Category: Jesus Christ

In Every Thing Give Thanks

Thursday, November 23, 2023

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV).

Dear saints, take a moment this Thanksgiving to learn a valuable lesson from the Holy Scriptures!

God wants “all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3,4). To be “saved” here means you have been rescued from the penalty of sin (hell and the lake of fire), and that you have a home in heaven, because you have trusted the death, shed blood, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as sufficient payment for your sins. To “come unto the knowledge of the truth” is when a person who has trusted Christ, begins to understand why God saved him or her, and how God will use him or her for His glory. Although soul salvation is instantaneous, spiritual maturity is a life-long process (that is especially true regarding handling difficulties, the grace way!).

It is human nature to avoid difficulties and stress, to flee them, rather than confront them. This self-preservation is advantageous, particularly in “life or death” situations. However, running from troubling circumstances is not the way God has designed our life in Christ to function. Today’s Scripture says, “In every thing give thanks,” not “For every thing give thanks.” We do not thank God for our troubles; we thank God while we are enduring those troubles. This is tough, I know, but it takes time for us to learn it. Even the Apostle Paul had to learn this.

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:11-13).

Be thankful in every thing. God’s grace is sufficient for you, dear saint, in all of life’s circumstances. When you learn this, you are “[coming] unto the knowledge of the truth.”

*Excerpted from our Thanksgiving 2012 Bible study with the same name. That study can be read here or watched here.

You may also see, “What are our spiritual blessings in Christ?”

The Greatest Veteran

Saturday, November 11, 2023

“Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:14,15 KJV).

Today is Veterans’ Day in the United States, so let us especially thank the “Greatest Veteran of All Time.”

We thank veterans, living and departed, the often-forgotten men and women who risked their lives to secure our freedom. Just as we remember flesh-and-blood veterans who fought for our physical liberty, we reserve our worship and utmost respect for the least esteemed Veteran, He who secured our spiritual liberty.

“But thanks be to God, which giveth us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57). Through Christ’s finished crosswork on Calvary, we have eternal victory over sin, death, hell, and Satan. Everything that God has planned for us is dependent upon Christ’s victory at Calvary.

Jesus Christ nailed the Mosaic Law to His cross (today’s Scripture). His sinless blood covered our failure to obey God’s laws; Jesus’ righteousness annulled our unrighteousness (sin). Christ not only liberated us from sin and its penalty (the everlasting lake of fire), but today’s Scripture affirms He also triumphed over Satan himself!

Christ has “spoiled [destroyed] principalities and powers [Satan’s power], he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it [His cross].” Jesus Christ destroyed Satan’s plans. Through Christ’s cross, God has “delivered us from the power of darkness” (Colossians 1:13), Satan’s evil system of Ephesians 2:1-3.

During a recent cemetery visit, I noticed American flags flying above deceased veterans’ headstones. These individuals can no longer hear or regard our thanks, but Jesus Christ’s body is not decaying in some tomb. If there ever was a Veteran most worthy of our gratitude, it is our Lord Jesus Christ. Though He died in battle, allowing Himself to be executed on a Roman cross of shame and scorn, He resurrected. He is alive and well today, alive forevermore!

Saints, eternity will ring with our thanks to the Veteran worth thanking, the Lord Jesus Christ.

*Adapted from our 2010 Bible study, “The Greatest Hero.” The Bible study video can be viewed here.

Know the Grace Life

Monday, October 2, 2023

“Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:11-14 KJV).

Dear friend, would you like to know the grace life?

The God of the Bible is currently performing a mighty work, but we cannot participate unless we identify and apply His blueprints or instructions. Our goal in Christian living and ministry should be according to God’s will, not man’s will. The Holy Spirit is not interested in promoting man’s unending theological speculations, starting denominational systems, or creating slaves for religious leaders.

Christ should be formed in us (Galatians 4:19). We should be strengthened with might by God’s Spirit in the inner man (Ephesians 3:16). The Pauline design for the edification of the believer is how we exit spiritual kindergarten and enter grace university and beyond. Godly edifying (see 1 Timothy 1:3,4)—being built up by the Word of God’s Grace—is our emphasis. Doctrine matters! “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified” (Acts 20:32). Here are the Books of Romans through Philemon.

“In whom [Christ] all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:21,22). “For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again” (2 Corinthians 5:14,15). “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6,7).

Having presented advanced studies of the “Original 7” devotionals, we can progress toward #5000!

Know Your Apostle

Sunday, October 1, 2023

“For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:…” (Romans 11:13 KJV).

Dear friend, would you like to know your Apostle?

Read Hebrews 5:11-14. Though they possessed the Hebrew Scriptures for over 1,500 years (Romans 3:1,2), ancient Israel did not reach spiritual maturity because they did not follow God’s pattern for development. They should have progressed from a diet of spiritual “milk” to “strong meat,” growing from spiritual “babes” to “them that are of full age” (adults). The writer of Hebrews laments how although Israel should be able to teach the Word of God to the world, stunted growth requires Israel must first be taught again the very basics. They had not listened to God’s spokesman to them (especially Moses’ ministry)!

As concerning us, Paul is our apostle (today’s Scripture), the Lord Jesus Christ’s “sent one” or spokesman to us (Acts 26:16-18). If we reject Christ’s messenger to us, we refuse Christ Himself, and we thus refuse Father God who sent Christ as His messenger (see Matthew 10:40; Luke 10:16; John 13:20). Also consider the Holy Spirit’s instructions through Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:1 and 1 Corinthians 14:37,38.

Paul is the “wise masterbuilder” (1 Corinthians 3:9-11) for this “the Dispensation of the Grace of God” (Ephesians 3:1,2). His inspired writings of Romans through Philemon are the blueprints for God’s current building project. The foundation is Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery (1 Corinthians 3:10,11; cf. Romans 16:25), which is Christ as presented in the Pauline epistles, Romans through Philemon. Unless we build on Christ according to mystery, it is not what God is doing today—and it is “wood, hay, stubble” (worthless). Returning to the Jesus Christ of prophecy (outside of Paul’s ministry) is to preach and use “another Jesus,” “another spirit,” and “another gospel” (see 2 Corinthians 11:3,4).

Read Romans 16:25,26. Father God will “stablish” (stabilize) us spiritually according to: (1) Paul’s Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3,4), (2) the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery (Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon), and (3) the Scriptures of the prophets (all of the Bible in light of Pauline revelation). Knowing God’s messenger to us, we know His will for us. Knowing God’s will for us, we can now have faith in it, and accomplish it with Him!

Know the Lord Jesus Christ

Thursday, September 28, 2023

“For he [Father God] hath made him [Jesus Christ] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV).

Dear friend, would you like to know the Lord Jesus Christ?

When Adam and Eve sinned and lost the light of God’s righteousness covering their physical bodies, they resorted to sewing together itchy fig leaves to make themselves clothing (Genesis 3:1-7). These leaves were not enough to conceal their nakedness, for they subsequently hid amongst the trees when they heard God approaching. When He questioned them to bring them to accountability, they blame-shifted (see verses 8-13). Genesis is literal—and its basic narrative is played out every day everywhere. People are still not coming to God to be delivered from their sin problem. In their pride, they attempt to rectify themselves. Deceived, they assume they are “not that bad,” and that they can compensate for their sins by doing good deeds (like their/our parents Adam and Eve sewing fig-leaf clothing and then hiding!).

Countless people know of Jesus Christ, but very few know Him (personally, intimately). To most, He is “just another religious figure,” “one of the many ways to God,” a “good man,” and so on. There is intellectual knowledge, but no heart faith. They know He died, but have they trusted in their heart the fact He died and shed His blood for their sins personally, that His finished crosswork can never be enhanced, repeated, or substituted? Sure, like Cain in Genesis 4:1-8, they can offer their own sacrifice (religious works)—but God will reject them just the same because it was their efforts instead of His work. Remember, Genesis 3:21: “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skin, and [GOD!] clothed them.”

Until we come by faith alone in sinless Jesus Christ dying for our sins, being buried, being raised again (1 Corinthians 15:3,4); we lack God’s righteousness in Christ (see today’s Scripture; cf. Philippians 3:1-9). We know our righteousness is not perfect—and that is what sin is. Only Calvary can adequately deal with our sin problem. Only the God-Man, the “Anointed Saviour” (“Christ Jesus”), can save! “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31).

arC Ministries Is 16!

Monday, July 31, 2023

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20 KJV).

To our Lord Jesus Christ’s glory, arC Ministries celebrates its 16th anniversary today!!!

Sixteen years ago, as a 19-year-old college student, I endeavored to use Facebook to create a Bible study group for teens and college students. Thus, “ambassadors for the risen Christ ministries” was born. As I grew more in God’s Word rightly divided, I grew increasingly aware of the need for additional ministry projects. The more I had been learning drove me to share those precious truths with others. That eventually led me to look for supplementary avenues of ministry.

During these past 16 years, God’s grace has enabled us to continue the original group on Facebook. In addition, we have branched out quite a bit in other areas. This devotionals blog has been operating for over 12 years now. For the last 11 years, we have focused on developing and drafting a grace study Bible (now in its twelfth year). Other ministry projects include a 22-week newspaper ministry column (this devotionals blog’s predecessor), a YouTube channel with home Bible study videos, a Twitter feed, a full-length Bible studies blog, a college campus ministry, a nursing-home ministry, and our Bible-question-and-answer blog. Seven years ago, we launched our new main ministry website and now have a line of printed Bible study booklets available for sale there. Four years ago, we recorded and distributed our Old Testament Survey video series. Later that year, we launched our New Testament Survey video series (which will last a few years). We hear from people all over the world!

Our name says it all: we serve the risen Lord Jesus Christ, not some “dead Jew” and not ourselves. The original motto of our ministry was, “To equip ambassadors, and to encourage others to become ambassadors.” Our primary goal is to teach Christians, and our secondary goal is to evangelize the lost world. Sixteen years later, we still endeavor to uphold God’s Word (King James Bible) rightly divided, whether it be in edifying the Christian brethren or preaching the clear Gospel of the Grace of God to this lost and dying world. For those of you who have been with us from day 1, thank you for your prayer and encouragement. We pray for you upon every remembrance! There is still plenty more for the Lord Jesus Christ to do in and through us, so let us give Him all the praise and glory as we enter Year 17! 🙂

 

A Lost Love #10

Saturday, July 29, 2023

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved” (Romans 10:1 KJV).

Just the other day, an aged friend in ministry for several years now, shared with me the news of one of his recent undertakings. Let us see how his sentiments and efforts match those of Paul in today’s Scripture.

Undoubtedly, dear friends, we should share with everyone the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished crosswork as sufficient payment for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). It is needful that we attempt to tell as many people as we can. However, we must be blunt here. As it was in Bible days, so it is now: a great many people will never come to Christ. This is true of at least some of our lost loved ones. Though we wish we could believe on the Lord Jesus Christ in their behalf, this is not how God has designed the plan of salvation to work. It is personal faith, not “by proxy” faith. If people do not want to hear and believe the Gospel of Grace, we need to move on to those who do. The more time and energy we waste on those who refuse to believe, the fewer people we are able to reach.

May I be direct once again? Nine years ago this month, I delivered the eulogy of one of my relatives. Some 30 unsaved family members were present at that funeral home—and it was for this express reason I made certain to preach a clear Gospel message. It was undoubtedly the plainest presentation of the Gospel they had ever heard in their lives. (In fact, I was told later, it was so explicit that the works-religion cult leader standing beside me began blushing!) Those hearts were quite convicted and shocked so that the room become deathly silent. After I finished speaking, a single family member came up and voiced approval of the message. The rest of these my relatives have never heard the Gospel or any Bible verse from me in more than nine years now because I respect their free will. If they do go to Hell, I can rightfully say with Paul, “I am clean [of their blood]” (Acts 18:6). May we be able to declare this concerning all our lost loves.

A Lost Love #9

Friday, July 28, 2023

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved” (Romans 10:1 KJV).

Just the other day, an aged friend in ministry for several years now, shared with me the news of one of his recent undertakings. Let us see how his sentiments and efforts match those of Paul in today’s Scripture.

Though Paul attempted to preach the Lord Jesus Christ to every lost Jew in the synagogues of the Mediterranean world, he knew he could not force any of them to believe. In fact, when apostate Israel opposed him and his message, instead of lingering to quarrel with them, he respected their free will and departed to minister to others.

“Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles…. But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium” (Acts 13:46,51). “They were ware of it [Jewish plot against them], and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:…” (Acts 14:6).

“…Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean; from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles. And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man’s house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue” (Acts 18:5-7).

“And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus” (Acts 19:8,9). As far as the record of Acts is concerned, because of this exceptionally adverse reaction, Paul never again preached in a synagogue! He valued free will, and so should we.

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

A Lost Love #8

Thursday, July 27, 2023

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved” (Romans 10:1 KJV).

Just the other day, an aged friend in ministry for several years now, shared with me the news of one of his recent undertakings. Let us see how his sentiments and efforts match those of Paul in today’s Scripture.

As Saul of Tarsus back in Acts chapter 9, the Apostle Paul met the Saviour Jesus Christ face-to-face. This was when he came to understand just how misinformed—just how lost—he really was. His righteousness meant nothing before God, so he was actually headed for Hell quite smug in his “goodness.” He was not good enough to merit Heaven, and he finally swallowed his religious pride. What mattered in eternity was God’s perfect righteousness available only by faith in Jesus Christ. If necessary, re-read Paul’s testimony in Philippians 3:1-11.

In today’s Scripture, Paul has been saved for roughly 25 years (internal evidence suggests he wrote Romans during the opening verses of Acts chapter 20). Ever since chapter 9 of Acts, he has been meeting and preaching to lost Jews in synagogues scattered throughout the Mediterranean world. These are the very people of today’s Scripture, who, like he as Saul of Tarsus had been, are satisfied in their works-religion (Judaism). “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God” (Romans 10:3).

Re-read Romans 9:1-3. Paul felt sorry for self-righteous Israel, and he so was troubled for lost Israel, but it was neither sadness nor anger (emotions) that made him preach the Gospel of Grace to them. It was his renewed mind, his admittance that the Bible was right, that caused him to share his Saviour with them. No matter how “good” they were in religion, regardless of how hard they tried to be godly, they could never save themselves from their sins because they were not perfect. Still, their hearts had deceived them, and, as they heard the Gospel of Grace from Paul’s very lips, they shut their eyes and ears to the truth so as to keep (emotionally) clinging to their vain religious system all the more….

Solomon and Jesus #15

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

“And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever” (2 Samuel 7:12,13 KJV).

Let us search the Scriptures to see how Solomon is a type of the antitype Jesus….

Whether Psalm 72, Psalm 89, or Psalm 132, we find hints of both Solomon (immediately) and Jesus (ultimately) fulfilling the Davidic Covenant (cf. today’s Scripture). Solomon typifies the Lord Jesus in at least 13 particulars. Both are sons of David and both are heirs to his throne. Solomon and Jesus are shepherds. They are both kings. Each possesses and expresses God’s wisdom. Solomon and Jesus are both highly exalted and materially prosperous. Peace, the end of war, is the hallmark of each kingdom. Judgment and justice or righteousness highlight their reigns. Both monarchs have worldwide fame and influence. The Gentiles or non-Jews bring physical wealth to honor both Solomon and Christ.

King Solomon and King Jesus each build houses for the LORD (Father God), Solomon erecting a physical structure (Jerusalem Temple) and Jesus forming a spiritual building (Israel’s Little Flock or believing remnant; Luke 12:32). Solomon’s intimate relationship with his sexually-pure wife represents Christ’s union to Israel’s spiritually-pure Little Flock at His Second Coming and subsequent earthly kingdom.

Jesus Christ declared, “The queen of the south [Queen of Sheba] shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here” (Matthew 12:42; cf. Luke 11:31). This “greater than Solomon” is (superior) King Jesus Christ Himself—whom unbelieving Israel refuses to hear and believe in Matthew to John! Messiah Jesus and His kingdom miracles are connected to “Solomon’s Porch” in John 10:23, Acts 3:11, and Acts 5:12. This portico or covered walkway of the Jerusalem Temple again relates Christ Jesus’ kingdom (antitype) to Solomon’s kingdom (type). Had Israel been trusting their Old Testament Scriptures, they would have seen these striking similarities and accepted Jesus as Messiah (David’s Son) instead of crucifying Him in unbelief (John 19:14-16)!

-FINIS!-