Category: God: The Father, the Son Jesus Christ, & the Holy Ghost

The Awareness of a Temporary Earth

 Friday, April 22, 2016

“And, Thou, O Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: they shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail” (Hebrews 1:10-12 KJV).

On this Earth Day, let us not confuse the creation with the Creator!

Today, people worldwide celebrate “environmental awareness.” According to the secular, naturalistic worldview, our planet and its sun could last many more billions of years. They claim that we have done so much damage to our planet—climate change, overpopulation, deforestation, pollution, et cetera—that we must change our attitude toward “mother earth” and change our lifestyles before we destroy her and civilization as we know it! You can sense the zeal in their message, can you not? While these people are sincere, they are wasting all of their time, energy, and resources on a temporary planet.

Let us be very clear that the Lord Jesus Christ placed man on the earth, especially the Garden of Eden, to “dress it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15). Adam was to take care of the Earth: he was God’s representative, God’s king, who had a divine commission to rule this planet for God’s glory (Genesis 1:26-28).

It was not long, however, before Satan distracted mankind from understanding God’s purpose for him. Adam began to focus on himself: like Satan, he began to “worship and serve the creature more than the Creator” (Romans 1:25). Thus began man’s continual downward spiral into spiritual ignorance. He would continually worship himself, as we well know today.

Today’s Scripture reminds us that, because of sin, this creation will pass away. The Lord Jesus Christ, however, will live forever. Why worship that which is temporary? It makes no sense! The Lord Jesus Christ gave you life, not the pagan goddess “mother earth.” Environmental awareness? Indeed, be aware that our world is temporary, as God will one day create “a new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1).

Bible Q&A #255: “Can you explain Colossians 3:3-4?”

Two Gates, Two Ways, One Soul, and One Choice

Thursday, April 21, 2016

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: [14] Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13,14 KJV).

Which do you choose?

In a previous study, exactly two weeks ago today, it was mentioned we had a Christian sister trying to reach out to her unsaved friend dying of cancer. The sister was very burdened to share the Gospel of the Grace of God. However, the dying lady refused to hear that her “good” works would not get her into heaven. She cut off all contact with us.

Yesterday, less than three weeks after her diagnosis, we received news that she died. She had at least two weeks to think about God’s grace and trust Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour. What she did with Him in her final moments, only He knows. Wherever her soul is right now, heaven or hell, she certainly remembers the Gospel of Grace. If in heaven, she is so thankful she trusted it. If in hell, she will always remember that she did not have to go there had she just believed God’s Word to her.

A pastor once wisely observed, “People reject the Gospel because they do not realize they are lost.” This lady’s attitude was a case in point. She concentrated on how many “good” things she did for so many people. This is exactly why God hates religion, friends. Religion is nothing but an occasion to brag about what you have done. There is absolutely no boasting before God. Every person who gets to heaven will get there on the same basis—Jesus Christ’s shed blood. There will be no “I did more good works than you” attitude. All glory will go to the Lord Jesus Christ if someone makes it to heaven. All blame will go to the individual if the individual makes it to hell.

My brethren, let us make every effort to reach loved ones with God’s grace now. Death may come quicker for them than you think!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Could you describe Jesus’ resurrected body?”

Never Man Spake Like This Man!

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

“The officers answered, Never man spake like this man” (John 7:46 KJV).

Listen as the GodMan speaks!

Read what happened to Jesus at age 12: “And it came to pass, that after three days [Mary and Joseph] found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers” (Luke 2:46,47). Even as a little boy, Jesus’ depth of perception was unusually profound. These “Th.D.s” and “Ph.D.s” of the Mosaic Law—much older and so-called “educated” men—were so surprised, and probably embarrassed, that some little boy would dare (knowledgeably) converse with them about such “adult” topics.

As the years passed, Jesus continually amazed the crowds. “And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes” (Mark 1:22; cf. Matthew 7:28,29). “What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!” (Matthew 8:27). “And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?” (Matthew 13:54).

We can be most assured that our Lord Jesus was no wimp. His voice thundered with articulate, intelligent, and very weighty words. Those words actually caused events to happen right before people’s eyes—a storm instantly dissipated, dead men arose, sick people instantly recovered, a fig tree immediately withered, et cetera. “The word of God is quick and powerful…” (Hebrews 4:12).

All the way back in Genesis, at the Creation account, God used words—“Let there be…”—to bring our universe into existence from nothing. “…[U]pholding all things by the word of his power…” (Hebrews 1:3). Now, as a Man, He was using His voice to work wonders and amaze crowds. It was not so much to awe them as it was much as it was to teach them. Their God had come and they were to look upon Him and pay attention to what He had to tell them (Isaiah 35:4; Isaiah 40:9). He was the way to salvation and eternal life!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Is immersion the ‘proper’ mode of water baptism?”

Entertainment Versus Edification

Monday, April 18, 2016

“I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil” (Psalm 119:162 KJV).

If a saint should rejoice at God’s Word, what does that say about someone who finds it “boring?”

When commenting on the services of a local grace church—especially the actual study of the Bible—a lady said, “Boring!” Why, of course, what do we expect from somebody who goes to church to be entertained with a concert of arm swaying and toe tapping? The professing church has plenty of entertainment and yet it is still so weak and disoriented. What does that demonstrate? Entertainment is not the answer; it is the problem. As a Christian author wrote decades ago, “I went in the world and found the church. I went in the church and found the world!” My, how much more now that actual Bible study has largely given way to “contemporary” “worship?”

Notice what the Holy Spirit instructed young church leader Timothy: “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:6-8).

Rather than indulging in the flesh with religion (whether formalism with its ceremonies, or fanaticism with its “concerts”), which is utterly useless, we are to be “nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine.” Sound Bible doctrine is spiritual nutrition; you have to actually read and study the Bible to grow. Friend, jumping, singing, dancing, rolling on the floor, et cetera, will profit nothing in eternity. In the closing chapter of 1 Timothy, Paul mentioned “wholesome [healthy; nutritional] words, even the words our Lord Jesus Christ, and… the doctrine which is according to godliness” (chapter 6, verse 3). Words! Words! WORDS! You have to get in God’s Word for yourself, friend, to find God’s words. If your local church does not encourage you to do it, find an assembly that does. Your spiritual health depends on it!

Graduation to Glory

Saturday, April 16, 2016

“For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him” (1 Thessalonians 4:14 KJV).

This study is dedicated to the loving memory of those who have “graduated to glory!”

A few days back, a Christian sister and family friend graduated to glory at age 57. Nearly three decades ago, this lady planned a baby shower at our former local church when Mom was pregnant for me. About 10 years ago, the lady’s health gradually declined. An autoimmune disorder had greatly weakened her muscles, keeping her bedridden for the last several years. Her health drastically declined in recent days. Some may say, “She lost her battle.” Nay, she won! She is suffering no more. Some may say, “Poor woman, she died!” Nay, she is “with Christ,” which is “far better” (Philippians 1:23). As her husband said at her funeral, “I am at peace. I know she is in heaven… walking.”

“For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now” (Romans 8:22). Going all the way back to Genesis chapter 3, and right up to our present-day, our world has been plagued with pain and suffering, illness and death. “And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body” (verse 23). Even God’s people suffer. Christian friend, in case you have not noticed yet, your body is aging, wearing down. Jesus Christ may have redeemed your soul from hell, but He has yet to redeem your body from the grave!

Today’s Scripture provides solace for us who are bereaved of Christian loved ones. Due to the intense persecution leveled against the Christians in Thessalonica, those “sleeping in Jesus” had evidently been executed for their faith in Christ. Their physical bodies were lying in graves, having the appearance of people sleeping. But, their souls were still alive. Paul affirmed Jesus Christ will bring them “with Him” when He returns for us at the Rapture! We will see them again, in God’s own time. For now, they are safe in His arms, and we are safe in His. ‘Tis sufficient, saints, ‘tis sufficient!

-IN MEMORIAM-
H.A.B.

Praying for What You Already Have

Friday, April 15, 2016

“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” (2 Timothy 3:16,17 KJV).

Have a question about God’s will? Get in His Book!

Indeed, someone once said we peer into a person’s soul by listening to him or pray audibly. If you pay close attention, you will hear where they are in their understanding of the Scriptures. You can particularly hear their denominational biases. It is truly awful when believers ask God to reveal His will. It is worse, ever so much worse, when they pray for God’s wisdom and yet do not open the Bible!

Friends, either the Bible is complete, or it is not. We either believe it, or we do not. If we want to know what God would have us to do in any particular circumstance, we need to look into the Bible. Beloved, quit asking God to show us things He already revealed in His Word! We have 66 Bible books, 13 epistles written directly to us the Church the Body of Christ (Romans through Philemon), and we still go around wondering and asking what God would have us to believe and do. It is perhaps the silliest thing. How it so grieves the Holy Spirit to see God’s people floundering in ignorance and foolishness!

Once, God’s written Word was incomplete. Divine revelation was still coming, little by little. However, once Paul wrote his last epistle, 2 Timothy, the final book of the Bible was complete (cf. today’s Scripture). Both Israel’s Little Flock and the Body of Christ had complete revelation from God. There would be no more need for spiritual gifts and angelic messages. To say otherwise is to deny the authority and sufficiency of the Scriptures for God’s people unto “all good works.” Everything that God wants us to know, and everything He wants us to do, is in His written Word, particularly the Pauline epistles. If it is not in the Bible, then you make a decision with the information you do have. If you make a mistake, fix it. Simple!

Friends, thank goodness this is not “rocket science!”

Jesus’ “Hour”

Thursday, April 14, 2016

““Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come” (John 2:4 KJV).

What did Jesus mean, “mine hour?”

Jesus’ “hour” (or His “time”) appears ten times in the book of John. It first appears in today’s Scripture. The best way to understand the idea is to look at the other references for an explanation.

John 7:6,8: “[6] Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready. [8] Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast: for my time is not yet full come.” John 7:30: “Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.” John 8:20: “These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.”

John 12:23: “And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.” John 12:27: “Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.” John 13:1: “Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.” John 17:1: “These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:”

In summary, Jesus’ “hour” was His “passion” (Acts 1:3)—His arrest, His crucifixion/death, His burial, and His resurrection. Jesus did not go down to Jerusalem and give Himself up to the authorities until it was the proper time. He did not die a moment too soon or too late. He died exactly when Father God had determined. There were many things Jesus had to do before Calvary (train the 12 apostles, form a believing remnant in Israel, perform miracles and teach God’s Word, and so on). Only after He accomplished those things did He give Himself up.

Stability in Extremes

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24 KJV).

Life is filled with extremes. Grace fills us with stability.

Having just attended a Christian wedding, I will soon attend a Christian funeral. Joy and excitement one week—trouble and grief the next! Such is the “roller coaster” we call “life.” Saints, if we lived our lives based strictly on our emotions, we will have one *wild* ride… and eventually, “fall off!” However, if we have a steady (daily) intake of sound Bible doctrine, believing it, reckoning it as true, that will run our lives and bring emotional stability. While our circumstances can and will change, the Holy Spirit will always be supporting us internally.

Notice how our apostle conducted his life and ministry. In today’s Scripture, Paul gave some farewell advice to the Ephesian church elders (beginning in verse 18). He had spent approximately 30 years suffering for Jesus Christ: “And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me” (verses 22,23). Day in and day out, Paul experienced extremes. He had the joy of seeing pagans come to Jesus Christ. He had heartache of seeing deceived Christians troubled. He worried about the angry mobs determined to imprison and kill him.

Paul did not know what would soon happen to him when he arrived in Jerusalem. Still, despite all the troubles, he said, “none of these things move me” (today’s Scripture). He knew that, no matter his circumstances, even if it meant being put to death, he had a divine obligation—to preach the Gospel of the Grace of God. That same grace he was preaching had carried him through all those circumstances, good and bad. He was determined to continue with the Gospel “with joy.” Right up until the day the Lord called him Home, he did just that. Likewise, may we rely on God’s grace to stabilize us! 🙂

The Old Rugged Cross #4

Monday, April 11, 2016

“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Galatians 6:14 KJV).

The chorus of George Bennard’s classic 1913 hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross,” highlights today’s Scripture.

“So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.”

Fellow saints, considering where we were—dead in our trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1)—and where we are now—dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:11), we have every reason to cherish (value) the “old rugged cross.” Once dead in sin, we are now dead to sin; sin is not who we are anymore. We are a “new creature in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our translation from Satan’s domain into God’s kingdom was accomplished by Jesus Christ’s finished work on Calvary (cf. today’s Scripture).

Our new identity in Christ now qualifies us to participate in the greatest plan in the universe. We already started when we trusted Christ as our personal Saviour and it will span the endless ages of the future. But, until our Dispensation of Grace closes, the Body of Christ must remain on Earth. When it is time for God to return to Israel’s program, we (corporately) will be relocated to the Heavenly Places. We see a glimpse of this in the closing verses of Philippians chapter 3: “[20] For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: [21] Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”

All of our “glory” (boasting, value) is in Christ and what He did, not in our measly “good works.” There is still so much more He must do in and through us on Earth before we get to Philippians 3:21, but Him working in and through us in the Heavenly Places (cf. Colossians 1:16-20) will also be made possible through the “old rugged cross!” 🙂

The Old Rugged Cross #3

Sunday, April 10, 2016

“To wit, that 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).

The third and final verse of George Bennard’s classic 1913 hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross,” highlights today’s Scripture.

“In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see;
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.”

“For he [God the Father] hath made him [His Son, Jesus Christ] to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (verse 21). The wood of Calvary’s cross was ordinary wood, but it was stained with extraordinary blood. It was “the innocent blood” (Matthew 27:4 KJV). Peter wrote, “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just [righteous] for the unjust [unrighteous], that he might bring us to God…” (1 Peter 3:18). “…[T]he Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28 KJV). Modern versions omit the correlation here, but our King James Bible says God’s own blood was shed at Calvary!

How could God have blood? Why, God became a Man, and as a Man, He had blood (Hebrews 2:8-18). Because it was God’s blood, it was sinless, divine, able to cover the sins. Had it been regular human blood, it would have been linked to Adam. Jesus was much more than a “good man;” He was the visible manifestation of the invisible God (Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:3). Had He been anything less than fully God and fully man, He could not mediate between both parties!

Many people in history have died for their religion. But, Jesus Christ did not die as a “martyr.” He gave up His life, to “pardon and sanctify” those who would accept His payment for their sins. That blood was shed to impart spiritual life to those who would believe in it. It was shed to set apart a group of people whom Father God would use through the ages of eternity future to glorify His Son, the Person who died on the “old rugged cross.” 🙂

Our latest Bible Q&A: “What swallowed Jonah—a fish or a whale?”