Category: local church assembly

Zealously Affected #33

Wednesday, March 25, 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….

Dear friend, share dispensational Bible study with others. I have done it for nearly two decades now. Typical responses are silence, astonishment, or puzzled facial expressions. Others are franker, such as issuing aggressive outbursts of, “You remind me of a know-it-all!” or “Our denomination may be manmade, but you need to be in church here anyway!”

Long ago, I had a Christian relative scream in my face when he realized he was using a corrupt Bible version; his emotions had become uncontrollable, and no logic was present. Also in my early ministry, I was escorted out of one church building because I was sharing verses contradictory to the theological system promoted there. Four Bible teachers debated me outside the door, their arguments being more ignorance and sarcasm than substantial. Studying at college, I saw and heard a professor (an “educated” man) act and speak in a most thoughtless way. His emotions were dominant as he rattled (ranted) on and on about how he hated Christianity and Christians because of his terrible experiences with “church.” That tantrum is still quite vivid in my mind 19 years later.

We can give a hearty “Amen!” to the words of a stranger who said it best on an online forum I was scanning not too long ago: “Most are ignorant and just want to stay that way. [It] lets their hatred and emotions override logic and actual research efforts.” Here is an individual who is not fooled. Ignorance, especially deliberate ignorance, is excused because emotionalism is incapable of evaluating ideas, policies, or conduct. As long as we are comfortable suffering emotional revolt and emotional tyranny, we have neither a hope nor a prayer in the world of escaping the fantasy world of “feelings.”

How essential it is that we—without delay—turn from darkness to light, from blindness to sight, from wrong to right….

Zealously Affected #32

Tuesday, March 24, 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….

I have seen it in my own life, and I am certain you have experienced it too. A solitary emotional episode can ruin a well-thought-out plan. The result is utterly disastrous! Ruminate on this, dear friend. Father God devised the local church to be a place where His people fellowship around each other as they are filled with the life of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Oh, but the flesh controlled the reckless Galatian assemblies of today’s Scripture! Adam alive and well in and through them, they were spiritual cannibals gobbling up each other in their selfishness, childishness, and pettiness! “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another” (Galatians 5:15). If they were disposed to attack themselves, Paul doubtless expected they would easily consider him a rival too (Galatians 4:16)!

“You are not going to tell us who we can invite to speak at our Bible conference!” A group of professing “grace” Christians told me those words when I informed them of how their favorite teacher was false. By the way, this was the very assembly to which I had ministered for the prior five years. They wanted the lie, and, following God’s example, I decisively handed them over to it (Romans 1:24,26,28). That was their own fault, neither my fault nor God’s. Unfortunately, they not only lacked spiritual sense but also refused it, and would therefore threaten my own spiritual health if I did not get away from them. “Be not deceived: evil communications [friendships, companionships, associates] corrupt good manners” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Since they were more emotional than they were scriptural and dispensational, I promptly cut off fellowship with them. Last I heard of them, they were further from the truth than ever… and their false teacher was still there, teaching worse doctrine.

If our doctrine is not that which demonstrates the life of Jesus Christ, we have no reason to assemble—no matter how good it “feels” or how emotionally attached we are to the teacher or pastor….

Zealously Affected #22

Thursday, March 12, 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….

“No one knows everything, no one is perfect, so I cannot possibly fault my ‘favorite’ Bible teacher for promoting lies.” “Yes, our pastor teaches false doctrine, but we cannot bear to send him away from our assembly.” No matter what we “feel,” the objective Holy Scriptures stand. May we obey them by faith.

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:17,18). “I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat” (1 Corinthians 5:9-11).

“If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself” (1 Timothy 6:3-5). “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

Zeal for the Lord indeed transcends all human relations….

NOTE: In order to bring you a special study tomorrow, we will temporarily break away from this devotionals arc….

Zealously Affected #21

Wednesday, March 11, 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….

Originating in the emotion-driven Charismatic Movement during the 1960s and 1970s, “contemporary Christian music” has now become a regular feature of “worship” services in nearly all local churches. Upon hearing these sounds, people report having “chills” or goosebumps (the technical term is “frisson”). With adrenaline released, an emotional spark or tingly feeling prompts physical reactions—lifting hands, tapping toes, swaying hips, waving arms, jumping, dancing, running, and uttering ecstatically. Although offered as “evidence of the filling of the Spirit,” we are not convinced… for we observe the same movements at nightclubs, worldly concerts, and sporting events (where patrons are “filled with the spirits”). Furthermore, compared to traditional hymns, the lyrics of contemporary Christian music tend to be shallow, the doctrine foolish and false. That means no Holy Spirit is working and God cannot possibly be glorified. Another spirit is at work, and emotions have tricked individuals yet again (“zealously affected, but not well”).

Christendom’s “scholarly elite” further threatens our spiritual welfare. Members of this party have emotional attachments to “church fathers,” seminary professors, and textual critics. They exalt the opinions of men and change the Bible text to agree with what they “think” God meant. Supposedly, God Himself sent them to recover/reconstruct His Bible that He “lost” over the centuries due to an accumulation of manuscript errors. After all, they heard this skeptic’s viewpoint in their “Christian” university classes for years. Now that they have graduated with their humanistic degrees, they pass on such error to us the naïve Christian community (programmed to worship “scholarship” too!). What unbelief (“zealously affected, but not well”)! “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

These emotional individuals are in leadership positions in our churches and schools, so indeed be on the lookout for them and promptly flee….

Zealously Affected #20

Tuesday, March 10, 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….

Several years ago, a certain “grace” preacher was a mentor of mine. Another young man he trained became a heretical Bible teacher (imparting bad information to draw disciples to himself). When I informed that preacher of this false teacher, he became so enraged (cf. Galatians 4:16) and accused me of being “full of myself.” Instead of admitting the young man was a liar, this preacher scowled at me and asserted I was “too strict” with my doctrine! Never did I expect that “minister” “friend” (of all people) to attack me that viciously—particularly after he, literally minutes prior, had delivered a sermon about upholding sound doctrine (!). There was definitely no renewed mind or Holy Spirit behind his attitude. I later discovered he had a father–son bond with the false teacher, his emotions inclining him toward the praise of men and away from the praise of God (John 12:42,43). Dear readers, mark it well: no (!) emotional (!) attachment (!) is (!) ever (!) worth (!) retaining (!) or (!) defending (!) the (!) lies (!) of (!) Hell (!)!

God created us as emotional beings; it is therefore impossible to eliminate emotions. Yet, because sin has corrupted them, we should choose not to let them control us. It has taken me 30 years (my entire Christian life) to learn to be more loyal to the Lord Jesus Christ than to people. Whether friendships, romantic relationships, or even familiar ties, these are quite easy to sever if they dishonor my Saviour. I have sat under the ministries of countless false teachers—namely, legalists, Bible correctors, and worldly church leaders. They were dear friends, and though I despise no one, I decided to follow the Lord than follow them. No matter how amiable they were, or educated, or experienced, staying with them was not conducive to my spiritual growth and development. When I saw they had “zealously affected me but not well,” instilling in me a desire to be fervent about their bad doctrine, I had no further company with them, especially after they ignored corrective verses I shared….

Zealously Affected #10

Saturday, February 28, 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….

Remember, the Greek term for “zealously affect” twice featured in today’s Scripture is “zeloo,” from “zelos” (“heat”), the derivation of our English “zeal.” “Zeloo” was elsewhere rendered “moved with envy” (Acts 7:9; Acts 17:5), “covet earnestly” (1 Corinthians 12:31), “envieth” (1 Corinthians 13:4), “desire” (1 Corinthians 14:1), “covet” (1 Corinthians 14:39), “jealous over” (2 Corinthians 11:2), “desire to have” (James 4:2), and “zealous” (Revelation 3:19). It is a burning enthusiasm/passion. “Zeo” (“to be hot”) was translated “fervent” in Acts 18:25, descriptive of Apollos’ zeal in ministry. Also, it appears as a general exhortation for all Christians to be “fervent in spirit” (Romans 12:11). Simply put, it is an intense or powerful action that, depending on the context, can be positive or negative.

Minister Apollos was surely as “hot” as boiling water, his fiery sermons rousing audiences who were in great wonderment… but he was preaching an outdated message that Aquila and Priscilla identified and corrected (Acts 18:24-27). See, dear friend, enthusiasm alone, excitement alone, elation alone, ecstasy alone is no guarantee the truth is being proclaimed. How many tens of thousands in ministry right now are so energetic, busy with this and with that, but such liveliness will one day be revealed to be, not God’s power, but merely overactive human emotions?

Christian victory, the Holy Spirit’s might, is in 1 Thessalonians 2:13: “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” The Word of God—the King James Bible for us English-speaking people—effectually works in us when we believe it, accomplishing God’s desired effect. Here is something that far exceeds any and all adrenaline rushes, never disappoints, and cannot be faked or counterfeited….

Heir by Position, Pauper by Practice #17

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

“Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ” (Galatians 4:7 KJV).

Saints, we in Christ are spiritual winners and heirs by position, but we can choose to be spiritual losers and paupers by practice!

Despite the (hopefully) underlying sincerity, it is vain church tradition to urge unbelievers and new believers to begin reading the Holy Bible in the Book of John. Yea, it is more preferable for them to start in the Book of Romans. After all, Paul’s epistle (formal doctrinal letter) to the Romans is actually divided into four “grace pillars” which constitute the foundation of the Christian life. How does the Christian life commence? Read Romans! How does the Christian life work? Read Romans!

Romans chapters 1–5 is justification, having a right standing before God by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Chapters 6–8 is sanctification, being set apart unto God’s purposes (chapter 6 is how we are dead to sin, chapter 7 is how we are dead to the Law, and chapter 8 is how we are alive unto God by the indwelling Holy Spirit). Romans chapters 9–11 is dispensation, how we are not Israel and how we have not replaced Israel (chapter 9 is Israel’s past, chapter 10 is Israel’s present, and chapter 11 is Israel’s future). Chapters 12–16 is application of grace principles to specific daily situations and circumstances (renewed mind, living with fellow Christians and unbelievers, human government, weaker brethren, unity among members of the local church, et cetera).

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6,7). Our “walk” is our Christian conduct or service—and it works by faith in Christ just as we received Him by faith (see verse 5). “Rooted in Him” suggests life (like a plant), whereas “built up in Him” implies firmness (like a structure). “Stablished in the faith” is stabilized according to sound/healthy Bible doctrine which we must first be “taught,” for our Christian life will not operate on the basis of Bible ignorance. We should be immensely grateful to God for what He has done for us. Yet, Colossians 2:8 issues a warning….

Redeem the Year!

Thursday, January 1, 2026

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:15-17 KJV).

What great advice for 2026!

Despite 2,000 years of Bible schools and seminaries, 2,000 years of a completed Bible canon, 2,000 years of Bible reading in churches, several decades of “Christian” television and radio, and a decade-plus of widespread use of “Christian” websites, how sad that Bible ignorance is still quite extensive (it is as if God never gave His Word to start with!).

Frankly, the Church the Body of Christ needs to wake up! The verse previous to today’s Scripture says, “Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light” (verse 14). Paul, loosely quoting Isaiah 60:1, reminded us that the spiritual ignorance that gripped Israel in Isaiah’s day seized Christians in his day—and it still grips Christians 20 centuries later. Feel-good sermons, enjoyable “worship” services, and rites, rituals, and ceremonies will NOT solve this problem—they exacerbate it!

“[God] will have all men to be saved…” (1 Timothy 2:4a). Do you want this New Year to count for God’s glory? First, you need to get saved from sins and hell! You need to become a Christian by trusting in and relying on Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection as sufficient payment for your sins (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). That is only part of God’s will for you, for 1 Timothy 2:4b continues, “[God] will have all men… to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” Now, God’s will for your Christian life is daily, personal Bible study to renew your mind, so your faith in those verses can cause God to work in your life—it will be His life, thus making you “perfect [spiritually mature], throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16,17).

Today’s Scripture urges us to buy back the time Satan has robbed from God (time created for God’s glory). By faith, we need to make that time glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by applying His Word, particularly Paul’s epistles of Romans through Philemon, to our lives. Have a good year in Christ! 🙂

You can download our free “One-Year Bible Reading Schedule.”

See our archived Bible Q&A: “What Scriptural advice can you give me for the New Year?”

The Clever Axe #6

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matthew 7:15 KJV).

Observe the following: “The forest was shrinking, but the trees kept voting for the axe, for the axe cleverly convinced the trees that his wooden handle made him one of them.” While written about duplicitous politicians, it is also practical instruction for religious leaders and about religious leaders.

A deacon board was considering a pastoral candidate for their local church. Hearing his responses to questions, one solitary deacon doubted the man’s spiritual reliability, but, outnumbered, he ultimately joined his colleagues in unanimously endorsing and installing the pastor. Within three years, that “minister” permanently destroyed the assembly with his false doctrine. Though three decades have passed, my community and my family have never been the same; yes, that was our church (!). By the way, when I was much older, I interviewed that lone deacon. Looking back on those events, he realized his reluctance to accept the self-serving candidate was justified. The other deacons were Bible babies, having no real spiritual sense and totally unqualified to judge men for the ministry.

“Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure” (1 Timothy 5:22). This refers to ordaining men to serve in the ministry (cf. 1 Timothy 4:14). We should not be swift in aligning ourselves with pastors and teachers, hurriedly appointing people as our spiritual leaders and/or supporting them before we know what they really believe and are really doing. Remember, the child focuses on the axe’s harmless wooden handle, but the adult notices its sharp iron head. We must have a mature view about hazards, physical and spiritual.

Wolves wearing sheep’s clothing also involved false pastors, false prophets, and false shepherds in Jeremiah 23:1-40 and John 10:1-18. Israel’s false teachers failed in their job to guard the nation against Satan’s errors. Likewise, most of our pastors and teachers have failed us miserably in this regard for the last 20 centuries. Paul wrote, “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant” (1 Corinthians 14:37,38). In the midst of error (Acts 20:28-31), grace principles, Romans to Philemon, are the key to spirituality and safety (Acts 20:32).

Possessed with Devils #22

Monday, October 27, 2025

“And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them” (Matthew 4:24 KJV).

What does the Bible say about devil possession?

A minister—one of Christendom’s “blind leaders of the blind”—shared online a prayer to recite to drive out evil spirits. This little manmade petition, unfortunately, has no Divine authority whatsoever because it is not the Bible rightly divided. Ironically, this “exorcist” gives Satan more influence by spreading his denominational error and spiritual ignorance. Paul’s epistles delineate what God is doing today, but that pastor never cited a single verse from Romans through Philemon. Unsurprisingly, he appealed to Matthew through John!

The resurrected, ascended, and glorified Lord Jesus Christ sent our Apostle Paul to us Gentiles to “open [our] eyes, and to turn [us] from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God” (Acts 26:16-18). If we do not walk according to that Dispensation of Grace given to Paul and given through Paul to us (Romans to Philemon; Ephesians 3:2), we lose the battle with Satan and fall prey to the “spiritual wickedness in high [heavenly] places” (see Ephesians 6:11-19). Indeed, Satan has ministers of righteousness—denominational preachers and teachers—who have led billions (!) astray in works-religion (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). These deceived souls are in “the snare [trap] of the devil… taken captive by him at his will” (2 Timothy 2:24-26). Grace, all that God can do for us through Christ’s finished crosswork on Calvary, has been ignored; man’s religious efforts (Law) and man’s “wisdom” (philosophy) are glorified in its place.

As per Pauline doctrine, no one today can be possessed of the Devil or devils, but we can be oppressed of the Devil and devils through the ministry of false teachers promoting bad conduct and bad doctrine (see 1 Corinthians 5:5; 1 Corinthians 7:5; 1 Corinthians 10:19-21; 1 Timothy 1:19,20; 1 Timothy 3:7; 1 Timothy 4:1-5; 1 Timothy 5:11-15; cf. Romans 16:20; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Ephesians 4:27). Satan will even use corrupt governmental leaders to hinder God’s work (see 1 Thessalonians 2:18; cf. Acts 17:5-9). Pride is of the Devil (1 Timothy 3:6), as is bitterness and unforgiveness (2 Corinthians 2:7-11). Indeed, Christendom is woefully (!) ignorant (!) of Satan’s activities….