The apostle Paul writes in I Corinthians 2:9, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.” The Psalmist says, “The heavens tell of the glory of God. The skies display His marvelous craftsmanship” (19:1). “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers - - the moon and the stars you have set in place - - what are mortals that you should think of us, mere humans that you should care for us?” (8:3&4). Indeed, who of us when looking at the beauty of the night time sky, or the wonders of a snow-covered mountain, or the splendor of a huge waterfall, have not been in awe at the glory and the power of God? Paul is saying that if God would create such beauty in the things we can see, there is no human way to imagine the beauty of the things we haven’t yet seen.
Revelation describes heaven for us in these words: “And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a beautiful bride prepared for her husband” (21:2). The Holy City, “was filled with the glory of God and sparkled like a precious gem, crystal clear like jasper” (21:11). “The city was pure gold, as clear as glass” (21:18). “The city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is it’s light” (21:23). John concludes his vision of heaven with these words, “And when I saw and heard these things, I fell down to worship the angel who showed them to me” (22:8). Even the glorious word pictures used in Revelation to describe heaven, as awesome as they are, still do not adequately picture for us what is indescribable.
“Faith is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see” (Hebrews 11:1). Faith is believing that God is faithful to His promises (Romans 4:18-25). Faith is agreeing with the Bible that God does not lie (Numbers 23:19; I Samuel 15:29; Titus 1:2). And so, we look forward to that day when we look upon the glory and splendor of God face to face (I Corinthians 13:12) when we no longer live by faith, but live by sight! “He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon!’ Amen! Come, Lord !” (Revelation 22:20). In fact, the sooner, the better!
Monday, December 29, 2014
December 29
“Be careful! Watch out for attack from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are” (I Peter 5:8&9). Even as none of us can fully comprehend the enormity of God’s love for us, neither can any of us fully understand the magnitude of Satan’s hate for us. We see glimpses of his hatred scattered throughout scripture. Of course, he appears to us with noble intentions (Genesis 3:1-7; II Corinthians 11:3&4, 13-15), but Satan is a liar (John 8:44) and following his lies leads to destruction.
We can be sure that if Satan would think nothing of lying to Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13) and if Satan would so ruthlessly pursue the destruction and death of the Messiah (Revelation 12:13-17), he will be just as ruthless in his desire to destroy us. The fact is, he stands before God day and night, even now, pointing out to God all the bad and sinful things we have done (Revelation 12:10; Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7). How blessed we are to be washed, cleansed, purified, and set apart as God’s children because of the blood of Jesus Christ (Revelation 12:11; Isaiah 1:18-20; Psalm 51:1-12; Isaiah 53:4-10).
We can be sure that if Satan would think nothing of lying to Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13) and if Satan would so ruthlessly pursue the destruction and death of the Messiah (Revelation 12:13-17), he will be just as ruthless in his desire to destroy us. The fact is, he stands before God day and night, even now, pointing out to God all the bad and sinful things we have done (Revelation 12:10; Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7). How blessed we are to be washed, cleansed, purified, and set apart as God’s children because of the blood of Jesus Christ (Revelation 12:11; Isaiah 1:18-20; Psalm 51:1-12; Isaiah 53:4-10).
Friday, December 19, 2014
December 27
The end of each year is usually a good time to take inventory in our lives and evaluate whether we are accomplishing for God all He has equipped us to do. We would be wise to do the same as congregations of believers in Jesus Christ, as well. In Revelation 2&3, Jesus has a message for seven different churches located in Asia. Interestingly enough, many modern day congregations can usually see themselves in one of these seven churches.
Like the church at Ephesus (2:1-7), some churches do many things right, but they seem to have lost their momentum. They have forgotten why they exist and need to remember the mission and purpose given to them by Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).
Like the church at Smyrna (2:8-11), some churches are going through great persecution because they are doing what Christ has called them to do, very well. Jesus assures them to keep going for he will be with them and they will overcome.
Like the church at Pergamum (2:12-17), some churches have remained loyal to Christ in spite of intense persecution and pressure, but they are tolerating teachings within their congregations that are leading many faithful from the truth. Jesus says they need to root out the false teachers if they expect to ultimately be victorious.
Like the church at Thyatira (2:18-29), some churches do many things well, but they permit evil to exist within their congregations, that threatens to influence the entire congregation like leaven, if they don’t deal with it.
Like the church at Sardis, (3:1-6), some churches have a lot of activities going on and many would think they are alive and active, but in reality, their activity masks their spiritual deadness. Jesus says those churches need to concentrate on their spiritual growth instead of their outward programs.
Like the church at Philadelphia (3:7-13), some churches are doing exactly what Jesus has called them to do and consequently, he promises to continue opening doors to them for further witness to him.
And like the church at Laodicea (3:14-22), some churches are doing nothing more than going through the motions of looking like a church. They aren’t on fire, but neither are they totally ineffective. Jesus is nauseated with their lukewarmness and promises to bless those churches prayerfully asking for his blessings.
Which congregation does your church look like?
Like the church at Ephesus (2:1-7), some churches do many things right, but they seem to have lost their momentum. They have forgotten why they exist and need to remember the mission and purpose given to them by Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).
Like the church at Smyrna (2:8-11), some churches are going through great persecution because they are doing what Christ has called them to do, very well. Jesus assures them to keep going for he will be with them and they will overcome.
Like the church at Pergamum (2:12-17), some churches have remained loyal to Christ in spite of intense persecution and pressure, but they are tolerating teachings within their congregations that are leading many faithful from the truth. Jesus says they need to root out the false teachers if they expect to ultimately be victorious.
Like the church at Thyatira (2:18-29), some churches do many things well, but they permit evil to exist within their congregations, that threatens to influence the entire congregation like leaven, if they don’t deal with it.
Like the church at Sardis, (3:1-6), some churches have a lot of activities going on and many would think they are alive and active, but in reality, their activity masks their spiritual deadness. Jesus says those churches need to concentrate on their spiritual growth instead of their outward programs.
Like the church at Philadelphia (3:7-13), some churches are doing exactly what Jesus has called them to do and consequently, he promises to continue opening doors to them for further witness to him.
And like the church at Laodicea (3:14-22), some churches are doing nothing more than going through the motions of looking like a church. They aren’t on fire, but neither are they totally ineffective. Jesus is nauseated with their lukewarmness and promises to bless those churches prayerfully asking for his blessings.
Which congregation does your church look like?
December 21
When Nicodemus approached Jesus under the cover of darkness, he was searching for the truth and he believed that Jesus had that truth he was looking for. Without wasting any words, Jesus immediately informed Nicodemus, “unless you are born again, you can never see the Kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Nicodemus’ logical question to Jesus was, “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?” Jesus assured Nicodemus that humans can only produce human life, but the Holy Spirit is able to give us new life from heaven. It is a spiritual rebirth and not a physical rebirth.
The apostle Peter verifies that truth when he writes, “For you have been born again. Your new life did not come from your earthly parents because the life they gave you will end in death. But this new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God” (I Peter 1:23). Even as human life requires a sperm donated from a man impregnating an egg donated from a woman in order for human conception to take place, so the word of God is the “imperishable seed” of God (vs.23; NIV) that conceives spiritual life in our human hearts. Not every human life conceived results in a birth. Likewise, not every spiritual life conceived results in a birth. Jesus said that a person is “born again” by “water and the spirit.” Thus, baptism is an outward and visible sign that spiritual rebirth has occurred (I Peter 3:21; Acts 2:38&39; 5:32; 22:16).
Once, we have been born again, God sees us as “holy” and forgiven. It now becomes our responsibility to live out this new position in practical ways, on a daily basis (I Peter 1:16; Hebrews 12:10,14). The many exhortations in scripture on how to live are nothing more than practical suggestions on how we can be “holy as God is holy.” Since God has called us unto Himself and given us that position, let us make every effort to live up to our calling (Ephesians 4:1; II Thessalonians 1:11; Hebrews 3:11; II Peter 1:10).
The apostle Peter verifies that truth when he writes, “For you have been born again. Your new life did not come from your earthly parents because the life they gave you will end in death. But this new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God” (I Peter 1:23). Even as human life requires a sperm donated from a man impregnating an egg donated from a woman in order for human conception to take place, so the word of God is the “imperishable seed” of God (vs.23; NIV) that conceives spiritual life in our human hearts. Not every human life conceived results in a birth. Likewise, not every spiritual life conceived results in a birth. Jesus said that a person is “born again” by “water and the spirit.” Thus, baptism is an outward and visible sign that spiritual rebirth has occurred (I Peter 3:21; Acts 2:38&39; 5:32; 22:16).
Once, we have been born again, God sees us as “holy” and forgiven. It now becomes our responsibility to live out this new position in practical ways, on a daily basis (I Peter 1:16; Hebrews 12:10,14). The many exhortations in scripture on how to live are nothing more than practical suggestions on how we can be “holy as God is holy.” Since God has called us unto Himself and given us that position, let us make every effort to live up to our calling (Ephesians 4:1; II Thessalonians 1:11; Hebrews 3:11; II Peter 1:10).
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
December 18
When a baby is born, we recognize that his/her digestive system and eating reflexes are not yet ready for solid food. The natural order of things is for them to begin with milk to gain the nutrition their body needs to grow. In time, we feed them baby food such as: beans and ham, peas, carrots, etc. Since most babies don’t like some of the more exotic vegetables we know are good for them (any more than we adults do), I always tried to fool them with a spoonful of delicious fruit mixed in with their vegetables once in a while. Eventually, as they grow up, babies graduate to soft table food, and ultimately, they are ready for solid food.
What is true physically, is also true, spiritually. New Christians are not capable of handling some of the more difficult truths of the Bible. We would be foolish to take a baby in Christ and place them in a Bible study on Romans, Hebrews, or Revelation based on the original Greek language they were written in. There is a natural order of things in spiritual growth just as there is in physical growth. BUT, even as we expect our babies to grow into toddlers, who then grow into children, who then grow into adolescents, who then grow into teenagers, who then grow into adults physically, it is natural to expect the same type of growth from a person spiritually. Unfortunately, there are some Christians who never seem to graduate from the milk of biblical truths to the baby food of spiritual truths, let alone the solid food of spiritual truths. This was an issue amongst the readers of the Hebrew letter (5:11-6:3), and it was a problem also amongst the Christians in Corinth (I Corinthians 3:1-4). Each of us is responsible for our mental and social growth, as well as our spiritual growth. Let us no longer be content to remain spiritually like children forever (Ephesians 4:14-16), but train ourselves in the wisdom of God’s holy truths (II Timothy 3:15-17) for only then will we be thoroughly equipped for anything life may bring our way.
What is true physically, is also true, spiritually. New Christians are not capable of handling some of the more difficult truths of the Bible. We would be foolish to take a baby in Christ and place them in a Bible study on Romans, Hebrews, or Revelation based on the original Greek language they were written in. There is a natural order of things in spiritual growth just as there is in physical growth. BUT, even as we expect our babies to grow into toddlers, who then grow into children, who then grow into adolescents, who then grow into teenagers, who then grow into adults physically, it is natural to expect the same type of growth from a person spiritually. Unfortunately, there are some Christians who never seem to graduate from the milk of biblical truths to the baby food of spiritual truths, let alone the solid food of spiritual truths. This was an issue amongst the readers of the Hebrew letter (5:11-6:3), and it was a problem also amongst the Christians in Corinth (I Corinthians 3:1-4). Each of us is responsible for our mental and social growth, as well as our spiritual growth. Let us no longer be content to remain spiritually like children forever (Ephesians 4:14-16), but train ourselves in the wisdom of God’s holy truths (II Timothy 3:15-17) for only then will we be thoroughly equipped for anything life may bring our way.
December 16
There is the temptation when reading scripture to do so just to complete our assignment for the day, rather than taking our time and gleaning golden nuggets of truth. We all do it from time to time. In the midst of today’s reading, these words appear that might be glossed over because of all the other things Paul has to say to Timothy: “Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me” (II Timothy 4:11). Those words are truly remarkable when one considers the history that took place between these two.
John Mark is the author of our Gospel of Mark. His mother owned a house in Jerusalem that was often used as a meeting place for the followers of Christ (Acts 12:12). Some even think it might have been her house that hosted Christ’s Last Supper in the Upper Room (Matthew 26:17-20; Mark 14:12-17; Luke 22:7-14). When Jesus was betrayed by Judas in the Garden of Gethsemane, scripture tells us his disciples all fled. Mark adds additional information not provided by the other gospel writers. “There was a young man following along behind, clothed only in a linen nightshirt. When the mob tried to grab him, they tore off his clothes, but he escaped and ran away naked” (Mark 14:51&52). Most scholars agree that Mark was ashamed to identify himself, but he was indeed, referring to himself.
Barnabas and Saul (otherwise known to us as Paul; 13:9) were commissioned by the church in Antioch to deliver relief to the starving Christians in Jerusalem (Acts 11:27-30). When the two returned to Antioch, they brought with them from Jerusalem, John Mark (12:25). John Mark then accompanies them on their first missionary journey (13:2-5). For some reason, which the Bible does not describe, John Mark left Barnabas and Paul and returned home to Jerusalem (13:13). We can speculate all we want the reasons for his doing so, but his actions greatly disturbed Paul. Sometime later, when Paul and Barnabas prepared to travel again, they had a sharp disagreement which led to the separation of these two great friends. Barnabas (known as the, “son of Encouragment”; Acts 4:36) wanted to give John Mark a second chance and Paul refused to do so (15:36-41). Barnabas took his cousin, Mark, and departed for Cyprus while Paul chose Silas to accompany him on his journeys. No other mention is made of John Mark in the book of Acts. But, when Paul was imprisoned in Rome (28:16,30&31) he wrote to the Colossians these words, “Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you his greetings, and so does Mark, Barnabas’ cousin. And as you were instructed before, make Mark welcome if he comes your way” (4:10; see also Philemon 24 which was written about the same time). Apparently, some type of reconciliation had taken place between Paul and Barnabas. It is not God’s will that His children be divided. Whatever our disagreements, the Bible gives us advice on how we reconcile and how we get along with others, in spite of our differences. And in our reading today, it would appear that Paul and John Mark were eventually, fully reconciled (II Timothy 4:11). It is amazing the reconciliation that can take place between people when they first reconcile themselves individually, to God (II Corinthians 5:18-21).
John Mark is the author of our Gospel of Mark. His mother owned a house in Jerusalem that was often used as a meeting place for the followers of Christ (Acts 12:12). Some even think it might have been her house that hosted Christ’s Last Supper in the Upper Room (Matthew 26:17-20; Mark 14:12-17; Luke 22:7-14). When Jesus was betrayed by Judas in the Garden of Gethsemane, scripture tells us his disciples all fled. Mark adds additional information not provided by the other gospel writers. “There was a young man following along behind, clothed only in a linen nightshirt. When the mob tried to grab him, they tore off his clothes, but he escaped and ran away naked” (Mark 14:51&52). Most scholars agree that Mark was ashamed to identify himself, but he was indeed, referring to himself.
Barnabas and Saul (otherwise known to us as Paul; 13:9) were commissioned by the church in Antioch to deliver relief to the starving Christians in Jerusalem (Acts 11:27-30). When the two returned to Antioch, they brought with them from Jerusalem, John Mark (12:25). John Mark then accompanies them on their first missionary journey (13:2-5). For some reason, which the Bible does not describe, John Mark left Barnabas and Paul and returned home to Jerusalem (13:13). We can speculate all we want the reasons for his doing so, but his actions greatly disturbed Paul. Sometime later, when Paul and Barnabas prepared to travel again, they had a sharp disagreement which led to the separation of these two great friends. Barnabas (known as the, “son of Encouragment”; Acts 4:36) wanted to give John Mark a second chance and Paul refused to do so (15:36-41). Barnabas took his cousin, Mark, and departed for Cyprus while Paul chose Silas to accompany him on his journeys. No other mention is made of John Mark in the book of Acts. But, when Paul was imprisoned in Rome (28:16,30&31) he wrote to the Colossians these words, “Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you his greetings, and so does Mark, Barnabas’ cousin. And as you were instructed before, make Mark welcome if he comes your way” (4:10; see also Philemon 24 which was written about the same time). Apparently, some type of reconciliation had taken place between Paul and Barnabas. It is not God’s will that His children be divided. Whatever our disagreements, the Bible gives us advice on how we reconcile and how we get along with others, in spite of our differences. And in our reading today, it would appear that Paul and John Mark were eventually, fully reconciled (II Timothy 4:11). It is amazing the reconciliation that can take place between people when they first reconcile themselves individually, to God (II Corinthians 5:18-21).
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
December 12
Most of us take great pride in something we have built with our hands. It may be an actual building we helped construct, a house, a cement patio in the backyard, or any number of things. It is a great feeling to look at a completed project and know that you had a hand in putting it together. It is also interesting to listen to the excitement and the passion in someone’s voice when they have been instrumental in building up a human life. Helping another human being grasp an important concept in the classroom, or watching a young person you’ve coached perform something they had previously been unable to do gives us much greater satisfaction than even building something with our hands. And perhaps nothing excites us as much as leading someone to Jesus Christ, or participating in a discussion with them that helps them understand a spiritual truth that forever changes their lives.
Few of us think of ourselves as having much effect on other people. But, if we think about moments in our own lives that had a huge impact on us, those moments often involved other people and what they either said or did to us. How many of us have been immensely hurt by the actions or the words of another? How many of us have been positively listed up because of the actions or the words of another? James was right. Out of our mouths come either blessings or curses (3:9&10). We choose whether to build up people who are made in the divine image of God or whether to tear them down. Our actions demonstrate the sincerity of our faith; whether we truly love the people God places in our paths by what we do (1:19&20; 2:1-26), or whether we demonstrate our lack of faith by our apathy towards the needs of people.
James says that if we are smart, we will see that God’s ways of life are the right ways and we will live by His ways (3:13; Romans 12:2). In the process, we will have a huge effect on the lives of everyone we come in contact with (3:17&18). So, do you want to be a part of building people up in Jesus Christ, or will you be one who tears them down? The choice is ours. Choose wisely.
Few of us think of ourselves as having much effect on other people. But, if we think about moments in our own lives that had a huge impact on us, those moments often involved other people and what they either said or did to us. How many of us have been immensely hurt by the actions or the words of another? How many of us have been positively listed up because of the actions or the words of another? James was right. Out of our mouths come either blessings or curses (3:9&10). We choose whether to build up people who are made in the divine image of God or whether to tear them down. Our actions demonstrate the sincerity of our faith; whether we truly love the people God places in our paths by what we do (1:19&20; 2:1-26), or whether we demonstrate our lack of faith by our apathy towards the needs of people.
James says that if we are smart, we will see that God’s ways of life are the right ways and we will live by His ways (3:13; Romans 12:2). In the process, we will have a huge effect on the lives of everyone we come in contact with (3:17&18). So, do you want to be a part of building people up in Jesus Christ, or will you be one who tears them down? The choice is ours. Choose wisely.
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