Paul

Christian Persecution

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There are a few people I know who have jail, and prison ministries. They do it because they believe God has called them to go to the places where men and women are incarcerated for crimes against God and humanity. Yet, these minister to the men and women who are willing to listen to the message of Christ; the hope for all mankind; even the murderers and rapist and child molesters.

The event from Acts which we read today is not of criminals who have violated God’s laws, but violators of men’s laws which are against God. The apostles had preached when they were ordered not to preach in that name of “Jesus”; yet, they did. Hear what they said:

“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His right hand, a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him.” Acts 5:29-32 (KJV)

This takes place following their arrest, and imprisonment. An “Angel of the Lord” has come to them in the “common prison” and opened the doors, and sent them to preach in the temple. They went, and that is where they are found the next morning. Doing as they had been told by God.

When men’s laws are against God’s law, then Christian men and women are to continue their practices of being Christian; obeying God’s Word, His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments. I do not think we Christians should be surprised by persecution in a dark world. We ought rather, be surprised that we are not; because the apostle Paul has written, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12 NKJV). Now, I do not want to be persecuted, but really, if I am not; am I really living a godly life? The apostles were.

As Peter stated above; “We ought to obey God rather than men”. That begins through our faith; trusting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour; obeying Him in our lives; being His witness.

One thing this passage of Scripture teaches is that the freedom of speech is from God, not men; therefore men cannot take it away. Let our speech be always with words that glorify our God and Saviour Jesus Christ.

The Rock

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“O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation.” Psalm 95:1 (KJV)

This Rock is not speaking  of a former World Wrestling Federation “champion”, or a movie star.  It is speaking of One who has made all things from nothing.

There is only one who is worthy of our song, our music, our joy, and our praise.  His name is Jesus the Christ; Son of the Living God.  He is the Rock.

Paul the apostle mentions this Rock;

“And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” 1 Corinthians 10:4

Let us forever sing to the One who is Lord.  He is the Rock of our salvation.  Let us sing.

Also see Exodus 17:6 and Numbers 20:8-11.

Trust

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“O LORD my God, in Thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:” Psalm 7:1 (KJV)

We people put our trust in things and people everyday.  Every time we sit in a chair we are trusting that the chair will not fall or break in pieces.  We get in our cars, and trust that it will start (of course sometimes they do not). We do those things without so much as a second thought most of the time.

Is it not amazing that we can put so much trust in things made and built by human kind, but when it comes to God we cannot trust Him to the same extent.

The Psalmist did.  God is more trust worthy than any object made by man.  He may not always deliver us from our situation, tragedy, or circumstance in life; as we ask Him to, but trust goes much further than deliverance from situations.  With God it goes to His character, and who He is.

There is a question which has been asked:  “If God never answered another one of your prayers would you still trust Him?”

My answer to that question is Yes.  He is still God.  He still loves me.  I can still trust Him for my future, and for today.  He knows what is best for you and me.

Be as the Psalmist.  Put your trust in the LORD God through the death, burial and bodily resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ.

Through the Bible in a Year – 092213

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For Those Who Love His Appearing
2 Timothy 4:8

purpose: If a Christian truly believes in the return of Christ, then the life of that Christian will be vastly different from those around him/her who are out for what the world offers; will live a life in accordance with the Spirit of God within.

1.  First, Let Us See Why Paul says there was a Crown of Righteousness for himself.

a.  Verse 7 says, “I fought a good fight, …kep the faith”.
b.  We know of Paul’s conversion in Acts 9; and he “finished the race”.
c.  Though works do not save us they are evidence of the work of grace in us.

2.  Second, Let us see where this crown, and the other crowns in Scripture, will be given out.

a.  2 Corinthians 5:10 speaks of the “Judgment Seat of Christ”; this is where Christians will be judged for their part in the race.
b.  One most likely place these awards will be handed out;  There are other crowns; 1) Crown of life (James 1:12);  (2) Crown of Glory (1 Peter 5:4);  (3) Crown of Rejoicing (1 Thes. 2:19);  (4) Incorruptible Crown (1 Cor. 9:24-27).
c.  At the Judgment Seat of Christ there will be no judgment for sin; only for how we have done in the “race”.

3.  Thirdly, When that Judgment will be done.

a.  When the “race” is finished, and all the saints are gathered at the judgment seat.
b.  At this judgment there will be none of the condemned.
c.  When Jesus comes in clouds to take His chosen people to glory (1 Thes. 4:13-18).

4.  Fourthly,  For whom this Crown of Righteousness is reserved.

a.  The one’s who love the appearing/the second coming of Jesus in glory.
b.  These are ones whose lives are marked by strange living according to the world.

  • 1)  We do not practice immoral, debaucherous, licentious, drunken, godless living.
  • 2)  We do practice the commandments of the Lord, with repentance (1 John 1:9).

-Tim A. Blankenship

Through the Bible in a Year – 091513

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Facing Perilous Times
2 Timothy 3:1-5

1.  RECOGNIZING THE LAST DAYS (vv. 1-4).

2.  THE COUNTERFIET GODLINESS, ONE EVIDENCE (v. 5).

3.  TURNING AWAY FROM THE COUNTERFEIT TO GODLINESS (v. 5).

– Tim A. Blankenship

Through the Bible in a Year – 082513

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Always Faithful

1.  APPRECIATE THE FAITH OF OTHERS WHO ARE FAITHFUL (Colossians 1:3-8).

2.  ACKNOWLEDGE THE HIDDEN TREASURES WHICH ARE IN CHRIST (2:1-3)

3.  PUT TO DEATH THE WORKS OF THE FLESH (3:5-11).

4. APPRECIATE THE FAITH OF YOUR FELLOW SERVANTS AND WORKERS (4:7-11).

-Tim A. Blankenship

Through the Bible in a Year – 081813

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Life of Rejoicing
Philippians 1 – 4

1. SUFFERING FOR THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST (Philippians 1:27-30).

2.  HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST JESUS (2:5-11).

3.  A LIFE OF AWAKENING (3:1-3).

4.  DOING ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST (4:10-14).

Evening Message –

In Love with GOD, His Word
Psalm 119:129-136

1.  HIS TESTIMONIES ARE WONDERFUL (vv. 129-130).
A.  It is the love of God in Christ which motivates our keeping them.
B.  They give light and understanding.

2.  THERE IS LONGING FOR HIS COMMANDMENTS (vv. 131-132).
A.  It is not the will of the flesh to have the commandments of God; but the Spirit of God within us.
B.  Because of His commandments we still seek His mercy.

3.  OUR STEPS ARE ORDERED BY HIS WORD (vv. 133-134).
A.  By the ordered steps of His Word we refrain from iniquity (v. 9).
B.  We will remain undeterred by the oppression of men.

4.  WE DESIRE TO LEARN HIS STATUTES (vv. 135-136).
A.  Learning His statutes we know that His face shine on us.
B.  We also mourn when we see others who will not heed the Law of God.
-T.A.

Words for Christian Living – Mind

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“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  Philippians 2:5-11 (KJV)

The mind of the Christian is not empty of thought.  According to Paul the apostle to the Corinthians “…We have the mind of Christ”  (1 Corinthians 2:16).  So having the mind of Christ we will think like Jesus thinks, act like Jesus acts; because that is His mind.

The mind of Christ was to submit Himself to the Father’s will, and glorify His name.  That is the mind of the Christian too.  Even unto death.

W4CL – Power

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“Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”  Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV)

The human race is consumed by power.  People who want to have control over others; many of them are called politicians who are out to get all the power they can.  Many are preachers and pastors who desire to rule the Church they lead – sadly.

There is something the Christian must realize and that is that all power belongs to the Creator.  It is wonderful for the Christian to daily focus, fellowship with, and have faith in the One who is All-Powerful (Omnipotent).  It is a glorious thing to know that we have the One who empowered the life of Jesus as He walked on earth living within us too.  “…The power that worketh in us…”

How much power do we have?  All that is His; is ours.  Let us walk with Him, and it will be used rightly.

W4CL – Peace

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“For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.”  Ephesians 2:14-18 (KJV)

Many in our world are crying out for peace.  Peace between Israel and Palestine, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, etc..  Ever since I was a child I can remember people calling for “Peace”.  Not too many, however, really appreciate what “Peace” means.

Peace does not mean  the absence of conflict.    There can be conflict for the cause of peace.  The greatest peace is realized when a man, woman, boy or girl receives the peace of God.

The thing Paul speaks of in the above verses, “…Broken down the middle wall of partition…” is speaking of the wall between Jew and Gentile; the law, and heathenism.  By the death of Jesus Christ on the cross that wall has been broken down, and we are both reconciled to God.

If one does not believe in, trust in the death, burial and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ you are still at enmity with God.  Your heart is far from Him, and you cannot know peace.  With Christ Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior you will have the Holy Spirit and permanent access to the Father.

With this peace, even in the midst of the world’s greatest conflicts, you will be at peace.  Peace of heart and soul.  Peace of mind.  Peace with God.

W4CL – Holy Spirit

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“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”  Ephesians 1:13-14 (KJV)

We need not be fearful that God will not fulfill His Word.  He has promised that He will finish what He has began (Philippians 1:6).  There is nothing that can separate us from the love of Christ Jesus (Romans 8:35-39).  Best of all we have God’s “Earnest” payment that He will do it.

“Earnest” is a real estate term.  One puts down an earnest payment as a guarantee of payment of a down payment on a house or land.  The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to us as promise, evidence that He will complete what He has began in us.  You will note too, that “Ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise”.

In Christ we are a sealed document, that cannot be opened until it is delivered into the hand of the King.  Please read Romans 8:9.

W4CL – Restore

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“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Galations 6:1 (KJV)

How many times have you without any fault of your own found yourself dealing with a sin?  You found yourself, deceived, believing wrongly, doing wrongly.  You were “overtaken in a fault”.  You have grieved over it.  Then a “Spiritual” brother/sister who is bearing all those fruit of the Spirit comes and ministers to your need.  By the love, compassion, and meekness you are restored to fellowship with God and the Body of Christ.

That is what it means to be a “Spiritual” Christian.  The spiritual Christian does not condemn the fallen brethren, but seeks to restore the one who is grieving in their sin.

The next time you see a brother/sister in Christ overtaken in a fault seek his/her  restoration.  You could find yourself in that situation sometime later.

For further study on Galations 6:1

Through the Bible in a Year 072813

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To Be Called By His Grace…

I.  …WE ARE DELIVERED FROM CONDEMNING RELIGION (Galations 1:13-14)

II.   …WE ARE CALLED TO A NEW LIFE AND MINISTRY (1:15-17).

III.  …WE ARE DEAD WITH CHRIST; YET RISEN WITH HIM (Galations 2:18-21).

 

EVENING MESSAGE –

When the LORD is Great in Our Lives…

I.  …WE WILL GUARD OUR WAYS AND OUR TONGUE (Psalm 39:1-5).

II.  …WE WILL BE COMPASSIONATE TO OTHERS (Psalm 41:1-4).

III.    …WE WILL REJOICE IN  HIS GREATNESS (Psalm 48:1-7; Psalm 54:1-7.

IV.  …WE WILL KNOW AND RECOGNIZE THE HEARTS OF WICKEDNESS (Psalm 58:1-5).

V.  …WE WILL THIRST FOR GOD DAILY, AND OFTEN (Psalm 63:1-2).

VI.    …WE WILL SEEK THE LORD FOR OUR KEEPING (Psalm 64:1-6).

W4CL – Heirs

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“Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: but when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, ‘Abba, Father.’ Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”   Galations 4:1-7 (KJV)

There has been much talk in our nation, and around the world of the new “Royal baby” which was born a week or so ago.  “Third heir to the throne” we have heard.  What is he heir to?  The ceremonial, traditional position of the king of England.  A small, and somewhat influential country in the world; an honor for this baby, and the ones which preceded him.

It is Paul’s declaration that those who have been born of God are heirs with Christ Jesus.  Now that is not a ceremonial, nor traditional thing; it is an eternal, very influential thing.  According to Romans 8:17 those of us who have been born again through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, buried with Him in His baptism, and raised again to new life through His resurrection are “Joint heirs with Christ”.  What does that mean?

It means that we will not be ruling a penniless, bankrupt nation (spiritually and economically); we will rule the earth with King Jesus on the throne.  He is the one who “Owns the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10).  He also owns the stars in the deepest parts of space, and the earth is His footstool (Matthew 5:35).

If we are joint heirs with Christ, and we are; then, as heirs of Christ we should behave like heirs of Christ until He comes again.

In Christ you are heir to more than a fading kingdom; you are an heir to all that is God’s.

W4CL – Faith

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“O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? If it be yet in vain. He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth He it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?”  Galations 3:1-5 (KJV)

The Church of Galatia was foolish enough they were beginning to rely on works, maybe it was sacraments – baptism, the Lord’s Supper [Communion], etc. – for salvation.  Paul calls them “Foolish” and “Bewitched” or deceived.

It is faith that moves mountains.  It is only the grace of God through faith that saves, and it is God alone who gives faith.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:8-10 (KJV)

Note that grace and faith are a “Gift of God”.  The gift that has been given us the death of God’s only Son Jesus Christ on the cross.  His burial and bodily resurrection confirms the work of grace.  Faith believes God, and lives for Him and His glory.

The Word for Christian Living to day is Faith.

W4CL – Crucified

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“For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”  Galations 2:18-21 (KJV)

As Christians we too often forget that the life we live in Christ is due to the crucifixion of Christ and His bodily resurrection.  It is imperative that we also see that we are “Crucified with Christ” (v. 20); and because we are crucified with Him we will also, one day reign with Him (Romans 8:17), because we are also, “Risen with Christ” (Colossians 3:1).

As a Christian we do not enjoy sin; we are dead to it – “Crucified with Christ”, and have been raised again by His resurrection.  Because of His resurrection we grow in love with Christ; closer to Him and His likeness, and grow further from sin and its destruction.

I am crucified with Christ. 

Words for Christian Living – Arabia

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“For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: and profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.”  Galations 1:13-17 (KJV)

Arabia is situated to the Northeast of Africa as a peninsula.  Paul declares in Galations that this is the place to which he went following his call from Christ to follow Him.  He makes it clear that his first call was to get to know the Lord Jesus better.  He sought to learn of Him from Him, not the apostles, not what others had to say; but from Jesus alone.  There was nothing about Arabia that had any appeal to it.  He went to the wilderness.  This seems to be very similar to Jesus’s going into the wilderness “to be tempted/tested” (Matthew 4:1-11).

Every Christian needs to learn more about Jesus, from Jesus Himself.  The place to begin is with the Bible, God’s Word; and believe it, and live by it, as Jesus did, and continues doing.  Your Arabia may just be your quiet time each morning in prayer and in the reading of the Bible.  Make it daily, and at the same time each day.

It is most important that you hear what Jesus says of Himself.  Then when you hear things that are contrary to what you have learned from God and His Word you will know that it is false.

Spend some time each day in your Arabia.

Words for Christian Living – Thanksgiving

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“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”  1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)

A person’s attitude says a lot about who they are.  Your attitude is not fixed by your surroundings, your friends, or your enemies.  Your attitude is from your own heart.  A good attitude is best attained by having a thankful spirit and heart.

When you are thankful; despite your circumstances, despite criticism, or cruelty from others; despite sickness, or economic situation; then you will have a good attitude through all those things.  Whoever or what ever controls your attitude is your god or your idol.

When the Christian is thankful the great attitude you have shows that God’s will is being done in your life.  Your thanksgiving to God shows He is Lord of your life.

The Psalmist wrote…

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.”  Psalm 100:4 (KJV)

When bad circumstances, or “mean” people start getting under your skin; thank the Lord for your job, your family; or most of all just thank God for being God, and in control of your life; then do something nice for the perpetrator with a smile.

Words for Christian Living – Blessing the Poor

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“Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and Thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: Thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness. I said, ‘LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against Thee.'”  Psalm 41:1-4 (KJV)

In the United States of America we are richly blessed.  We are blessed with the grace of God.  We are blessed with riches.  Yet in the midst of the blessing of riches we are cursed with some levels of poverty; and some of which cannot be avoided.  People often find themselves without an income, due to loss of jobs; or sickness, and/or disease; which has robbed them of the strength to make a living.  These are the poor that the Christian must not neglect.

It is the light of Christ Jesus that shines in our hearts that causes us to see others as being better than ourselves; and that includes the poor.  Paul the apostle writing to the people of Philippi…

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”  Philippians 2:3 (KJV)

As Christians the love of Christ will reign supremely in our hearts; and others will be blessed by our lives and our conduct:  even though they may not always realize it.  John the apostle wrote the following…

“But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”  1 John 3:17 (KJV)

Be a blessing today.

Words for Christian Living – Sufficiency

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“For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And He said unto me, ‘My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”  2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (KJV)

Some will notice that I used a portion of this Scripture; verse 9; a few days ago.  There is another word that is beneficial here for the Christian.  The word “Sufficiency”  one definition at dictionary.com is “adequate provision or supply, especially of wealth.”

Sufficiency in Christ is in matters of His supply, provision; and it is adequate.  Grace is sufficient through Christ; and all that goes with it.  According to Scripture; we are “Joint heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17) so all that is His is ours as well, even the suffering with Him.  We are also told by Scripture that “All things are under His feet” (1 Corinthians 15:25, 27;  Ephesians 1:22;  Hebrews 2:8).  All that the Christian needs is supplied by the cross of Jesus Christ.

Christ Himself is our wealth; our Sufficiency.

Words for Christian Living – Jealousy

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“Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.  But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.”  2 Corinthians 11:1-4 (KJV)

We would not in a normal sense think of “Jealousy” as being a good thing.  However, the apostle is dealing with a people who are not strong on the doctrine of Jesus Christ alone for salvation.  We are servants of the Jealous God (Exodus 20:5; 34:14;  Deuteronomy 4:24; 5:9; 6:15).  Jealousy from God should be expected.  He created all that is.  It is proper of Him to desire the worship and adoration of His creation.

Christians should be jealous for Him.  Christian pastors and preachers ought always “defend the faith” because there is not other to worship.  We ought to be jealous for God.

Contrary to what Oprah may have said concerning the jealousy of God.  He is still a jealous God.  He alone is worthy of worship, adoration and praise.  He alone is worthy of our jealousy for His worship.  When others proclaim “Another Jesus” which is not the Jesus who died on the cross, was buried and bodily arose from the grave; and is eternally seated at God the Fathers right hand; we must speak out vehemently against that “Jesus”.  That “Jesus” is not the Jesus of grace and mercy, but another of deception.

Christian, be “Jealous” for Christ Jesus.

Words for Christian Living – Commendation

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“But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.”  2 Corinthians 10:17-18 (KJV)

Most people are searching for commendation.  Some are satisfied with self-commendation; others desire the commendation of others.  Self-commendation is worthless; but then, so is the commendation of others for the purposes of eternity.

The word “Commendation” means… “Approval; Praise”.  It speaks well of a person when others approve her/him.  However, if someone with an evil heart speaks well of you…  What does that say?

The commendation from God, our Lord, is the better commendation.  Do not rest in peace with what others say of you.  You can rest, and be in peace with what God says of you, commending you.  You will not be commended by God with unrepented sin in your life.  He will commend you when sin is dealt with, and you are in fellowship with Him through the cross of His Son Jesus Christ.

Words for Christian Living – Grace

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“And He said unto me, ‘My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”  2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)

The apostle Paul was being afflicted by what he called “a thorn in the flesh”, and he had prayed to be delivered from it; to be healed maybe of the physical affliction.  We are not told what it was, but we are told that the Lord’s answer is found above.

In the midst of affliction, our thorn in the flesh, whatever it is we can rest assured that God’s grace is sufficient for us.  In our weakness God is strong.  In our weakness, our illness, or disease God is glorified.  None of us like afflictions.  We can be like Paul, however and “Glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Remember the word “Grace”.  God’s grace is sufficient.

Words for Christian Living – Giving

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“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, ‘He hath dispersed abroad; He hath given to the poor: His righteousness remaineth for ever.’ Now He that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.”  2 Corinthians 9:6-11 (KJV)

Paul the apostle was sending a delegation to Corinth to pick up a promised donation to the Jerusalem Christians.  He sent this message to thank them for their generosity; and to encourage them in their giving.

For the Christian giving is not a dread; it is a blessing.  We are giving back to God recognizing our Blessers blessings.  Every Christian is a giver.  Every Christian should enjoy giving.

There are many places crying out for help, for money.  Where should the Christian give.  The main place should be to and through your local congregation.  “God loves a cheerful giver.”

Words for Christian Living – Rich

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.”  2 Corinthians 8:7-9 (KJV)

That word “Rich” causes us to think of wealth in the material sense.  We hear the word “Rich” and we may have thoughts of what that might be like to live like the “Rich”.  Gold, silver, precious stones, Wall Street, big mansions, big ranches or farms; many houses and lands or expensive cars have absolutely nothing to do with the richness of which the above passage speaks.

The wealthiest Man who ever lived and walked among men gave up much wealth – the splendor and glories of heaven – and came down and walked among us, then gave His life that we all might be saved.  He gave up wealth, to become poor that those who hear His Word, and believes would become rich in the purest meaning of the word.

The riches of Christ cannot be taken away; they cannot be destroyed by moth or rust; they are incorruptible.  The riches and glory of heaven are yours through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God.