Month: June 2024

The Roller-Coaster of Life #6

Sunday, June 30, 2024

“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV).

In this roller coaster called “life,” who is truly “faithful?”

A bygone preacher once observed: “the flesh wants to do something, be something, live something.” This claim can be easily proven by visiting a denominational church—or anywhere else the Message of God’s Grace is absent. In fact, the works of the flesh can be (and have been) frequently passed off as (supposedly) “the works of the Spirit of God.” Only a mature, discerning spiritual eye can differentiate them.

Man has to come to a very uncomfortable, unflattering conclusion: his works, no matter their quantity, are not perfect righteousness or sinlessness. In no way can he save (deliver) or reform (change) himself. Those who cannot (or will not) admit that then intensely refute the idea of “once saved, always saved.” To them, you can and should trust Christ as your personal Saviour, but then, say they, you must continue in holy living to maintain that salvation or you will lose it. This is extremely convoluted, for it assumes our works play some role in perpetuating a relationship with God that we could never (and will never) obtain by our works anyway!

The Corinthians actually started off right: “And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized” (Acts 18:8). In that brief moment of clarity, they recognized their Greek philosophy was void of any eternal value. It could not give them a right standing before the one true God any more than the Law of Moses could justify Israel! There was no doubt whatsoever they became members of the Church the Body of Christ right here, believing in their heart how Christ died for their sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Alas, Satan’s evil world system (false teachers) later drew them away from that simple truth, which generated the innumerable problems/sins in the Corinthian assembly Paul is now addressing in 1 Corinthians.

In today’s Scripture, he thus did not emphasize their faithfulness (for, they were unfaithful!) but rather God’s faithfulness….

The Roller-Coaster of Life #5

Saturday, June 29, 2024

“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV).

In this roller coaster called “life,” who is truly “faithful?”

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5,6). “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).

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:1-7).

Once, I gave a Christian some Bible verses to navigate his perplexing (!) struggles. His answer to those Scriptures was, “But my human mind cannot fathom that.” My swift answer was, “We are not using the human mind but God’s mind.” See, he inadvertently declared his fundamental problem by echoing the Corinthians (or the ancient Greek philosophers, lovers of human wisdom). His primary difficulty was unbelief… and, yet, he was a member of the Body of Christ. The roller-coaster of life had driven him to trust in his own resources, his own intellect, instead of the renewed mind the Holy Spirit offers us….

The Roller-Coaster of Life #4

Friday, June 28, 2024

“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV).

In this roller coaster called “life,” who is truly “faithful?”

Addressing the heathen Gentiles in central Turkey, Paul referred to how they worshipped “vanities” (worthless idols) because the God of Israel had “in times past suffered [permitted, allowed] all nations to walk in their own ways” (Acts 14:11-17). In Athens, the intellectual capital of the Roman Empire, Paul pointed out their pagan idolatry was “ignorance” (Acts 17:16,22-31). This was the spiritual darkness and blindness to which God had handed over the nations back at the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9.

“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things” (Romans 1:20-23). Here was the origin of Greek philosophy—systems of thought founded on Satan worship.

Doubtless, the Corinthians were not faithful, reliable, dependable, trustworthy. God could not—and did not—expect them to live the Christian life. He knows the flesh is weak, though it certainly exerts great effort to try to manage or overcome sin. The secular pressure from nearby Athens was so tempting. Supposedly, every “wise” man in Corinth boasted he had the solutions to the world’s problems. Of course, this was human wisdom, not the wisdom of the God of the Bible. Yet, the Corinthian Christians had even adopted these faulty ideas, discarding the Holy Scriptures in favor of something “more rational” (appealing to the intellect). As long as it was the resources they had in and of themselves, they were totally void of God’s power and life—and, hence, their Christian life was not functioning properly.

The Corinthians were building their Christian life on a foundation of shifting sand….

The Roller-Coaster of Life #3

Thursday, June 27, 2024

“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV).

In this roller coaster called “life,” who is truly “faithful?”

Paul expressed gratitude to God for giving the Corinthians grace (unmerited favor through Calvary’s finished crosswork). We read chapter 1, the context of today’s Scripture: “[4] I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; [5] That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; [6] Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: [7] So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: [8] Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Father God had already furnished them in Christ with everything they needed for victorious Christian living, but they had not made any use of those resources by faith. Like millions of Christians and hundreds of millions of church members now, they were depending on philosophy—love of human wisdom—to guide their thoughts and lives. God’s wisdom, however, was uninteresting to them. What an understatement it is to say there was spiritual catastrophe in Corinth!

Still, as awful as spiritual conditions were in Corinth, the promise of verse 8 held true—and, while it may be difficult to believe, was permanent. Father God would “confirm [them] unto the end,” keep them safe and secure, strengthening and pronouncing them “blameless” in Christ because they would always have God’s righteousness in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). It was what God did that ultimately mattered—as opposed to what they did or were doing (thinking and acting like complete spiritual fools, frankly!).

Crosswinds (blowing from left and right) and headwinds (pushing from the front) were driving the Corinthians off course doctrinally. False teachers were swaying them in every which way but the right one, which rendered them “children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). They were letting their situations and circumstances cause them to lose sight of their life and victory in Christ….















































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The Roller-Coaster of Life #2

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV).

In this roller coaster called “life,” who is truly “faithful?”

Using secular historical data, we can say Paul first arrived in Corinth circa A.D. 50–51. According to Roman records, that was Gallio’s brief term as deputy or governor of Achaia or southern Greece (see Acts 18:12). It was around this period of Acts chapter 18 that Paul wins the Corinthians to the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. He teaches them the Word of God for nearly two years (verses 11,18).

Eventually, he moves on to Ephesus (western Turkey) before concluding his second apostolic journey by returning to Antioch of Syria (verses 19-22). As he launches his third apostolic journey in verse 23, he re-visits Ephesus, wherein he resides for three years (all of chapter 19; see Acts 20:17,31). It would have been during the opening verse of Acts chapter 20, his final days in Ephesus, that he composed 1 Corinthians (see 1 Corinthians 16:8,9). In other words, when he wrote 1 Corinthians, as many as six years could have passed since he first preached the Gospel of Grace to them (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

Stated another way, the Corinthians have been members of the Church the Body of Christ for at least five years. Alas, as we study 1 Corinthians, it is apparent they have not grown and developed into mature Bible believers. Such prolonged exposure to sound doctrine should have brought their thoughts and lives much further than where they are currently situated. Observe chapter 3, verses 1-3: “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual [led by the Spirit of God], but as unto carnal [fleshly], even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” The Corinthians have not continued in the edification process, so they are malnourished, spiritual babies who still cannot tolerate solid spiritual food….















































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The Roller-Coaster of Life #1

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV).

In this roller coaster called “life,” who is truly “faithful?”

Once, I had an extremely pleasant day. Browsing in a store, I found exactly what items I had been seeking… and even some favorite products I never would have expected there. I quickly made those purchases, going on my way thankful and ecstatic. Also, I was able to keep an important appointment despite the other errands I was running. Things were still going according to plan! However, as the day wore on, my circumstances changed most drastically. I did not make contact with someone as I had desperately intended. By nighttime, inclement weather in my neighborhood led to a 12-hour power outage. Also, I began feeling quite ill.

As the next couple of weeks unfolded, life was really trying for me because of other problems. My illness continued, despite medication. Eventually, I had to deal with fixing some broken items, plus several other hassles, including a couple of incidents and accidents at home that resulted in me sustaining injuries (one of which could have caused my relocation to Heaven!). My work and ministry schedules were severely disrupted. It was chaos!

During my trials and tribulations, I had a phone conversation with a Christian friend whose loved one had just died. He was in absolute emotional turmoil. Also, he was aggravated due to major technical issues with his electronic devices. I informed him of my own struggles. Concerned about his initial remarks, I did strongly caution him not to let his emotions get the best of him. Nevertheless, he confessed to me that he was no longer thinking properly because of those revolting emotions. I was quite surprised he actually sounded like a lost person, an unbeliever, as I continued to listen to his incessant complaints. I simply could not fathom those blasphemous, heretical words I was hearing from his lips. He was maligning God! More recently, the dear brother is still spiraling downward emotionally and spiritually in the roller-coaster of life, just like the Corinthians.

Perhaps it is time we be instructed from today’s Scripture….















































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The Roller-Coaster of Life #1 “God is faithful, by whom ye were
called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord”
(1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV). In this roller coaster called “life,”
who is truly “faithful?” Once, I had an extremely pleasant day. Browsing
in a store, I found exactly what items I had been seeking… and even some favorite
products I never would have expected there. I quickly made those purchases, going
on my way thankful and ecstatic. Also, I was able to keep an important appointment
despite the other errands I was running. Things were still going according to
plan! However, as the day wore on, my circumstances changed most drastically. I
did not make contact with someone as I had desperately intended. By nighttime, inclement
weather in my neighborhood led to a 12-hour power outage. Also, I began feeling
quite ill. As the next couple of weeks unfolded,
life was really trying for me because of other problems. My illness continued,
despite medication. Eventually, I had to deal with fixing some broken items,
plus several other hassles, including a couple of incidents and accidents at
home that resulted in me sustaining injuries (one of which could have caused my
relocation to Heaven!). My work and ministry schedules were severely disrupted.
It was chaos! During my trials and tribulations, I had
a phone conversation with a Christian friend whose loved one had just died. He
was in absolute emotional turmoil. Also, he was aggravated due to major
technical issues with his electronic devices. I informed him of my own
struggles. Concerned about his initial remarks, I did strongly caution him not
to let his emotions get the best of him. Nevertheless, he confessed to me that
he was no longer thinking properly because of those revolting emotions. I was quite
surprised he actually sounded like a lost person, an unbeliever, as I continued
to listen to his incessant complaints. I simply could not fathom those
blasphemous, heretical words I was hearing from his lips. He was maligning God!
More recently, the dear brother is still spiraling downward emotionally and
spiritually in the roller-coaster of life, just like the Corinthians. Perhaps it is time we be instructed from
today’s Scripture….

Tokens #10

Monday, June 24, 2024

“And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:…” (Genesis 9:12 KJV).

What are “tokens” in Scripture?

Reading about the numerous tokens in the Bible, we should remember they are things serving as signs, indications, proofs, representations, or evidences of other things. Something intangible (cannot be touched) or invisible (cannot be seen) has a corresponding sign that can be touched and/or seen. In fact, did you know “token” is etymologically related to “teach?” A lesson is being imparted, information to be learned is being offered, data is being chronicled in a clear, understandable way. This is especially true in a Jewish context, for “the Jews require a sign” (1 Corinthians 1:22).

Though we may choose otherwise, the God of the Bible does not want us to be ignorant. He wishes we would be informed, for He Himself knows the Christian life will not operate on the basis of ignorance because it cannot operate on the basis of ignorance. No one will comprehend anything in the Bible unless they are willing to be taught of God the Holy Spirit. We do not have to be confused about the Scriptures—though most are. This is not God’s fault. Our Bible understanding does not have to be imperfect—yet it often is. Neither is this God’s fault.

If we have a question about a King James Bible word, phrase, or verse, it would be far more advantageous if we gave it the benefit of the doubt as opposed to changing it because of our limited knowledge. As Bible students, as “workmen” (2 Timothy 2:15), we should eagerly endure an unbelievable amount of trouble to find an answer, a definition, a reason. Let us see how our 1611 translators handled those terms in other places. We ought to compare, contrast, and evaluate whatever information we can collect. It might take months, years, or even decades to research a matter to conclusion or resolution. Or, we might not obtain an answer until we get to Heaven. As long as we can tell the Lord we made an effort to grow and develop into mature believers, that being a token of our sincere pursuit of the truth, we know His praise is certain.

Tokens #9

Sunday, June 23, 2024

“And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:…” (Genesis 9:12 KJV).

What are “tokens” in Scripture?

Apparently, Paul signed his name to each epistle (formal doctrinal letter): “The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write” (2 Thessalonians 3:17). That signature indicated, signified, or symbolized authenticity and apostolic authority.

Sometimes, tokens are hidden in the Bible, since their corresponding Hebrew or Greek words were translated as other English terms. For example, though the Greek “endeixis” was rendered “evident token” in Philippians 1:28, it was translated “proof” in 2 Corinthians 8:24: “Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.” The sign or indication of our love for the Lord and fellow believers is when we help them in their time of financial need. That Greek word was twice rendered “declare” (show, signify, demonstrate) in Romans 3:25,26 with respect to God manifesting His righteousness (rightness or justness) at Calvary: “[Christ Jesus] Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”

In the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible), the word “’ot” was translated “token” in Genesis 9:12,13,17 (the rainbow signifying God’s promise never to flood the world again), in Genesis 17:11 (physical circumcision representing Abraham’s death to the flesh), and in the many other references we covered earlier (Exodus 3:12; Exodus 12:13; Exodus 13:16; Numbers 17:10; Joshua 2:12; Job 21:29; Psalm 65:8; Psalm 86:17; Psalm 135:9; Isaiah 44:25). That Hebrew term was also rendered “sign/s” some 77 times (for examples, see Genesis 1:14, Exodus 4:9, Exodus 10:1, Exodus 31:13, Deuteronomy 6:22, Joshua 24:17, Psalm 78:43, Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 8:18, Jeremiah 10:2, and Ezekiel 20:20). It was also translated “miracles” in Numbers 14:22, Deuteronomy 11:3, and Deuteronomy 29:3. Additionally, it is the “mark” of Genesis 4:15. On one occasion, it is “ensign” (Numbers 2:2).

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

Tokens #8

Saturday, June 22, 2024

“And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:…” (Genesis 9:12 KJV).

What are “tokens” in Scripture?

As touching suffering in this the Dispensation of the Grace of God, two “tokens” passages are found. Firstly, Philippians chapter 1: “[28] And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. [29] For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; [30] Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.” The “token” (or “evident token,” as in a sign or evidence) of their looming eternal damnation to Hell and the Lake of Fire (“perdition”) is these “adversaries” are persecuting God’s people. Yet, the “token” (or “evident token,” as in a sign or evidence) of their imminent eternal deliverance into Heaven (“salvation”) is how these believers suffer for Christ’s sake—that is, they are His people living in a hostile (unbelieving) world.

Secondly, there is the “token” (or “manifest token,” as in a sign or proof) in 2 Thessalonians chapter 1: “[4] So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: [5] Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: [6] Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; [7] And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, [8] In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: [9] Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;….” God will be fair in bringing saints to Heaven (in spite of their earthly troubles), and punishing the lost who abused them during their earthly troubles.

There is more to say about “tokens” in Scripture….

Tokens #7

Friday, June 21, 2024

“And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:…” (Genesis 9:12 KJV).

What are “tokens” in Scripture?

Going over to Isaiah 44:23-26, we read of a prophecy. It is both short-term (to be fulfilled in the centuries before Christ) and long-term (to be brought to fruition beyond our day). Israel’s redemption and Jerusalem’s restoration are in view.

“[23] Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel. [24] Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself; [25] That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish; [26] That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof:….” In this context, “tokens” (verse 25) evidently refer to the signs or omens that the false prophets foretold—and JEHOVAH God prevents (“frustrates”) their predictions from coming to pass, instead choosing to bless Israel (delivering her from the curses of her transgressions).

When betraying the Lord Jesus, Judas Iscariot had arranged to secretly identify Him before the apostate Jews and unbelieving Roman officials: “And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely” (Mark 14:44). The companion verse is Matthew 26:48: “Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast [securely, firmly].” We can gather how “token” and “sign” are used interchangeably here; they are indications or signals.

Though we have read of many “tokens” in the biblical record, several more remain for us to locate and explain….