Category: Grace Living (Christian Life)

Zealously Affected #2

Friday, February 20, 2026

“They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you” (Galatians 4:17,18 KJV).

Let us see if we can identify and comprehend the dangers of relying on emotions….

Re-read today’s Scripture: “They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.” This “they” was already identified in chapter 1 as follows: “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed [banned, excommunicated]. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:6-9).

Chapter 6, verses 12 and 13, elaborate: “As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.” The “they” are false teachers who have mixed Law and Grace. Evidently, there was a primary one leading a group in Galatia, all of them “zealously affecting” the Galatian saints “not well.” In Greek, “zealously affect” is “zeloo,” from “zelos” as in “heat” (“zeo” meaning “to be hot”). Actually, this is the derivation of the English “zeal,” fervent or enthusiastic devotion.

With the Galatians being emotionally manipulated—“zealously affected”—to support the false teachers and their legalistic (Law-based) system, these Christians would then be inclined to turn from Pauline Grace teaching (“exclude you”), which thereby would make them more emotionally attached to the false teachers and their bad doctrine…..

Zealously Affected #1

Thursday, February 19, 2026

“They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you” (Galatians 4:17,18 KJV).

Let us see if we can identify and comprehend the dangers of relying on emotions….

Friend, draw your attention to today’s Scripture, giving special consideration to the expression “zealously affect.” The Galatian Christians have developed some “warm, fuzzy feelings,” a detrimental (harmful) emotional attachment to someone and something. Also, there is a positive sense to serve as a contrast. We have here a “good thing,” and something else that is “not well.” Someone is being “affected” by someone else, that the someone else be “affected.” The language here is a little thick or concentrated, so it must be carefully unfolded in order to edify us.

It is no secret that the servant of the Lord in ministry will encounter emotional people. Some get so excited to hear the Gospel of Grace. In fact, there may be crying. One time, I received a phone call from a Christian woman who had just led a young, door-to-door saleswoman to Christ. I heard how both ladies were joyful on the phone. This “new believer” had become so emotional while I was speaking with her on the telephone that she was crying hysterically, bawling or howling. She, a struggling single mother, said she was so thankful she had stopped at this Christian woman’s house! I had never heard someone carry on so much as she did, but I was most happy for her that she was now a member of the Body of Christ. She told both of us that she would keep in touch. We never heard from her again. The Christian woman who evangelized her ended up graduating to Heaven, but she and I always wondered what happened to the young lady (who is around my age). Approximately a decade later, I still think about her. Did she ever become a believer? Or, was it just an emotional upheaval that she confused with the Holy Spirit’s work?

When Paul was preaching in Galatia (central Turkey), there were likewise many “oohs” and “ahhs” to be heard….

Something in Which to Glory!

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

“As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. 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 6:12-14 KJV).

In what shall we glory? About what shall we boast? In what shall we find value?

Religion produces people who enjoy bragging all about their “dedication to God.” “Look what I did—the ceremonies in which I have participated, the many prayers I faithfully recited daily, how much I put in the collection plate, see how many pleasures I gave up to please God! Come, see how much I love Him!” Dear friends, the Apostle Paul found great value in something—but that something was not what he did. All that human flesh can accomplish pales in comparison to the work in today’s Scripture.

As Lent begins, the time when religionists temporarily (a mere 40 days) relinquish some pleasant food or activity, let us remember that our performance is often non-performance. Once we place ourselves on that treadmill of “do, do, do,” we are guaranteed to fail at some point. Human flesh is simply too weak to maintain 100 percent—that is sin! Even concerning one rule, we cannot keep it perfectly. We mess up eventually.

If ever we believe that our puny works are worth bragging about, let us remember the words of the Apostle Paul in today’s Scripture. While some boast in their religiosity (in the passage, the Judaizers applauding their rite of physical circumcision), and such denominationalists today urge us to obey their church’s instructions so they too may boast in our ability, let us eschew such foolishness. Being imperfect, all their works do not measure up to Christ’s finished crosswork. At Calvary, we find the only sacrifice that will ever please the God of the Bible. If we must boast, let us brag that He did what we could never, ever do!

See our archived Bible Q&A: “Should Christians observe Lent?”

God’s Grace on Parade

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

“…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?”

God is Love

Saturday, February 14, 2026

“…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 can see our archived Bible Q&A study: “Should Christians celebrate Valentine’s Day?”

A Hope Reserved for Israel in Heaven? #14

Friday, February 13, 2026

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,…” (1 Peter 1:3,4 KJV).

Perhaps we can search the Scriptures to resolve an apparent contradiction, thereby perfecting that which is lacking in superficial readers….

“Which [mighty power] he [Father God] wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all” (Ephesians 1:20-23). It was to our benefit (advantage) as members of the Church the Body of Christ that Father God granted the Lord Jesus Christ governmental authority in Heaven: after all, we will share that authority throughout the endless ages to come.

“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” (Ephesians 2:6,7). We even have resurrection (glorified) bodies to function in outer space! “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. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:…” (2 Corinthians 5:1,2). “For our conversation [lifestyle reflecting citizenship] is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 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” (Philippians 3:20,21).

As in Revelation 12:7-12, Satan and his angels will be thrown out of Heaven so we can be permanently installed, with that kingdom of God spreading to Earth for believing Israel’s sake (Matthew 6:10; Luke 11:2), thereby achieving Ephesians 1:9,10!

A Hope Reserved for Israel in Heaven? #13

Thursday, February 12, 2026

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,…” (1 Peter 1:3,4 KJV).

Perhaps we can search the Scriptures to resolve an apparent contradiction, thereby perfecting that which is lacking in superficial readers….

Since creation is divided into Heaven and Earth (Genesis 1:1), and Satan has corrupted both spheres with sin (Job 15:15; Job 25:5; Luke 4:5-7; 2 Corinthians 4:3,4), Father God has a plan to end the rebellion and bring Heaven and Earth back under the Headship of Jesus Christ the Creator.

“For by him [Christ] were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven” (Colossians 1:16-20). “[Father God] Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:…” (Ephesians 1:9,10).

As long as we see this overall picture of “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15), we will not be confused. Israel is God’s earthly people, destined to be filled with Christ’s life on Earth. We the Church the Body of Christ are His heavenly people, ordained to be filled with Christ’s life in Heaven: therefore, Father has blessed us with “all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).

Let us conclude this devotionals arc….

A Hope Reserved for Israel in Heaven? #12

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,…” (1 Peter 1:3,4 KJV).

Perhaps we can search the Scriptures to resolve an apparent contradiction, thereby perfecting that which is lacking in superficial readers….

In his farewell sermon, Moses counseled Israel to obey the LORD to receive the blessing, “That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land [on Earth!] which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth” (Deuteronomy 11:21). Notice the comparison to an heavenly Earth.

Genesis 1:1 declares, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” From verse 2 onward, the Bible’s focus is “the earth.” The LORD God labors to make Himself a home with mankind on Earth (check Psalm 132:5,10-14), which encompasses the Davidic Covenant of 2 Samuel 7:12-17 (cf. Luke 1:31-33). Recall again how God’s earthly kingdom loops all the way back to Adam and reaches all the way into the future to Christ’s Second Coming (Matthew 25:34; Acts 3:20,21). Jesus’ return and subsequent kingdom is Earth-oriented: “Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth…. And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever” (Daniel 2:35,44).

However, beginning in Acts chapter 9 with Paul’s salvation and commissioning, God shifts from restoring Earth to Himself, to restoring Heaven to Himself, for both realms must be brought back to the Creator God to achieve His eternal purpose….

A Hope Reserved for Israel in Heaven? #3

Sunday, February 1, 2026

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,…” (1 Peter 1:3,4 KJV).

Perhaps we can search the Scriptures to resolve an apparent contradiction, thereby perfecting that which is lacking in superficial readers….

As Peter expresses in today’s Scripture, believing Israel has a hope in Heaven, not a hope on Earth. Some maintain that this challenges—yea, disproves—dispensational Bible study. A second line of argument is offered via an appeal to other verses. Note the recurring expression of Christ’s earthly ministry, “the kingdom of heaven,” which is clearly to and about Israel. Observe, again, how it is not the Kingdom of Earth, but the Kingdom of Heaven.

The 31 “kingdom of heaven” references are exclusively in the Gospel Record of Matthew (see Matthew 3:2; 4:17; 5:3,10,19,20; 7:21; 8:11; 10:7; 11:11,12; 13:11,24,31,33,44,45,47,52; 16:19; 18:1,3,4,23; 19:14,23; 20:1; 22:2; 23:13; 25:1,14). Also, remember, this “kingdom of heaven” is at the heart of the Gospel of the Kingdom: “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand…. And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people” (Matthew 4:17,23).

Souls who have not matured in the Word of God rightly divided have reached an impasse at this point, facing a difficulty that appears to have no satisfactory resolution. Two options are available. The first is easiest, and therefore, most tempting. We can throw up our hands in defeat, and never take up the Bible again. Or, maybe we could do a little study, a little digging, a little thinking, looking for a Bible cross-reference here and there that will afford us the ability to weave together a tapestry of superb spiritual judgment. We certainly do not have to be spiritual geniuses, or graduates of Bible college or seminary (Bible cemetery). All we need is to be humble enough to let the Holy Spirit enlighten the eyes of our understanding….

A Hope Reserved for Israel in Heaven? #2

Saturday, January 31, 2026

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,…” (1 Peter 1:3,4 KJV).

Perhaps we can search the Scriptures to resolve an apparent contradiction, thereby perfecting that which is lacking in superficial readers….

These (unexpected) references of Israel’s inheritance and Heaven fall under two categories. Firstly, we have today’s Scripture and similar verses, which indicate believing Israel has an inheritance “reserved in heaven.” Observe!

“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” (Matthew 5:11,12). “Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets” (Luke 6:23). “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:…” (Matthew 6:20). “Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth” (Luke 12:33).

“Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me” (Matthew 19:21). “Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me” (Mark 10:21). “Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me” (Luke 18:22).

Again, these mentions of Israel and Heaven are most surprising, and we cannot change them. They say exactly what they mean and mean exactly what they say. Now, let us see the other grouping….