Verses for Life

Words for Christian Living 061413

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“For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, ‘Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?’  Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, ‘Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?’ But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.”  Deuteronomy 30:11-14  (KJV)

Remember from yesterdays words; the search is over.  You no longer need to search for the word or will of God.  If you have a Bible you have the word and will of God before you.  You do not need to ascend into heaven.  You do not need to cross the oceans; unless, of course you live somewhere the word is forbidden then, you are most likely not reading this.

God’s will for you today is be saved through the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ; His burial by which all our sins condemnation, guilt was taken away; His bodily resurrection by which we are justified in the sight of GOD our Creator.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living 061313

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“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.”  1 Thessalonians 4:3-6 (KJV)

Sometimes it seems so hard to know the “Will of God”; yet it is given to us in God’s written Word.  Many Christians spend their time “Searching for the will of God”.  Is it God’s will for me to be a missionary, go to Africa, go to Russia, go to the jungles of the Amazon?  The problem is we spend our time searching and it is right before us in black, red and white.

Notice Paul’s words above, and all this instruction can be summed up with Jesus’s words quoting the Old Testament,

“…Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.”  Mark 12:30

and He went on and said,

“Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”  Mark 12:31 (KJV)

If we are not doing the will of God at home, in our daily labors, in our recreation, in all our daily activities; God’s will will not be found in Africa, Russia, or the Amazon.  God’s will is as close as your heart and the Word of God.  Let us commit ourselves to doing the will of God.  The search is over.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living 061213

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“Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:) that in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace, in the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him: when he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days. And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace; where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble. And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king. And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man’s pleasure. Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus.”  Esther 1:1-9 (KJV)

In the book of Esther we have a historical account of the events in the life of the children of God [Israel] while still in captivity following their being carried away by Babylon.  The book of Esther never mentions the name of God; however you can see God working all through the book.  There are many things about it I do not understand, nor can I explain some of the things concerning the law.

The above verses show the opposite of how the righteous and just are to live.

These posted verses show the extravagance and waste of an earthly king and kingdom.  It shows the Christian that we are in the world, but we cannot live as the world.  We must stand; always with wisdom.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living 061113

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“Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”  Romans 2:19-26 (KJV)

Because God is holy, just and righteous He could not and cannot look upon sin or the sinner.  Because He is love He gave His Son Jesus to die in our place paying the price that was ours alone to pay.  By the grace of God we are declared “Just” by Him.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living 061013

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“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.”  Romans 1:18-23 (KJV)

In a day when mankind has elevated his/her own thinking above what God has said; it is time that professing Christians agree with God.  You can “thumb your nose” at God only for a very short time until you begin to see His wrath on your life.

Unless you agree with God, His Spirit and His Word you are in a backsliden condition, not walking with God and are in joint rebellion with the world against the One who loves you so much He sent His only Son to die for your sins.  Repent, turn around, believe the Word of God.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living 060913

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“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”  1 Peter 4:8

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”  1 John 4:18

“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.”  Revelation 2:4  (KJV)

Words for Christian Living 060813

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“Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.  According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.”  1 Corinthians 3:5-10 (KJV)

Who is the best singer?  Who is the best actor or actress?  Who is the best Lawyer?  Who is the best…?  You put in your own answer.  I mention this because there was division in Corinth over who was the best preacher.  Was it Paul or was it Apollos?

Paul’s answer was that neither was better than the other.  Each have their own gift.  It is God who gives the increase.  Thank God for the gift He has given you.  Use that gift to honor and glorify God, and He will give the increase.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living 060713

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“Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”  1 Corinthians 2:6-8 (KJV)

We know that none of us are perfect in the sense which we understand the word “Perfect”.  In the text above it has to do with being complete in Christ Jesus.  When it comes to salvation by grace through faith we are complete in Him.

No matter how hard we try we cannot open the eyes or ears of those who refuse to see, hear and understand that Jesus is the Christ Son of the Living God.  It is a work of God.  As Jesus told Peter in Matthew 16:17,

“…For flesh and blood hath not revealed  it unto thee, but My Father which is in heaven.”

Part of our “Perfection” is understanding that all of salvation is God’s doing.  By the Spirit of God; not by flesh and blood.  Our commission is to Preach the gospel…

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living 060613

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“For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, ‘He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.'”  1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (KJV)

It seems to me that far too much of our time and efforts today when we are speaking to others of Christ Jesus is spent in debate.  Now, do not take me wrong.  There is nothing wrong with debate.  The idea of debate is to try and persuade someone who is persuadable; is it not?

The message of Christ is not up for debate.  No one will change my mind concerning Christ, His death, burial and resurrection, His second coming; even the Pre-tribulation rapture of the Church.  So it is a waste of effort with me to try and change my mind on those matters.

I only mention these things because we hear of Christians spending much time in debate with atheists, and trying to persuade them that God exist, using our own “Persuasive abilities”, knowledge of Scripture, and seem to forget that the persuasion is not in our own power, but the power of the Holy Spirit.  If an unbeliever wills not to see; they will not see by our words.

“God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise…”  Let us quit casting pearls before swine, and seek those who might possibly want and need the Lord.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living 060513

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“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.”  Romans 16:17-20 (KJV)

We, as Christians are told to “Love one another”.  As you can see in Paul’s writing above we are also to “Mark them which cause divisions… contrary to the doctrine”.  This surely means the doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Anyone, therefore, who would cause division and offenses or a departure from the gospel is to be marked.  That would mean not to even fellowship with such an individual.  Also see Galations  5:14-15.

The ones whom Paul speaks of is most certainly false teachers, teaching things which distract from the gospel of Christ. Are there false teachers teaching a false gospel today?  Most certainly.  Any teaching which distracts from the glory of God through the death, burial and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is a false gospel.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living 060413

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“Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: to God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.”  Romans 16:25-27 (KJV)

We must always remember that the “Scripture of the prophets” of whom Paul writes are the Old Testament prophets.  They indeed, tell us much about Jesus Christ and His gospel.  The only Scripture Jesus read, and which Paul read was the Old Testament.  Grow in it too.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living 060313

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“Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises unto the fathers: and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, ‘For this cause I will confess to Thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto Thy name.’ And again he saith, ‘Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with His people.’ And again, ‘Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud Him, all ye people.’  And again, Esaias saith, ‘There shall be a root of Jesse, and He that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in Him shall the Gentiles trust.'”  Romans 15:7-12 (KJV)

Jesus Christ Himself was a confirmation to the promises that were made to the patriarchs of the faith.  He was the fulfillment of them; yet many of Jewish people did not believe, and the message was sent to the Gentiles.  Gentiles are all who are not Hebrews.  Jesus, the Root of Jesse will reign over the entire world.  Rejoice.  Live in Him.  He is coming soon.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living 060213

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“Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? To his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.”  Romans 14:1-7 (KJV)

On the matter of “Doubtful disputations” or “Disputes over doubtful things”  the MacArthur Study Bible note says, “Better translated, ‘for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions (or scruples).’  The mature believer should not sit in judgment on the sincere but underdeveloped thoughts that govern the weak believer’s conduct.”

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living 060113

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“Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, ‘Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.’ Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Romans 13:8-10

The love of God is not flippant; nor is it without price.  The love God has for us is the same love Paul speaks of; which we must have one for another.  “Love thy neighbor as thyself” was the words of Jesus.  The greatest love was on display to the world as Jesus died on the cross.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living 053113

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“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, 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. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”  Romans 12:1-3 (KJV)

Though the Lord no longer requires blood sacrifices; the slaying of lambs, bulls, goats, etc.; we are still “Beseeched”  that is strongly encouraged; to make our own “Bodies” a living sacrifice unto the Lord.  It is to be a sacrifice “Holy, acceptable unto God”.  That truly means that once we are a child of God, born again through faith in Christ Jesus; that our bodies are not our own.  We are bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23).

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living 053013

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“I say then, hath God cast away His people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not cast away His people which He foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? How he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, ‘Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.’ But what saith the answer of God unto him? ‘I have reserved to Myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to Baal.’  Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”  Romans 11:1-6 (KJV)

I find great comfort and encouragement in knowing that the Lord always has a remnant of people who believe His Word, and live by His faith.  It is a comfort to know that He is always working in us by His grace, and is not dependent upon our works.  Even when we fail; God never fails.

The Christian can never enjoy sin and rebellion against God or His word; but when confronted and convicted by the Spirit of God, and the Word of God will turn from their sin, and experience a renewed walk with the Father.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living 052913

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“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”  Romans 10:1-4 (KJV)

Ignorance is not a pleasant word to hear for anyone.  Nevertheless, ignorance is no excuse for the sin of God’s people called Christian.  There is far too much ignorance concerning the Righteousness of God, and what is required of God’s people.

As Christians we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ; and that righteousness comes out for all the world to see.  It is not righteousness to overlook sin.  Righteousness deals with sin; starting with our own, then confronting unrighteousness where we see it.

Do not be ignorant of the righteousness of God.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living 052813

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“I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, that I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.  For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.”  Romans 9:1-5 (KJV)     

Do we ever think much about sacrifice?  I must admit I do not.  Sacrifice hurts.  Paul, however, did think of sacrifice, but probably not as a sacrifice, but as love for his Saviour and for his people.  Jesus also gave Himself, a sacrifice, for the glory of His Father, and His love for us.

Who is willing to suffer being accursed from Christ – suffering the torments of eternal hell – for our “Brethren”, our kinsmen according to the flesh?

That kind of love is in Christ.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living 052713

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“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.”  Romans 8:1-7 (KJV)