Category: good vs evil

Inquest Into Identifying Irreverent Inequality

Friday, July 3, 2015

“The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the LORD standeth forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations” (Psalm 33:10,11 KJV).

Indeed, it involves interesting inquest into identifying irreverent inequality.

There is much discussion today about “inequality” and a demand for “equal rights for all.” People should be allowed to do this and should be treated like that. Great social movements in recent decades have aimed to protect and defend the rights of this or that group—“Everyone should be equal and everything should be fair!” Very rarely do these sincere people ever recognize the greatest inequality of all. It is this inequality that matters eternally!

The first time “iniquity” appeared in creation was when “iniquity was found in [Lucifer]” (Ezekiel 28:15). Even today, “the mystery of iniquity doth already work” (2 Thessalonians 2:7). Satan is alive and well in this universe, behaving very unfairly, crookedly, unjustly. Sinful man is following him in that iniquity, that inequality, that unrighteousness. Yes, “inequality” is from the Latin, inaequalitas, meaning, “not equal.” Actually, “iniquity” is also from the Latin, iniquitas, from iniquus, meaning, “not equal or just.” The greatest inequality of all is when creatures rebel against their Creator’s wishes, upsetting the balance, disrupting the harmony, and abandoning the righteousness He preferred in His creation. “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6a).

Today’s Scripture defines two people. Firstly, there are “the heathen” (Gentiles, nations). JEHOVAH will reduce their counsel, their plans, to nothing. Secondly, there are “the people” (Israel). JEHOVAH will foil their devices, their plots, as well. Jew and Gentile are united in doing whatever they have imagined (sin). JEHOVAH says, in the end, His plans alone will succeed, and His thoughts alone are wise enough to outsmart, outwit, and outlast all others. Despite all of the inequality, the campaign of iniquity designed to hinder and destroy His design in creation, the God of creation says, “Give it your best shot in keeping Me from accomplishing My plans! I will still usher in righteousness, rightness, to restore the balance!”

Faithful Father Forecasts Furious Fire

Thursday, July 2, 2015

“He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure” (Psalm 2:4,5 KJV).

Frankly, faithful Father forecasts furious fire!

Ecclesiastes 8:11 says, “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” Because the God of the Bible is so longsuffering, unsurprisingly, sinful mankind takes advantage.

The Apostle Peter writes in 2 Peter 3:7-9: “[7] But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. [8] But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. [9] The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

Simply put, the longer we delay in retaliating, our “threats of retribution” are dismissed as fake. When God promised wrath on wicked mankind, He did not immediately act. It takes a long time for God to get angry, but watch out when He does because His anger does not dissipate with the passing of time. Father God never breaks His Word—concerning both grace and wrath. That anger that He felt against the world 2,000 years ago is the anger He will have yet future. Peter’s words could have been fulfilled 20 centuries ago, when Jesus Christ could have come back and utterly destroyed His enemies in righteousness indignation.

Yet, today, that wrath is delayed—not because it was not real or because God was bluffing, but because God is longsuffering. The program that contained that wrath is momentarily delayed. Our Dispensation of Grace is operating, holding back the wrath! One day, today’s Scripture will be fulfilled. May we come now by faith alone in Calvary’s finished crosswork alone, that God not be displeased with us when He decides to pour out that long-prophesied (and long-delayed) wrath!

Laughing Lord Loathes Ludicrous Lifestyles

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

“He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision” (Psalm 2:4 KJV).

Lo, laughing Lord loathes ludicrous lifestyles!

Reacting to the recent United States Supreme Court’s ruling on the national legalization of homosexual unions, a college student declared on national television: “I think everyone has the right to be happy. We were kind of raised with the mentality that you should do what makes you feel happy!”

Incredible, absolutely incredible! This 20-something woman voiced the fact that her parents taught her nothing moral or wise. They taught her to do whatever she wants to be happy! (While we are at it, let us throw in theft, lying, drunkenness, illegal drugs, polygamy, and murder!). What society anywhere could last five minutes if every citizen did “whatever made him or her happy?” Scary thought!

What happened to this young lady’s mind? Like most her age, it became a vacuum that sucked up anything and everything but the truth. She was not taught one thing from the Holy Bible and that void was filled with garbage thinking. If her worldview is valid, no one should be arrested or imprisoned for pedophilia, larceny, killing, raping, kidnapping, et cetera. After all, how dare we criticize, punish, and forbid people from exercising “their right to be happy!”

The context of today’s Scripture predicts how Rome and Israel would conspire against Father God and His Messiah Jesus Christ. “[1] Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? [2] The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, [3] Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.” (Cf. Acts 4:25-28). They did not want Him ruling over them, so they (happily) murdered Him. The Bible says Father God laughs at such nonsense, that sinful, puny, and foolish men could believe they could do whatever made them “happy” and not reap consequences (divine judgment). Verses 4 and 5: “[4] He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. [5] Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.”

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Why does Romans 3:30 read ‘by faith’ and ‘through faith?’”

Sinners Should Stop Snubbing Salvation

Saturday, June 27, 2015

“Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them” (Romans 1:32 KJV).

Such sinners should stop snubbing soul salvation!

When the nation once known for leading worldwide Christian missions becomes the leader in the legalization of homosexual unions, the world’s spirituality has reached its lowest point in centuries. When its president can sing hymns about “grace” after applauding such perversion, and not see God’s consuming fire come down from heaven, God’s grace is thus evidenced to be greater than any and all of man’s sin (Romans 5:20).

We read in Philippians 2:15,16: “[15] That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; [16] Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.”

Hold forth the word of life, dear brethren, to this lost and dying world. The “word of reconciliation” has been committed to our trust. We are to share with all the world the good news that God is not imputing their trespasses unto them today (2 Corinthians 5:18-21). They can be right with Him today by simple faith in Calvary’s finished crosswork. They have God’s grace, His friendly attitude, and His love now, but that will instantly change at the Rapture.

As we Christians leave for heaven, unbelievers will remain on earth to experience the undiluted wrath of a holy God. Sin will be dealt with either at Calvary or in eternal hellfire. People can rely exclusively on the Lord Jesus Christ’s shed blood, having Him suffer for their sins, or they can ignore Christ’s sacrifice and go to hell to pay for their sins forever and ever and ever and ever. Remember, God is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). He does not want people to go to hell. He sent His only begotten Son to die for those sins. May they delay no longer trusting Him and Him alone!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Should women serve in the ministry?”

Persistence of Resistance for Maintenance of Coexistence

Thursday, June 25, 2015

“Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel” (Amos 4:12b KJV).

As divine judgment found rebellious Israel, mankind today will not escape either!

Genesis documents the four divine institutions that govern man’s existence. In chapters 1 and 2, we read about free will, marriage, and family/parenting. Chapters 9-11 discuss nationalism (human government). Satan, the sneaky Devil, has attacked all four. May we not wonder why society is in such pitiful shape today.

God designed FREE WILL to be the means whereby man could exercise faith or doubt, believing or rejecting God’s Word. Today, Calvinists (in pagan circles, “Fatalists”) deny man’s free will by saying that God has already determined every little detail beforehand—who does what, what they do, who goes to heaven and who goes to hell, et cetera. Instead of blaming sinners, just blame God! MARRIAGE, the most intimate human relationship, was designed by God for the bearing of children. Homosexual activity in no way produces children. Period. Even if we knew not a single Bible verse, nature teaches us that humans were never created to be homosexuals. Heterosexual marriages are necessary, lest the human race die out. FAMILY/CHILDBEARING was intended by God to be the means whereby society would expand and mankind would multiply worldwide. Abortion attacks this intention of God. Even if we were, like most, Bible ignorant, nature teaches us that no species will survive if it kills its offspring. God created NATIONALISM as a means to convey order and justice. Due to political corruption, God’s purpose in governments is not being fulfilled today. Hence, Jesus Christ will have to come back one day, and straighten it out!

Despite the constant plea/demand today for “tolerance” of others’ beliefs, hypocritically, not one of these “coexisters” is “tolerant” of the Creator God’s designs! Everyone is entitled to “free speech” but the God of the universe! Let them enjoy God’s grace today. Let them blame God today. Let them laugh and mock Jesus Christ today. Let them act however, marry whomever, kill whomever, oppress whomever today. Jesus Christ may just return tomorrow in wrath, finding them doing “however and “whatever!” Friends, God will not allow such “intolerance” of His will, to go unpunished forever (Romans 2:1-11; Ephesians 5:3-6).

Our latest Bible Q&A: “What is the difference between ‘the Kingdom of God’ and ‘the Kingdom of Heaven?’”

The Grandest Conspiracy of All

Friday, June 19, 2015

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5 KJV).

Behold, the grandest conspiracy of all!

So-called “conspiracy theorists” constantly speak and write of the latest secret government plots to accomplish “this” or do “that.” Health crises, environmental movements, political platforms, military operations, national disasters, et cetera are always under the scrutiny of those seeking to expose possible links to covert evil agendas. Doubtless many plans and scams exist throughout our beloved nation, America, but they exist in every country on Earth as well. But, there is more. There is one common conspiracy that unites all nations.

Unfortunately, professing Christians often lead the hysteria, using Scripture to justify their preparations for “Armageddon.” Hiding in their homes, constructing underground bunkers, stocking up on supplies and ammunition, and utterly fearing every new electronic gadget as a likely link to the Antichrist. These poor people are woefully ignorant of that which they claim to know and believe—the Bible! Honestly, bluntly, frankly, they could not spot the Antichrist’s regime if it was here. How so? They cannot discern the satanic scheme that is presently distracting them in religion, politics, and news media. When more Christians follow the latest news items than Christians reading the Bible, we can see why they parrot news headlines instead of quoting Bible verses. They know more about what their government is doing than what their God is doing!

Today’s Scripture says Satan wars in the Christian’s mind. Just as he misled Israel with worthless information, he is still doing it today with the Body of Christ. Our minds need to be focused on “the obedience of Christ”—what Jesus did at Calvary on our behalf. The greatest conspiracy is that Satan does everything in his power to keep Christians and lost people alike, all over the world, from remembering that perfect sacrifice of God’s beloved Son. May we not be ignorant of the greatest conspiracy of all!

Quarantined for Christ!

Sunday, June 14, 2015

“Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets” (Luke 6:22,23 KJV).

Christ in us is contagious… and they do not want to “catch” Him!

Recently, a Christian was telling me how another Christian had “Christian” family members who emotionally and spiritually abused him. She claimed that this individual was treated as though he had leprosy. They had no time for him unless they could benefit from him in some way. It undoubtedly was a spiritual battle. It was a great division, a battle between good and evil, a situation wherein one party stood for sound Bible doctrine and the other party was entrenched in religious tradition. Today’s Scripture came to mind.

We can be “quarantined” for various and sundry reasons. Perhaps we live a “gutter life,” one filled with violence and crime, and (understandably) no one wants to be associated with us. Or, maybe we just like to gossip and backstab and people thus avoid us. These are negative. But, to be “separated… for the Son of man’s sake” (today’s Scripture), that is the noblest type of quarantine. It is not easy to handle, and it does hurt, but Jesus Christ forewarned His disciples that it would come. They should not be shocked or “frozen,” unable to react when it happened. But, how can one in that predicament be “blessed,” happy, “rejoicing,” “leaping for joy?” It takes the mind of God to understand!

If ever people associate you with the God of the Bible, you have given a clear testimony of the God of the Bible in your behavior and lifestyle. There was no phoniness or cravenness in you. You were candid about your Saviour, they saw the light, and they refused to see that light any further. They knew you were “infected” with Jesus Christ, and they sealed you away, lest you “communicate” Him to them! Indeed, rejoice, beloved, jump for joy, when the world places you in “quarantine!” 🙂

If Thou Be #10

Saturday, June 13, 2015

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6,7 KJV).

Today’s Scripture is the key to finding your identity in Christ!

“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). Once we realize the spiritual wealth we have in Christ, we can rejoice. We can be so thankful that we have the riches of God’s grace!!! Ephesians 1:7 says: “In whom [Christ] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” Friends, we need to quit living and thinking like spiritual beggars, behaving like we are poor, ever asking God for things when He has given us “all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). We lack nothing in Christ (Colossians 2:10). Now we need to believe these Bible truths and ignore what religion says to the contrary!

There can be no thanksgiving in a worrisome life—Did I do enough to please God?, Confess enough?, Give enough?, Keep holydays enough?, Get water baptized enough?, Love God enough?, Love my neighbor enough?, Attend church enough?, Pray enough?, Stop sin enough? There is no peace in a troublesome life—Am I God’s child?, Will I make into heaven?, Does God really love me?, What is His will for me?, Has He really forgiven me? Rather than being “tossed to and fro” by the wiles (schemes) of the Devil in religion (Ephesians 4:14), wondering about contingencies and conundrums, we can be “rooted, built up, and stablished” (stabilized) in Christ, in our identity in Him (today’s Scripture). The doubt, frustration, and perplexity thus cease.

Beloved, the Body of Christ is ever so weak today because it has largely forgotten its identity in Christ! May we take an intelligent understanding of Romans through Philemon, God’s Word to us, and rest our faith in that. We can then cease from our works, and let Father God start doing His by means of the indwelling Holy Spirit! 🙂

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Where was Jesus during the three days between His death and resurrection?”

If Thou Be #9

Friday, June 12, 2015

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6,7 KJV).

Today’s Scripture is the key to finding your identity in Christ!

A dear brother in Christ often says, “Your Christian life will not operate on the basis of ignorance.” Why does the average Christian life not function properly? Ignorance concerning what God is doing today! The average Christian is not taught God’s Word rightly divided. They are not taught their identity as members of the Church the Body of Christ. Instead, they are taught from the Old Testament, the Four Gospels, early Acts, and Hebrews through Revelation—all of which describe Israel’s identity in Christ. No wonder Christians claim and follow Israel’s verses. They believe they are Israel. No wonder Christians claim to be Israel. They claim and follow Israel’s verses. In other words, the Bible has been so misconstrued that it is just one gigantic mess, and their identity is so screwed up in their minds!

Thankfully, in heaven, such confusion will be absent. There will be no denominations, and no hijacking Israel’s verses. God will clear that all up with one verse—2 Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” It is in Paul’s epistles alone that we find our identity, doctrine, duty, walk, and destiny as members of the Church the Body of Christ.

We received Jesus Christ by faith in His finished crosswork (Colossians 2:5), and everything in our lives is dependent on that crosswork (today’s Scripture). As we were saved unto eternal life, so we walk in Him—by grace through faith, apart from works, rites, rituals, ceremonies, and so on! We are to be taught that, stabilized in these grace doctrines, remembering we are alive with His life, built up in Him to be in full cooperation with Him as He accomplishes what He wants done in and through us! That is how we remember our identity in the Lord Jesus Christ!

Now, we can conclude this devotionals arc….

If Thou Be #8

Thursday, June 11, 2015

“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him” (2 Corinthians 11:3,4 KJV).

Can Satan use the Bible to confuse God’s people concerning their identity? Yes, today’s Scripture says he most certainly can (and does)!

If you want to be a Christian, it is commonly said that you need to be water baptized, give tithes, confess your daily sins, pray the “Lord’s Prayer,” observe holy feast days, faithfully attend church and “worship” on the Sabbath, keep the Mosaic Law, follow Christ’s earthly ministry, obey the “Great Commission,” seek the “manifestation of the Spirit” of tongues and miracles, et cetera. Beloved, while these activities are Scriptural, they do not belong in our dispensation. So, they are advantageous to Satan’s policy of evil in confusing us about our identity.

By the way, if you do not do these activities, traditional “Christianity” does not consider you a Christian. In agreeing with the Bible rightly divided, you disagree with traditional Bible thinking. Since religious tradition is the standard rather than the rightly divided Word of God, those who disagree with religion are labeled “non-Christians.” In that warped world, “Christians” follow tradition instead of Scripture! Behold the insanity, irony, and heresy!

Religion demands we give, confess, repent, attend, observe, seek, do, to get from God and keep it. Our one baptism by the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ is seen as deficient. The written, completed Bible is seen as wanting. We are urged to pursue experiences and emotions to hear more from God. Our once-for-all forgiveness is seen as flawed. The Adversary causes Christians to revert back to Israel’s system of short sin-accounts (confession). In short, our sufficiency in Christ is seen as insufficient. Talk about identity crisis! What identity theft! Satan stole their identity, and then they stole Israel’s! The Devil’s damnable statement reverberates throughout the ages, right up to our present-day—“If thou be the [children] of God….”

Our latest Bible Q&A: “How are we ‘able ministers of the new testament?’”