Category: God’s peace

Thee and Two Gardens #4

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

“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” (Genesis 3:8 KJV).

Wilt thou choose to “live” in the Garden of Eden, or in the Garden of Calvary?

Once Adam and Eve recognized their sin problem, they “sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons” (verse 7). Rather than seek God’s help, they attempted to cover up their problem by themselves. This was religion’s first appearance—sinful man trying to bind himself back to the holy God he offended. Their efforts failed, and they thus hid from God (today’s Scripture).

Even today, the average person ignores God’s solution to our sin problem (Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork). He or she tries everything else to deal with their sin—water baptism, prayer, alms, confession, commandment keeping, apathy, denial, et cetera. Religion failed Adam and Eve, and Israel. Dear friends, religion will profit us nothing either. If religion were useful, Jesus Christ would have stayed in heaven! Because Jesus came and died, we know religion is literally fruitless concerning the righteous fruit God demands. Religion brings nothing but irritation and heartache, just as the itchy fig leaves bothered Adam and Eve. Again, even while wearing prickly fig-leaf coverings, they knew they were naked spiritually, and hid amongst the trees as soon as they heard righteous JEHOVAH Elohim coming their way (today’s Scripture)!

To have the righteous works God demands, we must die, which is where Calvary’s cross enters the picture: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). By simple faith in Calvary’s finished crosswork, God kills us. He can do nothing with our flesh, our identity in Adam, so He gives us a new identity in Christ! Oh, what joy, what peace, what liberty, what holiness we now have. Strangely, our life begins in a tomb, the tomb of the Garden of Calvary….

Instant Christians #13

Sunday, January 18, 2015

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2 KJV).

In this day and age of “instant this and instant that,” we need more “instant” Christians!

How do we make “instant” Christians? As with anything instant (coffee, rice, photos, messaging, et cetera), some work is necessary! It takes a dedicated preacher or teacher to actually teach his people the Bible instead of giving them “Bible chats and pep talks” (Christendom’s failure). It takes studying the Bible instead of reading books about the Bible (another blunder). It takes reading the Bible instead of singing and dancing about the Bible (another failure).

We read in 2 Timothy 2:24-26 what the Holy Spirit would have us do once we are “instant” Christians, skilled in the Word of His Grace: “[24] And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, [25] In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; [26] And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” We, as “instant” Christians, are to make “instant” Christians, people who are just as well-versed and well-grounded in the Bible rightly divided as we!

Lost people live contrary to God’s will for them, and saved people in denominational circles live contrary to what God gave them in Christ. Yet, they can be freed from such error. We are to teach the verses they need to believe to escape Satan’s trap: the lost should be saved from their sins and the denominational Christians saved from doctrinal error. They can then enjoy the grace, love, mercy, eternal life, hope, security, peace, joy, forgiveness, Bible clarity, and righteousness that God offers them in Jesus Christ!

Remember, our ministry is not to force God’s Word rightly divided on anyone. We share the verses in compassion, not in spite or strife, picking fights. We “teach” them, very patiently, gently, meekly. It is time-consuming, but it is ever so worth it, and we will never know the true value of “instant” Christians until we reach heaven….

Pets Past, Prayer, and Peace

Monday, November 10, 2014

“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).

What comfort does God’s Word provide regarding pets that have died?

Recently, a Christian brother emailed me for advice. His family had just lost a young pet to an automobile accident, and his distressed children had inquired as to whether pets go to heaven. I too have faced this interesting question posed by young children, and what I have always responded with is that the Bible does not provide any details about that matter. While this answer is valid, it does not provide any comfort, particularly for very young minds. My reply to him was to share today’s Scripture with his children.

If ever confronted by young people asking about pets being in heaven, we should tell them today’s Scripture and explain it to them. God’s Word is so plain that even a child heartbroken by the death of pet, can profit from it. Small children should be reminded that, whenever they remember a pet that has died, they should thank God that He gave the pet to them for the time they had him or her. Part of praying is telling Father God that we are thankful for His provisions; after all, He is “the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17).

Prayer—talking to God about all the details of life, in every circumstance, in light of what His Word says to us—brings His peace to our worrisome hearts during difficult times. We talk to Him in light of what we read in His Word, and His peace guards our minds and hearts through Christ Jesus. Why do our minds and hearts need protection? Satan will use those awful circumstances to make us miserable, to discourage us, to defeat us. Father God knows how Satan operates, and He has made provisions for us in Christ to withstand Satan’s schemes and scams. Whenever our pets die, let us remember today’s Scripture, such soothing words of God. 🙂

Glorious Freedom #4

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

“O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin” (Romans 7:24,25 KJV).

The fourth verse of Haldor Lillenas’ classic 1917 hymn “Glorious Freedom” highlights today’s Scripture.

“Freedom from fear with all of its torments;
Freedom from care with all of its pain;
Freedom in Christ, my blessèd Redeemer—
He Who has rent my fetters in twain.”

Our Apostle, Paul, was no “super-human;” just as human as we are, he worried, he struggled with sin, he grew exhausted when he attempted to live the Christian life. As we Christians often do today, he would forget the glorious doctrines of grace living in Romans chapter 6—our death to sin and our resurrection unto life for God’s glory—and he would lapse back into a performance-based acceptance system.

Before Paul was saved, as Saul of Tarsus, he was “a Pharisee” (Philippians 3:5), people whom Jesus repeatedly condemned for emphasizing outward performance and ignoring inward faith in God’s Word. Like we who abandoned legalistic religions or denominations would do today, Paul (now saved) would return to that old thinking, that old lifestyle of legalism (Law-keeping), and he would wind up defeated (today’s Scripture). He would ignore Jesus’ finished crosswork at Calvary as the power to save him from being defeated by daily sins.

We are free from fear with all of its torments, for our future is secure in Christ because of His performance and not ours (2 Timothy 1:12; Romans 8:35-39). We are free from care with all of its pains, for when we pray to Father God in light of His Word to us (Paul’s epistles), He gives us His peace (Philippians 4:6,7)—even in the midst of trouble (2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Philippians 4:11-13). We are free in Christ, for we function in Him as His (and our) Heavenly Father designed us, by faith allowing the indwelling Holy Spirit to work mightily in us to produce in us the Christian life (Romans chapter 8). Yea, Jesus Christ, our wonderful Redeemer, has freed us from Satan and sin! 🙂

God’s Offer to the Nations

Thursday, September 11, 2014

“…[T]hat God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:19 KJV).

Today’s Scripture is God’s offer to all the nations of the world today.

September 11, 2001 was a day that changed our nation forever. It was the worst terrorist attack in our two-century national history. Afterward, many Americans began to talk about “God Bless America” and “God Save the United States.” These phrases are not as commonplace as they used to be.

In the 13 years that have passed since that awful day, it is a sad commentary that “God” is now the least of our nation’s concerns. With the redefining of marriage, controversial political arena, moral decay, skyrocketing national debt, and the uncertainty as to what constitutes a human life and what does not, obviously, the God of the Bible has been largely pushed out… until we need His help, and then we cry out to Him. Unless we need Him, we rather not think about anything He has to say.

While many argue that God is judging America today for its sins, the Bible does not support such an idea. Certainly, God dealt with Israel in that manner—“Do good and I will bless, but disobey and I will curse” (Leviticus chapter 26; Deuteronomy chapter 28)—but we have no relation to that Old Covenant of Law.

For the last 20 centuries, God has offered His grace to all the world’s nations, to have a right standing before Him by trusting Jesus Christ. People still die and go to hell, but today’s Scripture says that God is not judging nations for their sins. Through Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork, God offers reconciliation to sinners, whether here or around the world. However, that grace is exhaustible, and one day, it will be replaced with His wrath (Romans 2:1-16). Still, we believers are not appointed to God’s wrath; we are saved from all wrath through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:9).

The only hope for America—yea, for any nation—is faith in Jesus Christ alone!

*You can also see our 2011 Bible study commemorating the 10th anniversary of 9/11. It can watched here or read here.

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Must I say the ‘sinner’s prayer?’”

Faith During Life’s Storms #7

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

“And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm” (Matthew 8:25,26 KJV).

Like Israel learned in today’s Scripture, we too must realize to trust the Lord Jesus Christ when “the storms of life” batter us.

As these final two studies for this devotionals arc were a-preparing, I experienced a major “storm of life” (ongoing). In this sin-cursed world of error, division, strife, and violence, we find solace in Jesus Christ. We can let life’s problems force us to retreat (surrender), or we can use them as opportunities to rely on Him.

Romans 5:1-5 encourages: “[1] Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: [2] By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. [3] And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; [4] And patience, experience; and experience, hope: [5] And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

Tribulations (troubles), once viewed from the grace perspective, produce patience in us. Rather than wanting God to remove our troubles, we remember that He has fully equipped us in Jesus Christ to handle every circumstance: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). That patience brings us experience, skills to better handle similar problems next time (learning more sound Bible doctrine to apply). That experience brings us hope, that we not despair or get depressed. We remember God’s Word is fortifying us inside so we react to difficulties in the same way God Himself would (the Christian life is His life!). That hope guards us against shame; we grow confident in God’s Word. The indwelling Holy Spirit fills our believing souls with the verses that speak of God’s great love for us, that He cares for us, that He is there for us, to see us through to the “other side”….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Do we study only Paul’s epistles?”

Faith During Life’s Storms #6

Monday, September 8, 2014

“And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm” (Matthew 8:25,26 KJV).

Like Israel learned in today’s Scripture, we too must realize to trust the Lord Jesus Christ when “the storms of life” batter us.

In a previous study, we commented on how life on this sin-filled planet is uncertain. While most people do not believe the Bible, they doubtless agree with Job 14:1, which says, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.” From daily hassles to life-altering events, the human life is “full of trouble.”

Take a few moments to recall that Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, had plenty of trouble—after escaping at least two assassination attempts during His earthly life and ministry, His last day alive He faced a betrayal, thrice-denial, insults, spitting and jeering critics, an unfair trial, merciless punching and beatings, and an awful crucifixion (culminating with a fatal, but very slow, asphyxiation). Think on that when you complain of having a “bad day!”

It is ever so easy to look at dire physical circumstances and become hysterical (like the disciples did in today’s Scripture), but the Bible says, “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18). Like the disciples should have done, we are to look beyond physical circumstances, to see God’s truth with the eyes of faith (Hebrews 11:1).

Rather than falling apart when those tempests arise on our calm waters, we have to remember and believe the Lord Jesus’ words to us. Jesus Christ, because we have placed our faith solely in Him as complete payment for our sins, has promised to take us to “the other side,” to see us through “the storms of life.” Let us briefly consider what He has spoken to us to give us spiritual fortification….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Is ‘Jesus’ a mistake in the King James Bible in Hebrews 4:8?”

Faith During Life’s Storms #3

Friday, September 5, 2014

“And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm” (Matthew 8:25,26 KJV).

Like Israel learned in today’s Scripture, we too must realize to trust the Lord Jesus Christ when “the storms of life” batter us.

Today’s Scripture says that, before He calmed the storm, Jesus asked them, “Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?” After He calmed the tempest, He questioned them, “Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). Luke’s account (8:25) affirms that He also asked, “Where is your faith?”

The Bible says, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Jesus had said something important just prior to them entering the ship, so had His disciples really believed His Word, they would have also grabbed pillows and rested with Him! Had they really been men of faith—trusting what He said—they would not have worried about the storm.

Mark and Luke explain what Jesus said just before they entered the boat. “And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side” (Mark 4:35). Luke 8:22 reports, “…And he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake.”

Jesus told them that they were traveling by ship to the opposite shore of the Sea of Galilee. He said that they would get to the other side, so they should just believe Him—His Word will surely come to pass. They do not have to worry. Yet, when the storm arose later, the disciples focused on their circumstances and ignored God’s Word. They were sidetracked (doubting Jesus’ words). They assumed they would die in the middle of the sea—they forgot that Jesus had already said they would reach the other shore!

In the future, Israel will reflect on this miraculous account, to learn a valuable lesson….

Faith During Life’s Storms #2

Thursday, September 4, 2014

“And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm” (Matthew 8:25,26 KJV).

Like Israel learned in today’s Scripture, we too must realize to trust the Lord Jesus Christ when “the storms of life” batter us.

Whenever attempting to understand a passage in Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John, it is very helpful to search them for parallel passages. While all four books are not verbatim—they are not meant to be 100 percent identical anyway—we can find the same account in one, two, three, or even all four books. Where one book briefly summarizes an event, another book will provide details of that same incident.

For example, we read in the context of today’s Scripture (Matthew 8:23-27) that Jesus and His disciples are in a ship, out on the Sea of Galilee. Their peaceful journey suddenly takes a “turn for the worse.” There arises a mighty storm, and the disciples panic—Jesus is sleeping peacefully as the once-tranquil waters rock the ship! Fearing shipwreck, they frantically awaken their Lord and beg Him to save them. He answers, “Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?”

From Matthew’s account alone, this expression cannot be fully grasped. Mark and Luke, who also recorded this account, must be consulted for enlightenment: the Holy Spirit had Matthew ignore certain details, but He chose to include them in Mark 4:35-41 and Luke 8:22-25. For example, in Mark 4:37, the great windstorm has beaten the waves against the ship, “that it was now full.” Luke 8:23 says, “and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.” Jesus, at the back of the ship, asleep on a pillow (Mark 4:38), is awakened. According to Mark, His disciples also asked, “Master, carest thou not that we perish?” Jesus did care that the boat was full of water, but He was still calm. Why?

Mark and Luke alone provide the key to understanding Jesus’ peaceful demeanor, and why He wanted His disciples to relax….

Faith During Life’s Storms #1

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

“And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm” (Matthew 8:25,26 KJV).

Like Israel learned in today’s Scripture, we too must realize to trust the Lord Jesus Christ when “the storms of life” batter us.

In this world, life is unpredictable—from good health to poor, from a job promotion to loss, from friendships to heartbreak, and so on. One moment of peace and quiet can suddenly turn into a matter of life-or-death. This literally happened in today’s Scripture.

Verse 23 says that Jesus entered into a ship and His disciples followed Him. (Judging from the context, they begin drifting on the Sea of Galilee.) We read in verse 24, “And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.” The Lord Jesus, fully God and fully human, is physically exhausted, sound asleep in the ship, at peace. On the other hand, His disciples, fully human, are terrified, sorely troubled because of the danger they face. It is not just a rain shower; it is a “great tempest.” It is a mighty storm! They hurry to Him and wake Him, crying out, “Lord, save us: we perish!” We can almost hear the urgency in their voices, the sound of the winds whipping across the sea, the roaring of the waves bashing against the sides of the ship and rushing over the top.

Today’s Scripture says that Jesus awakens, but He is not at all alarmed to hear of the violent storm. Instead of panicking with them, He asks, “Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?” We can almost hear His soft voice, consoling them and yet rebuking them: He tells them that they should not be afraid, that they are “of little faith.” Exactly what did He mean, and what lesson is He teaching Israel? What lesson can we members of the Body of Christ learn from this narrative?

Let us search the Scriptures….