Category: sin

Comatose! #3

Saturday, February 25, 2023

“Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light” (Ephesians 5:14 KJV).

“Wake up!,” screams the Holy Spirit to today’s comatose professing church!

Never are we Christians called to be sinless in this life, for until “the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30) or “the redemption of our [physical] body” (Romans 8:23), we will be in these fallen bodies of flesh that are biologically related to Adam. When we want to walk contrary to our identity in Jesus Christ, we will “Quench [hinder, extinguish]… the Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 5:19) and we will “grieve [sadden, pain, hurt]… the Spirit” (Ephesians 4:30). For a believer in Christ to sin is one thing, for him or her to sin in private is another, but for the Christian to flaunt sinful conduct in front of the eyes of the lost world is something else entirely!

When we have Christian pastors sharing obscene jokes in the pulpit or on social media (and I have seen and heard it), church members assembling and wearing vulgar attire during services (and I have seen and heard it), Christians engaged in public drunkenness (and I have seen and heard it), it should never surprise us when people snicker at the Bible and have no desire to hear anything about “Jesus.”

Christians have habitually complained about the evils in the world—but how many of them have shared the Gospel of Grace even once to rescue some poor unsaved soul from that same evil world system? Would they know enough of the Scriptures to teach so much as a children’s Sunday School class? Yet, they are the very individuals whining about “delinquent youth” and “ignorant young people!” They disparage the science professors who teach humanism in the name of “higher education,” but what sound Bible doctrine have these Christians taught their kids?

Instead of organizing concerts and potluck suppers, re-translating the Bible, scheming to raise money so as to fund denominational programs, preachers and teachers need to be laboring to impart doctrinal life to their practically dead church members and students. As the Lord Jesus stated, “…the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). Here is the key to recovering from a spiritual coma….

Comatose! #2

Friday, February 24, 2023

“Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light” (Ephesians 5:14 KJV).

“Wake up!,” screams the Holy Spirit to today’s comatose professing church!

For a great many people, the summit of being a Christian means nothing more than criticizing any and every non-Christian and trying to make lost people behave like Christians. “Stop doing those evils, and start doing these religious works!” While sincere, they are sincerely wrong. It makes no sense to expect non-Christians to conduct themselves as though they were Christians. What is even more preposterous, but usually overlooked, is when Christians act like non-Christians.

When Christians are “too busy” for Bible study, and/or “not interested” in having fellowship with believers, and/or “unwilling” to separate from the world’s desires and activities, and/or “indifferent” to false teaching in their denomination, this is far greater sin in the eyes of the Lord than non-Christians having lifestyles that are to be expected of non-Christians. A sinner cannot help but sin; his or her very nature is sin. Yet, the saint has a choice: walk by faith in Christ, or walk in the flesh. God intends saints (a title meaning “set apart, sanctified”) to be set apart from the world, the flesh, and the Devil!

“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 only makes sense for Christians to think and act like Christians—because that is precisely who they are. When Christians mimic the world, resembling non-Christians, they are spiritually comatose. Their Christian life is suspended. Alive in Christ positionally, they have decided practically to walk in the energy of the flesh—and their Christian life cannot and will not function. They are like the physical paralytic, sprawled out on a bed and totally helpless because they have decided not to have or apply the renewed mind.

Look at today’s Scripture. There are spiritual zombies in Ephesus, and they are all around us in our local churches….

Comatose! #1

Thursday, February 23, 2023

“Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light” (Ephesians 5:14 KJV).

“Wake up!,” screams the Holy Spirit to today’s comatose professing church!

Indeed, truth is sometimes stranger than fiction. Review, for example, these three medical cases. Back in 1941, a six-year-old girl was anesthetized for a routine surgery, but she never regained consciousness. Amazingly, her coma lasted 37 years, when she ultimately expired. Due to a traumatic assault, one lady went into a coma—and died after remaining 41 years in that persistent vegetative state. In 1969, a woman entered a diabetic coma and never woke up, dying 42 years later. A coma is a state of deep, prolonged unconsciousness, resulting from various factors. How truly sad it is to see physical bodies lying helpless in bed, wasting away, unable to respond to their environment. Yet, there is something equally disturbing, but far deadlier, in the spiritual realm.

Throughout my 17 years in ministry, I have encountered a great diversity of lost and saved people alike. Who has concerned me the most is not the people without or unaware of the Lord Jesus Christ, but the people who allegedly have or know of Him. We would naturally expect the latter to be the most informed, spiritually enlightened people in this world, those who had exemplary lives and morals. After all, they “read” the Bible, and they sing about “Jesus,” “grace,” and “the Spirit.” Yet, when I personally interacted with them—meeting and conversing with them—I realized they were in a spiritual comatose state. Their conduct, speech, and values were not Christian. Sin that should have bothered them did not trouble them at all. They had no real interest in spiritual matters or serious Bible study. If I were a non-Christian, nothing they had or said would have ever convinced me to become a Christian. Honestly, this hypocrisy is likely the main reason why “Christianity” is detested so often.

Dearly beloved, before we condemn the world’s people for their evils, we the “Christians” (?) need to address our own sins. Our main transgression is our persistent spiritual coma as referenced in today’s Scripture….

Something in Which to Glory!

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

“As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Galatians 6:12-14 KJV).

In what shall we glory? About what shall we boast? In what shall we find value?

Religion produces people who enjoy bragging all about their “dedication to God.” “Look what I did—the ceremonies in which I have participated, the many prayers I faithfully recited daily, how much I put in the collection plate, see how many pleasures I gave up to please God! Come, see how much I love Him!” Dear friends, the Apostle Paul found great value in something—but that something was not what he did. All that human flesh can accomplish pales in comparison to the work in today’s Scripture.

As Lent begins, the time when religionists temporarily (a mere 40 days) relinquish some pleasant food or activity, let us remember that our performance is often non-performance. Once we place ourselves on that treadmill of “do, do, do,” we are guaranteed to fail at some point. Human flesh is simply too weak to maintain 100 percent—that is sin! Even concerning one rule, we cannot keep it perfectly. We mess up eventually.

If ever we believe that our puny works are worth bragging about, let us remember the words of the Apostle Paul in today’s Scripture. While some boast in their religiosity (in the passage, the Judaizers applauding their rite of physical circumcision), and such denominationalists today urge us to obey their church’s instructions so they too may boast in our ability, let us eschew such foolishness. Being imperfect, all their works do not measure up to Christ’s finished crosswork. At Calvary, we find the only sacrifice that will ever please the God of the Bible. If we must boast, let us brag that He did what we could never, ever do!

See our archived Bible Q&A: “Should Christians observe Lent?”

God’s Grace on Parade

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

“…But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (Romans 5:20 KJV).

Today, especially here in southern Louisiana, the Catholic festival of Mardi Gras takes advantage of God’s grace. God’s grace abounds even when drunkenness, lasciviousness, and gluttony are committed overtly on our streets for religion. Because we live in the Dispensation of the Grace of God, they can flaunt their sin without being consumed by fire from heaven!

“Mardi Gras,” French for “Fat Tuesday,” is a day when religious people—professing “Christians”—lose self-control (excess alcohol, food, and partying). The following day, Ash Wednesday, they promise to live “holy” for the next 40 days (Lent). A priest will then place ashes on their foreheads proving that God forgave them for that riotous living. Blasphemy!

Regardless of all its biblical allusions (illusions!), Mardi Gras is still evil and anti-God. It was never Christian, originating from pagan Roman festivals, Saturnalia and Lupercalia (interestingly known for riots, drunkenness, gluttony, and fornication, and subsequent repentance).

The Holy Spirit, speaking through the Apostles Peter and Paul, was clearly against Mardi Gras reveling and drunkenness (Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Peter 4:3). So why do professing Christians engage in the very activities that God the Holy Spirit condemned?! As Christians, we should “deny” the activities of Mardi Gras (Romans 6:11-15; Titus 2:11-15).

If I appear offended, I am. Mardi Gras, despite its godly façade, is offensive to the great God and my Saviour Jesus Christ! God’s grace continues to tolerate such foolishness from mankind. Man parades his sin, and God parades His grace, holding back wrath.

Are you a Mardi Gras reveler? I declare unto you the wonderful Gospel of the Grace of God. God did for you at Calvary what you could never do: “Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He was raised again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Jesus Christ shed His sinless blood and died to put away all of your sins, Mardi Gras revelry included.

If you rest in Christ Jesus alone as your Saviour, God will save you forever, make a trophy of His grace, and then YOUR life will be God’s grace on parade!

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

You may also see our archived Bible study Q&A, “Should Christians celebrate Mardi Gras?”

Fill Up That Which is Behind? #1

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

“Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church” (Colossians 1:24 KJV).

Did Jesus Christ suffer enough to pay for our sins? Then how can Paul “fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ?”

Never, ever are we to reason Jesus’ sacrifice on Calvary was in any way deficient, defective, or needing a “supplement.” Isaiah the Prophet described Father God’s assessment of Christ’s finished crosswork: “He shall see the travail [suffering] of his soul, and shall be satisfied…” (Isaiah 53:11). Hence, we read of Jesus being offered as a “propitiation” (Romans 3:25), a fully-satisfying payment or sacrifice for our sins. “For he [Father God] hath made him [Christ] to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in [Christ]” (2 Corinthians 5:21). “[Christ] Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth” (1 Peter 2:22). “And ye know that he [Jesus Christ] was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin” (1 John 3:5). If Jesus had a sin debt, then He certainly could not pay ours. Furthermore, if He—the sinless Son of God—could not pay for our sins, what hope do we sinners have in settling the debt?

While on Earth, the Lord Jesus was mistreated beyond belief, including being verbally attacked (insulted, gossiped about, mocked, challenged, blasphemed, taunted, lied about) and physically assaulted (spat upon, beaten, scourged/whipped, robbed of His clothes). All that suffering culminated in His crucifixion, when the torment escalated to extreme levels. Once He dismissed His spirit at physical death, sinful men could harm Him no further. When He rose the third day, He was victorious over the grave, never to die again.

The Lord Jesus Christ is not physically here on Earth, for He has been at His Father’s right hand in the third heaven for 20 centuries now. Yet, if they could, the people of the world would re-crucify Him in the blink of an eye, in the snap of a finger, in a heartbeat. Instead, they must settle for mistreating us believers….

Gnashing of Teeth

Monday, February 6, 2023

“But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 8:12 KJV).

What is this, “gnashing of teeth?”

“But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 8:12). “And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth…. And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 13:42,50). “Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 22:13). “And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 24:51). “And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:30). “There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out” (Luke 13:28).

These verses describe souls suffering in Hell’s flames. Here, there is darkness, “weeping” (crying), “wailing” (screaming), and “gnashing of teeth.” To understand the “gnashing of teeth,” think of what we do when we undergo pain here on Earth. We grimace or frown, cry out, and shed tears. Also, we may even clench our fists or tightly close our jaws (recall the biting down on a stick in the days before the anesthesia of modern medicine!). Gnashing/grinding/grating the teeth also occurs in the spiritual realm, souls experiencing eternal judgment and feeling anger, despair, misery, anguish.

Indeed, Hell is a horrific place, but God has done everything possible to keep us out of it—and we will go there only if we choose to remain dead in our trespasses and sins. If we have not already done so, may we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, that He died to pay for our sins and suffer God’s wrath as our substitute, being buried and raised again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3,4)!

Three Crucified Men

Thursday, February 2, 2023

“Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst” (John 19:18 KJV).

See the three on Calvary.

“Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left” (Matthew 27:38). “And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left” (Mark 15:27). “And there were also two other, malefactors [evildoers, criminals], led with him to be put to death. And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left” (Luke 23:32,33). Check also today’s Scripture.

One crucified man died because of his sins, for he was guilty. “And we indeed justly [are rightfully punished]; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss ” (Luke 23:41). Though both thieves initially mocked Jesus (Matthew 27:44; Mark 15:32), this thief repented (changed his mind) and confessed faith in Jesus as Lord/Christ (Luke 23:39-43).

One crucified man died in his sins, for he had no faith in Jesus Christ, completely content in making fun of Him throughout the six hours of their joint crucifixion.

One crucified Man “died for our sins” (1 Corinthians 15:3), “For he [Father God] hath made him [the Lord Jesus Christ] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:” (1 Peter 3:18). “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man” (Hebrews 2:9). “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Whereunto I [Paul!] am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not; ) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity” (1 Timothy 2:5-7).

Joseph and Jesus #12

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

“These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report” (Genesis 37:2 KJV).

Let us search the Scriptures to see how Joseph is a type of the antitype Jesus….

We Berean Bible students have seen how Joseph and Jesus are alike in excess of 20 specific traits and circumstances. This is certainly not coincidental. To those who want to see, hear, and believe, it is as clear as can be. Joseph served as a template, foreshadow, preview, pattern, or outline: by nature, that is a type in the Bible. Centuries later, the antitype (Jesus Christ) shared those same qualities and underwent those very situations. By studying the one, we better appreciate the other, rejoicing how the LORD God was omniscient, knowing well in advance what would occur all along. Joseph’s whole life—even seemingly insignificant attributes and situations—prophesied what another beloved Son would be like and what He would experience.

“Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow” (1 Peter 1:10,11). Like the other Old Testament prophets, Moses (who wrote about Joseph in Genesis) possessed limited knowledge. He had no idea the Holy Spirit was using him to present Messiah’s two comings with such vivid details—one arrival to suffer and die, and a return to conquer and reign. Stephen, speaking in Acts 7:9-16, had more light than Moses, for by that time the Lord Jesus Christ had already come once and the saints in early Acts were anticipating His reappearance. With a completed Bible canon, we have even greater insight than Moses and Stephen combined. May we be thankful!

Joseph is just one of several types of Jesus Christ: other examples include Joseph’s brother Benjamin, plus Adam, Abel, Noah, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Samson, David, and Solomon. While beyond the scope of this study, they too are equally fascinating.

Joseph and Jesus #11

Monday, January 30, 2023

“These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report” (Genesis 37:2 KJV).

Let us search the Scriptures to see how Joseph is a type of the antitype Jesus….

Read Acts 7:9-16. “But God was with him” (verse 9). Though Joseph’s brethren did not know him and refused him the first time, “at the second time” they recognized and accepted him. Likewise, though Israel did not identify and receive Christ in faith at His First Coming (John 1:10-12), the opposite will be true at His Second Coming (Zechariah 12:10; Matthew 23:39).

When Joseph reunited with his brethren 20 years later, he told them: “For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance” (Genesis 45:7,8). “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive” (Genesis 50:20). While Joseph’s brethren were free moral agents, having willingly chosen to harm him, the LORD turned that sad situation into a benefit after all: without Joseph in Egypt, they would have all starved (Jacob’s family in Canaan, and the Egyptians with Joseph down south)!

Similarly, Father God used the Lord Jesus’ rejection—in which sinful Jews and Gentiles participated (see Acts 2:22-24; Acts 3:13-15; Acts 4:10-12,25-28; Acts 5:29-31; Acts 7:52)—to bring about His finished crosswork on Calvary. Christ’s shed blood, death, burial, and resurrection would ultimately take care of our sin problem and Israel’s sin problem! Father God can now form a people for Himself in the Earth (redeemed Israel) and another people for Himself in the Heaven (us, the Church the Body of Christ): “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven” (Colossians 1:20).

Let us conclude this devotionals arc….