Category: sound doctrine

A Lost Love #4

Sunday, July 23, 2023

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved” (Romans 10:1 KJV).

Just the other day, an aged friend in ministry for several years now, shared with me the news of one of his recent undertakings. Let us see how his sentiments and efforts match those of Paul in today’s Scripture.

Dear friends, we must constantly (!!) be on guard against emotional revolt, making sure our emotions do not dictate to us what we should think or do. Emotions are deceptive, so if we allow them to control us, we will live in a fantasy world as opposed to reality. For example, remember when you watched a television show or movie. Depending on the actions you saw and the dialogue you heard, you moved from feeling anger to feeling sadness to feeling happiness to feeling peaceful to feeling distressed. People sob as they observe the tragic scenes, leap for joy when they see the pleasant situations, and scowl when they view the frustrating scenes. Of course, what they are watching is all make-believe—but it “feels” real, it “seems” real, because dominating emotions have no thinking process attached to them. Emotions are stupid or brainless. How can we ever expect our lives to function if we rely on this foundation of sand? It literally does not make sense.

The Bible tells the truth: sin forever changed human makeup. If we doubt this, we just need to look around at society and agree with the Scriptures. When Adam and Eve rebelled against the LORD God, human nature was significantly altered. Spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional modifications were introduced—and they are passed down from Adam to each and every successive generation. The key to solving all these problems is not therapy sessions with a “positive thinker,” endless drug usage, alcoholic beverages, or any of the other “solutions” man has developed to cope with his symptoms (minor) instead of addressing his sickness (major). The disease is sin, and it afflicts Christians and non-Christians alike. Christians conducting ministry based on emotions are on dangerous ground, and the non-Christians they are trying to reach are in an equally perilous condition. Let us see how the renewed mind remedies the matter for both parties….

A Lost Love #3

Saturday, July 22, 2023

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved” (Romans 10:1 KJV).

Just the other day, an aged friend in ministry for several years now, shared with me the news of one of his recent undertakings. Let us see how his sentiments and efforts match those of Paul in today’s Scripture.

“And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. But Jesus, said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marvelled [was amazed!] because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching” (Mark 6:1-6; cf. Matthew 13:53-58).

In the above passage, we gather how the Lord Jesus’ own family, friends, and neighbors were in unbelief—the very people who had grown up with Him in Nazareth for 20 years. Additionally, even His half-siblings (four younger brothers [named above] and at least two younger sisters [unnamed]) through His mother Mary were in unbelief. “For neither did his brethren believe in him” (John 7:5). One brother, James, became a believer at some later time, possibly because of Christ’s resurrection (Galatians 1:19; cf. 1 Corinthians 15:7).

As it did Paul in today’s Scripture, so it deeply grieved the Lord’s heart that His people could have no faith in God’s words to them—even after the overwhelming proof they heard and saw. It was not an evidence problem, but a heart problem that caused them not to believe. These lost loves we ourselves (literally) know all too well….

A Lost Love #2

Friday, July 21, 2023

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved” (Romans 10:1 KJV).

Just the other day, an aged friend in ministry for several years now, shared with me the news of one of his recent undertakings. Let us see how his sentiments and efforts match those of Paul in today’s Scripture.

Ministry is not easy—especially when dealing with loved ones, the people we know quite well, those with whom we come into contact often. It should concern us when we learn they have no personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. They may be religious, faithfully attend church, pray frequently, talk about “God,” and read “holy books,” but they are without forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and righteousness. We want so desperately to warn them of the perilous fate that awaits them. How we try to reason with them of their need of Christ’s finished crosswork as a fully-satisfying payment for sins. Yet, they are comfortable where they are. They will not believe the Gospel of Grace in their heart. “Leave me alone. I am ‘good enough, I ‘keep the Law,’ I am doing the best I can, I will never forsake my denomination/religion,” and on and on and on and on they go with their flimsy excuses as to why faith in Jesus Christ alone is not their preference.

When the Apostle Paul ministered to unsaved Jews in synagogues throughout the Roman Empire, he encountered these sorts of people by the thousands. Read today’s Scripture in context: “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God” (Romans 10:1-3). Zealous, religious, passionate, devout, enthusiastic, pious, fervent, sincere—but lost as lost could be! Billions of souls today fall into such a category, and, whether we know it or not, we meet them on a daily basis. They sit in our church buildings, labor in our workplaces, sit in our classrooms, live in our neighborhoods, shop in our stores, and perhaps stay in our homes (!)….

A Lost Love #1

Thursday, July 20, 2023

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved” (Romans 10:1 KJV).

Just the other day, an aged friend in ministry for several years now, shared with me the news of one of his recent undertakings. Let us see how his sentiments and efforts match those of Paul in today’s Scripture.

My friend (now 86 years old) started kindergarten in 1943, meeting a little female classmate who became his friend. It was not until after high school graduation, many years later, did he begin to date her. He took her out 19 times. However, the relationship failed and they parted ways, marrying other people. In 2005, at their 50th high school reunion, he and his wife briefly met this old girlfriend. His wife moved on to Heaven in 2013, and he has been a widow ever since. Suddenly, after over 15 years of silence, in 2021, he receives a phone call from that former girlfriend (who is also now widowed). For the past few years now, they have become close friends again, talking on the phone and visiting in-person. They both still have deep affection for each other.

On one hand, he has considered marrying her—but, on the other hand, he cannot do it because she is not a Christian as he is. See, sometime after they stopped dating all those years back, he left their works-religion cult when he trusted Christ’s finished crosswork as sufficient payment for his sins (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). Now, having been a Christian for over 55 years, he knows he is not to marry an unbeliever (“[marry] only in the Lord;” 1 Corinthians 7:39). On numerous occasions, he has talked to this dear lady about the Scriptures and the Gospel of Grace. Unfortunately, she still belongs to her works-religion cult that she has been in all her life (almost 90 years!), and firmly resists the idea of abandoning the family religion.

This brother was asking me for advice on how to proceed with such a delicate situation. While he cares much for her spiritual wellbeing, he knows he cannot force her to believe, which makes it even more heart wrenching. Israel’s sorry spiritual condition in today’s Scripture was just as troublesome to the Apostle Paul….

Liberated to Serve

Tuesday, July 4, 2023 🇺🇸

“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13 KJV).

Today, as we in the United States celebrate the 247th anniversary of our nation’s independence, we invite our Christian brethren worldwide to rejoice with us concerning our freedom in Jesus Christ.

When we proclaim Romans 6:14—“Ye are not under the law, but under grace”—people tend to assume “loose living.” Does “grace living” really mean we can now live any way we want? Lest anyone be misled in that regard, God the Holy Spirit moved the Apostle Paul to write in the next verse, “What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid [May God never let that happen!]” (Romans 6:15). Grace living is not Law-keeping, but it certainly is not Law-breaking either.

God still cares how we live, albeit He is not operating the “weak and beggarly” system of “bondage” (Law) that He once did with Israel (Galatians 4:9). God proved to the entire world that since Israel could not keep His commandments perfectly, no other sons of Adam (the Gentiles) could either: “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them [Israel] who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world [Gentiles] may become guilty before God” (Romans 3:19).

We sinners cannot keep the Law. However, God in His grace provided us a way to escape that condemnation by sending Jesus Christ to offer Himself on Calvary’s cruel cross to pay for our sins. By simple faith in Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection as the fully-satisfying payment for our sins, we can now be “made the righteousness of God in [Christ]” (2 Corinthians 5:21). We can be delivered from the penalty of sin (hell and the lake of fire) and the power of sin (flesh-walking).

Why are we Christians free? To selfishly live any way we want? NO! Today’s Scripture says we are liberated to now serve others, especially our Christian brethren, just as Jesus Christ selflessly served His Father and selflessly died on our behalf. That is grace living!!!!

Please see our 2011 Fourth of July Bible study “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land,” which can be watched here or read here.

The Damsel and The Spirit of Divination #7

Sunday, June 25, 2023

“And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour” (Acts 16:16-18 KJV).

Behold—a slave girl, an evil spirit, a vexed apostle, and a mighty God!

Though captive to Satan and men, the slave girl was not without hope. While the Devil and his angels are powerful, they were no match for the Lord God Who ultimately delivered her. Although her human masters fumed how their “prophetess” was now profitless; though they caused Paul and Silas to be publicly beaten, imprisoned, and tortured (all contrary to the laws of Rome); they inadvertently provided God’s preachers an opportunity to minister to yet more unfortunate souls in Philippi!

Read verses 25-40 (those which follow today’s Scripture). For example, “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them” (verse 25). Though suffering immense mental, physical, and emotional pain, Paul and Silas talked to the Lord and sang hymns! Their cellmates also heard the Gospel of Grace. Once a major earthquake rocks the area, the jailer—under such extreme conviction—approaches Paul and Silas, asking in verse 30, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Their answer was short and direct, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (verse 31). Released from prison, they proceed to minister to the jailer’s household and convert them too!

Saints, the lessons we can draw from this are simple. Though the world, the flesh, and the Devil interfere; by the might of the Holy Spirit, we can exercise God’s wisdom in successfully navigating those challenges (distractions, offers of compromise, persecution including physical violence, and so on); which will allow our testimony to have a far greater impact it otherwise would have never had.

Father: A Godly Man

Sunday, June 18, 2023

“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4 KJV).

Since today is Father’s Day, we dedicate today’s devotional to the godly (Christian) fathers.

What is a godly father? Oftentimes, fathers are either too authoritative (very strict) or too carefree (little to no concern for their children). According to the Bible (today’s Scripture in particular), fathers must have a balance between setting boundaries and enforcing them, and refraining from being a heartless tyrant.

  • On one hand, the Christian father is to “bring [his children] up in the nurture of the Lord.” “Nurture” is simply defined as “caring for and encouraging their growth or development.” All too often, fathers (sadly) ignore this, usually being too rough, or even, apathetic (unconcerned).
  • On the other hand, the Christian father is to “bring [his children] up in the admonition of the Lord.” “Admonition” is simply defined as “authoritative counsel or warning.” He is to lovingly guide them in life, instructing them from God’s Word rightly divided.

A father is not simply one who procreates. God’s Word makes it very clear that they should serve a lifelong, active role in their children’s lives. A Christian man, especially a father, should be a godly man in beliefs as well as in deed. He needs to set an example for his children (especially his sons): it is his duty as an older Christian man to set an example for younger men.

He should be a hard worker, he should meditate on the things of God (the Bible), his speech should conform to sound Bible doctrine, he should be hospitable and caring, kind and loving, he should respect and love his wife, he should love his children, and he should be reserved and cautious in his actions.

Are you a Christian man or Christian father who desires to be the man God intends you to be in Christ Jesus? Place your faith in this sound Bible doctrine, and God will take care of the rest! Then, you will become the godly man described on the pages of Scripture.

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

ARCHIVED: “What does the Bible say about fatherhood?”

Lawful Advice from Asa’s Life #10

Sunday, June 11, 2023

“And [King Asa] commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment” (2 Chronicles 14:4 KJV).

What lawful advice can be gleaned from King Asa’s life?

Attending to the management of the local church or ministry, the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul guided young Pastor Timothy (and thus, us!): “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also…. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will” (2 Timothy 2:2,24-26).

Timothy should take what Paul taught him, and pass on that exact same information to other men, men who could then repeat the cycle. In no way was the doctrine to be changed. Someone who serves the Lord will not be combative or contentious, but calm and willing to humbly tolerate a great deal of senselessness as he tries to share the Word of God’s Grace with people who will probably reject it anyway. Regardless, the minister endeavors to supply those people with the sound doctrine Bible that they can then (hopefully!) believe and ultimately use to deliver themselves from Satan’s snare or trap (Bible ignorance).

In today’s Scripture, Asa had pointed ancient wayward Judah in the right direction—get back to the Law of Moses, or face the dire consequences! Today, we are under the Dispensation of the Grace of God given to Paul (Ephesians 3:1,2). Our options are clear: get back to the Grace of God, or reap an even worse harvest than we have already have! Romans through Philemon will facilitate us, first and foremost, in having a clear Gospel message (1 Corinthians 15:3,4), and, secondly, possessing the grace life resulting from that finished crosswork of Jesus Christ. In the end, even righteous Asa succumbed to the evil world system he fought against, so let us be careful not to depart from Pauline doctrine upon receiving it!

Lawful Advice from Asa’s Life #9

Saturday, June 10, 2023

“And [King Asa] commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment” (2 Chronicles 14:4 KJV).

What lawful advice can be gleaned from King Asa’s life?

Re-read 1 Corinthians 14:37,38: “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. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.” There were innumerable self-proclaimed “spiritual” people in Corinth, supposedly led by the Spirit of God (just like today!). Also, there were countless self-promoting “prophets” in Corinth, people allegedly speaking for God (as right now!). However, the test was simple: if the information did not conform to Pauline revelation, it was not of the Spirit of God! Additionally, the Apostle anticipated a negative reaction, so he added, “But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.” Those who disregarded God’s advice were to be left in their darkness, for it was deliberate error.

“I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me” (1 Corinthians 4:14-16). The Corinthian saints were paying attention to all types of religious leaders—especially Greek philosophers from nearby Athens, the intellectual capital of the ancient world. Consequently, 1 Corinthians chapters 1–3 ordered the Corinthians to cease exalting human wisdom and stop incorporating it into their Christian lives. They were instead to follow the Apostle Paul as he followed Jesus Christ (see 1 Corinthians 11:1). The professing church, these last 2,000 years, could have saved itself an unfathomable amount of deception, headache, heartbreak, disappointment, and discouragement had it obeyed the Lord’s words through Paul. “But if any man be ignorant!”

As someone once wrote, “Either it is back to Paul, Paul, Paul—or it is onward to apostasy, apostasy, apostasy!” Once King Asa and Judah departed from the Law, they reaped great difficulty. Similarly, unless we return to Pauline revelation, the Lord’s heavenly ministry, the troubles afflicting the church today are nothing compared to what lies ahead….

Lawful Advice from Asa’s Life #8

Friday, June 9, 2023

“And [King Asa] commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment” (2 Chronicles 14:4 KJV).

What lawful advice can be gleaned from King Asa’s life?

Although Asa and his Jewish people were under the Law of Moses, and we are under the Grace of God, the all-encompassing principle remains the same: if we are truly seeking the LORD God of the Bible, then we will accept, believe, and apply to our lives His Word and words to us. Whether in the centuries before Christ, or right now in our day, far too many people are either deliberately or inadvertently pursuing a life without Divine wisdom. They hope to create an existence that seems suitable or respectable in their own eyes. In the decades before Asa, the Jewish people did just that, following whatever “felt good.” Howbeit, when Asa came to power, he knew his nation was in deep trouble, so he reformed his people and brought them back to JEHOVAH God (if only for a while).

The professing church of this present moment finds itself in a similar mess. Like Judah of old (prior to Asa), it has sought and worshipped other gods. For centuries, it has “preached another Jesus, another spirit, and another gospel” (2 Corinthians 11:4). The preaching of Jesus Christ according to prophecy (pre-Paul) and the preaching of Jesus Christ according to mystery (Paul) have been totally confounded or combined, yielding a distorted view of the Scriptures and two billion “Christians” (?) who struggle to grasp or explain even the simplest of Bible concepts. Are we humble enough to confess our failures, and the failures of our church leaders, so we can proceed to solving our problems?

Like today’s Christendom, believers at Corinth had formulated their own “Christianity.” The Holy Spirit’s admonition through Paul was: “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. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant” (1 Corinthians 14:37,38). As Moses was Asa’s way to reform Judah, so Paul is our method to save ourselves from countless years of “doing our own thing.” Let us see how….