Month: April 2023

You Do Not Have to Lose Everything #6

Sunday, April 30, 2023

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV).

Dear friend, you do not have to lose everything!

Writing today’s Scripture, the Apostle Paul was facing some dreadful circumstances. He was incarcerated in a prison in Rome, possibly an underground dungeon (a dry cistern?). The final chapter of this second epistle to Timothy reveals much about the situation (2 Timothy chapter 4):

“[9] Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: [10] For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. [11] Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. [12] And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. [13] The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. [14] Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: [15] Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. [16] At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.”

Timothy is to rush to Rome, as soon as possible (verse 11). Demas, once Paul’s loyal ministry coworker, has abandoned the aged Apostle (verse 10). Other saints, for various reasons, have gone from him too (verses 10,12). “Only Luke is with me” (verse 11). Paul requests Timothy bring his coat that he left behind, suggesting his prison cell is cold (verse 13). He also asks Timothy to fetch some reading material—perhaps actual Bible scrolls (verse 13). Alexander, an otherwise unknown character, has greatly mistreated Paul (verses 14,15). When Paul was tried in the Roman courts, all his friends—including Christians (!)—had deserted him (verse 16)! Lastly, now he awaits his execution (verses 6-8)!

His health is likely poor, he has no money, his loved ones are gone, and he will soon lose his life. Still, those touching words of today’s Scripture are preeminent….

You Do Not Have to Lose Everything #5

Saturday, April 29, 2023

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV).

Dear friend, you do not have to lose everything!

People dread losing their money, health, and loved ones. Our family members and friends are dear to us, but let us be sure we understand these facts: our fellowship with them is always subject to change. For example, it is no secret that “the rich hath many friends” (Proverbs 14:20; Proverbs 19:4)—until the funds run out! Bribes are quite useful in obtaining friendships (Proverbs 19:6). Moreover, gossiping can destroy relationships (Proverbs 16:28; Proverbs 17:9). Relatives and friends grow sick, die, move away, or even shun us due to any number of reasons.

If we are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we remember well how He notified His disciples in Matthew chapter 10: “[21] And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death…. [35] For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. [36] And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. [37] He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” See also Mark 13:12 and Luke 21:16.

Christ’s “friends” called Him crazy (Mark 3:21)! His own brethren (half-siblings through Mary) did not believe in Him (John 7:5)! Even His (best) “familiar friend” Judas Iscariot ultimately betrayed Him (Psalm 41:9; John 13:18,21; cf. Matthew 26:50)! If the world treated Him so shamelessly, we should expect them to respond to us in like manner. Regardless of the reason, we are not guaranteed our loved ones will be with us always.

Despite all this bad news, today’s Scripture declares there is plenty of good news….

You Do Not Have to Lose Everything #4

Friday, April 28, 2023

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV).

Dear friend, you do not have to lose everything!

In addition to losing their wealth, people fear losing their health—injuries sustained in an accident, a debilitating disease, the increasing limitations that come with the aging process, and so on. As it has been stated long ago, “All the ‘healing’ claims aside, the death rate is still one apiece!” “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16). Due to genetics, lifestyle habits, environment, and other factors, we all suffer a variety of physical infirmities.

Outlining this curse of sin on creation, the Apostle Paul wrote the following observations in Romans chapter 8: “[16] The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: [17] And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. [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.”

Let us now think about another tragedy, the inescapable reality of losing our loved ones….

You Do Not Have to Lose Everything #3

Thursday, April 27, 2023

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV).

Dear friend, you do not have to lose everything!

Another informative passage of Scripture to correct our thinking is in 1 Timothy chapter 6: “[3] If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; [4] He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, [5] Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

“[6] But godliness with contentment is great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. [8] And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. [9] But they that will [wish to] be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. [10] For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.… [17] Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; [18] That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; [19] Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”

Having much in this world is not necessarily indicative of worship of God. What is more “profitable” is to worship God and be thankful for what we have. If we have “food and raiment [clothing],” we should be grateful for that. After all, “We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” With this in mind, fear does not have to control us….

You Do Not Have to Lose Everything #2

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV).

Dear friend, you do not have to lose everything!

What most concerns people today is what has worried them for thousands of years—the loss of their health, the loss of their money, and the loss of their loved ones. Although none of us seek to be debilitated, destitute, or deserted, we are bound to this sin-cursed world and, thus, have not been granted immunity from any of these tragedies. In a literal instant, our life can be changed forever.

For example, read the Parable of the Rich Fool as recorded in Luke chapter 12: “[13] And one of the company said unto him [Jesus Christ], Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. [14] And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? [15] And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. [16] And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: [17] And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? [18] And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. [19] And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. [20] But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? [21] So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

In a single night, the rich fool lost all three—health (he died), money (he died), and loved ones (he died). Furthermore, most importantly, he also lost his soul in hell’s fires….

You Do Not Have to Lose Everything #1

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV).

Dear friend, you do not have to lose everything!

A well-known newspaper columnist/counselor once stated that, out of the roughly 10,000 letters she received each month, the theme of the majority of them was a single word: FEAR. These people writing to her and seeking her advice were terrified of losing their health, their money, and their loved ones. Of course, she was “the blind lead[ing] the blind” (Matthew 15:14), for no unsaved person is qualified to provide any lasting, meaningful answers to such intimate questions. Human opinions are of no worth in light of eternal matters.

Sin complicates life, and a simple example of this is documented in the Book of Genesis. Take this excerpt from chapter 3: “[8] And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. [9] And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? [10] And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. [11] And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? [12] And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.”

Once Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, their marital relationship was never the same, and their relationship with their Creator was never the same either. Adam and Eve hid from the LORD (verse 8), and, when confronted, Adam blamed Eve and God for his sin (verse 12). On that day, sin was introduced, three enemies were produced, and life became complicated and uncertain….

Ministry Priorities #2

Monday, April 24, 2023

“Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables” (Acts 6:2 KJV).

What are the two chief elements of a Christ-honoring ministry?

Verse 4 replies: “But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.” Although the 12 Apostles refused to be preoccupied with superintending petty matters such as feeding hungry widows, they were nevertheless sympathetic to the point of allowing seven men to oversee that food distribution. The 12 Apostles had a clear understanding of what was foremost in ministry.

Prayer is us speaking to God according to what He has already told us in His Bible. The Word, of course, is the Bible, God talking to us. Let us be careful not to let even the most innocent-looking situations distract us from God’s ministry. Down through the years, countless church leaders have been drawn away from their primary duties (Word of God and prayer) in order to engage in frivolous or trivial pursuits. Wise counsel can be found here in Acts chapter 6 if we are interested in doing God’s will regarding ministry! “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:13). “I will [wish, desire] therefore that men pray every where…” (1 Timothy 2:8).

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1,2). Observe the progression—the “good” will of God, the “acceptable” will of God, and the “perfect” will of God. Each level is greater spiritual maturity. As believers in Christ, we go beyond choosing good over evil, and we go beyond acceptable over unacceptable, to identify what is “perfect” (the best choice out of all good choices, the superior decision of all possible acceptable decisions). Pertaining to the work of the ministry and its finest courses for this the Dispensation of Grace, we access Paul’s “Pastoral Epistles”—1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.

Ministry Priorities #1

Sunday, April 23, 2023

“Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables” (Acts 6:2 KJV).

What are the two chief elements of a Christ-honoring ministry?

Read today’s Scripture in context: “[1] And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. [2] Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. [3] Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. [4] But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.”

With the Messianic Church growing at an extraordinary rate, there occurred an organizational crisis that could no longer be overlooked. Widows of the “Grecians”—or Greek-speaking Jewesses—were not receiving their fair share of the food being distributed. The Hebrew widows—or Hebrew-speaking Jewesses—were getting preferential treatment. This unfortunate situation was likely accidental, not deliberate. Nevertheless, it had to be rectified, and the Grecians were complaining for something to be done. Therefore, the 12 Apostles made an informed decision to let them choose seven men who would carry out the daily ministration (food service) with the Grecian widows in mind.

It is striking how the 12 Apostles were able to discern with mature spiritual eyes what they had to do compared to what others could do. That is to say, the 12 Apostles knew their priority was “the word of God” (verse 2). Like all of us, they had limited time and energy, so they needed to make the most of them. It was far more advantageous for these men to concentrate on preaching the Word of God, and suggesting the other members of believing Israel select seven men who could then be ordained to head the food services. This is such basic spiritual common sense, and we can learn something from this too….

The Awareness of a Temporary Earth

Saturday, April 22, 2023

“And, Thou, O Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: they shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail” (Hebrews 1:10-12 KJV).

On this Earth Day, let us not confuse the creation with the Creator!

Today, people worldwide celebrate “environmental awareness.” According to the secular, naturalistic worldview, our planet and its sun could last many more billions of years. They claim that we have done so much damage to our planet—climate change, overpopulation, deforestation, pollution, et cetera—that we must change our attitude toward “mother earth” and change our lifestyles before we destroy her and civilization as we know it! You can sense the zeal in their message, can you not? While these people are sincere, they are wasting all of their time, energy, and resources on a temporary planet.

Let us be very clear that the Lord Jesus Christ placed man on the earth, especially the Garden of Eden, to “dress it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15). Adam was to take care of the Earth: he was God’s representative, God’s king, who had a divine commission to rule this planet for God’s glory (Genesis 1:26-28).

It was not long, however, before Satan distracted mankind from understanding God’s purpose for him. Adam began to focus on himself: like Satan, he began to “worship and serve the creature more than the Creator” (Romans 1:25). Thus began man’s continual downward spiral into spiritual ignorance. He would continually worship himself, as we well know today.

Today’s Scripture reminds us that, because of sin, this creation will pass away. The Lord Jesus Christ, however, will live forever. Why worship that which is temporary? It makes no sense! The Lord Jesus Christ gave you life, not the pagan goddess “mother earth.” Environmental awareness? Indeed, be aware that our world is temporary, as God will one day create “a new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1).

Show Me the Verses!

Friday, April 21, 2023

“Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief” (1 Timothy 1:13 KJV).

Once, a beloved family member told me, “We have our doctrinal differences.” I replied to this Christian (albeit denominational) man, “Show me the verses that prove my position is wrong.” More than 10 years later, he has yet to supply me with so much as a single Bible reference, for he is comfortable with his imperfect theology and refuses dispensational Bible study!

Truly, we should always be open to correction, fine-tuning what we believe (either adjusting our beliefs so they are clearer or throwing them out entirely if they are completely wrong). In this life, we will not get everything correct, but we should make every effort to learn and master the purest doctrine we can. It all depends on our willingness to let go of long-held traditions of men. That means we might even have to admit our parents were wrong, our family religion is erroneous, and what we heard and believed all our lives was false. Surely, this is devastating, but it is far more beneficial that we acknowledge the blunders now instead of ignoring them out of pride, obstinacy, and denial—and then suffering the damaging consequences well into the future when it is too late to change!

Saul of Tarsus was a rabbinical scholar, leading his nation Israel in its campaign against Jesus Christ and His Little Flock of believers in early Acts. For example, read Acts 7:58, Acts 8:1-3, Acts 9:1-2, Acts 22:3-5, Acts 26:9-11, Galatians 1:13-14, Philippians 3:6, and today’s Scripture. “But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God” (2 Corinthians 4:2). In other words, the Apostle Paul confessed, “Yes, I once used the Hebrew Bible to teach error. That is no longer true, for now I am a saved man, growing in the truth of Bible verses, moving from immaturity into adulthood.” See the course of his development laid out in Philippians 3:1-21. May we follow him as he follows Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1)!