“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)
God has a way of showing His mercy and compassions every day. We have a way of being fearful that we will not make it tomorrow.
Jeremiah reminds us that He is God every day. He was faithful and dependable in His mercy and compassions today. They will be fresh and renewed in the morning because His faithfulness never fails.
What do you fear that might happen tomorrow? Trust the Lord with it. Go to bed. Go to sleep. The God who watched over you today watches over you while you sleep and when you awaken in the morning you can depend on Him to be present with all His compassions and mercies.
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Saturday, December 30, 2017
The Unseen Christ
“Jesus saith unto him, ‘Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen me, and yet have believed’” (John 20:29)
It was a week after the resurrection when Jesus made His second appearance to His disciples. In the appearance a week before Thomas was not present and told the others that he would have to see Jesus before he could believe. And now Jesus appears and Thomas exclaims, “My Lord and my God.”
The Ethiopian eunuch declared to Philip, “I believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” He had never seen Jesus but believed. The Philippian jailer asked, ‘What must I do to be saved?” He was told, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” He had never seen Jesus but he believed and was saved.
You and I have never seen Jesus but we believe and “rejoice with joy unspeakable…” (I Peter 1:8) People around the world who have never seen the Lord are being saved because they believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
It was a week after the resurrection when Jesus made His second appearance to His disciples. In the appearance a week before Thomas was not present and told the others that he would have to see Jesus before he could believe. And now Jesus appears and Thomas exclaims, “My Lord and my God.”
The Ethiopian eunuch declared to Philip, “I believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” He had never seen Jesus but believed. The Philippian jailer asked, ‘What must I do to be saved?” He was told, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” He had never seen Jesus but he believed and was saved.
You and I have never seen Jesus but we believe and “rejoice with joy unspeakable…” (I Peter 1:8) People around the world who have never seen the Lord are being saved because they believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
Friday, December 29, 2017
Emmanuel: No Unknown God
“For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.” (Acts 17:23)
Helen Keller was blind, deaf and mute. No one had been able to communicate with her until Ann Sullivan came to the Keller home. Most of us know at least part of the story. When she was an adult she trusted Christ as her Savior. In her testimony she said, “I knew God was out there but I never knew His name or how to find Him. He was unknown to me.”
In our text, Paul the Apostle was speaking to some very religious people in Athens. He was seeing their gods, which they had on every corner, and was observing their worship. For fear they might leave out a god they made an altar described in our text.
The psalmist said, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1) The Bible further states, “For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead…” (Romans 1:20)
If God can reveal Himself to a blind, deaf, mute, He surely can reveal Himself to the sighted, hearing and speaking. He revealed Himself to the world when He came as a little baby called, “Emmanuel,” which means, God with us.
Helen Keller was blind, deaf and mute. No one had been able to communicate with her until Ann Sullivan came to the Keller home. Most of us know at least part of the story. When she was an adult she trusted Christ as her Savior. In her testimony she said, “I knew God was out there but I never knew His name or how to find Him. He was unknown to me.”
In our text, Paul the Apostle was speaking to some very religious people in Athens. He was seeing their gods, which they had on every corner, and was observing their worship. For fear they might leave out a god they made an altar described in our text.
The psalmist said, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1) The Bible further states, “For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead…” (Romans 1:20)
If God can reveal Himself to a blind, deaf, mute, He surely can reveal Himself to the sighted, hearing and speaking. He revealed Himself to the world when He came as a little baby called, “Emmanuel,” which means, God with us.
Thursday, December 28, 2017
And Jesus Grew
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
(Luke 2:52)
Although Jesus’ purpose in coming into the world was not to set an example, He did set an excellent example. He set an example for us in obedience to the Father. He set an example in self-denial and humility. He set a worthy example in service to others and in forgiving others who may have been unkind to us.
Jesus set the standard for what a man is to be. He was fully man. He also set the standard for what God is like. He was fully God. If salvation came by following Jesus’ example none of us would make it. The standard is much too high for us to reach.
Most of all, even though He is a good example, He was the perfect sacrifice for the overwhelming sins of mankind. I encourage all who have not called on Him for salvation to receive Him by faith.
(Luke 2:52)
Although Jesus’ purpose in coming into the world was not to set an example, He did set an excellent example. He set an example for us in obedience to the Father. He set an example in self-denial and humility. He set a worthy example in service to others and in forgiving others who may have been unkind to us.
Jesus set the standard for what a man is to be. He was fully man. He also set the standard for what God is like. He was fully God. If salvation came by following Jesus’ example none of us would make it. The standard is much too high for us to reach.
Most of all, even though He is a good example, He was the perfect sacrifice for the overwhelming sins of mankind. I encourage all who have not called on Him for salvation to receive Him by faith.
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
No Longer a Baby
“…He is not here…” (Matthew 28:6)
These words are recorded in each of the three synoptic gospels. They were spoken by the angel to the women who came to the tomb. He is no longer in the tomb. He is risen. The tomb is empty.
We can apply these words to the empty manger where Mary laid Him. He is not here. We no longer worship the Christ-child as the shepherds did. He is no longer a baby.
When Jesus went with Joseph and Mary to Jerusalem for Passover, on the way home suddenly they realized, “He is not here.”
If we take a walk to Calvary and look up on the cross we discover the cross is empty, even though He paid the price for our sins there and His blood was shed there, He is not here.
If we make a journey to Jerusalem and go the tomb as the women did we discover as they did, “He is not here.” The tomb is empty.
Where is He? He is our High Priest seated at the right hand of God in heaven making intercession for us. He is in the hearts of believers everywhere. He is in the midst of a small group of believers when even two or three are gathered together.
These words are recorded in each of the three synoptic gospels. They were spoken by the angel to the women who came to the tomb. He is no longer in the tomb. He is risen. The tomb is empty.
We can apply these words to the empty manger where Mary laid Him. He is not here. We no longer worship the Christ-child as the shepherds did. He is no longer a baby.
When Jesus went with Joseph and Mary to Jerusalem for Passover, on the way home suddenly they realized, “He is not here.”
If we take a walk to Calvary and look up on the cross we discover the cross is empty, even though He paid the price for our sins there and His blood was shed there, He is not here.
If we make a journey to Jerusalem and go the tomb as the women did we discover as they did, “He is not here.” The tomb is empty.
Where is He? He is our High Priest seated at the right hand of God in heaven making intercession for us. He is in the hearts of believers everywhere. He is in the midst of a small group of believers when even two or three are gathered together.
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
Tell Me the Old, Old Story
“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)
The story of Jesus’ birth includes Mary, the virgin maiden whom God chose to be the vehicle to carry the Christ-child and give birth. It includes Joseph, the Godly man, who, though he did not father the Christ child, he did the work of a father in raising the child. The telling of the Christmas story involves angels, bearing news to Mary, to Joseph and the shepherds. It involves a long journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. It includes an inn keeper who had no vacancy in his inn. The telling of the story tells of a manger where the Christ child lay.
But, these are not the story, although they help in the telling of the story. It takes all of these to tell the Christmas story but the summation of the story is found in these brief words: “…God was manifest in the flesh…” (I Timothy 3:16) “The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us…” (John 1:14) Thou shalt call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)
The story of Jesus’ birth includes Mary, the virgin maiden whom God chose to be the vehicle to carry the Christ-child and give birth. It includes Joseph, the Godly man, who, though he did not father the Christ child, he did the work of a father in raising the child. The telling of the Christmas story involves angels, bearing news to Mary, to Joseph and the shepherds. It involves a long journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. It includes an inn keeper who had no vacancy in his inn. The telling of the story tells of a manger where the Christ child lay.
But, these are not the story, although they help in the telling of the story. It takes all of these to tell the Christmas story but the summation of the story is found in these brief words: “…God was manifest in the flesh…” (I Timothy 3:16) “The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us…” (John 1:14) Thou shalt call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)
Monday, December 25, 2017
This Day
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”
(Luke 2:11)
The event really happened. Jesus, the Son of God, was born. The text says he was born “this day.” It may not have been in December. It may not have on the twenty-fifth of the month. But when the angel delivered his message to the shepherds it was on “this day, the same day of His birth.
“This day,” tells me there was a specific day about two-thousand years ago when Christ was born. There was a day when God became flesh and we can no more deny it than to say George Washington was not born and never existed because we do not know the exact day of his birth. Perhaps God did not reveal in His word the exact day because we might see the day as being more important than the event and start worshipping the day.
There was born “this day” in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord. Every time we sing a Christmas carol we are giving testimony that on “this day” whatever the day, that Christ was born. Just as we do not know the exact day of His birth, even so we do not know when He shall return. Only God knows “this day.”
Merry Christmas to you and to all your family.
(Luke 2:11)
The event really happened. Jesus, the Son of God, was born. The text says he was born “this day.” It may not have been in December. It may not have on the twenty-fifth of the month. But when the angel delivered his message to the shepherds it was on “this day, the same day of His birth.
“This day,” tells me there was a specific day about two-thousand years ago when Christ was born. There was a day when God became flesh and we can no more deny it than to say George Washington was not born and never existed because we do not know the exact day of his birth. Perhaps God did not reveal in His word the exact day because we might see the day as being more important than the event and start worshipping the day.
There was born “this day” in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord. Every time we sing a Christmas carol we are giving testimony that on “this day” whatever the day, that Christ was born. Just as we do not know the exact day of His birth, even so we do not know when He shall return. Only God knows “this day.”
Merry Christmas to you and to all your family.
Sunday, December 24, 2017
Emmanuel
“…and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, ‘God with us.’” (Matthew 1:23)
His name is more than the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14. His name tells us that God has come to live among us. For centuries men had longed to see God. However, the Bible says, “No man has seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.” (John 1:18) He is “Emmanuel: God with us.”
That little baby, born in a stable and laid in a manger, nursed and cared for like every other little baby, is God coming to live among us. That little baby was a love gift to us from God who “loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son." (John 3:16) That little baby would grow to be a man and would one day be crucified on a cross, die and be placed in a tomb. He would be raised in resurrection power and would be called the Savior of men.
“Love divine, all loves excelling, joy of heaven to earth come down…”
His name is more than the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14. His name tells us that God has come to live among us. For centuries men had longed to see God. However, the Bible says, “No man has seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.” (John 1:18) He is “Emmanuel: God with us.”
That little baby, born in a stable and laid in a manger, nursed and cared for like every other little baby, is God coming to live among us. That little baby was a love gift to us from God who “loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son." (John 3:16) That little baby would grow to be a man and would one day be crucified on a cross, die and be placed in a tomb. He would be raised in resurrection power and would be called the Savior of men.
“Love divine, all loves excelling, joy of heaven to earth come down…”
Saturday, December 23, 2017
The “Fear Not” of the Gospel
“And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.’” (Luke 2:10)
This is the “fear not” of the Gospel. The angel did not appear to men in high office or wealthy dignitaries. No, the angel appeared to lowly shepherds pulling the night shift. I can imagine that most of us would be frightened if we were out on a hillside watching sheep when an angel appeared. This angel was a messenger from God bringing good news.
Perhaps you have been looking and longing for some good news. You seldom find it in the newspapers or in the television and radio reports. You may have been told that you have a fast-growing cancer. Perhaps someone you love has been killed in an accident. You need some good news.
The “good tidings” in our text is the gospel, the good news that Christ, the Son of God, has come into the world to save sinners. It is good news for all people. It is for the alcoholic, the drug addict, the prostitute, the lonely and the bereaved. It is for the discouraged, the “nobody’s” of the world as well as the elites of the world. It is good news. It is good news that lasts into eternity for all who will accept the Son of God by faith. Fear not.
This is the “fear not” of the Gospel. The angel did not appear to men in high office or wealthy dignitaries. No, the angel appeared to lowly shepherds pulling the night shift. I can imagine that most of us would be frightened if we were out on a hillside watching sheep when an angel appeared. This angel was a messenger from God bringing good news.
Perhaps you have been looking and longing for some good news. You seldom find it in the newspapers or in the television and radio reports. You may have been told that you have a fast-growing cancer. Perhaps someone you love has been killed in an accident. You need some good news.
The “good tidings” in our text is the gospel, the good news that Christ, the Son of God, has come into the world to save sinners. It is good news for all people. It is for the alcoholic, the drug addict, the prostitute, the lonely and the bereaved. It is for the discouraged, the “nobody’s” of the world as well as the elites of the world. It is good news. It is good news that lasts into eternity for all who will accept the Son of God by faith. Fear not.
Friday, December 22, 2017
The “Fear Not” of Faith
“But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost,’” (Matthew 1:20)
Today’s “fear not” is the “fear not” of faith. If ever a man needed faith it was Joseph. He was espoused to a young woman with whom he had not had conjugal relations and she was with child. He knew the child was not his.
While he was trying to decide what to do an angel, a messenger from God, came to him and explained the situation. Mary was carrying the Son of God in her womb.
When we are struggling with the unseen we must have faith in God. We have never seen God but His handiwork is seen everywhere. We have never seen Jesus but we know He is real. We have never seen heaven but we know it is a place of rare beauty and the final destiny of the saved. How do we know these things? “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” (Romans 10:17) The angel, a messenger of God, gave Joseph a foundation for his faith. The written word of God gives us the same foundation. Faith is not a blind leap in the dark. Have faith and “fear not.”
Today’s “fear not” is the “fear not” of faith. If ever a man needed faith it was Joseph. He was espoused to a young woman with whom he had not had conjugal relations and she was with child. He knew the child was not his.
While he was trying to decide what to do an angel, a messenger from God, came to him and explained the situation. Mary was carrying the Son of God in her womb.
When we are struggling with the unseen we must have faith in God. We have never seen God but His handiwork is seen everywhere. We have never seen Jesus but we know He is real. We have never seen heaven but we know it is a place of rare beauty and the final destiny of the saved. How do we know these things? “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” (Romans 10:17) The angel, a messenger of God, gave Joseph a foundation for his faith. The written word of God gives us the same foundation. Faith is not a blind leap in the dark. Have faith and “fear not.”
Thursday, December 21, 2017
The Fear Not of Grace
“And the angel said unto her, ‘Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God.’” (Luke 1:30)
The four, “fear nots,” of Christmas are not original with me. If I knew who first spoke or wrote of these I would give credit. I only remember the titles.
Yesterday we looked at the “fear not” of answered prayer. Today we will look at the “fear not” of grace or favor.
God extends His grace, unmerited favor, in salvation, saving us, forgiving our sins and showering us with blessings which we do not deserve. His grace over-shadows us when we are going through sickness, separation and sorrow. Fear not: you have found grace with God. We need not fear eternity because of His grace. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and fear not.
The four, “fear nots,” of Christmas are not original with me. If I knew who first spoke or wrote of these I would give credit. I only remember the titles.
Yesterday we looked at the “fear not” of answered prayer. Today we will look at the “fear not” of grace or favor.
God extends His grace, unmerited favor, in salvation, saving us, forgiving our sins and showering us with blessings which we do not deserve. His grace over-shadows us when we are going through sickness, separation and sorrow. Fear not: you have found grace with God. We need not fear eternity because of His grace. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and fear not.
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
The “Fear Not” of Answered Prayer
“And when Zacharias saw him (the angel), he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, ‘Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.’” (Luke 1:12-13)
Zacharias and his wife Elisabeth were good, elderly, Godly people. But they had no child and they were past the age of child bearing. Evidently they had prayed often that God would give would give them a child. Perhaps they had given up on the idea of a child. They would keep on being faithful servants of God, however. Zacharias was afraid when he saw the angel but the angel reassured him saying, “Fear not, Zacharias, thy prayer is heard.”
God has never placed Himself on man’s time schedule. He often answers our prayers when we finish praying. Other times He may answer our prayers when we have given up. He answers prayer on His own schedule in His own way and for His glory. “Fear not,” the angel said. This is the “fear not” of answered prayer. It is the first of four “fear nots” of the Christmas season. Fear not, for John, the forerunner of the Messiah, is coming to prepare the way of the Lord. John would be called the prophet of the Highest.
The Messiah, Jesus, has come and we are celebrating His birth. He is living in the hearts of believers around the world. When we are afraid of life, or the unknown, or that which we do know, we must pray. As an old song says, “Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.”
Zacharias and his wife Elisabeth were good, elderly, Godly people. But they had no child and they were past the age of child bearing. Evidently they had prayed often that God would give would give them a child. Perhaps they had given up on the idea of a child. They would keep on being faithful servants of God, however. Zacharias was afraid when he saw the angel but the angel reassured him saying, “Fear not, Zacharias, thy prayer is heard.”
God has never placed Himself on man’s time schedule. He often answers our prayers when we finish praying. Other times He may answer our prayers when we have given up. He answers prayer on His own schedule in His own way and for His glory. “Fear not,” the angel said. This is the “fear not” of answered prayer. It is the first of four “fear nots” of the Christmas season. Fear not, for John, the forerunner of the Messiah, is coming to prepare the way of the Lord. John would be called the prophet of the Highest.
The Messiah, Jesus, has come and we are celebrating His birth. He is living in the hearts of believers around the world. When we are afraid of life, or the unknown, or that which we do know, we must pray. As an old song says, “Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.”
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
What it’s All About
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
What is this all about? We cook, eat, string lights, shop, give gifts and travel great distances to see family and friends. That’s the way we celebrate the event, but what is the event?
It is about God sending his angel, Gabriel, to visit a virgin girl to announce that she will have a son. It is about the birth of this Son of God whose name is “Jesus,” so named because He would be the Savior of sinners. It is about God coming to live among mankind as the Word is made flesh. It is about the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies of His birth. It is about the death, burial and resurrection of the Son of God and the promise of His return. It is about the Good Shepherd giving His life for His sheep. It is about peace to all who believe on Him and make Him Lord of their lives.
What is this all about? We cook, eat, string lights, shop, give gifts and travel great distances to see family and friends. That’s the way we celebrate the event, but what is the event?
It is about God sending his angel, Gabriel, to visit a virgin girl to announce that she will have a son. It is about the birth of this Son of God whose name is “Jesus,” so named because He would be the Savior of sinners. It is about God coming to live among mankind as the Word is made flesh. It is about the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies of His birth. It is about the death, burial and resurrection of the Son of God and the promise of His return. It is about the Good Shepherd giving His life for His sheep. It is about peace to all who believe on Him and make Him Lord of their lives.
Monday, December 18, 2017
Don’t Worry
“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7)
Someone asked, “Why worry when you can pray?” Many people worry, fret and are anxious over what might happen. Never worry over things you can do something about. Just do it. Never worry over things you can’t do anything about. Trust God to fix it.
Worry is like a merry-go-round. You get on, go round and round and get off at the same place you got on.
If you have something that is causing you anxiety and worry, pray. Thank God for His promises, His presence, His power and His peace.
Sunday, December 17, 2017
God Supplies Food for His Creatures
“He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.” (Psalm 147:9)
No one need go the pet food store and buy food to take to the woods and feed the creatures. God supplies their food. He feeds the huge elephant. He feeds the small ant. He supplies meat for the roaring lion. I saw a photograph of a bobcat carrying a squirrel she had caught back home to her kittens. God provides food for every creature but they must gather it. It will not be brought to them. The Bible uses the ant as proof of that.
He supplies food for us also. The Bible says, “My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) Like the beasts of the desert and forest we must go after our food. There are some who will not work. The Bible says, “The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labor.” (Proverbs 21:25)
Praise Him for His provision for us and for giving us the health and strength to harvest what He has given us.
No one need go the pet food store and buy food to take to the woods and feed the creatures. God supplies their food. He feeds the huge elephant. He feeds the small ant. He supplies meat for the roaring lion. I saw a photograph of a bobcat carrying a squirrel she had caught back home to her kittens. God provides food for every creature but they must gather it. It will not be brought to them. The Bible uses the ant as proof of that.
He supplies food for us also. The Bible says, “My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) Like the beasts of the desert and forest we must go after our food. There are some who will not work. The Bible says, “The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labor.” (Proverbs 21:25)
Praise Him for His provision for us and for giving us the health and strength to harvest what He has given us.
Saturday, December 16, 2017
The Number of the Stars
“He telleth the number of the stars; He calleth them all by their names.” (Psalm 147:4)
Men who keep up with space, planets and stars tell us there are thousands of stars in the galaxies. Occasionally one sees what we commonly call a “shooting” star or a “falling” star. We never see the spot that its disappearance left. God knows all the stars by name. He knows when one burns out.
He also knows when the little sparrow falls. Maybe it fell from its nest or it flew into an unseen fence wire. God also has the very hairs of your head numbered. (Matt. 10:29-30)
God knows all the details of our lives. Ethel Waters often sang, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” He watches over you every moment of every day.
Men who keep up with space, planets and stars tell us there are thousands of stars in the galaxies. Occasionally one sees what we commonly call a “shooting” star or a “falling” star. We never see the spot that its disappearance left. God knows all the stars by name. He knows when one burns out.
He also knows when the little sparrow falls. Maybe it fell from its nest or it flew into an unseen fence wire. God also has the very hairs of your head numbered. (Matt. 10:29-30)
God knows all the details of our lives. Ethel Waters often sang, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” He watches over you every moment of every day.
Friday, December 15, 2017
Does Anyone Care?
“I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.” (Psalm 142:4)
David was fleeing from Saul and was hiding in a cave. This is the same David who killed the giant, Goliath. People had rejoiced at his victory over the giant. Now he found no one to be his friend and to care for him.
Generations later the Son of David would be arrested, tried and crucified while no one cared. He is the One who restored sight to blind eyes, hearing to deaf ears, mobility to crippled feet, life to the dead and who fed five thousand men besides women and children.
Jesus understands when no one cares whether you live or die. In every trial, burden and consequence you experience, Jesus cares for you. He is the Friend who sticks closer than a brother. He was caring for us when He went to the cross and died. He was caring for us in His glorious resurrection. He is caring for us even now as He makes intercession to the Father on our behalf.
Call on this friend. You are not alone.
David was fleeing from Saul and was hiding in a cave. This is the same David who killed the giant, Goliath. People had rejoiced at his victory over the giant. Now he found no one to be his friend and to care for him.
Generations later the Son of David would be arrested, tried and crucified while no one cared. He is the One who restored sight to blind eyes, hearing to deaf ears, mobility to crippled feet, life to the dead and who fed five thousand men besides women and children.
Jesus understands when no one cares whether you live or die. In every trial, burden and consequence you experience, Jesus cares for you. He is the Friend who sticks closer than a brother. He was caring for us when He went to the cross and died. He was caring for us in His glorious resurrection. He is caring for us even now as He makes intercession to the Father on our behalf.
Call on this friend. You are not alone.
Thursday, December 14, 2017
A Word from the Lord
“Is there any word from the Lord? And Jeremiah said, ‘There is.’” (Jeremiah 37:17)
Zedekiah, king of Judah, was facing certain captivity at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar the king of the Chaldeans. Zedekiah had put Jeremiah in prison because he did not like Jeremiah’s message. When the king released the prophet, king Zedekiah asked, “Is there any word from the Lord” thinking perhaps that jail time had softened the prophet and that he had changed his message. There was still a word from the Lord and it had not changed.
There is always a word from the Lord, and it never changes. Sin is still sin. Right is right and wrong is wrong. Our God is a God of mercy, compassion, patience, grace and love. But these are not to be understood to mean that our actions do not matter to God.
Hell is still the eternal destiny for those who reject Christ and do not believe on Him. Heaven is still the eternal home of those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Centuries have not altered it. There is a word from the Lord.
Zedekiah, king of Judah, was facing certain captivity at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar the king of the Chaldeans. Zedekiah had put Jeremiah in prison because he did not like Jeremiah’s message. When the king released the prophet, king Zedekiah asked, “Is there any word from the Lord” thinking perhaps that jail time had softened the prophet and that he had changed his message. There was still a word from the Lord and it had not changed.
There is always a word from the Lord, and it never changes. Sin is still sin. Right is right and wrong is wrong. Our God is a God of mercy, compassion, patience, grace and love. But these are not to be understood to mean that our actions do not matter to God.
Hell is still the eternal destiny for those who reject Christ and do not believe on Him. Heaven is still the eternal home of those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Centuries have not altered it. There is a word from the Lord.
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Why Do Bad Things Happen?
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)
A seven year old child is raped and murdered. An infant is raped and killed by her father. A man is shot multiple times while he is begging for his life. Someone comes between a man and his wife, ultimately ending in divorce leaving three small children to become wards of the state. Someone steals a vehicle while it was parked in the owner’s driveway. Men get in a fight resulting from “road rage,” and one of them is shot and killed by the other. Nations rise against nation. Terrorists cause peace to be gone, replaced by fear.
Why do bad things happen? Why is there so much hatred in the world? There will be no peace until the Prince of Peace comes to rule in the hearts of men, because men’s hearts are desperately wicked. Only Jesus, the Son of God can change a sinful heart.
A seven year old child is raped and murdered. An infant is raped and killed by her father. A man is shot multiple times while he is begging for his life. Someone comes between a man and his wife, ultimately ending in divorce leaving three small children to become wards of the state. Someone steals a vehicle while it was parked in the owner’s driveway. Men get in a fight resulting from “road rage,” and one of them is shot and killed by the other. Nations rise against nation. Terrorists cause peace to be gone, replaced by fear.
Why do bad things happen? Why is there so much hatred in the world? There will be no peace until the Prince of Peace comes to rule in the hearts of men, because men’s hearts are desperately wicked. Only Jesus, the Son of God can change a sinful heart.
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Wait on the Lord
“And Moses said unto the people, ‘Fear not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will show you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever.” (Exodus 14:13)
Waiting on the Lord may become no more that a theory to be discussed in Sunday school if we do not actually wait on the Lord. The Children of Israel were leaving the slavery of Egypt against the will of Pharaoh. Israel was being pursued by the Egyptian army. The Red Sea was in front of them.
Perhaps you have been there, between the devil and the deep blue sea, between a rock and a hard place, so to speak. The only words you could utter were, “What am I going to do?” It wasn’t Pharaoh’s army chasing you and it wasn’t the Red Sea in front of you. Your only hope was God’s intervention. The psalmist said, “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14)
They waited and God parted the waters of the Red Sea so that the Israelites could walk to the other side on dry ground. Pharaoh’s army drowned when they went into the water to apprehend the Israelites. Israel waited on God and He delivered them as only God can do. He will deliver you through difficult times if you have courage and faith to wait and not run ahead of Him.
Waiting on the Lord may become no more that a theory to be discussed in Sunday school if we do not actually wait on the Lord. The Children of Israel were leaving the slavery of Egypt against the will of Pharaoh. Israel was being pursued by the Egyptian army. The Red Sea was in front of them.
Perhaps you have been there, between the devil and the deep blue sea, between a rock and a hard place, so to speak. The only words you could utter were, “What am I going to do?” It wasn’t Pharaoh’s army chasing you and it wasn’t the Red Sea in front of you. Your only hope was God’s intervention. The psalmist said, “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14)
They waited and God parted the waters of the Red Sea so that the Israelites could walk to the other side on dry ground. Pharaoh’s army drowned when they went into the water to apprehend the Israelites. Israel waited on God and He delivered them as only God can do. He will deliver you through difficult times if you have courage and faith to wait and not run ahead of Him.
Monday, December 11, 2017
The Groom and Best Man
"He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30)
In a wedding setting describing Jesus and John the Baptist, it’s not a stretch to say that Jesus is the bridegroom, John is the best man and the church is the bride. John was describing the groom’s role and the role of the best man.
I have been to many weddings and performed numerous ceremonies for young couples. Except in some comedy on television I have never seen the best man try to steal the bride from the groom. The spotlight is not on the best man. The role of the best man is to be the friend of both the bride and groom. He is to make sure all arrangements are made properly while remaining in the background, out of sight.
John’s attitude, “He must increase but I must decrease,” is the proper attitude of all the followers and friends of Jesus. We are to point people to Jesus. We are not to present ourselves, our music, our church building or our programs ahead of Jesus. The spotlight is not to be on us but on Jesus Christ.
In a wedding setting describing Jesus and John the Baptist, it’s not a stretch to say that Jesus is the bridegroom, John is the best man and the church is the bride. John was describing the groom’s role and the role of the best man.
I have been to many weddings and performed numerous ceremonies for young couples. Except in some comedy on television I have never seen the best man try to steal the bride from the groom. The spotlight is not on the best man. The role of the best man is to be the friend of both the bride and groom. He is to make sure all arrangements are made properly while remaining in the background, out of sight.
John’s attitude, “He must increase but I must decrease,” is the proper attitude of all the followers and friends of Jesus. We are to point people to Jesus. We are not to present ourselves, our music, our church building or our programs ahead of Jesus. The spotlight is not to be on us but on Jesus Christ.
Sunday, December 10, 2017
Concern for Lost Souls
“…I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: who are Israelites.” (Romans 9:2-4)
The late Robert Pierce, who was the founder and leader of World Vision International, said, “May my heart be broken with that which breaks the heart of God.” Jesus came to Jerusalem and wept over the city saying, “Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem, if you had known…” (Luke 19: 41-45)
I have seen grown men weeping over their unsaved children. I have seen wives weeping and praying for lost husbands. I had a good friend who would attempt to witness to someone and then break down in tears with his hand on the other man’s shoulder. The other man would begin to weep over his own sins and lost condition and then and there give his heart to Jesus.
I know a Christian lady whose husband was unsaved and never attended church. She would get their four children ready for church every Sunday. Then she would lay out her husband’s clothes and tell him that his clothes were ready if he decided to come later. Sunday after Sunday for years this went on. Then one Sunday as the church members were standing and singing their first hymn he slipped in beside her. Either that Sunday or the next he was saved.
Oh, God, let my heart be broken with that which breaks your heart.
The late Robert Pierce, who was the founder and leader of World Vision International, said, “May my heart be broken with that which breaks the heart of God.” Jesus came to Jerusalem and wept over the city saying, “Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem, if you had known…” (Luke 19: 41-45)
I have seen grown men weeping over their unsaved children. I have seen wives weeping and praying for lost husbands. I had a good friend who would attempt to witness to someone and then break down in tears with his hand on the other man’s shoulder. The other man would begin to weep over his own sins and lost condition and then and there give his heart to Jesus.
I know a Christian lady whose husband was unsaved and never attended church. She would get their four children ready for church every Sunday. Then she would lay out her husband’s clothes and tell him that his clothes were ready if he decided to come later. Sunday after Sunday for years this went on. Then one Sunday as the church members were standing and singing their first hymn he slipped in beside her. Either that Sunday or the next he was saved.
Oh, God, let my heart be broken with that which breaks your heart.
Saturday, December 9, 2017
Growing our Faith
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)
Several years ago my wife said she was asking God to increase her faith or to give her more faith. She told me as she was dealing with that, our text for today came into her mind. As she read it, God seemed to say to her, “If you want more faith read my word.” Her sharing that with me has been a tremendous help for me in times of my weak faith.
We must stay in the word, reading it, studying it, memorizing it, and meditating upon it. We must hear it expounded from the pulpit. Paul reminded Timothy to, “Preach the word.”
It is through God’s word that we discover our desperate condition and our need for salvation. We discover in the Bible how much God loves us. We discover through the Word of God that salvation is, “by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone.” There is only one way and He is that way. Have faith in God.”
Several years ago my wife said she was asking God to increase her faith or to give her more faith. She told me as she was dealing with that, our text for today came into her mind. As she read it, God seemed to say to her, “If you want more faith read my word.” Her sharing that with me has been a tremendous help for me in times of my weak faith.
We must stay in the word, reading it, studying it, memorizing it, and meditating upon it. We must hear it expounded from the pulpit. Paul reminded Timothy to, “Preach the word.”
It is through God’s word that we discover our desperate condition and our need for salvation. We discover in the Bible how much God loves us. We discover through the Word of God that salvation is, “by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone.” There is only one way and He is that way. Have faith in God.”
Friday, December 8, 2017
An Invitation to You
“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
As a preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ I have given many invitations for people to come to Jesus. I have heard many invitations from other preachers through the years. When we preach and give an invitation to Christ we are doing what Jesus did and what He authorized us to do.
The invitation to come to Jesus is “inclusive” and not “exclusive.” The word “all” includes everyone who is laboring and is heavy laden. Additionally, the word, “ye” is plural in number. It means everyone. People in Christless religions, bowing down to sticks, stones, the moon, stars and the sun are laboring in an attempt to please God and be accepted of Him. Many people are laden with sin and guilt. Many are laboring with health problems and financial burdens. Whatever your burden or whoever you are, Jesus invites you to come to Him and accept His promise that He will give you rest.
As a preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ I have given many invitations for people to come to Jesus. I have heard many invitations from other preachers through the years. When we preach and give an invitation to Christ we are doing what Jesus did and what He authorized us to do.
The invitation to come to Jesus is “inclusive” and not “exclusive.” The word “all” includes everyone who is laboring and is heavy laden. Additionally, the word, “ye” is plural in number. It means everyone. People in Christless religions, bowing down to sticks, stones, the moon, stars and the sun are laboring in an attempt to please God and be accepted of Him. Many people are laden with sin and guilt. Many are laboring with health problems and financial burdens. Whatever your burden or whoever you are, Jesus invites you to come to Him and accept His promise that He will give you rest.
Thursday, December 7, 2017
Don’t Be Caught off Guard
“Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh." (Matthew 25:13)
Seventy-six years ago today, on December 7, 1941, America was attacked by the Japanese navy in a surprise air operation. We were not warned nor were we ready. Several of our ships were destroyed and sunk. The USS Arizona was sunk killing more than 1,100 soldiers. As a result the United States entered World War Two and vowed never to be caught unprepared again. A popular song in that long ago time was, “Let’s All Remember Pearl Harbor.”
Sometime out in the future, at a time not revealed to man, the Lord Jesus Christ will come back and claim His own. Many people will be as unprepared as the nation was on December 7, 1941. You can be prepared if you will accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. Jesus tells us to watch because we do not know the day nor hour when our Lord shall return.
Seventy-six years ago today, on December 7, 1941, America was attacked by the Japanese navy in a surprise air operation. We were not warned nor were we ready. Several of our ships were destroyed and sunk. The USS Arizona was sunk killing more than 1,100 soldiers. As a result the United States entered World War Two and vowed never to be caught unprepared again. A popular song in that long ago time was, “Let’s All Remember Pearl Harbor.”
Sometime out in the future, at a time not revealed to man, the Lord Jesus Christ will come back and claim His own. Many people will be as unprepared as the nation was on December 7, 1941. You can be prepared if you will accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. Jesus tells us to watch because we do not know the day nor hour when our Lord shall return.
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
The Church and Intercessory Prayer
“Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” (Acts 12:5)
Being a Christian is no guarantee that we will have no problems. In fact, being a Christian sometimes invites trouble. James the brother of John had been killed by order of Herod the king. When Herod saw that the killing of this follower of Jesus pleased the Jews, he proceeded to put Peter in prison intending to kill him later.
Peter was in prison but the church was praying for him. The church today would make a difference if we prayed more and played less.
As we look at this passage of scripture there are seven facts about intercessory prayer.
God doesn’t always open the prison doors. We must pray and leave the results up to Him, as Jesus prayed in the Garden, “…not my will but thine be done.”
Being a Christian is no guarantee that we will have no problems. In fact, being a Christian sometimes invites trouble. James the brother of John had been killed by order of Herod the king. When Herod saw that the killing of this follower of Jesus pleased the Jews, he proceeded to put Peter in prison intending to kill him later.
Peter was in prison but the church was praying for him. The church today would make a difference if we prayed more and played less.
As we look at this passage of scripture there are seven facts about intercessory prayer.
- They prayed unceasingly.
- They prayed specifically.
- They involved the entire church.
- They directed their prayer to God.
- They prayed unselfishly for others.
- They failed to pray in faith but God answered. Verses 13-17 tell us of their lack of faith.
- Their intercessory prayer created a stir. (verse 18)
God doesn’t always open the prison doors. We must pray and leave the results up to Him, as Jesus prayed in the Garden, “…not my will but thine be done.”
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
They Had Been with Jesus
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus.”(Acts 4:13)
Peter and John were giving their testimony before the Jewish Sanhedrin Council. Peter had just declared that salvation was in Jesus only. Our text says the authorities saw the boldness of these two mighty men of God. Further their perception was that they were uneducated and ignorant. Third, the council knew that they had been with Jesus.
When you and I spend time with Jesus reading His Word and hearing and heeding what He says, it will show. Do you ever feel intimidated when you share your testimony with someone? The more time you spend with Him the more boldness He will give.
People may speak of you and me as uneducated buffoons when we worship the Lord and resist the world. But they will know by your life and testimony that you have been with Jesus. How much time do you spend, not working for Him, but worshiping Him?
Peter and John were giving their testimony before the Jewish Sanhedrin Council. Peter had just declared that salvation was in Jesus only. Our text says the authorities saw the boldness of these two mighty men of God. Further their perception was that they were uneducated and ignorant. Third, the council knew that they had been with Jesus.
When you and I spend time with Jesus reading His Word and hearing and heeding what He says, it will show. Do you ever feel intimidated when you share your testimony with someone? The more time you spend with Him the more boldness He will give.
People may speak of you and me as uneducated buffoons when we worship the Lord and resist the world. But they will know by your life and testimony that you have been with Jesus. How much time do you spend, not working for Him, but worshiping Him?
Monday, December 4, 2017
Tell the Good News
“For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20)
When you have good news you want others to know about it. When the doctor told my wife and I that we were going to be parents, we were excited and told everyone we knew. You would have thought that no one else had ever given birth to a child. My wife could barely wait to get into maternity clothes.
In our first church I invited a black pastor and his choir to come and sing. They sang several songs but the one I remember more than fifty years later had these words: “I said I wasn’t gonna tell nobody what the Lord has done for me,” repeated about three times followed by, “but I couldn’t keep it to myself,” repeated about three times. It is the truth. When someone is genuinely saved, all their sins have been washed away in the blood of the Lamb and Jesus is now dwelling within, you just cannot keep it to yourself.
That’s where Peter and John were. They had seen the crucifixion and the empty tomb. They had seen the proofs of the resurrection during the forty days before Jesus ascended back to heaven. They had to tell it. They couldn’t keep it to themselves. This is good news. Don’t keep it to yourself.
When you have good news you want others to know about it. When the doctor told my wife and I that we were going to be parents, we were excited and told everyone we knew. You would have thought that no one else had ever given birth to a child. My wife could barely wait to get into maternity clothes.
In our first church I invited a black pastor and his choir to come and sing. They sang several songs but the one I remember more than fifty years later had these words: “I said I wasn’t gonna tell nobody what the Lord has done for me,” repeated about three times followed by, “but I couldn’t keep it to myself,” repeated about three times. It is the truth. When someone is genuinely saved, all their sins have been washed away in the blood of the Lamb and Jesus is now dwelling within, you just cannot keep it to yourself.
That’s where Peter and John were. They had seen the crucifixion and the empty tomb. They had seen the proofs of the resurrection during the forty days before Jesus ascended back to heaven. They had to tell it. They couldn’t keep it to themselves. This is good news. Don’t keep it to yourself.
Sunday, December 3, 2017
And With His Brothers
“These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus and with His brethren.” (Acts 1:14)
There is a passage about Jesus’ earthly half brothers, the sons of Mary and Joseph, that they did not believe in Jesus. They grew up in the same home with Jesus and their sisters. It was time for the annual Feast of Tabernacles at Jerusalem. His half brothers dared Him to go to Judea where He had great opposition. (John 7:1-5)
When we read our text for today we find Jesus’ brothers with the one hundred and twenty believers gathered in an upper room for a ten day prayer meeting. Later we find two of His brothers, James and Jude writing two of the epistles we have today. So, what made the difference?
There were a number of things that changed their attitudes about Jesus. First they witnessed Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross. Second, they heard Jesus speak from the cross entrusting Mary, their mother, into the care of John the Apostle. That must have pricked their hearts, realizing they were not worthy to take care of their mother. Third, they knew that Jesus, who was dead, was now alive following His resurrection.
One cannot go to the cross and the empty tomb and remain the same.
There is a passage about Jesus’ earthly half brothers, the sons of Mary and Joseph, that they did not believe in Jesus. They grew up in the same home with Jesus and their sisters. It was time for the annual Feast of Tabernacles at Jerusalem. His half brothers dared Him to go to Judea where He had great opposition. (John 7:1-5)
When we read our text for today we find Jesus’ brothers with the one hundred and twenty believers gathered in an upper room for a ten day prayer meeting. Later we find two of His brothers, James and Jude writing two of the epistles we have today. So, what made the difference?
There were a number of things that changed their attitudes about Jesus. First they witnessed Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross. Second, they heard Jesus speak from the cross entrusting Mary, their mother, into the care of John the Apostle. That must have pricked their hearts, realizing they were not worthy to take care of their mother. Third, they knew that Jesus, who was dead, was now alive following His resurrection.
One cannot go to the cross and the empty tomb and remain the same.
Saturday, December 2, 2017
No Guarantees of a Tomorrow
“Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” (Proverbs 27:1)
The Bible says that today is the day of salvation. You cannot go back and get saved yesterday. Yesterday is in the history books. You cannot count on getting saved tomorrow because tomorrow may not come. Within twenty-four hours from now a person may have a stroke, a fatal automobile accident or a heart attack.
The only time we have is now. I have witnessed to people who said, “I’m not ready right now. I have some things I need to work out. I will get saved later.” That is a terrible chance to take.
Neither can we Christians put off until tomorrow raising our kids in church. We cannot put off witnessing to a lost person until tomorrow.
The Bible says that today is the day of salvation. You cannot go back and get saved yesterday. Yesterday is in the history books. You cannot count on getting saved tomorrow because tomorrow may not come. Within twenty-four hours from now a person may have a stroke, a fatal automobile accident or a heart attack.
The only time we have is now. I have witnessed to people who said, “I’m not ready right now. I have some things I need to work out. I will get saved later.” That is a terrible chance to take.
Neither can we Christians put off until tomorrow raising our kids in church. We cannot put off witnessing to a lost person until tomorrow.
Friday, December 1, 2017
Be Ready
“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh.” (Matthew 24:44)
As we make preparations for Christmas we have a deadline marked on our calendars when we celebrate the first coming of Jesus in Bethelhem. However, no one knows the time of the second coming of Jesus. It is not marked on your calendar.
Damage is done to the Christian testimony when someone claims to have a new revelation from God concerning the end. We were told in 1988 when three comets aligned just right that Jesus would come at that time. It never happened. Some false prophet made the announcement that Jesus would return this past September 2017. Did it happen?
Jesus never told when His return would take place. He simply said for us to always be ready. We are to live as though He could return today. Don’t look for signs; look for the Son.
As we make preparations for Christmas we have a deadline marked on our calendars when we celebrate the first coming of Jesus in Bethelhem. However, no one knows the time of the second coming of Jesus. It is not marked on your calendar.
Damage is done to the Christian testimony when someone claims to have a new revelation from God concerning the end. We were told in 1988 when three comets aligned just right that Jesus would come at that time. It never happened. Some false prophet made the announcement that Jesus would return this past September 2017. Did it happen?
Jesus never told when His return would take place. He simply said for us to always be ready. We are to live as though He could return today. Don’t look for signs; look for the Son.
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Don’t Despise the Word of God
“Despise not prophesying.” (I Thessalonians 5:20)
Prophesying was one of the ways the Word of God was spread in the first century. It was not always “foretelling.” Often it was “forth-telling,” telling forth the Word of God. The Word was preached and passed along verbally from one person to another. “Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” (II Peter 1:21) Apparently there were people who despised prophesying, seeing that Paul found it necessary to address the issue.
Two pre-teen boys were at one of those country church gatherings where, following the noon meal, people sat and heard three or four sermons and some gospel singing. One of the boys went up the hill above the church for a breath of fresh air. On his way back down the hill he met the other boy. Asked the first boy, “Is the preaching done yet?” To which the other one replied, “The preaching is done but they ain’t done nothing about it yet.”
Neglecting the straight forward preaching and doing nothing about it is one of the many ways people despise prophesying. Missing church for a ball game on television, taking the family to the beach on Sunday, or a host of other entertaining things because we despise prophesying, counting it of no value are ways we show how we despise the word.
Prophesying was one of the ways the Word of God was spread in the first century. It was not always “foretelling.” Often it was “forth-telling,” telling forth the Word of God. The Word was preached and passed along verbally from one person to another. “Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” (II Peter 1:21) Apparently there were people who despised prophesying, seeing that Paul found it necessary to address the issue.
Two pre-teen boys were at one of those country church gatherings where, following the noon meal, people sat and heard three or four sermons and some gospel singing. One of the boys went up the hill above the church for a breath of fresh air. On his way back down the hill he met the other boy. Asked the first boy, “Is the preaching done yet?” To which the other one replied, “The preaching is done but they ain’t done nothing about it yet.”
Neglecting the straight forward preaching and doing nothing about it is one of the many ways people despise prophesying. Missing church for a ball game on television, taking the family to the beach on Sunday, or a host of other entertaining things because we despise prophesying, counting it of no value are ways we show how we despise the word.
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Oh, Come Let Us Adore Him
“…the borrower is servant to the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7)
Before you load up your shopping buggy with Christmas gifts and max out your credit cards with debt be reminded of our text for today. I read somewhere years ago, “Don’t spend money you don’t have, for things you don’t need to impress people you don’t know.” God never intended for Christmas to be a spending spree, nor a deep hole of debt.
Once in a while debt or credit is necessary. However, Satan will encourage us to become debt ridden and to become slaves to the one who has loaned us money. If we make huge debts, spending up to “the hilt,” we will find it difficult to give money to the Lord for missions, or to buy goods for the needy or to bring our tithes into the storehouse. Our creditor, who has become our master, demands his first.
Christmas is about the Savior, the Son of God, who came into the world to save sinners from their sins and from hell. Don’t become a slave to credit or creditors thinking it will make you have a better Christmas. Have a wonderful season of worshiping and adoring Him during this Christmas.
Before you load up your shopping buggy with Christmas gifts and max out your credit cards with debt be reminded of our text for today. I read somewhere years ago, “Don’t spend money you don’t have, for things you don’t need to impress people you don’t know.” God never intended for Christmas to be a spending spree, nor a deep hole of debt.
Once in a while debt or credit is necessary. However, Satan will encourage us to become debt ridden and to become slaves to the one who has loaned us money. If we make huge debts, spending up to “the hilt,” we will find it difficult to give money to the Lord for missions, or to buy goods for the needy or to bring our tithes into the storehouse. Our creditor, who has become our master, demands his first.
Christmas is about the Savior, the Son of God, who came into the world to save sinners from their sins and from hell. Don’t become a slave to credit or creditors thinking it will make you have a better Christmas. Have a wonderful season of worshiping and adoring Him during this Christmas.
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Some Good Things to Do
“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, Oh most High.” (Psalm 92:1)
There are many good things we can do such as feeding the poor, giving money to support missionaries, visiting the crippled, lame and sick in the nursing homes and giving comfort to them. It is a good thing to visit the unsaved in an attempt to introduce them to Jesus. Saying a kind and encouraging word to someone in our church is a good thing.
The psalmist tells us in our text that it a good thing to give thanks to the LORD. Have you thanked Him for a pillow on which to lay head at night? We need to thank Him for the clothes in our closets, a roof over our heads and food in the pantry and refrigerator. Thank Him for good health.
The psalmist says also that it is a good thing to sing praises unto His name. Everyone can make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Watching and listening silently while everyone else has the privilege of singing praises to Him isn't enough. It is a good thing for all of us to sing praises to His name.
There are many good things we can do such as feeding the poor, giving money to support missionaries, visiting the crippled, lame and sick in the nursing homes and giving comfort to them. It is a good thing to visit the unsaved in an attempt to introduce them to Jesus. Saying a kind and encouraging word to someone in our church is a good thing.
The psalmist tells us in our text that it a good thing to give thanks to the LORD. Have you thanked Him for a pillow on which to lay head at night? We need to thank Him for the clothes in our closets, a roof over our heads and food in the pantry and refrigerator. Thank Him for good health.
The psalmist says also that it is a good thing to sing praises unto His name. Everyone can make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Watching and listening silently while everyone else has the privilege of singing praises to Him isn't enough. It is a good thing for all of us to sing praises to His name.
Monday, November 27, 2017
Bearing Burdens
“For every man shall bear his own burden.” (Galatians 6:5)
My Dad was preaching a sermon on personal responsibility for the Christian. Somewhere in his sermon he was making reference to what we call, “Chimney Corner Scripture.” It is not the inspired word of God but many people have adopted it as inspired Bible truth. He mentioned five or six as illustrations. One of several dad’s illustrations for “Chimney Corner Scripture” was, “Every tub has to sit on its own bottom.” An old gentleman was visiting that Sunday and gave a good and loud, “Amen, brother.” That certainly is not in the Bible but our text is.
Every person must accept the responsibility for his own burdens. However, in the verses previous to our text we are admonished to help others who are bearing burdens too heavy to bear alone. We Christians are to express Christian love by helping the person with a heavy burden. That does not mean that we should shirk the responsibility of bearing our own burdens.
My Dad was preaching a sermon on personal responsibility for the Christian. Somewhere in his sermon he was making reference to what we call, “Chimney Corner Scripture.” It is not the inspired word of God but many people have adopted it as inspired Bible truth. He mentioned five or six as illustrations. One of several dad’s illustrations for “Chimney Corner Scripture” was, “Every tub has to sit on its own bottom.” An old gentleman was visiting that Sunday and gave a good and loud, “Amen, brother.” That certainly is not in the Bible but our text is.
Every person must accept the responsibility for his own burdens. However, in the verses previous to our text we are admonished to help others who are bearing burdens too heavy to bear alone. We Christians are to express Christian love by helping the person with a heavy burden. That does not mean that we should shirk the responsibility of bearing our own burdens.
Sunday, November 26, 2017
Only Luke
“Only Luke is with me.” (II Timothy 4:11)
Have you ever been betrayed by someone or a group of people? Paul was one who knew the feeling. Demas had forsaken Paul in one of his darkest days. Paul was in the Roman jail waiting for the executioner to come and take his life. Demas’ leaving, no doubt caused great pain to the Apostle. “Only Luke is with me,” Paul said. Praise God for the person who will stay by your side when everyone else forsakes and betrays you. There was no notion of betrayal in Luke’s make up.
Our Lord also knew the pain of betrayal. Judas Iscariot had pretended to be Jesus’ friend but Judas delivered Him to the Jews for thirty pieces of silver and betrayed Him with a kiss. Our Lord understood the pain of betrayal
The Lord was another one who stood with Paul and never forsook him. “The Lord is with me.” (II Timothy 4:17) He has given us a promise that, just as He stood with Paul when others turned their backs that “He will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
Have you ever been betrayed by someone or a group of people? Paul was one who knew the feeling. Demas had forsaken Paul in one of his darkest days. Paul was in the Roman jail waiting for the executioner to come and take his life. Demas’ leaving, no doubt caused great pain to the Apostle. “Only Luke is with me,” Paul said. Praise God for the person who will stay by your side when everyone else forsakes and betrays you. There was no notion of betrayal in Luke’s make up.
Our Lord also knew the pain of betrayal. Judas Iscariot had pretended to be Jesus’ friend but Judas delivered Him to the Jews for thirty pieces of silver and betrayed Him with a kiss. Our Lord understood the pain of betrayal
The Lord was another one who stood with Paul and never forsook him. “The Lord is with me.” (II Timothy 4:17) He has given us a promise that, just as He stood with Paul when others turned their backs that “He will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
Saturday, November 25, 2017
Turning Back to Give Thanks
“And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.” (Luke 17:15-16)
Instead of ridiculing the nine for their thanklessness, let us look at the Samaritan for what he did. He was one of ten lepers. Jesus healed all ten of then. This man turned back and gave thanks for what Jesus had done for him.
Let us not wait to see what others are doing to do the right thing. God abundantly blesses all of us in a multitude of ways every day. We should continually, day by day, moment by moment give a prayer of thanks to our Savior, our Shepherd, our provider and protector for His blessings upon us.
Instead of ridiculing the nine for their thanklessness, let us look at the Samaritan for what he did. He was one of ten lepers. Jesus healed all ten of then. This man turned back and gave thanks for what Jesus had done for him.
Let us not wait to see what others are doing to do the right thing. God abundantly blesses all of us in a multitude of ways every day. We should continually, day by day, moment by moment give a prayer of thanks to our Savior, our Shepherd, our provider and protector for His blessings upon us.
Friday, November 24, 2017
Keep Giving Thanks
"Let your conversation (conduct) be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: For He has said, 'I will never leave you, nor forsake you.'" (Hebrews 13:5)
On the day after Thanksgiving Day it is O.K. to still be thankful. You don't need a bundle of money to spend on so called "Black Friday Bargains" in order to be thankful. You can be thankful and content with the countless blessings that are already in your life.
A prescription for misery is to "spend money you don't have to buy things you don't need to impress people you don't even know."
Our text says, "...be content with such things as you have." And then it tells us the reason why we should be content, "For He has said, 'I will never leave you, nor forsake you.'"
It is a good thing to be content with what we have and to be thankful for it. The blessings we experienced yesterday are enough to continue our thanksgiving throughout the coming year. Let's not wait until November, 2018 to be thankful again.
On the day after Thanksgiving Day it is O.K. to still be thankful. You don't need a bundle of money to spend on so called "Black Friday Bargains" in order to be thankful. You can be thankful and content with the countless blessings that are already in your life.
A prescription for misery is to "spend money you don't have to buy things you don't need to impress people you don't even know."
Our text says, "...be content with such things as you have." And then it tells us the reason why we should be content, "For He has said, 'I will never leave you, nor forsake you.'"
It is a good thing to be content with what we have and to be thankful for it. The blessings we experienced yesterday are enough to continue our thanksgiving throughout the coming year. Let's not wait until November, 2018 to be thankful again.
Thursday, November 23, 2017
Be Thankful unto Him
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.” (Psalm 100:4)
Today is “Thanksgiving Day” in the United States. It is good that we have a day set aside for the purpose of giving thanks to Almighty God for all His benefits toward us. We should give thanks to Him every day, not just on one day per year.
The commercialization of Christmas is causing too many merchants and their customers to skip over Thanksgiving and ignore the meaning of Christmas for “Black Friday” thus leaving God out completely. I am thankful for the merchants who have chosen to be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
A favorite Norman Rockwell print shows a family, mother, father, and two small children, sitting around a table in a restaurant. The waitress has brought their food and placed it on the table. Their heads are bowed in prayer. In the background are working men looking on in awe.
Take time to pray a short prayer of thanksgiving every day. “Be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.”
Today is “Thanksgiving Day” in the United States. It is good that we have a day set aside for the purpose of giving thanks to Almighty God for all His benefits toward us. We should give thanks to Him every day, not just on one day per year.
The commercialization of Christmas is causing too many merchants and their customers to skip over Thanksgiving and ignore the meaning of Christmas for “Black Friday” thus leaving God out completely. I am thankful for the merchants who have chosen to be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
A favorite Norman Rockwell print shows a family, mother, father, and two small children, sitting around a table in a restaurant. The waitress has brought their food and placed it on the table. Their heads are bowed in prayer. In the background are working men looking on in awe.
Take time to pray a short prayer of thanksgiving every day. “Be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.”
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Available Strength
“Pray without ceasing.” (I Thessalonians 5:17)
A little boy was trying to remove a huge rock from his back yard play area. As he struggled his dad was watching from inside the house.
His dad came out and asked, “Have you used all your strength?” “Yes daddy,” replied the little boy. Dad said, “You haven’s asked me to help.” The little boy asked, “Daddy, will you help me?” when Daddy helped, the rock was removed without a problem.
We all have “rocks” and other hindrances in our pathways. We need the Father to help us. The verse for today is a command to pray always. If you haven’t prayed you haven’t used all the energy available to you. Other believers are struggling with their burdens. Pray for them that they would ask God to help them.
A little boy was trying to remove a huge rock from his back yard play area. As he struggled his dad was watching from inside the house.
His dad came out and asked, “Have you used all your strength?” “Yes daddy,” replied the little boy. Dad said, “You haven’s asked me to help.” The little boy asked, “Daddy, will you help me?” when Daddy helped, the rock was removed without a problem.
We all have “rocks” and other hindrances in our pathways. We need the Father to help us. The verse for today is a command to pray always. If you haven’t prayed you haven’t used all the energy available to you. Other believers are struggling with their burdens. Pray for them that they would ask God to help them.
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
Don’t Put Out the Fire
“Quench not the Spirit.” ( I Thessalonians 5:19)
On my way to the hospital to make some visits I saw thick black smoke billowing up from a building on fire. Then I saw three fire trucks with their sirens blasting, calling for the right of way. I finished my visits in about thirty minutes and left the hospital. There was no sign of smoke anywhere. The firemen on the trucks had put out the fire: they quenched the flames.
Often the Holy Spirit will come to us like a roaring fire telling us He has a job for us. When Paul and Barnabas were ministering to the infant church of Antioch the Holy Spirit said, “Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.” They then left Antioch on their first missionary journey.
I can think of all kinds of excuses they could have given for not going. They would have put out the fire: they would have quenched the Holy Spirit.
Don’t put out the fire God has placed in you to do His work and to serve Him. If there is a fire in your heart for your unsaved neighbors go witness to them knowing that the One who built the fire will direct you in what to say.
On my way to the hospital to make some visits I saw thick black smoke billowing up from a building on fire. Then I saw three fire trucks with their sirens blasting, calling for the right of way. I finished my visits in about thirty minutes and left the hospital. There was no sign of smoke anywhere. The firemen on the trucks had put out the fire: they quenched the flames.
Often the Holy Spirit will come to us like a roaring fire telling us He has a job for us. When Paul and Barnabas were ministering to the infant church of Antioch the Holy Spirit said, “Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.” They then left Antioch on their first missionary journey.
I can think of all kinds of excuses they could have given for not going. They would have put out the fire: they would have quenched the Holy Spirit.
Don’t put out the fire God has placed in you to do His work and to serve Him. If there is a fire in your heart for your unsaved neighbors go witness to them knowing that the One who built the fire will direct you in what to say.
Monday, November 20, 2017
Pray for your Preacher
“Brethren, pray for us.” (I Thessalonians 5:25)
There is a song that says, “I need the prayers of those I love.” Paul is making a request to his Christian brothers in the church of Thessalonica. “Pray for us,” is a simple request.
No preacher has gotten so big that he can be the “Lone Ranger” in his ministry, thinking he needs no help. That man will be cut down sooner or later. And no preacher is so small that the prayers of the saints will not help.
Preachers are weak human beings. We need the prayers of brothers and sisters in Christ. I receive words of assurance and encouragement frequently from someone who is praying for me, and it is greatly appreciated. My suggestion is that you make a prayer list of pastors, evangelists, missionaries and others in the Lord’s work and pray for them every day. Every preacher I know needs the prayers of fellow believers.
The devil would like nothing better than to see a preacher fall. Pray for the men who open the Word of God and share it with a congregation of people Sunday after Sunday.
There is a song that says, “I need the prayers of those I love.” Paul is making a request to his Christian brothers in the church of Thessalonica. “Pray for us,” is a simple request.
No preacher has gotten so big that he can be the “Lone Ranger” in his ministry, thinking he needs no help. That man will be cut down sooner or later. And no preacher is so small that the prayers of the saints will not help.
Preachers are weak human beings. We need the prayers of brothers and sisters in Christ. I receive words of assurance and encouragement frequently from someone who is praying for me, and it is greatly appreciated. My suggestion is that you make a prayer list of pastors, evangelists, missionaries and others in the Lord’s work and pray for them every day. Every preacher I know needs the prayers of fellow believers.
The devil would like nothing better than to see a preacher fall. Pray for the men who open the Word of God and share it with a congregation of people Sunday after Sunday.
Sunday, November 19, 2017
God and Impossibilities
“Is there anything too hard for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14)
This question is asked of Abraham when he and Sarah had three visitors announcing that Abraham and Sarah would have a son when he would be one hundred and she, ninety. It looked more like a laughable impossibility than a fact of life. She did give birth just as the visitors said.
Is there anything too hard for the Lord? He spoke the world and the universe into existence. God created the sun, moon and stars. He created the trees and all green grass. He spoke and man was created. He then made a woman for the man. He brought a world wide flood upon which covered even the mountains to punish sinful mankind. No. There is nothing too hard for the Lord.
Are you struggling with a teen-ager who has gotten tangled up in the world and its ways? Maybe you have a health problem. What is your “impossible” situation? Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there because nothing is too hard for the Lord.
This question is asked of Abraham when he and Sarah had three visitors announcing that Abraham and Sarah would have a son when he would be one hundred and she, ninety. It looked more like a laughable impossibility than a fact of life. She did give birth just as the visitors said.
Is there anything too hard for the Lord? He spoke the world and the universe into existence. God created the sun, moon and stars. He created the trees and all green grass. He spoke and man was created. He then made a woman for the man. He brought a world wide flood upon which covered even the mountains to punish sinful mankind. No. There is nothing too hard for the Lord.
Are you struggling with a teen-ager who has gotten tangled up in the world and its ways? Maybe you have a health problem. What is your “impossible” situation? Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there because nothing is too hard for the Lord.
Saturday, November 18, 2017
Bring Mark
“Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.” (II Timothy 4:11)
Paul, the great apostle, writer and evangelist was nearing the end of his life on earth. “The time of his departure was at hand.” He had instructed Timothy to come to Rome before winter when there would be no sailing possible. He had instructed Timothy about items he should bring with him. He mentioned his cloke, his books and the parchments. And bring Mark.
John Mark had forsaken his uncle Barnabas and Paul on their first missionary journey. When they were making plans for their second missionary journey Barnabas suggested taking John Mark. But Paul refused and took Silas with him and Barnabas chose Mark to go with him.
A number of years passed and during that time we find Mark mentioned favorably in some of Paul’s and Peter’s writings. “Bring him,” Paul says, “for he is profitable to me for the ministry.”
Mark had been a disappointment. But Barnabas patiently worked with him and now this quitter was the man who Paul wanted to come to Rome where Paul was in Jail. If you have failed in a role in church or some other role, make yourself available and God can use you.
Paul, the great apostle, writer and evangelist was nearing the end of his life on earth. “The time of his departure was at hand.” He had instructed Timothy to come to Rome before winter when there would be no sailing possible. He had instructed Timothy about items he should bring with him. He mentioned his cloke, his books and the parchments. And bring Mark.
John Mark had forsaken his uncle Barnabas and Paul on their first missionary journey. When they were making plans for their second missionary journey Barnabas suggested taking John Mark. But Paul refused and took Silas with him and Barnabas chose Mark to go with him.
A number of years passed and during that time we find Mark mentioned favorably in some of Paul’s and Peter’s writings. “Bring him,” Paul says, “for he is profitable to me for the ministry.”
Mark had been a disappointment. But Barnabas patiently worked with him and now this quitter was the man who Paul wanted to come to Rome where Paul was in Jail. If you have failed in a role in church or some other role, make yourself available and God can use you.
Friday, November 17, 2017
Christ Died for the Ungodly
“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” (Romans 5:6)
That man is a sinner by nature when he is born and a sinner by choice when he knows to do right and does it not is an undeniable fact. The psalmist said, “The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies.” (Psalm 58:3)
A man in deep mud was trying to get out by pulling on his own boot straps. He was turning flips, falling down only to try harder and become more stuck than from the beginning. That’s a good picture of the person without Christ trying to become free from sin.
Jesus died for the ungodly, the person for whom the rest of the world ignores as a lost cause. He died for the ungodly: the drunkard, the dope addict, the liar, the thief, the prostitute and all sinners of any kind. He died for you and me.
That man is a sinner by nature when he is born and a sinner by choice when he knows to do right and does it not is an undeniable fact. The psalmist said, “The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies.” (Psalm 58:3)
A man in deep mud was trying to get out by pulling on his own boot straps. He was turning flips, falling down only to try harder and become more stuck than from the beginning. That’s a good picture of the person without Christ trying to become free from sin.
Jesus died for the ungodly, the person for whom the rest of the world ignores as a lost cause. He died for the ungodly: the drunkard, the dope addict, the liar, the thief, the prostitute and all sinners of any kind. He died for you and me.
Thursday, November 16, 2017
My Best Friend
“…There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24)
There were three of us boys. I was in the middle. They not only were my brothers, they were my friends. I wanted to do everything my older brother did. My younger brother wanted to do everything I did. We were able to play a little music together and sometimes did some singing.
They are both gone now and I miss them tremendously. But my friend Jesus, the Son of God, has made me a promise that He will never leave me nor forsake me. My brothers could not be with me all the time, but Jesus has no such limitations.
I had two wonderful brothers and I have had some real good friends. But the dearest of all to me is my Savior who loved me and gave Himself for me at Calvary.
There were three of us boys. I was in the middle. They not only were my brothers, they were my friends. I wanted to do everything my older brother did. My younger brother wanted to do everything I did. We were able to play a little music together and sometimes did some singing.
They are both gone now and I miss them tremendously. But my friend Jesus, the Son of God, has made me a promise that He will never leave me nor forsake me. My brothers could not be with me all the time, but Jesus has no such limitations.
I had two wonderful brothers and I have had some real good friends. But the dearest of all to me is my Savior who loved me and gave Himself for me at Calvary.
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Planting and Watering
“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” (I Corinthians 3:6)
Most of us who are saved would probably say that more than one person had part in bringing us to Christ. Paul expresses this truth in our text. It is God who saves but it takes a Paul and an Apollos to bring that person to saving faith.
I was saved in a fall revival many years ago. Wade House was the evangelist. But before the revival came my Sunday school teacher had been faithful to teach God’s word. The pastor of the church I attended with my parents presented the Gospel faithfully and regularly. On the day before I was saved I asked my mother, “How do you get saved?” She told me. My father had just recently answered the call to preach. I heard his testimony. I am sure there were others who had a part.
I have had the privilege of sharing the Gospel with many people and many of them were saved. I may have planted or I may have watered, but God gave the increase.
If you are a believer I encourage you to do some “planting” and “watering” then anticipate that God will give the increase.
Most of us who are saved would probably say that more than one person had part in bringing us to Christ. Paul expresses this truth in our text. It is God who saves but it takes a Paul and an Apollos to bring that person to saving faith.
I was saved in a fall revival many years ago. Wade House was the evangelist. But before the revival came my Sunday school teacher had been faithful to teach God’s word. The pastor of the church I attended with my parents presented the Gospel faithfully and regularly. On the day before I was saved I asked my mother, “How do you get saved?” She told me. My father had just recently answered the call to preach. I heard his testimony. I am sure there were others who had a part.
I have had the privilege of sharing the Gospel with many people and many of them were saved. I may have planted or I may have watered, but God gave the increase.
If you are a believer I encourage you to do some “planting” and “watering” then anticipate that God will give the increase.
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
The Presence of Jesus
“But He saith unto them, ‘It is I; be not afraid.’” (John 6:20)
It was night. The disciples of Jesus had gotten in a boat on the Sea of Galilee and were rowing toward Capernaum. When they were about three miles from shore a storm arose. They saw Jesus coming to them, walking on the sea. They were afraid when Jesus spoke the words of assurance found in our text.
Have you ever “launched out” away from the safe harbor and things started going from bad to worse? Perhaps you were stepping out by faith doing the will of God. Just when you think all is lost, Jesus makes His appearance. “I am here. Don’t be afraid.”
A little boy’s mother was in the hospital and so his dad was sleeping with the little fellow. It began to storm outside. The flashing lightning and the sound of thunder awakened the little guy. He reached over toward his dad and asked, “Daddy, are you there?” The dad responded, “Yes son. Daddy’s here. I will not leave you.”
Just as Jesus was with the disciples in the storm on the Sea of Galilee, we have the assurance that He will never leave us nor forsake us.
It was night. The disciples of Jesus had gotten in a boat on the Sea of Galilee and were rowing toward Capernaum. When they were about three miles from shore a storm arose. They saw Jesus coming to them, walking on the sea. They were afraid when Jesus spoke the words of assurance found in our text.
Have you ever “launched out” away from the safe harbor and things started going from bad to worse? Perhaps you were stepping out by faith doing the will of God. Just when you think all is lost, Jesus makes His appearance. “I am here. Don’t be afraid.”
A little boy’s mother was in the hospital and so his dad was sleeping with the little fellow. It began to storm outside. The flashing lightning and the sound of thunder awakened the little guy. He reached over toward his dad and asked, “Daddy, are you there?” The dad responded, “Yes son. Daddy’s here. I will not leave you.”
Just as Jesus was with the disciples in the storm on the Sea of Galilee, we have the assurance that He will never leave us nor forsake us.
Monday, November 13, 2017
Treasure in Earthen Vessels
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” (II Corinthians 4:7)
In 1948 a young shepherd boy was watching his sheep. He threw a rock just to change the monotony. When it landed it sounded like something breaking. Upon investigating the sound he found a cave with clay pots. In the pots were pieces of writing material with something written on them. It was discovered that they were copies of portions of the prophetic book of Isaiah. It was one of the greatest finds in history.
God could have used angels to do His work on earth. After all, He chose the angel Gabriel to carry the news of Mary’s pregnancy. He could have set the standard for those carrying the gospel to mankind that one had to be a graduate of a major seminary, with a degree in every book in the Bible.
Paul tells us that we have the treasure of the gospel in earthen vessels, clay pots that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us. He chose fishermen, tax collectors and common ordinary every day people to do His work. Clay pots. Broken, plain, clay pots, just like the vessels carrying the Dead Sea Scrolls. God has chosen you and me and people like us to carry the gospel to a lost world.
In 1948 a young shepherd boy was watching his sheep. He threw a rock just to change the monotony. When it landed it sounded like something breaking. Upon investigating the sound he found a cave with clay pots. In the pots were pieces of writing material with something written on them. It was discovered that they were copies of portions of the prophetic book of Isaiah. It was one of the greatest finds in history.
God could have used angels to do His work on earth. After all, He chose the angel Gabriel to carry the news of Mary’s pregnancy. He could have set the standard for those carrying the gospel to mankind that one had to be a graduate of a major seminary, with a degree in every book in the Bible.
Paul tells us that we have the treasure of the gospel in earthen vessels, clay pots that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us. He chose fishermen, tax collectors and common ordinary every day people to do His work. Clay pots. Broken, plain, clay pots, just like the vessels carrying the Dead Sea Scrolls. God has chosen you and me and people like us to carry the gospel to a lost world.
Sunday, November 12, 2017
Trophies of God’s Grace
“…That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:7)
Most high schools and colleges have a trophy case in which are displayed the trophies they have won through sporting events. Golfers, weight lifters, tennis stars and others have trophies displayed prominently. They are proud of their trophies because they represent victories.
God won a victory over Satan when He went to the cross and died and arose the third day. He wins a victory when He reaches down His hand and lifts up a fallen sinner and saves him from hell. God wins a contest with the devil every time He saves a sinner.
In heaven we will be trophies of His grace. There will be the trophy of His grace when He saved the drug addict. Another trophy will be the alcoholic who lost everything, including his family. By the grace of God his life was changed. He redeemed prostitutes and homosexuals, more trophies. Repentant thieves whose lives were changed by the grace of God will be trophies of God’s grace. On and on there will be an endless line of trophies of God’s grace, people who were guilty of all types of sin who were changed as a result of the amazing grace of God.
Most high schools and colleges have a trophy case in which are displayed the trophies they have won through sporting events. Golfers, weight lifters, tennis stars and others have trophies displayed prominently. They are proud of their trophies because they represent victories.
God won a victory over Satan when He went to the cross and died and arose the third day. He wins a victory when He reaches down His hand and lifts up a fallen sinner and saves him from hell. God wins a contest with the devil every time He saves a sinner.
In heaven we will be trophies of His grace. There will be the trophy of His grace when He saved the drug addict. Another trophy will be the alcoholic who lost everything, including his family. By the grace of God his life was changed. He redeemed prostitutes and homosexuals, more trophies. Repentant thieves whose lives were changed by the grace of God will be trophies of God’s grace. On and on there will be an endless line of trophies of God’s grace, people who were guilty of all types of sin who were changed as a result of the amazing grace of God.
Saturday, November 11, 2017
Tune Your Life to Jesus
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
Vance Havner told the story of an old man who lived in the hills of North Carolina. His old violin had gotten out of tune. At the same time there was an orchestra that had a weekly broadcast over the radio.
One evening the orchestra director said, “I have received a request from an old gentleman whose violin is out of tune. He requests that we give him a good strong “A” before we begin this evening so he can tune his violin. This is for that old gentleman.” The violinist in the first chair played a long, strong “A” and the old gentleman tuned his violin.
This world is out of tune. Homes and churches have gotten out of tune. There is one constant by which we must tune our lives. Just as the musical note “A” is always the same, so Jesus the Son of God, our Savior, Lord and master is always the same. Many people are trying to tune their lives by the fickle, changing philosophies of the world, by ignoring the Bible and the Savior. Your life will always be out of tune unless you turn your life over to Jesus Christ.
Vance Havner told the story of an old man who lived in the hills of North Carolina. His old violin had gotten out of tune. At the same time there was an orchestra that had a weekly broadcast over the radio.
One evening the orchestra director said, “I have received a request from an old gentleman whose violin is out of tune. He requests that we give him a good strong “A” before we begin this evening so he can tune his violin. This is for that old gentleman.” The violinist in the first chair played a long, strong “A” and the old gentleman tuned his violin.
This world is out of tune. Homes and churches have gotten out of tune. There is one constant by which we must tune our lives. Just as the musical note “A” is always the same, so Jesus the Son of God, our Savior, Lord and master is always the same. Many people are trying to tune their lives by the fickle, changing philosophies of the world, by ignoring the Bible and the Savior. Your life will always be out of tune unless you turn your life over to Jesus Christ.
Friday, November 10, 2017
Jesus Wept
“Jesus Wept.” (John 11:35)
This is the shortest verse in the Bible. But it is one of the greatest verses. It introduces us to the human side of Jesus while He walked on earth. He had the same emotions that you and I have and the same physical pains. He not only wept, He also became tired. He slept. He experienced hunger and thirst. The book of Hebrews tells us that He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. (Hebrews 4:15-16)
On the cross, as He bore our sins in His body, He suffered pain and agony. Just a few hours before, He had prayed in the Garden, “Father, if it be possible let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not my will but thine be done.” He knew the pain and suffering would be tremendous.
But, He endured the pain and the shame because on the other side of Calvary there was joy waiting Him.
When you are going through bodily pain, suffering from some sickness or your heart is broken, remember, Jesus understands. Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.
This is the shortest verse in the Bible. But it is one of the greatest verses. It introduces us to the human side of Jesus while He walked on earth. He had the same emotions that you and I have and the same physical pains. He not only wept, He also became tired. He slept. He experienced hunger and thirst. The book of Hebrews tells us that He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. (Hebrews 4:15-16)
On the cross, as He bore our sins in His body, He suffered pain and agony. Just a few hours before, He had prayed in the Garden, “Father, if it be possible let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not my will but thine be done.” He knew the pain and suffering would be tremendous.
But, He endured the pain and the shame because on the other side of Calvary there was joy waiting Him.
When you are going through bodily pain, suffering from some sickness or your heart is broken, remember, Jesus understands. Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.
Thursday, November 9, 2017
The Cornerstone
“This is the stone which was set at naught of your builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:11-12)
It was just an old rock that was the right size and weight to put on the floor next to the door making a good door prop. The old man’s wife had begged him to get rid of that old ugly rock by the door and get a prettier one.
One day a guest came and after lunch he spied the old rock by the door. He picked it up and examined it. Then He asked the old man, “May I take this rock with me and have an assayer examine it?” The assayer said the old abandoned rock was the largest gold nugget he had ever seen. It was worth a fortune.
Jesus, the neglected and discarded stone is the corner stone of faith, our salvation, the church and the kingdom. He is the cornerstone of the Christian life. He was rejected of men but chosen of God. Peter tells us that this rejected stone is the only way of salvation. To us who are saved He is precious and beautiful beyond description.
Will you receive Him by faith and be saved today?
It was just an old rock that was the right size and weight to put on the floor next to the door making a good door prop. The old man’s wife had begged him to get rid of that old ugly rock by the door and get a prettier one.
One day a guest came and after lunch he spied the old rock by the door. He picked it up and examined it. Then He asked the old man, “May I take this rock with me and have an assayer examine it?” The assayer said the old abandoned rock was the largest gold nugget he had ever seen. It was worth a fortune.
Jesus, the neglected and discarded stone is the corner stone of faith, our salvation, the church and the kingdom. He is the cornerstone of the Christian life. He was rejected of men but chosen of God. Peter tells us that this rejected stone is the only way of salvation. To us who are saved He is precious and beautiful beyond description.
Will you receive Him by faith and be saved today?
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Going the Way of all the Earth
“And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth…” (Joshua 13:14)
We may not know the day, the month or the year, but just as certainly as livestock die and as certainly as wild animals, fowls of the air and fish in the oceans and streams go the way of all the earth, so will you and I. We have that in common. It is the way of all the earth.
Joshua had done great things. He had been one of the twelve men to go as a spy into the Promised Land. He had assumed the reins of leadership over Israel after Moses died. Under Joshua’s leadership Israel had crossed the Jordan River when God stopped its flow. He had led them to defeat Jericho and Ai. He was an excellent leader because he followed the plan of God.
But like Moses before him, Joshua went the way of all the earth. Regardless of great things we may have done, our riches, our education or our positions with mankind, sometime we are going the way of all the earth.
Only if you have received Christ Jesus by faith for eternal life are you ready to go the way of all the earth.
We may not know the day, the month or the year, but just as certainly as livestock die and as certainly as wild animals, fowls of the air and fish in the oceans and streams go the way of all the earth, so will you and I. We have that in common. It is the way of all the earth.
Joshua had done great things. He had been one of the twelve men to go as a spy into the Promised Land. He had assumed the reins of leadership over Israel after Moses died. Under Joshua’s leadership Israel had crossed the Jordan River when God stopped its flow. He had led them to defeat Jericho and Ai. He was an excellent leader because he followed the plan of God.
But like Moses before him, Joshua went the way of all the earth. Regardless of great things we may have done, our riches, our education or our positions with mankind, sometime we are going the way of all the earth.
Only if you have received Christ Jesus by faith for eternal life are you ready to go the way of all the earth.
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
When the South Wind Blows Softly
“And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete. But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.” (Acts 27:13-14)
Paul the Apostle, not a sailor, but a preacher who listened to God, had already told the centurion and sailors they should not sail. Ignoring his admonitions, when the south wind blew softly they left shore. It was a major mistake because shortly they were in a typhoon.
Too often we ignore the word from the Lord through God’s servant, failing to realize the soft blowing south wind is really the beginning of a storm. We leave the safe harbor and find ourselves being blown about, wishing we could get back to where we were before the storm came.
You are in the hands of God. Trust Him to see you through, even though the harbor you reach may not be what you wanted. But, it will be a good place to serve the Lord.
Paul the Apostle, not a sailor, but a preacher who listened to God, had already told the centurion and sailors they should not sail. Ignoring his admonitions, when the south wind blew softly they left shore. It was a major mistake because shortly they were in a typhoon.
Too often we ignore the word from the Lord through God’s servant, failing to realize the soft blowing south wind is really the beginning of a storm. We leave the safe harbor and find ourselves being blown about, wishing we could get back to where we were before the storm came.
You are in the hands of God. Trust Him to see you through, even though the harbor you reach may not be what you wanted. But, it will be a good place to serve the Lord.
Monday, November 6, 2017
Leaving All to Follow Jesus
“And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed Him.” (Mark 1:18)
Too many times we want to deliberate the call of God. Consequently we miss the blessing He has for us.
Simon and Andrew made their living fishing. It was not a Saturday or Sunday morning sporting event with all the allurements fishing offers us today. It was hard work. These were hard working men. To leave their nets would mean there was no income. They would be totally dependent on the Lord to provide for them.
Immediately leaving their nets would mean they must now walk by faith and not by sight. Are you willing to leave all your visible means of support to follow Jesus?
Too many times we want to deliberate the call of God. Consequently we miss the blessing He has for us.
Simon and Andrew made their living fishing. It was not a Saturday or Sunday morning sporting event with all the allurements fishing offers us today. It was hard work. These were hard working men. To leave their nets would mean there was no income. They would be totally dependent on the Lord to provide for them.
Immediately leaving their nets would mean they must now walk by faith and not by sight. Are you willing to leave all your visible means of support to follow Jesus?
Sunday, November 5, 2017
Call and God will Answer
“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” (Jeremiah 33:3)
The nation of Judah was facing seventy years of captivity in Babylon as a result of their unwillingness to repent and follow the Lord. God spoke through His prophet, Jeremiah, giving them the promise contained in these words of our text.
Sometimes we have gotten so far out of the will of God we are surprised to discover that God still loves us. God invites us to call out to Him for restoration.
God is willing to accept the prayer of the truly repentant. Call out to Him as a misbehaving child might call out to his parents when he has been sent to his room for his misbehavior.
Many people have been convicted by the Holy Spirit for their lost condition. They called out to God and discovered the promise in Romans 10:13: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” They called unto God and He answered, showing them great and mighty things, the likes of which they had never seen before.
Unfortunately, Judah never called on God and never repented. They were taken into captivity by the Babylonians. And many lost people have not called upon the Lord for salvation and they face a fate far worse than Judah faced at the hands of the Chaldeans.
The nation of Judah was facing seventy years of captivity in Babylon as a result of their unwillingness to repent and follow the Lord. God spoke through His prophet, Jeremiah, giving them the promise contained in these words of our text.
Sometimes we have gotten so far out of the will of God we are surprised to discover that God still loves us. God invites us to call out to Him for restoration.
God is willing to accept the prayer of the truly repentant. Call out to Him as a misbehaving child might call out to his parents when he has been sent to his room for his misbehavior.
Many people have been convicted by the Holy Spirit for their lost condition. They called out to God and discovered the promise in Romans 10:13: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” They called unto God and He answered, showing them great and mighty things, the likes of which they had never seen before.
Unfortunately, Judah never called on God and never repented. They were taken into captivity by the Babylonians. And many lost people have not called upon the Lord for salvation and they face a fate far worse than Judah faced at the hands of the Chaldeans.
Saturday, November 4, 2017
Accept no Substitute
“Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.” (I John 5:21)
With today’s text John brings us to the end of his first epistle. There is his usual mark of tenderness toward his readers, calling them, “My little children.” Many of them, no doubt, had not been Christians very long. I am reminded as a pastor that we must teach and preach with tenderness the flock of Christians with whom God has entrusted us.
He has one closing statement: “Keep yourselves from idols.” We are not to let false Christs presented by false teachers come between us and the Son of God. Whatever comes between us and the Lord is an idol. The Lord is to occupy first place in our lives. “Keep yourselves from idols,” can be interpreted, “accept no substitute.”
The very last word is “amen” meaning, “So be it.” Nothing can be added or subtracted from John’s Biblical, Holy Spirit inspired instruction.
With today’s text John brings us to the end of his first epistle. There is his usual mark of tenderness toward his readers, calling them, “My little children.” Many of them, no doubt, had not been Christians very long. I am reminded as a pastor that we must teach and preach with tenderness the flock of Christians with whom God has entrusted us.
He has one closing statement: “Keep yourselves from idols.” We are not to let false Christs presented by false teachers come between us and the Son of God. Whatever comes between us and the Lord is an idol. The Lord is to occupy first place in our lives. “Keep yourselves from idols,” can be interpreted, “accept no substitute.”
The very last word is “amen” meaning, “So be it.” Nothing can be added or subtracted from John’s Biblical, Holy Spirit inspired instruction.
Friday, November 3, 2017
Safe in Jesus
“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true, and we are in Him that is true, even in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” (I John 5: 20)
When Peter made his confession concerning Christ at Caesarea Philippi God had given him the revelation, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Peter knew that the Son of God had come into their midst. The Holy Spirit further inspires John to write, “We are in Him that is true even in God’s Son, Jesus Christ.”
John concludes this verse by saying, “This is the true God, and eternal life.” Hear what Peter said when Jesus asked the twelve, “Will ye also go away?” Peter responded, “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” (John 6:67-69)
Who is Jesus too you? Have you trusted Him for eternal life? If not, why not? Do it now.
When Peter made his confession concerning Christ at Caesarea Philippi God had given him the revelation, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Peter knew that the Son of God had come into their midst. The Holy Spirit further inspires John to write, “We are in Him that is true even in God’s Son, Jesus Christ.”
John concludes this verse by saying, “This is the true God, and eternal life.” Hear what Peter said when Jesus asked the twelve, “Will ye also go away?” Peter responded, “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” (John 6:67-69)
Who is Jesus too you? Have you trusted Him for eternal life? If not, why not? Do it now.
Thursday, November 2, 2017
The Bill has been Paid
“And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.”
(I John 5:19)
We know that we are of God the same way you know you have paid a bill. You have the receipt marked, “Paid.” We have God’s Word as our receipt that the bill for our sin debt has been paid in full by the blood of the Lamb of God.
The whole world of unredeemed mankind lies in wickedness. That includes the people living in mud huts in third world countries as well as the rich folks in America sleeping on satin sheets, eating the finest food and having not a single financial worry.
The Bible says we, “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
It says further, “Wherefore as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned…” (Romans 5:12)
Jesus is sufficient to pay your sin debt if you will trust Him.
(I John 5:19)
We know that we are of God the same way you know you have paid a bill. You have the receipt marked, “Paid.” We have God’s Word as our receipt that the bill for our sin debt has been paid in full by the blood of the Lamb of God.
The whole world of unredeemed mankind lies in wickedness. That includes the people living in mud huts in third world countries as well as the rich folks in America sleeping on satin sheets, eating the finest food and having not a single financial worry.
The Bible says we, “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
It says further, “Wherefore as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned…” (Romans 5:12)
Jesus is sufficient to pay your sin debt if you will trust Him.
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Praise God for His Grace
“We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. (I John 5:18)
Joining a church, being baptized, giving to the church and to charitable organizations are not the same as being born again. Being born again is a work of grace, done to the sinner by the Holy Spirit and brings changes inwardly that are manifested outwardly. He does not continue in the habit of sin, even though he is capable of sinning.
The late, Adrian Rogers said, “I sin all I want to. In fact, I sin more than I want to. I don’t want to sin at all but in this old body of clay I do sin. But the Lord keeps me and forgives me.” If we are not born again we cannot truthfully make such a claim. Praise God for His grace.
Joining a church, being baptized, giving to the church and to charitable organizations are not the same as being born again. Being born again is a work of grace, done to the sinner by the Holy Spirit and brings changes inwardly that are manifested outwardly. He does not continue in the habit of sin, even though he is capable of sinning.
The late, Adrian Rogers said, “I sin all I want to. In fact, I sin more than I want to. I don’t want to sin at all but in this old body of clay I do sin. But the Lord keeps me and forgives me.” If we are not born again we cannot truthfully make such a claim. Praise God for His grace.
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
A Sin unto Death
“…There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.” (I John 5:16b-17)
John is speaking of physical death, not spiritual death. He is not saying that every sin will bring death, and neither is he saying that every death is a result of the sins of the individual.
In the first church at Jerusalem there was a couple named Ananias and Sapphira who lied, pretending to have brought the entire sum of the sale of some property to the church. They were not commanded to give any of it but they pretended to bring it all. The key to the charge is in the words of Peter to Ananias: “…Why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? Thou hast not lied to men, but unto God.” Ananias was immediately stricken and died. A short time later his wife suffered the same fate. (Acts 5:1-11)
In the church at Corinth they had made a drunken brawl out of the Lord’s Supper and many had died as a result. (I Corinthians 11:23-30)
The Bible says that whom the Lord loves He chastens. He chastens His children but He does not chasten the devil’s children any more than you chasten the neighbor’s children. When He chastens one of His own it is intended to result in correction. When one of His children refuses correction God have may have no other choice than to take the offender on home so he does not disgrace the church or Jesus, God’s Son.
John is speaking of physical death, not spiritual death. He is not saying that every sin will bring death, and neither is he saying that every death is a result of the sins of the individual.
In the first church at Jerusalem there was a couple named Ananias and Sapphira who lied, pretending to have brought the entire sum of the sale of some property to the church. They were not commanded to give any of it but they pretended to bring it all. The key to the charge is in the words of Peter to Ananias: “…Why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? Thou hast not lied to men, but unto God.” Ananias was immediately stricken and died. A short time later his wife suffered the same fate. (Acts 5:1-11)
In the church at Corinth they had made a drunken brawl out of the Lord’s Supper and many had died as a result. (I Corinthians 11:23-30)
The Bible says that whom the Lord loves He chastens. He chastens His children but He does not chasten the devil’s children any more than you chasten the neighbor’s children. When He chastens one of His own it is intended to result in correction. When one of His children refuses correction God have may have no other choice than to take the offender on home so he does not disgrace the church or Jesus, God’s Son.
Monday, October 30, 2017
A Sin not unto Death
“If any man sees his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and He shall give him life for them that sin not unto death…” (I John 5:16)
We all know people who sin. The Bible instructs us: “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1) When someone is overtaken in a fault we are to “set a break” as in setting a broken bone in a neighbor’s arm or leg. We certainly are not to push them down further, perhaps causing there to be more broken bones.
Since our finite minds may not be able to distinguish between a sin not unto death and a sin unto death, the best for us to do is to pray for all those have been caught up in Satan’s web of temptation and sin.
More about the “Sin unto death” next time.
We all know people who sin. The Bible instructs us: “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1) When someone is overtaken in a fault we are to “set a break” as in setting a broken bone in a neighbor’s arm or leg. We certainly are not to push them down further, perhaps causing there to be more broken bones.
Since our finite minds may not be able to distinguish between a sin not unto death and a sin unto death, the best for us to do is to pray for all those have been caught up in Satan’s web of temptation and sin.
More about the “Sin unto death” next time.
Sunday, October 29, 2017
God Answers Prayer
“And if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.”(I John 5:15)
We must pray in the will of God. In Gethsemane, just before the cross, Jesus prayed, “Oh my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matthew 26:32) And we also must know the will of God to pray in the will of God.
Are we praying selfishly? The psalmist said, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” (Psalm 66:18)
Seek God’s will, live in His will, pray in His will and expect prayers prayed in His will to be answered according to His will.
We must pray in the will of God. In Gethsemane, just before the cross, Jesus prayed, “Oh my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matthew 26:32) And we also must know the will of God to pray in the will of God.
Are we praying selfishly? The psalmist said, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” (Psalm 66:18)
Seek God’s will, live in His will, pray in His will and expect prayers prayed in His will to be answered according to His will.
Saturday, October 28, 2017
Confidence in Prayer
“And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us.” (I John 5:14)
Paul the Apostle prayed three times that his thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan, might be removed. God replied, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect through weakness.” (II Corinthians 12:8-9)
So, was Paul not a good Christian? He was one of the best Christians who ever lived. The fact is, God knew what was good for Paul much better than Paul did. The same is true for you and me. God is not promising us a fine new car, or a house with five bed rooms and five baths and maybe a nice fishing boat.
We believers have the confidence in Him to ask and we have the promise that He will hear us and grant to us what He knows is best for us. Earthly parents hear the requests of their children but even earthly parents know better than their children that the children's request may not be what they need or what is best for them. How much more so does our heavenly Father know what is best for you and me, His children?
Paul the Apostle prayed three times that his thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan, might be removed. God replied, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect through weakness.” (II Corinthians 12:8-9)
So, was Paul not a good Christian? He was one of the best Christians who ever lived. The fact is, God knew what was good for Paul much better than Paul did. The same is true for you and me. God is not promising us a fine new car, or a house with five bed rooms and five baths and maybe a nice fishing boat.
We believers have the confidence in Him to ask and we have the promise that He will hear us and grant to us what He knows is best for us. Earthly parents hear the requests of their children but even earthly parents know better than their children that the children's request may not be what they need or what is best for them. How much more so does our heavenly Father know what is best for you and me, His children?
Friday, October 27, 2017
Assurance of the Right Road Home
“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” (I John 5:13)
I was on “Interstate 71” near Columbus, Ohio going south to my home in Kentucky after being in a week of revival near Lake Erie. Having driven several miles without seeing a road sign, the first sign that read “I-71 South” was a welcome assurance that I was on the right road home.
John tells us that he has written this first epistle to all who believe in the name of the Son of God that we might have assurance that we are on the right road home. How tragic to be trusting a hoax and not realize it before it’s too late. Also, how tragic to be on the right road and some cultist or Gnostic tries to convince you that you are on the wrong road. And what comfort to read in God’s word that Jesus, the Son of God is the correct road home.
First John is an inspired word from the Lord to all believers whose faith is in Jesus, the Son of God, that we can know we have the gift of eternal life.
I was on “Interstate 71” near Columbus, Ohio going south to my home in Kentucky after being in a week of revival near Lake Erie. Having driven several miles without seeing a road sign, the first sign that read “I-71 South” was a welcome assurance that I was on the right road home.
John tells us that he has written this first epistle to all who believe in the name of the Son of God that we might have assurance that we are on the right road home. How tragic to be trusting a hoax and not realize it before it’s too late. Also, how tragic to be on the right road and some cultist or Gnostic tries to convince you that you are on the wrong road. And what comfort to read in God’s word that Jesus, the Son of God is the correct road home.
First John is an inspired word from the Lord to all believers whose faith is in Jesus, the Son of God, that we can know we have the gift of eternal life.
Thursday, October 26, 2017
God has Given us Eternal Life
“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.”
(I John 5:11-12)
A preacher friend gave the best illustration of the truth contained in these two verses that I have ever seen. He placed his open Bible in one hand and his ball point pen in the other. He then said, “My Bible represents the Son of God and this pen represents eternal life.” He then placed his pen in the open Bible and closed it on the pen. Then my friend said, “If you want eternal life it is in the Son of God. Then he laid the Bible down, with the pen inside and quoted I John 5:12. Then he asked those around him, “How could one receive my pen?” They answered, “By picking up the Bible.” His next question was, “How does one receive eternal life?” they responded, “By receiving the Son of God.” My friend asked, “Will you receive the Son of God and have eternal life?”
So, I will ask you, “Have you received eternal life by receiving the Son of God?”
(I John 5:11-12)
A preacher friend gave the best illustration of the truth contained in these two verses that I have ever seen. He placed his open Bible in one hand and his ball point pen in the other. He then said, “My Bible represents the Son of God and this pen represents eternal life.” He then placed his pen in the open Bible and closed it on the pen. Then my friend said, “If you want eternal life it is in the Son of God. Then he laid the Bible down, with the pen inside and quoted I John 5:12. Then he asked those around him, “How could one receive my pen?” They answered, “By picking up the Bible.” His next question was, “How does one receive eternal life?” they responded, “By receiving the Son of God.” My friend asked, “Will you receive the Son of God and have eternal life?”
So, I will ask you, “Have you received eternal life by receiving the Son of God?”
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
God is not a Liar
“He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made Him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of His Son.” (I John 5:10)
One of the greatest insults that can be made toward someone is to call him a liar. It is sometimes phrased, “I can’t believe anything you say.”
If we cannot believe God in one point how can we be sure we can believe Him on anything else? God declares Jesus to be His Son and to be the only way of salvation. To disagree with God at this point is to call Him a liar.
The witness of the Holy Spirit within the believer, plus the changes Christ makes in one’s life bear testimony to the believer that Jesus is who God says He is.
One of the greatest insults that can be made toward someone is to call him a liar. It is sometimes phrased, “I can’t believe anything you say.”
If we cannot believe God in one point how can we be sure we can believe Him on anything else? God declares Jesus to be His Son and to be the only way of salvation. To disagree with God at this point is to call Him a liar.
The witness of the Holy Spirit within the believer, plus the changes Christ makes in one’s life bear testimony to the believer that Jesus is who God says He is.
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
In the Mouth of Two or Three Witnesses
“If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which He hath testified of His Son.” (I John 5:9)
The word, “If,” in our text is not an expression of doubt. It is rather, “Seeing that this is so.” We do receive the witness of men but the witness of God is greater.
Atheistic evolutionists have spoken in favor of evolution for many years, pretending it is science. However, it is not scientific. To be scientific the scientist must be present to observe it. Many people are swallowing the theory of evolution “hook, line and sinker.”
The witness of God is greater than all the scientific journals put together. God’s word gives nothing of evolution. His witness is Biblical Creation. I for one believe God’s witness.
Jesus said, “In the mouth of two or three witnesses may every word be established.” (Matthew 18:16) God has given His witness concerning His Son, Jesus Christ. God said, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)
The word, “If,” in our text is not an expression of doubt. It is rather, “Seeing that this is so.” We do receive the witness of men but the witness of God is greater.
Atheistic evolutionists have spoken in favor of evolution for many years, pretending it is science. However, it is not scientific. To be scientific the scientist must be present to observe it. Many people are swallowing the theory of evolution “hook, line and sinker.”
The witness of God is greater than all the scientific journals put together. God’s word gives nothing of evolution. His witness is Biblical Creation. I for one believe God’s witness.
Jesus said, “In the mouth of two or three witnesses may every word be established.” (Matthew 18:16) God has given His witness concerning His Son, Jesus Christ. God said, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)
Monday, October 23, 2017
Threefold Witness on Earth
“And there are three that bear witness on earth, the Spirit, and the water and the blood. (I John 5:8)
Not only are there three witnesses in heaven that bear witness as to the person of Jesus, there are three who bear witness on earth.
First, there is the witness of the Holy Spirit. At Jesus’ baptism the Spirit like a dove descended on Him and a voice from heaven saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:16-17) For the Christian, "His Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God." (Romans 8:16)
Second, we go back to the Jordan River to His baptism and see Him give a graphic picture of His coming death, burial and resurrection. When we are baptized, symbolically we are buried with Him in the waters of baptism and raised to walk in newness of life. The water of baptism is our declaration that we are identifying with Him.
Third, we go to Calvary and see Him as He gives His blood for the remission of sin. At the Passover meal in the Upper Room observed by the disciples, He spoke of the contents of the cup and said, "This is my blood of the New Testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins." (Matthew 26:28)
Not only are there three witnesses in heaven that bear witness as to the person of Jesus, there are three who bear witness on earth.
First, there is the witness of the Holy Spirit. At Jesus’ baptism the Spirit like a dove descended on Him and a voice from heaven saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:16-17) For the Christian, "His Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God." (Romans 8:16)
Second, we go back to the Jordan River to His baptism and see Him give a graphic picture of His coming death, burial and resurrection. When we are baptized, symbolically we are buried with Him in the waters of baptism and raised to walk in newness of life. The water of baptism is our declaration that we are identifying with Him.
Third, we go to Calvary and see Him as He gives His blood for the remission of sin. At the Passover meal in the Upper Room observed by the disciples, He spoke of the contents of the cup and said, "This is my blood of the New Testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins." (Matthew 26:28)
Sunday, October 22, 2017
Our Record on High
“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” (I John 5:7)
In the Great Commission, the Lord’s marching orders to the church, we are to make disciples and then to baptize these new disciples in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Jesus, the Son, is the Word according to John 1:1-3, 14. In our text we are told, “These three are one.”
These three, Father, Son, or Word, and the Holy Spirit bear record in heaven that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, as Peter proclaimed at Caesarea Philippi.
(Matthew 16:6)
When you and I make the same confession of Jesus that Peter made, the God Head in heaven verifies that confession. Saying or repeating that confession without heart belief and faith is meaningless.
In the Great Commission, the Lord’s marching orders to the church, we are to make disciples and then to baptize these new disciples in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Jesus, the Son, is the Word according to John 1:1-3, 14. In our text we are told, “These three are one.”
These three, Father, Son, or Word, and the Holy Spirit bear record in heaven that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, as Peter proclaimed at Caesarea Philippi.
(Matthew 16:6)
When you and I make the same confession of Jesus that Peter made, the God Head in heaven verifies that confession. Saying or repeating that confession without heart belief and faith is meaningless.
Saturday, October 21, 2017
Water and Blood
“This is He that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.”
(I John 5:6)
Gnostics said that Jesus was not a real man, that God would not inhabit a human body because all flesh was sinful. To refute that part of the Gnostic heresy, John goes back to two things. First, there was the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. Baptism is a public act, especially in those days. John was baptizing in the Jordan River, a public stream.
Jesus had nothing in His life that would call for repentance. But by His baptism He identified with sinful mankind who would need repentance. His baptism looked ahead to what all baptism represents; the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Our baptism looks back to His death, burial and resurrection. Our baptism is a testimony to His salvation.
Second, John the Apostle was there when Jesus died the cruel death of the cross. John remembered the “Precious Blood,” as Peter calls it in his first epistle. John was an eyewitness.
The Gnostics could not refute these two historical facts of Jesus any more than they can be refuted by cults and non-believers today. Beloved, the Jesus of history was real then and He is real today. He saved then and He continues to save today all who believe and trust Him.
(I John 5:6)
Gnostics said that Jesus was not a real man, that God would not inhabit a human body because all flesh was sinful. To refute that part of the Gnostic heresy, John goes back to two things. First, there was the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. Baptism is a public act, especially in those days. John was baptizing in the Jordan River, a public stream.
Jesus had nothing in His life that would call for repentance. But by His baptism He identified with sinful mankind who would need repentance. His baptism looked ahead to what all baptism represents; the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Our baptism looks back to His death, burial and resurrection. Our baptism is a testimony to His salvation.
Second, John the Apostle was there when Jesus died the cruel death of the cross. John remembered the “Precious Blood,” as Peter calls it in his first epistle. John was an eyewitness.
The Gnostics could not refute these two historical facts of Jesus any more than they can be refuted by cults and non-believers today. Beloved, the Jesus of history was real then and He is real today. He saved then and He continues to save today all who believe and trust Him.
Friday, October 20, 2017
Overcomers
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (I John 5:4-5)
We desire to live victoriously but the world continues to make overtures to us. Satan tells us, “The world is where it’s at!” If we want to live a victorious Christian life we must be born again and continue to exercise faith in the Son of God.
It takes strong, continuous faith to believe God has more to offer than has the world. The world has its bright lights, its glitter (not all that glitters is gold), its parties, its fellowship with the world, etc.
Only with faith in Christ, not by trying harder, can you live a victorious Christian life.
We desire to live victoriously but the world continues to make overtures to us. Satan tells us, “The world is where it’s at!” If we want to live a victorious Christian life we must be born again and continue to exercise faith in the Son of God.
It takes strong, continuous faith to believe God has more to offer than has the world. The world has its bright lights, its glitter (not all that glitters is gold), its parties, its fellowship with the world, etc.
Only with faith in Christ, not by trying harder, can you live a victorious Christian life.
Thursday, October 19, 2017
His Commandments are not Grievous
“By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous.” (I John 5:2-3)
Vance Havner, an evangelist who boldly proclaimed the word of God for seventy-three years, was expounding on John 14:15 which says, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” Dr. Havner, in his Carolina drawl said, “If you don’t love Him, just forget it.”
Approximately twenty-five times the word, “know” is used in the First Epistle of John. Most often it is used in the context of loving God or loving other believers being an indication of whether or not we are one of His.
It is easy enough to look like a child of God to others on Sunday morning. It is another thing to convince the Father and to convince ourselves. John said that God’s commandments are not grievous. That applies to the middle of the week as well as Sunday morning.
Vance Havner, an evangelist who boldly proclaimed the word of God for seventy-three years, was expounding on John 14:15 which says, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” Dr. Havner, in his Carolina drawl said, “If you don’t love Him, just forget it.”
Approximately twenty-five times the word, “know” is used in the First Epistle of John. Most often it is used in the context of loving God or loving other believers being an indication of whether or not we are one of His.
It is easy enough to look like a child of God to others on Sunday morning. It is another thing to convince the Father and to convince ourselves. John said that God’s commandments are not grievous. That applies to the middle of the week as well as Sunday morning.
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
The Family of God
“Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth Him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of Him.” (I John 5:1)
We that are in the family of God went through the birthing process known as the “New Birth.” It is the “Second Birth.” Physically, we were born of the flesh to parents in the flesh. In the physical family what a joy to live in the same house, eating at the same table and discussing the same things.
In the family of God we believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. In the family of God we love one another, we eat at the same spiritual table, feed on the Word of God, enjoy sweet fellowship, share the same Father and will live eternally in the mansion our Lord is preparing for us.
We that are in the family of God went through the birthing process known as the “New Birth.” It is the “Second Birth.” Physically, we were born of the flesh to parents in the flesh. In the physical family what a joy to live in the same house, eating at the same table and discussing the same things.
In the family of God we believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. In the family of God we love one another, we eat at the same spiritual table, feed on the Word of God, enjoy sweet fellowship, share the same Father and will live eternally in the mansion our Lord is preparing for us.
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Speaking With a Forked Tongue
“If a man says, ‘I love God,’ and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from Him, ‘That he who loveth God love his brother also.’”
(I John 4:20-21)
When I was a child I sometimes went to the western movies on Saturday afternoon. Occasionally I see The Lone Ranger and his Indian pal, Tonto. When a “white” man would not keep his word or would tell the same story two different ways in two different places Tonto would say, “White man speak with forked tongue.”
A lot of professing Christians speak with a “forked,” tongue. “Oh, how I love Jesus,” is sung enthusiastically and with tears in one place and hatred for one’s fellow man is spoken in another. James says, “Out of the same mouth precede blessing and cursing.” (James 3:10)
To speak with a “forked tongue” destroys one’s testimony. “Love God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind and your neighbor as yourself,” Jesus said.
(I John 4:20-21)
When I was a child I sometimes went to the western movies on Saturday afternoon. Occasionally I see The Lone Ranger and his Indian pal, Tonto. When a “white” man would not keep his word or would tell the same story two different ways in two different places Tonto would say, “White man speak with forked tongue.”
A lot of professing Christians speak with a “forked,” tongue. “Oh, how I love Jesus,” is sung enthusiastically and with tears in one place and hatred for one’s fellow man is spoken in another. James says, “Out of the same mouth precede blessing and cursing.” (James 3:10)
To speak with a “forked tongue” destroys one’s testimony. “Love God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind and your neighbor as yourself,” Jesus said.
Monday, October 16, 2017
Boldness and Fear Cannot Co-exist
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love Him, because He first loved us.”
(I John 4:18-19)
Boldness and fear are opposites. When we claim God’s promises our love is made perfect because God dwells in us. We can have boldness in the day of judgment. On the other hand, if God doesn’t dwell within us we have fear as we face the judgment.
Perfect love has no fear of the judgment. Once we become indwelt by the Holy Spirit His love is made perfect in us. Boldness and fear cannot co-exist. One cannot have boldness and fear at the same time. If one fears the judgment it is because he is not indwelt by the God of love.
When God sent His only begotten Son to die on the cross, paying our sin debt, it was because He loved us. We cannot pay Him back but we can express our love for Him in return.
(I John 4:18-19)
Boldness and fear are opposites. When we claim God’s promises our love is made perfect because God dwells in us. We can have boldness in the day of judgment. On the other hand, if God doesn’t dwell within us we have fear as we face the judgment.
Perfect love has no fear of the judgment. Once we become indwelt by the Holy Spirit His love is made perfect in us. Boldness and fear cannot co-exist. One cannot have boldness and fear at the same time. If one fears the judgment it is because he is not indwelt by the God of love.
When God sent His only begotten Son to die on the cross, paying our sin debt, it was because He loved us. We cannot pay Him back but we can express our love for Him in return.
Sunday, October 15, 2017
Boldness in the Day of Judgment
“Herein
is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the Day of Judgment:
because as He is, so are we in this world.” (I John
4:17 )
Let us
not take the present verse out of context. Look at the preceding verse. “…God
is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” That
statement is the perfection or completion of our love.
The Bible
says that everyone will stand in judgment, the lost man at the “Great White
Throne Judgment” (Revelation 20:11-13) and we Christians at the Judgment Seat
of Christ. (II Corinthians 5:10) The lost man cannot have boldness in his day
of judgment. However, God who is love, dwells in the believer and we will have
boldness, not arrogance, not pride; boldness because as He is, so are we in
this world. This does not say, “As He was.” “He was” a little baby in Bethlehem
Saturday, October 14, 2017
The Love of God
“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” (I John 4:16)
If first Corinthians thirteen is the love chapter of the Bible, then the First Epistle of John is the love book of the Bible. Some form of the word “love” is used forty-six times in this epistle.
John is like an artist who paints with different colors to capture the light on his canvas. John uses love as his paint, giving us the different angles and definitions of love.
In the song, “The Love of God” there is a verse that was found written anonymously, scratched on one of the interior walls of an insane asylum.
The Love of God
“Could we with ink the ocean fill, and were the sky of parchment made;
Were every stalk on earth a quill, and every man a scribe by trade:
To write the love of God above, would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole though stretched from sky to sky.”
If first Corinthians thirteen is the love chapter of the Bible, then the First Epistle of John is the love book of the Bible. Some form of the word “love” is used forty-six times in this epistle.
John is like an artist who paints with different colors to capture the light on his canvas. John uses love as his paint, giving us the different angles and definitions of love.
In the song, “The Love of God” there is a verse that was found written anonymously, scratched on one of the interior walls of an insane asylum.
The Love of God
“Could we with ink the ocean fill, and were the sky of parchment made;
Were every stalk on earth a quill, and every man a scribe by trade:
To write the love of God above, would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole though stretched from sky to sky.”
Friday, October 13, 2017
Jesus is the Son of God
“Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.” (I John 4:15)
John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, was in the group of disciples at Caesarea Philippi when Jesus asked them, “Whom do men say that I the Son of many am?” And they said, “Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some Elijah, and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” He saith unto them, “But whom say ye that I am?” And Simon Peter answered and said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:13-16) That confession was the right answer, affirmed by Jesus and revealed to Peter by the Father. John tells us in our text that this confession is the correct answer.
Jesus said that it is not a matter of what others may say. What do you say in answer to the question, “Who say ye that I am?” He is more than a prophet, a teacher, a preacher, miracle worker or a good example for us to follow. He is the Christ, the Son of the living God. He is the Savior, the only Savior of lost people.
John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, was in the group of disciples at Caesarea Philippi when Jesus asked them, “Whom do men say that I the Son of many am?” And they said, “Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some Elijah, and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” He saith unto them, “But whom say ye that I am?” And Simon Peter answered and said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:13-16) That confession was the right answer, affirmed by Jesus and revealed to Peter by the Father. John tells us in our text that this confession is the correct answer.
Jesus said that it is not a matter of what others may say. What do you say in answer to the question, “Who say ye that I am?” He is more than a prophet, a teacher, a preacher, miracle worker or a good example for us to follow. He is the Christ, the Son of the living God. He is the Savior, the only Savior of lost people.
Thursday, October 12, 2017
An Eyewitness
“And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.” (I John 4:14)
To combat the Gnostic heresy that Jesus Christ was not the real flesh and blood Son of God, John has given us his eyewitness account of Jesus.
John was one of the Lord’s first disciples. Jesus had called John and his brother James to leave their father and their fishing nets and follow Him. John had been in the inner circle with Peter and James as He healed the sick, raised the dead and was there with Him on the Mount of Transfiguration. John and the others had seen Jesus, gazed upon Him, heard Him preach and teach, as John tells us in this epistle, chapter one, verses one and two. John was given the assignment at the cross to take care of Jesus’ mother following the Savior’s death on the cross.
John had written of Jesus in his Gospel and recorded seven miracles of Jesus. John knew Jesus was not the figment of men’s imaginations. The Gnostics, professing themselves to be wise, had become fools.
To combat the Gnostic heresy that Jesus Christ was not the real flesh and blood Son of God, John has given us his eyewitness account of Jesus.
John was one of the Lord’s first disciples. Jesus had called John and his brother James to leave their father and their fishing nets and follow Him. John had been in the inner circle with Peter and James as He healed the sick, raised the dead and was there with Him on the Mount of Transfiguration. John and the others had seen Jesus, gazed upon Him, heard Him preach and teach, as John tells us in this epistle, chapter one, verses one and two. John was given the assignment at the cross to take care of Jesus’ mother following the Savior’s death on the cross.
John had written of Jesus in his Gospel and recorded seven miracles of Jesus. John knew Jesus was not the figment of men’s imaginations. The Gnostics, professing themselves to be wise, had become fools.
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
I am His and He is Mine
“Hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and he in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit.” (I John 4:13)
We have a two way union with God: We dwell in Him, and He dwells in us. How do we know that? It is because He has given us of His Spirit.
In other places in the Bible we are told that God has given us the “earnest” of the Spirit. If you make an offer to someone for a piece of property, say a house and lot, the seller may demand you give him some “earnest” money. It is good faith money, stating that if you back out on your offer he will keep the “earnest” or guarantee.
The Bible says we are “…sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory.” (Ephesians 1:13-14) We have the assurance that God will keep His promise because He placed His Spirit in us the day we were saved.
We have a two way union with God: We dwell in Him, and He dwells in us. How do we know that? It is because He has given us of His Spirit.
In other places in the Bible we are told that God has given us the “earnest” of the Spirit. If you make an offer to someone for a piece of property, say a house and lot, the seller may demand you give him some “earnest” money. It is good faith money, stating that if you back out on your offer he will keep the “earnest” or guarantee.
The Bible says we are “…sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory.” (Ephesians 1:13-14) We have the assurance that God will keep His promise because He placed His Spirit in us the day we were saved.
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
If We Love One Another
“No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us,” (I John 4:12)
John makes the identical statement in the Gospel of John, chapter one, verse eighteen, concerning no man having seen God at any time. There, John makes an additional statement, “…The only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.”
One of the proofs of God dwelling in us is our love for others. When a professing believer loves others God’s love is complete in him. We are recipients of His love and we are to pass that love on to others to complete the cycle. The world will see God in us and know we are Christians by our love.
John makes the identical statement in the Gospel of John, chapter one, verse eighteen, concerning no man having seen God at any time. There, John makes an additional statement, “…The only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.”
One of the proofs of God dwelling in us is our love for others. When a professing believer loves others God’s love is complete in him. We are recipients of His love and we are to pass that love on to others to complete the cycle. The world will see God in us and know we are Christians by our love.
Monday, October 9, 2017
The Plain Word of God
“Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another” (I John 4:11)
Many years ago I had the privilege of frequently hearing Brother Herbert Ashby, a pastor and revival preacher. He preached the Bible as it was to men as they were. He had a unique phrase that he used often after explaining a doctrine such as the second coming of Jesus. He would finish his point and then say, “How plain the Word of God is.”
I want to borrow that phrase from Brother Ashby and use it with our text for today: “How plain the Word of God is.” This verse is so clear, simple and plain even small children can understand it. Read our text again and see if you agree with Brother Ashby.
Many years ago I had the privilege of frequently hearing Brother Herbert Ashby, a pastor and revival preacher. He preached the Bible as it was to men as they were. He had a unique phrase that he used often after explaining a doctrine such as the second coming of Jesus. He would finish his point and then say, “How plain the Word of God is.”
I want to borrow that phrase from Brother Ashby and use it with our text for today: “How plain the Word of God is.” This verse is so clear, simple and plain even small children can understand it. Read our text again and see if you agree with Brother Ashby.
Sunday, October 8, 2017
God Loved Us and Sent His Son
“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (I John 4:10)
As John is inspired of the Holy Spirit to write on the subjects of God’s love, man’s love for God and his fellow man, it has been a near exhaustive treatise. I think of an old preacher who was asked about his sermon delivery. He said, “First, I tell them what I am about to tell them. Then I tell them. Then, I tell them what I’ve done told them. That way they won’t forget.”
Jesus is the propitiation, or covering, like the Mercy Seat over the Ark of the Covenant in the Old Testament. His blood covers our sins. He is the place of mercy. Someone said, “Give me justice! I want justice.” Someone standing near said, “If God gave you justice you would be eternally doomed in hell. What you need is Mercy, not Justice.” Jesus is our propitiation, our Mercy Seat.
A Personal Note from Brother Jim
I am making an appeal to all my readers for you to be in prayer for Auburn Baptist Church (Auburn, Kentucky), where I am pastor. There are many readers whom I will never see and never meet, but I know there are prayer warriors among you.
Our church enters a series of services this Sunday morning, October 8 and continues through Wednesday evening, October 11. If you live close enough to allow you to attend please do so. If you cannot attend please lift us up to God in your prayers.
Our service times are today at 11:00 a.m. and tonight through Wednesday we will be meeting at 7:00 p.m. All times for services are Central Daylight Time.
Thank You.
Brother Jim
As John is inspired of the Holy Spirit to write on the subjects of God’s love, man’s love for God and his fellow man, it has been a near exhaustive treatise. I think of an old preacher who was asked about his sermon delivery. He said, “First, I tell them what I am about to tell them. Then I tell them. Then, I tell them what I’ve done told them. That way they won’t forget.”
Jesus is the propitiation, or covering, like the Mercy Seat over the Ark of the Covenant in the Old Testament. His blood covers our sins. He is the place of mercy. Someone said, “Give me justice! I want justice.” Someone standing near said, “If God gave you justice you would be eternally doomed in hell. What you need is Mercy, not Justice.” Jesus is our propitiation, our Mercy Seat.
A Personal Note from Brother Jim
I am making an appeal to all my readers for you to be in prayer for Auburn Baptist Church (Auburn, Kentucky), where I am pastor. There are many readers whom I will never see and never meet, but I know there are prayer warriors among you.
Our church enters a series of services this Sunday morning, October 8 and continues through Wednesday evening, October 11. If you live close enough to allow you to attend please do so. If you cannot attend please lift us up to God in your prayers.
Our service times are today at 11:00 a.m. and tonight through Wednesday we will be meeting at 7:00 p.m. All times for services are Central Daylight Time.
Thank You.
Brother Jim
Saturday, October 7, 2017
How Much God Loves Us
“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. (I John 4:9)
God could have just written in the sky, “I love you,” He could have said, “Giving my Son to die on a cross is too much. It’s way beyond expectation.” But, God showed us His love, not with letters in the sky, but with His Son nailed to a cross.
We can say, “I love God,” but never honor His commandments. Or, we might say to a fellow believer, “I love you,” but never help him when he needs it.
The words to the hymn, "I Love Thee," which was written in 1805, are still true today. They read:
“I love Thee, I love Thee, I love Thee, my Lord;
I love Thee my Savior, I love Thee, my God:
I love Thee, I love Thee, and that Thou dost know;
But how much I love Thee my actions will show.”
God could have just written in the sky, “I love you,” He could have said, “Giving my Son to die on a cross is too much. It’s way beyond expectation.” But, God showed us His love, not with letters in the sky, but with His Son nailed to a cross.
We can say, “I love God,” but never honor His commandments. Or, we might say to a fellow believer, “I love you,” but never help him when he needs it.
The words to the hymn, "I Love Thee," which was written in 1805, are still true today. They read:
“I love Thee, I love Thee, I love Thee, my Lord;
I love Thee my Savior, I love Thee, my God:
I love Thee, I love Thee, and that Thou dost know;
But how much I love Thee my actions will show.”
Friday, October 6, 2017
God is Love
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God; for God is love.” (I John 4:7-8)
Throughout this epistle John is addressing the saved, not the lost. He is giving instruction to believers. He calls them, “beloved,” a word never used in the New Testament for non-believers. With the exception of the Gospels, most of the New Testament is written to believers, giving us instruction on how we are to live and act in the family of God. If we claim to be a Christian we must look in the pages of God’s Word for instruction on how to live.
In this passage we are told to love one another for love is of God. In addition we are told that, “God is love.” He is the source of love.
Throughout this epistle John is addressing the saved, not the lost. He is giving instruction to believers. He calls them, “beloved,” a word never used in the New Testament for non-believers. With the exception of the Gospels, most of the New Testament is written to believers, giving us instruction on how we are to live and act in the family of God. If we claim to be a Christian we must look in the pages of God’s Word for instruction on how to live.
In this passage we are told to love one another for love is of God. In addition we are told that, “God is love.” He is the source of love.
Thursday, October 5, 2017
The True Standard
“We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of Truth, and the spirit of error.” (I John 4:6)
The spirit of error is all around. It is difficult to know the difference in the real and the false. I have been told that in Washington, D.C. there is the Bureau of Standards. There is an exact inch, an exact foot, an exact pound, an exact pint, gallon or almost anything that has to do with measurements. The trained teller down at the bank does not need to know what every counterfeit one-hundred dollar bill looks like. She only needs to know what a genuine bill looks like.
The Bible student does not need to know what every cult looks like or what they believe. He only needs to measure all beliefs against the true standard in the Bible.
The spirit of error is all around. It is difficult to know the difference in the real and the false. I have been told that in Washington, D.C. there is the Bureau of Standards. There is an exact inch, an exact foot, an exact pound, an exact pint, gallon or almost anything that has to do with measurements. The trained teller down at the bank does not need to know what every counterfeit one-hundred dollar bill looks like. She only needs to know what a genuine bill looks like.
The Bible student does not need to know what every cult looks like or what they believe. He only needs to measure all beliefs against the true standard in the Bible.
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
The Voice of the World
“They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.” (I John 4:5)
Someone has said, “The world likes the sound of its own voice.” The false prophets and the world are in perfect unison. They are in harmony with anyone who is not in harmony with the Lord. “Can two walk together, except they are agreed?” asked the prophet, Amos. (Amos 3:3) The world is in lock-step with itself.
It behooves the followers of Christ to be in harmony with one another. I have discovered that those who are in harmony with the Lord find it much easier to be in harmony with fellow believers than if they are not in harmony with God. To have harmony with the Lord we must first walk with the Lord, as “Enoch walked with God.” (Genesis 5:24)
Someone has said, “The world likes the sound of its own voice.” The false prophets and the world are in perfect unison. They are in harmony with anyone who is not in harmony with the Lord. “Can two walk together, except they are agreed?” asked the prophet, Amos. (Amos 3:3) The world is in lock-step with itself.
It behooves the followers of Christ to be in harmony with one another. I have discovered that those who are in harmony with the Lord find it much easier to be in harmony with fellow believers than if they are not in harmony with God. To have harmony with the Lord we must first walk with the Lord, as “Enoch walked with God.” (Genesis 5:24)
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Victorious Living
“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (I John 4:4)
The Bible makes it clear that we Christians have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside from the moment we invite Jesus in and trust Him. Jesus said, “…He dwelleth with you and shall be in you. (John 14:17) The Bible says, “…if so be that the spirit of God dwells in you. Now if any man has not the Spirit of Christ he is none of His.” (Romans 8:9)
We are commanded to be filled with the Holy Spirit. To be filled means to be under the control of the Holy Spirit. Just think: Satan is a defeated foe when he comes against us. He will fight against us and give us all kinds of temptations and problems. But remember, “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” This is called, “Victorious Living.”
The Bible makes it clear that we Christians have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside from the moment we invite Jesus in and trust Him. Jesus said, “…He dwelleth with you and shall be in you. (John 14:17) The Bible says, “…if so be that the spirit of God dwells in you. Now if any man has not the Spirit of Christ he is none of His.” (Romans 8:9)
We are commanded to be filled with the Holy Spirit. To be filled means to be under the control of the Holy Spirit. Just think: Satan is a defeated foe when he comes against us. He will fight against us and give us all kinds of temptations and problems. But remember, “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” This is called, “Victorious Living.”
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