Ministry Priorities #2

Monday, April 24, 2023

“Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables” (Acts 6:2 KJV).

What are the two chief elements of a Christ-honoring ministry?

Verse 4 replies: “But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.” Although the 12 Apostles refused to be preoccupied with superintending petty matters such as feeding hungry widows, they were nevertheless sympathetic to the point of allowing seven men to oversee that food distribution. The 12 Apostles had a clear understanding of what was foremost in ministry.

Prayer is us speaking to God according to what He has already told us in His Bible. The Word, of course, is the Bible, God talking to us. Let us be careful not to let even the most innocent-looking situations distract us from God’s ministry. Down through the years, countless church leaders have been drawn away from their primary duties (Word of God and prayer) in order to engage in frivolous or trivial pursuits. Wise counsel can be found here in Acts chapter 6 if we are interested in doing God’s will regarding ministry! “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:13). “I will [wish, desire] therefore that men pray every where…” (1 Timothy 2:8).

“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). Observe the progression—the “good” will of God, the “acceptable” will of God, and the “perfect” will of God. Each level is greater spiritual maturity. As believers in Christ, we go beyond choosing good over evil, and we go beyond acceptable over unacceptable, to identify what is “perfect” (the best choice out of all good choices, the superior decision of all possible acceptable decisions). Pertaining to the work of the ministry and its finest courses for this the Dispensation of Grace, we access Paul’s “Pastoral Epistles”—1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.

Ministry Priorities #1

Sunday, April 23, 2023

“Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables” (Acts 6:2 KJV).

What are the two chief elements of a Christ-honoring ministry?

Read today’s Scripture in context: “[1] And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. [2] Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. [3] Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. [4] But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.”

With the Messianic Church growing at an extraordinary rate, there occurred an organizational crisis that could no longer be overlooked. Widows of the “Grecians”—or Greek-speaking Jewesses—were not receiving their fair share of the food being distributed. The Hebrew widows—or Hebrew-speaking Jewesses—were getting preferential treatment. This unfortunate situation was likely accidental, not deliberate. Nevertheless, it had to be rectified, and the Grecians were complaining for something to be done. Therefore, the 12 Apostles made an informed decision to let them choose seven men who would carry out the daily ministration (food service) with the Grecian widows in mind.

It is striking how the 12 Apostles were able to discern with mature spiritual eyes what they had to do compared to what others could do. That is to say, the 12 Apostles knew their priority was “the word of God” (verse 2). Like all of us, they had limited time and energy, so they needed to make the most of them. It was far more advantageous for these men to concentrate on preaching the Word of God, and suggesting the other members of believing Israel select seven men who could then be ordained to head the food services. This is such basic spiritual common sense, and we can learn something from this too….

The Awareness of a Temporary Earth

Saturday, April 22, 2023

“And, Thou, O Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: they shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail” (Hebrews 1:10-12 KJV).

On this Earth Day, let us not confuse the creation with the Creator!

Today, people worldwide celebrate “environmental awareness.” According to the secular, naturalistic worldview, our planet and its sun could last many more billions of years. They claim that we have done so much damage to our planet—climate change, overpopulation, deforestation, pollution, et cetera—that we must change our attitude toward “mother earth” and change our lifestyles before we destroy her and civilization as we know it! You can sense the zeal in their message, can you not? While these people are sincere, they are wasting all of their time, energy, and resources on a temporary planet.

Let us be very clear that the Lord Jesus Christ placed man on the earth, especially the Garden of Eden, to “dress it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15). Adam was to take care of the Earth: he was God’s representative, God’s king, who had a divine commission to rule this planet for God’s glory (Genesis 1:26-28).

It was not long, however, before Satan distracted mankind from understanding God’s purpose for him. Adam began to focus on himself: like Satan, he began to “worship and serve the creature more than the Creator” (Romans 1:25). Thus began man’s continual downward spiral into spiritual ignorance. He would continually worship himself, as we well know today.

Today’s Scripture reminds us that, because of sin, this creation will pass away. The Lord Jesus Christ, however, will live forever. Why worship that which is temporary? It makes no sense! The Lord Jesus Christ gave you life, not the pagan goddess “mother earth.” Environmental awareness? Indeed, be aware that our world is temporary, as God will one day create “a new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1).

Show Me the Verses!

Friday, April 21, 2023

“Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief” (1 Timothy 1:13 KJV).

Once, a beloved family member told me, “We have our doctrinal differences.” I replied to this Christian (albeit denominational) man, “Show me the verses that prove my position is wrong.” More than 10 years later, he has yet to supply me with so much as a single Bible reference, for he is comfortable with his imperfect theology and refuses dispensational Bible study!

Truly, we should always be open to correction, fine-tuning what we believe (either adjusting our beliefs so they are clearer or throwing them out entirely if they are completely wrong). In this life, we will not get everything correct, but we should make every effort to learn and master the purest doctrine we can. It all depends on our willingness to let go of long-held traditions of men. That means we might even have to admit our parents were wrong, our family religion is erroneous, and what we heard and believed all our lives was false. Surely, this is devastating, but it is far more beneficial that we acknowledge the blunders now instead of ignoring them out of pride, obstinacy, and denial—and then suffering the damaging consequences well into the future when it is too late to change!

Saul of Tarsus was a rabbinical scholar, leading his nation Israel in its campaign against Jesus Christ and His Little Flock of believers in early Acts. For example, read Acts 7:58, Acts 8:1-3, Acts 9:1-2, Acts 22:3-5, Acts 26:9-11, Galatians 1:13-14, Philippians 3:6, and today’s Scripture. “But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God” (2 Corinthians 4:2). In other words, the Apostle Paul confessed, “Yes, I once used the Hebrew Bible to teach error. That is no longer true, for now I am a saved man, growing in the truth of Bible verses, moving from immaturity into adulthood.” See the course of his development laid out in Philippians 3:1-21. May we follow him as he follows Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1)!

What Marvels the Lord #6

Thursday, April 20, 2023

“When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel” (Luke 7:9 KJV).

What marvels the Lord?

The Lord Jesus Christ was shocked when His very neighbors and acquaintances—among whom He had grown up and lived for some 20-plus years—were the very people who had no meaningful understanding of whom He actually was (re-read Mark 6:1-6). “And he marvelled because of their unbelief.” How difficult it was for Him to fathom that, despite all that He had said and done in their presence, the outcome was prevailing unbelief. In no uncertain terms, He had presented His credentials, but these Jewish people still declined to believe on Him as Messiah!

He had also been surprised to hear a profession of faith from a pagan Gentile military official! “When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel” (today’s Scripture; cf. Matthew 8:10). This Roman’s people had not been given the Hebrew Bible. Jesus was certainly not his Messiah, but Israel’s Messiah, yet he had profound insight concerning this spiritual truth (re-read Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10). Here is what stunned Christ.

In these accounts we have the “marvelling” Messiah, for the Jewish people (with the Bible) are in unbelief but a Gentile man (without the Bible) is willing to believe! Similarly, we in grace ministry are dazed at our present paradox. The people who have attended American “Christian” church services their entire lives usually have no appreciation for Bible truth, yet there is unrestricted access to the Bible (with the Bible). There is no sincere interest in sound doctrine, though, for only entertainment and emotions are the priority. Yet, we can venture out to the foreign lands where the Scriptures are banned, burned, and limited (without the Bible). These souls are so hungry and desperate for the truth, and they gladly receive even a partial Bible or the most basic Gospel tract. What a tragic state of affairs, another testament that human nature has not changed one whit in 20 centuries!

What Marvels the Lord #5

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

“When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel” (Luke 7:9 KJV).

What marvels the Lord?

The other passage where Jesus “marvelled” is Mark chapter 6: “[1] And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. [2] And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? [3] Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. [4] But Jesus, said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. [5] And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. [6] And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.”

Absolutely, this unbelief was extremely remarkable. These Jews gathered in the Nazareth synagogue had heard Christ speak and teach. They knew of His miracles and wisdom. “Where did He obtain such information and power?!” Instead of identifying Him as God in human flesh, they had a low estimation of Him: “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him” (verse 3). They could not fathom how He was able to do and say these things. After all, in their eyes, He was just a “commoner” like them! There was nothing “special” about Him, so it made no sense He could teach with such skill and work with such capability. Why Jesus “marvelled” here is simple: this was the synagogue where He grew up, the people who had supposedly “known” Him for some 20 years (see Matthew 2:23; Luke 4:16). Note also Luke 4:22-30!

Shocking indeed….

What Marvels the Lord #4

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

“When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel” (Luke 7:9 KJV).

What marvels the Lord?

Today’s Scripture in context: “[1] Now when he [Christ] had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum. [2] And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. [3] And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. [4] And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: [5] For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.”

“[6] Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: [7] Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. [8] For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. [9] When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. [10] And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.”

A Gentile has requested the Lord Jesus come heal his dying servant (see parallel account in Matthew 8:5-13). Christ’s earthly ministry was to Israel only (Matthew 15:24; Romans 15:8). The Scriptures belonged to Israel (Romans 3:1,2). Yet, here was a Gentile!—a non-Jew!—willing to believe Jesus. His profession of faith was more informed than even amongst the Jewish people to whom Christ had been sent (today’s Scripture). Thus, Jesus “marvelled.” Let us look at the other startling occasion now….

What Marvels the Lord #3

Monday, April 17, 2023

“When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel” (Luke 7:9 KJV).

What marvels the Lord?

Jesus Christ had definitely presented His credentials. For example, there was the fourfold witness of John 5:31-47. Whether John the Baptist’s ministry (preaching), God the Father’s testimony (announcement at Jesus’ water baptism), Jesus’ works (including His miracles), or the Hebrew Scriptures (fulfilled prophecies), all bore record of His Messiahship. It was not an evidence problem—meager proof, defective proof, unimpressive proof. Rather, it was a heart problem in the audience.

“And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life…. I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive…. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?” (John 5:40,43,46,47).

To wit, the Lord Jesus offered His “identification card,” His “driver’s license,” His “birth certificate” for all of Israel to inspect throughout His three years of earthly ministry (see again Acts 2:22,23). Everything He said and wrought matched the Messianic promises and prophecies laid out centuries before in the Hebrew Bible. Those Scriptures were to prepare the Jewish people to accept the God who would one day become a physical or biological member of their family. Alas, “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not” (John 1:10,11).

From the human perspective, what happened was startling because it should not have turned out like that. Those to whom the Lord Jesus was sent, they did not believe Him. Yet, those to whom He was not sent, they did believe Him. Here is what marvelled Him, surprised Him, amazed Him. To think that the same evidence was there for all to see and hear—but what resulted was two extreme responses, one of absolute unbelief and the other of genuine faith….

What Marvels the Lord #2

Sunday, April 16, 2023

“When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel” (Luke 7:9 KJV).

What marvels the Lord?

Nothing actually shocks God, for He knows all contingencies or possibilities. If Option A is followed, Options C and D will be available. However, if Option B is taken, Options E and F will be presented. Although, this is a rather simplistic diagram because our limited minds can handle only so much information. A more realistic analysis would be something along the lines of hundreds or thousands of choices, with millions of combinations of outcomes. It is a complicated network of paths, and only God in His omniscience (all-knowledge) can fully appreciate the “big picture.” As the God-Man, Jesus Christ knew it all (as God) and yet learned too (as Man).

Consider the following illustration. Suppose you located a long-lost relative and decided to visit their house and introduce yourself. Understandably, they would be skeptical of any connection, likely demanding you present some proof—a birth certificate, a current driver’s license, a family photograph, knowledge of personal details or “family secrets,” a family heirloom, a corroborating story, genealogical records, any form of valid documentation. Now, imagine acquiring these materials and offering them to substantiate your claim. You would expect that person to accept you with open arms, consenting to the fact you belong to their family. Except, the person refuses to believe it, commanding you to take your items—and yourself—and scram from their front door! You would marvel, would you not? The surprise would be devastating. “After everything I have shown them, they do not want me!”

We take the above scenario and compare it to Christ’s earthly ministry. Read the Apostle Peter’s words: “Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:…” (Acts 2:22,23). Indeed, it is a tragic reality, but reality nonetheless….

What Marvels the Lord #1

Saturday, April 15, 2023

“When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel” (Luke 7:9 KJV).

What marvels the Lord?

The Bible tells us how, on two occasions, the Lord Jesus Christ “marvelled.” Today’s Scripture is the parallel of Matthew 8:10: “When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” This was right after He delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Sometime later, we read in Mark 6:6: “And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.”

“Marvel” means “be filled with wonder, amazement, astonishment.” Do we not find it not amazing that the Lord could be surprised? Is He not omniscient, all-knowing? How could He witness unexpected results? Did He really know what would happen? If so, why was He shocked when it occurred?

Jesus Christ is the God-Man. He is undiminished Deity with full humanity added. These two natures do not interfere with each other. For example, though He was standing on Earth conversing with Nicodemus, the Lord Jesus was simultaneously present in Heaven: “And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is [not ‘was,’ but ‘is’ presently!] in heaven” (John 3:13). This truth is removed from modern English Bibles and their underlying perverted Greek texts, but it is as plain as can be in our King James Bible.

Again, Jesus Christ is both God and Man, the only Person with both natures. As God, He had nothing to learn: He knew all there was to know. However, as Man, He learned just like we do: “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him…. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:40,52). These are unique to Luke, the Gospel Record presenting Jesus as the Perfect Man.

From the human perspective, Jesus had expectations, and, when He did not see anticipated outcomes, He was surprised….