“Awakened by Your Light”

Before I met you, my world was gray.
No colors shone to light my way.
No one spoke of the story untold
Of two birds in love, so brave, so bold.
I had no heart to share, no smiles to spare,
No one to hold, no one to care.

Before I met you, my songs went unheard.
My words existed, yet felt absurd.
Love and passion seemed worlds away,
A distant dream I could not sway.

Before I met you, I walked alone and lived alone.
I built my life on streets of stone.
I had no home, no joy, no peace to find,
No gentle hand to ease my mind.
The sky turned cold, the stars looked down on me.
And darkness reigned heavy in my heart.

Then came your eyes, your tender light, your gentle smile.
Awakening my world, banishing night.
Heaven smiled on me, and I felt free.
You met my soul, unashamed, with me.

You held me close, made me your own,
And rewrote my story.
Your love now shines in every bone.
Before you, I was broken, incomplete;
Now life is full, my heart beats sweet.

“A Heart That Still Bleeds for You”

It is not that love is gone,
only that you could not stay.
You closed the door,
not because the heart grew cold,
but because the path was too heavy to walk.

You turned away,
while the one who loved you
remained,
wanting to hold you,
to guide you,
to protect you,
to carry your pain like a fragile bird
in trembling hands.

Now,
a heart that still bleeds for you
breaks in silence,
watching you suffer,
while knowing
it was willing to bleed forever
just to see you whole.

“I Like the Way You Loved Me”

I like the way you loved me,

As if tomorrow would never come,

As if the stars had named me your only one.

You loved me in ways the world can’t see:

Endless, fearless, unconditionally.

You taught me that love is not a race,

But a quiet smile, a warm embrace.

You touched my soul before my skin.

With you, love was not a fleeting art.

It was a kingdom you built inside my heart.

You loved me until the night forgot the day,

Until every shadow chose to fade away.

In that embrace, I came to see.

Heaven was never above; it was here with me.

Now, my soul wears your name like skin,

For love like yours begins and never ends.

Your love was hunger and gentle grace,

A storm of passion in a sacred space.

You turned my life into a quiet song,

Made the broken places feel strong.

And now, if this world should ever fade,

Your love is the dream where I’ll always stay.

“How Love Works”

Love is more than just an emotion or a fleeting feeling.
Love is an identity.
Love is a person.
You are love.
You are that identity.
Because of this, you carry within you the capacity to love others and to share that love freely.

Love is not measured by wealth, fame, or status. Instead, it is rooted in the qualities that make us truly human. These qualities are not fixed; they allow us to be better humans, friends, partners, peers, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, and neighbors. They can be learned, nurtured, and strengthened as we grow and navigate life.

Kindness, empathy, respect, gentleness, forgiveness, grace, gratitude, and friendship all of these flow from love, and all of them, when cultivated, deepen our ability to love and be loved.

“From Admiration to Disassociation: A Reflection on John MacArthur’s Legacy”

For a number of personal reasons, I hesitated to write and share this post publicly, but I realized that I needed to find the courage to speak. I invite you to read the following reflection with thoughtfulness and care.

I began listening to John MacArthur nearly 30 years ago, tuning in to Grace to You as a high school junior or senior. Over time, I grew to admire him as a gifted expositor of Scripture and even considered him a kind of distant mentor. His commitment to biblical teaching left a strong impression on me during my formative years.

Years ago, when I was dating Katia, the first gift I gave her after she became a Christian was the “MacArthur Study Bible.” At the time, I was a seminary student, and I had also invested in the complete “MacArthur Commentary” series on both the Old and New Testaments. I owned nearly every book he had written and many of his sermon series on cassette and CD recordings. In fact, I was so committed to his ministry that I became a financial partner with Grace to You, contributing monthly to support his work and global ministry.

However, as I matured spiritually, theologically, and intellectually, I began to listen to him and read his books more critically, even with growing intellectual skepticism. I took notes on his views about women in ministry, pastoral authority, speaking in tongues, dispensationalism, and his positions on pressing social and political issues such as the Civil Rights movement, Christian nationalism, white supremacy, race, gender, immigration, social justice, the Black Lives Movement, police brutality, Liberation Theology, Black Theology, etc. (In my book, “Theological Education and Christian Scholarship for Human Flourishing,” I engage some of these issues). What once felt like conviction or a sort of (Christian) piety to me began to sound like rigidity and intolerance. Not only did I find myself disagreeing with him on many of these matters, but I was also troubled by the way he spoke about those who held different political and theological views and how in his own church, he advised certain women in abusive marriages to stay with their abusive husbands. MacArthur often demonstrated little grace or compassion to those he disagreed with theologically and politically. Further, his tone toward fellow Christians and the vulnerable was frequently dismissive, even combative.

Over time, I began to disassociate from his teaching. The final break came with his recent passing. For me, it was not just the event itself, but the silence that followed in Christian circles in this country. It struck me how little warmth or mourning came from the broader evangelical world, even some of his well-known Christian friends and followers. John MacArthur’s complex and ambiguous legacy in the Christian world and wider evangelical communities made me reflect deeply: perhaps, in the end, it’s more honorable to live with humility and compassion than to spend a life proving you’re always right and making enemies along the way. Gaining wisdom is the ultimate prize, and being a peacemaker or peace-builder is a lifelong commitment for the follower of Christ.

In closing, as a follower of Christ, I remain convinced that in the end, what matters most is not how much theology we master or how many debates we win, but whether our lives reflect the heart of Christ and embody his character.
True biblical discipleship is not measured by fame, knowledge, but by love, humility, and a deep concern for justice and for the vulnerable and the poor among us. Jesus consistently defended the poor, welcomed the outcast, and extended grace to the broken and the strangers. Followers of Christ are called to do the same, that is, to live with compassion, to speak with gentleness, to advocate for the marginalized, and to stand boldly for justice—especially fo the victims and the underrepresented populations and communities in society.

A faith that does not defend the vulnerable or uplift the oppressed is a faith that has lost sight of the gospel’s core. In a world marked by division, brokenness, and suffering, may followers of Christ be known not by their certainties, but by their Christ-likeness. May we become active peace makers and ambassadors of reconciliation in the world!

“Soins Pastoraux en Temps de Crise: Espoir et Action pour les familles immigrants”/“Pastoral Care in Difficult Times: Hope and Action for Immigrant families,” led by Dr. Celucien L. Joseph and Rev. Sadrack Nelson (moderators)

This conversation, “Soins Pastoraux en Temps de Crise: Espoir et Action pour les Familles Immigrantes /”Pastoral Care in Difficult Times: Hope and Action for Immigrant Families,” led by Dr. Celucien L. Joseph and Rev. Sadrack Nelson, explores the vital role of pastoral leaders in supporting immigrant and undocumented families during periods of social and political instability. The conversation highlights theological reflections on lament, hope, justice, and compassionate action, drawing from biblical principles and Afro-diasporic perspectives. Participants will gain practical tools to provide spiritual care, advocacy, and community engagement in times of crisis–for undocumented immigrant families and individuals. The session aims to equip faith leaders to respond ethically and effectively to the challenges facing immigrant communities today.

Cette conversation, intitulée « Soins Pastoraux en Temps de Crise : Espoir et Action pour les Familles Immigrantes », animée par le Dr Celucien L. Joseph et le Rév. Sadrack Nelson, explore le rôle essentiel des responsables pastoraux dans le soutien aux familles immigrantes et sans papiers durant les périodes d’instabilité sociale et politique. La discussion mettra en lumière des réflexions théologiques sur le deuil, l’espoir, la justice et l’action compatissante, en s’appuyant sur les principes bibliques et les perspectives de la diaspora africaine. Les participants acquerront des outils pratiques pour offrir un accompagnement spirituel, mener des actions de plaidoyer et s’engager dans leur communauté en temps de crise—en particulier pour les familles et individus sans papiers. Cette session vise à outiller les leaders religieux afin qu’ils puissent répondre de manière éthique et efficace aux défis auxquels sont confrontées les communautés immigrantes aujourd’hui.

“The Gospel Beyond Borders & Christian Nationalism: A Call to Compassion, Justice, and Solidarity with Immigrant Christians”
By Celucien L. Joseph, PhD

In recent years, many evangelical denominations in the United States have supported anti-immigrant policies that divide families and criminalize innocent individuals, and it can be observed many of whom are victims of ICE raids. Ironically, among the targeted populations are undocumented families and individuals who themselves identify as evangelical Christians in the United States.

However, due to their ethnic backgrounds and linguistic differences, they are often seen by their white Evangelical counterpars/brothers and sisters as “other,” that is, a different kind of Christian. What makes this more troubling is that many immigrant congregations are affiliated with major evangelical denominations such as the Southern Baptist Convention, the United Methodist Church, and the Presbyterian Church. 

Despite these formal affiliations and significant spiritual contributions, immigrant evangelical churches and communities often receive little advocacy or public support from their denominational partners. Instead, evangelical political alignment in the U.S. has frequently leaned toward policies and politicians that disenfranchise, exclude, or target immigrant Christians and immigrant evangelicals.

Furthemore, some evangelical believers may vote in good conscience, unaware of how their political choices contribute to the suffering of fellow Christians within immigrant communities. Others may dismiss the issue as merely political. Nontheless, the implications are deeply theological and moral. As affirmed by christians everywhere, the body of Christ is one and that in Christ, we have become one people with a common divine heritage, mission, and purpose. This unity in christ, which is grounded in deep biblical theology transcends both political affiliation and division. In other words, evangelical Christians must always prioritize this deep spiritual connection with their brothers and sisters in the Global South and the immigrant Christian congregations and communities in the United States. 

Scripture clearly affirm that decisions—political, economic , cultural, etc—that affect one part of the body affect the whole (1 Corinthians 12:26). Ignoring this reality is a betrayal of the unity Christ calls his followers to embody. 

Mutual Responsibility and Moral Accountability

It is important to note that immigrant and ethnic evangelical congregations contribute significantly—financially, spiritually, and numerically—to the denominations they are affiliated with. In this way, these communities have both the right and the responsibility to hold their denominational partners morally and theologically accountable. When those in positions of influence support policies that bring harm to immigrant communities, the silence (or complicity) of the evangelical Church becomes a form of injustice in itself, as the prominent anti-Nazi German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the African American pastor and civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., have affirmed. In their own context, both Bonhoeffer and King have taken political decisions, rooted in biblical theology and biblical ethics, that renounced oppressive political powers and challenged systems of injustice and inequality. Both understood what was at stake and the devastating implications when Christians or followers of Christ support such systems and policies and laws that dehumanize individuals and families. 

Moreover, Scripture affirms that all Christians are brothers and sisters in Christ, united as the people of God with a shared spiritual heritage. This Christian unity not only transcends political ethnocentrism and Christian nationalism; it rejects human affiliation and solidarity based on the concept of race, ethnicity, or language. Throughout the Bible, followers of Christ are called to support one another, care for the vulnerable, and stand in solidarity with the marginalized. This divine mandate transcends political affiliation, ethnocentrism, and nationalistic ideologies. In such a time as this, the vulnerable and marginalized are immigrant Christian communities and undocumented families. 

The Ethics of Care and Christian Responsibility

At the core of Christian discipleship is the ethic of love and compassion, hospitality and care. The biblical tradition consistently emphasizes care for the weak, the stranger, and the outsider. Who do you consider as outsiders and strangers in your midst? Are they the undocumented Christian immigrants in your community and congregation? The command to love one’s neighbor is not limited by borders, citizenship status, or national origin. Rather, it reflects the boundless mercy of God and the inclusive nature of his kingdom and the message of peace and reconciliation of Christ.

In both the Old and New Testaments, God expresses deep concern for the foreigner and the displaced. The call to justice is not abstract; rather, it is practical and deals with the everyday experience of such individuals and communities. To put it bluntly, this is a clarion message directed to those who who identify themselves as followers and disciples of Christ. The latter are urged to engage in the daily realities of those who suffer under systems of oppression.

Let us consider some key biblical references on this matter: 

Leviticus 19:33–34 

“When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them… Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt.”

Deuteronomy 10:18–19 

 “He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner… And you are to love those who are foreigners.”

Matthew 25:35–40 

 “I was a stranger and you invited me in… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Hebrews 13:1–2 

 “Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers…”

Romans 12:13 

 “Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.”

Galatians 3:28 

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

These selected passages are not mere suggestions for Christians; rather, they offer a clear mandate from God himself. This is both a theological and ethical imperative to committed followers of Christ. These passages should shape Christian political convictions and Christian engagement with civil and political societies. Also, these imperatives frame a Christian outreach to all individuals fall under these various categories and living conditions. 

Christian congregations and individual Christians are called not only to care for strangers and immigrants, but must actively advocate for justice on their behalf. This divine imperative is not conditioned upon a person’s immigration or legal status in the United States nor does it take into account one’s political views or affiliation—whether democratic or republican. According to Scripture, human compassion is not an optional expression of Christian piety and virtue; it is a command rooted in the very character of God and central to the message of liberation, justice, and love Jesus proclaims to the world. 

A Prophetic Challenge to the Church

If the evangelical church in the United States is to maintain its moral credibility and biblical faithfulness, it must confront its complicity in systems of injustice. Silence in the face of suffering is not neutrality; it is participation an endorsement. The Gospel demands more. It calls for active participation and solidarity with the victims and the vulnerable in our communities and congregations. We’ve already identified these groups in the previous analysis above.

Christian faith is not merely a personal relationship with God; it is a public witness to God’s love, justice, and mercy. When immigrant believers are persecuted or excluded because of the laws supported by fellow Christians, the church must rise to embody the radical hospitality and solidarity of Christ. Followers of Christ are called not to nationalism but to kingdom living, and this experience incorporates the spiritual, political, and moral spheres. The church should be the place where compassion outweighs fear, justice triumphs over silence, and love is stronger than division.

Let the Church of Jesus Christ remember that the Gospel knows no borders, and neither should our love for the undocumented immigrants and families in our congregations and communities.