Category: Grace Living (Christian Life)

Established Saints #3

Friday, January 4, 2013

“For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end that ye may be established; that is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith of you and me” (Romans 1:11,12 KJV).

Today’s Scripture is God’s will for every believer.

God wants to build in us a “form of sound words” (2 Timothy 1:13). That word “form” is translated “pattern” in 1 Timothy 1:16. God wants to build inside of us a structure (an edifice) of sound doctrine. Thus, edification (building up) is necessary. “Ye are God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9). Paul writes that he is “a wise masterbuilder” and he has “laid the foundation… Jesus Christ” (verses 10,11). The Apostle Paul is the chief architect. You must, must, MUST go to Paul’s epistles for the blueprints!

To wit, God wants to “stablish” (stabilize) your Christian life and inner man. He wants you to understand the life that He has given to you in Christ Jesus, so that you can understand what He is doing today. Then, you can, by faith, follow Him and work with Him (1 Corinthians 3:9)!

We read in Romans 16:25-26: “Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith.”

Notice the three-fold process of Christian edification:

  • “my gospel” — Paul’s Gospel, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, is the foundation of the Christian life
  • “the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery” — this is Paul’s epistles of Romans through Philemon, the sound doctrine (building materials) which we use to build on that foundation
  • “the scriptures of the prophets” — this is all of the Holy Scriptures, in light of the doctrine revealed to Paul.

When we understand this information, we become “established,” firmly set, fixed, in a clear understanding of God’s Word (today’s Scripture).

Established Saints #2

Thursday, January 3, 2013

“For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end that ye may be established; that is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith of you and me” (Romans 1:11,12 KJV).

Today’s Scripture is God’s will for every believer.

The division, contention, and Bible ignorance that proliferate within the professing church today is due to a deliberate failure to understand and appreciate the Apostle Paul’s special ministry, message, and doctrine. Rather than focusing on what God is doing today—described in Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon—religion “takes and fakes” Israel’s program. Nearly every church today attempts to follow the Old Testament, the Four Gospels, Acts, and Hebrews through Revelation. In doing so, they completely miss what God is doing today! They emphasize Christ’s earthly ministry in Matthew through John to the extent that they ignore Christ’s heavenly ministry through the Apostle Paul.

When we trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour, He saved us from sin, death, and hell. But, how did He save us? Why did He save us? What will He do with us in the future? How does the Christian life operate? How should we pray? What does God want us to do on a daily basis as Christians? It cannot be emphasized enough—we must, must, MUST go to the Apostle Paul for the answers, for you cannot find them anywhere else in Scripture.

Usually, the average church member will thus respond with a snide, “Paul worshipper!” On the contrary, 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” (1 Corinthians 14:37). To demean and disregard Paul’s ministry is to disgrace and discard the Lord’s commandments to us. Paul is “the apostle of the Gentiles” (Romans 11:13): He is God’s spokesman to us. Friend, if you ignore the Apostle Paul in order to retain your church tradition, you are only hurting yourself, for Paul is the man God sent to “establish” us spiritually (today’s Scripture).

For more information, read this study regarding Paul’s special apostleship and message.

Established Saints #1

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

“For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end that ye may be established; that is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith of you and me” (Romans 1:11,12 KJV).

Today’s Scripture is God’s will for every believer.

The Apostle Paul desired to come to Rome and see these saints many times, but he was “let [hindered] hitherto” (verse 13). He wanted to “impart unto [them] some spiritual gift.” His goal in doing so was to have them “established,” which is defined as “the mutual faith of [the Apostle Paul] and [them].”

The Holy Spirit through Paul is writing that He wants every believer to have a clear, firm understanding of the Pauline grace doctrine (Paul’s epistles of Romans through Philemon). God wants us to have the same understanding of His Word as the Apostle Paul did: What is God doing today? Forming the Church the Body of Christ. Why is He doing this? To have an agency He can use in the heavenly places in the ages to come, for His glory. How does the Christian life operate? By faith in sound grace Bible doctrine—not the Mosaic Law—which the Holy Ghost will use to transform the minds and lifestyles of believers.

As a dear brother in Christ says, “Your Christian life will not operate on the basis of ignorance!” Oftentimes, believers have such an extremely shallow understanding of Scripture that they are prone to be “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine…” (Ephesians 4:14). Sadly, Satan’s religious system sweeps them away into serving a denomination, filling their minds with worthless “commandments and doctrines of men” (Colossians 2:22), and thus making their Christian life a “shipwreck” (1 Timothy 1:19).

Dear saints, God’s fervent desire, Paul’s fervent desire, and our fervent desire for you this year is that you be “established” in sound Pauline Bible doctrine—that you do not simply know about Paul’s ministry, message, and doctrine, but you also understand them and believe them. This will bring stability in your Christian life, and guard you against Satan’s deception in religion and philosophy.

A New Year’s Resolution

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21 KJV).

Today’s Scripture should be a New Year’s resolution for every Christian, every year.

Every New Year’s, people set goals they hope to accomplish in the next 12 months—lose weight, get organized, spend less and save more, stay healthy, quit smoking, get a job, enjoy life more, graduate, and so on. Life is filled with choices, and all too often, Christians struggle needlessly wondering about “God’s will” regarding every last detail.

Dear saints, make an effort to memorize today’s Scripture; keep it in mind throughout the year. The life that God has for us in Christ is the life that He wants to live in and through us. “We have this treasure in earthen vessels [our physical bodies], that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). God the Father has deposited within us the very life of His Son Jesus Christ (today’s Scripture). God wants Christ to “dwell in [our] hearts by faith” (Ephesians 3:17). Hence, we Christians are, “the body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 1:23).

What is God’s will for your life? God wants you to let Christ live His life in and through you (Galatians 2:20)! He desires the sound doctrine in His Word, the Holy Bible, to be believed, so He can then transform your life. God the Holy Spirit, who indwells us Christians, uses that doctrine to “strengthen [us] with might… in the inner man” (Ephesians 3:16). “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” (Titus 2:11,12).

Although the sound doctrine regarding Christian living is found in Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon, God’s viewpoint regarding many of life’s issues are specifically discussed in Romans chapter 12, Ephesians chapters 3 and 4, and Colossians chapter 3. This year, walk by faith in an intelligent understanding of God’s Word to us, especially these verses, and you will be doing the will of God! I wish you all the best this coming year! 🙂

If you are interested in reading through your Bible in one year, is a printable schedule: One-Year Bible Reading Schedule.

The Person of the Year

Monday, December 31, 2012

“Wherefore God hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11 KJV).

Behold, 2012’s “Person of the Year!”

At every year’s end, society selects a “person of the year,” someone who, either for better or for worse, influenced the past year’s events the most. While often considered an honor, some of the candidates are less than commendable. This is never the case for the true “Person of the Year!”

As intelligent creatures, we (should) realize that we have an intelligent Creator God. As Christians, we (should) value that which God honors. As Pauline dispensationalists, we (should) know what God’s Word teaches about Himself and His purpose and plan for us and for creation as a whole. Who is this Creator? What (or whom) does God esteem? Why did God create the heaven and the earth? The answer to all three questions is… JESUS CHRIST!

Sinful man does not like it, but Jesus Christ will be praised forever. The atheists, religionists, skeptics, non-Christians, agnostics, and all the other naysayers will be disappointed, for “the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” is supreme. In fact, just before they are cast into the lake of fire, banished from His presence forever, they will bow before Jesus Christ, and admit His authority!

This past year, Jesus Christ was faithful, accomplishing amazing things in our lives. Some of us He saved this past year; He saved us from death, sin, hell, and ourselves. He saved us from false teaching: He gave us spiritual nourishment, daily renewing our minds as we studied and believed His Word, the King James Bible. He brought us joy, peace, and comfort in the midst of our trials and heartaches. Indeed, like He does every year, the Lord Jesus Christ has impacted the world the most… and to Him alone be the glory! 🙂

Dear saints, as we now close another year in the writing ministry, we have some fascinating daily Bible studies planned for next year. If you have any Bible questions or suggestions that you would like me to write about in a devotional or full-length Bible study, send the comments to me at arcministries@gmail.com. Thank you.

Be Not of the “So What!” Persuasion

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened” (Romans 1:21 KJV).

As the Christmas Season winds down, we remind ourselves to be thankful saints, not spoiled brats.

Having recently witnessed ungrateful children unwrap their numerous Christmas presents, and then whine in dissatisfaction, I could not help but think of today’s Scripture. Most of mankind shares this unthankful attitude when it concerns God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. They willfully trample the energy, time, and funds used to purchase the gifts!

Before God gave up the Gentile nations of Genesis chapters 1-11, and before He began to form the nation Israel in Genesis chapter 12, He had given Gentiles 2,000 years to approach Him by faith and to accomplish His purpose on earth. Nevertheless, the Gentiles (nations) wanted nothing to do with God. Hence, God chose Abraham to be His servant, to be the father of a new nation, Israel, a people He could use to fulfill His will on earth. Today’s Scripture describes the Gentiles while God dealt with Abraham and his seed—they had empty, worthless thoughts and callous, unbelieving hearts (today’s Scripture). This spiritual darkness plagues much of mankind even today!

Sadly, Israel was just as unthankful and unbelieving toward God as the Gentiles were! They worshipped and served the same silly idols, they wallowed in the same spiritual ignorance, and they too were content in leading vain, godless lives. They had a chance to know the God of heaven and earth, but they spurned that opportunity to worship and serve everything else. Let us not be as foolish, dear readers.

Let us always be thankful that God was gracious enough to “love the unlovely,” to “give heaven’s best to save earth’s worst,” to “offer heaven to those who deserve hell,” and to “give life to the dead.” Let us not treat lightly the high price of eternal life—the life of the Lord Jesus Christ. God offers eternal salvation through Jesus Christ. Let us open that gift by simple faith, avoiding the “So what!” persuasion.

‘Twas the Sunday Night Before Christmas

Sunday, December 23, 2012

“But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15 KJV).

During the Christmas Season, we wonder how many people are visiting church for the second time this year (the other being Easter Sunday). How many will be going to church today—the Sunday before Christmas—just to feel “religious” or “holy?” How many really know Jesus Christ? For many, visiting a church building is just an obligation; they do not have faith in God’s Word and have no interest in God’s Word.

We do not go to church to “feel closer to God,” for if we have trusted in Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour, we cannot be any closer to God than we already are in Christ! “[Before salvation, we were] without God in the world: but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh [close to God] by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:12,13).

Furthermore, we do not go to church in order to get God’s blessings, for God has already given us “all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). We go to church, not because we are keeping Israel’s Sabbath day, since we are not obligated to observe Israel’s religious days (Colossians 2:16). We go to church to fellowship with like-minded believers and hear sound doctrine… more than twice a year, by the way.

In today’s Scripture, the Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy that whenever he would assemble with fellow Christians, certain behavior was acceptable and other types of behavior were not (described throughout the epistle of 1 Timothy). Recall that when the Bible refers to “the church,” it refers to the body of believers, not the physical building in which they meet.

As we get opportunities, let us make an effort to reach these dear souls misled by all the vain religious tradition and Christmas commercialization, and may we tell them of the wonderful Christ Jesus whose name is found in Christmas!

*Based on the poem “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

Psalm 23 in HD #4

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4 KJV).

Cutting through the “static” of religious, traditional thinking, we present to you Psalm 23 in HD, dispensationally delivered with astounding clarity.

“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” After our Dispensation of Grace, God will exhort believing Israel, who will suffer the antichrist’s tyrannical reign: “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13:6). “[The antichrist] will speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High…” (Daniel 7:25ab). Believing Israel will suffer the death penalty for rejecting the satanic antichrist (Revelation 13:6,7,15).

The Apostle John, foreseeing what would happen during that Tribulation period, wrote: “…I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: and they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?… and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow-servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled” (Revelation 6:9-11).

“For thou art with me.” God encourages believing Israel to not fear, for He is with them: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). This is why the “Our Father” prayer says, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13). The “temptation” and “evil” is the awful Tribulation (see James 1:12,13; 1 Peter 1:6-9; 1 Peter 4:12-17). God encourages believing Israel to not grow weary, even if they experience death for His sake (Hebrews 12:1-4).

“Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” The Lord will use these Scriptures to console believing Israel in her troubles, as a shepherd quiets his terrified sheep.

Wilt Thou Serve the Denomination, Or the Lord? #6

Saturday, December 8, 2012

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23,24 KJV).

Beloved, we have a choice—we can serve a theological system (which is worthless), or we can serve the Lord (which is priceless).

We who have trusted Jesus Christ alone as our personal Saviour, are “heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ…” (Romans 8:17; cf. today’s Scripture). In eternity, we will inherit what Jesus Christ will! “But unto the Son he [God the Father] saith, “Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever” (Hebrews 1:8). In the ages to come, Jesus Christ will rule the governments of heaven and of earth (Colossians 1:16-20)—God’s original intention before sin (Ephesians 1:9,10). He will use redeemed Israel to reign for His glory on earth (Exodus 19:5,6; Job 19:25,26), and He will utilize us, the Body of Christ, to rule for His glory in heaven (Ephesians 1:3; Ephesians 2:6,7).

Before we can serve in the heavenly places for Christ’s glory, God left us here so we can study and believe the doctrine regarding the program that He is operating today. We go not to the “Old Testament,” Four Gospels, early Acts, or even to Hebrews through Revelation, to find God’s will for us—that is Israel’s program. Our doctrine, duty, walk, and destiny as members of the Body of Christ are found only in Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon. Applying Israel’s program to our lives, as denominations encourage, profits us nothing, for we are not Israel!

At the Judgment Seat of Christ, when the Lord Jesus evaluates the doctrine we Christians believed, vain religious tradition (denominationalism) and philosophy we have stored in our inner man, will be consumed, while the sound Pauline Bible doctrine will remain (1 Corinthians 3:8-15). Hence, Scripture cautions, “take heed how [you] build thereupon” (verse 10). Be careful what doctrine you believe. Remember, Jesus Christ, not a denomination, “loved you and gave Himself for you.” Your loyalty should be to the Lord, not to man (today’s Scripture).

Wilt Thou Serve the Denomination, Or the Lord? #5

Friday, December 7, 2012

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23,24 KJV).

Beloved, we have a choice—we can serve a theological system (which is worthless), or we can serve the Lord (which is priceless).

Much of the last 2,000 years of “church history” is actually organization- and denomination-building. In the first century A.D., you were either a member of the Church the Body of Christ, or you were not. It was that simple. There were no Roman Catholic, Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Jehovah’s Witness, Mormon, or Assemblies of God churches (we could list 38,000 others that man has developed since Bible days!). Those were all founded by man centuries after Jesus Christ founded Christianity using the Apostle Paul’s ministry.

Uncompromisingly, we remind you that if you are not following what Jesus Christ founded, then you are serving man! Today’s Scripture reminds, “Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” In the context, we are exhorted not to work in order to be seen of others (“eyeservice”) or to be praised by others (“menpleasers”). Religion (denominationalism) encourages us to do just the opposite!

Christ rebuked Israel’s religious leaders: “But all their works they do for to be seen of men” (Matthew 23:5). “For a pretence [show] [they] make long prayers” (Mark 12:40). Religion is man’s attempt to approach God through his own efforts, generating self-righteousness. “Look at all the religious ceremonies in which I participate! Praise me!” The denomination announces it (“he walked the aisle” or “she got baptized”), and everyone praises the person’s “piety.”

Jewish religionists (legalists) had pressured the Galatians that they needed the rite of physical circumcision for soul salvation. Why? Paul wrote, “[They] desire to make a fair shew in the flesh… that they may glory [brag, boast] in your flesh” (Galatians 5:12,13). Paraphrased, “Notice our new converts, our new church members. Look what they did to further our religion [partook of the ceremony]!”

Again, this will profit us nothing in eternity….