Ukraine - The Suko Family

Description:Forgiveness is one of the most powerful—and most difficult—acts we are called to as followers of Jesus. This episode explores the deep biblical roots of forgiveness, revealing how unforgiveness poisons relationships, breeds bitterness, and separates us from God. From the Old Testament sacrificial system to Jesus’ words on the cross, this episode walks through key Hebrew and Greek terms for forgiveness, theological insights, and real-life applications. You’ll learn what true forgiveness looks like, why we all desperately need it, and how to both receive and extend it in your daily relationships. Whether you’re holding a grudge or wondering if God could ever forgive you, this episode offers hope and healing. What is forgiveness? Let’s first look at a few words that are often translated “forgiveness” in the Bible. כָּפַר To appease, make atonement, forgive, be merciful. Literally a covering: (reminds us of the covering God gave Adam and Eve in the garden after they sinned) This is the most common word in the OT that refers to forgiveness. We see it most often in relation to the sacrifices in the Temple. These sacrifices made a “covering” for sin. That is, they didn’t really atone for sin on the heart level but rather were a sign of the need for God to atone for sin. This word shows us that whenever there is sin something must be sacrificed in order to atone for it. Without atonement sin will become something worse. In some contexts this word speaks more directly of God himself miraculously atoning for our sins and purifying our hearts.  Isaiah 6:7 NIV – 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” In this verse we see a beautiful picture of the prophet Isaiah. Here Isaiah is before the throne of God when he realizes his sin and guilt before God. As a picture of the forgiveness that only God can offer, the Seraphim comes to him with a burning coal and touches it to his lips. True atonement and forgiveness from God purifies us from the guilt of sin in our life. Let me just say here that we all need this forgiveness from God. Isaiah wasn’t some sort of “evil criminal” yet when he was confronted with God’s holiness he was able to clearly see the defiling effects of sin in his life. He realized that he was guilty and had no right to stand before God. One of the reasons that people often don’t even think they need forgiveness is because they go on comparing themselves to other people who are, in their opinion, worse than themselves. When it comes to sin and righteousness there is only one with whom we should compare ourselves and that is the Almighty, All Holy, and All Righteous God. Look to Him and you will certainly feel your need for forgiveness and find a way to obtain that forgiveness.  סָלַח To forgive, pardon, or spare (Strongs) This word is the most specific in its meaning. Primarily, we see this as something that God does towards us. Isaiah 55:7 NIV – 7 Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. Here we can see that for forgiveness to happen in our hearts we also must participate. Isaiah instructs us “Let them turn to the LORD.” Without a turning to God there is no real forgiveness. God’s forgiveness requires that we turn to Him. Another word we use for this turning to God is “repentance.” Repentance describes a deep change in mind and heart when we recognize our guilt before God and humbly turn to him and ask for his forgiveness, believing that he can and will forgive us.  How amazing it is to realize that God offers his forgiveness freely to those who seek it with a repentant heart. You don’t have to donate a certain amount of money to the church, you don’t have to repeat some prayer or complete some religious function. Forgiveness is offered free and without regard for race, class, or position.  נָשָׂא To lift, to bear up (literally), to forgive (figuratively) This word has the most figurative meaning. Most often it is simply used to describe the action of lifting up the head or the eyes, or something else. However, figuratively it can also describe the idea of our sins being lifted off of us.  Micah 7:18 NIV – 18 Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. What a beautiful thought this is! God’s forgiveness is greater than his judgement! God disapproves of your sin but he is waiting and wanting for you to repent. He loves to forgive and he will forgive. God’s forgiveness teaches us that we do not have to live in fear of an angry God. Yes, he is holy, and powerful, and he can destroy evil, but he is also kind, gentle, and forgiving when we come to him with a repentant heart.  Ἄφεσις/ἀφίημι To let go, remission, forgiveness / to send away, to leave, to forgive These two words are very similar in their meaning. The first literally means to release something or to remove it. The second word speaks literally of leaving or sending away. In the context of sin it describes the idea that in forgiveness we are released from the weight of our sin, that sin along with its punishment are released.  Matthew 26:28 KJV – 28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. In the New Testament we see this word applied primarily to the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. His death and his resurrection are what release us from the power and punishment of sin.  Matthew 6:12, 14-15 KJV – 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. … 14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. We also see that this is used in our personal relationships. As people we love to hold on to the sins of others, especially when they have sinned against us. Sometimes it can be very hard to let go of a sin and to forgive someone. How appropriate it is that at the end of the Lord’s prayer we have these words from Jesus about forgiving one another. One thing we see clearly in the Bible is that if you and I have been released from our sins, we must also release those who have sinned against us. A willingness to let go of sins, to forgive those who have sinned against us is one of the greatest sins that God’s grace is working in our lives.  Forgiveness defined After looking at theses words in the Bible we can conclude that forgiveness is: “The release from guilt and punishment from wrong done towards another.” Biblical forgiveness includes both a relational aspect as well as a judicial aspect. Forgiveness can affect our relationships but can also have a legal aspect In some cases forgiveness is purely relational. It means simply overlooking an offense in order to restore a relationship. This is most often the case in our personal relationships. If my brother or sister offends me, I don’t have the authority to legally punish them for that offense, but I can withhold my grace and mercy from them, I can give them the cold shoulder, I can treat them with disrespect, I can ignore their presence in my life. But when I forgive, then I chose to treat them with love and care as if they didn’t sin against me. I choose to give them grace, I choose to do what I can to restore my relationship with them.  In other cases forgiveness is judicial. That means a pardon is given and the punishment for the offense is removed. Only individuals with authority can forgive in this way. A judge can grant a pardon for a crime but he can’t restore the relationship between the victim and the criminal.  However, in some cases we see both relational and judicial forgiveness are offered. This can happen only when the person sinned against has the authority to punish. This usually doesn’t happen in the court system. Why? Imagine a criminal murders a child. He gets caught, put in jail and is waiting for trial. A few weeks go by and he’s brought before the judge. When he comes into the courtroom he realizes that the judge has the same last name as the child he murdered. He looks at the judge and the judge looks at him and the Judge says, “Sir, you are on trial for murdering my son!” What do you think the outcome of that case would be? Most certainly that judge, that father, whose innocent child was murdered would do everything in his power to make sure this murderer received the maximum sentence.  This is the situation God is in. He is the Judge and the one who has been sinned against. If we were in his place we would certainly bring the law down. Yet, God in his great mercy says, “I will forgive!” Only God can say these words and have the legal and moral authority to do it. God wants to pardon us from the punishment from sin and restore our relationship with him! Why do we need forgiveness? Simply put, we need forgiveness because we have sinned against God and against others. Our sin causes unspeakable damage. God’s forgiveness is the only remedy to the destruction that sin causes. Sin destroys us Have you ever met an angry and bitter person? That person lives in a swamp of unforgiveness. That person is more angry and more bitter within themselves than what you can see from the outside.  Hebrews 12:14-15 NIV – 14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. To fall short of God’s grace is to live in the shadow of un...

Our ministry has changed a lot since the start of the full scale invasion. Like it or now the conditions around you can have a powerful negative or positive affect on how you share the gospel. Here are a few ways that I see the conditions of war have changed how the gospel message goes out.  We must say, however, that the content of the gospel message never changes. Nevertheless, our methods, approaches, and attitudes about the gospel can change drastically. 1. War Tests the Gospel Verse: 1 Peter 1:6–7 (NIV) In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith–of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire–may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.  Mat 13:20-21 (NIV) 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. –  War strips away comforts — It reveals whether we truly trust in Christ or in our circumstances. Faith becomes visible — In times of fear and loss, authentic faith stands out and shines as a testimony. Heroes of the faith are born – Some of the most unlikely people are shown to have extraordinary faith. Superficial belief is exposed — War reveals the difference between cultural Christianity and true discipleship. War Focuses the Gospel Message Verse: Hebrews 12:18–28 (NIV) 18 You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; 19 to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, 20 because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” 21 The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.” 22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23 to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. 25 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken–that is, created things–so that what cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.”  Distractions fall away — In war, entertainment, politics, and possessions lose their grip. Eternity comes into focus. Urgency increases — People are more open to truth when death and judgment are near. The gospel’s core is clarified — Not “your best life now,” but “eternal life through Christ.” Secondary theological issues -Theological debates that can often separate Christian in peace time tend to become meaningless in war time. War Makes the Gospel Practical Verse: James 2:15–17 (NIV) 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.  The gospel is lived, not just preached — Acts of mercy, aid, and compassion validate our message. Christians become the hands and feet of Jesus — Showing God’s love through sacrifice and service. Discipleship happens in the rubble — Ministry to the suffering creates opportunities for deep, lasting transformation. War Makes the Gospel About God New Verse: Ezekiel 36:22–23 (NIV) 22 “Therefore say to the Israelites, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: It is not for your sake, people of Israel, that I am going to do these things, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you have gone. 23 I will show the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Sovereign LORD, when I am proved holy through you before their eyes.  War makes ministry empire building difficult – In war time you don’t have the stability to build large facilities and create huge ministry infrastructure.  God saves for His name’s sake — The gospel is not about making us feel better, but about magnifying God’s holiness and mercy. War reveals that God is the hero, not us — When everything collapses, the gospel points to God’s power, not human ability. The nations will know — War spreads the gospel not to make our name great, but to display God’s glory among the nations. War advances the Gospel by destroying fear Verse: Philippians 1:12-14 (NIV) 12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.  The fear of death – War time teaches us not to fear the destruction of bullets and bombs. New doors open — War displaces people, bringing unreached individuals into contact with believers. The gospel crosses barriers — Denominations, cultures, and nations are united under Christ in crisis. Testimonies multiply — Suffering believers become bold witnesses, and their stories carry deep credibility.   The post How Wartime Changes The Gospel first appeared on The Suko Family.

Recently, I’ve heard claims—mainly from conservative media in the West—suggesting that the Ukrainian government is persecuting churches. Is this true? In this video, I share firsthand insight into Ukraine’s religious freedoms, the constitutional protection of faith, and the real reason behind the 2023 law concerning churches tied to Moscow. While Ukraine remains a country where religious freedom is protected, the situation in Russian-occupied territories is completely different. I share the story of my friend, Pastor Alexander Safetnikov, who was brutally beaten by Russian forces simply for his faith. His story is just one of many, as Russian occupation has led to the targeting, imprisonment, and even murder of evangelical believers. If you have questions about what’s happening in Ukraine, let me know in the comments! I want to provide clear, unbiased answers from someone who is living here and experiencing it firsthand.The post Persecution of Christians in Ukraine first appeared on The Suko Family.

We answer your questions about life in Ukraine and what’s going on now here on the ground exactly 2 years after Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022. Below are some of the questions we answer in the video/podcast. 1. What is your plan if Russia wins the war and perhaps Odessa is threatened with being under Soviet control? 2. What is the perception of the Ukrainian people about America’s support or lack of support? 3. At the beginning of the war, when you were relatively safer in Moldova, what made you go back to the war in Odessa? 4. Two years in, is complacency towards the “war” starting to show in the people there? 5. Is it appropriate to pray imprecatory psalms over Russia? How do you not hate them? 6. How have you seen God continue to work and the church continue to minister or grow during the war? Admittedly, you have been answering this question regularly in the telegram group, but just in case people aren’t following along day-to-day… 7. Are our bombings and drones becoming like car accidents to us here on the other side of the world or are you fearful that each one could hit your apartment, church, or car? 8. Is Ukrainian going to take over as the main language in Odesa, and are you learning it or already fluent in it? 9. Can you tell us more about the churches that have been planted since the war began? How did God bring that about? How are they worshiping and discipling? 10. How is the ministry coping with the challenges so far? 11. How are the children adapting to living in a country at war? What is the new reality for them when their world has been turned upside down? 12. Can you recap what that day was like for you, your family, and your closest friends? 13. How is your marriage doing? 14. How are your kids doing? 15. What spiritual challenges are you and the churches facing here in the second year that you were not facing in the first year? 16. What are some of the faith-building lessons God has taught you that you would want us to grasp as well, even though most of us are not in a country at war? 17. How have these past two years changed the way you view life on earth, and how do you stay joyful and not give way to anxiety? 18. How do we best encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ in Ukraine? 19. How do you spend your romantic time with each other in such difficult times? 20. What is the sentiment on the ground? Is it divided? Are Ukrainians talking about wanting the war to end or being willing to keep going? 21. What are some of the challenges of facing the church in Ukraine? 22. What are some of the better ways to be helping from afar?

The situation in Ukraine continues to draw concern. Winter brings heightened worries about power infrastructure and heating, especially in the face of potential advancements by Russia. The big question on everyone’s mind remains: Will the United States continue to stand by Ukraine? As we navigate this uncertain period, your prayers and support are invaluable. Despite these challenges, we’re grateful for the provision of power and heating so far. We recognize the freedom we have in Ukraine—a freedom allowing us to share the gospel and support churches. It’s a reminder of the larger impact this conflict has on spiritual freedoms. Our efforts to aid soldiers include providing essentials like hand warmers. A recent testimony from Pastor Lê in Hồn illustrates the power of prayer in protecting Ukrainian soldiers from intense bombardment. The unwavering faith of the church in Hồn is remarkable. Even amid danger, they emphasize the importance of corporate worship, highlighting the essentiality of spiritual nourishment. We’re actively involved in two projects. The first, “Teach Us to Pray,” focuses on elucidating the depth of the Lord’s Prayer and its gospel truths. The second is a Christmas outreach endeavor aimed at distributing gift packets with gospel material to children in need. Your prayers and support mean the world to us and to Ukraine. If you’d like to be a part of these projects or contribute in any way, check the link in this newsletter for more information. Thank you for standing with us and for Ukraine. Your prayers and support provide hope and strength during these challenging times. If you have any questions or want further updates, feel free to reach out. Your engagement and care make a significant difference. Let’s continue to pray, support, and believe for Ukraine’s protection, provision, and eventual peace.