Monthly Archives: June 2024

Traumatic Experiences

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Can you imagine seeing some of the most violent assaults inflicted upon other human beings? 

Can you imagine witnessing grown adults wail in the most excruciating pangs of anguish? 

Can you imagine watching someone die in front of you, due to blunt force trauma?

Can you imagine bearing the brunt of false accusations concerning your background, abilities, motives, and character?

What type of memories will such trauma instill? What mental images are burned into your mind when thinking back on such things? How would you not only work through such things inwardly but respond to such challenges moving forward? 

Perhaps YOU CAN imagine, because YOU HAVE witnessed violence in the extreme. Perhaps YOU HAVE experienced deep anguish, yourself? Maybe you’ve encountered some very gruesome scenes. Perhaps you have had difficulties of your own, compounded by the hurts inflicted by those who profess to be Christlike. If so, you are not alone! Rather, you are in good company. 

Many others have also encountered traumatic situations and have found ways to overcome them. The Apostle Paul not only witnessed such horrible ordeals, but he was the cause of much suffering for others before his conversion (Acts 8:1-3; 26:9-11). Even after converting to Christ, he endured many afflictions for the sake of the gospel (Acts 9:16; 2 Corinthians 10:7-11; 11:22-33). But by the grace of God, he faithfully endured as a servant to others, becoming an example for others to follow! While some boast of their former conduct before becoming a Christian, others may suppress their memories of a lifestyle they escaped through the grace of God. It seems, however, that Paul used his memories and experiences of hardship as FUEL to serve the Lord with even more vigor (1 Corinthians 15:10; Philippians 3:12-16). If you have gone through traumatic experiences, you can use the grace given to you to serve others with even more passion and dedication.

12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 

13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 

14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 

15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 

16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.

17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

~ 1 Timothy 1:12-17

In Season and Out of Season

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It does seem that Christianity waxes and wanes in popularity. Though the world at large will always reject the truth of the gospel (John 15:18-21), there are times when many people obey the gospel in clusters. Or perhaps, it SEEMS as though (outwardly) more people are being responsive to the proclamations of the gospel, as opposed to other times, when there aren’t as many outward, favorable responses to teaching and preaching. We can and should be encouraged when more people seem to be responsive (Luke 15:7, 10, 32), but we must also strive to be consistent in our daily efforts, regardless of the number of daily conversions.  

1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 

2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;

4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 

5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

~ 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Holy God and Father in heaven. Hallowed be Your name. I am thankful for the positive responses of conversions, restorations, and faithful people who identify with Your local churches. It is very encouraging, and I pray that Your kingdom continues to grow. May more and more people respond positively to Your message of mercy, grace, and hope through Jesus, Your Son. Moreover, may we sow, plant, and water with confidence, expecting an increase by Your hand (1 Corinthians 3:5-8). Please continue to bless Your saints with encouragement as You see fit, and regardless of the season of harvest, may we be diligent in working in Your vineyard. I ask for all of this so that You may be glorified and that our fellow men and women may come to know You! In Jesus’ name, amen.

The Philippian Jailer & Faith Only

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Those who promote the doctrine of salvation by faith only often point to the story of the Philippian Jailer as evidence that all sinners need to do to be saved is to believe. But does not the Bible also teach that sinners must repent (Lk. 13:1-5)? The doctrine of faith only would exclude repentance as a condition of forgiveness, since faith is not repentance. Does not the Bible also teach that sinners must confess their faith in Christ (Matt. 10:32-33; Rom. 10:9-10)? The doctrine of salvation by faith alone would exclude confession as a condition of salvation since faith is not confession. One may believe in Christ yet be unwilling to confess Him (Jn. 12:42-43). The Bible also teaches that baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38), but the doctrine of salvation by faith only excludes baptism as a condition of salvation. The doctrine of salvation by faith only would thus exclude repentance, confession, and baptism as conditions of salvation, which contradicts the teachings of the Bible. Therefore, salvation requires not only belief in Christ but also active faith, repentance, confession, and baptism into Christ for the remission of sins (Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16; Lk. 24:46-47; Acts 2:36-39).

25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 

26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.

27 And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. 

28 But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”

29 Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 

30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 

32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 

33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. 

34 Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.

~ Acts 16:25-34

24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?

26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

~ James 2:24-26