Category: redemption

The Greatest War Hero

Monday, May 26, 2025

“For God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8 KJV).

In the United States, today is Memorial Day, when we remember those who sacrificed their time and lives to provide our physical freedom. Likewise, as Christians, we have spiritual freedom, which was more costly. Someone had to die to give us the eternal life we now enjoy….

Scripture describes a spiritual warfare between good and evil, God’s truth program versus Satan’s lie program: “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles [schemes] of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:11,12; see also verses 13-20).

Satan distracts mankind from God’s pure Word, the Bible, keeping unbelievers lost (dead in their sins), and preventing unbelievers and Christians from knowing God’s will. The devil draws them away (seduces them) from God’s Word by using religious tradition and human “wisdom” (1 Timothy 4:1-3; cf. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Galatians 3:1-3).

God loves us, so at Calvary’s cross, Christ fought for us sinners, died in battle (today’s Scripture), shed His divine sinless blood, and eternally rescued us from Satan and sin: “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:14,15).

Hebrews 9:12 says Jesus Christ has “obtained eternal redemption for us.”

If we have trusted Jesus Christ alone as our personal Saviour, God “hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Colossians 1:13). Now, God can use us for His glory for all eternity.

Beloved, let us rejoice in our victory over sin, death, and hell that Jesus Christ secured for us by going to Calvary’s rugged cross! Jesus Christ is now alive forevermore—He is our Hero, the Greatest Hero!

*Adapted from a larger Bible study “The Greatest Hero,” which can be read here or watched here.

Out of the Depths!

Sunday, May 18, 2025

“Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD. Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications” (Psalm 130:1,2 KJV).

The Psalmist has cried out, and the LORD will hear!

Psalm 130 is known as the “Out of the Depths” Psalm. The Psalmist feels extreme pain in upsetting circumstances. He thus wails in prayer: “[A Song of degrees.] Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD. Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications” (today’s Scripture).

In verses 3 and 4, he keeps praying: “If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.” If the LORD took time to pay close attention to and point out “iniquities” (injustices, evils, sins, crookedness), He would strike everyone down. No one would be left to continue! Thankfully, however, with Him, there is “forgiveness” (pardon, a sending away of the sin debt). He should therefore be feared—respected, honored, reverenced.

By the time of verses 5 and 6, the Psalmist reveals his optimism, the grounds that the LORD will hear his prayer: “I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.” He is a man of faith, expecting the LORD to keep His word, just as in Psalm 119:81: “My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.” Waiting for the Lord here is like someone eagerly anticipating sunrise after suffering a long, unpleasant night.

The Psalmist exhorts Israel to follow his pattern in the final two verses, verses 7 and 8: “Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.” As in Psalm 131:3, Israel should put their hope in the LORD, where are “mercy” (pity, compassion, lovingkindness) and “plenteous redemption” (abundant buying back from sin). The LORD will redeem Israel from all iniquities at Christ’s Second Coming and the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Acts 3:19-21; Romans 11:25-27), to which the Psalmist ultimately looks.

A Father’s Gift #6

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

“He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32 KJV).

Let us learn about Father’s gift….

What is generally passed off as “biblical Christianity” is actually a clever blend of endless speculations, faulty assumptions, extensive Bible re-translations, and insidious traditions, with a hint of pure Bible (of course, for even the worst of lies contains some truth!). This widespread ignorance and unbelief—masquerading as “spirituality” and “progress”—has been circulating our planet for many, many, many centuries. Our Christian schools, churches, and homes are rife with it. Talk with people. Read books. Listen to sermons. It is obvious why our church members have few convictions, many doubts, and infinite questions! We have not learned about Father’s gift to us, and not been thankful in having it in the first place.

Friends, if we are not mindful of God’s current dealings with man, and simply “name and claim” (or, better, “take and fake!”) whatever Bible verses that appeal to us, then we are only making it that much harder for ourselves to know and do God’s will. If we are more skilled in the commandments of men than the Word of God rightly divided, then we have not submitted to the Holy Spirit’s teaching ministry, and we are just as useful to God as the Devil’s ministers. It is true. Believe it.

Definitely, it is no secret that religion makes robots. These church members are servants to men, slaves to denominational programs. They are not thinking for themselves or questioning anything—they are simply repeating what they have heard for years and years. We cannot expect to serve the Lord by sitting under such teaching and mastering such a curriculum. Their ignorance is the means whereby they (and we) are indoctrinated not to be thankful for the Lord Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork and the spiritual benefits we thereby have received. They have been robbed of such clarity that it is mind-boggling. Many of us have come from such backgrounds and assemblies, and we would be utter fools to return there and continue as if nothing were wrong with their theology.

Again, let us learn about Father’s gift….

A Father’s Gift #5

Monday, August 19, 2024

“He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32 KJV).

Let us learn about Father’s gift….

Observe some primary cross-references to today’s Scripture. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom [spiritual sense to apply God’s knowledge to life], and righteousness [right standing before God], and sanctification [setting apart unto God’s purposes], and redemption [purchase out of sin’s slave-market]: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:30,31).

When Father God gave His Son to be offered or sacrificed for our sins on Calvary’s cruel cross, He made a way to bless us so as to reverse the spiritual curses we naturally inherited from Adam. Romans 5:12-21 should be read, carefully noting the comparisons and contrasts between Adam and Christ. In Adam, there are death (physical and spiritual), judgment, and condemnation. This is the category of non-Christians—sinners. However, in Christ, there are life (resurrection and spiritual), righteousness, and justification. This is the group of believers—saints. We either have Adam as our federal head, or Christ as our federal head. What is true of Adam is true of all in Adam, and what is true of Christ is true of all in Christ.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). The “old things” are the traits we had in Adam, whereas the “new things” are the qualities we have in Christ. As “new creature[s] in Christ,” we should have a corresponding mindset and lifestyle, thinking and conducting ourselves with Father’s gift in view….

The Greatest War Hero

Monday, May 27, 2024

“For God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8 KJV).

In the United States, today is Memorial Day, when we remember those who sacrificed their time and lives to provide our physical freedom. Likewise, as Christians, we have spiritual freedom, which was more costly. Someone had to die to give us the eternal life we now enjoy….

Scripture describes a spiritual warfare between good and evil, God’s truth program versus Satan’s lie program: “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles [schemes] of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:11,12; see also verses 13-20).

Satan distracts mankind from God’s pure Word, the Bible, keeping unbelievers lost (dead in their sins), and preventing unbelievers and Christians from knowing God’s will. The devil draws them away (seduces them) from God’s Word by using religious tradition and human “wisdom” (1 Timothy 4:1-3; cf. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Galatians 3:1-3).

God loves us, so at Calvary’s cross, Christ fought for us sinners, died in battle (today’s Scripture), shed His divine sinless blood, and eternally rescued us from Satan and sin: “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:14,15).

Hebrews 9:12 says Jesus Christ has “obtained eternal redemption for us.”

If we have trusted Jesus Christ alone as our personal Saviour, God “hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Colossians 1:13). Now, God can use us for His glory for all eternity.

Beloved, let us rejoice in our victory over sin, death, and hell that Jesus Christ secured for us by going to Calvary’s rugged cross! Jesus Christ is now alive forevermore—He is our Hero, the Greatest Hero!

*Adapted from a larger Bible study “The Greatest Hero,” which can be read here or watched here.

Emulation #5

Sunday, November 5, 2023

“If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them” (Romans 11:14 KJV).

What is “emulation?”

It was stated long ago, and rightly so, “The ground is level at the foot of Calvary’s cross.” To have a permanent relationship with the God of the Bible as touching this the Dispensation of Grace, we do not have to join a special religion (such as Judaism), or bless a special nation (such as Israel), or anything of that sort. Instead, whether Jew or non-Jew, we must place our faith exclusively in the Gospel of the Grace of God as presented in Romans chapter 3.

“[19] Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. [20] Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified [made righteous in God’s sight] in his [God’s] sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. [21] But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; [22] Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference [between Jew and Gentile]:

“[23] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; [24] Being justified [made righteous in God’s sight] freely [without cost to us] by his grace [unmerited favor] through the redemption [buying back] that is in Christ Jesus: [25] Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation [fully-satisfying payment or sacrifice for sin] through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission [forgiveness] of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; [26] To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. [27] Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. [28] Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”

For those who want to see it, it really is that simple! 🙂

He Was One of The World’s Richest! #12

Sunday, September 17, 2023

“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:20 KJV).

He was “one of the world’s richest,” but now he is among its poorest!

Let us keep examining Paul’s words to Timothy: “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1 Timothy 6:7). Could this be any plainer? We exited our mother’s womb owning nothing, and we will enter our tomb owning nothing! “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content” (verse 8). Owning basic material goods—something to eat, something to wear, shelter in which to live—is not a sin. These are needs that must be met.

However, human nature is sinful and becomes greedy (see Ephesians 4:19). It is not wrong to enjoy life and material blessings, but there is a substantial difference between this and attempting to fill God’s place with more and more worldly possessions. Remember, “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15).

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). Our spiritual blessings in Christ are ours forever—eternal life, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, redemption, forgiveness, acceptance, and so on (see Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Ephesians 1:6,7; Colossians 1:14; et al.). Unlike physical possessions, these are true, permanent assets.

Once we are content with Father God and what He has done for us in Christ, we realize He is God and any material goods we have are not (recall Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13). With these priorities in order, we can proceed to using our financial resources wisely for His glory….

He Was One of The World’s Richest! #11

Saturday, September 16, 2023

“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:20 KJV).

He was “one of the world’s richest,” but now he is among its poorest!

Carefully read 1 Timothy chapter 6: “[3] If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; [4] He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, [5] Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. [6] But godliness with contentment is great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. [8] And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”

The Holy Spirit through Paul counsels Timothy (and all Christians, but especially church leaders) to be on guard for false teachers and “from such withdraw thyself [get away from them!]” (verse 5). These charlatans in religion—these so-called “spiritual guides”—are described most vividly. One error motivating them is they are “supposing that gain is godliness” (verse 5). They promote the erroneous concept that any material prosperity, physical increase, or worldly profit is automatic worship of God (that it glorifies Him when someone prospers or increases or profits in the physical realm). Do not forget: these false teachers can “praise the Lord” (HA!) when they swindle their devotees to gain their fortunes!

On the contrary, “the doctrine which is according to godliness” (verse 3) is that which glorifies God and allows us to worship Him. That sound Bible teaching worthy of our trust is provided in Paul’s words to Timothy, including, “But godliness with contentment is great gain” (verse 6). To worship the Lord in keeping with Pauline revelation, and to be thankful to our Heavenly Father in all situations and circumstances for what we do have (regardless of amount, little or much), that combination (worship of God and contentment) is true gain, real increase, eternal advantage….

He Was One of The World’s Richest! #10

Friday, September 15, 2023

“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:20 KJV).

He was “one of the world’s richest,” but now he is among its poorest!

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1,2). It is ever (!) so (!) critical (!) that we Christians think about prosperity and success as the Lord does, and not as lost people do. Again, “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind….”

For example, in the eyes of the world (“this present evil world” [Galatians 1:4] and all its supporters—following Satan [2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2]!), we are “successful” if we have acquired much knowledge (advanced degrees, long-time professional jobs, and so on), if we have many physical possessions (lands, houses, vehicles, gadgets, and so on), if we have an active social life (many children and grandchildren, friends, and so on), and the like. But, what saith the LORD?

The Church the Body of Christ has a tendency to adopt these secular standards and bring them into the local assembly. Allegedly, a church or ministry is “successful” if it has a “seminary-trained” (“scholarly!”) minister leading thousands or tens of thousands of people who meet to “worship” (?!) in a lavish, state-of-the-art auditorium. But, what saith the LORD? The Church the Body of Christ is also prone to taking these standards and evaluating an individual’s conduct. Supposedly, someone is a “successful” Christian if he or she attends church, earns a steady income, owns a nice home, has many social connections, and so on. But, what saith the LORD?

Dear friends, we should examine 1 Timothy to realize the Holy Spirit’s warnings through our Apostle Paul. Such dangerous thinking threatened Timothy’s own Christian life and ministry. Let us avoid this precarious situation before we find ourselves in it….

He Was One of The World’s Richest! #9

Thursday, September 14, 2023

“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:20 KJV).

He was “one of the world’s richest,” but now he is among its poorest!

Whether a costly bronze casket or a cheap cardboard coffin, whether a Mercedes-Benz hearse or a horse-drawn buggy, whether wearing a three-piece suit or tattered rags, billionaire and beggar alike carry nothing away after death. Both corpses go into the same earth, for neither is spared decomposition. The beggar lost what little he had, and the billionaire lost everything he had!

Hence, in the grand scheme of things, it is definitely more prudent to concentrate on acquiring a sizable spiritual bank account than a massive physical bank account. For example, “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:30,31). Once we trust Christ as our personal Saviour—that He died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3,4)—we get “in Christ.” We share His identity! Father God has made Jesus Christ our wisdom, our righteousness, our sanctification, and our redemption.

The ability to properly apply knowledge to life—we have it in Christ because He is our wisdom. A right standing before God—we have it in Christ because He is our righteousness. Holiness or being set apart for God’s purposes—we have it in Christ because He is our sanctification. Our being bought out of sin’s slave market—we have it in Christ because He is our redemption. If there is to be any pleasure, if there is to be any boasting, let it be that we are pleased in the Lord and see the worth only in Him. Instead of, “Look at what I did or look at what I have!” (works-religion!), true Christianity is, “Look at what Jesus Christ has been made for me and look at what He is to me!”

Here is wealth far, far beyond every scrap of precious metal and every specimen of precious stone….