Category: Christian good works

The Flesh Straineth, Christ’s Love Constraineth #3

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

“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 KJV).

We would do well to memorize, meditate on, and believe today’s Scripture, a wonderful encapsulation of the Christian life.

The Apostle Paul discussed how he strained to “perform” the Christian life: he struggled to do right, but he would only sin instead. “For that which I do I allow not: for what I would [that is, wish to do], that do I not; but what I hate, that do I…. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would [that is, wish to do] I do not: but the evil which I would [that is, wish to do] not, that I do…. I find then a law, that when I would [that is, wish to] do good, evil is present with me” (Romans 7:15,18,19,21).

Paul is a saved man, “delighting in the law of God after the inward man” (verse 22). However, he writes, “But I see another law in members [body parts], warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 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” (verses 23-25).

Frankly, it is impossible for us weak, sinful creatures to live the Christian life. Paul finally realized that struggling under the Mosaic Law—his performance—only genders defeat and misery. Only Jesus Christ can live the Christian life: it is His life! We have victory, not in our performance, but in Christ’s performance (verse 25; Romans chapter 8; today’s Scripture).

“The flesh straineth, Christ’s love constraineth….”

Not in Vain

Saturday, September 8, 2012

“For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain” (1 Thessalonians 2:1 KJV).

The believers in Thessalonica demonstrate that ministry work for the Lord is not done in vain.

Paul and Silas, on Paul’s second apostolic journey, arrive in Thessalonica in Acts 17:1. Here, there are Judaistic Jews and Greeks (verse 1), people who have some comprehension of the Old Testament and the one true God. However, there are also pagan Gentiles, individuals who later “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1 Thessalonians 1:9).

The Lord through Paul and Silas preached the Gospel of God’s Grace to us in Christ (dispensational Bible study). By placing their faith in that message, the Thessalonians either progressed to further understand God’s Word (that is, how God was now revealing advanced information—the mystery program—not found in the Old Testament), and/or learned that the one true God, unlike the pagan gods they had worshipped as heathens, had come in the form a Man to die for their sins. After the Thessalonians trusted Christ, today’s Scripture and its context (1:3–2:1) describe how God used them to evangelize their neighbors!

Ever wonder, “Are our preaching the message of God’s grace and teaching the King James Bible rightly divided, really worth it?” After all, many—even professing Christians (!)—hate it. Too prideful and too attached to their religious tradition to admit that God’s message to us Gentiles is Paul’s epistles (Romans through Philemon), denominational Christians vehemently oppose and attempt to suppress dispensational Bible study… THAT is vain. For, though we are few in number, we Pauline dispensationalists “serve the living and true God,” and nothing God does is ever “in vain” (worthless, futile). “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Again, “Are our preaching God’s grace and our teaching the King James Bible rightly divided, really worth it?” Today’s Scripture is a resounding, “Yes, it is worth it! It is ‘not in vain!’” 🙂

The Gift to Be Refused

Sunday, August 26, 2012

“And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous” (Exodus 23:8 KJV).

Today’s Scripture describes one gift that you should never accept!

Deuteronomy 16:18-20 repeats today’s Scripture: “Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment. Thou shalt not wrest [distort] judgment [justice]; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous. That which is altogether just [fair, right] shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.”

We can compare that to Proverbs 15:27: “He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.”

In the Mosaic Law, and later in Proverbs, God told the nation Israel not to accept “gifts.” What are these “gifts?” (Hint: Today’s politicians and clergy would do well if they refused them.) By examining these verses, we see that the Bible defines the term “gift.” This “gift” “blindeth the wise:” it pollutes the judgment of even the wisest person. Furthermore, it “perverteth the words of the righteous;” that is, it causes even the saint of God to fall into the trap of lying, and maybe far worse to cover up the deception. This is no ordinary “gift.” It is, in fact, a bribe, a gift of money or other incentive given to one in authority in order for this official to act in the giver’s favor!

Notice above how Deuteronomy 16:18-20 cautioned Israel’s leaders, that they rule fairly and honestly, refusing bribes. Sadly, centuries later, two of Israel’s judges (rulers), Samuel’s sons, “turned aside after lucre [money], and took bribes, and perverted judgment” (1 Samuel 8:2). Interestingly, their shameful actions were influential in Israel’s apostate decision to have a king rule over them instead

Let our decision-making be influenced by the King James Bible rightly divided, and not by the gift to be refused.

The Saints with the Hoary Head

Saturday, August 25, 2012

“The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness” (Proverbs 16:31 KJV).

What is a “hoary head,” and why does Proverbs refer to it as “a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness?”

The Bible uses the term “hoary head” only twice. It is found once in today’s Scripture. The other time the Bible uses it is when God instructed Israel in the Mosaic Law: “Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:32).

Leviticus 19:32 explains that “hoary head” is connected to “old man.” In fact, “hoary” is defined as “white or gray haired; aged.” In other words, the expression “hoary head” actually refers to the gray hair of the elderly. Interestingly, the Bible uses “hoary” to also describe the white frost that falls from heaven and covers the ground (Job 38:29).

We “young” people can learn much by listening to the counsel of the older generations, since they have had more experience in life. But, notice how today’s Scripture shows that the “hoary head” that is “a crown of glory”—literally the older person to be praised and honored—is the hoary head that “be found in the way of righteousness.”

We do not hearken unto the advice of just any older person, but the older people who are saints, who have trusted Jesus Christ alone as their Saviour and who value God’s Word. They (should) show us how they apply God’s Word to various life situations by being examples.

For example, within the local church, God wants “aged [Christian] men” to be “sober [clear mind], grave [serious], temperate [self-controlled], sound in faith [not an heretick], in charity [deeds of love], in patience [endurance],” setting an example for the young Christian men (Titus 2:2). The “aged [Christian] women” are to “be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers [gossipers, liars], not given to much wine [having responsible minds], teachers of good things…,” setting an example for the young Christian women (verse 3).

Faithful, Hospitable Lydia

Sunday, August 19, 2012

“And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul” (Acts 16:14 KJV).

Lydia demonstrates how Christian women can be helpful in the ministry.

In the context of today’s Scripture, Paul, Silas, Timotheus (Timothy), and Luke are accompanying Paul on his second apostolic journey. Luke narrates: “And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days. And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont [accustomed] to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither” (verses 12,13). While Paul, Silas, Timotheus, and Luke are in Philippi, some Jewish women have gathered by a riverside on the Sabbath day to have a prayer service.

Paul, seeing opportunity to share the Gospel of the Grace of God, preaches to the group. While we do not know how many women were present, the Bible only mentions Lydia, a Jewess who is rather wealthy (she is “a seller of purple,” and purple cloth was expensive at that time). As Paul preaches the finished crosswork of Jesus Christ as sufficient payment for sins, Lydia listens intently, and then places her faith in that message (Paul’s Gospel).

After she and her household were saved and water baptized, Lydia told Paul, Silas, Timotheus, and Luke: “If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained [urged] us” (verse 15). And so, Lydia lodged them in her house. Later, after being freed from prison, Paul and Silas return to Lydia’s house to see and comfort the Christian brethren there (verse 40).

Scripture never again mentions Lydia. Nevertheless, she was faithful and hospitable in that she took care of God’s apostles by inviting them into her home to lodge. Lydia’s actions will remain recorded forever in God’s Book as a testimony that God can use women for His glory.

We Are STILL Ambassadors for Christ

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

“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).

Today, arC Ministries celebrates its fifth anniversary….

Five years ago, arC Ministries began as a Facebook and a Myspace Bible study group. Over the past half-decade, we have met countless individuals from all walks of life, and we have learned quite a bit from conversing with them (hopefully, the vice versa is also true!).

Our original mission statement was, “To equip ambassadors, and to encourage others to become ambassadors.” We share God’s will: “to have all men saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). There is great confusion as to what soul salvation is and how to receive it, but there is an equal amount of perplexity as to what the Bible’s truth even is regarding those who are saved. Our goal in proclaiming the Gospel of Grace is show the lost world how to be saved and have forgiveness of sins, for God’s glory. Our goal in teaching the Bible dispensationally is to allow you, the saints, to reach spiritual maturity, for God’s glory.

Here is a brief description of our ministry: our written Bible studies, which go back to 2006, laid the foundation for a newspaper ministry (letters to the editor and finally a weekly column). The newspaper ministry, having been cancelled over a year ago, served as a “stepping stone” to establishing this very devotionals blog. These devotionals are now forming the foundation for larger Bible studies, including whole Bible book commentaries. The Bible book commentaries and the devotionals have now become the foundation for a King James Study Bible, which we will publish eventually.

Saints, God has left us “ambassadors” in this foreign land, Earth, but only temporarily. Our time is short, and we will not be ambassadors here forever, so let us invest in the things of God while we still can. This lost and dying world, and our deceived Christian brethren, need to hear God’s truth, and they need to hear it from us!

You can watch our special anniversary Bible study here and/or read it here.

Devoted Epaphroditus

Friday, July 20, 2012

“Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants” (Philippians 2:25 KJV).

Epaphroditus, whose (heathen) name means, “Devoted to [the goddess] Venus,” was actually devoted to the true and living God, the God of the Bible.

Read the context to learn more about Epaphroditus: “For he longed after you all [Philippians], and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:” (verses 26-29).

Paul is writing to Philippi from his prison in Rome, and he is sending the epistle of Philippians to Philippi by a courier and fellow Christian—Epaphroditus. The Apostle explains that Epaphroditus had been sick, but Paul is thankful that he has since recovered: Paul is depressed in prison, and he does not need more “sorrow” (the death of a saint, “fellowsoldier,” and someone who had provided for his needs, would certainly add to Paul’s distress).

Both the Philippians and Paul will be encouraged when Epaphroditus arrives in Philippi: the Philippians will read news from Paul, and Paul will be relieved that God’s Word (his epistle) reached the saints in Philippi. Paul urges the Philippians to “hold such [Epaphroditus] in reputation.” Why? Verse 30 explains: “because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.”

Epaphroditus had literally worked in the ministry to the point of near-death! Paul had needs, and the Philippians failed to supply for them, so Epaphroditus risked his life to compensate. What dedication! Epaphroditus was devoted (but not to Venus): may we be as Epaphroditus, who served the Lord Jesus Christ, “not regarding his life.”

The Saints Suffering for Their Saviour

Monday, July 9, 2012

“For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing” (1 Peter 3:17 KJV).

Today’s Scripture declares: it is better to suffer for God than to suffer for self.

Read today’s Scripture with its context: “But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing” (verses 14-17).

When we use dispensational Bible study, we learn that the Apostle Peter is encouraging Jewish believers enduring the seven-year Tribulation (which is yet future from us). During that period, the wicked antichrist will establish a peace treaty with Israel (and perhaps with other Middle Eastern nations). About halfway through those seven years, the antichrist will terminate that peace treaty, and begin persecuting and killing Jews who reject his satanic agenda and who obey God’s Word (Daniel 9:27; Matthew 10:16-23; Matthew 24:9,10; Revelation 13:5-10; et al.). Compare Matthew 10:16-23 with 1 Peter 3:14-17.

The believing Jews of the Tribulation will follow God’s Word (especially Hebrews through Revelation), causing them to reject the antichrist’s satanic agenda and religion. God has spiritually blinded the Jewish unbelievers, who eagerly worship the antichrist as if he were Jesus Christ (see Revelation 19:20; cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12). Ironically, unbelieving Jews will thus view believing Jews as “evildoers!” These Jewish kingdom saints will “suffer for righteousness’ sake:” their declaration that the antichrist is the counterfeit Jesus Christ will be punishable by death!

Saints, ye shall suffer, but as Peter comforted his brethren who will endure the Tribulation, suffer for “well doing” (following God’s Word) rather than for “evil doing” (disobeying God’s Word).

Sins That Are Past?

Thursday, July 5, 2012

“[Jesus Christ] 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;” (Romans 3:25 KJV).

Does today’s Scripture teach that we are only forgiven of our past sins?

Some believe that, once we trust Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour, God will forgive us of our sins only up to that point in life. These are said to be the “sins that are past” in today’s Scripture. Whatever sins we commit after we trust Christ, we are urged to confess them daily (“short accounts with God”). First John 1:9 is then ripped out of its context here.

Hebrews 9:15 is the best cross-reference to today’s Scripture: “And for this cause he [Jesus Christ] is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.” Here, we see how God dealt with Israel’s sins committed under the Old Covenant. Paul’s revelation not only gives us new information (the mystery program), it also further explains the prophetic program (what God has been revealing since man’s creation).

Israel was commanded to offer animal sacrifices, but this animals’ blood did not take away sins (Hebrews 10:4). Those animal sacrifices typified, or previewed, the perfect blood of Jesus Christ that would one day be shed on Calvary (this blood would be efficacious in taking away sins). Israel will receive national forgiveness at Christ’s Second Coming (Acts 3:19-21; Romans 11:26,27; Hebrews 8:8-13; Hebrews 10:15-17). What national Israel has yet to experience, we have now received in Christ (Romans 5:11; cf. Romans 3:21-31). God was fair in passing over Israel’s “time past” sins because Christ’s blood, His propitiatory sacrifice, would permanently cover them. Despite their historical idolatry, Israel will still be His people one day by virtue of the New Covenant!

Colossians 2:13 says God has forgiven us Christians of “all trespasses.” Thus, the phrase “sins that are past” (today’s Scripture) could not refer to our past sins. It refers to Israel’s past sins.

333’s 400th: Liberty to Publish God’s Word

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13 KJV).

Today we commemorate the United States’ 236th anniversary and our 400th devotional.

Just as we Americans celebrate our nation’s birthday and independence today on this Fourth of July, we Christians worldwide reflect on the “liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free [from sin, death, hell, and the condemnation of the Mosaic Law]” (Galatians 5:1).

Moreover, God our Father has entrusted us with the ministry of sharing with the lost world the spiritual freedom we have found exclusively in the Lord Jesus Christ. Our role in the Christian ambassadorship is to publish God’s pure (unadulterated) Word, the Holy Bible. Whether preaching and teaching it rightly divided, or translating and literally printing it, “The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it” (Psalm 68:11).

God, through His Son’s finished crosswork on Calvary, has freed us from the bondage of the Law and sin. Christ’s blood has “redeemed” us, and it is our responsibility to tell others of that “redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24). The lost and dying souls of the world need to hear the words of Jesus Christ, the words that “are spirit and… [that] are life” (John 6:63b). They need to hear about the eternal life found only in Jesus Christ. They need to hear it from us, God’s people!

God’s grace has saved us, not so we could live any way we want (we were doing that before God’s grace saved us!). We should use our liberty in Christ to “by love serve one another” (today’s Scripture). God’s love motivates us to teach Holy Spirit-indwelt (but denominational) Christians Pauline dispensational Bible study, and to preach to the lost world God’s saving grace in Christ (Paul’s Gospel of 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

Saints, as we reach another milestone, we thank you for your continued prayer for this ministry. And, we thank our Lord Jesus Christ, who has given us liberty to publish God’s Word….

Lord willing, on to #500. 🙂

You can also see our 2011 Fourth of July study “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land,” which can be watched here or read here.