Category: encouragement

An Inescapable Testimony #8

Friday, October 4, 2024

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV).

How can we have an inescapable testimony?

Today’s Scripture describes the Word of God, the Holy Bible, as “quick” (living, lively, able to give life) and “powerful” (active, mighty, capable of work). It can impart life to those who hear it (physically, as in John 5:25; or spiritually, as in John 6:63). It is also “sharper than any twoedged sword,” efficiently slicing up and down, penetrating beyond the physical realm and right into “the soul and spirit” (cutting in two the parts of the inner man, heart/emotions and mind, respectively). Also, it slashes into “the joints and marrow” (most intimate realms of the spiritual body). We wish to concentrate on the final phrase, “and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

In Greek, “discerner” is “kritikos,” the basis for our English words such as “critic,” “critical,” and “criticism.” The Bible judges, evaluates, or discriminates “the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Such “thoughts” are, of course, the ideas someone thinks, devises, or conceives. The “intents” are motives, purposes, or objectives. Holy Scripture is competent to pass judgment on what our heart (soul) thinks and aims to do. Not only is this true of the written Word of God, it can apply to the spoken Word (before Scripture was written).

For example, after hearing the Apostle Peter’s sermon on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:14-36), unbelieving Jews in Jerusalem were “pricked in their heart” (verse 37). They were convicted: the Holy Spirit, giving Peter utterance, spoke to them and used His words to pierce or inflict pain (sorrow, for example) in their soul. This led to them seeing how they had killed their Messiah Jesus in unbelief. In more violent situations, the Holy Spirit utilized Peter’s sermon in Acts 5:29-32 and Stephen’s sermon in Acts 7:2-53 to “cut to the heart [saw them through with vexation!]” Israel’s apostate religious leaders (Acts 5:33; Acts 7:54).

The Word of God being read or preached still brings out vehement reactions, positive and negative….

An Inescapable Testimony #7

Thursday, October 3, 2024

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV).

How can we have an inescapable testimony?

At one time or another, we have all been in the situation where someone did not care to hear us share sound Bible doctrine with them. Upon reflection, we grow discouraged. We feel like we did not adequately convey the proper view—and, perhaps, that is so. Or, we suddenly remember additional information we could have offered them that “would have” (or we assume) “convinced them.” Alas, we fail to realize the following: not only must we be equipped with answers, the members of our audience need to have a heart that wishes to receive those answers!

It has been stated, and rightly so, “It is not an evidence problem, but a heart problem.” This dictum explains how the Lord Jesus Christ could work an abundance of miracles for three years, and, yet, receive such negative feedback (unbelief, persecution, intimidation, execution). It describes how He could preach innumerable wise sermons and respond to His critics most skillfully for three years, and still have so few converts (aptly designated “the little flock;” Luke 12:32). John chapter 1, verses 9-12, says about Jesus Christ: “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:….”

Despite a believing remnant, most of His listeners were just too comfortable with their lies—and to admit they had been wrong for so long was simply inconceivable. It was not that He did not do enough. It was not that He did not say enough. It was not that the evidence was faulty or nonexistent. Rather, it was the audience had already elected not to believe!

Let us now look at today’s Scripture in this light….

An Inescapable Testimony #6

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV).

How can we have an inescapable testimony?

Observe the final verses of John chapter 12, Christ speaking at the end of His three years of earthly ministry: “[47] And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. [48] He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. [49] For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. [50] And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.”

With Jesus Christ, His 12 Apostles, and His 70 Preachers all proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom through Matthew to John and early Acts, forever removed from Israel was any and all occasion to be without excuse. When lost Jews from that time find themselves at the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15), facing the Lake of Fire, none will be able to argue they had no chance to hear and believe the truth: “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48).

No matter where we look on the Bible timeline, there is always a Scriptural record of God having a prophet or spokesman to testify or bear record of His words to man. At the Great White Throne Judgment, the Lord Jesus Himself will take the Bible and point out the verses that were applicable to that individual soul’s time on Earth. That soul is then punished according to the light rejected, always haunted by those Divine words he or she chose not to believe….

An Inescapable Testimony #5

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV).

How can we have an inescapable testimony?

Just before His arrest, trial, and crucifixion, the Lord Jesus issued these words to His Little Flock (especially His Apostles): “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause” (John 15:18-25).

Pay special attention to verse 22: “If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin.” It is not that, unless Jesus had conducted His earthly ministry with them, apostate Israel would have been sinless. Rather, He visited them to render them “without excuse” (cf. Romans 1:20), allowing them to be guilty of rejecting Him when given the opportunity to believe on Him (John 3:16-21; John 9:39-41; John 12:37-50). “They have no cloke for their sin” is another way of saying they had no covering or excuse to continue living in sin, because the Son of God and the Spokesman of the Godhead had preached to them for three years—and they ignored Him….

An Inescapable Testimony #4

Monday, September 30, 2024

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV).

How can we have an inescapable testimony?

Turning to Christ commissioning His 12 Apostles, we read, “And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city” (Matthew 10:14,15). “And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city” (Mark 6:11).

As for commissioning His 70 Preachers, we learn, “And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city” (Luke 10:8-12).

What a frightening concept! As terrible as the Day of Judgment will be for the citizens of Sodom and Gomorrah when they are sentenced to the eternal Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:11-15), even their punishment will be light or easy when compared to the dreadful fate awaiting the residents of the cities of Israel whose streets the Son of God and His dozens of preachers trod as they proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom to willingly deaf ears….

An Inescapable Testimony #3

Sunday, September 29, 2024

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV).

How can we have an inescapable testimony?

Matthew chapter 11: “[20] Then began he [the Lord Jesus Christ] to upbraid [scold, reproach, fuss] the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: [21] Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon [two wicked Gentile cities], they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. [22] But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. [23] And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. [24] But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.”

Luke chapter 10: “[13] Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. [14] But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. [15] And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell. [16] He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.”

As sinful as Sodom and Gomorrah were (Genesis 13:13; Genesis 18:20-33; Genesis 19:1-25; 2 Peter 2:6-9; Jude 7), they were not as evil as the cities of Israel during Christ’s earthly ministry. How so? Sodom and Gomorrah did not have God in human flesh, the Lord Jesus, preaching to them and performing confirming miracles. Sodom and Gomorrah did not have 12 Apostles and 70 other preachers proclaiming the Word of God in them and performing confirming miracles in them….

An Inescapable Testimony #2

Saturday, September 28, 2024

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV).

How can we have an inescapable testimony?

The Lord Jesus was asked various questions during His three years of earthly ministry. Many were captious or trick interrogations—to trip Him up in His words, or present a difficult issue He could not answer. Other exchanges were not actual inquiries, but seemingly “innocent” statements made to challenge, embarrass, or discredit Him in some way. Pay special attention to Matthew 22:15-46, Mark 12:12-37, and Luke 20:19-44. These questions were posed to Him in the Jerusalem Temple just a few days before His death. Notice His exceptional insight!

If you are interested, and have much free time, check this plethora of passages. See Matthew 9:14-17; Mark 2:18-22; Luke 5:33-39. Also, Matthew 12:1-14; Mark 2:23-28; Luke 6:1-5. Plus, read Matthew 12:24-45; Mark 3:22-30; Luke 11:15-26. In addition, Matthew 15:1-11 and Mark 7:1-13. Other references are Matthew 16:1-4, Luke 11:53-54, and Luke 10:25-37. Moreover, read Matthew 19:1-9 and Mark 10:1-9. Try Matthew 19:16-22; Mark 10:17-22; Luke 18:18-23. See also Matthew 21:15,16. Check Matthew 21:23-46; Mark 11:27–12:11; Luke 20:1-18. Go to Matthew 26:63-68; Mark 14:60-62; Luke 22:66-71. Finally, John 6:25-71, John 7:10-53, John 8:1-59, John 10:1-42, John 11:47-57, and John 18:19-23.

On numerous occasions, Christ responded with God’s wisdom. Whatever was posed to Him, He answered using great skill and insight from the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament. As those three years passed, it became more and more obvious how the hostility against Him was escalating. He knew it would culminate with His crucifixion. After all, they had already attempted to kill Him several times (Matthew 2:13-18; Luke 4:28-30; John 5:15; John 8:58,59; John 10:30,31). Eventually, He would let them get their way—but only when He was ready to lay down His life. Still, the Lord Jesus preached, preached, preached. There was more unbelief than faith, willful ignorance than receiving hearts. It was not His job to make them believe, but to tell them what to believe—the very Hebrew Bible they allegedly trusted, read, and heard every Sabbath Day in their synagogues.

We should be likewise faithful in ministry, despite our opponents….

For Students This is Safe

Thursday, August 8, 2024

“Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:128 KJV).

As a new school year dawns, let us awake unto spiritual truth!

Although the autumnal equinox is still over a month away here in the Northern Hemisphere, summer is finally beginning to wind down for most of us. Students—with long faces and deep sighs—have returned or are beginning to return to school. As students return to the classroom, they need to be particularly mindful of the following.

Firstly, learning in and of itself is not a sin. Moses was “learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians” (Acts 7:22). Luke was a medical doctor (Colossians 4:14). Daniel and his companions were skilled in science (Daniel 1:4). Adam was the first taxonomist (Genesis 2:19,20). The God of the Bible is never against learning new things—remember, He gave us His Holy Bible so we can have plenty to learn for all of eternity!

Secondly, what the God of the Bible opposes is when we believe/trust ideas that do not seek our best interests, that contradict the way He designed our lives to function. Certainly, we Christians should never go around believing anything and everything heard and seen. Just because the professor, preacher, pope, or president says it is true, that does not make it so. Scientific consensus has been wrong before, religion has been wrong before, politicians have been wrong before. Much of the ideas that permeate our world today are wrong.

Lastly, there are many wonderful, exciting ideas and concepts out there—medical advancements, technological breakthroughs, and so on—but there are equally detrimental ideas that will mess up your life—religious traditions, secular humanism, and other philosophies. Daily intake of the King James Bible rightly divided will cleanse our souls of the filth and foolishness that we hear and see day in and day out in this evil world system. We highly exalt God’s Word, we know it is right “concerning all things,” and we hate and ignore the error.

Have a wonderful school year in our Lord Jesus Christ! 🙂

An Ambassador Turns 36!

Wednesday, August 7, 2024 🎂

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).

As of today, I have enjoyed 36 years of earthly life; therefore, permit me to share a few words of advice to celebrate the occasion!

Perhaps I have grown a little wiser in the year I have grown a little older. What I have learned during 18 years of ministry—exactly half my life now—is to be vigilant as to getting too attached to anyone or anything. We will encounter in life people who will edify us (build us up spiritually) and people who will destroy us (tear us down spiritually). Our family members, friends, and even our favorite pastor or seminary professor or Bible teacher will likely serve in both capacities at some point. Friends and brethren, beware of traitors and willing tools of the Devil, and keep your eyes focused exclusively on the Lord Jesus Christ (rather than on them).

Recently, I have been reflecting on all those professing believers who once were part of our ministry through these many years, but did not endure (tolerate) sound doctrine and thus fell away into willful blindness and ignorance. They grew older, but not wiser, and this is precisely what we are to avoid by drawing on the indwelling Holy Spirit’s power. We have to continue—“continue!!”—in grace doctrine if it is to make a difference in our lives (today’s Scripture). Acknowledging the doctrine once is not enough. It is a constant renewing of the mind, “day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).

Notice again how we are to continue (“continue!!”) in sound Bible doctrine: “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 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 3:14-17). Let us remember this every birthday! 🙂

Let Them Recover Themselves

Friday, August 2, 2024

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will” (2 Timothy 2:24-26 KJV).

Today’s Scripture is great advice for ministry workers!

Recently, I had a phone conversation with a dear brother in Christ who has been following our ministry, reading our studies and watching our Bible videos, for a few years now. For some decades, he was part of a “Christian” denomination. Whatever information he was learning from them did not match what he was experiencing in his life. In other words, they had make-believe as the foundation of their Bible understanding. It was very discouraging and confusing for him.

Eventually, he left that and joined an online “Bible study group,” but they too proved to be another disappointment. These people studied books about the Bible instead of the actual Bible—and he was interested in what the Bible said as opposed to what “Doctor So-and-So” thought the Bible said. A couple of years ago, he landed on our ministry websites and subsequently came to understand and enjoy the Bible. Ever since, he has been growing in the Word rightly divided and is teaching others what he has learned. As a business owner, he has informed his employees of sound Bible doctrine. Also, he wants to reach out to certain clients who belong to a particular works-religion cult.

Some people wish to hear him, while others could not care less. I told him that we teach them to cause them to think, leaving God the Holy Spirit to take care of the rest. He should not be disheartened if people are happy in their Bible ignorance. All we can do is tell them sound Bible doctrine and let them recover themselves out of the snare of the Devil (today’s Scripture). We cannot recover them; they must recover themselves by placing their faith in the rightly divided Scriptures we give them. Brethren, let us be faithful in providing them those verses! 🙂