Message from Scripture: 6/29/2021

Today, our message from Scripture comes from Rom. 12:15. “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.”

I received word yesterday of a good preacher friend who is in Good Shepherd ICU with COVID pneumonia. Of course, my first thoughts raced back to what Karen faced when she was there for the same problem. That quickly faded as I knew of what he was struggling to overcome, and of his dear wife, who along with her family are dealing with it as well in recovering from COVID themselves, along with the emotions she is going through. My prayers are for everyone in her family, that they might all get well and return to their normal lives again. I was so gladdened in heart to know he was going to be able to be moved to a more "regular" room, and that all the family is making slow, but sure, progress.

COVID is still a “thing” people have to deal with, but there are so many other issues people have to deal with as well. There are health issues besides COVID. There are emotions that seem overwhelming to people who are struggling with them, no matter the cause from which they come. There are relational issues, fears, temptations, and a host of other problems we all must face as we go through life. Satan tosses everything against us he can to discourage us and to bring us to our knees in despair. While we’re on our knees, it’s a good place in humility to pray to God for His help and strength, for healing, for courage, for wisdom, for understanding, for His blessings. If nothing else, every hardship we face reminds both of how wicked Satan is, as well as how good God is to offer us all His blessings through Christ.

We all have matters, issues, and questions, to face. Some are minor, while others bring us to the very core of who we are, shaking us and trying to break our faith. Don’t let go of God and His Son. Know He has a perfect purpose in mind in it all, and that no matter the disappoints of today, there is something so much better waiting for us later. Let’s go out to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, even in our doubts and fears, knowing He will help us through them all. God bless.

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 6/28/2021

 

Today, our message from Scripture comes from Matt. 7:7. “Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you.”

 

The story is told of a young boy trying to move a rather large rock, but just couldn’t do it, as the rock was firmly embedded in the ground. After various attempts, he went in the house, tired and dejected. When his dad asked if he had done everything he could to move it, his response was, “Yes, dad.” “Are you sure?” his dad responded. “Dad,” the boy said, “I tried pushing it, pulling it, and I even tried to pry it out of the ground...I did everything I could do!” His father said, “No you haven’t! You didn’t ask me to help.”

 

There is a progression to the verbs Jesus uses in our verse for today; ask, seek, and knock. All three indicate an attitude of persistence, something one should continue to do. Jesus tells us, if God is an integral, constant part of our lives, we can depend and rely on Him.

 

No matter what comes our way, we know our Lord is there to help, strengthen, encourage, and provide. There are times when He may allow tough times to drive us to Him, it’s to remind us we can’t succeed in life without His power and help and strength. Paul reminds us regarding his own issues in the flesh, “He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:9-10).

 

Today, let’s trust in God’s help, and go out to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in confidence He goes with us all the way. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 6/25/2021

 

Today, our message from Scripture comes from John 15:14. “You are My friends, if you do what I command you.”

 

A friend, by definition, is “one attached to another by affection or esteem,” and to be a friend means “to show interest and goodwill in the life of another.”  To know someone  you can genuinely call a friend is truly special. How special it must have been for Abraham, then, to be called the friend of God (Jas. 2:23).  Abraham was a friend of God because of his commitment to God, his faith in Him, and his obedience to God's will.

 

How special it is for us to know that we, too, can be friends of our Lord.  The words we’ve read from Scripture today were spoken by Jesus before He would be sacrificed for the sins of the world. We are the objects of Jesus' love, the reason He came to this world. By His sacrifice we are offered the opportunity to have life in Him. Just as Jesus came to do the will of the Father in dying for our sins, we are called to do the will of our Lord as those beloved by Him, those attached to Him, those who are genuinely committed to Him, to submit in loving obedience to His will, where we find His blessings for our lives.

 

The most familiar passage of Scripture to most people in the world emphasizes this deep love the Father and the Son have for us; “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).  It is that same kind of commitment and love that we should exhibit to the Lord, to truly be His friend.  Our submission in obedience to His will is a reflection of our relationship to Him as a friend.  “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). Today, let’s go out to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, showing what true friendship really is. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 6/24/2021

 

Today, our message from Scripture comes from Psa. 56:8. “Put my tears in Your bottle; Are they not in Your book?”

 

Everyone, at some time in his or her life, experiences problems.  This is part of sharing the human experience, of living in a world of sin.  Few of us, however, have experienced the kind of trouble David knew.  Some of his trouble was self-induced, as with his sin involving Bathsheba, but sometimes David suffered at the hands of others, through no sin of his own.

 

In this passage, David speaks of God putting his tears in a bottle, or large wineskin. More than a tiny receptacle, God is able to take note and remember all of David’s sorrows, all of his pain and grief. Knowing God has such intimate knowledge of his situation in life, He is confident to go on and say, “In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid.  What can man do to me?” (Psa. 56:11).

 

isn’t it comforting to know God is aware of where we are, of what we have to face?  Doesn’t it encourage you to realize God’s promises are constant, no matter where we are in life? God has a bottle for all our tears, too, because He cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7).  No circumstance of life is greater than the God who knows our needs, who goes with us through any condition we will meet.  In understanding His concern for us, we too when afraid, can put our trust in Him (Psa. 56:3), and praise His word for its assurance and hope (Psa. 56:10).  If we seek His will for us, and live for Him, there is nothing we will face that He will not face with us.  What problem of life is greater than our God?

 

Let’s always go out to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, knowing He goes with us, through thick and thin. In Him, we are enough. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 6/23/2021

 

Today, our message from Scripture comes from John 18:36. “My kingdom is not of this world,” said Jesus. “If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight, so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.”

 

While Jesus emphasized to Pilate His kingdom wasn’t of this world, He didn’t mean that He had no kingdom over which to reign. That He now reigns is seen in His having all authority in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18), and that He is at the right hand of the Majesty on high (Heb. 1:3).  John can write confidently of Christ, “These will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will conquer them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings. Those with him are called, chosen, and faithful” (Rev. 17:14).

 

Jesus is King over His kingdom, the church (Col. 1:13-14). His concern is for the welfare of those for whom He died, to offer the promise of eternal life. While He will judge everyone on the last day (Acts 17:31), right now His desire is for everyone to be part of His kingdom and have salvation through Him (Eph. 5:27).  His reign is based on love, providing all spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:3), and everything pertaining to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3).  In Him we have grace and peace (2 Thess. 2:16-17). Truly, there has never been another king as concerned with His subjects as Christ is for us.

 

Since Jesus is king over His kingdom, the church, our response to Him must be one of love, of submission, of expectation of what lies ahead when we’re all joined together in God’s presence. Today, let’s go out to serve our Lord, Savior, and King, and remember all His blessings and benefits for today, for eternity. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 6/22/2021

 

Today, our message from Scripture comes from Mark 10:43-45. “But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

 

Sometimes, we hear phrases such as “great,” “vibrant,” “alive,” or “on fire” to describe congregations. Such adjectives can be freely tossed about in conversation, but what they mean varies from one person to the next.  Just what is it that really makes a church great? Or, perhaps worded more accurately, what kind of congregation pleases God?

 

Some might suggest size.  The church in Philadelphia, however, was not big, as it had only a “little strength” (Rev. 3:8).  Size notwithstanding, God set before them an open door. Others might suggest prosperity. The church in Laodicea was financially secure (Rev. 3:17), but God counted them “wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.”  Obviously, how we count greatness is not always how God counts greatness.

 

When Jesus’ disciples were arguing which one of them was the greatest, He responded, “For whoever is least among you – this one is great" (Luke 9:48).  Similarly, Jesus also taught, “The greatest among you will be your servant” (Matt. 23:11).  Great churches consist of members who are seeking to please God. Those who are pleasing to God are those who humble themselves as servants of the Lord.

 

How can we, as individual Christians, and collectively as members of His body, the church, be great, be pleasing to the Father and His Son? We must humble ourselves before God, yield ourselves to His will, and seek in love to live obedient lives for Him by faith (1 John 5:4). Today, let’s go out and serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, showing what the power of the gospel can do in us if we yield our lives to Him. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 6/21/2021

 

Today, our message from Scripture comes from 2 Cor. 4:16. “Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.”

 

The human body is an amazing organism. For example, an estimated 25 million cell divisions occur every second in order to replace cells that have completed their normal life cycles. Millions of times per second in the human body, cells die as an essential part of the normal cycle of cellular replacement. When cells stop normal cell division, they start to age, which is part of the process of our bodies aging.

 

Physically, the process of aging could also be called the process of dying. This is the result of sin (Rom. 5:12), and unless our Lord returns, this is what awaits us all. Beside this physical process itself, one can add the uncertainty of life. None of us knows what each day we live will bring. Who knows if we will suffer from a fatal accident, or some other unforeseen catastrophe? James reminds us, “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring — what your life will be! For you are like vapor that appears for a little while, then vanishes” (Jas. 4:14). Death cannot be mastered in this life.

 

Paul’s challenge is to look beyond the ravages of today to the splendor of tomorrow, not to that which is seen, but that which is unseen. To do this we must walk by faith, not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7). We must trust in God and His purposes for life. Today we are closer to eternity than ever before. While we have today, let’s go out and serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, using our time wisely, that we might honor our God and look with joyful anticipation to what lies ahead. The best is yet to be. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 6/19/2021

 

Today, our message from Scripture comes from Psa. 1:1-2. “How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked, or stand in the pathway with sinners, or sit in the company of mockers! Instead, his delight is in the law of the LORD, and he meditates on it day and night.”

 

What an amazing contrast is offered by the psalmist here regarding two types of individuals. On the one hand, there are those who have left the company of the godly to take their stand with the unrighteous. They do so by listening to the advice of the wicked, standing in the way of sinners, and taking up residence with those who mock spiritual values. This is what happens when one divorces him or herself from the way of the Lord.

 

The other side is a reflection of those who take delight in the law of God, spending time in it day and night. These take joy in learning God’s word, inclining one’s mind and heart to know what God’s word says and then living by it. They are firmly planted in the source of strength and encouragement that comes from the word, in contrast to those who spent little to no time in it, getting loose from God, and ultimately becoming like chaff, useless for any good thing.

 

What do we learn from this beginning of the book of psalms? We learn our walk in and relationship with our God is greatly dependent on how much time we spend learning, considering, and living by God’s word. To minimize our time with it, or neglect it, makes us unable to know it and live it. Why not come join us tomorrow in our Bible class and worship times as we allow God to speak to us through His word, and be more effective in living for eternity? Let’s go out and serve our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, and find what life is all about. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 6/18/2021

 

Today, our message from Scripture comes from Col. 3:17. “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”

 

I read a statement earlier this week that said, “Right now counts forever.” He went on to explain, “There is no such thing as a meaningless moment. Since we’re made in God’s image and created for His eternal glory, everything we think, say, and do today matters forever.” The above passage illustrates this truth. The term “whatever” could just as easily be translated all, everything. It encompasses every aspect of life, “in word or deed.” It is to be done by the authority of our Lord (“in the name of the Lord Jesus”), and should offer thanks through Christ to God the Father.

 

The thought is similar to what Paul told the church in Corinth; “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). Or think of the words of Peter; “Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Pet. 4:11).

 

Any way you look at it, every aspect of life is to be offered to God as part of our being living sacrifices for Him (Rom. 12:1), that He will be honored and glorified in every aspect of our lives. If we think only what we do in a church building matters to God, we are mistaken. What kind of husband, wife, parent, or child are you? How do you treat people you are around each day? What do you watch on television, or listen to in music, or read for entertainment? There is no such thing as a meaningless moment. Right now counts forever. Let’s go out and serve our Lord and Master Jesus Christ with purpose, whatever it is we do. It matters forever. God bless.

 

Robert

 

 

Message from Scripture: 6/17/2021

 

Today, our message from Scripture comes from 1 Cor. 7:35. “I am saying this for your own benefit, not to put a restraint on you, but to promote what is proper and so that you may be devoted to the Lord without distraction.”

 

According to the dictionary, the word distracted is best defined as “unable to give proper attention to or concentrate on, because of mental disturbance, anxiety, or other such things.”  For me, this offers a good description of many drivers these days. How many times have you seen someone weaving in and out of the proper driving lane due to texting on their cell phone, instead of being concerned about driving safely?  How many accidents have happened, to a person’s harm, because he or she was distracted?

 

In a similar way, how many people have been placed in harm’s way spiritually, because they were distracted? It’s too easy in our society to fill our schedules with so many things, that we are unable to give proper attention or concentrate on God’s part in our lives.  We’re much too busy for family devotions, daily Bible reading, prayer, worship, or other spiritual pursuits.  We’re too occupied with other matters, too distracted to get involved in living or thinking eternally.

 

We must prioritize our lives, to put first things first.  Anything that keeps us from focusing on the spiritual is a distraction, and we need to redirect our thoughts and energies to what lasts forever. The greatest tragedy of life is to be distracted by Satan and forget to live for God. “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt. 6:33).

 

Let’s go out every day to serve our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, and find, by putting Him first, the distractions of the devil lose their appeal. Let’s live for what really matters. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 6/16/2021

 

Today, our message from Scripture comes from 1 Cor. 1:18. “For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

 

It is interesting how people often will ignore the divine origin of Scripture, and either twist its teachings, or delete them, or replace them with what better appeals to its desires. While God does not change (Jas. 1:17), the behavior of some do, rapidly, and to justify such, Scripture is altered to fit whatever the times dictate. Scripture today is seen as no longer condemning anything, nor offering a better way to live, as the desires of the flesh now must define what the Bible should say.

 

While truth is in flux to many, depending on what is currently trending, it is fixed in Scripture. “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven” (Psa. 119:89). There are those who would alter it to fit whatever others deem appropriate for their moment in time, like Phygelus and Hermogenus (2 Tim. 1:15). There are those in the body of Christ who would determine to put out those who disagree with whatever their current interpretation is, like Diotrephes (3 John 1:9). In the midst of it all, truth stands true.

 

The church is the body of the saved, who are to be the pillar and support of truth (1 Tim. 3:15). To come to the message of the gospel is to alter our lives in submission to God, that we might be saved and have eternal life. Anything else is merely a delusion. We must return to Scripture as God’s revealed truth to all people for life and eternity. May our wisdom be seen in holding fast to God and His will, no matter what others may think or do. May we go out convicted in what Scripture teaches, nothing more and nothing less, to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 6/15/2021

 

Today, our message from Scripture comes from Rom. 8:38-39. “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord”.”

 

Satan is a master of discouragement. It is one of his most often used tools in trying to undermine the faith of Christians, of creating the feeling of defeat, of separating one from a daily walk with God. One can be discouraged about situations at home, at work, in the world around us, in the church in general or the local congregation one is part of, and even discouraged about oneself. 

 

Satan wants to create doubt in God’s goodness, in our relationship with others, in ourselves. In reality, God never stops loving us, caring and providing for us. God doesn’t give up on us; we shouldn’t give up on God.Hard times, difficult trials, changes in relationships, life turning out differently than we anticipated, none of these things stop God from loving us. None of these things indicate God is displeased with us or has abandoned us. While the externals of life constantly change, our love for God and commitment to Him must not. God is always there for us, especially when we feel discouraged.

 

Don’t be discouraged because life doesn’t meet your expectations, as we have no way to predict what happens in life. We can have confidence, no matter what, that God knows, and offers us nothing but His best.  He has said, “‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’  So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’” (Heb. 13:5-6). May we always go about serving our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, knowing He is with us, and will help us, and carry us to our eternal home when our days of use today end. God bless.

 

Robert

Message from Scripture: 6/14/2021

 

Today’s message from Scripture comes from Eph. 4:16. “From Christ the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.”

 

What a blessing it is to be part of the body of Christ! We understand the whole world lies under the influence of Satan, the evil one (1 John 5:19), but in the body of Christ we have people who share their lives together in Christ, who understand we all face trials and temptations in life, who desire the best for us all, because by doing so we find the best from others for us.

 

In our passage of Scripture today, Paul has previously spoken of how God has organized the church, His body, and how the body should function, but especially in how we, working together, build the church up. We are concerned with the growth of the church, but we also know each person makes their own decisions as to how he or she responds to the will of God.

 

But if we’re willing to submit ourselves to God and His will, something astonishing happens. We find ourselves being joined together by what we each can offer one another in Christ, in the talents, abilities, love, and concern we have for each other. And when we support each other, to help us overcome sin, to grow in our faith, to serve more effectively for the cause of the gospel, the church grows. It grows because it’s building itself up in love by each member working, serving God and each other.

 

What is the key element to growth? A certain style of worship? Certain sermons preached, or hymns sung, or prayers offered? Paul says it’s when each person exercises their free will to submit to God and one another in love. If we come to help, to love and learn, to practice and serve, we will grow. Today, let’s go out to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We will be amazed at what happens to us in return. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 6/12/2021

 

Today’s message from Scripture comes from John 8:29. “And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.”

 

The concept of submission is one of the major themes of Scripture. The term means to subject oneself, to obey; to submit to one’s control; to yield to one’s will. There are various human relationships where we may be in submission to another, even in Christ (Eph. 5:21). Of course, this is always true when it comes to our relationship with God and His Son. “Therefore, submit to God” (Jas. 4:7).

 

Even Jesus was and is in submission to the Father, as our Scripture for today reminds us. It is His delight to do the Father’s will (John 4:34). Paul reminds us of this relationship in 1 Cor. 15:27-28; “For God has put all things in subjection under His feet. But when it says, ‘all things are put in subjection,’ it is plain that He is excepted who put all things in subjection under Him. When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subjected to Him who put all things in subjection under Him, that God may be all in all.”

 

The point of all this is, if Christ is lovingly and willingly in subjection to the Father, then so should we be. To do as we please, and not consider the will of God for our lives, is to place ourselves above God, something Christ refuses to do. So, how do we view God’s commands for our lives? All He does is for our good, and to reject His will is to imply we know more than God, to miss out on His richest blessings, and to ultimately be rejected by Him eternally.

 

But what great blessings are found by us when we yield our lives to Him! Today, let’s go out to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to allow Him to direct our paths, to find the depth of God’s love through Him. Yielding to the Father and Son, we will find the best. God bless.

 

Robert

 

The Living Word…Living the Word

 

“For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. No creature is hidden from him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give an account” (Heb. 4:12-13).

 

What makes Scripture different from all other literature? It is God breathed, inspired, endued with those qualities which God Himself possesses. So, the Hebrew writer can accurately state it is living and effective. It is living in that it is active, enduring, and opposed to what is dead, inactive, and transient. It is effective in what it is capable of doing, being active, powerful, and applicable to all our life situations. The Hebrew writer goes on to emphasize how important this is to us, as it alone can allow us to take inventory of our lives and make the changes necessary to give an account to God that enables us to stand acceptable before Him on the day of judgment.

 

There are two takeaways from what the writer explains to us about God’s holy word. First, Scripture is always applicable to us, no matter the time, no matter the conditions, no matter what. It is always true, even though externals may change, and society seeks to redefine what truth may be and how that fits into a person’s definition of themself. It can see through any façade we may erect to keep from discerning who we are and what God says we should be. Peter reminds us, “For you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God” (1 Pet. 1:23).

 

Enduring carries the idea of perpetuity, i.e., to remain or endure forever, to be unending in what it is and what it does. There are those who say it no longer applies due to its antiquity. However, being living and active, it is always fresh and relevant, no matter the times in which it exists. It is also never ending in its application to how we live, from birth to death. No one can say, “I’ve read the Bible once, and that is enough.” Every time you approach it, you will find something different, something new and fresh, something insightful for the circumstances you are currently facing. To stay away from its influence is to cheat oneself on help, strength, and courage for all of life.

 

If none of this seems important, then also consider how the Hebrew writer tells us it can judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart before we will stand in the presence of Him with whom we must give an account. Most people in and out of the church seem to believe how they feel will determine their eternal destiny, but it’s how we live that speaks authoritatively of this. While God offers us forgiveness through the blood of Christ, we will be judged by how we live for Christ, or not. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10). What a tragedy it is to consider we can know how to live to gain eternal life, but instead be deceived by the fleeting feelings of the carnal. It offers us everything we need for life and godliness, but for so many it lies idle, because sin wants us to avoid it, and we all too readily give way to those desires instead.

 

Can anyone honestly say they don’t have time to allow Scripture to speak to us daily? There will be plenty of time after judgment to consider what such a decision has brought to life. Today, consider what the psalmist tells us; “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You!” (Psa. 119:11). Let the living God speak through His living word on how to live the word in your life today.

 

μαράνα θᾶ

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 6/11/2021

 

Today’s message from Scripture comes from Isa. 58:12. “Those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins; You will raise up the age-old foundations; And you will be called the repairer of the breach, The restorer of the streets in which to dwell.”

 

Just what does Isaiah mean by repairing the breach?  How should we understand what it implies? Obviously, repairing the breach is not a literal call to carpentry. The term is used figuratively.  That which is ruptured, or broken, is a genuine relationship with God. What has caused the breach?  There was plenty of religious duty, but not from pure motives.  There may have been sacred fasts (58:3), but it was accompanied with wickedness (58:4).  They might have acknowledged the Sabbath, but they used it for their own pleasure (58:13).  They sought their own ways, while offering lip service to God.

 

God knows the heart, and empty ritual isn't pleasing to Him, or beneficial to His followers.  To restore true righteousness from genuine motives was the only way to please God, to repair the breach that sin had created, to renew fellowship with the Father. As Isaiah writes later, “But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, And your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear” (Isa. 59:2).

 

Is there a need to repair the breach today? As long as sin exists, the answer is yes. Sin is the problem, but Christ is the answer.  “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.  And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation” (Rom. 5:10-11). Today, lets go out to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His call is for each one of us to examine ourselves, and in humility to seek God through Jesus Christ from a pure heart.  It will bridge the gap to eternity. God bless.

 

Robert

 

 

Message from Scripture: 6/10/2021

 

Today’s message from Scripture comes from 1 Pet. 4:11. “Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

 

Why did God create us? What is our purpose for existence? Throughout Scripture, we are told our purpose in life is to glorify God and exalt the splendor He alone possesses. The passage from 1 Peter speaks of how, in everything, God is to be glorified in us through Jesus Christ. This is our purpose, our reason for existence.

 

What kind of life does living to the glory of God offer? It’s a life of submission to God, who offers us the best, not like Satan and sin, which only seeks to destroy us (1 Pet. 5:8). It’s a life of seeking what is best for each other, rather than using or being used for selfish desires (Phil. 2:3-4). It’s living with a knowledge of the physical and spiritual, having both sides of life to properly evaluate life, rather than have a one-sided perspective that can lead us where we shouldn’t go (Jas. 4:13-15). It’s being able to see that today has its value in tomorrow, that the flesh is directed by the spiritual, and that heaven is the most important goal, where every goal must be directed for its end result (Rev. 2:10).

 

Why did God create us? He made us for His glory and honor, as He is God. What happens when we seek to live life for His honor and glory? We find what’s best for us and for each other, for today and eternity. Today, lets go out and serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that He may be glorified through our lives, and we blessed by Him now and forever. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 6/9/2021

 

This Wednesday afternoon, I want to share some reasons why we should attend our Bible classes at 7 pm this evening.

 

We are to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 3:18). Peter earlier said, “And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, and to virtue, knowledge" (2 Pet. 1:5). Bible classes offer a great opportunity to do this.

 

Bible classes offer us an opportunity to see ourselves as God sees us. The Bible is a true mirror for the soul (Jas. 1:23-25). They help us gain knowledge by which we can teach others. Christianity is a teaching religion, so we must prepare ourselves to teach (Heb. 5:12). 

 

Bible classes enable us to give an answer for our hope (1 Pet. 3:15). Bible classes supplies us with the ingredients necessary to be able to do this. Not only this, they help us defend the faith (Jude 3).

 

Bible classes help feed our souls (Heb, 5:12-14). 1 Pet. 2:2 tells us to desire the word so we might grow. It takes real effort to get to where we will be able to take solid food from the word.

 

One day we all will be judged by the word (John 12:48; Rev. 20:12). Seeing this is true, we had better know what is in it! Bible classes help us learn its truths for eternity. Why not join us tonight and learn more about the spiritual from Scripture, and better prepare ourselves to be received into the heavenly kingdom in eternity. Let’s take this opportunity to be more effective in serving our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It offers an everlasting benefit. See you this evening. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 6/8/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is John 13:16-17. “Truly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his master, and a messenger is not greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.”

 

It is one thing to know a particular fact or truth. It is another thing to understand its implications in one’s life. It is yet still another to actually seek to incorporate such truth in everyday living. All three aspects of this must be active in us if we’re to live in the image of Christ.

 

First, we must know what Scripture teaches. This means we have to spend time reading and studying the word of God. Only the word of God is completely accurate and authoritative (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

 

Secondly, we must understand what Scripture teaches. It’s not enough to know the meaning of the words found in the Bible, but what do they mean in context? Do we have the sense of what Scripture is trying to teach us (Neh. 8:8)?

 

Third, knowing what God expects of us is not the same as doing what God expects of us. The difference in just hearing and doing is like the difference between a wise and foolish person. The foolish person hears but doesn’t respond appropriately; the wise one hears and obeys (Matt. 7:24-27).

 

We need to know what it is God has said, and requires of us, if we are to be pleasing before Him. Do you know Scripture? Do you know what it means? Are you seeking to live by it? Today, let’s go out and serve Jesus as our Lord and Savior, proving our faith and showing the world what really matters. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 6/7/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is 1 John 2:17. “The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.”

 

If you stop and think about it, most of our problems come from choosing the world over the will of God. In every area when we seek out human counsel apart from God’s word, we err and complicate the course of our lives. This is what happens when we pursue wealth without spirituality.  In the parable of the rich fool, Jesus reflected on the course he had chosen by saying, “'Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:20-21). Or what of those who seek pleasure apart from righteousness?  Paul wrote, “She who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives” (1 Tim 5:6).   Gaining the newest or most wanted possessions is worthless if we don’t focus on the spiritual. Peter reminds us, “Live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God” (1 Pet. 4:2).

 

Solomon said, “For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Eccl 12:14). Rejecting God’s will not only adds problems to life today, but will bring condemnation forever! We can’t continue in sin and expect grace to abound (Rom. 6:1), but living in Christ will allow us to know God’s grace and mercy (2 Tim. 2:1).  The choices of life lead us to eternity; which choices are we making?

 

Today, let’s choose to allow God His rightful place in our minds, our hearts, our lives. Let’s go out to serve Him as our Lord and Savior, and make a difference in the world where we live. Heaven is too wonderful, and hell to horrible, to do otherwise. God bless.

 

Robert

 A Difficult Teaching…A Difficult Response?

 

In John 6, where the miracle of Jesus’ feeding the 5,000 is recorded, more than just food for the body was offered. Those who sought him out the following day heard the great lesson on how Jesus was the bread of heaven, and what following him really meant. Jesus wasn’t a Messiah offering temporal pleasures; He came to offer Himself for the sins of the world, to offer life through His sacrifice. He pointed out the need for Him and His will to be an integral part of who we are, illustrated in the words “feed on my flesh and drink my blood” (John 6:54).

 

Unable to discern the spiritual application of these words, many in the crowds left, believing Jesus was advocating some barbaric ritual. The larger body of disciples following Jesus was just as confused by these words. They responded, “This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?” (6:60).  When Jesus explained to them He was speaking of spiritual principles (6:63), it was still difficult for them to process, to grasp and understand, so much so that many stopped following  Jesus (6:66), leaving only the 12 when it was all over.

 

What made this teaching hard was their lack of spiritual insight, their inability to understand the spiritual principles Jesus was emphasizing, and thus their inability, and even a lack of desire, to follow what Jesus had said. Some of the Bible’s teachings are difficult for people to accept, as so many want to put themselves and their desires over that of God’s. Christian living is difficult for those who put themselves first. Faithful attendance to worship and glorify God is difficult for those who feel it’s about pleasing themselves, rather than honoring God. Giving as one has been prospered, personal holiness, and other aspects of daily Christian living can be difficult when the heart has not been surrendered and devoted to the Lord.  Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15).  If we have truly given ourselves to the Lord, then will wanting to live for him be a difficult, if not impossible, thing to do?

 

One thing that will truly be difficult to hear is this saying of our Lord; “And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness’” (Matt. 7:23). Sin is lawlessness (I John 3:4), in that it violates God’s revealed will for us, and substitutes it’s own pattern in place of holiness. Being created in the image of God means we are to live in His good will for us, not the sinful choices we make to gratify the flesh. As difficult as those words will be to hear, those to whom they are spoken will have no choice but to be forever separated from him, though Jesus said His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matt. 11:30).

 

The crowds mentioned above were willing to receive Jesus’ gifts, but not commit to Jesus’ life. This is still a burden people have regarding Christ today. It’s difficult, not because we can’t understand it, or follow it, but because we want our way over that of the Lord. We should ask ourselves, which is the more difficult saying of Jesus, to live for him today, or live without him for eternity? “The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand. He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him” (John 3:35-36).

 

μαράνα θᾶ

Robert

μαράνα θᾶ

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Robert

μαράνα θᾶ

​

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 6/4/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is John 12:48. “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him--the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.”

 

By definition, relevance is a measure of how pertinent, connected, or applicable something is. It becomes the basis from which we make decisions and determine what is important to us, what should receive our attention, how we should live our lives. What is relevant in life can change over time, even daily, depending on what the criteria is for determining its importance. 

 

How do we make the spiritual relevant to us, on a daily basis? Heaven and hell are realities we all will face someday; this is what makes the spiritual relevant. The Day of Judgment makes spiritual values and realties very relevant, a priority for life because no right-thinking person wants to be condemned to eternal punishment. “To those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Rom. 2:8-10),

 

Do you live each day for eternity? There is nothing more relevant than this. We should prioritize the spiritual in every facet of life, that we might have a genuine relationship with God in Christ, and that our soul’s salvation will be a matter of confidence. When we stand before God in judgment, we will understand many of the pursuits of life we thought relevant were actually irrelevant. Make today, each today you have, relevant to living for Christ. Let’s go out and serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and show the world around us how relevant, how important, He is to us, now and forever. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 6/3/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is 2 John 6. “And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.”

 

“Jesus loves me, this I know, For the Bible tells me so, Little ones to Him belong, They are weak, but He is strong.” How familiar these words are to us. It is typically thought of as a children’s hymn, but its words are thoughts every adult should cherish, treasure, and live by. How do we know Jesus loves us? How do we know how much Jesus loves us? The hymn tells us; “for the Bible tells me so.”

 

How much we want God’s love in Christ, and how much we need it if we’re going to have any hope for eternity. What kind of person, though, wants to receive such love without loving in return? Jesus had to fulfill the will of God to show His love for us, which He desired to do and did; our hearts should be drawn in love to the will of God.

 

Jesus does love us, more than we can fully comprehend. His death, as revealed in Scripture, makes it perfectly clear to us. In love, we respond through faith in obeying the gospel, so our sins can be washed away (Acts 22:16). In love we give our lives to Him, because He gave His life for us, and offers us His best (Rom. 5:8). In love, we become more like Him (2 Cor. 3:18). He offers us all spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:3). He forgives us and is always there for us (Matt. 28:20). He provides strength and encouragement, along with warnings, all to guide us in the way that leads to eternal life (John 14:1-3). His love didn’t stop on the cross, but continues as He acts as our mediator (1 Tim. 2:5).

 

“Jesus loves me! He who died, Heaven’s gate to open wide; He will wash away my sin, Let His little child come in.” Let’s always serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with love for our Savior and each other. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 6/2/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is Heb. 9:27. “It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment.”

 

A funeral director related the tragic story of how a young man died in an automobile accident. The accident was alcohol related. The funeral director took the preacher, who was to conduct the memorial service, to the young man's casket. He was wearing his favorite “Jim Beam” T-shirt. His parents had dressed him this way, because, in their own words, “Alcohol was his love.”

 

How could anyone glorify such a thing as this, the agent of this person's death?  It was also the most important thing in his life. Even in death, he paid tribute to what he held as most precious.  How tragic!

 

If what we considered most important in life was buried with us, what would it be? A checkbook, or bank account statement? New clothes? A title to a car, or the deed on a house? What is most important in your life? To find meaning in a world competing for our attention, we must put our faith in Jesus as the source, sustainer, and purpose for who we exist. Jesus should be the focal point and center of our lives. Only in Christ do we find our needs met, our purpose in life fulfilled. As Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matt. 6:33).

 

God in His love and mercy put us first, by sending His only Son to die for us. In all that we say and do, let's show to others Jesus is our love and purpose in life. May we go out today to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May others know He is first in our lives. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 6/1/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is Ex. 33:13. “Now if I have indeed found favor with You, please teach me Your ways, and I will know You, so that I may find favor with You.”

 

Moses understood that to know God you must know His ways, His will. The thought is similar to that expressed in Psa. 25:4-5; “Make Your ways known to me, LORD; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation...” God reveals Himself through His word, and by practicing His precepts, one finds God's favor. Moses realized how important it was for this people to learn and apply God's will, if they were to know and please Him.

 

How can we use our influence for good? How can we find favor in God's sight? We must know God's will to know God, as He has clearly revealed Himself to us in Scripture. Only by knowing His will can we live by His will. In knowing and living for God, we find God's favor and blessings. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

 

It should be no surprise to us, with a generation so illiterate about God and the Bible, that our world resembles the practices of the Israelites around Horeb. If we really want to know God, we must spend time with Him in His word. In doing so, we will find the lifestyle that pleases God, that offers us His favor, that makes us complete. “We proclaim him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ” (Col. 1:28).

 

Knowing the will of God, let’s go out to serve Jesus as our Lord and Savior. In doing so, we will find favor with Him. God bless.

 

Robert