Category: evil world system

For Students This is Safe

Thursday, August 11, 2016

“Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:128 KJV).

As a new school year dawns, let us awake unto spiritual truth!

Although the autumnal equinox is still over a month away here in the Northern Hemisphere, summer is finally beginning to wind down for most of us. Students—with long faces and deep sighs—have returned or are beginning to return to school. As students return to the classroom, they need to be particularly mindful of the following.

Firstly, learning in and of itself is not a sin. Moses was “learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians” (Acts 7:22). Luke was a medical doctor (Colossians 4:14). Daniel and his companions were skilled in science (Daniel 1:4). Adam was the first taxonomist (Genesis 2:19,20). The God of the Bible is never against learning new things—remember, He gave us His Holy Bible so we can have plenty to learn for all of eternity!

Secondly, what the God of the Bible opposes is when we believe/trust ideas that do not seek our best interests, that contradict the way He designed our lives to function. Certainly, we Christians should never go around believing anything and everything heard and seen. Just because the professor, preacher, pope, or president says it is true, that does not make it so. Scientific consensus has been wrong before, religion has been wrong before, politicians have been wrong before. Much of the ideas that permeate our world today are wrong.

Lastly, there are many wonderful, exciting ideas and concepts out there—medical advancements, technological breakthroughs, and so on—but there are equally detrimental ideas that will mess up your life—religious traditions, secular humanism, and other philosophies. Daily intake of the King James Bible rightly divided will cleanse our souls of the filth and foolishness that we hear and see day in and day out in this evil world system. We highly exalt God’s Word, we know it is right “concerning all things,” and we hate and ignore the error.

Have a wonderful school year in our Lord Jesus Christ! 🙂

No Fear of God

Saturday, August 6, 2016

“There is no fear of God before their eyes” (Romans 3:18 KJV).

Today’s Scripture was true 30 centuries ago—it is still spot-on today!

In recent years, especially here in the United States, dozens of news items have featured so-called “police brutality.” Allegedly, law enforcement officers are targeting “minorities” and being particularly cruel simply because of their ethnicity. Unfortunately, news outlets have their own (warped) political-social agendas, so reporting is often skewed to portray lawbreakers as innocent and police officers as bigots. While racism exists to some degree in the heart of every sinful human being, there is one underlying factor that rarely, if ever, receives notice. Mankind has a problem with authority—his chief problem is with his Creator! (Of course, as with the police officer arresting the suspect, God is blameworthy and the sinner is innocent!)

No sinner reveres the God who brought him or her into this world. Sin has so calloused man’s heart that he is totally numb to God’s control. “I want to be my own god, my own authority! I have rights! I can be who I want to be and do what I want to do! Leave me alone!” This is the rotten flesh of every person, Christian and non-Christian alike. No wonder Father God refuses to accept anything and everything our flesh offers (including religious works)!

Friend, when you have the time, search online for videos that document what police officers experience on a daily basis. They endure some very dangerous situations. While there are no doubt some uncivil and evil police officers, most I have seen were very professional and courteous. They really try to calm and help those struggling with drug problems, domestic violence, and other issues. However, many suspects wield knives and wave guns, curse and scream in officers’ faces, and kick and punch officers! In those cases, police have no choice but to use deadly force. Suspects have never been taught to respect authority (at home growing up, or now as adults).

Paul quoted Psalm 36:1 to form today’s Scripture: “The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.” That was true 3,000 years ago (David’s time)—how much more today!

Eyes on Christ, Not on Me(n)!

Saturday, July 30, 2016

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV).

A lady with whom I recently dealt just learned that one of her former pastors has lately turned himself in to the police. He did some inappropriate things many years ago, and he has finally admitted his guilt. Understandably, she was heartbroken. My words to her were loud and clear, “Keep your eyes on Christ, not on men!”

It is not uncommon for church members to exalt the apostles, or even today’s church leaders, as though they were/are super-humans or even gods. (Friend, I certainly hope that you do not worship me or consider me as anything special! I give all praise and glory to my Lord Jesus Christ! He alone is to be worshipped and considered special!)

Today’s Scripture summarizes the warnings previously listed in verses 1-12. Just as Israel started off well but later abandoned God’s promises to her and ended up deceived, so we can start off well in Christ and end up deceived by that same evil world system. Do not say it will not happen to you; it just may!

Verse 14 follows today’s Scripture: “Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.” The Corinthians had already fallen into the trap of idolatry (false religion). Paul instructed them to return to the truth. Lest anyone think they cannot repeat Israel’s apostasy and the Corinthians’ apostasy (departure from the truth), verse 12 sternly warns: “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”

Brethren, we should certainly not look down upon Christians who have fallen into sin. Pray for them and help them if you can (Galatians 6:1-5). Today’s Scripture says we may fall into those same sins ourselves. Let us keep our eyes on Jesus Christ, who will never fail us, who is always, always, always faithful. Let us not focus on men—they have failed us before and will doubtless fail us again and again!

No “Sin?”

Monday, July 25, 2016

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:3,4 KJV).

Is there really such a thing as “sin?” If there is, a good many preachers will literally not say it!

Not long ago, a feel-good pastor was featured on a news show to comment on a recent tragedy. When the news anchor asked him why there was all this craziness in society, the pastor just could not bring himself to say the word “sin.” The best he could do was repeat, “It is just our fallen nature, humanity’s fallen nature.”

Beloved, “sin” is such a negative word, and this man was used to pleasing people. He would not dare say “sin” on television. It might offend someone “too sophisticated” or “too positive” to think about something so unconstructive as “sin!” Overall, the pastor’s spiritual insight was that of a first-grade Sunday School student. He never gave any real comfort and no in-depth commentary from the Bible. In fact, it is no exaggeration to say he quoted as much Scripture as the news anchor! (None.)

People just cannot handle the truth, especially the truths of the Holy Bible. One of the ways we know the Bible is not of human origin is its negative portrait of mankind. It offends our flesh; it contradicts our sin nature that wants to perform. The Bible is always negative toward man and always positive toward God. But, today’s Scripture says people will more and more gravitate toward error. They do not want to be called “sinners.” Oh, no! They do not want to be called “lost,” either! Let us call them “diseased,” “debilitated,” and “un-churched!”

Friends, there is a negative reality called “sin.” This offends people, but so what! God gave us that bad news so He could then give us good news, the Gospel of Grace. “Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). We can have righteousness—His righteousness—when we trust Him and Him alone as sufficient payment for our sins!

Fewer Enemies Than God

Sunday, July 24, 2016

“And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them” (Genesis 6:5-7 KJV).

You may have a lot of enemies, dear Christian friend, but you have a lot less enemies than God does!

Long ago, a much older Christian saw a young pastor who was greatly disheartened. He exhorted that young man by name, “You may have enemies, but not as many as God does!” “Amen,” we say, “Amen!” Just think on today’s Scripture. Many, many centuries ago, the world became so out of control, so rebellious, that God had to finally destroy it in the Great Flood. That wickedness was not confined to the Mesopotamian Valley. It was literally everywhere. God’s enemies had taken over His planet, and now He was going to wipe it clean!

The human population of Earth at the time of the Great Deluge is unknown. Maybe there were several hundred millions. Perhaps even a few billions. Add to that the seven billion people on Earth today. Plus, there may be one or two billion other people between the post-Flood world and modern-day record-keeping. In total, somewhere between 10 and 15 billion people have lived thus far. All of them sinners, God had to deal with every last one of them. How He was so patient! All of them were always doing things to upset Him, to offend Him, to disobey Him. Even today, God has more enemies present on Earth than He has ever had!

Christian friend, no matter how many people are against you, always remember God has more people against Him. If He can handle His enemies, He is also able to handle yours if you let Him! 🙂

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Did God create evil?”

Conform or Be Transformed!

Friday, July 22, 2016

“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 KJV).

We have two choices—conform or be transformed.

To “conform” literally means “with [same] shape;” the word “transform” literally means “change shape thoroughly.” We can think of gelatin or bread conforming to a mold; we can imagine raw ingredients transformed into a mass of gelatin or a loaf of bread. If we carry these illustrations over into the spiritual realm, today’s exhortation becomes clear.

When Paul says “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,” he is referring to the first 11 chapters of Romans (previous chapters). The “mercies of God” (plural, not “mercy”) is everything that God has done in the prior 11 chapters. It especially refers to chapters 1-8—Christian justification and sanctification. Chapter 12 (today’s Scripture) heads the final section of Romans, which terminates with chapter 16.

Not long ago, I talked with a Christian man who, rather than being “transformed by the renewing of his mind,” has been and is still being “conformed to this world.” He has refused any offers to fellowship with our assembly. Without a local church, without daily renewing his mind with the King James Bible rightly divided, constantly tuned in to newscasts, he has become progressively weary and depressed. Stranded, Satan is having him get so caught up in what sinful man is doing that his focus has shifted from Jesus Christ his Saviour. Operating in the energy of the flesh, he is slowly being worn down. His mentality and behavior have been forced into the world’s mold!

Dear friends, let us stay in the King James Bible rightly divided each and every day. The Adversary is always out to pervert us and conform us to his policy of evil. God’s Word dispensationally-delivered is the way to renew our minds! 🙂

Light and Understanding

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

“The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple” (Psalm 119:130 KJV).

Behold, light and understanding are in the Word of God rightly divided!

Today’s Scripture is so simple that even a small child can grasp it. Unfortunately, many seminary-educated preachers, many “scholarly” persons, and many religious leaders could not comprehend that verse even if their lives depended on it! They have been so “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14)—their minds scrambled and their hearts hardened. When the spiritual light of God’s Word shines, they hide behind an intellectual or religious argument, lest the light expose them and convert them from their wayward path!

Still, despite all the willful ignorance described above, there are a handful of genuine souls. They are really trying to find the truth; they are waiting for some Bible-believing Christian to help them. Dear brethren, dearly beloved in the Lord, we should not be lackadaisical. There are some very confused people out there seeking answers; they need the light of the Gospel of Christ to shine on their hearts so they can be saved unto eternal life. There are some very confused Christians out there; they need the light of the Message of Grace to shine on their hearts so they can learn sound Bible doctrine. Let us not sit around waiting for some other person to do it. We should get out and do it. Win souls to Jesus Christ, and edify Christian souls to His glory! Go! Go! Go!

Some have no interest whatsoever in learning the truths of God’s Word rightly divided. But, there are others who are praying for God to enlighten them. We need to be ready to reach them whenever they request our assistance. Let us study and be prepared to answer their questions! In this world of increasing darkness and confusion, God’s Word rightly divided is a beacon of understanding. It shines ever so brightly. Let us be “mirrors,” reflecting that light so all can see and come to Christ Jesus! The fruit in eternity will be so much more exciting than we could possibly imagine here! 🙂

Busy with Idols

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

“Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number” (Jeremiah 2:32 KJV).

Why did Israel forget about JEHOVAH God?

A minister wrote many decades ago: “The only way to stay alive today is to run—even in the supermarket. If you’re not careful, someone will run a grocery-cart right over you if you stop moving!” Friends, we live in a much busier world. What would that dear brother say about today’s world if he were not enjoying heaven right now?

Our highways and interstates abound with people in quite a hurry. With speeds exceeding high, so are tempers! Road rage is a common problem; people just cannot get out of the way quickly enough, and they cannot travel quickly enough even if they manage to get from behind those travelling reasonable speeds! Just how many of these busy people give God even one minute of their time? He has given them so much—oxygen, food, water, shelter, life, and so on. What have they given Him? Only when they need Him to do something for them, when they are in a tight spot and need help, then they think about Him, call on Him, and ask Him for deliverance. Sound familiar?

The context of today’s Scripture says of preoccupied, idolatrous Israel: “[27] Saying to a stock, Thou art my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned their back unto me, and not their face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us. [28] But where are thy gods that thou hast made thee? let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble: for according to the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah…. [32]… my people have forgotten me days without number.”

Frankly, even people today are too busy with idols—self, money, education, religion, work, sex, entertainment, and so on—to think about the Lord Jesus Christ. What a sad reality, friends, what a sad reality indeed! As ancient Israel did, so many people today have forgotten all about the one true God. May we not be among them!

Our Refuge, Strength, and Help

Monday, July 18, 2016

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1 KJV).

Despite all the recent violent acts in our world, today’s Scripture is just as true as it ever was!

A frequent complaint made against the Bible is that it has “no relevance” to us today. Scientific achievements, education, and technological advancements have allegedly replaced the need for the Holy Scriptures. Mankind believes that, because he has leapt many intellectual hurdles in recent decades, he has progressed enough to no longer need God’s insight. The Bible, while “nice reading,” has been relegated by most to an inferior status. It is said, “Only fools believe that old Book!”

Despite all the educational institutions, religions, political platforms, social movements, scientific innovations, and technological discoveries in the world, however, man’s fundamental problem—sin—remains. Times have indeed changed; unfortunately, mankind never has! Fortunately, God has never changed either! For such an “old Book,” the Bible still provides a logical answer. We must seek help from Someone beyond our human frailties!

Today’s Scripture (yet future) finds Israel at the very end of her quest for righteousness. She has exhausted all avenues of deliverance. The Antichrist has failed her. Her religion has failed her. Education has failed her. Her human “allies” have failed her. Economics have failed her. She has finally come to realize what God had been trying to teach her for the last 4,000 years. He is her only hope. He, not her works, is the answer to her sin problem. He, not her politics, is the answer to her enemies. He, not her education, is the answer to her confusion. He, not her economics, is the answer to her poverty.

Read today’s Scripture in context. Psalm 46 is only 11 verses. In it, we see Christ’s glorious Second Coming to Earth, Him rescuing Israel from all her enemies, Him restoring Israel to Himself, and Him establishing His earthly kingdom. It was all because of Him and His faithfulness, not because of her!

Friends, as our world becomes more chaotic, more uncertain, the unchanging truths of the eternal Word of God must be forefront in our minds. The Lord Jesus Christ—our refuge, our strength, a very present help in trouble. He is our only hope, too! 🙂

Forgiven for Christ’s Sake #7

Sunday, July 17, 2016

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32 KJV).

What is true forgiveness?

At a Bible conference, I overheard a man talking with one of my pastor friends. Steeped in denominationalism, he was chiefly confused about whether God had forgiven him. He struggled with the so-called “Lord’s Prayer” (“Our Father” Prayer). Specifically, Matthew chapter 6: “[14] For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: [15] But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” The poor man needed to “rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). The “Our Father” Prayer was spoken to Israel (Matthew 15:24)—not us Gentiles (Matthew 10:5-7)!

God’s spokesman to us, the Apostle Paul, on this side of the Cross, tells us God has forgiven us all our sins. We do not have to beg or wonder! In Christ, forgiveness is total, free, and forever. He forgave us because of what Jesus Christ did at Calvary, not because of our religious performance (today’s Scripture). We are already forgiven in Christ. As God forgave us, we forgive others. Lost people will have their sins taken care of at two places—the cross of Christ if they trust Christ before physical death, or eternal hellfire if they do not trust Christ before physical death.

One of Satan’s schemes to destroy the local assembly is when Christians do not forgive each other as God for Christ’s sake has (past tense) forgiven them. Second Corinthians chapter 2 warns about bitterness: “[10] To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; [11] Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.”

Forgiveness is not pretending like nothing happened. You have been wronged, and God punished Jesus Christ for that sin. Forgiveness is sending the shame, guilt, and pain to Jesus Christ’s cross (where God dealt with our sins). We need not keep dredging up the past, beloved. We learn from our mistakes, and are thankful Jesus Christ has already provided our forgiveness forever! 🙂