Category: sin

Wilt Thou Serve the Denomination, Or the Lord? #3

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23,24 KJV).

Beloved, we have a choice—we can serve a theological system (which is worthless), or we can serve the Lord (which is priceless).

Almost all of the world’s two billion professing Christians attend and/or serve in a denominational church (over half in Roman Catholicism; just under half in Protestantism). Every denomination can be summarized with: “Dr. So-and-So” leads it, it prefers its own Bible translation and/or other literature, funds its own seminary or college, and promotes its own “programs” and “verses.” Can they all be right?! (No!)

Despite their godly façade, upon being queried regarding their authority, denominationalists mindlessly parrot their group’s unique, manmade “catechism” or “articles of confession.” All groups quote antithetical sources to support their beliefs and practices, and they all claim to be doing “God’s work.” Impossible! This is not Christianity, but Christendom (Christendumb). Denominationalists are blindly serving man, not the Lord.

Frankly, all denominationalism has ever done is divide and confuse, corrupting people who are already going to hell. “God is not the author of confusion” (1 Corinthians 14:33); therefore, God is not the author of denominations. These dear people shackled in religious duty claim to be following and serving Christ, but they have no idea what He is doing today. How can they be doing God’s will if they do not even know what God is doing? Impossible!

When the ascended and glorified Lord Jesus Christ first revealed Christianity to the Apostle Paul, He had no intention of giving us another set of rules, a list of programs, or a highly complex system of rites, rituals, and ceremonies. We sinners had enough trouble keeping TEN simple commandments!!! He had no intention of us serving and pleasing fellow man. He wanted to give us His life, so it would not be our performance in religion, but His performance in us! Thus, it is vain to follow a manmade system, for we should “serve the Lord Christ” (today’s Scripture).

Wilt Thou Serve the Denomination, Or the Lord? #2

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23,24 KJV).

Beloved, we have a choice—we can serve a theological system (which is worthless), or we can serve the Lord (which is priceless).

When someone who is searching for the true and living God eventually does find out about Jesus Christ and trusts Him alone as personal Saviour, he or she then has a spiritual minefield to navigate. Deciding which denominational church to join is not as easy as it initially seems. After all, these 38,000-plus groups claim to be “Christ’s followers,” but they each teach something radically different. How will this poor Christian soul ever learn the truth? Which denomination, if any, is right?

Satan’s apostate religious system accomplishes exactly what he intended it to—it deters the Christian from serving the Lord. Soon, the person becomes loyal to the denomination and its (faulty) theology. Eventually, the issue is no longer, “What saith the scriptures?,” but “What saith the denomination, preacher, or statement of faith?”

We are not to serve man, nor seek to please him—we are to serve the Lord, not some (man-made) denomination! Today’s Scripture declares, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;….” Ephesians 6:6,7 confirm: “Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:”

“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). If we want to do God’s will in our lives—if we are to be “throughly furnished [equipped] unto all good works”—the complete revelation is within “all scripture.” “Scripture” (“writings”) restricts the authority to a Book, thus excluding popes, teachers, theological systems, preachers, and seminaries….

Wilt Thou Serve the Denomination, Or the Lord? #1

Monday, December 3, 2012

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23,24 KJV).

Beloved, we have a choice—we can serve a theological system (which is worthless), or we can serve the Lord (which is priceless).

Colossians 3:22 begins: “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:” Today’s Scripture then follows: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;….”

Compare that to Ephesians 6:5-7: “Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:”

Christian employees are exhorted that, when they work, they should not put on a show. That is, we should not be faithful workers for the sake of being seen of others (“eyeservice”) and praised by others (“menpleasers”). Our motivation for faithfully executing Christian service within the workplace is to please the Lord Jesus Christ. We should serve the Lord “in singleness of heart;” to wit, with a sincere (non-hypocritical, non-selfish) heart. We really do not deserve the credit or the praise for our good works—after all, “[We are] crucified with Christ; nevertheless [we] live, yet not [us], but Christ!”

Even though today’s Scripture and these other verses are directed toward Christian servants (slaves, employees), we can still benefit from the doctrine, for we too are “servants to God” (Romans 6:22). Just as we are to be faithful Christian servants “on the job,” we are to be faithful servants of the Lord on this stage called “life.” The same doctrine that governs a Christian in the workplace should, in the grand scheme of things, guide us as we function in our Christian ambassadorship on a daily basis….

Decent and Orderly

Sunday, December 2, 2012

“Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40 KJV).

Today’s Scripture is straightforward regarding individuals’ behavior within the local church.

A lady recently shared with me her experience of visiting a new local church. After an hour of singing, dancing, shouting, jumping, and tongue talking, there was less than an hour of preaching. While she claimed that she learned “a little” (!) from the Bible, she was overall displeased. Thankfully, she said she was not returning there. (I was then able to share some Scriptural truth with her concerning those matters.)

Emotionalism dominated the Corinthian church. The Corinthians, although Christians, were spiritually immature: they failed to learn and grasp the doctrine found in the book of Romans. They could not function like adult saints because they were “babes in Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:1). Consequently, they abused spiritual gifts.

Rather than using their spiritual gifts to benefit the assembly as God intended, these believers were selfishly glorifying their flesh by drawing attention to themselves (the “charismatic movement” is nothing new). The Apostle Paul spent three chapters—1 Corinthians 12, 13, and 14—addressing spiritual gifts. The last verse of that section is today’s Scripture, which summarizes God’s view of the whole issue. We are not to lose self-control under any circumstances.

Dear readers, be not swept away by the charismatic movement. We humans are emotional creatures, prone to fall into the trap of deceptive feelings, and this religious movement appeals to our flesh. Spiritual gifts—even when they operated in biblical times—were never meant to be haphazardly used to lift up the individual Christian, or be utilized to give an “emotional high.”

Lost people are watching us, and is that the impression we want them to have about God? Jumping, shouting, and babbling incoherently? As 1 Corinthians 14:23 says, these lost souls will exclaim, “Ye are mad [crazy]!!!” Remember, everything in the local church should be done “decently and in order.” Let us be grounded in this truth, let us walk by faith in sound Pauline Bible doctrine, and let us not be “children… tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14).

Aging Grace-fully

Friday, November 30, 2012

“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 the aging process degrades our physical bodies, let us allow God’s grace to “renew” our minds.

I just heard people share their anxiety about their aging physical bodies. They loathe their gray hairs, sagging skin, and wrinkles, and do whatever they can to “look younger.” They are not focusing on the things of eternal importance, for they probably never have trusted Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. All they think about is the here and now, failing to understand that there is more to life than this physical dimension.

In one recent year, Americans spent $10 billion (!) on cosmetic surgeries. These efforts to slow down and even reverse aging and its effects are futile. Death and elderliness will still come. Beloved, no matter what we do to these physical bodies, they will still age, and short of the Lord’s coming, they will die. “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a). These are “vile bodies” affected by sin, and thus they must die (Philippians 3:21). They cannot enter heaven.

Thankfully, one day (the rapture), these physical bodies will be redeemed from death (Romans 8:23): we Christians will receive new bodies “eternal in the heavens” (2 Corinthians 5:1-5). As a dear brother in Christ always states, “In heaven, there will be no [from head to toe] baldness, bifocals, bridgework, bulges, and bunions!” Yes, we have those here, but be not depressed. We will not be here in this sin-cursed world forever. We are not bound forever in these limited (and weakening) bodies.

Today’s Scripture shows us that this physical body—the “outward man”—will ultimately die, and give way to a new glorified body. What we need to focus on is the “inward man,” our soul and spirit. We will leave these physical bodies behind, but we will take with us our spiritual bodies. When we daily study and believe the King James Bible rightly divided, it will “renew” and strengthen our souls, the bodies that count for eternity. And thus, we will age “grace-fully.” 🙂

The Tale of Two Sons

Monday, November 26, 2012

“And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:” (Luke 23:18 KJV).

One son will be liberated to live, and the other Son will be sentenced to die!

At the time of Christ’s trial, Barabbas is a prisoner (Matthew 27:16). Barabbas is a murderer, a robber, and guilty of “insurrection,” or rebelling against the government (Mark 15:7; Luke 23:18,19; John 18:40).

It is Passover. Roman governor Pontius Pilate has a custom that, at the feast, he releases a prisoner, whomever the people desire (Matthew 27:15; Mark 15:6). “But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified” (Matthew 27:20-22).

Israel’s chief priests, rulers, and common people all demand Christ’s crucifixion and Barabbas’ release, so Pilate gives the sentence (Luke 23:23-25). Guilty Barabbas is set free to live, and innocent Jesus Christ is condemned to be crucified. While Barabbas’ involvement in the matter seems insignificant upon first glance, God included it in His written Word because to provide us with an amazing illustration!

“Barabbas” means “son of the father.” Barabbas is a criminal, and he represents sinful, rebellious mankind who is worthy of death. He is bound by sin, and faces eternal death. Spiritually, sinful mankind is the son of Satan—man is of his father the devil (John 8:44). Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, God, “knew no sin” (2 Corinthians 5:21), but took upon Himself our sins and was punished in our place.

Innocent Jesus Christ took the place of guilty Barabbas, which actually represented Christ taking the place of the whole world, suffering God’s wrath on our behalf! “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust…” (1 Peter 3:18). Thus, through Christ’s finished crosswork, we sinful sons of Adam (and Satan) can be freed from sin, and we can become the righteous sons of God.

Quelling the Questions of Quandaries

Sunday, November 25, 2012

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:17 KJV).

Sin makes life very complicated, but today’s Scripture is a great help in attempting to resolve those “quandaries” (“sticky situations”).

Life affords many choices ranging from a variety of topics. “Do I do this, or do I that?” In some cases, there is no one Bible verse that gives us a clear-cut answer as to what specific choice the Lord would have us to make. Furthermore, some situations are so tough, they seem almost impossible to solve. Such predicaments can be quite troubling to the Christian, who is on the verge of screaming in desperation, “Lord, I know not what to do because I do not know Thy will concerning this!”

Dear saint, no matter what quandary you ever face, here are three basic doctrines to bear in mind:

  1. God’s grace—everything He can do for us through Christ’s finished crosswork—gives us Christians the power to stop sin from dominating us: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” (Titus 2:11,12). When we make mistakes (sin), we need to acknowledge them by letting God’s Word (these verses) correct our thinking. Grace living is not sinless living. We do and will make mistakes, but we need to learn from them.
  2. If the Bible—especially Paul’s epistles—are silent about how to handle the matter in a specific manner, today’s Scripture provides general counsel: And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Do what best reflects and glorifies Jesus Christ.
  3. The Lord wants you to make the choice that would further and exalt His Word. When we make godly decisions, we promulgate the sound doctrine taught by God’s written Word, the Holy Bible, and we accomplish His overall will to glorify His Son, Jesus Christ, in heaven and on earth (Ephesians 1:10). 🙂

In Every Thing Give Thanks

Thursday, November 22, 2012

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV).

Dear saints, take a moment this Thanksgiving to learn a valuable lesson from the Holy Scriptures!

God wants “all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3,4). To be “saved” here means you have been rescued from the penalty of sin (hell and the lake of fire), and that you have a home in heaven, because you have trusted the death, shed blood, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as sufficient payment for your sins. To “come unto the knowledge of the truth” is when a person who has trusted Christ, begins to understand why God saved him or her, and how God will use him or her for His glory. Although soul salvation is instantaneous, spiritual maturity is a life-long process (that is especially true regarding handling difficulties, the grace way!).

It is human nature to avoid difficulties and stress, to flee them, rather than confront them. This self-preservation is advantageous, particularly in “life or death” situations. However, running from troubling circumstances is not the way God has designed our life in Christ to function. Today’s Scripture says, “In every thing give thanks,” not “For every thing give thanks.” We do not thank God for our troubles; we thank God while we are enduring those troubles. This is tough, I know, but it takes time for us to learn it. Even the Apostle Paul had to learn this.

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:11-13).

Be thankful in every thing. God’s grace is sufficient for you, dear saint, in all of life’s circumstances. When you learn this, you are “[coming] unto the knowledge of the truth.”

Happy Thanksgiving!

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

The Lip of Truth and a Lying Tongue

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

“The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment” (Proverbs 12:19 KJV).

Today’s Scripture illustrates God’s plan for creation versus Satan’s policy of evil. In the end, only one will triumph.

The LORD “cannot lie” (Titus 1:2). It is “impossible for God to lie” (Hebrews 6:18). Our Lord Jesus Christ prayed to His heavenly Father, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). The psalmist wrote, “I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments [God’s laws, the Scriptures] have I laid before me” (Psalm 119:30). He also wrote, “Through thy precepts [teachings] I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way” (verse 104). And verse 142, “Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.”

God and His Word, the Holy Bible, are the epitome of the truth. Neither can lie, and both will exist forever. “…[T]he word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever…. the word of the Lord endureth for ever…” (1 Peter 1:23,25).

Contrariwise, a “lying tongue” is one of the “six things [that] the LORD [doth] hate” (Proverbs 6:16,17). Consequently, its duration is short. However, the “lip of truth shall be established for ever” because God—who is “the truth” (John 14:6)—will always exist. Ultimately, the “lying tongue” will cause its own demise, and God’s truth will eventually overcome the lie.

Dear readers, our world abounds with injustice and dishonesty, but this is “for a moment.” Deception appears to be winning, and God’s truth is being suppressed, but remember “a lying tongue is but for a moment.” In the grand scheme of things, Satan’s policy of evil—which at its root is “a lie… worshipping and serving the creature more than the Creator” (Romans 1:25)—is reigning over the heaven and the earth only momentarily.

Until that day when Satan, his policy of evil, and its participants, are eternally confined to the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:10,14,15; Revelation 21:8), God is allowing mankind to choose—follow Him or Satan.

The victory, however, will ultimately go to God’s side… “the lip of truth.”

One Little Nation With a Big God #5

Monday, November 19, 2012

“Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud” (Psalm 94:2 KJV).

Israel’s enemies are persecuting and destroying her, and today’s Scripture is her plea for JEHOVAH to shew Himself!

When Jesus Christ left earth in Acts chapter 1, He ascended to sit at His heavenly Father’s right hand (Acts 2:32-36). “The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool” (Psalm 110:1). Today, Christ is still sitting at the Father’s right hand in heaven (Colossians 3:1), albeit temporarily—notice “until.” One day, when it is time to judge earth’s wicked inhabitants, Christ will rise from His sitting position at the Father’s right hand, and return to earth—His Second Coming—to punish His enemies (unbelievers) with His righteous wrath.

“Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him. As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God” (Psalm 68:1,2). “Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people [Israel]” (Psalm 50:3,4). This vengeance of fire will accompany Christ as His Second Coming, punishing those who “know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 2:7-10).

The verse preceding today’s Scripture reads: “O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself” (Psalm 94:1). “For we know him that hath saith [Deuteronomy 32:35], Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again [Deuteronomy 32:36], The Lord shall judge his people [Israel]” (Hebrews 10:30).

At His Second Coming, Jesus Christ, Israel’s “Prince of Peace,” will militarily defeat her enemies, and then usher her into her kingdom of peace, salvation, and prosperity (Isaiah 11:1-16; Isaiah 59:16-22; Jeremiah 23:5-8; et al.).

Little Israel has a glorious hope. In due time, her BIG God will fulfill it!