Category: Grace Living (Christian Life)

For Students This is Safe

Sunday, August 16, 2020

“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! 🙂

*P.S.—Yes, the coronavirus pandemic has caused things to be quite different than usual. Some of you will be returning to in-person classrooms; others will be learning from home, via computer or other electronic devices. Please know that I will be in special prayer for you in these unique circumstances. God’s grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9,10)!

Blinded!

Saturday, August 15, 2020

“Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Corinthians 4:1-4 KJV).

Look, the formidable enemy the Christian is up against in ministry!

Recently, I spoke with a relative about spiritual matters. She grew up in a cult, spent time in other churches, and now stays home. As she described her “Christian” life though, it sounded very much like she was as lost as lost could be! Whenever I and another Christian present shared the Gospel of Grace with her, she never seemed to respond in faith. Also, even if she used Bible terms, she attached denominational definitions to them. For example, she told me she would “repent of her sins every night.” When I asked her what she meant, she clarified, “I tell God I am sorry for what I did wrong!” When I told her repentance in Scripture means “change in mind,” she was shocked to realize just how misled she really was.

Long ago, her grandfather told her never to read the Bible from cover to cover, because she would “go crazy” by the time she got to the Revelation! For comfort, she recited the “Our Father” Prayer. She loved reading the Book of Psalms, though she read Ephesians or Colossians too. What made the whole exchange awkward was the constant interruptions from various sources. I thought we would never really make any progress with all the distractions!

The additional challenge in dealing with such people—and it is mindboggling to think there are hundreds of millions (yea, billions!)—is to unravel the decades of church tradition and peel back the layers of ingrained misinformation. Satan’s evil world has done a thorough job in deceiving! Let us be skilled in the Word rightly divided, fully equipped to lead them to the acknowledging of the truth (2 Timothy 2:24-26).

Line of Hope #2

Friday, August 14, 2020

“Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father’s household, home unto thee” (Joshua 2:18 KJV).

Behold, a line of hope!

While oft remembered as an “harlot” (Joshua 2:1; Joshua 6:17,25; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25), it seems that was Rahab’s former occupation. The language of Joshua indicates she was presently a textile worker—one who prepared cloth, linen, and other fiber-related materials. Joshua 2:6 shows she hid the Jewish scouts “with the stalks of flax [raw textile fiber], which she had laid in order upon the roof.” Verse 15 also: “Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house was upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall.” Moreover, as we read in today’s Scripture, she let them down alongside Jericho’s city wall by a “line of scarlet thread.” “And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window” (verse 21).

Let us draw our attention to the “line of scarlet thread” itself. Of course, “scarlet” is a blood-red hue. The Hebrew word for “line” here is “tiqvah.” How interesting it is that this term is rendered “hope” some 23 times in the King James Old Testament, “expectation” seven times, and “the thing that I long for” once! For example, Psalm 62:5: “My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation [tiqvah] is from him.” And, Psalm 71:5: “For thou art my hope [tiqvah], O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth.”

Although Rahab, Joshua, and their contemporaries knew nothing of Calvary’s cross, it is certainly fascinating God in His Word attached “hope” to the hue of blood-red! Unaware of Christ’s blood, Rahab nevertheless revealed her faith using a scarlet thread dangling from her window. If we study our completed Bible from cover to cover, we notice Jesus Christ’s crosswork either implicitly or explicitly. Whether Isaac being offered on the altar, or the Passover lamb’s blood, or Rahab’s scarlet thread, there is a “line of hope” running through the Scripture!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Can you explain Galatians 3:17?”

Line of Hope #1

Thursday, August 13, 2020

“Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father’s household, home unto thee” (Joshua 2:18 KJV).

Behold, a line of hope!

Having escaped Egyptian slavery 40 years earlier, Israel now prepares to enter the Promised Land. Moses has just expired. Joshua has succeeded him as Israel’s leader. The first city they must conquer is Jericho, on the Jordan River’s western bank. In chapter 2 of Joshua, the context of today’s Scripture, Joshua sends two spies to scout the land. Once they bring back word, Israel will move westward and attack! These two Jewish reconnoiters meet a citizen of Jericho—Rahab the harlot—who allows them to lodge at her house (verse 1). Upon Jericho’s king hearing of an infiltration, Rahab denies any association and hides the men on her roof (verses 2-7).

“[8] And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof; [9] And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. [10] For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. [11] And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath. [12] Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father’s house, and give me a true token: [13] And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.”

Rahab is one of the few non-Jews aware of the one true God….

World Lost! #10

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

“Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons; Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children” (Deuteronomy 4:9,10 KJV).

Some have cried out, “This world is going to hell in a handbasket!” Others have exclaimed, “We have lost our country!” Surely, surely, they are all correct!

For centuries, church members have constructed buildings, lit candles, walked aisles, distributed religious literature, donned choir robes, knocked on doors, held “revivals,” organized concerts, and raised money for “missions.” Our leaders have wasted decades and billions of dollars on seminary and Bible college, having learned nothing but man’s speculations and traditions. Spreading their error to the congregations, the Body of Christ—lacking God’s wisdom and power—is rendered impotent and unable to withstand the deceitful cultural revolution already begun.

The formalism was but a veneer. All its gold and silver cannot hide the spiritual poverty of the professing church. Neither can all the water in every baptistery fount wash away its hypocrisy. All the professions of “faith” cannot mask the unbelief that pervades it. Simply put, people have been “playing church”—and the “actors” have finally taken off their masks! In the Apostle Paul’s time, the challenge was preaching the newly-revealed Gospel of Grace so the nations would trust it and abandon their paganism. Now, having gone through 20 centuries of individuals rejecting that Good News, we are witnessing a reverse. Light refused becomes darkness. Today, the nations know the Gospel of Grace—and are returning to heathenism anyway!

Jesus Christ’s return will right everything wrong. Until then, we Christians need to believe and proclaim a clear Gospel message (1 Corinthians 15:3,4), and then believe teach sound Bible doctrine (the Word of God rightly divided—especially Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon). Brethren, let us faithfully pass that to future generations, so we may say, “We are not responsible for the world lost!”

World Lost! #9

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

“Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons; Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children” (Deuteronomy 4:9,10 KJV).

Some have cried out, “This world is going to hell in a handbasket!” Others have exclaimed, “We have lost our country!” Surely, surely, they are all correct!

Regardless of the nation, a society bitterly opposed to Scripture is the result of people failing to appreciate and faithfully pass those truths to the next generation (today’s Scripture). What is done is permanent; the damage will not be reversed. As members of the Church the Body of Christ, our best course of action is three-fold.

Firstly, we must realize the basic problem. It is not negative thinking. Thus, inspirational and motivational messages will not solve the dilemma! It is not racism. Therefore, reparations and apologies will not improve the situation! It is not ignorance. So, education and degrees will not make the circumstances better! It is not poverty. Consequently, jobs and money will not improve the situation! Sin is the fundamental problem. Sin is the fundamental problem. Sin is the fundamental problem. Sin is the fundamental problem.

Secondly, we must recognize the solution. It is not raising our hands, dancing to “contemporary Christian music,” praying, eating Communion wafers and sipping Communion wine, joining local churches, getting water baptized, or forcing people to kneel and “feel really sorry.” The answer is “Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). Here is payment for sin in full. Here is life. The answer to sin is righteousness. The answer to death is Christ bringing life.

Finally, we must understand we absolutely will not prevent the house’s fall. However, being mindful of the first two points, we can slow down the collapse so more souls can escape the inevitable ruin….

World Lost! #8

Monday, August 10, 2020

“Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons; Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children” (Deuteronomy 4:9,10 KJV).

Some have cried out, “This world is going to hell in a handbasket!” Others have exclaimed, “We have lost our country!” Surely, surely, they are all correct!

The United States of America has long been considered a “Christian” nation. Down through the centuries, many other countries have been labeled “Bible-believing” as well. Actually, these nations have overwhelmingly had but a mere façade of righteousness—and that is why anti-Christian voices are rising up at an unprecedented rate.

Religious leaders have forced people to walk aisles, make professions, attend church services, get water baptized, become members of local assemblies, recite “sinner’s prayers,” listen to “feel-good” messages, and so on. There was no clear Gospel of Grace and, thus, no life in Christ. Now, there is such backlash concerning “religion.” People—having grown up with such “hypocrisy,” “half-heartedness,” and “shallowness”—are hellbent on destroying anything even partly resembling morality and order.

Indeed, for centuries, we have faithfully founded denominations, local churches, organizations, and ministries. Like ancient Israel, we have been busy in religion. Yet, all it was… was the energy of the flesh. Sound Bible doctrine was not our priority. Where there is no sound Bible doctrine, there is no Holy Spirit working, and, thus, neither light nor life. Instead of seeking Bible truth, we have pursued religious experiences, and emphasized rites, rituals, and ceremonies. Now that it is too late, we recognize just how far we have “slipped” over the years. The house, almost fully submerged, nearly an entire insect nest itself, can no longer be painted over! We have let the damage become too extensive. The structure is not yet fallen, but it is irreversibly decomposing! Can we do anything as Christians? Let us see….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “What does ‘subvert’ mean?”

World Lost! #7

Sunday, August 9, 2020

“Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons; Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children” (Deuteronomy 4:9,10 KJV).

Some have cried out, “This world is going to hell in a handbasket!” Others have exclaimed, “We have lost our country!” Surely, surely, they are all correct!

The fig tree of Matthew chapter 21 symbolizes Israel’s religion. Displaying attractive leaves, it had a pleasant appearance—and seemed to be alive. However, upon closer inspection, the observer would peel back the leaves and realize it had no fruit. It was a worthless tree with false advertisement!

In connection to the barren fig tree, we find the Lord Jesus lamenting in chapter 23: “[37] O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! [38] Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” This “house” is the Jerusalem Temple—and God has vacated it because they do not want Him! Yet, it is a gorgeous structure, decorated with enormous limestone blocks and golden plates. See Luke 21:5,6: “And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” Also worthless, it would be demolished!

The culmination of Israel’s apostasy was when she demanded her Messiah’s crucifixion just a few days after He cursed the fig tree. With Jesus hanging on Calvary’s cross, Israel could no longer hide her unbelief. She was spiritually and nationally dead. Even now, we can no longer suppress the anti-God and anti-Bible attitude pervading our society today….

World Lost! #6

Saturday, August 8, 2020

“Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons; Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children” (Deuteronomy 4:9,10 KJV).

Some have cried out, “This world is going to hell in a handbasket!” Others have exclaimed, “We have lost our country!” Surely, surely, they are all correct!

The Holy Spirit afforded Moses the ability to look at the nation Israel millennia into the future: “Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee” (Deuteronomy 32:18). Circa 750 years before Christ, halfway between Moses and Calvary, we observe the Jews’ divided kingdom—Israel up north, Judah down south. “For Israel hath forgotten his Maker, and buildeth temples; and Judah hath multiplied fenced cities: but I will send a fire upon his cities, and it shall devour the palaces thereof” (Hosea 8:14).

Israel’s land abounded with temples, places of worship. She appeared religious. Yet, the fact of the matter was they had taken their eyes off the LORD God. Outwardly, she looked alive. Internally and spiritually, however, she had already perished. As for Judah, that kingdom relied on military might instead of the LORD—seemingly strong, it was really weak.

Fast-forward to Christ’s earthly ministry, Matthew chapter 21: “[18] Now in the morning as he [Jesus] returned into the city [Jerusalem], he hungered. [19] And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. [20] And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!” Again, “religious” Israel was promising on the outside, but barren on the inside….

An Ambassador Turns 32!

Friday, August 7, 2020 🎂

“A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:” (Proverbs 1:5 KJV).

A certain ambassador marks another birthday!

With the passing of every year, today’s Scripture should be increasingly applicable to the saint of the Most High God. As the aging process continues—mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually—more strength should be gained. It is the intention of the Holy Spirit to use the Holy Bible to focus especially on “the inner man,” affording the reader or listener the opportunity to augment his knowledge. Once this is allowed to occur, the person graduates to “wise counsels,” having not simply disjointed fragments of assorted information but possessing a comprehension of the larger picture.

Over in 2 Timothy 2:22, we read: “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” Pastor Timothy was a young man, so he still had a lot of growing to do. As opposed to being conformed to this world, he was to make steady progress in being transformed by the renewing of his mind (Romans 12:2). Sin was to have a lessening grip on him, and it would—provided he set his focus on uprightness, trust in God’s words, love in action, and tranquility.

In His grace, the Lord has blessed me with 32 years of earthly life. However, there is an afterlife to anticipate too. “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3). For the past 25 years, I have come to enjoy eternal life—and that will continue forever. There is still so much for me to learn about this life and the life to come. If I were granted another 50 years here—to come to an even greater spiritual maturity, and to bring many more lost people to Christ and many more Christians to full-grown status—that would be awesome beyond description. Still, the Lord may have other plans. For example, before then, He may decide to return and close the Dispensation of Grace with our gathering together unto Him. We shall have to see! Since we have opportunity now, let us continue being about our Father’s business! 🙂