Chapter 3: Faith and Discovey

Chapter 3: Faith and Discovey

Preacher Leandro scribbled on the whiteboard, illustrating the intricate relationships within the Trinity. "The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – distinct yet inseparable."

Janna Cubar's hand shot up, her expression intense. "Preacher Leandro, doesn't Matthew 3:17 contradict the Trinity? 'This is my beloved Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.' Doesn't this imply Jesus is subordinate to the Father?"

Preacher Leandro smiled warmly. "Excellent question, Janna. However, consider John 1:1 – 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.' This affirms Jesus' divinity."

Janna persisted, "But what about Deuteronomy 6:4? 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.' Doesn't this refute the Trinity?"

Preacher Leandro leaned forward. "Actually, Janna, the Shema emphasizes God's unity, but doesn't negate the plural aspects of God's nature. Consider Genesis 1:26 – 'Let us make mankind in our image.' The plurality of 'us' hints at the Trinity."

JJ Aromaj chimed in, "Janna, what about Jesus' own words in John 10:30? 'I and the Father are one.' Doesn't this suggest unity within distinction?"

Janna countered, "That's precisely my point – Jesus is subordinate. Acts 2:38 says, 'Repent and be baptized...in the name of Jesus Christ.' Why not the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?"

Preacher Leandro intervened, "Janna, baptism in Jesus' name doesn't negate the Trinity; rather, it highlights His mediatorial role (1 Timothy 2:5). Consider 2 Corinthians 13:14 – 'May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.'"

Maya added, "And what about Revelation 1:4-5? 'Grace and peace to you from...Jesus Christ...and from the seven spirits before his throne.' Doesn't this imply distinct persons?"

Janna nodded thoughtfully. "I see your points, but I still struggle with the concept."

Preacher Leandro beamed. "Dialogue and doubts are healthy, Janna. Let's continue exploring Scripture together."

JJ gathered his belongings, still pondering the Trinity debate, and headed toward the cafeteria, his stomach growling. Inside, he spotted Maya waiting in line, her bright smile captivating him. "Hey, JJ! What's the verdict? Still reeling from Janna's Oneness arguments?" she asked.

JJ chuckled. "Actually, I'm starving. Debates work up an appetite." Maya joined him in line. "Perfect timing! I'm buying. What's your pleasure?" JJ's eyes widened. "Really? You're buying?" Maya teased, "Only if you promise to defend the Trinity over lunch."

As they sat down, JJ said, "Thanks, Maya. Your kindness is truly Proverbs 31:26 – 'She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.'" Maya blushed. "You're making me feel like a virtuous woman already." JJ grinned. "Well, someone's got to keep you humble." He accidentally spilled his drink. "Whoops! Guess I need to work on my coordination, not just my theology."

Maya giggled, handing him napkins. "Don't worry, I won't deduct points for clumsiness." Their eyes met, sparking a connection. Maya shared her testimony. "My faith grew stronger after my grandmother's passing. God's comfort amazed me." JJ's expression turned empathetic. "I understand. Losing my dad was tough, but Scripture sustained me."

Maya playfully teased, "You're quite the theologian, JJ. But can you handle a Bible trivia challenge?" JJ smirked. "Bring it on! Loser buys dessert." Their friendly competition ensued, interspersed with laughter and Scriptural insights. JJ realized his heart wasn't just filled with food, but also with Maya's presence.

As they finished, Maya smiled softly. "Thanks for lunch, JJ. You're an amazing conversationalist – and Trinity defender." JJ's face warmed. "Anytime, Maya. Would you like to study together soon?" Maya's eyes sparkled. "I'd love to."

JJ stepped into his dorm, dropping his backpack beside the bed. Exhaustion crept in, but his mind whirled with thoughts of Maya and their engaging conversation. As he kicked off his shoes, a peculiar piece of paper caught his attention, folded and tucked between his pillow and the headboard. The paper bore an eerie message: "Dig deeper, JJ. Secrets lie beneath Fundamental's surface. Seek truth in the forgotten wing."

A shiver ran down JJ's spine. Who could have written this? He glanced around the room, ensuring he was alone. Curiosity piqued, JJ decided to investigate. That night, under the guise of studying, JJ snuck into the abandoned wing. Creaking floorboards echoed through the deserted corridors. He fumbled for his phone's flashlight, illuminating dusty classrooms and cobweb-covered lockers. A chill swept across his neck.

As he ventured deeper, a concealed door, cleverly disguised as a bookshelf, swung open with a gentle push. JJ's heart raced. Inside, he found cryptic documents and old records. One file, "Corruption and Embezzlement," sparked his curiosity.

Documents exposed Fundamental's misuse of donated funds, funding anonymous projects and lawsuits, including one involving Preacher Saul Oakwood, Dean Oakwood's son.

Suddenly, footsteps echoed outside. JJ's breath quickened. He hastily gathered the documents, returning to his dorm. The next morning, JJ found a chilling message scrawled on his mirror: "Cease probing, JJ. Your curiosity will be your demise." Fear gripped him. Who knew about his discovery? JJ wondered if he had stumbled into something sinister.

At auditorium,
Preacher Leandro spoke, "Salvation comes through faith in Christ alone, not works. John 3:16 states, 'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.' Ephesians 2:8-9 reaffirms, 'For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.'"

Jonathan Pechon stood up. "Preacher Leandro, doesn't Mark 16:16 say, 'He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved'? Isn't baptism essential for salvation?"

Preacher Leandro smiled. "Jonathan, baptism follows faith, symbolizing obedience and public declaration, but isn't the means of salvation."

Jonathan countered, "Acts 2:38 says, 'Repent, and be baptized...for the remission of sins.'"

JJ Aromaj stood, Bible in hand. "Jonathan, Romans 3:28 says, 'Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.'"

Preacher Leandro nodded. "Exactly, JJ. Salvation is by faith alone."

Jonathan pressed on, "What about 1 Peter 3:21? 'The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us.'"

JJ responded, "Contextually, Peter emphasizes spiritual reality, not physical baptism."

Maya added, "Galatians 2:16 says, 'Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ.'"

Preacher Leandro concluded, "Faith alone saves. Baptism demonstrates faith's authenticity."

The devotion ended, and classes resumed. JJ's mind wandered, preoccupied with the cryptic message and eerie warning. Amidst his concerns, a commotion erupted outside. Tiffany, the vice council student, hurrying to her next class, collided with Tiffany Elven Mix, a charming second-year student. Books scattered everywhere.

Tiffany's authoritative demeanor softened into a grin. "Well, I guess this is one way to get acquainted." Tiffany Elven Mix laughed. "Guess so! Sorry about that." JJ rushed to assist, gathering books. Their eyes met, sparking a connection. Tiffany teased, "Looks like someone's got a bodyguard." Tiffany Elven Mix blushed. "Just a knight in shining armor." JJ chuckled, handing Tiffany her books.

As they exchanged smiles, JJ felt an undeniable attraction. Tiffany whispered, "Maybe we can discuss student council initiatives over coffee?" JJ's heart skipped a beat. Maya, observing from afar, smiled knowingly. JJ's mind lingered on the mysterious message: "Cease probing, JJ. Your curiosity will be your demise." Who was watching him? Amidst budding romance, danger lurked.

Tiffany's infectious laughter filled the hallway. "Hey, JJ, what's your stance on student council reforms?" JJ smiled. "I think transparency is key." Tiffany's eyes sparkled. "I agree. Let's work together." Their playful banter continued until the bell rang.

Throughout the day, JJ's thoughts oscillated between Tiffany and the cryptic message. Preacher Leandro's words echoed: "Faith alone saves." But what about those seeking truth? Like Janna, questioning the Trinity? JJ's search for answers seemed fraught with peril.

As classes concluded, JJ headed to the library, seeking solace in Scripture. Tiffany appeared beside him. "Mind if I join?" JJ's heart raced. Together, they delved into biblical passages, discussing salvation, faith, and redemption. Their connection deepened.

Suddenly, a faint whisper seemed to echo through the shelves: "Cease probing, JJ..." JJ's heart quickened. Was he imagining things? Tiffany noticed his unease. "Hey, everything okay?" JJ forced a smile. "Just tired." But the warning lingered.

The library's fluorescent lights flickered, casting eerie shadows. JJ glanced around, sensing unseen eyes. Tiffany's gentle touch broke the spell. "Let's grab some fresh air?" JJ nodded.

As dusk fell, they strolled across campus, discussing student council initiatives. JJ felt drawn to Tiffany's intelligence and leadership. Maya joined them, and the trio laughed together, momentarily forgetting the looming danger.

But darkness loomed, hidden in shadows, waiting to strike. JJ's determination intensified: uncover the truth, no matter the cost. Little did he know, Tiffany held secrets of her own, secrets that would change everything.

Maya and Rachel strolled through the campus quad, discussing JJ and Tiffany's blossoming romance. Rachel's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I knew they'd hit it off! Tiffany's perfect for JJ." Maya's smile faltered, her voice tinged with unease. "I guess so. They seem inseparable." Rachel noticed Maya's subtle jealousy. "You're not worried about losing JJ's attention, are you?" Maya's cheeks flushed, but she quickly masked her emotions. "No, of course not. I just want JJ happy." Rachel's knowing gaze lingered, sensing the unspoken tension.

As JJ drifted off to sleep, visions of Tiffany's captivating smile and Maya's concerned gaze swirled in his mind. He couldn't decipher his emotions, torn between burgeoning affection and steadfast friendship. "What am I feeling?" he wondered.

Suddenly, his phone buzzed, shrill in the darkness. A text message glared on the screen: "Back off, JJ. You're playing with fire." Dread crept up his spine, intertwined with thrilling anticipation. "Who's watching me?" he whispered into the night.