Category: spiritual growth and maturity

Praying for What You Already Have

Friday, April 15, 2016

“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” (2 Timothy 3:16,17 KJV).

Have a question about God’s will? Get in His Book!

Indeed, someone once said we peer into a person’s soul by listening to him or pray audibly. If you pay close attention, you will hear where they are in their understanding of the Scriptures. You can particularly hear their denominational biases. It is truly awful when believers ask God to reveal His will. It is worse, ever so much worse, when they pray for God’s wisdom and yet do not open the Bible!

Friends, either the Bible is complete, or it is not. We either believe it, or we do not. If we want to know what God would have us to do in any particular circumstance, we need to look into the Bible. Beloved, quit asking God to show us things He already revealed in His Word! We have 66 Bible books, 13 epistles written directly to us the Church the Body of Christ (Romans through Philemon), and we still go around wondering and asking what God would have us to believe and do. It is perhaps the silliest thing. How it so grieves the Holy Spirit to see God’s people floundering in ignorance and foolishness!

Once, God’s written Word was incomplete. Divine revelation was still coming, little by little. However, once Paul wrote his last epistle, 2 Timothy, the final book of the Bible was complete (cf. today’s Scripture). Both Israel’s Little Flock and the Body of Christ had complete revelation from God. There would be no more need for spiritual gifts and angelic messages. To say otherwise is to deny the authority and sufficiency of the Scriptures for God’s people unto “all good works.” Everything that God wants us to know, and everything He wants us to do, is in His written Word, particularly the Pauline epistles. If it is not in the Bible, then you make a decision with the information you do have. If you make a mistake, fix it. Simple!

Friends, thank goodness this is not “rocket science!”

When Right Division Brings Clarity

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

“Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things” (2 Timothy 2:7 KJV).

People may dislike dispensational Bible study, but they are forced to admit it brings tremendous “understanding in all things!”

For a few years now, I have dealt with a Christian lady who has been “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). She came to a few of our home Bible studies. Once, she even accompanied our group to a grace Bible conference. Completely offended by the verses she heard there, she refused to attend another one and laughed when invited again.

This woman declined to let dispensational Bible study in, for letting it in would mean tossing her denominational biases out! An ardent reader of “modern ‘Christian’ literature,” and a frequent “church-hopper,” this sweet lady’s mind has been scrambled through and through. She loves her “miraculous demonstrations,” especially her so-called “gift of healing” (although she and her friends suffer from failing health). In accordance with 1 Corinthians 14:38, I left her “ignorant” because that is what she preferred. Maybe, just maybe, she would come to her senses.

Recently, while I was visiting at a mutual friend’s house, this Christian lady unexpectedly showed up with some Bible questions. So, for an hour, we sat over open Bibles and talked about those particular matters. This time, she was very receptive to the truth. She let me teach her the Bible dispensationally for the umpteenth time. Later, she commented that she really enjoyed it. Using right division greatly helped her grasp the topics that she could not understand and caused her to respect the verses and passages when they said different things. Yea, we leave them in their proper dispensations, being especially mindful of what the Holy Spirit said through the Apostle Paul, and the Lord will give us understanding in “all things” (today’s Scripture).

In closing, I told the lady to come some other time with more questions. I would love to talk however long she wants and about whatever she wants. She still has a long way to go, but we have resumed ministries with her and we hope and pray she is willing to learn God’s Word, God’s way! 🙂

Perishing Versus Renewing #2

Sunday, April 3, 2016

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16 KJV).

As we physically “perish,” may we spiritually “renew!”

One Christian brother always aptly states, “All ‘healing’ claims aside, the death-rate is still one a piece!” We can claim Israel’s verses all we want—Exodus 15:26, Matthew 10:8, Mark 16:17, James 5:14-15, et cetera—but we will only deceive ourselves by grabbing verses that have absolutely nothing to do with us and absolutely nothing to do with God’s current operations! No matter the modern-day “miraculous healing,” that “healed” person is still going to experience the worst disease—physical death. Beloved, there is something better than temporary physical healing in a body destined to rot anyway. It is a brand-new body in which the “renewed inward man” will reside in eternity!

Romans 8:18-25: “[18] For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. [19] For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. [20] For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, [21] Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. [22] For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. [23] And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. [24] For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? [25] But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”

These physical bodies will pass, but a most glorious (resurrected) body will be granted us at the Rapture. Until Christ takes care of the “outward man,” may we take care of the “inward man!” Let us spend more time in God’s Word rightly divided, renewing that which will never perish! 🙂

Perishing Versus Renewing #1

Saturday, April 2, 2016

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16 KJV).

As we physically “perish,” may we spiritually “renew!”

Some people just never appear to age, huh? Their faces look pretty much the same way they did 10, 20, 30, or more, years ago. Nevertheless, looks are deceiving. They have aged, and that much closer to death. According to the Bible, their outward man is “perishing.” The truth is, no matter how much cosmetic surgery we undergo, no matter how healthy we eat, no matter how many “pills” and “creams” we buy, no matter how much we exercise, these physical bodies will eventually wind up in a cold, dark grave. We will also be truthful concerning the spiritual reality of our condition. There is more to life than these physical bodies.

Exactly why we age is a mystery to scientists. Two prevailing theories are: (1) our genes determine how long we are to live, and (2) damage/changes in our DNA accumulate over time and eventually prevent us from living. These and other explanations tell us what Romans 5:12 already said: “Wherefore, as by one man [Adam] sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Where we find sin, we find death. Friends, it really is that plain and simple.

The Greek word translated “perish” in today’s Scripture is found four other times in the New Testament—a moth “corrupteth” material wealth (Luke 12:33), apostate men with “corrupt” minds (1 Timothy 6:5), ships being “destroyed” in God’s judgment (Revelation 8:9), and those “destroyed” who “destroyed” the earth (Revelation 11:18). For those hanging on to this physical body as though it will last forever, they will be sorely disappointed on their deathbed!

Oh, but we who are in Jesus Christ, we Bible students, our soul and our spirit (“inward man”) are constantly being enlightened as we read God’s Holy Word (Ephesians 1:17). This “inward man” will never see a grave, never die, never corrupt or rot away. Oh, may we quickly learn to spend more time in God’s Word rightly divided, renewing that which will never perish! 🙂

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Questions to Avoid

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

“But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes” (2 Timothy 2:23 KJV).

Bible questions are okay, provided they are neither “foolish” nor “unlearned.”

Sadly, in so many religious circles, Bible questions are largely forbidden. For instance, read this: “When I contacted ____ he was very nasty to me and said I was wasting his time with my questions.” Someone wrote this to me a few years ago, after a so-called “grace” Bible teacher rudely discouraged Bible questions that his teachings generated. Why was that teacher so uninterested in questions that I was glad to answer for the dear man? Call me crazy, but I think that teacher refused to be “cross-examined,” or, frankly, “challenged.”

Many years ago, a seminarian training to be a priest was curious about his church’s true teachings. Well, as he put it, “The more questions I asked, the cleaner the seminary became!” His professors, unwilling to “suffer” “tough” questions (they had no answers for him), gave him “work-detail.” He had 32 hours straight of cleaning the seminary, including scrubbing floors with toothbrushes, before having to return to class hungry and tired. Oh, I forgot. With 152 acres of trees located behind the seminary, each student was also given an acre of leaves to rake. A truck would then carry the leaves over to the same place. After the leaves were re-spread, they had to be re-raked! (With this cycle of repetitious duties, there would be no time for “wandering minds” and “silly questions” to challenge the religious institution.)

Oh, but you see, dear friends, the Bible never discouraged questions. Today’s Scripture prohibits “foolish and unlearned questions.” Questions help us to learn; God wants us to learn His Word. The Bible never says, “But questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.” It says “foolish [moros, as in ‘moron’] and unlearned questions.” These are pointless, absurd questions that cause people to bicker, with more time arguing than answering. Spiritual maturity allows you to “rate” questions asked of you. You spend your time doing it long enough, and you can you most definitely identify the “foolish and unlearned questions.” Avoid them, but, by all means, use the Bible to answer the rest! 🙂

Not Looking Back But Reaching Forth

Sunday, March 13, 2016

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13,14 KJV).

Do not look back—look forward!

Recently, I spoke with a discouraged Christian brother. Members of his Bible study group were downcast about a certain common problem. They had discovered the truth of God’s Word rightly divided in their “latter years.” Some of these saints are in their late 70s, with failing health and little drive. They expended decades upon decades of energy jumping from one religious group to another, becoming increasingly weighed down with additional confusion. Now, although they have found the truth, have exhausted themselves. I reminded him of some simple Bible truths that I will now share with you.

My grace brethren, we have two options. Firstly, we can sulk and lament how we lost/wasted many years in frantic religious confusion. Or, we can rejoice that we have all of eternity to learn the Word of God with such astounding clarity… Our few years of gross Bible ignorance will mean nothing by then! Keep your mind focused on this. As long as you concentrate on the past, Satan has you sidetracked from preparing for the future!

Today, take some time to read the third chapter of Paul’s epistle to the Philippians. He gives his testimony, how he wasted years in empty works-religion. But, then, in today’s Scripture, he reminds all Christians everywhere to do as he did—continue maturing in the Scriptures. The Apostle Paul he himself—35 years after his conversion—was still “reaching forth” to gain a better grasp of God’s purpose for him in Jesus Christ. We all still have a long way to go, but let us start on earth. Having had a daily intake of God’s Word rightly divided many days now, we are well on our way!

Lastly, you may have taken decades to learn the Word of God rightly divided, but please pass on your knowledge to younger Christians, that they spend more time enjoying God’s truth than searching for it! 🙂

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Did Adam die or did he not die in Genesis 3?”

They Have Seen Nothing!

Saturday, March 12, 2016

“Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!” (Ezekiel 13:3 KJV).

They have no spiritual eyes—they have seen nothing!

If you are familiar with “Christian” radio and television programming, you have probably heard something like, “The Lord has just given me a word of knowledge for our audience….” Or, “God is speaking to me and He wants five people to send our ministry $1,000 each!” Maybe, “There is someone watching or listening who needs to be healed of foot pain [headaches, arthritis, et cetera]. God is now touching that part of your body and the pain is just melting away.” These words sound so good, so intimate, so appealing. The average listener absorbs them like a sponge. Every last word is believed because “God” is allegedly involved.

I remember once, while talking to a very confused denominational lady, she objected, “But, I do not believe God would allow me to be deceived!” Oh, certainly, God does not want you to be deceived. He gave you His written Word, the 66 books of the Holy Bible. But, if you let “Christian” preachers and “Christian” literature interpret it for you, and you do not look into the Bible for yourself, you deserve to be misled and deceived in whatever cult you join! Friend, be warned—if you ignore His Word, the King James Bible, God will let you be deceived. Just look around at so-called “Christianity!”

Colossians 2:18,19: “Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head,….” (Modern versions and their manuscripts omit “not” from “not seen,” thereby saying the false teachers have seen something!)

Many groups and people supposedly speak in the name of “Jesus Christ.” They claim to be preaching His words. But, we can look into the Bible for ourselves and see they are preaching lies. They have no revelation from God. As today’s Scripture says, they are “foolish prophets”—following their own imaginations and fabricating “divine testimony.” They claim to have been given spiritual enlightenment from the God of creation. Today’s Scripture says “they have seen nothing!”

Progression (Without Exhaustion)

Thursday, February 25, 2016

“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which I also am apprehended of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12 KJV).

Let us progress, but not exhaust!

Someone recently emailed to explain that, although he was enjoying our studies, other ministries that taught dispensationalism had exasperated him with an “information overload.” Indeed, the Holy Bible is intense. It takes much thoughtful and prayerful study to master it. We must be “workmen” (2 Timothy 2:15). It takes much effort to mine the Bible’s deep truths. Most people never get there. Even the average preacher or theologian possesses a superficial grasp. They quote shallow verses, rave about Greek or Hebrew, and parrot their church creeds and doctrinal statements, but usually, they never strike a balance between clearly communicating the English Bible and not overwhelming audiences.

It is very tempting for people seeking Bible insight to grab commentaries, lexicons, and Greek or Hebrew or Latin grammars. Usually these tools are the products of unbelieving scholarship, human philosophy, and traditions of men. Friend, just take your King James Bible and start in Romans. That one Bible book gives a Gospel presentation, an exposition of grace living, the basics of dispensationalism, and detailed daily Christian living. The heart of dispensational Bible study is verse comparisons. We find verses to explain other verses—Scripture interprets itself.

Our teaching resources are always available to assist you. Primarily, this daily devotionals blog, and our Bible Q&A website. These daily devotionals are specially designed to condense Scriptural themes into two to three minutes. Topics not easily compressed are directed to our question-and-answer website. Our articles are “to the point,” without superfluous comments, “chit-chat,” and “rabbit trails”—succinctly written to facilitate quick learning.

You have the testimony of countless others worldwide, that, if you join us, you are sure to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Growth may be slow, for you must adjust to concentrated Bible teaching. Friend, you may be accustomed to entertainment in religious circles, but we are here to enlighten not entertain. Eventually, these verse comparisons will become “a breeze.” Every passing day, you will better understand and enjoy the Bible. (I know…. I had to start once, too…. No regrets!) 🙂

333’s 1700th – The Reign of Grace

Monday, January 25, 2016

“Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 5:20,21 KJV).

Dearly beloved, devotional #1700 is here!

Readers, friends, and brethren, these last 4½ years (!) have been quite a learning experience for us all. With each passing day, we are moving onward and upward in the Holy Scriptures. For years, we were spiritually starved in denominational systems. Whether we were lost and sitting in spiritual ignorance, or saved and sitting in spiritual ignorance, praise our Lord Jesus Christ that we have been delivered from that mess!

Today’s Scripture says the Mosaic Law was instituted to point out “the offence.” The Law is God’s straight line (righteousness) to manifest our crooked one (sin). Still, in His grace, He sent His only begotten Son (Jesus Christ) to die for our sins, resurrect, and give us eternal life—His life! Sin only leads to death, but by Jesus Christ, grace will reign through righteousness unto eternal life. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). We have daily victory over sin by simply relying on Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork. The grace life will be manifested in us and through us who believe!

As our world rushes toward more uncertainty, more problems, more error, and more darkness, let us not lose sight of what really matters—the eternal Word of God being deposited into our eternal souls. We have all been privileged to take a few minutes here every day—for 1700 days nonstop!—to look at the preserved words of God. We were all wondering if our Saviour would come in 2015. He has not come yet, of course. Whether or not He comes in 2016, we must be about our labor in Him. More studies must be written about the grace of God in Jesus Christ, and more people must be reached with it. May we all continue to let grace reign in our Christian lives!

Beloved, thank you for your prayerful support, and onward to #1800! 🙂

(NOTE: By the way, we have some VERY exciting ministry news to be revealed in the coming weeks!! Please stay tuned!!!)

Zealous for the Word!

Friday, January 22, 2016

“Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay” (Jeremiah 20:9 KJV).

Once God’s Word gets in us, it will burst forth to reach others!

I recently had a phone conversation with a Christian brother who is new to dispensational Bible study. A Christian sister, a coworker of ours in the ministry, had introduced him to proper Bible study months ago, but he is just now really grasping the information. He was ever so excited. We spent over an hour talking, plus his questions. In fact, he is sharing some Bible study DVDs with his wife, and now she is interested in learning God’s Word God’s way.

The dear man will soon reach a crossroads in his Christian life. It is finally beginning to sink in that his denominational church has not been honest with him. After studying the Word of God rightly divided, he sees that the information contained therein is quite different from what his preacher has been teaching him. Now, he is bursting forth with joy that he understands his Bible. He cannot keep quiet much longer at church—he wants to tell others there. I encouraged him to bring to his church some of those truths of God’s Word rightly divided. Before he permanently leaves that assembly, I advised that he should attempt to reach any and everyone there that he can. He agreed.

Today’s Scripture reminds me of this dear brother. He has gotten a grip on God’s Word, and now God’s Word has gripped him! With a paper and pen in hand, he was scribbling down the Bible references I was giving him. He knows the opposition is coming, but he was preparing himself with verses so he can speak up for Jesus Christ’s glory! May we do as that dear man in Christ. May we do as the Prophet Jeremiah of old. May we let God’s Word work in us believers so mightily that it comes through for all to see and hear!