Category: The Nation Israel

He Must Increase, But I Must Decrease #1

Saturday, May 14, 2016

“He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30 KJV).

Beloved, may today’s Scripture be the cry of each and every Christian!

The triune Godhead’s original intention in creation was to glorify the Son, whom we understand as Jesus Christ. We read in the Scriptures: “For by him [God’s dear Son of verse 13] were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him” (Colossians 1:16).

Of course, as the prophets tell us, Lucifer, God’s chief angelic-like creature, wanted the preeminence in heaven and earth. Lucifer, “full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty… was lifted up because of [his] beauty” (Ezekiel 28:12,17). That is, Lucifer became prideful. Isaiah says that he had a five-fold plan to rob Jesus Christ of the praise that He alone deserved: “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High” (14:13,14). In short, Lucifer became Satan, starting his lie program (sin) with the following words: “He must decrease, but I must increase!”

Sin, at its heart, is the decrease of the Lord Jesus Christ. Sin is disregarding the Creator’s will for our lives. It is we putting ourselves on His throne, us wanting to be our own authority and doing whatever we want. “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen” (Romans 1:25). Whether in Satan’s life, the lives of other spirit creatures like him, or the lives of us humans, sin is the deification of the creature and the lessening of the Creator.

Today’s Scripture contains invaluable insight to avoiding the error of Romans 1:25. Dear friends, in our several upcoming devotionals, we will look at John 3:30 in context, lest we be ignorant of Satan’s devices.

Pray While It is Still Legal?

Friday, May 13, 2016

“Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven. And I said unto the king…” (Nehemiah 2:4,5 KJV).

What can Nehemiah teach us in today’s Scripture?

Recently, I noticed a parked vehicle with the bumper sticker, “Pray while it’s still legal.” Even if prayer were completely outlawed in the United States, or anywhere else in the world, that would not at all intimidate the Bible believer. Outlawed prayer would most certainly be a problem for “traditional Christians,” however.

See, dearly beloved, religion has dumbed-down prayer to the point where it is rarely pleasing to Father God. Since denominational teaching has watered down prayer, most can think of nothing more than kneeling, bowed heads, closed eyes, folded hands, raised arms, prayer beads, prayer books, et cetera. They have missed the issue of prayer entirely. Prayer is repeating to God what His Word tells you; prayer is not repeating what others wrote about the Bible. Remember, they may have incorrectly interpreted Scripture to write that prayer you want to recite! Furthermore, prayer is not about the posture of the physical body; it is all about the attitude of the spiritual heart.

In today’s Scripture, Nehemiah was unhappily serving before Persian King Artaxerxes (verses 1-3). Far away was un-walled and ruined Jerusalem—Babylon had destroyed it 150 years earlier. Attempting to cheer him up, Artaxerxes asked Nehemiah what he desired. Certainly, Nehemiah, standing before the king, had no time to kneel, raise his hands, whip out a prayer card, or be excused to enter some “prayer closet.” So, Nehemiah prayed right there on the spot, silently. In that time of limited divine revelation, he sought God’s wisdom as to how to respond. The king never noticed Nehemiah praying!

So, friends, if prayer is ever outlawed here or elsewhere, that really will not hinder us Bible believers. Silent prayer in all circumstances is fine. Father God will certainly hear us, and that is all that matters. Just look at today’s Scripture. By the way, if you want to find out what happens with Nehemiah, read the rest of the chapter… or perhaps his whole book!

The Key of Knowledge

Thursday, May 12, 2016

“Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered” (Luke 11:52 KJV).

What is this, “the key of knowledge?”

The best way to handle enigmatic verses in the Four Gospels is to find parallel passages. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John supplement each other. For example, consider today’s Scripture. Matthew recorded a similar statement in his Gospel record: “But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in” (23:13).

Although today’s Scripture uses “lawyers” (Mosaic-Law scholars), the “scribes and Pharisees” of Matthew are synonymous. All are religious leaders to some degree. Our Lord Jesus had very harsh words for them—not that He was unkind or malicious. Rather, He publicly rebuked them for their many decades—yea, centuries—of misguiding Israel. They were leading Israel to worship the Law of Moses instead of the God of Moses. But, they behaved as to appear honest, faithful, and good. Jesus unapologetically exposed their hypocrisy.

Comparing Matthew 23:13 and Luke 11:52, we understand these religious leaders were hindering, discouraging, Jews from embracing “the kingdom of heaven” (God’s kingdom on the Earth). They had taken away “the key of knowledge” (today’s Scripture). How? If we keep comparing verses, we see they were suppressing, intimidating, others from believing and sharing the Gospel of the Kingdom—that Jesus was Israel’s King, Messiah/Christ, Saviour.

John 9:22: “These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.” And, John 12:42-43: “Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.”

Her religious leaders hiding the knowledge that Jesus was God’s King for Israel, robbed Jews of everything God had for them in their earthly kingdom. Without coming to Him as Messiah/Christ, they could never enter that kingdom!

Escape to Egypt!

Monday, May 9, 2016

“And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son” (Matthew 2:13-15 KJV).

How did Mary and Joseph afford this trip to Egypt?

Mary and Joseph, Jesus’ earthly guardians, were ordinary people. Joseph was a simple carpenter (cf. Matthew 13:55). He and Mary had little money—they had brought the poor man’s offering in Luke 2:23-24. Yet, when Jesus was as much as two years old, King Herod wanted to kill his young “competitor” (today’s Scripture). God, having complete knowledge of the situation, sent an angel to instruct Joseph to take Mary and Jesus and flee to Egypt. This was quite a long journey. It would be very expensive. And yet, the Bible says that Joseph and Mary did it, staying in Egypt until Herod had died. How did they do it?

Note verse 11, just before today’s Scripture: “And when they [the wise men] were come into the house [in Nazareth], they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” This is the key to understanding how Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were able to take that costly trip into Egypt.

We must never forget that God always gives His people what they need to accomplish His work. Just a short time before young Jesus had to flee to Egypt, some believing Gentiles, the Magi (wise men), had brought gifts to Him—gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The wise men had no idea of just how important their gifts would be. God used that gold to fund Jesus’ escape to Egypt!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Did Matthew mishandle Hosea 11:1?”

Mother: A Virtuous Woman

Sunday, May 8, 2016

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10 KJV).

Today is Mother’s Day, so we dedicate this devotional to godly women (specifically mothers). I especially dedicate this to the virtuous woman who has been in my life for almost 28 years… my mom!

Today’s Scripture is the first verse of the Bible’s “Virtuous Woman” passage (Proverbs 31:10-31). King Solomon explained that the virtuous woman:

  • has a husband who safely trusts in her (verses 11,12).
  • is not lazy, but is strong because she works to feed and clothe her family and herself (verses 13-19,21,22,24,25,27).
  • pities the poor and needy (verse 20).
  • has a husband who is well-known because of her godly lifestyle (verse 23).
  • opens her mouth with wisdom, and speaks kindly and lovingly (verse 26).
  • has children and a husband who praise her (verse 28).
  • excels in what she does (verse 29).
  • has works that praise her (verse 31).

Verse 30 explains the virtuous woman is “a woman that feareth the LORD.”

The Apostle Paul wrote that godly women should: not slander/gossip, not be controlled by alcohol and emotions (sober minded), be teachers of good things, love their husbands and children, be cautious and modest, maintain the home, be “good,” and should obey (respect) their husbands… “that the word of God be not blasphemed” (Titus 2:3-5). A Christian woman, especially a mother, should be a virtuous woman in beliefs as well as in deed. She needs to set an example for her children (especially her daughters).

A Christian woman and/or Christian mother places her faith in this sound Bible doctrine, the indwelling Holy Spirit will then take that doctrine and transform her for God’s glory (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Her mind will be renewed by sound Bible doctrine, and that will transform her outward activity (Romans 12:1,2).

Are you a Christian woman or Christian mother who desires to be the woman God intends you to be in Christ Jesus? Place your faith in this sound Bible doctrine, and God will take care of the rest!

 HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO OUR READERS WHO ARE MOTHERS!

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

When We Deceive Ourselves

Friday, May 6, 2016

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us” (1 John 1:8-10 KJV).

Do you claim to be sinless?

Years ago, I spoke with a religious family member about the Gospel of the Grace of God. Nearly 90 years old, she had been instructed in her denomination for many decades. When I asked her about her sins, she said, “I have never done anything wrong in all my life!” Just think, friends, about how many times we have sinned in our decades alive. Consider how many times we have sinned today. Now, think about a woman living 90 years, and then saying most seriously, “I have been sinless all my life!” Talk about delusional. But, the people spoken of in today’s Scripture were equally mistaken.

Instead of realizing “For by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20), most Israelites from Christ’s earthly ministry thought they were “pretty good” before God. Note how John the Baptist corrected such erroneous thinking in Matthew 3:9. Paraphrased, “Just because Abraham is your ancestor does not automatically make you sinless!” This was directed to the Pharisees and Sadducees, Israel’s religious leaders who thought they were sinless. As the Pharisee in Luke 18:11 prayed, “God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican [tax collector]!”

Today’s Scripture, while often misunderstood as something for believers to practice today, was actually written to correct this unbelieving, so-called “sinless crowd,” in Israel. In order to be saved into God’s family, they had to confess their national sin of breaking God’s Law Covenant. They had to quit trying to establish their own righteousness and come to understand God’s righteousness manifested in Jesus Christ (Romans 10:1-13). Many today need to learn this lesson. They too hide behind their religion. God is not fooled. Until they realize they are lost and going to hell, they have no chance of being saved and going to heaven!

A Prayer According to God’s Will

Thursday, May 5, 2016

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;” (1 Timothy 2:1-3 KJV).

On this United States’ National Day of Prayer, we pray you pray according to the Lord Jesus Christ’s will for today!

Today, religious people—the general public, clergy, and government officials—will assemble nationwide, like they do every year, and pray for spiritual and moral revival of the “Christian” (?) United States of America. We commend their noble efforts, but God’s Word says there will be no godly revival of any of the world’s Gentile nations until Jesus Christ returns to earth at His Second Coming (Isaiah 11:9; Isaiah 59:20–60:3; Zechariah 8:20-23; Revelation 11:15; et cetera).

The LORD’s words to King Solomon are often quoted on this day: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Friends, this is certainly God’s Word, but has nothing to do with Gentiles in the United States in the Dispensation of Grace. This verse has a context often overlooked—the nation Israel under the Mosaic Law, praying in relation to God’s Temple in Jerusalem (verses 15,16). Actually, that Temple was destroyed over 19 centuries ago! Unlike Israel, the United States was never a divinely-founded nation. The American people as a whole are not God’s people like Israel was.

Rather than praying 2 Chronicles 7:14, remember today’s Scripture (God’s Word to us Gentiles). The verse following today’s Scripture says, “[God] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Pray for those in authority, that they would trust Jesus Christ alone as their personal Saviour, and then grow in His Word to them so they can make wise decisions on behalf of the people they govern.

Time Management

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

“And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent. And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee” (Luke 4:43,44 KJV).

Our Lord teaches us to manage our time wisely!

“And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them” (verse 42). The people of Capernaum had delayed our Lord, but He told them He could not remain in their town indefinitely. He had to preach to other cities in Galilee (today’s Scripture). Only a few weeks into His earthly ministry, there was more traveling and preaching to do! He had just over three years to teach God’s Word to all Israel. From northern Israel (Galilee) to southern Israel (Judaea), He had much territory to cover and many words to speak. Hence, He made wise use of His time and energy.

Friends, through the years, I have learned one of the greatest challenges in the ministry is determining how long to spend with one person. You could sit for hours discussing the Bible with some people. It would be very beneficial for you both. With others, however, those hours would be a complete waste of time. They only want to argue. As you mature, you will gain a better understanding of what signs indicate a person is receptive and what signs indicate someone who is not worth dealing with. Remember, you have just a short time on earth, and you must reach as many receptive people with God’s Word as you can. You must make time for as many new people as you can. Furthermore, you should continue dealing with those interested who have been listening to you for some time.

Like in our Lord Jesus’ earthly ministry, there will be physical exhaustion, disruptions, and oppositions. Jesus had to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom—“I am Christ/Messiah/Son of God”—to many cities and towns. Likewise, let us be faithful in preaching the Gospel of the Grace of God—“Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)—to as many people as we can!

Broken Promises and Faithful God

Monday, May 2, 2016

“And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered…. But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all” (Mark 14:27,29-31 KJV).

Christian friend, boast in God’s unconditional love for you, not your fickle, weak love for Him!

It is only human nature to brag about our “great love for and devotion to Jesus.” Similarly, the Apostle Peter was so confident of himself (today’s Scripture). He promised that even when all of Jesus’ disciples would forsake Him, he never would! Jesus, knowing human weakness, told Peter he would fail. Yet, Peter argued all the more that he would not deny Him “in any wise” (not at all)—even to the point of death! The other disciples, so sure of themselves, insisted likewise. Nevertheless, just moments later, at Jesus’ arrest, all those “faithful friends” fled for fear of death (verse 50). Peter then publicly denied knowing Jesus… three times (verses 66-72)!

Brethren, no matter how much we claim to “love” Jesus, we fail. Thus, always, always, always remember that Jesus Christ loves us more than we will ever know! Our love for Him is ever so small, just a speck, and so fickle and frail; therefore, we must never, ever, ever boast about how much we “love” Jesus. We do not love Him with all of our being, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. However, He loves us with His whole being every single second, without fail or decrease. That unconditional, undying love sent Him to die on Calvary’s cross for our sins! He will never deny knowing us, but we may deny knowing Him at anytime.

In short, be so thankful to Father God that your soul salvation is dependent only upon His faithfulness to and love for you, not your faithfulness to and love for Him!

At That Day

Saturday, April 30, 2016

“At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you” (John 14:20 KJV).

What “day” was this that Israel realized these things were true?

Friends, context clues are the most important element in proper Bible hermeneutics (interpretation). No matter the term, the context will shed some light on the subject. The Lord uttered many statements before He spoke today’s Scripture. We should look at them so we can get the thought-flow of that term “day.”

Beginning in verse 16: “[16] And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; [17] Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. [18] I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. [19] Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. [20] At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.”

The expression “that day” of verse 20 refers to the time when the “Comforter,” “the Spirit of truth,” is given to Israel’s Little Flock. When was that? It was in Acts chapter 2 that “the promise of the Father” was given to Israel (Acts 1:4). On the Day of Pentecost, Israel’s 12 apostles received the Holy Spirit, and they imparted Him to the other Jewish believers. When the Holy Ghost came, they received confirmation that Jesus had been glorified in heaven (Acts 2:32,33). The Holy Ghost empowered them and enlightened them to understand and do the things Jesus had taught them during those three previous years. As their Comforter, He came alongside them and provided them with fortitude (strength).

Friends, the lesson for us is simple. We have divine instructions in the Pauline epistles. When we believed the Gospel of the Grace of God, Christ’s finished crosswork, the Holy Ghost was immediately given to us. Like with Israel, God gave us a job to do, and He has given all that we need to accomplish it! 🙂

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Has God’s Word failed?”