente estamos listos para apoyarnos en las suyas. ¿Intentas superar una situación sin Dios? Quizás Él esté esperando tu rendición.

Lección 3: La respuesta suele estar más cerca de lo que pensamos

La diferencia entre el fracaso y la plenitud era la anchura de la barca. Apenas unos metros. Pero la clave no era la distancia, sino la dirección. La clave era escuchar y obedecer a Jesús. A veces pensamos que Dios está lejos, que su respuesta está fuera de nuestro alcance. Pero ¿y si está ahí mismo, a la derecha de la barca, esperando nuestra obediencia? La solución a lo que estás orando puede que no esté ahí fuera. Puede que esté justo donde estás, si escuchas atentamente y sigues la guía de Dios. Reflexiones finales

Este encuentro después de Jesús haber resucitado nos recuerda que Jesús no es solo el Señor de la tumba vacía, sino también el Señor de las redes vacías. Él permanece a la orilla de nuestro cansancio, llamándonos con ternura, invitándonos a confiar de nuevo en Él. Él sigue multiplicando. Él sigue llenandonos.  Él sigue hablando. Y todavía bendice la obediencia, incluso cuando no tiene sentido.

Oración

Señor Jesús, a veces me siento exhausto, desanimado e inseguro de qué hacer. Gracias por encontrarme justo donde estoy. Enséñame a obedecerte, incluso cuando no lo entiendo del todo. Ayúdame a confiar en tu voz, a entregar mis planes y a seguirte adondequiera que me guíes. Que nunca me canse de escuchar tu llamado y que mi vida se llene del fruto de la obediencia fiel. Amén.

Que el Senor te bendiga y te guarde y que estas palabras te ayuden a renovar tu espíritu.

Dr. Dimas Castillo

 

Todo es un desastre, pero hay esperanza

Si has estado siguiendo las noticias últimamente, probablemente te habrás dado cuenta de que vivimos en un mundo desordenado y al revés. Lo que antes se consideraba bueno ahora se llama malo, y lo que antes era malo ahora se celebra. Nuestro mundo podría ser un lugar mucho mejor, pero está roto. ¿Por qué? Porque pecamos contra Dios.

En el principio, no era así. Dios creó un mundo perfecto y sin pecado para que lo disfrutáramos. Les dio a Adán y Eva instrucciones claras: «Pueden comer de cualquier árbol del jardín, pero del árbol de la ciencia del bien y del mal no deben comer, porque el día que de él coman, ciertamente morirán» (Génesis 2:16-17). Lamentablemente, Adán y Eva decidieron desobedecer, y el pecado entró en el mundo.

Comenzó con una conversación entre Eva y Satanás, quien se apareció como una serpiente. No sabemos cómo era la serpiente ni si la conversación incluía conversaciones triviales, pero sí conocemos la estrategia que usó Satanás. Es la misma que sigue usando hoy.

1. Satanás pone en duda la Palabra de Dios.

Comienza diciendo: "¿Conque Dios os ha dicho: “No comáis de ningún árbol del huerto”?" (Génesis 3:1). Convierte el generoso mandato de Dios en algo restrictivo. Eva responde: "Podemos comer del fruto de los árboles del huerto, pero... no lo toquéis, o moriréis". Esta ligera alteración abrió la puerta.

2. Satanás nos invita a confiar en nosotros mismos en lugar de en Dios.

Eva vio que el fruto era bueno para comer, agradable a la vista y deseable para alcanzar la sabiduría; así que lo tomó y comió. Luego le dio a Adán, que estaba con ella, y él comió (v. 6). Confió en sus sentidos y deseos antes que en la Palabra de Dios. Se apoyó en su propio razonamiento en lugar de en la verdad de Dios.

Y seguimos haciendo lo mismo hoy. Satanás nos tienta a confiar en nosotros mismos: en nuestros sistemas, tradiciones, sentimientos, programas, incluso en nuestra propia "bondad". Intentará impedirnos leer la Palabra o distorsionarla en nuestras mentes. De cualquier manera, su objetivo es el mismo: hacernos confiar en nosotros mismos o en cualquier otra cosa en lugar de en Dios.

Cuando fue confrontado, Adán culpó a Eva. Eva culpó a la serpiente. ¡Y Adán incluso insinuó que culparía a Dios! El juego de culpas comenzó y continúa. Pero no se equivoquen: el pecado siempre devasta. Nuestra condición espiritual no es culpa de nadie, sino nuestra. Al observar hoy la decadencia moral, el desprecio por la vida humana y la falta de virtud de los líderes, es evidente: nosotros causamos el desastre.

Génesis 3 cuenta la historia de cómo pasamos de "Es muy bueno" a "¡Qué desastre!". Nuestro pecado rompió una relación perfecta con Dios. Pero incluso en medio de nuestra rebelión, Dios nos dio una promesa. En Génesis 3:15, Dios le habla a Satanás: «Pondré enemistad entre ti y la mujer, y entre tu descendencia y la suya; él te aplastará la cabeza, y tú le herirás el calcañar». Esta es la primera promesa del Mesías. Un descendiente de Eva sufriría un día a manos de Satanás, pero finalmente lo derrotaría. Ese descendiente es Jesús.

Incluso mientras el hedor del pecado aún persistía en el Jardín, Dios ya estaba planeando la redención. Aunque Adán y Eva estaban espiritualmente muertos, Dios prometió a alguien que restauraría la vida espiritual. La gracia de Dios ya estaba obrando.

Entonces, ¿cómo comenzar de nuevo? Comienza con la fe. El Señor es supremo sobre todas las cosas. Podemos ser honestos con Él sobre nuestra fe. Su poder no se desvanece y fluye junto con nuestra confianza en Él. Sin importar cómo nos sintamos, podemos confiar en que Dios siempre tiene el control. Si bien nuestra capacidad humana para cambiar el mundo es limitada, Dios tiene un poder infinito. Dios debe despertar tu corazón, y tú debes responder. Aquí tienes una oración sencilla y sincera:

“Padre, no vengo con excusas. Como Adán y Eva, a menudo me he alejado de Ti. Soy pecador y he arruinado mi vida. Hoy acepto la salvación que ofreces. Creo que Jesús murió en mi lugar, por mi pecado, y que su resurrección abrió la puerta a todo aquel que cree, incluyéndome a mí. Pongo mi confianza en Cristo. Guía y dirige mi vida. Gracias, Padre, por tu gracia. Amén.

Sí, las cosas son un desastre. Pero no tienen por qué seguir así. Que el Señor te bendiga y te guarde siempre.

Dr. Dimas Castillo

Choosing the Better Part

 

Luke 10:38-42

There is a quiet town called Bethany where two sisters, Martha and Mary, welcome Jesus into their home. Martha, the older sister, is busy preparing food and doing household chores. Mary, on the other hand, sits at Jesus's feet, absorbing His every word. Then tension arises: Martha, overwhelmed and irritated, confronts Jesus, asking Him to redirect her sister to help her. But Jesus responds with surprising gentleness: "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the better part, and no one will take it from her" (Luke 10:41-42).

This short but poignant story teaches us something profound about our times: that God desires not only our service, but also our presence. That before working for Him, we must first be with Him. In a culture that equates busyness with importance, Jesus calls us to a better way: the way of relationship, rest, and priority. There are four lessons we can learn from this story.

The Battle for Our Time

We've heard it said, "Give your time to God." But what does that really mean? Is it just about attending church, joining ministries, or volunteering more? While these are important expressions of faith, they are not the foundation. Giving our time to God begins with a heart that says, "Lord, every moment is Yours." It's about surrendering our calendar, our plans, and our rhythm to His lordship.

Satan would love to make a deal: "Give me your time and I'll give you the freedom to enjoy life." But it's a lie. He encourages us to fill our days with the urgent at the expense of the eternal. Our response must be firm: "No deal. My time belongs to the Lord."

Martin Luther once said, "I have so much to do today that I will spend the first three hours in prayer." He understood a crucial truth: the busier we are, the more we need to anchor our day in God's presence.

What's Necessary

Jesus tells Martha, "Only one thing is necessary." He wasn't saying Martha's service was wrong: feeding guests was essential. But Martha's heart was distracted, anxious, and burdened. Her work had become her identity. Mary, on the other hand, saw that the most important thing about having Jesus in the home was being with Him.

We too can fall into the trap of overprioritizing our to-do lists and undervaluing our time with Christ. We spend our lives with schedules, meetings, and activities—sometimes even those of church—while neglecting personal communion with God. The result? We can become like Martha: busy, tired, and frustrated.

Psalm 1 reminds us that those who meditate on God's Word day and night are like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit that never wither. Likewise, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 calls us to pray without ceasing. This doesn't mean isolating ourselves all day long, but rather being mindful of God's presence in everything we do.

Choosing the Better Part

We live in a world where people claim they have no time for God, for family, or for rest. But Jesus shows us the better way: to sit, listen, and focus on Him. Mary didn't just choose something good; she chose the best.

As one preacher said, "Our task is not to make God a part of our lives; our task is to make our lives a part of God." We don't ask God to bless our schedule; we align it with His. When we choose to spend time at Jesus's feet, everything changes. Our hearts find peace. Our service finds purpose. And our families, marriages, and jobs are positively impacted. God doesn't want us to simply do more; He wants us to do what matters most.

A Life of Impact

The story of Martha and Mary doesn't end in Luke 10. In John 11, Martha makes a powerful confession of faith in Jesus: "Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God." In John 12, Mary anoints Jesus with perfume, and Jesus says that her act of worship will be remembered wherever the Gospel is preached.

Why? Because when we dedicate our time to God, we leave an eternal mark. What began as a simple decision to sit and listen has grown into a legacy of faith, devotion, and love.

And you? Have you been more like Martha: busy, anxious, and distracted? Or are you like Mary, choosing the better part: resting at Jesus' feet?

Take a moment today and reflect. God doesn't ask for what you have left over. He wants your heart, your time, your presence. Because when you dedicate your time to God, He gives you more than you could ask for: peace, purpose, and a life that truly matters. Choose the better part. Sit at His feet. And never let it be taken away from you.

May God bless you and keep you and may the Lord used these words to renew your spirit.

Pastor Dimas

“Confidence in the Midst of a Crisis”

 

Psalm 46

Life is full of crises, whether it’s grief, illness, financial struggles, or broken relationships. How we respond in such times, reveals where our confidence truly lies. Psalm 46 reminds us that while crises are expected, our response as believers should be rooted in trust in God. Psalm 46 offers three key truths to hold onto when the storms of life rage: God is our Protector, our Provider, and our Manifested Presence in the midst of crisis.

1. He is Still God: Our Protector (Psalm 46:1-3)

The psalm opens with a powerful affirmation: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” These words offer deep assurance. God is not just a distant deity; He is a refuge—a safe place we can run to in times of danger.  I've had difficult times in my life. Some of these storms are personal, others are professional, and within my family, but the majority are spiritual in nature. Many of these storms sometimes seem unsolvable. At other times, doubt took over my thoughts.

• But I thank God that during these situations, I found refuge. I thank God that during these situations, I found shelter in my Lord. Psalm 91 says: "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, 'You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'" God tells us: in the midst of crisis, I have a special place for you, a secret place, and when things don't go well, come running to my refuge, I will protect you. And yet, despite moments of doubt and despair, God has proven to be a place of refuge.

We don’t need to run away or be overwhelmed by fear; we can run to Him. Even when everything around us feels unstable—when the earth shakes, and the mountains fall—God remains unmoved. As Martin Luther once declared in his hymn A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, we are reminded that God’s protection is stronger than any threat or spiritual attack.

But God is not only a refuge; He is also our strength. He not only shelters us but empowers us. He gives us the strength to stand and even praise His name in the middle of hardship. Additionally, the phrase “a very present help” underscores that God's assistance is immediate and constant. When trouble comes, we are never alone—God is with us, ready to help without delay.

Reflection: Are you running from your crisis, or are you running to God, your refuge?

2. He is Still God: Our Provider (Psalm 46:4-7)

The images shift from turmoil to tranquility: “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.”  The psalmist paints a serene picture: “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.” That river symbolizes God’s provision—His Spirit flowing in and through us, meeting our every need.

Jesus echoed this in John 4:14, saying that those who drink of His water will never thirst again. In crisis, we must draw deeply from this spiritual well, connecting with the Holy Spirit and trusting God to supply our emotional, spiritual, and practical needs.

In crisis, we must stay connected to that fountain. Instead of looking to external sources for peace or strength, we draw from the Spirit of God dwelling in us. Tapping into the Holy Spirit means trusting that God will meet our needs—spiritually, emotionally, and even physically—when we lean on Him. He is not only the one who protects us from the storm; He is also the one who sustains us through it.

Reflection: Are you staying connected to the living water of the Holy Spirit during your time of need?

3. He is Still God: Our God Manifested (Psalm 46:8-11)

The final portion of Psalm 46 calls us to open our eyes and recognize how God has shown Himself in our past crises. “Come and see the works of the Lord.” Reflecting on God’s past faithfulness fuels our current faith. When we remember the times God carried us through impossible situations, we find strength for today's battles.

We’re encouraged to reflect on how He’s guided us through “dangers seen and unseen,” and how those memories can rejuvenate our weary souls. Like Paul, we can declare, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” because we know the same God who helped us before is still with us now.

But the passage ends with a command: “Be still and know that I am God.” This is not passive resignation, but active trust. “Be still” means to relax, to take your hands off the situation, and let God do what only He can do. It’s a call to surrender, not to inactivity. In stillness, we acknowledge His sovereignty, trust His timing, and watch Him work.

Reflection: What past victories can you remember today that will strengthen your faith for what you’re facing now?

Conclusion

Crises are decisive moments that shape our future. But in every storm, Psalm 46 reminds us that God remains God, unchanging, sovereign, and faithful. He is our refuge, our strength, our provider, and the one who reveals Himself in our trials. In the face of trouble, we don’t panic or run—we run to God. We reflect on His power, rest in His presence, and trust in His provision. So, when the next crisis comes, don’t forget: He is still God. Be still and know it.

Expressing our Gratitude to God

 

Have you ever asked how can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to me? It is an interesting question. Songwriter Andrae Crouch in the song My Tribute wrote: “How can I say thanks for the things you have done for me, things so undeserved yet You gave to prove your love for me.”

Do you ever stop and think about how blessed you are as a child of God? Think of some of the blessings you have received from God. Let me mention a few. Forgiveness, peace, purpose, direction, God’s Spirit, life beyond the grave, a constant companion and friend, a healing of the body and soul, the power of His Word, the fellowship of other believers, and thousands of little things, EVERY day.

Psalm 116: 12-14 said, “What can I offer the LORD for all he has done for me? I will lift the cup of salvation and praise the LORD’s name for saving me. I will keep my promises to the LORD in the presence of all his people.” The Psalmist is thankful for God’s blessings, blessings that he knows he doesn’t deserve. Moreover, he wants to express his gratitude. So, he asks this question in vs. 12, “How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to me?” How do we respond to such kindness and love? The Psalmist gives us two responses: First, we worship. We give God the praise and honor that is due Him. Worship is not a task that we do every week, it is an attitude of the heart every day!

Corporate worship is the gathering of worshipers for a grand celebration. I hope you will be part of that celebration today. Second, we keep our promises to Him. We show gratitude when we do EVERYTHING. He commands rather than merely the things with which we agree. Every time we come to worship, it is a time of thanksgiving. It is a time for all of us to express to God how grateful we are to Him for all that He has done for us. 

The question we must face today is how we can truly express our thankfulness to God. As Christians, we’re well aware of how important the attitude of thanksgiving should be in our lives. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul says, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Take a moment today to count your blessings. Don’t hurry. Savor. Give thanks. Then express your gratitude to the Lord in ways that will please Him. May God bless you and keep you and allow these words to help you renew your spirit.

Pastor Dimas