Message from Scripture: 12/30/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is Luke 4:8. “It is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”

 

In this passage, Jesus refutes the temptation of Satan to bow down before him with this quote from Deut. 6:13, which affirms two truths to us. God alone is worthy of worship, and God should be worshipped. It is similar to what Jesus said to the Samaritan woman, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).

 

As deity, God alone knows how reverence and devotion in worship should be expressed to Him. It is both interesting and sad how humanity wants to define worship in how we desire to express it, rather than how God has prescribed it. Under the new covenant era, the gospel age, worship on the Lord’s Day involves, singing, prayer, the proclamation of the word, the Lord’s Supper, and giving as we have been prospered. There are those who have said they don’t like to sing, and thus avoid it. God, however, says worship is based on what honors and glorifies Him, not what pleases us. Others say they don’t need to hear the word proclaimed, yet it is through such we learn of God and how to live for Him. All of these elements are to be engaged in for our worship to honor God and bless us.

 

As a congregation, we are to assemble on the first day of the week, the day our Lord rose from the dead. The early church understood the value of assembling together, and did so daily (Acts 2:42, 46). It is of such significance to God the Hebrew writer, by inspiration, tells us not to forsake coming together to worship (Heb. 10:25). What a blessing it offers us, and what a testimony we offer to society when we continue to do so, unlike many groups and individuals who have abandoned it, for whatever reason.

 

In accordance with God’s will, with the right attitude of heart, may we determine in the New Year to come together to please God and find strength for daily living. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 12/29/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is 1 Cor. 10:31. “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God’s glory.”

 

What Paul expressed to the church in Corinth he expressed to other congregations as well. It’s an important theme we should remember. To the church in Colossae he said, “And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Col. 3:17).  To those in Philippi, he exhorted, “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead” (Phil. 3:10-11).  This Scripture from Philippians reveals that, everything we do, can be to God’s glory because of the resurrection of Christ from the dead.

 

From beginning to end, the resurrection of Christ defines our lives, giving it meaning today and forever, for the glory of God. By the resurrection of Christ, we have confidence when we obey the gospel, that our sins are truly forgiven. By the resurrection of Christ, we have confidence that we can live by the gospel and glorify God in doing so. By the resurrection of Christ, we have a hope that is real and offers us eternal life.

 

To be able to say that we lived, in everything we say and do, to the glory of God, should be our goal in living. This should be true of all Christians, as we both live and leave this life. As Paul said, “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen” (Rom. 11:36). Today, let’s rejoice that Christ came to live and die for us, and by His resurrection everything God promises for us is true. May we live for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that in everything, God is glorified. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 12/27/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is 1 Cor. 3:18-19. “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God.”

 

We live in a world where the subjective takes precedence over the objective, where feelings guide people more than truth. Statements such as “well I feel,” or “I believe” are often heard, which are more of a desire of how we would like things to be, but often times are not. This is especially true in matters of faith, in how people want God to be, how He should respond. It is what we personally want, rather than what God has revealed in Scripture.

 

Certainly, God has given us our emotions, but our emotions must be governed by the will of God, as the only other option is for them to be governed by sin. The preeminence of God is revealed to us in His word. Scripture is to be the arbiter of how we feel, of what we believe, of how we live. As Paul told the church in Colossae, “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority” (Col. 2:8-10).

 

As Jesus faced His greatest hour of trial, He was determined to seek God’s will, not His own feelings or desires. In the garden He prayed, “Yet not my will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). We are not greater than our Lord. His will must be our will for life. We must be transformed by the renewing of our minds to that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Rom. 12:2). May we rely on His revealed will to guide us, and not the desires of the flesh. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 12/24/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is Luke 6:35. “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.”

 

During this time of year, many people’s thoughts go to Christ and His coming into the world. Jesus didn’t come in the world because of how good people are, but because of how much we all need a Savior. Our Scripture reading today reminds us what sin does to one’s life, making one ungrateful and evil. It also tells us what we can be even in a world filled with sin, because of the transformation He brings to our lives.

 

Jesus was born of a virgin, conceived by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:34-35). He lived as any human would, with the feelings any human had, but His life was different in two important ways. First, though tempted as we are, He did not yield to sin. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life (Heb. 4:15). Secondly, living a sinless life, He was able to offer Himself as a sacrifice for our sins, that we might have forgiveness of sins, a right relationship with God, and the hope of eternal life. Instead of just knowing how to be evil, we know what it means to be kind, and how, in Him, we should and can be kind, caring, and loving, being children of God in Christ.

 

All of this is possible because Christ was willing to come into the world and live for us, so He could die for us. He set an example for us on what life can be in Him. May we never forget His life and death, His incarnation and resurrection, and the hope we have in Him. Today, and every day, let’s serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, living for His will, finding life in Him, and showing others what life is meant to be. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 4/23/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is Matt. 24:42. “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.”

 

It is an interesting term Jesus uses when He tells His disciples to be alert. It literally means to be awake, not to sleep. He used the same term when He went to the garden to pray, but found them asleep, and urged them to wake up, as He desperately needed their encouragement as the hour approached for His crucifixion.

 

Beyond being physically asleep, it means to be awake spiritually, to give one’s full attention to the will of God and the life it calls us to live. We should give full attention to the spiritual, to overcome fleshly desires, as we do not know when our Lord will return, or when we will pass from this life either. We want to be found ready at these times, and have confidence in how the Lord will find us spiritually, pleasing and acceptable to Him.

 

Peter encourages us, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). To be watchful is to be spiritually awake, aware of what is going on around us, of what God has called us to be, and practicing His precepts to live faithfully for Him. We must constantly be watching our Christian walk so that we don’t fall into one of Satan’s snares.

 

One way to do this is commended to us by Paul in Col. 4:2. “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” Paul also reminds us that Christ died, “So that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing” (1 Thess. 5:10-11). Being thankful and encouraging helps us be awake and alert in Christ.

 

Today, let’s be spiritually aware, awake, that we might serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with gladness. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 12/22/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is Jude 1:3: “Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.”

 

In recent years, the concept of doctrine has been rejected for the feeling of acceptance. It is seen in how many believe if we have love, meaning an emotional response to God and others, this is sufficient. Accepting God as Father, and Jesus as the Son of God, is viewed as being all that matters; everything else is simply extraneous and optional.

 

If we acknowledge the authority of Scripture, however, we recognize the importance God places on doctrine.  Our Scripture today tells us we must “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints,” meaning we must struggle, to strive, to take our stand in the truth from which faith is based. There is only one faith God has given that leads to salvation (Eph. 4:5), and not many variations of it.  To abandon it is to pervert the gospel of Christ and subvert the work God accomplishes through it (Gal. 1:6-9).  Obedience through faith to the revealed will of God is what He desires of us. Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 7:21). The terms “faith” in Jude, and “will” in Matthew, are singular. As God is one, so also is His message of salvation. There is only one way to live for Him, and Christ is that way, in what He has revealed to us in His word (John 12:48).

 

May we always seek God’s authority in His word for our practices, that our doctrine is what is found in the pages of Scripture. Today, let’s confidently serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ according to His revealed will to us. It is life for today, and life eternal. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 12/21/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is Rom. 13:14: “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”

 

What are we to be in Christ, once we’ve come in obedience to the gospel? Paul says we’re to put on Christ. The term for put on in the Greek is used to speak of one putting on a garment, to be clothed, to get dressed. It was used of John the Immerser, in speaking of him wearing a garment of camel’s hair (Mark 1:6). Such was practical for the work he was doing in the wilderness. Today, we have numerous options for what we wear, and dress ourselves in a way that speaks about how we feel, what we’re doing, how we want to be perceived, and other such matters. Here in this passage, we are to wear Christ.

 

But what does it mean to wear Christ, to put on Christ? It is to assume His qualities of life as our own, to reflect His image, to seek to follow His will in all we say and do. Paul would remind the Ephesians to “put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth” (Eph. 4:24). This spiritual garment is entwined with righteousness and holiness. He would also add, to do battle with Satan, we should put on the full armor of God as well (Eph. 6:11).

 

Scripture makes clear we shouldn’t stay in the garments stained by sin, but those that reflect the spiritual active and alive in us. They should see Christ in us, as the impression they get of us is that which the influence of Christ brings about in us. “For all of you who were immersed into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Gal. 3:27). Being clothed in Christ, our new behavior that reflects Christ in us, makes us distinct from the world around us. Are you clothed with Christ? Can others see Him in you? Is He reflected in what you say and do? What a glorious thing it is to put on Christ and show His salvation working in us. Let others see the garment you wear, which is Christ in you. They will notice. God bless.

 

Robert

Message from Scripture: 12/20/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is Jas. 1:14: “But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.”

 

James wants his readers to understand Satan is a master at the art of deception. Temptations have two elements that attract us to them. First, they carry one away, meaning to draw or drag out, as from the right way one should be in. In addition, they entice us by that which one desires. This carries the idea of entrapment, baiting one with what one covets or craves.

 

The image I take from this description is that of a fisherman, who uses baits that look desirable to fish, which entices them to strike it. The lure, however, only hooks them into something that looks good, but isn’t. Once taken, they are dragged out of their watery environment to another one, which typically ends in their demise.

 

In this imagery, Satan catches us with what looks like the best, only for us to realize we’ve been snared with something artificial, not real, and taken by that which harms us. Satan never reveals the truth about his designs on us, and what the temptation actually accomplishes. How many lives have been destroyed by the sin people have yielded to? How much hurt has been caused? How many come to discover yielding to it only brings sorrow, pain, grief, and if persisted in, destruction?

 

If I carried this analogy further, the only way to be set free, released from the sin by which Satan has hooked us, is to know the truth and live by it, as Jesus said in John 8:32. He would go further in saying, “Everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin” (John 8:34). This is not what God desires for us! May we be committed to the truth of the gospel and remain free from the entrapment of sin, in the life Christ provides, which is the best way for us to live, now and eternally. Can you distinguish between the tricks of Satan, and the truth of God? Your soul depends on it. God bless.

 

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 12/18/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is 2 Tim. 2:8: “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel.”

 

Memory has been defined as the faculty by which the mind stores and recalls information. While accurate, it seems somewhat cold and distant. Memory is more than just information, it’s the events of life, the knowledge of people, places, and events that have had an impact on our lives. It’s those things from our past that still can impact our present and future. It is tragic that, as we age, we can lose some of the most precious memories we’ve had. More tragic is we just count things unimportant and let their memory go.

 

When Paul wrote these words to Timothy, it wasn’t that Paul thought Timothy had forgotten who Jesus is, or what Jesus had done for us all. Paul wasn’t reminding Timothy that the Lord Jesus was raised from the dead, but that he needed to have that in his mind constantly, and what that knowledge brought with it, the change of life it meant, the hope it offers, the promise of His return, all revealed in the truths of the gospel.

 

We can remember all these things because the Holy Spirit inspired men to write God’s word for us, and we are blessed to have access to it, to set it in our minds and hearts. The remembrance of all this should make a difference in us. It’s not just facts and random sayings, but living truths that guide us out of sin to a sanctified life, a better life, an abundant life. Peter tells us, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence” (2 Pet. 1:3).

 

Today, don’t forget what God has done for us in Christ, and who we are to be in Christ. In all you say and do, remember Jesus Christ as the reason for it all. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Beyond Rituals

 

“For I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:20).

 

Some of Jesus’ harshest remarks were directed to the Pharisees. At the outset, this seems unusual, as they had every appearance of righteousness, and were generally admired by the public at large as being righteous, more so than any other group of their day. Most at that time would have said it would have been very hard to do better in living righteously than the Pharisees. It just goes to show, sometimes we need to look deeper.

 

Jesus was direct and forceful in His remarks to the Pharisees, because the public persona they portrayed was just an appearance, far different from their inner character. He described them as hypocrites, because their righteous appearance was an act. They behaved quite differently when they were out of the sight of others. The motives of their hearts were as sinful as the people they condemned. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness” (Matt. 23:27-28). In reality, they created their own righteousness, but it wouldn’t commend them to God. He wanted something better for them.

 

Pretending to be what you’re not has always been easy for people to do, compared to making real changes from within. How many people just go through the motions at their jobs, or school, or in their relationships with others? Changing the mind and heart, which changes our motives and actions, now that’s the challenge!  Although the sect of the Pharisees has long ceased to exist, their attitude is too easily duplicated today. For some, there is no problem acting holy on Sunday, but living worldly the rest of the week. Externals are important, but they must come from a genuine heart, from pure motives.

 

As Christians, we are challenged to examine the motives of our hearts. Our profession must be consistent with our confession. The term Jesus used for surpass means to be more abundant, conspicuous or distinguished. Pretending to be righteous was not enough. They were to be genuinely righteous, to seek God truly, sincerely. While people do sin, to desire a real relationship with God, to seek righteousness, one will desire and seek repentance and renewal.

 

What Jesus was teaching the crowds, and us today, is one must not “play act” faith. it must be genuine and real, otherwise our righteousness is no different than that of the Pharisees of Jesus’ day. God knows the motives of our hearts; He knows the difference.  “But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered” (Rom. 6:17).  It’s easy to be complacent, but takes real commitment to be willing to examine ourselves and make course corrections in our lives. Since God knows our hearts, we do best when we meekly seek His righteousness.

 

μαράνα θᾶ (1 Cor. 16:22)

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 12/17/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is Eph. 5:29: “For no one ever hates his own body, but he nourishes and tenderly cares for it, just as Christ does for the church.”

 

In this section of Scripture, Paul uses the analogy of husband and wife to illustrate the relationship between Christ and His body, the church. There are two essential elements of this he emphasizes to us. A person nourishes and tenderly cares for oneself, that our existence can be all it has the potential to be. This is the way a husband should provide for his wife as well. The greatest example of this is in how Christ provides for His church. He nourishes it, meaning to bring up to maturity, to train or educate so one can choose to make the best choices. Christ also cares for His church, meaning to cherish, to treasure and appreciate. It certainly speaks of the depth of love a husband should have for his family, and reminds us of how much Christ loved the church, that He gave Himself for us.

 

Since Christ is head of the body, the church, do we extend these qualities to Him in how we live? Do we allow Him to bring us to maturity through the training He provides in His word? As Peter reminds us, “Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord” (1 Pet. 2:2-3).

 

Do we also love Him as He has loved us, to commit ourselves wholly and completely to Him, and to each other, as He offered Himself for us? “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Cor. 16:14).

 

As we go through our lives, from beginning to end, we need to be nourished and cared for. Christ does this for us spiritually throughout our journey in the flesh, that we might be prepared to be with Him for all time. Do we help each other as we go along life’s way for this same goal? Let’s serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that we can grow, and help each other grow, to eternal life. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 12/16/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is Rom. 8:28: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

 

Everyone experiences difficulties in their lives.  It's part of living in a world influenced by sin. That everyone has trials in life shouldn't be an issue. The real question to ask is how each of us face our trials.

 

Our Scripture for today is much easier to read when everything is going as we want, than it is when our world falls apart. Please note, however, Paul is not telling us everything that happens in life is good. He also isn't minimizing, or making light of, the problems we do face.  He is saying, however, that even from the midst of adversity, God can bring good.

 

Paul understood this principle as well as anyone. God told Ananias, when he went to preach the gospel to Paul, that He would show Paul how much he must suffer for His name (Acts 9:16). If we read 2 Cor. 11:23-29, we catch a glimpse of some of what Paul went through to offer this message of salvation to others. There were times God appeared to Him, to offer Him encouragement through these trials (Acts 18:9; 23:11), but he still had to face those trials. It wouldn’t be easy, but in the strength God provided he endured and offered many the opportunity to have a hope that reached to eternity.

 

What is the application for us? May we look at life through the eyes of faith, whatever our situation is, and find the good, even in times that aren't so good.  In Christ, no matter the situation, we have an abundant life.  Today, no matter what, let’s go out to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and find God's richest blessings, now and forever. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 12/15/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is Eph. 5:1-2: “Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.”

 

Do you remember the children's game, “follow the leader?” During the course of play, everyone was supposed to do what the leader was doing. Sometimes it got pretty silly following the leader, but after all, it was only a child's game, and that's what made it fun.

 

What would the results be if we played “spiritual follow the leader?” What I mean is, what would others say and do if they followed your example? What kind of life would they live if they lived like you do?  What would be their priority? Who, or what, would come first? What would the church be like if everyone acted just like you?

 

For example, where would they be, and what would they be doing, on the Lord’s Day? What about the good programs of work the church provides? Would they be involved in some way, doing the Lord's will, sowing the seed of the kingdom? Would they be helping others, encouraging others, and being encouraged? Or, would they have other things to do? Would television, or the internet, be too sacred, to spend time in prayer or Scripture reading? What do you do for the Lord?

 

Of course, “follow the leader” is only a game, a child's game, at that. But it would be interesting to see what others would do if they acted like we do. We each should ask ourselves, who is the leader we follow? “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord” (1 Pet. 3:15). Will you follow in the steps of Christ today, that He might welcome you when the time comes to enter the eternal? Let’s do what Jesus told Peter to do, to follow Jesus (John 21:19). Would we then lead others to Christ? God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 12/14/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is Eph. 5:19: “For you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light.”

 

Maybe as a child, or parent, you remember singing, “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.” And then, “Hide it under a bushel, no! I’m going to let it shine.” Maybe you did it at home, or your children sang it at a VBS, but it is an endearing memory to have. There is a great spiritual truth this simple song offers us today.

 

Paul reminds us in this passage the choice that is available spiritually. He uses the term darkness to refer to spiritual darkness, implying ignorance or error, how these Christians once had been enveloped in the darkness of sin, and the consequence of living such a life. He says they actually became darkness. It is interesting he reminds them, not just that they saw the light, but that they became light in the Lord. Just as darkness and light are opposites, so should they be now that they had become light in the Lord. He encourages them to keep on living as children of light, those in whom the light of Christ constantly shines and reveals itself to a world of darkness around us.

 

There should be a clear distinction in us, between the darkness of sin that so many in the world are a part, and the blessings of being light in the Lord, the beauty and hope that Christ brings to those living in and for Him. Sin only condemns, but coming to the light and becoming light allows the promise we have today through our trials, and the hope we have for eternity, to shine like a beacon to others. In contrast to the consequences of sin, we can offer something better, if we live it so others can see. Today, let’s serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and be the light of the world in Him. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 12/11/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is Col. 3:23: “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people.”

 

I don’t know where the phrase “passing the buck” originated, although some say it came from the 1800’s, and was a term used in playing poker in the West. Most famously, President Harry Truman had a sign on his desk that said, “The buck stops here,” meaning he would take responsibility for his actions. To “pass the buck” is to evade responsibility by passing it on to someone else. This was an appropriate response for someone in authority to take, something that we could learn from today.

 

Scripture tells us everything we do is being considered by God as being done for, or against, Him. Just how do we approach the life we live before Him, and the work we have to do in His kingdom? We can ignore serving Him, or fulfilling our responsibilities, passing it off to someone else, but we gain nothing in God’s estimate for doing that. It’s not what we say we will do, but what we actually do, or don’t do, that matters to Him. Solomon said, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going” (Eccl. 9:10). Once dead, we will give account to God for what we did or didn’t do, not what we had others do instead of ourselves (2 Cor. 5:10).

 

Jesus told of two sons whose father asked them to go work in his vineyard. One said no at first, but regretted it and went later. The other said he would, but never did. Jesus asked the question, “Which of the two did the will of his father?” (Matt. 21:31). When you consider the life you’re living, are you doing the will of the Father, or are you passing it off, hoping someone else will do it for you instead? Let’s serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by offering ourselves to Him, fully and completely. When it comes to serving in the kingdom, do you pass the buck? Think about it. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Purchased and Sealed

 “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:13-14).

 There are several things that happen when one, in faith, obeys the gospel. Of course, one’s sins are washed away by the blood of Christ (Heb. 10:22). We have a new way of life, based in the righteousness of God rather than futility of sin (1 Pet. 1:18-19). Here Paul adds to this our being sealed with the Holy Spirit. While we receive the Spirit’s indwelling when we obey the gospel (Acts 2:38), what does being sealed with the Holy Spirit mean? What should it convey to us?

 The term sealed (σφραγίζω, sphragizo) conveys various realities. The seal served as a legal protection and guarantee. It was placed on property, wills, and such to serve as proof of ownership and identity. Being sealed as a Christian is a mark of ownership that we belong to God, and are no longer under the bondage of sin. We belong to God and have confidence in the promises He makes for us, rather than face the consequences of sin and the condemnation it brings. Paul expressed this truth to the church at Rome. “For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living” (Rom. 14:7-9). While Satan would claim we have no right to redemption due to our sins, by the blood of Christ we are adopted by God out of sin (Gal. 4:5-7) and chosen as His own (1 Pet. 2:9).

 Not only this, it also confirms to us that what God has begun working in us, our sanctification, He will continue and bring about. The work God begins in us when we identify ourselves with Him by being immersed in Christ, He will carry out to completion. Paul reminded the Christians in Philippi they were in his prayers, “that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Phil. 1:10-11). In this sense we are sealed with the Spirit as God’s guarantee to us, that what He has begun in us, He will fulfill it. This was Paul’s confidence, “that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6).

 This is the basis of our confidence in who we are as children of God. In the efficacy of what God offers us through the sacrifice of Christ, He will not abandon us or stop before reaching the goal of eternal life with Him in heaven. Just as Jesus assured the thief on the cross that he would be with the Lord in Paradise (Luke 23:43), so through the promised Spirit God assures us of the eternal glory waiting for us. Let us have confidence, then, in the life we live. Let us not compromise our faith, or be swayed by the delusions of Satan. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Heb. 10:23). God keeps His word; let us hold fast the promise, living faithfully each day for Him. “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption” (Eph. 4:30).

μαράνα θᾶ

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 12/10/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is 2 Cor. 1:3-4: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

 

What a special passage this is to us, knowing that God comforts us through all the trials and troubles life brings with it. We too can share this comfort with each other, to be doubly encouraged and not give up.

 

It is interesting the term Paul uses for comfort is παρακαλέω, which literally means to ask to come and be present where the speaker is, to call to one’s side. God is always available when we need His help and support, to come by our side, so to speak, and offer us needed help. This is why Paul encouraged those in Thessalonica to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17), and Jesus told us keep on asking, seeking, and knocking (Matt. 7:7). God is always near to help those who trust in Him.

 

We should also be there for each other as well, as God can work His good in and through us for each other’s benefit. Paul told the church in Corinth, “I will most gladly spend and be spent for you” (2 Cor. 12:15). In a very real and personable way, we can share with each other, and help each other, through the most difficult of times. It is not a matter of just seeking help from others, but being there to help ourselves, as children of God and followers of Christ should be to others. It’s a matter of love, isn’t it, by which the world will know we truly belong to our Lord (John 13:35).

 

Today, let’s remember our God is always by our side, and so we should be for each other as well. It’s one way we can help fix broken lives, by allowing the love of Christ to be seen at work in us. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 12/09/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is Gal. 1:8: “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.”

 

How seriously does God take the word He has given to us in Scripture? In this passage of Scripture, Paul addresses one who would alter the message which was originally preached to the churches in Galatia. To add to it, or detract from it, or change it in any way, would cause them to be accursed. The word accursed comes from the Greek term anathema, which means being given up or devoted to destruction for God's sake. In the Old Testament, certain things were to be devoted to God for annihilation, due to their connection with sin, either of things or even people. The word does not denote punishment intended as discipline, but being given over or devoted to divine condemnation. For those false teachers in Galatia, adding elements of the Law of Moses to the gospel, like circumcision, brought this response from God to them. They needed to repent and return to the gospel proclaimed by Paul, given by God.

 

It's easy to want to alter the message of the gospel today as well. Some deny the importance of being immersed. Others alter the kind of lifestyle God wants from us. To alter what the gospel says about how to live does not bring God’s approval, but His condemnation instead! God’s word proceeds from His very nature as God. To alter it to suit ourselves is an affront to the nature and glory of God, and will be punished in judgment. How seriously do we take the call of the gospel?

 

Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, “As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27). Today, let’s take the gospel seriously and live as God prescribes in His word. What a difference that can make to a sinful world, and to us eternally. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 12/08/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is 2 Tim. 3:14-15: “You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings, which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

 

Have you ever considered that Scripture alone doesn’t save us? No, I’m not denigrating the role of God’s word, but if Scripture alone saved us, then there are a great number of people who are saved that never, by faith, obeyed the gospel. Paul reminded Timothy that Scripture, the sacred writings, as they are inspired by God and given by the Holy Spirit, gives us the wisdom that leads to salvation. Scripture enlightens us in divine truths, and reveals the will of God to us. If we respond with an obedient faith, then we will repent of our sins, confess Jesus as Lord and Savior, and be immersed that the blood of Christ can wash away our sins. We will also understand that, from this point onward, we must live by faith, seeking to become more like Christ.

 

When Paul spoke of Scripture giving us wisdom in knowing the will of God, he used the preposition for, which here refers to the motion, or direction, that leads to a goal, to the point of termination. God’s word is to lead us, to direct us in reaching the goal of salvation, made possible by faith in Christ. God’s word reveals the truth to us, but we individually are responsible for obeying that truth. Reading God’s word doesn’t automatically zap us with salvation, but clearly tells us how to respond to God’s offer of salvation, that we can have eternal life instead of eternal destruction.

 

If you continue reading 2 Tim. 3:16-17, you understand you must continue in the word to continue to live by its principles and precepts, to be equipped to live as one should, to be engaged in the good works God has prepared for us from eternity (Eph. 2:10). How do you approach Scripture? It’s not a novel, it’s the living word of God, by which we are led to salvation. Think about it. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 12/07/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is 2 Cor. 10:4-5: “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”

 

80 years ago, these words were uttered by then President Franklin D. Roosevelt. “Dec. 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.”  He went on to add, “Long will we remember the character of the onslaught against us.” While 80 years seems like a long time ago, it is no doubt still vivid for those who were there when this attack happened. With this event, we were thrust into the deadliest military conflict in history, which certainly changed the course of human history on many levels, and still affects us today.

 

For us as Christians, we are engaged in battle as well, a battle for the eternal state of our souls. We have been attacked by Satan through his temptations to sin, and at some point in time we all fall victim to his perverse lies and deceptions. He promises much but fulfills little, other than the fleeting pleasure of sin (Heb. 11:25), which only captures us into a downward spiral of sin that will destroy us.

 

This battle is just as real as that which began 80 years ago. It is not a physical attack, but as Paul points out, one that will overthrow us spiritually and put us in the confines of eternal punishment, rather than the freedom in Christ that offers eternal life. Are we fighting the good fight of faith (1 Tim. 6:12), or have we surrendered and are simply waiting for the condemnation that follows? Today, let’s serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by combatting the enemy in the strength God provides. There is victory if we keep the faith. “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:57). God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 12/06/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is 2 Tim. 4:3-4: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will be turned aside to myths.”

 

When Paul wrote his last letter to Timothy, he wanted him to know of the vast importance of him staying committed to the truth, as there would come a time when truth, sound doctrine, would be rejected for myths, or fables. The Greek term for the word “myth” is mostly used in the New Testament to reference stories full of falsehoods and pretenses, cunning fables for the purpose of deceiving others.

 

Paul tells Timothy people will turn away from the truth, which in the Greek is in the active voice, meaning they willfully choose to do this. Still worse is the fact they “will be turned aside to myths,” the passive voice, which means that they don’t choose this result; they are being acted upon. Because they willfully turned away, they now will unwillingly be deceived by fables. When Christians won’t tolerate true preaching, which proclaims truth and confronts sin, doctrinal error takes its place, and real discernment will be absent. Error is rampant because there are those who have willingly turned away from the truth.

 

May we always desire truth and never turn away from it. May we spend time in Scripture so we have the basis established in our minds and hearts to discern truth from error, and have the love for God to do so. As Jesus said, may we know the truth so we can be set free from sin (John 8:31-32). God bless.

 

Robert

 

Don’t Lose Heart

 

“So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory” (Eph. 3:13).

 

When Paul wrote this letter to the church at Ephesus, he was under house arrest in Rome for the sake of the gospel. Paul wanted these Christians to understand he was not suffering for doing anything wrong on his part, as if he had been guilty of committing crimes against others. He pleads with them to realize this situation traced its roots to Satan. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12).

 

To see Paul in this situation, and not knowing what the outcome of his trial would be, some were losing heart, getting discouraged, losing their motivation in continuing a desirable pattern of conduct. Perhaps Paul had seen some of his fellow Christians become afraid in the face of what they perceived to be a great difficulty Paul was enduring. The reasoning could be, “What if this were to happen to me?” The very idea was causing some to be utterly spiritless, to be wearied out, and spiritually exhausted.

 

By contrast, Paul told them in Christ “we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him” (Eph. 3:12). His desire was for them to keep everything in its proper perspective. The devil only wants Christians to see what he interprets as negative, causing some to forget all the positive blessings God offers us through life’s trials. Living in a world dominated by sin, we will encounter difficult situations we have to deal with. No one can foresee what the future holds, but we know God is there to help us through whatever comes our way. Elsewhere Paul would say we should not lose heart. “Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (2 Cor. 4:16-18).

 

Paul wants all Christians to realize everyone’s life will have ups and downs, good times and bad. This is not the real issue. What we should focus on is how our lives are being lived for what lies beyond today, for what eternity holds for us. Satan has messed up life here and now, and allowing sin its place in our hearts only makes matters worse. God, however, through Christ, is here to helps us through it all, and offer us what Satan wants to rob us of, eternal life. These Christians in Ephesus could be downcast at what Paul was going through, possibly asking themselves if living the Christian life is worth it, if this is what it would bring for them. As everyone’s life will have tribulation (John 6:33), the real question is will we be discouraged, wearied, and give up, or find strength in the Lord and live for what tomorrow brings?

 

Everyone one of us could tell stories of discouragement, of loss, of losing hope and desiring to give up. This is not the way to the victory that we have in Christ. We live by faith (1 John 5:4), and whatever life brings, our God goes with us. We can continue, endure, and persist in living the Christian life, no matter what situation we encounter in life. “God’s solid foundation stands firm, bearing this inscription: The Lord knows those who are his, and let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness” (2 Tim. 2:19).

 

What a great God we serve, and what a glorious Savior encourages us on through His shed blood. No matter what came Paul’s way, he would not give up, and did not want anyone who wore Christ’s name to either. Let us remember who we serve, and the strength He provides to overcome.

 

μαράνα θᾶ (1 Cor. 16:22)

Robert