Category: Jesus Christ

Sufficient!

Friday, March 2, 2018

“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9 KJV).

Without further delay, we need to recognize God’s grace as sufficient.

Two men in human history suffered far beyond the norm. Obviously, the first is the God-Man, our Lord Jesus Christ, who suffered the most. Never will we fathom the torment He endured physically and spiritually as He faced the wrath of a righteous God and sinful men. The second is the Apostle Paul, laboring so diligently to preach to wretched sinners in all nations that Christ was crucified for them.

As Paul conducted his ministry, Satan caused him such hardship and grief. Unbelieving Jews constantly plotted to kill him; the Roman government eagerly helped those Jews suppress that “illegal religion;” many of Paul’s Christian friends betrayed and abandoned him; evil spirits mocked him; he was whipped, beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, robbed; and so on. Friend, whenever you think you have it rough, cancel your “pity party” by reading Paul’s afflictions recorded in 2 Corinthians 11:22-33!

In addition to the aforementioned trials and tribulations, some mysterious “thorn in the flesh” troubled Paul (today’s Scripture). While Satan attempted to hinder Paul, God utilized it to keep Paul from being worshipped. Paul begged the Lord in prayer three times to have that problem depart, but it did not. The Lord Jesus Christ replied to Paul’s prayer, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Paul took that revealed Word and concluded, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” God’s grace is enough for you too!

Second Corinthians 3:5: “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;….”

Succoured!

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

“For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:18 KJV).

Without further delay, we should let the succouring Saviour succour us.

The Book of Hebrews is not written to us members of the Church the Body of Christ. It refers to “the world to come” (Hebrews 2:5), the ages to come, events after our Dispensation of Grace. Still, because of parallels, we can benefit from Israel’s Scriptures at times.

Hebrews concentrates on the time of immense suffering, the abundant temptation and persecution, that Israel’s Little Flock will experience during the Antichrist’s rule (recall Psalm 10?). The writer of Hebrews reminds them of the Lord Jesus Christ being there to “succour” them, to assist them in their time of great need. As Christ suffered, but relied on Father God, so they can rely on Him to see it through their dark days.

Harmonizing with Hebrews, James and Peter both wrote to Israel suffering under the Antichrist. For example, James 1:2: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;….” And verse 12: “Blessed [happy!] is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” Finally, 1 Peter 1:6,7: “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing [Second Coming] of Jesus Christ.” This is how believing Israel should view her end-times distress.

If God will comfort believing Israel during the worst (!) period of human history, then surely, brethren, He can aid us in our times of need. When we face difficulties, we know that He has equipped us to fully endure them. First Corinthians 10:13: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Did not God send messengers to Gentiles prior to Paul’s apostleship?”

God is Love

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

“…God is love… God is love… We love him, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:8b,16b,19 KJV).

The word “love” is used very flippantly in today’s world. Of the many who speak about “love,” few know what it is. On this Valentine’s Day, we offer sound doctrine from God’s Word to correct the misunderstandings of what love really is. What is love, according to God’s Word?

Today’s Scripture says that “God is love”—God does not simply love, but His very nature is love. What does that mean? In 1 John 3:16, we read: “Hereby we perceive the love of God, because he laid down his life for us:” Our Apostle Paul put it this way: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). God’s nature is love—selfless, self-sacrificing!

God’s Word defines love and charity in 2 Corinthians 12:15: “And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.” Love is seeking the best interest of others, even if it costs you something (time, energy, resources, et cetera). Charity is love in deed (demonstrated, manifested in action). God loved us, so He sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins. It cost God the Father His Son, and it cost God the Son His life. What a selfless act!

Our nature in Adam is selfish, but our nature in Christ is not. Paul declares, “the love of Christ constraineth us” (2 Corinthians 5:14). We who have trusted Jesus Christ alone as our personal Saviour, our Christian lives are driven and motivated by Christ’s love for us, not our love for Him. It is this unselfish love of Christ working in us that causes us to look on the things of others, to seek their edification and their benefit, not ours (Romans 13:8-10; 1 Corinthians 10:24; Philippians 2:1-11). This will result in charity, our selfless actions reflecting that love of Christ (2 Corinthians 12:15).

As the lost world observes our Christian service, they will see, “God is love.”

*Adapted from a larger Bible study with the same name. The Bible study can be read here or watched here.

You may also see our archived Bible Q&A: “Should Christians observe Lent?”

God’s Grace on Parade

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

“…But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (Romans 5:20 KJV).

Today, especially here in southern Louisiana, the Catholic festival of Mardi Gras takes advantage of God’s grace. God’s grace abounds even when drunkenness, lasciviousness, and gluttony are committed overtly on our streets for religion. Because we live in the Dispensation of the Grace of God, they can flaunt their sin without being consumed by fire from heaven!

“Mardi Gras,” French for “Fat Tuesday,” is a day when religious people—professing “Christians”—lose self-control (excess alcohol, food, and partying). The following day, Ash Wednesday, they promise to live “holy” for the next 40 days (Lent). A priest will then place ashes on their foreheads proving that God forgave them for that riotous living. Blasphemy!

Regardless of all its biblical allusions (illusions!), Mardi Gras is still evil and anti-God. It was never Christian, originating from pagan Roman festivals, Saturnalia and Lupercalia (interestingly known for riots, drunkenness, gluttony, and fornication, and subsequent repentance).

The Holy Spirit, speaking through the Apostles Peter and Paul, was clearly against Mardi Gras reveling and drunkenness (Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Peter 4:3). So why do professing Christians engage in the very activities that God the Holy Spirit condemned?! As Christians, we should “deny” the activities of Mardi Gras (Romans 6:11-15; Titus 2:11-15).

If I appear offended, I am. Mardi Gras, despite its godly façade, is offensive to the great God and my Saviour Jesus Christ! God’s grace continues to tolerate such foolishness from mankind. Man parades his sin, and God parades His grace, holding back wrath.

Are you a Mardi Gras reveler? I declare unto you the wonderful Gospel of the Grace of God. God did for you at Calvary what you could never do: “Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He was raised again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Jesus Christ shed His sinless blood and died to put away all of your sins, Mardi Gras revelry included.

If you rest in Christ Jesus alone as your Saviour, God will save you forever, make a trophy of His grace, and then YOUR life will be God’s grace on parade!

*Adapted from a larger Bible study with the same name. The Bible study can be read here or watched here.

You may also see our archived Bible study Q&A, “Should Christians celebrate Mardi Gras?”

Three Third Chapters

Monday, February 12, 2018

“And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?” (Genesis 3:9 KJV).

Adam fell into sin, but God has an answer!

Genesis chapter 3, the fall of man: “[9] And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? [10] And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. [11] And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?”

Romans chapter 3, the forgiveness of man: “[22] Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: [23] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; [24] Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: [25] 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; [26] To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”

Ephesians chapter 3, the Body of Christ: “[1] For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, [2] If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: [3] How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery;…. [5] Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; [6] That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: [7] Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.”

When we trust Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour (Romans), we escape our separation from God because of Adam (Genesis) and we are joined to Him via the Church the Body of Christ because of Christ (Ephesians). Simple!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “What are the ‘posts’ in the Book of Esther?”

The Mischievous Minister of Music #8

Saturday, February 3, 2018

“Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created” (Ezekiel 28:13 KJV).

Who is this musician, and how did he destroy his ministry?

At this point in our Bible study about this topic, the fervent objection can be heard: “Oh, Brother Shawn, do not be legalistic. Does not the Bible tell us to sing to the Lord? Are we not to have praise and worship with musical accompaniment? Is there no good music to play in the church building?” I eagerly respond, “Why sure, my friend, provided that we are not singing to and glorifying the Devil!” (Remember, Genesis chapter 4, Exodus chapter 32, and Daniel chapter 3.)

Someone commented on social media years ago: “Man!!!!! Church was so awesome!!! We had [guest’s name] visit the church and we learned the new dance step…!!! He showed us the moves!!! The whole church was dancing!!! Loved it!!!… Christians can have fun!!!” We can sense this young person’s emotions running wild, can we not? Notice, however, there is nothing about worshipping Jesus Christ or Father God. See, they just want to “have fun” (remember—food, fun, fellowship, and foolishness!!). As stated already, they want entertainment. They should be seeking edification. Entertainment is temporary and thus will profit them nothing in eternity; however, edification is permanent, lasting forever!

To their shame, and the shame of many others in churches all around the world, they are ignorant of Bible truth. They are pleasing themselves; only here it goes under the banner of “Christianity.” We can find people “doing the moves” at the local nightclub. We can discover individuals “having fun” robbing a bank. We can find people “feeling awesome” because they are high on drugs! Are we going to say the Spirit of God is leading them in praise and worship? Then, my dear friend, we had better realize that praising God is more than dancing, singing, having fun, and feeling awesome.

There must first be sound Bible doctrine….

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The Mischievous Minister of Music #7

Friday, February 2, 2018

“Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created” (Ezekiel 28:13 KJV).

Who is this musician, and how did he destroy his ministry?

According to Ezekiel 1:4-28 (especially verses 5-10), Ezekiel 10:1-22 (particularly verses 9-19), and Revelation 4:1-11 (especially verses 6-9), four cherubim currently surround God’s throne. While often confused with angels, cherubim are technically dissimilar. Cherubim are also spirit creatures, true, but, unlike angels, they have wings and four faces—lion, ox/calf, man, and eagle. (Strange indeed!)

The four cherubim around God’s throne today were initially five. Recall the “anointed cherub that covereth [God’s throne]” (Ezekiel 28:14—the verse immediately after today’s Scripture). The fifth cherub was Lucifer, whom we now know as Satan. It was Lucifer whose outstretched wings formed a canopy above to reflect and refract/bend God’s radiating glory. Lucifer, remember, was a “living music box;” he encouraged singing. This all directed praise and worship to the Lord Jesus Christ (the Creator). Once created, the angelic races sang as they watched the Lord Jesus continue working during the Creation Week. Lucifer led this music and singing too.

Notice Job chapter 38: “[1] Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, [2] Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? [3] Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. [4] Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. [5] Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? [6] Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; [7] When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (Verse 7, doubtless, is the angelic host.)

Nevertheless, as stated earlier, Lucifer was ungrateful to his Creator. Rather than leading creation in worshipping the Creator in song, Lucifer wanted to lead creation….

Reigning or Roasting?

Friday, January 26, 2018

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23 KJV).

Someone stated most appropriately, “We can spend eternity reigning or roasting.” Friend, which do you choose?

According to Father God’s twofold purpose in creation—heaven and earth—He has one agency He will use in each realm. He intends to unite all governments under His Son, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:9,10; Colossians 1:16-20). The nation Israel will reign on earth and thereby glorify Jesus Christ forever. Notice Psalm 37:11: “But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace” (Christ quoted this in Matthew 5:5, referring to His kingdom). Also, Job 19:25, “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:….” Finally, Revelation 5:10: “And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.”

The Church the Body of Christ, God’s agency today, will reign in the heavenly places and thereby glorify Jesus Christ forever. Ephesians 2:6,7: “And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” And, 2 Corinthians 5:1: “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” Also, Philippians 3:20: “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:….” Finally, 2 Timothy 4:18: “And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

The eternal fate of those who die without Jesus Christ is described quite vividly in Revelation 20:14,15: “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” We had better trust Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour now, to reign later rather than roast!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Did Pharaoh drown in the Red Sea?”

Perverse to Be Reversed

Thursday, January 25, 2018

“Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows” (Psalm 45:6,7 KJV).

Man has free reign on Earth today—doing pretty much what he desires—but that is only temporary.

Some erroneously believe that mankind is capable of reforming itself. No matter how debauched society gets, we can supposedly rehabilitate it. We just have to keep praying, passing legislation, fining and imprisoning evildoers, having our “peace” discussions, devising solutions, and so on. Some have actually gone so far as to say that if we all get finally along here, having minimized or eliminated society’s dilemmas, Jesus Christ will not be able to resist coming back!! It is assumed that we can reform ourselves and thereby entice Him to return and reign over us. While it sounds quite nice, it is wishful thinking. (Has it ever worked?!)

When the Lord Jesus Christ returns—and yes, despite what most may say, He is coming back (!)—it will not be because everything has been set right. No, dear friends, He is returning to set things right. Hebrews 1:8-9 says that today’s Scripture is actually a prophecy of Jesus Christ’s Millennial Reign. That means that Psalm 45 is really a Kingdom Psalm, what will happen on Earth at the Second Coming onward. Jesus Christ has an inheritance: He will come and do on Earth what man should have done back in the Garden of Eden but failed (Genesis chapter 3). Adam and Eve were to be God’s king and queen on Earth, ruling and reigning for His glory (Genesis 1:26-28); alas, they sided with Satan, the opposition. Jesus Christ will return to reclaim that crown as His own!

In that day, all of man’s wayward institutions will be abolished: his perverted standards will be replaced with the original (righteous) standards God implemented at creation. Father God Himself will inaugurate His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, as King over all creation. The universe has never seen anything like it… since man is far too weak to accomplish it by himself. Hasten the day, Lord, hasten the day when the perverse is reversed! 🙂

Reversed to Be Perverse

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20 KJV).

While shopping the other day, I noticed a woman. Something was odd though. The closer I looked and the harder I thought, the more I began to realize that that “woman” was really an effeminate man dressed as a woman!

Today’s Scripture describes one of the reasons the nation Israel is about to go into Assyrian captivity. There are various “woes,” or declarations of condemnation, issued in this context (see verses 8,11,18,20,21,22). One of these rebukes the LORD God issues is Israel’s perverted sense of standards. A complete reversal of touchstones has resulted in perversion abounding in God’s nation. Evil is called good; good is called evil. They regard darkness as light, and light as darkness. To them, sweet is bitter and bitter is sweet.

In today’s language, non-Christian is Christian and Christian is non-Christian. Life is considered non-life; non-life is regarded as life. Man is woman, and woman is man. Right is wrong, and wrong is right. Nonsense is titled logic, and logic is called nonsense. God is regarded as man and man is deemed God. Following laws is illegal; being unlawful is acceptable. Love is hate, and hate is love. The Body of Christ is Israel, and Israel is the Body of Christ. The Holy Bible is considered irrelevant; the speculations of fallible men are exalted as ultimate truth. Glancing into the future, Antichrist will be viewed as Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ will be viewed as Antichrist. God’s children will be considered Satan’s people, and Satan’s children will be regarded as God’s people. Perversion ad infinitum!

Thankfully, in His own time, the God of the Bible will set all things right. Dear friends, no matter how far sinful man drifts from his original purpose in creation, all hope is not lost. Our world is headed for the Tribulation, God’s wrath, and has been for millennia. We will not change the course of this present evil world, but we can share the Gospel of the Grace of God with others, that they may be delivered from this present evil world too (Galatians 1:4)! 🙂