Month: November 2020

Fret Not! #3

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6,7 KJV).

Election Day 2020 is passed, but its drama continues.

The Apostle Paul teaches in Titus 3:8: “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” “Careful” here is in the sense of thoughtful, attentive, concerned about. If we Christians must be anxious about something, Scripture says we should worry about maintaining good works! This is an ongoing process, a keeping on laboring in accordance with sound Bible doctrine.

Chapter 2 had already stated: “[11] For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, [12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; [13] Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; [14] Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. [15] These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” The Bible encourages us also in Philippians 3:20,21: “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”

We members of the Church the Body of Christ are destined for Heaven. Consequently, it is ever (!) so (!) important (!) we as believers in Jesus Christ not get attached to this world, preoccupied and overwhelmed with all its problems. Martha of long ago needed to learn that lesson, and the Lord corrected her. In like manner, through Pauline doctrine, He adjusts our thinking to see “[the] one thing [that] is needful….”

In order to bring you a special study tomorrow, we temporarily break from this devotionals arc….

Fret Not! #2

Monday, November 9, 2020

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6,7 KJV).

Election Day 2020 is passed, but its drama continues.

Consider the words of 1 Peter chapter 5, verses 6 and 7: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” Here, “casting” is throwing. It is the same idea as Luke 19:35, “And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.” The Apostle Peter’s admonition will impart immeasurable strength to Israel’s believing remnant suffering persecution under the Antichrist. Likewise, it is an insightful cross-reference to today’s Scripture, that we may benefit.

Read Luke 10:38-42 again, noting the words “not care” of verse 40: “[38] Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. [39] And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. [40] But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. [41] And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: [42] But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” When the Bible says God “careth” for us, this would be in stark contrast to Jesus not being concerned with Mary leaving Martha (most insignificant!).

We are bound to time and space, so it is natural for us to see things from a “here-and-now perspective.” Unless we are using renewed spiritual minds, we will place great emphasis on temporary matters. Yet, if we take the position of faith, we will throw our minor worries onto the Lord. Released from those burdens, we are free to worry about something—yea, some things—of eternal worth. Let us see what they are….

Fret Not! #1

Sunday, November 8, 2020

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6,7 KJV).

Election Day 2020 is passed, but its drama continues.

Anxiety and uncertainty remain concerning the outcome of the United States presidential election. Sleep has been lost. Fears are mounting. Tempers are raging. Results are being contested. Accusations of election fraud abound. Litigations and investigations have ensued. “News” organizations have already declared a winner—and, according to them, the incumbent lost. However, not all the votes have been counted and certified. Allegedly, some ballots were illegally cast, and should be discarded. The legitimate ones would need to be recounted. What is the truth, and what is simply propaganda? In the weeks ahead, all will become clearer. Unfortunately, though, we will never fully grasp what happened because of the matter’s complexity. Yet, as Bible believers, we can remain calm.

One classic example of fretting in Scripture is Martha, Lazarus’ sister (cf. John 11:1,2). Let us consider the Bible in chapter 10 of Luke: “[38] Now it came to pass, as they went, that he [Jesus] entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. [39] And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. [40] But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. [41] And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: [42] But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

Martha was hypervigilant or excessively worried. Chiefly, her sister Mary had left her to serve (food?) by herself. Mary was busy listening to Jesus teach, but Martha was preoccupied. Jesus reassured her in verse 41: “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things.” She was being unreasonable, allowing numerous things to distract and trouble her. With her eyes off God’s Word, she was “careful,” agonizing about what ultimately did not matter….

Three Requests #4

Saturday, November 7, 2020

“And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not” (Luke 8:27,28 KJV).

There are three pleadings in this context. With which one should we align ourselves?

We read the concluding verses: “[38] Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, [39] Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.” Here is the third and final pleading. Formerly possessed with devils (one of his numerous problems), he asks the Lord Jesus if he can accompany Him back to Galilee. This is in stark contrast to his neighbors who have requested Jesus leave their area (cf. verse 37).

Those Jews living east of the Sea of Galilee were reckless in rejecting Christ. However, there was a believer who saw great value in God’s Son. It was the very man who had been delivered from a most pathetic existence. He knew firsthand there was complete victory in Jesus. “Lord, if they are sending You away, please let me come too!” Christ forbids him. Instead, he is advised to stay: “Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee.” He is to remain there to share his testimony with others—and he does. “And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.” To wit, “Listen to what the Son of God in His grace did for me! He saved me from a worthless life that glorified Satan!”

Brethren, while we may long to be with Christ in Heaven, still a fourth beseeching, a far greater (!) beseeching, is, “Lord, let me stay here on Earth, that I may tell others what You in Your grace did for me!” 🙂

Three Requests #3

Friday, November 6, 2020

“And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not” (Luke 8:27,28 KJV).

There are three pleadings in this context. With which one should we align ourselves?

Luke reports: “[33] Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked. [34] When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country. [35] Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. [36] They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed. [37] Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.”

After Jesus permitted the unclean spirits to possess the herd of nearby pigs, the swine drowned themselves. The onlookers entered the city and relayed the news to neighbors. Instead of rejoicing that the Saviour was present, their materialism (unbelief) caused them to beg Him to leave. “Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them” (verse 37a). The Lord Jesus was a threat to their business of raising swine, an animal the Law of Moses considered “unclean” for the Jews (Leviticus 11:7,8). Verily, verily, they were foolish to prefer their “old life” as opposed to praising the Lord that He had come to deliver them from Satan and sin.

“Lord, please go away!” We should avoid this type of beseeching. The final instance of entreating in this chapter is the wisest of requests….

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Three Requests #2

Thursday, November 5, 2020

“And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not” (Luke 8:27,28 KJV).

There are three pleadings in this context. With which one should we align ourselves?

Continue at verse 35 for the second pleading: “[35] Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. [36] They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed. [37] Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.”

Here is the third imploring: “[38] Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, [39] Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.” Now, we expound what has transpired concerning this miracle.

Christ, on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, in the area of the Gadarenes, encounters a man possessed with myriads of devils and living in tombs. The leading evil spirit begs Jesus not to punish him—that is, banish him and his fellow unclean spirits to Hell. “I beseech thee, torment me not…. And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep” (verses 28,31). Here is the first pleading. While we sinners would also be wise in asking God not to punish us with eternal judgment, there is a better kind of longing than endeavoring to escape a deserved penalty….

Three Requests #1

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

“And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not” (Luke 8:27,28 KJV).

There are three pleadings in this context. With which one should we align ourselves?

Let us start reading the passage in its setting: “[26] And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee. [27] And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. [28] When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not. [29] (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)

“[30] And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. [31] And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep. [32] And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them. [33] Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked. [34] When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.”

Having read the first request from one party, now we get to the second request from another party….

Be of Good Cheer!

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

“And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee” (Matthew 9:2 KJV).

The (dreaded) United States’ Election Day is here, but “Be of good cheer!”

Our King James Bible uses the exhortation, “Be of good cheer,” on seven occasions—during depressing circumstances. Today’s Scripture, the first instance, is Jesus encouraging the paralyzed man He is about to heal (physically, but more importantly, spiritually)!

As a storm violently rocks the disciples’ boat, Jesus walks on the water, saying, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid” (Matthew 14:27). Mark 6:50 reads: “For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.” On the night of His arrest, just hours before His crucifixion, Jesus tells His disciples in the upper room: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

After Paul was violently attacked in Jerusalem, he is arrested and stands before the Sanhedrin (Israel’s governing religious body). “And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome” (Acts 23:11). While Paul sails to Rome, inclement weather threatens the ship. Acts 27:22 and 25 quote his words to his companions: “And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship… Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.” (According to verses 23 and 24, an angel had appeared to Paul to comfort him and his fellow travelers.)

Saints, no matter the election outcome, let us “be of good cheer.” We are “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20), and this is not our home anyway! Furthermore, as our Lord said, “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33)! 🙂

In light of the U.S. Presidential Election, you may read our archived study: “Is ‘divine right of kings’ a Scriptural teaching?”

Grip and Guard!

Monday, November 2, 2020

“Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us” (2 Timothy 1:13,14 KJV).

Christian friend, tightly grip and guard sound Bible doctrine… and never let it go!

A fellow wrote recently: “Over the years, I have watched so-called believers stray from solid exegesis to a feel-good teaching that won’t offend anyone. A former [denominational] friend told me one evening that I was offending people by carrying my Bible. My wife and I left that church soon thereafter because it was heading down the wrong road. The preachers seldom used the Scriptures.” Wow! Is that not a pretty graphic portrait of the entire professing “church?” It has utterly failed to obey today’s Scripture!

The Holy Bible is unquestionably offensive. It sets down specific standards for right and wrong behaviors and thoughts. Consequently, its presence aggravates those who are not “so narrow-minded.” People want to do what they want to do—but the Bible interferes. They wish to believe what they want to believe—but the Bible gets in the way. So, if they cast aside the Scriptures, or pretend like those Divine words do not exist, then they have warrant to proceed as they desire!

It is always tempting for the Bible-believing Christian to “tone down” the truth so as not to upset people who disagree with the Scriptures. However, in the grand scheme of things, this only hurts both parties. The Christian is revealed to be a coward. What he or she “believes” (?) is evidently not worth believing or sharing! As for the unbeliever, he or she was denied the whole truth that could have liberated him or her. Of course, if we are already shallow in the Scriptures—being more skilled in denominational doctrine—then it will be fairly easy for us to throw out the Bible entirely at some point. Sin always starts off little by little; doctrinal error follows the same pattern.

Howbeit, if we are truly interested in maintaining the spiritual health of ourselves and others, the Holy Ghost which indwells us will enable us to grip and guard sound Bible doctrine. It is our choice!

Coronavirus

Sunday, November 1, 2020

“For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now” (Romans 8:22 KJV).

Only temporarily….

Indeed, 2020 has been quite unpleasant for the world. The coronavirus (COVID-19) has brought many new expressions into everyday vernacular: “lockdown,” “distant/virtual learning,” “contactless curbside,” “social distancing,” “isolation,” “quarantine,” “pandemic,” “drive-thru only.” We all know the maxim: “stay six feet or two meters apart.” Handwashing is constant. People wearing gloves, masks, face shields, and gowns are everywhere. Video chats and telephone calls have replaced in-person meetings. Church buildings have been closed. Surgeries have been postponed.

Shipping delays and product shortages have ensued. Hugs and handshakes are limited—if ever. Family gatherings, including weddings and funerals, have been radically changed or cancelled. Business have closed—some permanently. Financial burdens are worsening due to unemployment. Motivated by alarmists and other sensationalists, consumers are stockpiling food and other goods. Families constantly at home has resulted in spousal and child abuse. Individuals are tired of being confined: they have no clubs, bars, casinos, movie theaters, or golf courses to frequent for entertainment. Isolation has produced loneliness, depression, and even suicide. How awful!

However, as the Bible says: “[18] For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. [19] For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. [20] For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, [21] Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. [22] For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. [23] And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. [24] For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? [25] But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”

While our world looks hopeless, friends, let us remember the curse of sin will not last forever!