Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Authentic & Austere Jesus

Posted on by
Reply

Some preach a different version of Jesus than the one described in the Bible. It could be argued that the Apostles were not familiar with the “Jesus” preached in many circles today, because the modern “Jesus” does not require change when coming to Him. Some teach that Jesus is willing to accept only the changes you are willing to make on your terms.  

Yet, the Jesus that the Bible does describe? He tells us to count the cost! The Jesus that the Bible presents taught that following Him may very well cost us relationships, even with our own earthly family. The real Jesus of scripture says that true discipleship will cost us hardships in this life (James 1:2), will cost us our material things, will cost time, will cost even our whole self (Romans 12:1-3). 

The Jesus the Bible describes calls for conviction (Luke 15:1-32), godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:7), and genuine repentance (Luke 13:3). The Jesus the Bible describes says most people cannot see or enter the kingdom of heaven (Luke 16:15; 17:20-21; 18:17; John 3:3-5). Only this Jesus is worth believing! Only this Jesus is worth serving!! But only a few will evaluate Jesus and learn that though the challenge is great, the rewards are much greater (Matthew 5:1-7:29)!

25 Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 

26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 

27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 

28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— 

29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 

30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’? 

31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 

32 Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. 

33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.”

~ Luke 14:25-33

Walking On Water

Posted on by
Reply

After feeding the 5000, Jesus instructed His disciples to get into a boat and go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee ahead of Him, while He dismissed the crowd. Then, Jesus went up to a mountain alone to pray. Meanwhile, the disciples in the boat were struggling with strong waves and winds in the middle of the sea! This continued until the early hours of the morning (while it was still dark) when Jesus approached them by walking on the water. When the disciples saw Jesus, they were frightened and thought they were seeing a ghost. Jesus reassured them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” 

This is where we witness some growth in the apostle Peter, as he responded, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” At this point, Peter realized that if the Lord commanded him to do ANYTHING, he could do it! Even if Jesus commanded Peter to walk on water, he could do it!! It’s one of those moments when we are reminded to be mindful of what we pray for, because we might just get it (if we ask God for an opportunity to do something significant, He may grant us that chance). 

Returning to the story, Jesus told Peter to “Come,” and Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on water toward Jesus! Imagine Peter holding onto the edge of the boat, placing his feet firmly on the water, and then letting go… to find himself walking on water!! Would he ever forget that experience? However, it was very dark, with strong winds and crashing waves, and the water was about 200 feet deep! As a fisherman, Peter was aware of this. As he looked around, he felt fear creeping in, and he began to sink. 

When we know we are in trouble, it is interesting how we respond (not mincing words). Peter emphatically cried out, “Lord, save me!” Now, did Jesus rebuke Peter, saying, “Thought you could do it, huh?!” No, that is not what Jesus did!! Instead, He IMMEDIATELY reached out His hand, caught Peter and said, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 

You see, Jesus wanted Peter to succeed in walking on water, just as He wants us to succeed in obeying His commands. So the next time your faith is tested (and it WILL be tested), remember that the Lord wants you to pass the test! Also, note that even after Peter’s faith failed, when the Lord saved Peter, they both walked on the water – together – and got back into the boat. The other disciples in the boat then worshipped Jesus, acknowledging Him as the Son of God.

There are profound moments in our lives when we realize that the Lord has indeed saved us! He deserves our worship, our service, and our all. God, please grant Your servants the ability to do great things in Your name, all to Your glory! Use me as You deem fit, and may You be with me in all things. Amen. 

I Am Resolved

Posted on by
Reply

I am making the decision to no longer be charmed by the empty promises of this world. Instead, I am determined to resist being entangled in things that lead to destruction. God is calling me to a higher level of thinking, one that embodies nobility and goodness (Colossians 3:1-4). I am committed to following Jesus and accepting Him as my Savior. This requires me to leave behind my sinful habits and troubles (Romans 6:1-23). I know that Jesus will support and challenge me, and I am resolved to embrace His teachings, as they are the source of true life. I will find joy in following Jesus. 

I am making a commitment to follow Jesus not just today, but every day in the future, knowing that there will be challenges ahead. I will pay careful attention to His teachings and strive to align my actions with His will, as I believe that His path leads to eternal life (John 6:60-68). Jesus, I acknowledge Your authority over heaven and earth! 

I am leaving the path of sin to enter Your kingdom. I accept You as my King and Master, and I am determined to seek Your righteousness (Matthew 6:25-34). Even if my closest companions oppose the changes I am making, and others try to impede my progress, I am resolved to give my best in everything and come to You.

I am resolved no longer to linger, charmed by the world’s delight; Things that are higher, things that are nobler, these have allured my sight. 

I am resolved to go to the Savior, leaving my sin and strife; He is the true One, He is the just One, He hath the words of life. 

I am resolved to follow the Savior, Faithful and true each day, Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth, He is the living way.

I am resolved to enter the kingdom, leaving the paths of sin; Friends may oppose me, foes may beset me, still will I enter in. 

I will hasten to Him, Hasten so glad and free, Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to Thee. 

~ Words in italics are from the hymn, I Am Resolved, with Lyrics and musical arrangement by Palmer Hartsough and J. H. Fillmore

Where No Oxen, the Trough is Clean

Posted on by
Reply

Some people talk a lot, saying the right things, but then fail to act. Unfortunately, this can apply to the things that God wants us to say and do.

We must take the information God gives us and put it to use (Matthew 13:8, 23)! Following the will of the Lord requires effort, sacrifice, and perhaps even getting our hands dirty (figuratively and literally). Think of diet and exercise: we must consume proper nutrition and then use that as fuel to exercise and strengthen our bodies. We should similarly feed on God’s word, using it as fuel to practice godliness (1 Timothy 4:8). This involves hard work, more than just knowing and saying the right things.

Moreover, if we expect to help others, we must be willing to work, make sacrifices, and get our hands dirty. Helping others isn’t always convenient, and those in need may bring with them a messy past and difficult problems. We must be willing to act, rather than just talking! Helping them to grow may require that we serve them in physical ways and sacrifice some of our resources. This does not mean neglecting our own responsibilities (Philippians 2:4) but let us prayerfully do more than just talk (James 2:15-17).

Today, let’s put in the effort to seek the right information from God’s word and do the necessary work to grow personally, and do the same in our efforts to help others in any way possible.

Where no oxen are, the trough is clean;

But much increase comes by the strength of an ox.

~ Proverbs 14:4

Traumatic Experiences

Posted on by
1

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

Posted on by
Reply

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

Posted on by
Reply

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

How Does One Get into Christ?

Posted on by
Reply

Many people search hopelessly for circumstances to conclude, somehow, that baptism in water is not essential to salvation. They will even distort plain passages in their efforts to find support for their teaching. However, the Bible teaches that baptism in water is necessary for the remission of sins for the penitent believer (Acts 2:37-38). Although these passages are very clear and easy to understand, many contend that baptism has nothing to do with one’s salvation. How can anyone honestly say that baptism is not a requirement in God’s plan for man’s redemption? Must one be IN CHRIST to be saved? Yes, all agree!! How does one get into Christ? On this, not everyone agrees!! If one is baptized into Christ, can one get into Christ in any other way? If one is in Christ by faith only and without baptism, into what is he baptized? How can one be baptized into Christ when he is already in Christ? 

15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

~ Mark 16:15-16

3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 

4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

~ Romans 6:3-4

26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 

27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

~ Galatians 3:26-27

21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,  

22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.

~ 1 Peter 3:21-22

Holy Father in heaven: Jesus was crucified by lawless hands but was raised from the dead! He has been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Before ascending into heaven, He commanded His Apostles to bear witness of His resurrection and to preach in His name. They went therefore, and preached the good news of salvation through Him, making disciples of all the nations, baptizing them by Your authority. Moreover, they taught disciples to observe all things commanded them (Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16; Lk. 24:46-47). May those who have honest hearts be likewise taught THE FULL TRUTH OF YOUR WORD, and may You bless us with opportunities to fulfill these blessed commands in our lives. Moreover, when we have done all that has been commanded us, may we consider ourselves to be unprofitable servants (Lk. 17:10). Lead us back to Your word, O God. Amen.   

Delivered to Conquer

Posted on by
Reply

When God rescued the children of Israel from slavery in Egypt, He performed mighty wonders such as the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea. However, His intention was not for them to return to Egypt after their deliverance. Throughout their journey, God provided for the Israelites by leading them with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, giving them water and miraculous manna from heaven, and His presence was continually known among the people. 

During the Exodus period, the Israelites faced hardships to teach them the importance of relying on God. While some learned these valuable lessons, others longed to return to Egypt and even complained against God for their suffering. Despite the freedom granted to them by God, they needed to understand that walking in victory required faith, effort, and discipline.

God’s plan for Israel went beyond saving them from Egyptian bondage. When they reached the Promised Land, they had to FIGHT to take possession of Canaan. They only possessed what they FOUGHT for, not for what they simply wished and hoped to obtain. 

This truth applies to us today as well. God delivers us from the bondage of sin, but expects us to CONQUER the spiritual enemies that threaten our prosperity. Enjoying the fruit of the Promised Land requires taking dominion, and through Christ, we can overcome all spiritual threats just as the faithful Israelites learned to do.

26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.

27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

~ 1 Corinthians 9:26-27

12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

~ 1 Timothy 6:12

Holy God and Father in heaven. I thank You for saving me from my sins through the blood of Jesus. There are times in my life that seem mundane or even difficult, and f I am not thinking correctly, I may let my guard down. Even worse, there have been times when I slipped back into my old ways of thinking. Though You are a gracious and forgiving Father, I know You do not want me to look back on my old ways with fondness, nor do You want me to be stagnant in my service to You in this life. Instead, You want me to fight for what is worth fighting for! Grant me a stronger faith! May I give You my best efforts today, and may I grow in self-discipline! Where I am falling short, guide and guard my steps to grow, O Lord!! It is in Christ’s name I pray, amen. 

Nakedness, Clothing, and Modesty (Part 3)

Posted on by
Reply

Though the language is symbolic, God foretold the humiliation of Babylon with vivid imagery (Isa. 47:1-3). Within this context, God is using very vivid imagery to speak about how He will bring Babylon to an open shame. 

1 “Come down and sit in the dust,

O virgin daughter of Babylon;

Sit on the ground without a throne,

O daughter of the Chaldeans!

For you shall no more be called

Tender and delicate.

2 Take the millstones and grind meal.

Remove your veil,

Take off the skirt,

Uncover the thigh,

Pass through the rivers.

3 Your nakedness shall be uncovered,

Yes, your shame will be seen;

I will take vengeance,

And I will not arbitrate with a man.”

~ Isaiah 47:1-3

Let us not negate the value of looking to such passages in our thinking (because the language is symbolic) upon the matter of nakedness, clothing, and modesty. The fact remains, that God is making emphatic points concerning the shame of Babylon’s sins, and how they will, indeed, be exposed. 

And about symbolism, can the tenderhearted truly remain unconvinced that certain imagery is meant to correlate with standards of propriety (See Ezek. 23:1-49; Prov. 7:10?)?

While such sins were trying to be covered, God says that when His judgment comes, they will be exposed. And they will be exposed in such a way that will bring shame to those people. After reading such passages, I certainly would not want to inch my way closer to revealing such things in a way that can bring about shame (Cf. Jer. 6:15).