Category: Grace Living (Christian Life)

“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?”

Shopping for Souls

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

“But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;” (Philippians 1:12,13 KJV).

For most, the only pleasant visit to a store is when an item is on sale or free. But, for the Christian, shopping trips are always a wonderful time to share the Lord Jesus Christ!

At least one store clerk is dead in trespasses and sins, and he or she is waiting to hear about Calvary’s finished crosswork… from your lips! There is another customer somewhere struggling to understand the Bible, eager to learn dispensational Bible study if you would just speak up. You can especially find interesting persons scanning the “Christian” book section. Strike up a conversation with them with, “Looking for anything good to read?” “Would you like to read about how to have your sins forgiven and have a home in heaven?” (I have learned that 99.99% of the time they will listen!)

We have a faithful reader and Christian sister who operates a fireworks stand with her husband. They open for business twice a year—Christmas/New Year’s and July 4th. Every chance she gets, she gives her customers a Gospel tract, a Bible study pamphlet, some ministry websites, something Bible-related. She tells her testimony to any individual who mentions spiritual matters. When she gets tough questions, I am always a phone call away, and she has put many people on the phone with me! (And there have been some “strange” people I can assure you!)

In closing his epistle to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul wrote, “All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household” (4:22). Paul was in prison in Rome. Yet, even some of the members of the Emperor’s household had heard the Gospel of the Grace of God. If Paul had the courage to preach Jesus Christ in prison (today’s Scripture), surely, brother or sister, you can do so in a store! 🙂

You may see our archived Bible Q&A: “Should Christians observe Lent?”

God’s Grace on Parade

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

“…But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (Romans 5:20 KJV).

Today, especially here in southern Louisiana, the Catholic festival of Mardi Gras takes advantage of God’s grace. God’s grace abounds even when drunkenness, lasciviousness, and gluttony are committed overtly on our streets for religion. Because we live in the Dispensation of the Grace of God, they can flaunt their sin without being consumed by fire from heaven!

“Mardi Gras,” French for “Fat Tuesday,” is a day when religious people—professing “Christians”—lose self-control (excess alcohol, food, and partying). The following day, Ash Wednesday, they promise to live “holy” for the next 40 days (Lent). A priest will then place ashes on their foreheads proving that God forgave them for that riotous living. Blasphemy!

Regardless of all its biblical allusions (illusions!), Mardi Gras is still evil and anti-God. It was never Christian, originating from pagan Roman festivals, Saturnalia and Lupercalia (interestingly known for riots, drunkenness, gluttony, and fornication, and subsequent repentance).

The Holy Spirit, speaking through the Apostles Peter and Paul, was clearly against Mardi Gras reveling and drunkenness (Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Peter 4:3). So why do professing Christians engage in the very activities that God the Holy Spirit condemned?! As Christians, we should “deny” the activities of Mardi Gras (Romans 6:11-15; Titus 2:11-15).

If I appear offended, I am. Mardi Gras, despite its godly façade, is offensive to the great God and my Saviour Jesus Christ! God’s grace continues to tolerate such foolishness from mankind. Man parades his sin, and God parades His grace, holding back wrath.

Are you a Mardi Gras reveler? I declare unto you the wonderful Gospel of the Grace of God. God did for you at Calvary what you could never do: “Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He was raised again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Jesus Christ shed His sinless blood and died to put away all of your sins, Mardi Gras revelry included.

If you rest in Christ Jesus alone as your Saviour, God will save you forever, make a trophy of His grace, and then YOUR life will be God’s grace on parade!

*Adapted from a larger Bible study with the same name. The Bible study can be read here or watched here.

You may also see our archived Bible study Q&A, “Should Christians celebrate Mardi Gras?”

Neither an Avenger Nor a Doormat

Monday, February 8, 2016

“Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Romans 12:17-19 KJV).

Christians—neither avengers nor doormats!

A Christian sister I know once confronted an unsaved sibling who had begun the habit of stopping by her house and invading on her family’s private time together. After four visits in just four days, the lady kindly informed that relative to stop coming so often because it was becoming a nuisance. Not surprisingly, the relative took offense, and gave the Christian the “cold shoulder” for a year. Recently, the relative said of the believer, “Some ‘Christian’ she is!” (And, another relative said the same thing when that Christian lady did not acquiesce to her demands.)

The above scenarios typify the Christian living in the world. Most definitely, the label “Christians” is almost always associated with “doormat.” A Christian is never permitted to share the Gospel, but they are required to share everything else they can offer. And, how dare the Christian who says anything in his or her defense! He or she is expected to let people come in his or her home, take over, and say nothing to object. A Christian is just naturally expected to quietly give everyone free automobile rides, free labor, free food, free shelter, free everything. And if you do not comply, they make a snide remark to construct a false guilt trip (and, by their design, you give in).

We pray for those people who despitefully use us, but, brethren, use common sense. When you realize someone is abusing you, break it off. You have better things to do with your time than having someone constantly wiping their dirty shoes on you and your family! Be polite but just come out and say it, “Enough is enough!” Let people get upset. They have the problem—they are the problem. “The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with” (Proverbs 17:14).

Neither Careful Nor Carefree

Saturday, February 6, 2016

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6,7 KJV).

Neither be thou careful nor carefree, but keep thou today’s Scripture close to thee!

Recently, I sat with a Christian grandmother concerned about her young-adult granddaughter. She had made some very poor decisions and her grandmother was worried. All the lady could do, she said, was pray for her granddaughter. She had shared the Scriptures with her long ago when she was a child, but she had evidently departed from those divine words of wisdom. My heart went out to that poor lady, but at least she had not forgotten God’s Word. She had (wisely) remembered to pray for her dear grandchild.

Saints, we all have our various burdens—financial troubles, marriage issues, family problems, health concerns, et cetera. It is always nice to talk to another Christian and see what he or she did with the Scriptures in those difficult times. However, people are not always available (and willing) to listen. The most marvelous thing in all the universe is that we always have free and open access to Father God. By the indwelling Holy Spirit through Christ, we communicate with our Heavenly Father. He already knows our thoughts, but He enjoys us actually talking to Him (audibly or silently).

Rather than being “careful” (full of care, anxious, worrisome), we should be “prayerful.” Contrary to popular belief in religion, prayer does not change circumstances. But, prayer does transform us from the inside out. Prayer is simply talking to God in light of His Word to us about every individual life issue. What Satan can use to discourage us, we can be motivated to look into God’s written Word for the answer. That powerful Word (Hebrews 4:12) will “keep [guard] our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Brethren, Satan desires to attack our hearts and minds, so be vigilant, and stay in the Word rightly divided. Never forget your problems, pretending they are not there, but focus more on the Scriptures than your situations!