Category: Grace Living (Christian Life)

Free to Be Wrong

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

“Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever” (Psalm 119:160 KJV).

The LORD’S righteous judgments are where sole authority does belong; we are free to disagree with them, and thus we are also free to be eternally wrong!

Dear saint, once you study your King James Bible dispensationally, you want to share those truths with others. However, you will not encounter masses of people saying, “Oh, thank you for sharing the truth with us.” Most will not listen for long. In my own ministry, people respond with, “I don’t agree with you” or “You are wrong.” Very rarely do they quote verses to show themselves true. They usually have no such verses to quote, or they do not know any verses to quote anyway. Usually, they just have personal opinions and denominational doctrines to promote.

Having just heard or read me quote verses, they skip over all the Bible verses I quoted, and say, “No, I disagree.” They offer nothing to support themselves. Frankly, that is lazy. They have no interest in searching the Scriptures to see if what I said was so. Why? They have no interest in hearing God’s words. They are ungrateful that God’s Word has been preserved for them in English. While millions go without Bibles worldwide, these fools see the Bible and avoid it. That is not being mean; that is being honest. Only fools argue with Scripture. And, sad to say, but this just does not refer to lost people. So-called “Christians” and alleged “grace people” will not always address the verses you cite. They simply parrot their earlier comments as if Scriptures were never posted. Their loyalty is thus manifested to be in the “traditions” and “scholarship” of men. There is no desire to be “approved of God” (2 Timothy 2:15).

Now, please understand, they are free to believe whatever they like. But, they had better not say that it is “Bible” when they have no Bible verses to support them!! They cannot say they are “Bible believers” when they argue with the Bible. Ultimately, they have no business saying they are preaching “Christianity” when they are preaching everything but!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “What does Romans 8:28 mean?”

“Hate Speech” #7

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

“Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt” (Jeremiah 38:4 KJV).

Who is “this man?” And, what words is he speaking to make him worthy of being “put to death?”

About 600 years after the Prophet Jeremiah preached to Israel, the Apostle Paul preached to heathen. Note chapter 17 of Acts, when Paul and his ministry companions preached Jesus Christ: “[6] And when they [the unbelieving Jews] found them [Paul and Silas] not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; [7] Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.”

At this point, Paul has been preaching for over 20 years. The Jesus Christ who he had been proclaiming had angered many people all over the Roman Empire. Apostate Jews had heard of this renegade Pharisaical scholar preaching about an imposter he himself had once rejected and hated. Observe how those lost Jews accused Paul, Silas, and their ministry coworkers of “turn[ing] the world upside down” (Acts 17:6). As someone once commented, “Oh no, Jesus Christ through Paul was turning the world right-side up!” Indeed, lost man and God never see eye-to-eye. This world that God had originally created “good” is now evil. Mankind is evil, so he sees nothing wrong with the world; man views any improvement of it as bad. God, holy and just, recognizes the world as corrupt, and He will fully reclaim it from Satan one day!

Brethren, we know there is an everlasting devil’s hell waiting for all who die without Jesus Christ. May we, in love, reach them quickly with the message of Christ crucified for their sins, His burial, and His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). Let them falsely accuse us. One way or another, in heaven or in hell, they will realize just how important that message is! 🙂

“Hate Speech” #6

Monday, February 22, 2016

“Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt” (Jeremiah 38:4 KJV).

Who is “this man?” And, what words is he speaking to make him worthy of being “put to death?”

According to the verses previous to today’s Scripture, Jeremiah preached: “[2] Thus saith the LORD, He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live. [3] Thus saith the LORD, This city shall surely be given into the hand of the king of Babylon’s army, which shall take it.”

In today’s Scripture, Judah’s princes complained to King Zedekiah that Jeremiah was discouraging the Jewish people from fighting and resisting the Babylonians. Unbelief at its very best! Jeremiah was preaching in the name of JEHOVAH—“thus saith the LORD”—and JEHOVAH God had already determined that the Babylonians would come in and defeat the Jews. That is, Jeremiah was telling Israel it was no use fighting the Babylonians, for God had already determined that judgment on the Jews. Israel’s God had given them centuries of warnings to reform or be punished, but the Jews never turned back to Him.

Of course, Jeremiah was portrayed as the evil one. Judah’s princes accused him of not seeking Judah’s wellbeing. In fact, it was they who were not seeking Judah’s wellbeing. They were the evil ones. To fight against JEHOVAH, as they were doing, was sure to lead to physical harm and death. Contrariwise, to obey JEHOVAH’S words through Jeremiah, and submit to Babylon, “he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live.”

What another interesting parallel to today’s Scripture. Those who rebel against God, they are “innocent.” It is the Bible-believing Christian, speaking against injustice and unrighteousness, who is the evildoer!

“Hate Speech” #5

Sunday, February 21, 2016

“Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt” (Jeremiah 38:4 KJV).

Who is “this man?” And, what words is he speaking to make him worthy of being “put to death?”

The Prophet Jeremiah preached with authority, “Thus saith the LORD” (verse 2). This greatly upset the Jewish people, for they knew quite well that they had disobeyed the LORD and His impending judgment on them was just.

While they did not take Jeremiah’s life, verse 6 says that they threw him into a dungeon. The language indicates that it was an empty in-ground cistern or well. Instead of water, it had mire (slushy mud). In less than five years, Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar came in and destroyed Jerusalem (chapters 39 and 52; cf. 2 Chronicles chapter 36)—JEHOVAH’S word (through Moses and Jeremiah) was fulfilled. The Babylonian captain freed Jeremiah, who remained in Judah before moving to Egypt with the remnant of Jews not taken to Babylon (chapters 40-45). Jerusalem, actually, 2,600 years later, is still awaiting God’s restoration.

Today, brethren, we speak with authority when we say, “Thus saith the LORD.” When the Bible delineates specific actions as sins, they are sins. End of story. People can argue all they want but there is no room for argument. They can throw their tantrums but they need to grow up and face reality. There is such a thing as right and wrong, and God’s judgment is sure to fall on those who are outside of His Son Jesus Christ. Let us warn them in love, but let us warn them while there is still time. We Bible believers do not preach “hate speech.” We preach “love speech.” We preach God’s love on Calvary commended to sinners (Romans 5:8). May we point them to Calvary, lest they go to hell forever, something infinitesimally worse than invading Babylonian armies and Gentile captivity!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Is it ‘un-Christian’ for a country to have border walls?”

“Hate Speech” #4

Saturday, February 20, 2016

“Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt” (Jeremiah 38:4 KJV).

Who is “this man?” And, what words is he speaking to make him worthy of being “put to death?”

It is not uncommon for people today to criticize the Bible in the following manner: “We have come so far from those primitive days of ignorance. What does that book of fairytales have to do with me? I stopped believing in make-believe when I grew up.” (Really?!) When you think about it, they still believe in make-believe. They assume that the problems that existed back then have since disappeared. As our news reports demonstrate, those problems are still here in society. Their ignorant words prove that we have not moved very far from those “primitive days of ignorance!”

We are certainly more technologically advanced than the society of Bible days. Better-fabricated houses, more sophisticated modes of transportation, innumerable more “gadgets,” and faster communication; yet, human nature is unchanged, as depraved as ever. The basic problem with mankind still exists—he refuses to interact with his Creator because his Creator is holy and he is sinful. Strangely, if you condemn sin by quoting the Bible, you are accused of “hate speech.” However, it actually is the other way around. The sinner hates to hear the Word of God, and will hatefully speak against it. (“Go away with your fairy-tales, you religious fanatic!”) Definitely, one of the effects of sin is lost mankind abounding with “haters of God” (Romans 1:30).

Furthermore, God’s Holy Book is a sword, and spiritually speaking, a very sharp sword. It cuts deep into the innermost being of whoever hears or reads it—“pricking in the heart” (Acts 2:37) and “cutting to the heart” (Acts 7:54). We can understand exactly why Jeremiah was condemned in today’s Scripture. Bible haters still want Bible believers harmed (or murdered) even in the “sophisticated” 21st century!

“Hate Speech” #3

Friday, February 19, 2016

“Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt” (Jeremiah 38:4 KJV).

Who is “this man?” And, what words is he speaking to make him worthy of being “put to death?”

Moses had warned Israel, if she would persist in sin, the fifth course of judgment would come upon her. Through Moses, JEHOVAH said in Leviticus chapter 26: “[27] And if ye will not for all this hearken unto me, but walk contrary unto me; [28] Then I will walk contrary unto you also in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins. [29] And ye shall eat the flesh of your sons, and the flesh of your daughters shall ye eat. [30] And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you. [31] And I will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries unto desolation, and I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours. [32] And I will bring the land into desolation: and your enemies which dwell therein shall be astonished at it. [33] And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste. [34] Then shall the land enjoy her sabbaths, as long as it lieth desolate, and ye be in your enemies’ land; even then shall the land rest, and enjoy her sabbaths.”

So, when Jeremiah preached what he did in the verses previous to today’s Scripture, he was merely echoing Moses’ words, which words Moses had received by direct revelation from JEHOVAH God. In reality, Jeremiah was not preaching “hate speech.” The Jews were convicted of their pagan idolatry, and they spoke against Jeremiah, proving they were hateful. Yes, they hated the very words of God to them. What an interesting parallel to today’s society!

Appreciative, Not Angry

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

“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 KJV).

Be appreciative to Father God that He gave you the privilege of avoiding spiritual error!

Some time ago, a woman was explaining how her local church had experienced a very difficult split. The pastor had become a dictator and much of the assembly had broken off to form a new group where sound doctrine would be upheld. (My family, having been through four church splits, knows all about the tremendous spiritual and emotional damage that results.) The dear lady explained that one member of the church refused to return to either assembly. He was “mad at God.” What a sad predicament that describes so many countless souls all around the world!

Could I say some words to you, friend? If you have ever been “burned” by a local church breaking up, please do not treat God like He had anything to do with it. Why punish the Person who loves you unconditionally forever? Why mistreat the Person who sent His Son to die for your sins so you would not have to spend eternity in the lake of fire? What did God ever do to you to make you angry? (Did He not give the “church-splitter” the same free will He gave you?) If people do not have sound Bible doctrine operating in them, what do we expect but problems?

It is important not to hold a grudge. Forgive that “church splitter” as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you, lest Satan use that bitterness to get the advantage over you and other believers (2 Corinthians 2:10,11). Leave the apostate church and praise God that He gave you enough doctrinal discernment to do so! (What God could have done is never given you a Bible, and let you be completely clueless as to what His local church looks like and what His local church teaches!)

Idle Words

Monday, February 15, 2016

“A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matthew 12:35-37 KJV).

Many typed words and much talking in videos on social media, but no substance!

Unfortunately, this is true among so-called “Bible believers” and—sad to say—some so-called “grace believers.” They are discussing and arguing about stupid topics that do not matter. People are talking about concepts they know nothing about. “Type ‘Amen’ if you love Jesus,” “Share this [religious picture or prayer] if you are a Christian,” et cetera. Or, my personal favorite is “Christian” people belittling Jesus Christ, attacking the King James Bible, and denying the Apostle Paul. While good pretenders, their underlying logic speaks louder than their enticing words. They are not genuinely seeking the truth. Rather, they are merely trying to establish the “truth” using their denominational biases. Yes, as Christ said in today’s Scripture, you can glance into their hearts!

Indeed, there is much “wood, hay, stubble”—worthless information—online. However, if you search diligently, you will find the “gold, silver, precious stones,” the Word of God rightly divided (1 Corinthians 3:9-23). Someone recently expressed his gratitude to me that we were one of the few written grace ministries of which he was aware. Praise our Lord Jesus Christ! Glad to serve the saints and reach them with what really matters!!

The Greek word argos (today’s Scripture; “idle”) is translated elsewhere in our King James Bible as unemployed men standing “idle” (Matthew 20:3,6), “idle” women in Christ not behaving like believers (1 Timothy 5:13), “slow bellies [idle/lazy gluttons]” Christians at Crete (Titus 1:12), and spiritually “barren” Jewish kingdom saints who are not thinking according to God’s program for them (2 Peter 1:8). In summary, the idea is “something not working or profitless.” May lost people choose and use their words wisely. Anything and everything worthless they write and speak, they will stand before Jesus Christ one day, to receive their just punishment!

God is Love

Sunday, February 14, 2016

“…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.

Hard and Stubborn, Soft and Pliable

Saturday, February 13, 2016

“He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy” (Proverbs 29:1 KJV).

Yea, the more you share the Bible with someone who refuses to hear it, the harder he or she will get inside and the more resistant he or she will become.

Second Timothy chapter 3, verses 16 and 17, say: “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.” The Bible is useful for “doctrine” (teaching), “reproof” (telling you what you are doing wrong), “correction” (telling you how to think so you can fix your behavior), and “instruction in righteousness” (telling you how to have a lifestyle that pleases God).

When the Word of God is shared with others, it challenges them. It exposes their ignorance (lack of understanding). It tells them what they are doing wrong. It tells them how to think so they can fix their behavior. It tells them how to have a lifestyle that is pleasing in God’s sight. Of course, the flesh, prideful self, does not like this. Every time the Bible is read or preached, every person’s flesh stiffens up in the audience. After all, Hebrews 4:12: “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.”

Do you ever wonder how people can become so antagonistic toward the Bible? They can hear God’s words for the 1000th time, and still not make the choice of faith. Why? Today’s Scripture explains. Every time they heard God’s Word, they did not receive it. Light rejected is darkness. Spiritual reproof rejected becomes hardness. They become increasingly calloused. Recall how Moses stood before Pharaoh, with Pharaoh’s heart repeatedly rejecting God’s Word. May we not be Pharaoh! Once we hear God’s Word to us, Paul’s epistles of Romans through Philemon, may we believe it, before we too are hardened!

For more information, see our latest Bible Q&A: “Can we witness ‘too much’ to family members?”