Message from Scripture: 7/31/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from Isa. 53:6: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

If you were asked what event in history you feel made the greatest impact on people, how would you answer that question? Some might say the printing press, or the advancement made in treating illnesses that once were believed to be incurable, or technical progress like the computer, smart phones, or other such devices. 

If the prophet Isaiah had been asked to answer such a question, surely the coming of the Savior into the world would have been at the very top. The problem with the world today is still much the same as Isaiah said: “We have all turned to our own way.” While humanity has been occupied, what has God accomplished for us that we are unable to do on our own?

Jesus came into the world to offer us forgiveness. “But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons” (Gal. 4:4).

The Savior suffered and died for us all. “Although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil. 2:6-8).

Christ triumphed so we all could gain victory through Him. “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem” (Luke 24:46-47).

People are still busy with their lives, sometimes so busy, so consumed by today, they forget what in their past is really important, what really matters for tomorrow. Where is Christ in your list of what is important in your life? God bless.

Robert

Message from Scripture: 7/30/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from Luke 23:46-47: “Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When he had said this, he breathed his last. The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, 'Surely this was a righteous man.'”

In the face of death, Jesus entrusted Himself into the hands of the Father. This was nothing new for Jesus, as it was something He had willingly done all His life. What does this say to us about the life Christ lived, and the example He set for us to follow?

Jesus lived His life in harmony with the will of God; His thoughts, His heart, His actions, were all conformed to God and His commandments. All that Jesus was, all that He did, came from love, the love of God in Him, and His love for us. Through love, Jesus' life on earth, in its totality, was lived obediently to the will of God, a testimony to His relationship with God. “I can do nothing on my own. I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will, but the will of him who sent me"

It is entirely natural, then, here at His death, for Jesus to commend His eternal spirit to the Father, to whom He was entrusted throughout His life. It is no different for us today. A death that is commendable to God is one which comes from a life lived for Him. “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3).

There will be no role reversals in death. How you have lived in life declares where you will live in eternity. What, or who, have you committed yourselves to today? Will it commend you to God in judgment? As the song “Abide With Me” says, “Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes, Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies, Heav'ns morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee, In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me." God bless.

Robert

Message from Scripture: 7/29/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from 1 Cor. 2:1-2: “And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”

When Paul went to preach the gospel in Corinth, it shouldn’t surprise us he viewed his time there to be spent preaching Christ and His crucifixion. The cross was a profound event in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, and it should be a profound event in our lives as well. How can we describe Jesus’s crucifixion?

Jesus on the cross was voluntary, as He freely laid down his life to fulfill the will of God. “For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative” (John 10:17-18). We too should take up our cross if we want to follow Him (Matt. 16:24).

Jesus on the cross was vicarious, meaning He died for the sins of others, not for His own. “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:3).  We should live sacrificially as well (1 John 3:16).

Jesus on the cross is victory. Contrary to the thinking of the world, the cross of Jesus means victory, when coupled with His resurrection. Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:57). Jesus invites us to trust Him for victory over the power of sin, and offers us assurance that, if we live by faith, we gain victory over the world (1 John 5:4).

Jesus Christ crucified offers us what we need when it comes to salvation and eternal life. Trust in what He has done for you, submit to Him in faith, and find the fulness of the riches God offers in Christ. Have a great day. God bless.

Robert

Message from Scripture: 7/28/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from Heb. 4:13: “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, are divine, which means there are certain traits, or characteristics, of them that define who they are as deity. Three of those traits are that they are omniscient, meaning all knowing, omnipotent, meaning all powerful, and omnipresent, meaning being everywhere at all times. Why is this crucial for deity in relation to us as part of creation?

It is essential so that God can watch over us and offer His help to us. It is essential for Him to be able to hear our prayers, to know our needs and respond appropriately. It is essential for Him to demonstrate His love for us, intervening in human history and providing for our needs, especially in the sacrifice of Christ for our sins. It is essential so He can offer the direction we need to stay on the right path, and have the guidance we need to make better decisions in the choices we have in life. It is essential so He can respond appropriately to His will and offer to us eternal life.

We need God, His Son, and the Spirit to have these attributes inherently as part of their eternal nature, if we are to have any confidence in living today, and have hope for tomorrow. In everything He has supremacy (Col. 1:17). He doesn’t do all this to intimidate us, but because he loves us and provides what is best. This is the God we need to watch over us, the Savior we need to give us forgiveness, and the Spirit we need who has revealed God’s will for every aspect of life.

Let’s give thanks to God for all that is offered us, a wholeness to life today, a promise fulfilled in eternity. Have a great day today, because of what we have, what we are, what we will be in Him. God bless.

Robert

Message from Scripture: 7/27/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from Jer. 5:25: “Your iniquities have turned these away, and your sins have deprived you of good.”

Jeremiah has often been called the weeping prophet, as this was often his response to God’s judgments against His people. He wept how the people had rejected God in everyday living, which brought God’s judgments against them. How do we today, by not offering our best to God, miss out on the good things God wants to give us?

We miss out on good when we withhold our time from God. Moses said, “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom” (Psa. 90:12). If we waste our time, the blessings we could have had may never be recaptured.

We miss out on good when we withhold our talents from God. God has a purpose for every life, and if we bury our talents, we miss out on so much of what life offers us, as well as even greater blessings. Paul reminds us to make the most of our time, because the days are evil (Eph. 5:16). Life means more for us when we cooperate with God by living in His will.

We miss out on good when we withhold our resources from God. To not give of our finances for the Lord’s work means we rob ourselves as well as God, who provides us with all we have. To help in the work of the kingdom, to seek to save the lost and keep the saved, saved, is the greatest of works. Paul reminds us, “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (2 Cor. 9:6).

Like the people of Jeremiah’s day, it would be sad to think we live in such a way our actions have withheld God’s good from us. Surrender all of your life to God, and find what great things He has waiting for you. How about discovering His best today? God bless.

Robert

Message from Scripture: 7/25/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from Rom. 5:12: Through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.”

I believe every pain, every problem, every adversity we have to deal with in life can trace its roots back to sin. While sin may be the source of so many problems, God is able to take what Satan would use to destroy us and bring about good, as He works all things for good to those who love Him (Rom. 8:28). Life is easier to live if we can look beyond the moment to see what good our trials may bring us.

We learn perseverance through our trials. Perseverance is the power to hold out, to refuse to quit, to go on when you feel like giving up. Perseverance can only be developed when our faith is tested to endure (Rom. 5:3).

We learn compassion through our trials. It’s hard being sympathetic if you haven’t had any hardships in life. While we may not all share the same problems, we do share in having problems, which helps us encourage each other, showing tender mercies to each other (Col. 3:12).

We learn to trust in God through our trials. Difficulties remind us that our physical existence is temporal and uncertain. How much strength do we gain by allowing our omniscient and omnipotent God to work His good will in our lives? We can take heart knowing Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33).

David knew his share of trials, but he could say, “Cast your burden on the Lord and He shall sustain you” (Psa. 55:22). Even though we all have sinned, God still works to bless us through it all. Have a great day knowing how much God loves you. God bless.

Robert

That Which is Perfect

In speaking of the cessation of miraculous gifts, we must necessarily speak of the completion of Scripture. Once Scripture had been completely given and confirmed, the need for miracles would no longer exist. This is what Paul affirms in 1 Cor. 13:10; “but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away.” The NKJV translates this verse, “that which is perfect,” clearly revealing the perfect being referred to is not a person, but a thing. The term perfect in the original Greek is an adjective, standing in the place of a noun. Like nouns, adjectives have gender, number, and case. When an adjective is standing in place of a noun, it must agree with the noun it represents in gender, number, and case. Understanding this is important if we are to understand what Paul has reference to by this term.

The word perfect in 1 Cor. 13:10 is neuter, which precludes it standing for Christ, a masculine noun. Some would have us believe, since Christ is the only perfect person, miracles are still an ongoing experience in the church, because Christ hasn’t returned. However, as we have seen, making this passage refer to Christ is impossible grammatically. Again, the translation “that which” lets us know Paul is referring to some thing, not some one. The root word for perfect in the Greek originally meant “the turning point, hinge, the culminating point at which one stage ends and another begins.” The term perfect, then, isn’t referring to sinlessness, but of achieving a goal, reaching the logical end of a process or action. It has reference to what is complete.

“That which is perfect” is in contrast to that which is “in part,” the end of those things that are in part. It is the goal, the conclusion, of that which is in part. Paul considered the days of spiritual gifts as the process by which the goal of maturity was being reached. But when the goal was reached, when maturity was attained, when the body of truth had been fully revealed, the partial would cease. There would be no more need for such spiritual gifts. This is evident by what he says in 13:8-9; “Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part…” The desired aim was to reach the point of maturity, where such miraculous gifts would not be needed.

This is what happened when Scripture was fully revealed and confirmed. When Revelation, the last book of the New Testament, was written, the canon of Scripture was closed by God; there were no more inspired books given. John, the last apostle to die, was he whom God used to give us this book. Revelation was written near the end of the first century, and John died sometime after writing it. The goal, that which is perfect, had been reached. All of Scripture had been given, and the miracles contained therein were sufficient to confirm it as God’s word and as being binding. In God’s providence, His completed revelation, and the cessation of the means by which miracles were given to confirm that revelation, came together. We see, then, the harmony of God bringing His purposes to completion.

Do we have evidence in the New Testament, then, that the word “perfect” can be used to refer to the will of God? Yes. In Rom. 12:2, Paul states, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” The will of God, Paul states, is perfect. The word perfect here is in the exact form in the Greek as it is in 1 Cor. 13:10. Again, it is an adjective, in this instance modifying the word “will,” the will of God. So, God’s will is what is perfect, complete. It is that completely revealed will of God which Paul speaks of in 1 Cor. 13:10, which will bring the end of those things that are in part, the miraculous. Again, God’s word is its best interpreter.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”

Robert

Message from Scripture: 7/24/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from Rom. 12:1: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”

In contrast to the animal sacrifices offered under the Law of Moses, which had to die and be slaughtered, we are to be living sacrifices. We are to put to death the desires of the flesh to allow the will of God to govern our thoughts and actions. What are those sacrifices God asks us to make to have a positive relationship with Him?

As we experience life each day, we should use each day to live for Christ. Our devotion to Christ shouldn’t be an on again, off again type of experience, but one we are renewed in every day, to stay faithful each day. As Paul said to the church in Colossae, Christ is to be our life (Col. 3:4).

As we experience life each day, we should use each day to be holy, meaning living apart from sin and committed to righteousness. We must let go of those things God has said we must avoid, and cling to those things God has said we should seek. Peter reminded his readers they should live holy lives, because our God is holy (1 Pet. 1:15-16).

As we experience life each day, we should use each day to be complete, growing and maturing in all things in Christ. It challenges us to cooperate with God’s good purpose for us in every area of life. Paul reminded the church in Ephesus, we are to grow up in all aspects in Christ (Eph. 4:15).

Sacrificial living is not sacrificing anything that hurts us, but gaining everything that helps. Think today of what you can give up to gain Christ, and ask His help to have an abundant life in Him. Have a great day. God bless.

Robert

Message from Scripture: 7/23/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from Jas. 4:14: “Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.”

We can ignore it. We can do everything we can to prevent it. But it still will come someday to every one of us…and that is death. While we may try to avoid thinking about the reality of death, the very fact, unless our Lord returns, that we all will die, is a powerful motivation to consider how we live, to make the most of the time we have. This is so important because how we live today has a direct impact on where we will live in eternity. What are some of the facts about death that help us better live today?

Death reminds us life is a trust from God. We are not to spend our lives in selfish pursuits, as God will hold us responsible for how we use the time He has given to us. Paul said to the church in Ephesus, “Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is” (Eph. 5:15-17).

Death reminds us to dedicate our lives to God. Paul wrote the church in Corinth, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31).

Death reminds us life is an opportunity to serve God. Jesus told His disciples, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:43-45).

Years are made up of days, and we live life one day at a time. Yesterday has flown into the tomb of time, and tomorrow is still in the womb of time. We have today in which to worship and work for our Lord. What will you do with the days you have? Use them for God, and you will make every day a great day. God bless.

Robert

Message from Scripture: 7/22/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from 2 Kings 22:8: “Then Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, ‘I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD.’ And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan who read it.”

It’s amazing that something of so great importance could be misplaced and forgotten by the priests, kings, and people who were to be in a covenant relationship with God. But just as amazing is the response of Josiah when he heard God’s word had been found. He wanted to hear what it had to say (2 Kings 22:10). He understood the implications of what it said (2 Kings 22:11, 13). He determined to obey all its words and commandments (2 Kings 23:3).

In some ways, we need to rediscover God’s word for us again as well. One reason is it is God’s way of speaking to us. The Bible is God speaking to us about life, as it is the authoritative basis of our faith. We need something to stand on for our faith and practice, and the Bible is the answer, as faith comes by hearing it (Rom. 10:17).

We need to rediscover God’s word as it applies to us personally. It is able to reach our minds, pierce our hearts, and mold us in His image (Rom. 12:2).

We need to rediscover God’s word practically. If Scripture is truly living and active (Heb. 4:12-13), then it can speak to us about any need we may have, helping us through all the situations life brings our way.

Owning a Bible is a privilege many haven’t had in times past, and some still don’t have. Reading it should be exciting and bring a sense of discovery, about God and ourselves, to our lives. When we rediscover God’s word, we discover ourselves, who we are, who we can be, and what God wants us to be. Why not start today? God bless.

Robert

Message from Scripture: 7/21/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from Psa. 100:2: “Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing.”

Psalm 100 issues a challenge to us to participate in joyful praise and service. The psalmist calls for positive service, regular service, continuous service, and wholehearted service. Service motivated by glad, joyful hearts is what the world needs, what the church needs, and what each of us need. A joyful heart and joyful service is something everyone can offer, and the blessings that come to us and others are beyond measure.

Gratitude will produce joyous service. Our God offers us many reasons to be grateful. God is our Creator. God is our Redeemer. God protects us. His purposes for us are purposes of love. God has provided a home at the end of the way. Faith in Him enables us to rejoice with a joy inexpressible, and full of glory, as it leads to our salvation (1 Pet. 1:8-9).

Gratitude allows us to focus on what is important. We all are busy, but what are we busy doing? Someone once said one of the great tragedies of our age is that people are giving first-rate loyalty to third-rate causes. Where does God’s will and God’s work figure into our plans?

Gratitude shows others how much God really means to us. Jesus’ life served as a influential power, drawing multitudes to hear his message. “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32). As our life is characterized by gladness and joy, we can attract others to the Christian way of life.

Your life can take on new beauty and new meaning if you respond to God’s purpose for your life with gladness and joy. As I like to end most of my articles, today, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” Have a great day. God bless.

Robert

Message from Scripture: 7/20/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from 1 John 2:15-17: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”

In this passage, John talks about the influence of the world in contrast to the influence of Christ. The world is in the process of passing away, and will not endure forever. Those who do the will of God, though, will endure forever. So, our faith in Christ will waiver when we look more to the world around us than we do to Christ. How does this work against us?

The world wants us to look to what its theology says rather than what Christ has said in His word, that being immersed is needed to save us from our sins (Matt. 28:19). The world wants us to put our desires first, but Christ wants us to put him first, setting Him apart as Lord in our hearts (1 Pet. 3:15). The world wants us to consider anything more important that worshipping God, but Christ doesn’t want us to forsake our assembling together to worship Him (Heb. 10:25). The world tells us it doesn’t matter how one lives, but Jesus says we must seek first His kingdom and righteousness (Matt. 6:33). The list could go on, but it is clear the world is opposed to the will of God.

While many pursue the way of the world, Jesus asks us to pursue Him instead. We have no support if our lives are not focused on Christ, but if Christ is what our lives are about, we have His support and help in everything. May our love be for the way of the Father, not the way of the world. Walk in God’s love, and have a great day. God bless.

Robert

Message from Scripture: 7/18/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from Psa. 103:2: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits.”

Most of us are probably familiar with what are called “nesting” dolls, which are a set of wooden dolls of decreasing size placed one inside the other. We typically assign the origin of this toy to Russia, where it was first carved in 1890. The dolls won a bronze medal at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1900. To me, the doll is a gift, which, when opened you find another gift, and another, and another, and so on. It really is a gift that keeps on giving.

Spiritually, all of life in Christ is a blessing, but within the blessing of being in Christ comes many other blessings as well. First, we have forgiveness of sin. Paul said, “In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses (Eph. 1:7). But not only this, we are added to His kingdom, transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of His beloved Son (Col. 1:13-14). We also have all spiritual blessings in Christ (Eph. 1:3). And to this we also receive everything that pertains to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3). Not only that, the way God blesses us is a blessing itself, as “every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (Jas. 1:17). And how could we forget that, in all of these blessings, comes the greatest blessing of all, eternal life? Paul said, “Having been justified by his grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:7).

The blessings we have in Christ continue to grow as we live our lives in Him. As we realize and experience any particular blessing Christ offers to us, we understand there are so many more that come to us throughout our lives in Him. Have you thought about all God has blessed you with in Christ? Why not take some time to do so now, and realize today is a really a great day in Him? God bless.

Robert

Was Jesus a Sinner?

A CNN host, discussing the current craze to destroy monuments, made this analogy. “Jesus Christ—if you believe in, if that's who you believe in, Jesus Christ—admittedly was not perfect when he was here on this earth. So why are we deifying the founders of this country?" (www.dennisonforum.org). What is the basis of his pronouncement that Jesus was not perfect? Essentially, growing up in a traditional Christian denomination, he found himself at odds with Biblical teaching, specifically on same sex relations. He objected to Scripture stating one engaged in such practices would not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:10).

If one accepts the premise that Scripture is the word of Christ (Rom. 10:17), and that the teaching of Scripture condemns such a lifestyle, then, for those who accept that lifestyle, Scripture is wrong, and thus Christ cannot be perfect. It is an intellectual exercise done to justify a way of thinking and a way of living. However, as the saying goes, wanting something to be so does not make it so.

Such is not surprising, as recent polls show that some 44 percent of American believers think that Jesus sinned (www.christianheadlines.com). The survey also revealed a dramatic decline in the number of Americans who hold to a biblical worldview. According to the survey, about 51 percent of American adults have a traditional view of God as opposed to 73 percent in 1991, a 22 percent drop from 30 years ago. George Barna stated of these results, “Tens of millions of Americans consider themselves to be Christian but do not believe that God is really in control or cares what happens to them." He noted the shift in worldview from thirty years ago, saying that people went from “learning and thinking about God” to becoming “more self-absorbed,” rejecting the existence of absolute moral truth.

Scripture, however, offers a different view of Christ than this. Jesus was without sin and deceit (1 Pet. 2:22). He knew no sin (2 Cor. 5:21). He was tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sin (Heb. 4:15). He is holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners (Heb. 7:26). In Him there is no sin (1 John 3:5). Of course, someone can say anything about anyone, but the testimony of Scripture has been confirmed and established time and again. The recording of history in the Bible is presented fairly and accurately. It was written when people of that time could have offered a differing view historically, but it has withstood its critics and verified time and again. The issue is not the accuracy of Scripture, but sin in the human heart.

God’s word has been rejected and vilified from ancient times. People have sought to minimize it, and destroy it, but it still stands. Hearts can be hardened against it, but it is still the basis on which everyone will be judged someday (John 12:48). Isaiah’s statement, repeated by Peter, still endures. “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever” (Isa. 40:6, 8; 1 Pet. 1:24-25). Humanity is corrupt with the deceit of sin, which only leads to condemnation. The truth of the gospel sets one free (Rom. 8:31-32), offers an abundant life (John 10:10), and provides eternal life (Jas. 1:25).

Who will we choose to believe? There are only two options…God or Satan. How sad to reject the truth that can save, for the lie that will only destroy. The greatest challenge for us all is to be honest with ourselves and evaluate our motives. It will be too late standing before God in judgment to change sides, to reevaluate what you believe. “Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain” (2 Cor. 6:1).

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”

Robert

Message from Scripture: 7/17/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from John 19:30: “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

These words of our Lord were the last He offered from the cross before dying. “It is finished” is a statement of triumph, indicating He left nothing undone God had for Him to accomplish in His ministry. But what all is it that Jesus finished? And what does that mean for us as His followers today?

For one, all the prophecies made about Jesus were fulfilled. For example, the birth of the Savior (Isa. 7:14), the place of his birth (Micah 5:2), His sufferings (Isa. 53), all had been completed in Him. After His resurrection, Jesus told His disciples, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled” (Luke 24:44).

In addition to this, Christ’s work of redemption was fulfilled. We have salvation in Jesus Christ by virtue of the fact that he died in our place. John reminded his readers, “If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2).

Also, the power of Satan was destroyed. This doesn’t mean Satan no longer tempts us to sin, but that the power he held over us due to sin to condemn us, has been overcome by the blood of Christ. “Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8).

May we rejoice in the blessings we have through what Christ accomplished for us on the cross. May we also live in His love, to reflect His life active in us, in all we say and do. Have a great day. God bless.

Robert

Message from Scripture: 7/16/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from Ex. 3:11: “But Moses asked God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and that I should bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”

In this passage, for forty long and trying years, Moses had felt that God would never use him again. This man who was educated in Egypt, which was the world empire of its day, who possibly could have been heir to Pharaoh’s throne, passed his time tending his father-in-law’s sheep on the back side of the desert wilderness near Sinai, believing this was the best it was going to get. Where he was when God called him was part of God’s preparation of using him during the time of wilderness wandering, to keep the children of Israel focused on the goal.

What we should learn from Moses is not to arrive at your conclusions by comparing your abilities with the abilities that you see in others, or the circumstances you find yourself in. God doesn’t expect you to come up to the standard he has for others, just the one he has for you. No doubt Moses was terrified when God told him, “I am sending you to Pharaoh so that you may lead my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt” (Ex. 3:10). How could he do it? He would discover that His strength would be found following the Lord’s directions. It’s no different for us today.

Peter tells us, “If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Pet. 4:11).

There are opportunities all around us to do God’s will, to serve Him by using our talents for Him, to make a difference in us and those around us. Don’t let others convince you otherwise. You have the power through God working in you to please Him and make a difference, in yourself and others. We can be just what God wants each of us to be, and please Him. Have a great day. God bless.

Robert

Message from Scripture: 7/15/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from 2 Cor. 4:7: “Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us.”

In 1947 2 shepherds, searching for a stray goat in the vicinity of the Dead Sea, stumbled on a cave and found several clay jars, containing decaying bundles of leather scrolls. The scrolls were the oldest copies of the Old Testament, and were placed in the jars and hidden in caves when the Roman army came to destroy Jerusalem in AD 70. Little if anything has been said of the containers, as they are ordinary clay jars, like thousands of other clay jars made in that period of time and found by many archeologists.

The jars Paul speaks about to the Christians in Corinth are not the pottery found at the Dead Sea, but life in the flesh. He probably is thinking of himself and the other apostles, who possess the frailties that come with the flesh, but still, in the strength of the Lord, were able to reflect the light of the gospel. This was the true treasure, that even with all the weaknesses inherit in the flesh, God could use them to bring salvation to the world.

For us today, we too are like clay jars that contain something precious, the precious message of the gospel. We may be weak, but our God is strong, and in the gospel there is power that can transform lives and shape one’s destiny for eternity. Paul said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. For in it God’s righteousness is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith” (Rom. 1:16-17).

Our lives are important to God. No matter how weak you may feel or think you are, God works through the gospel to transform us, and enable us to make a difference in others, by our words and deeds. What a treasure we have in us, and what a difference it makes. Rejoice in what God can do for each of us, and have a great day in Christ. God bless.

Robert

Message from Scripture: 7/14/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from Gen. 25:34: “ Then Jacob gave bread and lentil stew to Esau; he ate, drank, got up, and went away. So Esau despised his birthright.”

In Biblical times, the order of birth was significant; one's birthright was important, and being the firstborn son carried great privilege with it. The firstborn male would receive a double portion of the inheritance, the father's blessing, and legal continuation of the family line. So great were the rights of the firstborn male, the Law of Moses prohibited playing favorites among sons, trying to give the birthright to one other than the firstborn son (Deut. 21:15-17).

The concept of the firstborn plays an important part to us as children of God as well. Christ is described as the firstborn (Col. 1:15), but with the sense of priority, of having preeminence, over all creation, both as deity, being the Son of God, as well as He who took on flesh to fulfill the will of God. The Hebrew writer reminds us, “Although He was the Son, He learned obedience through what He suffered” (Heb. 5:8).

Because of Christ, we are children of God too, having been redeemed by our Lord. “But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons” (Gal. 4:4-5). We have been bought with a price, and we should glorify God in our bodies (1 Cor. 6:19-20).

Esau despised his birthright, meaning he held it in contempt, he did not treat it with the respect it was due. He learned of its real value and worth too late, and though he sought it with tears, it was gone (Heb. 12:17). Our birthright as children of God in Christ is infinite, because it offers us eternal life. How valuable it should be to us! Don’t let it go by casting away the life you have in Christ. Treasure it, live it, and look forward to what it provides. God bless.

Robert

Message from Scripture: 7/13/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from Titus 1:5: “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking.”

The term translated lacking has to do with what remains or is unfinished, a deficiency that needs to be corrected. In Crete, the unfinished work refers to establishing correct teaching, dealing with false teachers, and appointing elders in every city that had a congregation of the Lord’s church. In looking at this passage, when it comes to being the kind of people we should be in Christ, we all have deficiencies we need to correct, areas we need to be stronger in, things that need to overcome. What are some ways we can grow and mature in Christ, to have a stronger faith, a greater love, and a secure hope in eternal life?

We need a deeper knowledge of the truth. Peter emphasized we should grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 3:18). With a more accurate knowledge of the will of God, we will be able to make better choices and be approved of God.

We need a greater love for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul wanted the church in Thessalonica to increase and abound in their love for each other (1 Thess. 3:12), As our love increases for each other, so our encouragement in faithful living will increase as well, as we earnestly desire all in Christ to reach the goal of eternal life.

We need a steadfast lifestyle for the Lord. Peter tells us we each have gifts, or talents, from the Lord, and we should serve using those gifts in the strength God supplies (1 Pet. 4:11). God has eternal plans for us, and He desires us to live in the good works we find in Jesus Christ for us.

The more we follow Christ, the more we fill up what lacks in us, and the closer we draw to the image of Christ. What a great thought that is, that as we sing in the hymn, we can be more like Jesus. What a great goal in life. Have a great day. God bless.

Robert

Take Service Seriously

Typical of Paul when he closed his letters to the congregations he was writing, was to list personal greetings to certain individuals. In Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae, he mentions one individual specifically, Archippus, and reminds him, “Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it” (Col. 4:17). The exact nature of his work, or ministry, is not mentioned by Paul, but the reminder he offers him is a good reminder to all of us.

The life we are called to live in Christ is really a call to ministry, or service. There is something we all can do in His kingdom, a ministry to fulfill. “Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen” (1 Pet. 4:10-11). It is personal, not just in what we do for each other, but in how the Lord receives it as done to Himself. “Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me… to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me” (Matt. 25:40, 45).

Not only do we serve, but we are to bring our work to completion. The word in the Greek translated accomplish was used literally to fill a vessel or cup. The idea came to represent filling abundantly, completing, to supply richly whatever it is one does. Whatever we do in service to the Lord should be done with excellence, offered with our best, just as the Lord offers of Himself for us. We remember the church in Sardis, where the Lord rebuked them for not finishing what they had begun. “I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God” (Rev. 3:2).

Another consideration in accomplishing the work God has for us to do is to take it seriously. Paul told Archippus to pay attention to what God wanted him to achieve. The term Paul uses is a word that means to see literally, with one’s eyes, but figuratively is used to mean consider, take heed, to see to it. He also uses the verb tense of command, to add emphasis to how important his work was when done with the eternal in view (1 Cor. 10:12).

Serving God is not an option. Living life as Christ desires is every Christian’s duty. We must never take for granted the calling, the privilege, God provides for us to be part of His work in His kingdom. We are involved in saving souls. We are involved in encouraging each other to reach our potential in Christ. Our ministry, our service, deserves our complete attention, our dedicated focus. Like Archippus, Paul warns us not to drift through life, but remember and fulfill our part in God’s great plan. “Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully” (2 John 1:8).

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”

Robert

Message from Scripture: 7/11/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from 1 Pet. 4:7: “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.”

As Christians, Scripture speaks to us of living between two worlds, the world of the flesh we know here and now, and that of the spiritual, the eternal, that which we live today in anticipation of having. We must realize how close we are to eternity. Living on the edge of eternity, how should we live to reach the eternity we desire? Peter offer us three things that will help us along the way.

First, be at your very best for God. The ideas of having sound judgment and a sober spirit is to take life seriously, not to be deceived by the philosophy of the world, but to show discernment, exercising self-control, knowing the right path to follow. We should live in the hope of God working His grace out in every day living (1 Pet. 1:13).

Next, stay in contact with God. Scripture reveals prayer as something that is to be a constant part of the Christian’s lifestyle. To maintain an attitude of prayer keeps us in God’s will and helps us focus on life from a spiritual perspective. We need to be devoted to prayer (Col. 4:2).

Lastly, do everything from love. Love is the foundation on which everything we do in Christ is built. Love is that which will last when all of that which is physical is gone. Of the triad of qualities that guide us, love is the one that always endures (1 Cor. 13:13).

We’re on the edge of eternity, until eternity becomes the existence we have. We don’t know when it will come, but we live each day prepared. As this week ends and another, Lord willing, begins, make your life about living for the right one. God bless.

Robert

Message from Scripture: 7/10/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from 1 Cor. 15:10: “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.”

Where would we be without the grace of God? We all would be lost, without hope today and without eternal life beyond this existence. Peter speaks of God’s grace as manifold, or varied, diverse (1 Pet. 4:10). God’s grace is revealed and offered through Christ and His sacrifice for us. Only by our obedience to the gospel are we able to receive God’s grace and forgiveness. In this passage from 1 Peter, we are reminded of the various gifts, or talents and abilities, God has given us by His grace.

Paul also speaks of God’s grace to Titus as that which reveals what God has done for us in Christ. It teaches us how God’s will applies to everyday living, in what we should abandon as sinful, and instead embrace what is godly (Titus 2:11-14). We come to realize just how much we need the grace of God each day, not only to cleanse our sins through the blood of Christ, but to live life abundantly, to its fullest, as God meant for it to be.

It’s sad, then, when people mistakenly believe God’s grace gives them permission to sin. Jude speaks of those false teachers who “pervert the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ” (Jude 4). Paul warned the congregations of Galatia, such causes one to fall from grace (Gal. 5:4). This is the saddest thing that can be said of anyone, that God’s grace has been negated.

Let’s seek to be like Paul, that God’s grace not be in vain to us, not ineffective in what it can accomplish. May we join with God in Christ and live life in the fulness God intends. Have a great day today doing this very thing. God bless.

Robert

Message from Scripture: 7/9/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from Matt. 7:12: “Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them—this is the Law and the Prophets.”

This passage of Scripture is in part a summary statement of all that Jesus said concerning our treatment of our fellow human beings. Those who follow after Jesus are not merely to refrain from harming others; they are to go and relate to others in the manner in which they would have others relate to them. What does this mean when we consider how we deal with others as it affects our relationship with God?

First, we are to treat our fellow humans as we desire to be treated by our heavenly Father. We are not to let our conduct be determined by how others treat us, but rather by how God has treated us. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3-4).

In addition to this, the principle Jesus sets before us here is the fulfillment of the entire Law in regard to one's personal relationships. Think of what practicing this principle could mean not just in our relationships with others, but for the influence the gospel in us could have on others. “For it is God’s will that you silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good” (1 Pet. 2:15).

Only those who have experienced the love of God in Christ can even begin to love others as themselves. Only by the grace of God can one rise up to the high level of living the Golden Rule in every relationship. Applying this principle to our life transforms our actions. If we put ourselves in the place of others, and do for them what we would like done for ourselves, what would it mean for us, others, and the world in which we live? Try it in your interactions with others today, and find the rich blessings of God. Have a great day.

Robert

Message from Scripture: 7/8/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from Eph. 6:18: “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit…”

Prayer is an important and essential aspect of our relationship with God. In this verse, Paul speaks of two aspects of prayer. He identifies the need for prayer in general, addressing God as He who alone is worthy of being approached in prayer, who alone can both know and fulfill what is needful for us. He also reminds us God desires us to be specific in our prayers, to make petition, to express our needs to Him as they present themselves to us in life. This is so important he uses a participle that carries the force of an imperative. It is not just a request from God, but a command He expects from us “at all times.”

Why does God expect this from His followers? For one thing, it reveals the hearts of those who call Him their God, a submission to Him and desire for Him to be actively involved in their lives. Only by humbling ourselves before God and pouring our hearts out to Him in genuine faith can we expect God to honor our petitions and provide what we need to follow Him.

Another aspect of this command is that God wants us to seek Him and make our petitions known to Him. He wants no mistaken concepts about the God we serve. He loves us and wants to bless us, and His rich blessings are available to those who are drawn to Him in prayer. He is always ready to help, forgive, comfort, and offer what we need, as we are to pray at all times. What a God we have! Physically, emotionally, spiritually, in any and everything, He is capable and willing to provide what we need to live in Him and for Him. Do you have concerns? Do you have problems? Do you have thanks to offer? God is always present to hear and provide. Wouldn’t now be a good time to find that help and strength He wants us to have? Have a great day. God bless.

Robert

Message from Scripture: 7/7/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from 1 Thess 1:3; “We remember before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

What does it mean to be a Christian? A Christian literally is a follower of Christ. To follow Jesus it means we must not only believe what Scripture says about Him, but we also respond to Him, to do what He says. It applies not just in obeying the gospel, but in living every day for Him.

Paul illustrates this truth by praising the brothers and sisters in Thessalonica for their response to the gospel. He remembers their work of faith, a faith that is living and active. A faith that doesn’t motivate one to do what God asks is called by James a dead faith, unfruitful and unable to please God (Jas. 2:26).

He also recalls their labor of love, a love that works. This is indicated by the term Paul chose, which is a laborious service, the weariness such labor produces. Love leads one to serve, even when that service demands hardship to fulfill (1 Cor. 15:58).

He then keeps in mind their steadfastness of hope, enduring whatever life brings, the things and circumstances difficult to deal with. Hope motivated them not to give in or give up, but to press on in their lives in Christ (2 Cor. 6:4).

Christian living demands the best from us, not the least. We never give up and stop, but press on and keep on at all times. It is what our Lord offered for us, and what we should offer Him. What type of faith, hope, and love do you possess? May it be seen in what you say and do. Have a great day. God bless.

Robert

Message from Scripture: 7/6/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from 1 John 4:16; “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”

Scripture is filled with passages that affirm God’s love for us. “For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16). No created thing “will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:39). “The God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Cor. 13:11).

Saying you love, however, isn’t the same as actually showing your love. We know God loves us, not only because God is truth, but because of how He shows it to us. He provides the seasons in their times (Psa. 104:19). He makes the sun shine, and the rain fall, on both the righteous and unrighteous (Matt. 5:43). Whatever it takes for our world to be sustained and provide what we need for life, He is accomplishing it through Christ (Col. 1:17).

Everything physical God provides for our well-being. Beyond this, the greatest measure of God’s love is what He offers us in Christ, who became flesh and blood, lived a perfect life among us, and died the cruel death on the cross so His blood could wash away our sins. He cares for us throughout the days of our lives, and promises eternal life when this life ends. That is how we know we are truly loved.

Jesus told His disciples, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). If life seems to get you down, never forget God loves you, and how great that love is, seen in Christ. Knowing this, you can have a great day any day. God bless.

Robert

Message from Scripture: 7/1/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from Gal. 6:4-5; “But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.”

While New Testament Christianity is universal in its scope, Christianity focuses on us as individuals, and can accurately be described as the religion of the individual. Christ didn’t expect kingdoms, nations, or states as a whole to follow Him, but countless individuals have found the peace and hope that is in Christ.

For example, only you alone can obey the gospel for the forgiveness of sin. No one else can do that for you. Only you can, through faith which comes through the word of God, believe, repent of your sins, confess Jesus as Lord, and be immersed to have the blood of Christ wash away your sins. Only you and you alone can do this and find the hope of eternal life for you (Acts 2:38).

Only you alone can live the Christian life to please God and show your commitment to Christ as Lord. Applying the Word of God to your own life, to your own unique situations in life every day, is something only you can do. Only you can choose to live as God desires (1 Pet. 4:10-11).

Only you alone will answer for the life you have lived on the day of judgment. We won’t stand before God as a congregation, as a family unit, or any other way other than as individuals (Rom. 14:12). Others might want to do so on your behalf, but they can only answer for themselves.

God loves each of us individually, and wants each of us saved, to live for Him, to stand approved in judgment. How will you personally respond? God bless.

Robert