Category: foolishness

Wise or Foolish? #5

Sunday, February 3, 2019

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:…. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand…” (Matthew 7:24,26 KJV).

Dear friends, are we wise—or foolish?

Scripture speaks of six spiritual building materials or types of information we can store in our inner man. First Corinthians chapter 3: “[10] According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. [11] For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. [12] Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; [13] Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. [14] If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. [15] If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”

Of course, as in the physical world, so it is in the spiritual world. Gold, silver, and precious stones are noncombustible, rare, and valuable. This first triad is spiritual wisdom, spiritual understanding, and spiritual knowledge—which very few Christians have. Spiritual health and strength are found therein (which explains the multitudes of feeble believers).

Wood, hay, and stubble are flammable, plentiful, and little worth. This second triad is empiricism, tradition, and intuition: this abounds in more hearts and minds than anything else. This second class of materials leads to spiritual weakness and incapacity. First Corinthians chapter 2, verse 9: “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”

In today’s Scripture, Jesus Christ provided an illustration of such spiritual stability and spiritual instability….

NOTE: If you so desire, you may refer to our (archived) Super Bowl devotional.

Wise or Foolish? #4

Saturday, February 2, 2019

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:…. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand…” (Matthew 7:24,26 KJV).

Dear friends, are we wise—or foolish?

Regardless of the dispensation, failing to rely on God’s Word by faith results in spiritual injury. Ephesians 4:14: “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;….” The Apostle Peter concurred, “[Paul’s epistles]…which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction” (2 Peter 3:16). Ignorant and vulnerable souls, “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine,” “wrest” or distort God’s words. It was true in Christ’s day, Paul’s day, Peter’s day, and is certainly of our own day!!

Concerning Israel’s prophetic program, there is an end-time period of testing or separation—“the Tribulation,” or “Daniel’s 70th Week.” It is the storm of today’s Scripture. This test’s standards are recorded quite plainly in the Book of 1 John. A Jew who fails to trust the words of Jesus Christ as spoken in Matthew through John, automatically sets himself up for deception and displeasure during the end-times.

Paul provides details in 2 Thessalonians chapter 2: “[8] And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: [9] Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, [10] And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. [11] And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: [12] That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

Many such people even today will find themselves tricked and disappointed….

Wise or Foolish? #3

Friday, February 1, 2019

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:…. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand…” (Matthew 7:24,26 KJV).

Dear friends, are we wise—or foolish?

Wherever the God of the Bible is working, Satan is nearby frustrating it. As Jesus Christ was gathering Israel’s believing remnant during the Books of Matthew through John, the Devil was working just as diligently to produce an imitation nation that appeared genuine. Prior to closing the Sermon on the Mount with today’s Scripture, the Lord Jesus said:

“[15] Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. [16] Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? [17] Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. [18] A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. [19] Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. [20] Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

“[21] Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. [22] Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? [23] And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

There were religious liars in Israel, pretenders who appeared to be serving God. What mattered, first and foremost, was the content of the message they preached. Did it fit the words of Jesus Christ? Their deeds—no matter how “miraculous”—are actually called “iniquity” (evil!) and Christ says He never had any intimate relationship with them. Contrary to their claims, they were not serving Him. The storm would expose these fake “believers” and their followers….

Bible Q&A #575: “Why do the good die young while the wicked are granted longevity?”

Wise or Foolish? #2

Thursday, January 31, 2019

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:…. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand…” (Matthew 7:24,26 KJV).

Dear friends, are we wise—or foolish?

Today’s Scripture is certainly works-oriented—“doeth them” and “doeth them not.” It is in perfect accordance with Israel’s works program (see James 2:14-26). In that respect, it is quite different from what God tells us in the Pauline epistles, Romans through Philemon. Howbeit, we would do well to note one common theme. No matter the dispensation, it is always wise to listen to God’s Word, believe it, and obey it. It is always foolish to ignore it, doubt it, and defy it.

As today, so it was in time past. When Jesus Christ began His earthly ministry, there was gross spiritual ignorance. The nation Israel was so far removed from God’s Word that they were unable to spot His Son when He showed up in their midst! Christ’s earthly ministry was a diligent endeavor to lead the Jews back to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. These precious souls had drifted away from pure religion and held to false religion. God’s words had been set aside for man’s opinions. Thus, Jesus asked Nicodemus, “Art thou a master [teacher, educator] of Israel, and knowest not these things?” (John 3:10). Even Israel’s religious leaders were clueless to God’s words!!

With every sermon preached, and every miracle performed, Christ was loosening Satan’s grip on Israel. Yet, the vast majority preferred bondage. They wanted to serve sin—it was either that or serve the God of creation (and that they refused)!! Throughout Christ’s earthly ministry, the unbelievers became more apparent, as did the believers. Of course, those unsaved Jews grow more belligerent—yea, bloodthirsty (leading to Christ’s crucifixion). Doctrine had already divided, but now Christ’s sermons had widened the chasm.

In the context of today’s Scripture, Jesus warns of an impending storm (Matthew 7:25,27). A test is coming upon Israel, and the wise men and the foolish men will be separated for all to see….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “How can Jesus Christ be a priest if He is of the non-priestly tribe of Judah?”

Wise or Foolish? #1

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:…. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand…” (Matthew 7:24,26 KJV).

Dear friends, are we wise—or foolish?

This concludes the well-known “Sermon on the Mount.” Jesus Christ delivered it beginning at the opening of chapter 5: “And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,…” (verses 1,2). For the next 100-plus verses, He outlines the “constitution” of His kingdom—the governing system of the nation He will make Israel in the ages to come. He closes that extended discourse with “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man.”

Reading today’s Scripture in context: “[24] Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: [25] And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. [26] And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: [27] And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”

Matthew finishes the chapter with the following commentary: “[28] And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: [29] For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” After hearing Christ preach and expound spiritual truths with unprecedented clarity, they cannot help but be surprised. Ultimately, He had completed His speech with a solemn warning. While certainly not to or about us, the Church the Body of Christ, we can nevertheless glean from these verses to see a parallel situation even now in this the Dispensation of the Grace of God….

Redeem the Year!

Tuesday, January 1, 2019

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:15-17 KJV).

What great advice for 2019!

Despite 2,000 years of Bible schools and seminaries, 2,000 years of a completed Bible canon, 2,000 years of Bible reading in churches, several decades of “Christian” television and radio, and just over a decade of widespread use of “Christian” websites, how sad that Bible ignorance is still quite extensive (it is as if God never gave His Word to start with!).

Frankly, the Church the Body of Christ needs to wake up! The verse previous to today’s Scripture says, “Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light” (verse 14). Paul, loosely quoting Isaiah 60:1, reminded us that the spiritual ignorance that gripped Israel in Isaiah’s day seized Christians in his day—and it still grips Christians 20 centuries later. Feel-good sermons, enjoyable “worship” services, and rites, rituals, and ceremonies will NOT solve this problem—they exacerbate it!

“[God] will have all men to be saved…” (1 Timothy 2:4a). Do you want this New Year to count for God’s glory? First, you need to get saved from sins and hell! You need to become a Christian by trusting in and relying on Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection as sufficient payment for your sins (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). That is only part of God’s will for you, for 1 Timothy 2:4b continues, “[God] will have all men… to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” Now, God’s will for your Christian life is daily, personal Bible study to renew your mind, so your faith in those verses can cause God to work in your life—it will be His life, thus making you “perfect [spiritually mature], throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16,17).

Today’s Scripture urges us to buy back the time Satan has robbed from God (time created for God’s glory). By faith, we need to make that time glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by applying His Word, particularly Paul’s epistles of Romans through Philemon, to our lives. Have a good year in Christ! 🙂

You can download our free “One-Year Bible Reading Schedule.”

See our archived Bible Q&A: “What Scriptural advice can you give me for the New Year?”

‘Twas the Sunday Night Before Christmas

Sunday, December 23, 2018

“But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15 KJV).

Let us not be so sidetracked by religion and commercialization that we miss the reason for the Christmas Season….

During the Christmas Season, we wonder how many people are visiting church for the second time this year (the other being Easter Sunday). How many will be going to church today—the Sunday before Christmas—just to feel “religious” or “holy?” How many really know Jesus Christ? For many, visiting a church building is just an obligation; they do not have faith in God’s Word and have no interest in God’s Word.

We do not go to church to “feel closer to God,” for if we have trusted in Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour, we cannot be any closer to God than we already are in Christ! “[Before salvation, we were] without God in the world: but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh [close to God] by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:12,13).

Furthermore, we do not go to church in order to get God’s blessings, for God has already given us “all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). We go to church, not because we are keeping Israel’s Sabbath day, since we are not obligated to observe Israel’s religious days (Colossians 2:16). We go to church to fellowship with like-minded believers and hear sound doctrine… more than twice a year, by the way.

In today’s Scripture, the Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy that whenever he would assemble with fellow Christians, certain behavior was acceptable and other types of behavior were not (described throughout the epistle of 1 Timothy). Recall that when the Bible refers to “the church,” it refers to the body of believers, not the physical building in which they meet.

As we get opportunities, let us make an effort to reach these dear souls misled by all the vain religious tradition and Christmas commercialization, and may we tell them of the wonderful Christ Jesus whose name is found in Christmas!

*Based on the poem “‘Twas the Sunday Night Before Christmas.”

Is Evil “Make-Believe?”

Friday, November 23, 2018

“And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5 KJV).

Why does the world take a negative view toward the Bible? The Bible takes a negative view of the world!

A man once claimed that evil is “a make-believe concept we’ve invented to deal with the complexities of fellow humans holding values and beliefs and perspectives different than our own…. You watch the news and you read the papers and you’re led to believe that the world is a big, scary place. People, the narrative goes, are not to be trusted. People are bad. People are evil. People are axe murderers and monsters and worse…. Badness exists, sure, but even that’s quite rare. By and large, humans are kind. Self-interested sometimes, myopic sometimes, but kind. Generous and wonderful and kind. No greater revelation has come from our journey than this.” He and his female partner were on a world bicycling tour. One day, terrorists drove over them with a vehicle and then stabbed them to death!

How sad, dear friends, that such naïve people exist. They believe “evil” is only pretend. We should never have such a high opinion of ourselves. The human race is such a pitiful species, the most wretched of creatures. That couple learned—to their demise—that evil is real, human nature is wicked, and the God of the Bible does not lie. Regardless of how much make-believe we embrace, the fact remains that we are evil beings living in an evil world. We are selfish through and through. God thus makes absolutely no effort to “reform” us; our only hope is for our Adamic nature to be put to death on Calvary’s cross, and us receiving a new nature in Christ! Our problem is not that we sometimes fail to do right; our problem is we can never do right.

Let us never allow even one day to pass without thanking the God of the Bible for His grace. We do not deserve His favor and His provisions. He bestows them on us freely, despite our sin, simply because of Jesus Christ’s finished work on Calvary. That is not “make-believe!” 🙂

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Why did the God of the Bible authorize genocide?”

The Truth Through Time

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:3,4 KJV).

As someone once wisely observed, “The first generation loves the truth, the second generation tolerates the truth, and the third generation snubs the truth.”

Today’s Scripture contains some of the Apostle Paul’s parting words to young Pastor Timothy. Verses 13-17 of the third chapter had said, “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

In light of how the Holy Bible (rightly divided) can deliver us from the doctrinal error running rampant, the Holy Spirit opens chapter 4: “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” (Notice today’s Scripture within.)

A culture saturated with God’s Word will gradually be weaned from it if its leaders do not faithfully transfer those truths to the next generation. “And the things that thou hast heard of me [Paul] among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). Brethren, may we be here “faithful!”

Special-edition Bible Q&A #550: “What does the Bible say about ‘ghosts?’”

Filthiness and Foolishness!

Friday, October 19, 2018

“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).

Human nature, often assumed to generate only “worldly sins,” is actually composed of two extremes. Yes, we are naturally inclined to lasciviousness, dirty sins, wild living (what the religious crowd “shuns” and “condemns”). However, a more serious (but seemingly innocuous) vulnerability exists within us.

We are also inherently ascetic, self-disciplined, strict. Religion—offering our works to please God—actually leads to greater evil. Self-righteousness attempts to replace God’s righteousness (cf. Romans 10:1-3). Mankind believes he can substitute his “goodness” for God’s and God will supposedly be none the wiser. We can indeed fool other people but God looks beyond outward appearances. He sees our intentions, heart attitude (1 Samuel 16:7; Jeremiah 17:9,10). We really want Him to let us into Heaven, not solely because of Jesus Christ’s work, but rather because of our work. God sees it as foolishness!

God considers all human nature wicked. Thus, He deems all (not some) of its works unacceptable. Whether in religion or non-religion, man is constantly striving to replace God’s efforts with his, God’s ideas with his, God’s objectives with his. Almighty God will not overlook it: He will not alter His plan of salvation simply because we want Him. He will forgive us all our sins and save us unto eternal life, and then He will do good works in and through us. It is not to be confused with religion—us doing good works to gain forgiveness and eternal life. From all outward appearance, what God produces in and through people is identical to what religion produces in and through people. Nevertheless, God sees the difference inside.

When God the Holy Spirit comments on human “goodness,” His inspired Word calls it “but dung” (Philippians 3:8). How flattering! Notice today’s Scripture—“all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.” The Hebrew root employed implies the monthly courses of a woman’s menstrual flux. “Filthy rags” is literally “menstruous cloths” (“sanitary pads” in modern English). Dirty, soiled! (Consult Leviticus 15:33, Leviticus 20:18, and Isaiah 30:22.) Again, from God’s vantage point, human “goodness” is filthiness!