God's Gift - Merry Christmas

Jesus came to this earth, by Gods' plan and design.
The place of His birth, marked by a heavenly sign.
A new star above, showed the place where He lay.
The Fathers' gift, sound asleep on the hay.

So innocent and pure, this gift to man.
Would later receive, Roman nails in His hand.
He was born to die, His life He gave.
So all might live, and their souls be saved.

One day all will answer, for what they have done.
With Gods' gift to the world, His only son.
So accept His gift, and your soul you will save.
From the wages of sin, and the death of the grave.

Merry Christmas
Chris Kinder 10'

The Truth
"For by grace you have been saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is a "gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)

Matthew 19

"The First Shall Be Last"

“But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first” (v.30).

This proverbial saying, which Christ uses more than once (Matthew 20:16; Luke 13:30), conveys a warning that man's view of himself and others is liable to error and it must not be thought that those who are first in privilege are therefore highest in God's favor.

For many that are first in, profession, first in the opinion of others, first in their own opinion and confidence, at the “day of judgment” will be found to be last. Conversely, those who are least in, profession, least in opinion and status of others, will be found first, and highest in His favor.

The teaching at this time may have been directed to the Scribes and Pharisees, who were in the chief place, and highest esteem, in the Jewish church, and yet least in the kingdom of heaven. On the other hand, the publicans and sinners, who were in the lowest class, and in least esteem, went first into it.

This warning still applies today. We all need to check our motivations for what we do in His service, as there will be many surprises in heaven.

The Truth

“But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.” (Mark 10:42-44)

Matthew 18

"Who Is The Greatest"

“Truly I say to you, except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (v.3)

Here in chapter 18:1-5, our Lord set a little child before His disciples (who were arguing who would be the greatest in the kingdom v.1), solemnly assuring them, that unless they were converted and made like little children, they could not enter His kingdom. What does this mean?

In Mark’s gospel we are given some insight into this portion of scripture. Mark says (Mark 9:35) that Jesus, before he placed the little child in the midst of them, told them that, "if any man desires to be first, the same shall be last and servant of all." That is, he shall be the most distinguished who is the most humble, and who is willing to be esteemed least of all.

Little children are, to a great extent, free from of ambition, pride, and haughtiness. They are characteristically humble, innocent and teachable. Jesus is telling His disciples to take on those characteristics, to lay aside their ambitious views and their pride, and be willing to occupy their proper station as a servant.

Therefore, far from being the greatest, “unless you be converted, and become as a little child, you shall not even enter into the kingdom of heaven.” He is teaching them there is no room for rivalry, jealousy, ambition, worldliness, distrust and conceit. That they must turn away from such failings and “Become as little children.”

A good lesson for us all.

The Truth

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)

Matthew 16 "Who Is Jesus?"

Here in chapter 16 Jesus asks two questions of His disciples; 1) Whom do men say that I am? and 2) Whom do you say that I am? One could ask the first question of people today and get a similar variety of answers His disciples reported over 2000 years ago; a teacher, a prophet, a healer, even a good man.

Simon Peter answered the second question correctly when he responded, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (v.16). Typical of Peter, straight and to the point. Anything short of that would have been the wrong answer.

Today the eternal question remains the same, who do you believe Jesus is? Is He a teacher? A prophet? A good man? Or, is He the Christ, the Son of the living God. Your answer will determine your eternal future.

As we enter the Christmas season, a holiday set aside to recognize the Savior's birth, a time when everywhere you go some will say, "Happy Holidays" but others "Merry CHRISTmas." Do yourself an eternal favor and recognize the One we sing about this time of year; the "King of kings", the "LORD of lords", Jesus Christ, our Savior.

The Truth: “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” (1 John 4:15)

Fear God

Matthew 10

“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)

Here in chapter 10 after empowering His twelve disciples and sending them out, to preach to their own brethren, Jesus warns them of the persecutions to come. They would be scourged in their synagogues; brought before governors and kings; they would be hated, persecuted and eventually put to death for His sake but fear not He says, “them which kill the body.”

Them which kill the body - That is, people, who have no power to injure the soul, the immortal part. The body is a small matter in comparison with the soul. Temporal death is a slight thing compared with eternal death. Jesus therefore directs them, not to be alarmed at the prospect of temporal death, but to fear God, who can destroy both soul and body forever.

The Truth

"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.” (Luke 12:4-5)

Matthew 9 "The Physician of Body and Soul"

Here in chapter 9 we see the power of the Lord Jesus to heal both body and soul of the people He came into contact with.

Examples of the body are found, in curing the palsy (verses 2-8); raising to life the ruler's daughter, and healing the bloody issue (verses 18-26); giving sight to two blind men (verses 27-31); casting the devil out of one possessed (verses 32-34); and healing all manner of sickness, verse 35.

To the souls of people; in forgiving sins (verse 2); calling Matthew, and conversing freely with publicans and sinners (verses 9-13); considering the frame of his disciples, with reference to the duty of fasting (verses 14-17); preaching the gospel, and, in compassion to the multitude, providing preachers for them, verses 35-38.

His healing power of both body and soul still exist today, just not in the way it was when He walked this earth. But one day, when He returns to rule and reign, all will be right and all will be healed.

The Truth

“And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4)

Power In His Word

Matthew 8

Here in chapter 8 we see the power of Jesus expressed through His spoken words; healing sickness and diseases, casting out evil spirits and demons, calming the wind and the sea.

Truly there is power in the name of Jesus. The name above all names.

The Truth

“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” (Hebrews 1:1-4)

Beware Of Self-Righteousness

Matthew 6:1

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.”

The greatest hindrance in serving with the right motives is the desire to please yourself rather than the Lord. Selfishness can lead to doing great exploits in the name of Christ when we really do so for ourselves.

The principle that all believers need to understand is that, it is possible for a believer to perform ostensibly wonderful deeds and yet receive no reward from God. However, when we serve God in secret, we receive a double reward. Not only will God one day reward us “openly” (Matthew 6:4) but, we will enjoy the memory of what we did.

What a perfect season to serve Him and bless others in secret.

The Truth

And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God.” (Luke 16:15)

You Are The Light

Matthew 5:14

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”

Jesus gives the Christian both a great compliment and a great responsibility when He says that we are the light of the world because, He claimed that title for Himself as He walked this earth (John 8:12).

While on earth, He was like the sun and was the Source of all spiritual light. But just as the sun goes down and is followed by the rising moon which reflects the light of the sun, so too believers are now to be "moons" who reflect the light of the Son!

As believers, we are to let our actions speak louder than our words. Our life should open doors of opportunity for our lips to speak the Gospel (1 Peter 3:15). Let your light so shine.

The Truth

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)

Jesus, Son Of Abraham, Son Of David

Matthew 1

Chapter 1 traces the genealogy of Jesus Christ in verses 1-17. Matthew begins by saying Jesus is the rightful Heir to the throne of Israel both racially and royally (v.1).

Racially, He is the Son of Abraham (Ge 22:18) and royally, He is the Son of David (Luke 20:41, Matthew 22:42). Though He was not the immediate Son of either, He descended from both.

The Truth

“And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.” (Matthew 1:16)

Value And Redemption

Leviticus 27:2-3

“Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, when a man makes a difficult vow, he shall be valued according to your valuation of persons belonging to the Lord. If your valuation is of the male from twenty years even to sixty years old, then your valuation shall be fifty shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary.”

Here the Lord describes how anyone, who vowed to devote himself/herself to His service, but was unable to keep his vow (due to a change of heart, a physical disqualification, or because he was not needed) was to pay a price of redemption. The price was not based upon the value he/she held in God’s eyes, but upon how much work he was able to do.

Today, making a vow to God is still serious and should be followed through with, even if it was done in hast, in a panic or as a cry for help. We should never just leave it unredeemed, even if we are unable, or unwilling at the moment to follow through with it. Jon Courson writes, "One can still redeem the situation by supporting those who are called, those who are able and truly willing to serve."

The Truth

“When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; for He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed, better not to vow than to vow and not pay.” (Ecclesiastes 5:3-4)

Prosperity Or Judgment

Leviticus 26

“If you walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them; Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.” (Leviticus 26:3-4)

This chapter contains a conditional promise, a covenant of national prosperity to the nation of Israel, “if” they walk in His statutes. As long as Israel maintained a national regard to God's worship, statutes and commandments and did not turn aside to idolatry, the Lord continue to make good on His great and precious promises to their nation.

Back in chapter 25 the Lord told Moses, “Wherefore ye shall do my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them; and ye shall dwell in the land in safety. And the land shall yield her fruit, and ye shall eat your fill, and dwell there in safety.” (v.18-19)

However the flip side to this is God’s judgment on the nation if they choose not to follow His statues and break His covenant. Judgment would then fall on the nation (v.15-39) until they recognize their sin and repented. Then God would remember His covenant and restore them once again. (v. 40-46)

Make no mistake, the laws of God are absolute. When violated, the consequences are inevitable for both individuals and nations. If we walk in them, we are blessed. If we wonder from them, there are consequences.

The Truth

“The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.” (Psalm 34:15-17)

So Others May Live

I recently saw the movie, The Guardian, with Kevin Costner. It was about the Coast Guard's Rescue Swimmer program. Their moto, "So Others May Live," describes the reason behind why they put their own lives in danger on every rescue. It is a selfless, sacraficial life these men have chosen, "So Others May Live."

Jesus Christ, our Guardian, chose to freely lay His life down on the cross so, "All might live." This selfless, sacraficial act defined the reason for His life as well, "To die for our sins, that we might not perrish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

The Truth
"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

The Jubilee

Leviticus 25:8-23

“And you shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubilee to you; and you shall return every man to his possession, and you shall return every man to his family.” (Lev. 25:10)

Simply put, once every fifty years universal liberty was proclaimed in the land belonging to Israel. All prisoners and captives obtained their liberties, slaves were declared free, and debtors were absolved. The land, as on the sabbatic year, was neither sowed nor reaped, but allowed to enjoy with its inhabitants a sabbath rest; and its natural produce was the common property of all. Moreover, every inheritance throughout the land of Judea was restored to its original owner.

The liberty every man was born to (if sold or forfeited) should return at the year of jubilee. This was a forshadowing of the redemption by Christ from the slavery of sin and Satan, and of being brought again to the liberty of the children of God.

The Truth

“And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou was slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” (Rev.5:9)

Keep The Light Shinning

Leviticus 24

“Command the children of Israel, that they bring to you pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually.” (Lev.24:2)

The directions concerning the oil for the holy candlestick is significant in relationship to Israel’s worship of God. The command given to the children of Israel to bring pure oil, relates to an offering on the part of the congregation, a sacrificial gift, with which Israel was to serve the Lord continually.

This reminds us that our service to God needs to be a daily thing and not a Sunday thing, or a Christmas thing or an Easter thing. We need to set aside time every day to fuel up our lamps in His word and allow the Holy Spirit to speak deep into our hearts, that our light may shine brightly continually.

The Truth

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

The LORD's Appointed Times

Leviticus 23

Chapter 23 focuses on God’s appointed times. He is explicitly describing how He is to be worshiped in these festivals.

The appointed times of the Lord are important for many reasons. To begin with, they are part of a national system of “time-outs.” Together, they provide weekly, monthly, and yearly occasions to rest from the routines and common work of daily life, for reflection, celebration and worship.

They are sacred convocations that call the people of God together, not only to the temple, but also to the quiet shelter and simplicity of every home of the land. Here the elders would retell stories of Jewish life, its origins and God’s mighty works among them.

Communion is like that for us. We recall through the bread and the cup that: 1) we are all sinners in need of a Savior, and 2) we have been redeemed through His blood on the cross. Thank you LORD.

The Truth

“But God commended his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

God's Holy Name

Leviticus 22

“Tell Aaron and his sons to be careful with the holy gifts of the sons of Israel, which they dedicate to Me, so as not to profane My holy name; I am the Lord.” (Lev.22:2)

Today’s reading (Ch.22) gives commands regarding proper behavior for not only the Jewish priests in honoring God’s name, but for us as well. As all believers are now considered priests/ministers of the good news, we all need to make sure our actions and attitudes give the honor due His holy name.

After reading the chapter one might ask, “What attitudes and actions could be considered improper or dishonoring to Him today? Here are a few examples for your consideration:
1) We need to be careful, not to go through the motions of worship or prayer. Focus on Him, the one who is worthy.
2)We need to be careful, not to do something in His name out of obligation or grudgingly, for He came to serve and freely demonstrated His love towards us, by giving His life for us.
3)We are to be careful, in the giving of our tithes/offerings and gifts, so they are given with a cheerful, willing heart. Remembering what He gave for us.

The Truth

“Exalt the LORD our God, And worship at His footstool—He is holy.” (Psalm 99:5)

Holiness Of The Priests

Leviticus 21

“They shall be holy to their God, and not profane the name of their God: for the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and the bread of their God, they do offer: therefore they shall be holy.” (Lev.21:6)

Christian leaders are accountable to God. That is why the qualifications for pastors and elders in the New Testament are so stringent and also why it’s insisted upon in Leviticus that priests stay morally and ceremonially clean. If they were unclean in any way, they could not be permitted to continue serving in their priestly role and offering daily sacrifices.

The old covenant, unlike the new, was dependent upon the priests to represent the nation to God. The priests were not perfect, sinless men. They had to offer sacrifices on their own behalf, needing atonement just as much as any other member of the community.

Today, if you have the responsibilities for Bible teaching or any other type of spiritual leadership, your example means a lot. Live the words that you proclaim. There is integrity to be found not just in what you say, what you do. While you’re not expected to be perfect, it’s still a sobering truth that you’ll be judged more strictly.

Therefore, come before the Lord in prayer before you represent Him to the people and ask Him to purify, cleanse and go before you. Thank you one and all for your courage to be in leadership.

The Truth

“For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.” (Jer.10:21)

Consecrate Yourselves

Leviticus 20:7

“You shall consecrate yourselves therefore and be holy, for I am the Lord your God.”

Trying to practice holiness without a saving relationship with Christ is self-serving at best. Many well-meaning people have tried to manufacture holiness but the Bible is clear that holiness (the state of being dedicated to or set apart for God) is not a matter of human effort. God emphasized that to Israel by one of His names, "The LORD, who makes you holy.”

The Israelites were holy not because they were better than everybody else, but because God chose them and set them apart for Himself. God gave Israel His holy law and commanded the people to obey Him, separating themselves from the sins of the pagan nations around them. It took Christ's death on the cross to pay the debt of sin and allow God to declare sinners holy when they put their faith in His Son for salvation.

Holiness is what God wants and expects from us. Holiness is a reflection of God's character, and He wants His children to look like Him.

The Truth

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)

The Day Of Atonement

Leviticus 16:34

"This shall be an everlasting statute for you, to make atonement for the children of Israel, for all their sins, once a year"

This chapter contains the instructions given concerning the observance of the Day of Atonement. This was in many ways the greatest day in the religious year of the Hebrew people, for this was the most important religious rite in the whole economy. On that day, the High Priest entered into the Holy of Holies and made atonement (blood of a bullock) for himself and his family before that of the people. Once he was cleansed, the Sin offering for the people was made consisting of two goats.

The one on which the lot of the Lord fell was slain as a Sin offering, and the High Priest entered into the Holy of Holies, sprinkling its blood on the Mercy-Seat and before the Mercy-Seat seven times, as he had done with the blood of the bullock.

The other goat was the scapegoat, and over its head Aaron confessed the sins of all the people, putting them upon the head of the goat, and sent it away by the hand of a ''fit man'' into the wilderness. ''Behold the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world''; ''The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (1 John 1:29; Isa 53:6)

Jesus Christ became our sacrificial lamb that we (the scapegoat) might be set free from our sin. His death is the new covenant's answer to the Day of Atonement under the old covenant.

The Truth

“All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; But the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6)

Purify Your Surroundings

Leviticus 14:45

“He shall therefore tear down the house, its stones, and its timbers, and all the plaster of the house, and he shall take them outside the city to an unclean place.”

A house may be infected with many forms of disease and must either be cleansed completely or destroyed. No property rights are superior to the rights of the health of a community.

This same reasoning can apply to a leprous sin in our lives. Whatever in our life that has been associated with and contaminated by the leprosy of sin, must be destroyed without compromise or pity. Our lives must be cleansed completely – nothing left.

How often, when this is not done, do those who have known personal deliverance from a sin, become infected again! Old haunts, old associations can return if not destroyed and one may become infected again, even worse.

Just as Jesus was willing to cure men and women from the disease of leprosy in His day, so He is willing to wash you clean from yours today.

The Truth

“And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” (Matthew 8:2-3)

The Epilogue

Revelation 22:6-21

These verses are the Epilogue of the Book of Revelation. They deal with practical exhortations, warnings, and blessings. In them, the Lord Jesus speaks by an angel, solemnly confirming to John the contents of this book. He assures him that all these things are true - that there has been no deception of the senses in these visions, but that they were really divine disclosures of what would soon and certainly occur.

In this last chapter, God calls every one to be a witness to the declarations made here. Thus, the book must be kept open, to have an effect upon all men the filthy and unjust more so, but it will confirm, strengthen, and further sanctify those who are upright with God.

Near the end of the chapter (v.17) Jesus invites everyone to, Come to Christ for salvation and to share in eternal happiness. Lest any should hesitate, it is added, “Let whosoever will, or, is willing, come and take the water of life “freely”. His final invitation, take it while it is still available.

"Behold I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book."

The Truth

“But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Rom. 2:5-10)

A New Heaven And New Earth

Revelation 21:1a

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth;”

During the Millennial Kingdom, sin and death had not yet been vanquished (Isa.65:20; Rev.20:9). Now John sees the creation of a new heaven and earth (which is in response to the destruction of the previous) and differs fundamentally from the old.

Simply put, the new creation is perfect. There is no more sin, nor death, nor sorrow or crying. Those who populate the new earth enjoy full communion with God, who will wipe away every tear and build a New Jerusalem.

What God creates in the new heaven and new earth will surpass anything which man has imagined.

The Truth

“But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.’ ” (1 Cor. 2:9)

Millennial Kingdom On Earth

Revelation 20

The phrase “Millennial Kingdom” refers to a future period when Jesus Christ reigns over an earthly kingdom for 1,000 years. Most agree, when taken at face value, chapter 20 of the book of Revelation reveals there is to be a future earthly kingdom of 1,000 years duration following the Second Coming of Christ.

During this time Satan will be bound and tossed into the bottomless pit for 1000 years, the Tribulation Martyrs will be resurrected so they can rule and reign with Christ and at the end of the millennial reign of Christ, the final resurrection will consist of all of the unbelieving, wicked dead. They will be found guilty at the Great White Throne Judgment and cast into the Lake of Fire, which burns forever and ever.

The redeemed will be blessed with God’s intimate presence for eternity, but these (the unbelieving) go away into torment and eternal separation from all that is good.

The Truth

“These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power” (2 Thessalonians 1:9)

The Second Coming

Revelation 19

In this chapter, John sees the exultation in heaven at the destruction of the Great Harlot on the earth below. Then he sees the marriage of the Lamb, which is followed by the return of Jesus Christ to earth at His victorious Second Coming.

Revelation 19 can be considered the apex of the book of Revelation because it describes the most important event remaining in history. Not only is the Second Coming of Christ perhaps the most dramatic event in Scripture, it ends the continually downward trend of history. Although sin and death remain for another one thousand years (Isa.65:20-25), the coming of the Righteous King to earth starts history on an upward path.

The most graphic portrayal of Christ’s second coming is found in Revelation 19:11-21. In this extended passage Jesus Christ is described as leading a procession of angels and saints or armies in heaven to claim the earth, destroy the armies of the world, and defeat the Antichrist and False Prophet. This passage shows that Christ’s return will be one that entails great physical destruction and many deaths. For those who are not Christ’s own, it will be a terrifying and terrible event. For those of us who know Him as Savior, it will be a time of great joy, vindication, and anticipation.

However, make no mistake, Jesus Christ will strike the nations and rule with a Rod of Iron.

The Truth

Now see that I, even I, am He, and there is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; nor is there any who can deliver from My hand. For I raise My hand to heaven, and say, “As I live forever, if I whet My glittering sword, and My hand takes hold on judgment, I will render vengeance to My enemies, and repay those who hate Me. I will make My arrows drunk with blood, and My sword shall devour flesh, with the blood of the slain and the captives, from the heads of the leaders of the enemy.” (Deu.32:39-42)

God Will Avenge His People

Revelation 18

“Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!”

In contrast to the world wailing over the complete and utter destruction of Babylon (v.11-19), we find Heaven rejoicing (v.20) at the destruction of “The Great Harlot” which is said to be God’s vengeance of “the blood of His servants shed by her” (Rev.19:2).

Moses taught Israel a song prior to crossing into the Promised Land, it ended with the promise of God’s vengeance concerning the spilled blood of His servants: “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people; for He will avenge the blood of His servants, and render vengeance to His adversaries; He will provide atonement for His land and His people” (Deu.32:43).

As Jesus said in his parable of the unjust judge, “And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily” (Luke 18:7-8).

One message communicated at both the beginning and the end of scripture. One truth to go along with this one, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. (Romans 12:19)

The Truth

“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6)

The Seven Bowls

Revelation 16

This chapter depicts the actual pouring forth of the seven bowls upon the earth below. As each bowl is poured out, those on the earth receive a plague.

The primary purposes of the seven bowl judgments are: (1) to pour out God’s righteous wrath in judgment of the earth dwellers; (2) to graphically demonstrate the unrepentant nature of the earth dwellers who are already doomed by the mark they have taken (Rev.14:9-11). Unlike the trumpet judgments, which were partial and intended to produce repentance, the bowl judgments are completely punitive, as the earth dwellers have passed the point of possible return.

People often confuse the relative calm of our own day for meekness and mildness on the part of God. In truth, God never changes. The strength with which He acts against sin at the end, reflects the intensity He holds even now toward that which we often have a cavalier attitude toward.

The righteous nature of God’s judgment is spoken of by Paul in Romans 9:14-24. In fact, God’s judgment is required by His righteousness (2 Th.1:6), for if He were to forever delay judgment, then He would be in violation of His own righteous nature.

For God to forego judgment when it is due, is as impossible as it is for the Holy One to lie.

The Truth

“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36)

God's Wrath

Revelation 15

This chapter describes the scene in heaven which initiates the final seven bowls of God’s wrath to be poured forth in the next chapter (Rev. 16).

The event which led to this, was the sounding of the seventh trumpet found in Revelation 11:15. The bowl judgments, introduced here, are those which come out of that trumpet and are the final plagues from God, which bring about the establishment of His kingdom on earth.

As the judgments have progressed from the seals, to the trumpets, and now to the bowls, their level of intensity has steadily increased. These are the final set of judgments, which conclude with the Second Coming of Christ, when the “great winepress of the wrath of God” is “trampled outside the city” (Rev.14:20). “He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God” (Rev. 19:15).

Such intense judgment to come! - Such grief, on the part of the Creator, toward anyone who refuses to acknowledge Him. Yet He must judge for His very holiness and justice require it!

Every person born will drink from one or the other of two cups. Either they will drink the cup of salvation: Or they will drink the cup of the wrath of God (Rev.14:10). Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your heart (Heb.3:15), for now is the day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:2).

The Truth

“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (John. 3:36)

The Harvest Will Come

Revelation 14:18

“Then another angel, the one who has power over fire, came out from the altar; and he called with a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, ‘Put in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, because her grapes are ripe.’”

Many today want the restraints of God, law and culture to be completely set aside, to the extent that people get their own way and succeed in essentially “throwing” God out of our countries and lives.

In so doing, we are hastening destruction on ourselves, and our children. When the time is literally “ripe,” God will give the order and this earth and its people will be destroyed. Make no mistake the harvest WILL come. However, even in the worst of times God will protect His people.

The Truth

“Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, go down; for the winepress is full, the vats overflow—For their wickedness is great.” Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. The sun and moon will grow dark, and the stars will diminish their brightness. The Lord also will roar from Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; The heavens and earth will shake; But the Lord will be a shelter for His people, And the strength of the children of Israel.” (Joel 3:13-16)

A Trinity Of Evil

Revelation 13

Here the scene shifts to describe two great beasts. The first, a beast with seven heads and ten horns (the antichrist), who is closely identified with the dragon in Rev.12:3 (Satan). Then a second beast is described as coming up out of the earth having two horns like a lamb (the false prophet) completing the evil trinity. Together they will institute a series of deceptions, which will bring the whole world under the control of the beast with seven heads and ten horns, and ultimately Satan.

Surely it needs no argument to prove that these three evil persons are opposed to and are the antithesis of the three Persons in the Godhead. The Devil stands opposed to God the Father - ‘Ye are of your father, the Devil,” (John 8:40) The Antichrist stands opposed to God the Son - his very name shows this. The third person of the Trinity of Evil will be an Anti-spirit, who will simulate and oppose the Spirit of God. Just as the great work of the Holy Spirit is to glorify Christ, so the one aim of the Anti-spirit will be to magnify the false christ (Rev.13:12).

These three are the counterfeit trinity and like all fakes, they can be spotted. You just need to know what to look for.

The Truth

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.” (1 John 4:1-3)

The Ruler Of All The Nations

Revelation 12:5

“And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron; and her child was caught up to God and to His throne.”

I agree with Dr. J. Vernon McGee and many others that the “male child” of this verse is Jesus Christ, who will indeed “rule all the nations.”

Recorded in this verse is a birth that took place 2000 years ago. He, the Lamb of God, was “caught up to God” after His Ascension and He is the One who has been opening the “seals” we have seen on the “scroll” in Chapters 5 through 8.

The Truth

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6)

The Two Witnesses Resurrected

Revelation 11:11-12

“But after the three and a half days, the breath of life from God came into them, and they stood on their feet; and great fear fell upon those who were watching them. And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, ‘Come up here.’ Then they went up into heaven in the cloud, and their enemies watched them.”

In verse 11, God breathed life into His two witnesses (who had been dead for three and a half days) and resurrected them, while those who killed them, mocked them and rejoiced at their deaths, watched. This created great fear among the people concerning what these two may do next.

This second verse (12) has been considered as, the time when the “rapture” of the church will occur. That these two witnesses are taken up is indeed, a “rapture” for them, however it does not say that all are raised to heaven at this time. However, it is not “when” the rapture occurs that should be as important to us as “who” will be included in it.

It is very clear here that the enemies watched as the faithful were taken into Glory. The same thing will occur when rapture occurs, the faithful will be taken while unbelievers watch.

The Truth

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

Seal Up The Seven Peals Of Thunder

Revelation 10:4

“When the seven peals of thunder had spoken, I was about to write; and I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Seal up the things which the seven peals of thunder have spoken and do not write them."’

Although John’s primary purpose in writing Revelation is to reveal (Rev.1:1), here he is commanded to omit the utterance of the seven thunders from the biblical record. John, is allowed to hear what the thunders utter, so as to not violate the principal found in Amos 3:7 but, God has chosen not to reveal their message to us.

It is ultimately fruitless for us to speculate as to what was omitted, as it will not be known until it comes to pass. Therefore, we would do well to remember the words of Moses: “The secret things belong to the LORD our God” (Deu. 29:29).

The Truth

“It is the glory of God to conceal a matter..” (Proverbs 25:2a)

Repent And Live

Revelation 9:20

“The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands...”

Here in chapter 9, the first two of the final three trumpets are sounded, releasing demonic judgments upon the earth. Unlike the previous four trumpet judgments, these target man rather than nature.

But, even in the face of “hell on earth,” where man is tormented and 1/3rd of the earth’s population is killed - man continues in his ways and refuses to repent.

It is God’s specific purpose in the midst of judgment to bring repentance. Yet often, as here, men fail to respond to His correction.

The Truth

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

Silence In Heaven

Revelation 8:1

“When the Lamb broke the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.”

The implication here is, when the judgment of what is about to happen becomes visible (by the opening of the seventh seal), both the redeemed and the angels are reduced to silence. This half an hour of silence is the calm before the storm. It is the silence of intense expectation, of awe at what God is about to do.

The seventh seal contains the seven trumpet judgments and the seventh trumpet contains the seven bowl judgments. The full effects of opening all seven seals include all seven trumpet judgments and the seven bowl judgments: 6 seal judgments + 6 trumpet judgments + 7 bowl judgments = 19 specific judgments in all.

At the opening of the seventh seal, 6 judgments (the six seals) have passed and 13 remain (six trumpets and seven bowls within the seventh trumpet). Therefore, heaven went silent for the span of a half an hour in awe of what was about to happen.

The Truth

"But the LORD is in His holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him." (Habakkuk 2:20)

The Sealing Of God's People

Chapter 7:3

“Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees until we have sealed the bond-servants of our God on their foreheads.”

Chapter Seven is a time of pause, as we await the seventh seal. John the Apostle was now looking away from the events of Chapter Six and saw four angelic beings who are continuing God’s judgment by restraining the winds from circulating the atmosphere and cooling the earth.

“Wait,” the angel was saying. “Wait” before you continue God’s judgment on this world. Something important must be done first. The sealing of the “bond-servants” of God, one hundred and forty-four thousand in total - twelve thousand form each of the twelve tribes of Israel (v.4).

Destruction will come, but protecting His people comes first.

The Truth

The LORD said to him, "Go through the midst of the city, even through the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations which are being committed in its midst." But to the others He said in my hearing, "Go through the city after him and strike; do not let your eye have pity and do not spare.” (Ezekiel 9:4-5)

The Things Which Are To Come

Revelation 6

In chapter 6 we are shown the future, the beginning of a seven-year period known as, “The Great Tribulation”. Here God will extract from mankind the price for his rebellion and sin. Although Jesus will eventually reclaim the title deed to the earth, a price will be paid for man’s rejection of Him.

Below is an accounting of what John saw as each seal on the deed was opened. These recorded events give us a timeline, a map, a way to gage the times and the seasons of this great tribulation period, which is to come.

Seal 1 - a man on a white horse, carrying a bow, wearing a crown of olive branches, conquering (v.1-2). This is the antichrist, promising peace and subduing nations with his diplomacy deceiving many with a false peace (see Daniel 8:23-25).

Seal 2 - a rider on a red horse, given a great sword and the power to take peace from the earth (v.3-4). This is war. No earthly man, nor church, or political organization, can bring about a true peace. There may be peace for a season but war will eventually come again. Where does war and fighting come from? According to James, they come from our own lusts, our own desires (see James 4:1-2) War and rumors of war will continue, until the Prince of Peace, Jesus, returns to establish His Kingdom.

Seal 3 – a rider on a black horse, with a pair of balances in his hand measuring out wheat and barley for a penny but, oil and wine will not be rationed (v.6). This signifies a time of possible famine and economic rationing of basic food staples but not on luxuries which man may live without.

Seal 4 – a rider named “death” sitting on a pale horse, Hell followed him, and power was given to them to kill 1/4th of the earth (v.7-8). The period of the fourth seal is one of great slaughter and devastation, destroying whatever may tend to make life happy, making ravages on the spiritual lives of men.

Seal 5 – under the altar, the blood of the souls that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony they held (v. 9-11). Here John saw the souls of the martyrs under the altar; at the foot of the altar in heaven, at the feet of Christ. Persecutors can only kill the body; after that there is no more they can do; for the soul lives.

Seal 6 – a great earthquake; the sun became black, the moon became red, stars fell from the sky (v.12-13). This is God himself getting involved, avenging the blood of His children from being attacked. These events are the emblems that declare the end of the world and the “day of judgment”.

As men have had their day of opportunity, and their season of grace, so God shall have His day of righteous wrath.

The Truth

“Pray that you may be found worthy to escape all of these things.” (Luke 21:36)

The Book

Revelation 5:1

“And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.”

The book John sees is actually a scroll but unlike most scrolls of that period, it had writing on both sides and it was sealed with seven seals. According to Jewish history, the only type of document fitting that description was a title deed to a piece of property, where the owner was unable to pay his debt.

During that time, the owner (unable to pay) would then have to relinquishing his property and a list of his debts would be written on the backside of the deed and sealed with seven seals. If at any time during the ensuing seven years he could pay off his debts, the seals would be broken and the title deed returned.

This explains what is in the hand of the One who sits on the throne. It’s the title deed to the earth. This deed was originally given to Adam in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 1:28) but Adam forfeited his right to ownership when he rebelled and transferred it to Satan by his sin (see Romans 5:14, 2 Corinthians 4:4, John 12:31). Man then is to blame for turning the world over to Satan and for the state of the depravity we see in the world today.

The question that remains is, Who is able to meet the requirements, to pay off the debt? Who is worthy to open the book and loose it’s seals and take control of the earth back?

John is told who is worthy in his vision and he tells us in this book.

The Truth

“And one of the elders said to me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” (Revelation 5:5)

Come Up Here

Revelation 4:1

“After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, ‘Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things.’”

After the Lord Jesus had instructed the apostle to write to the churches the things that are, there was another vision given to John. The apostle saw a throne set in heaven, the glorious One upon the throne (v.2-3), four-and-twenty seats around the throne that were filled with four-and-twenty elders (representing, probably, the whole church of God v.4), the seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne (v.5) and four living creatures (v.6-8), between the throne and the circle of the elders, standing between God and the people – the judgment seat of Christ.

Courtrooms are built to intimidate and dispense justice and the Supreme Court’s room is the most intimidating place of judgment on earth. However, it can also be a place of comfort as well, a welcome sight to those who are innocent and seek vindication.

The throne room in heaven, the judgment seat of Christ, can be both a terrifying and welcome sight as well. The only question is, are you in Christ? Or are you not? If not, come now while there is still a time of grace before He calls all before His throne.

The Truth

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

The Things That Are - Part 2

Revelation 3

Here in Ch.3 John describes the state of the remaining three churches, as they were seen through the eyes of God, during that time. Again, each church is in need of change, called to repent and warned of the consequences against not heeding God’s correction.

The church of Sardis had somehow lost its way; no longer recognizing or acknowledging that, Jesus is the Way to the Father. The Church of Philadelphia was infiltrated by counterfeits calling themselves “Christian” or “Jew” but they were neither. In Laodicea (as in many parts of the world today), many people were affluent to the point where they thought, “I’ve got all that I need!” “I don’t need God.”

These examples are not limited to the time period in which they were written, for the same attitudes can be seen in many churches today. They should confirm in our hearts however the need to defend the following key points of church doctrine; 1) Jesus is the way (John 14:6), 2) no counterfeit will save you or I (Acts 4:12) and 3) no amount of earthly riches will get you or I into heaven (Matthew 19:24).

The Truth

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 3:22)

The Things Which Are - Part 1

Revelation 2

Here in Ch.2 John begins to describe the state of the first four (of the seven) churches, as they were in the eyes of God, during that time period. Each church is called out for their faults, warned against continuing down their current path, challenged to repent and shown the outcomes of their choices.

This pattern shows not only God’s love for the church (both then and now), but it also shows how He works in us as individuals. He calls us out when we drift away, His Spirit convicts us of the sin in our lives and gives us a chance to repent, to change our direction.

Ask yourself these 4 questions (which correspond to each church in this chapter); 1) Is my love for my church or my Lord as strong today as it was in the beginning? Or has it left me? 2) Do I fear death? Would I renounce Jesus to save my life? 3) Am I prone to compromise? Do I error on the side of political correctness? 4) Are the things of this world more important to me than the things of God?

Both the church and we as individuals would do well to read this chapter carefully, pray over it and ask God to speak into our hearts concerning areas that need to be strengthened or changed, as not hearing or heeding this information is not an option.

The Truth

“Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10)

Write What You Have Seen

Revelation 1:19

“Therefore write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things.”

Here Jesus Christ is telling the Apostle John to record for posterity; 1) that which he saw, his vision (v.10-18), 2) the things that are, the current state of the (7) churches and 3) that which is to come, from then unto the end of the world.

This scripture also gives to us an overview of the book itself; section 1 (chapter 1) presents Him (Jesus Christ) whom John has seen, section 2 (chapters 2-3) addresses the things that are, the state of the 7 churches and finally, section 3 (chapters 4-22) the things yet to come.

This book is like no other in scripture and promises a blessing on those who read it or hear it. Join me through Revelation and be blessed one chapter at a time.

The Truth

“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.”

The Cloud And The Fire

Exodus 40:38

“For throughout all their journeys, the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and there was fire in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel."

Once again we see the “cloud” by day and the “fire” at night signifying God’s presents with His people. While the cloud was visible over the tabernacle the son’s of Israel remained in their location and did not journey forward (v.38). However, once the cloud was “taken up”, the son’s of Israel would set out on a new location directed by God for His work (v.36).

Just as the children of Israel were looking for God’s direction in moving them forward, so we need to be sensitive to His Spirit in our lives moving us forward into a new direction as well.

Pray, be open, and listen for that still small voice leading you in His direction and plan for your life.

The Truth

“The Lord will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” (Isaiah 58:11)

Blessed Through Their Work

Exodus 39:43

“And Moses did look on all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the LORD had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them.”

Here Moses examined the tabernacle to see if it was completed “according to the pattern” shown him. Being satisfied, he expressed his own approval and God’s, by blessing those (through prayer) who had worked so faithfully.

No wages were paid to the workers for this accomplishment. They worked for the pleasure of serving, along with the honor and comfort of God’s tabernacle among them.

What service have you given to God? How have you shown Him your gratitude? Pray, listen, He will direct you to your work for Him.

The Truth

Those whom God employs he will bless, and those whom He blesses are blessed indeed.

The Accounting

Exodus 38:21

“This is the sum of the tabernacle, even of the tabernacle of testimony, as it was counted, according to the commandment of Moses, for the service of the Levites, by the hand of Ithamar, son to Aaron the priest.”

By Moses’s appointment the Levites took and kept an account of the gold, silver, and brass, that was brought in for the use of the tabernacle, and how it was employed. Ithamar, the son of Aaron, was appointed to draw up this account.

As we give to God’s work in our churches today, there are those who are responsible for the collection, accounting and distribution of those funds as well. Pray for them, as they have a great reckoning to answer for, both now and later.

The Truth

“He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.” (Luke 16:10)

The Making Of The Ark

Exodus 37:1

“And Bezaleel made the ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half was the length of it, and a cubit and a half the breadth of it, and a cubit and a half the height of it…”

The ark, with its glorious workmanship, the mercy-seat and the cherubim, was the principal part of the furniture of the tabernacle. It was placed in the most sacred position of the house, and was the great symbol of the divine presence and protection. “It represented,” says Matthew Henry, “the glory of a holy God, the sincerity of a holy heart, and the communion that is between them by a Mediator.

It is a notion of some Jewish writers that the ark was made by Bezaleel, without the help of others. One could make a good case for this based on Exodus 31:1-5. Also, the particular maker of the various parts and contents of the tabernacle, is not mentioned elsewhere. Thus, this mentioning of Bezaleel is emphatic, and seems intended to mark the employment of the highest artistic skill on that which was the most precious of all objects connected with the new construction.

However, more importantly for us, it is the exactness of the workmanship, no matter who completed it. We too should be seeking to follow exactly, the influences of God’s direction in our lives through His Holy Spirit. Only then we may rejoice in and glorify God while in this world.

The Truth

“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.” (Ephesians 1:17-19)

Stop Giving - We Have Enough

Exodus 36:4-5

“So all the skilled workers who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left what they were doing and said to Moses, ‘The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the Lord commanded to be done.”’

Here the skilled workers had taken an estimate of what was to be done, and what was necessary to accomplish the task. They then advised Moses of it, so nothing more would be brought.

It’s hard to say which is more amazing here, the great liberality of the people in contributing so freely and bountifully, and continuing to do so without being urged, or even asked; or the honesty of the workmen, who might have gone on to have received the gifts of the people by the hands of Moses, and converted it to their own use; but instead, they agreed to let Moses know to prevent the people from making any more contributions.

Either way you look at this, you would be hard pressed to find this kind of generosity and honesty today.

The Truth

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

A Freewill Offering

Exodus 35:29

“The Israelites, all the men and women, whose heart moved them to bring material for all the work, which the Lord had commanded through Moses to be done, brought a freewill offering to the Lord."

Just as the Israelites gave freely of their substance to the work of God, so our tithes, offerings and gifts to the Lord are meant to be given with a "willing heart" (v.5) to His work as well. Even more than "willing," we are to delight in what we give knowing that all we have comes from the Lord. Paul the Apostle remarked in 2 Corinthians 9:7, "...God loves a cheerful giver."

Giving is so much more than money. Our lives are full of TIME that we often waste, and skills that we may view as "ours”. Giving freely to God’s work can mean, the giving of your talents and skills as well. Both the Israelite women (v.25-26) and men (v.30-35) did just that.

When one freely gives something, somehow the need to get it back diminishes, joy tends to grow and you don't lose anything by giving. Jesus said, in Luke 6:38, "Give and it will be given to you..." A loose translation, you can't out give God. He will not be in your debt.

The Truth

“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Renewal Of The Covenant

Exodus 34:1

“And the LORD said to Moses, Hew you two tables of stone like to the first: and I will write on these tables the words that were in the first tables, which you broke.”

Here Moses (in his old age) is summoned once more to the top of Mt. Sinai, where the Law is to be delivered afresh to him. He is ordered to bring with him tables of stone like the former ones, to receive their written contents from God’s hand.

Before the covenant could be formally reestablished, before Israel could be replaced in the position forfeited by the idolatry of the golden calf, it was necessary that the conditions (on which God consented to establish His covenant with them) be renewed.

This second set of tablets was to do just that. Hewn by the hand of Moses, it would remind both him and the people of the hardness of their hearts and of their loss through it, not having the law on tables of stone, which were the work of God, but which were the work of man.

This reminds us all that something is always lost by sin....even when it is forgiven.

The Truth

And He said: “Behold, I make a covenant. Before all your people I will do marvels such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation; and all the people among whom you are shall see the work of the Lord. For it is an awesome thing that I will do with you.” (Exodus 34:10)

Face To Face

Exodus 33:11a

“The Lord spoke unto Moses face to face, as a man speaks to a friend.”

God revealed himself to Moses with greater clearness and with expressions of particular kindness, more than to any other of His prophets. He spoke to him not as a prince to a subject, but as a man to his friend, whom he loves, and with whom he takes sweet counsel.

Not that God had a face or mouth, that Moses could see, (which was denied him in Exodus 33:20) even still He spoke with him directly, and not as He did to other prophets, in dreams, or visions, or by an angel.

Would you like to speak to God, face to face? A part of us might be afraid of such an encounter, but another part wants that relationship. Why? because you and I need His perspective, His thoughts, His presents in our lives if we are to become more like Moses and boldly go before the Lord in prayer.

There are good reasons why we don't see the invisible God. We are so sinful, even when we think we're not, and He is so holy, so pure, that we would not survive the experience. When we're ready, which is likely not until eternity, we will see Him face to face. Until then, TRUST in the Lord, seek Him, know that He hears you and answers prayer.

Moses never had enough of the Lord—he always wanted more (v.18). We should always want more of the Lord as well, who is limitless in what He is and what He has in store for us.

The Truth

“One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple.” (Psalm 27:4)

Moses Intercedes

Exodus 32:14

“And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do to his people.”

We see in this verse that the intercession of Moses earlier (v.11-13) was effectual. In answer to the prayers of Moses, God showed his purpose of sparing the people (as he had before seemed determined on their destruction). This change in the outward appearance of his purpose is called, repenting of the evil.

“God is not a man that he should repent” (Numbers 23:19). He "knows the end from the beginning” (Isaiah 46:10). When he threatened to destroy Israel, he knew that he would spare them; but, as he communicated to Moses, first, his anger, and then, at a later period, his intention to spare them, he is said to have "repented."

Just as Moses made intercession for Israel to God then, so Jesus makes intercession for us to God now.

We can’t change the mind of God, His ways are above our ways and we are not His counselor. However, we can pray for His will and be in agreement with His ultimate will, knowing Jesus will intercede for us.

The Truth

“Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25)

God's Gifting Through His Spirit

Exodus 31:1-5

"Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 'See, I have called by name Bezalel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship, to make artistic designs for work in gold, in silver, and in bronze, and in the cutting of stones for settings, and in the carving of wood, that he may work in all kinds of craftsmanship.'"

These verses tell us that the "natural" skills, abilities and talents possessed by otherwise ordinary people, are from God. Even though the persons themselves may not understand, "natural" gifts are generated through His Holy Spirit. We can misuse them, but they are His.

I have no artistic ability whatsoever but both of my children are extremely talented, one an artist and the other a musician. There is no doubt in my mind these were gifts to them from God. Yes they both work hard at their individual crafts but I could work 8 hours a day 7 days a week and never come close to their abilities. Why, because I was not gifted in that way.

Our talents, are given to us by God, for purposes infinitely higher than our own. Find yours, use it for Him and give thanks to the One who blessed you with it.

The Truth

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” (Psalm 139:14)

The Altar Of Incense - Prayer

Exodus 30:1

"Moreover, you shall make an altar as a place for burning incense; you shall make it of acacia wood.” (v.1) “And thou shall put it before the vail that is by the ark of the testimony, before the mercy seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with thee.” (v.6)

Incense in Scripture is always a picture of prayer. Here in verse 1 we see that incense was to be burned on the altar because prayer requires sacrifice. When we take the time to pray and intercede for others to God through Christ, our prayers rise as sweet smelling incense to Him. David prayed in Psalm 141:2, “Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.”

Verse 6 describes the exact location where the altar was to be placed and there God would meet with the priest. While this applied to Levite priests in that time under the law, you and I (as His children) can meet with God through His Son at any time and in any place.

And be assured, those prayers will rise to Him.

The Truth

“Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand.” (Revelation 8:3-4)

Ordination

Exodus 29:1-3

"Now this is what you shall do to them to consecrate them to minister as priests to Me: take one young bull and two rams without blemish, and unleavened bread and unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers spread with oil; you shall make them of fine wheat flour. You shall put them in one basket, and present them in the basket along with the bull and the two rams."

This chapter reflects God's ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests. As Aaron and his sons were not pure, unblemished animals had to be offered (along with other elements) so these men could live another day and minister before God as priests. Life had to be given for life.

"Ordination" is being declared something we previously were not. In order to be ordained, a substitute was necessary in the sight of God and for all to understand what was occurring. The person being ordained would place their hands on the animal, identifying with its death. Moses then, killed the animal and the blood was poured at the base of altar (v.10-14).

Christ, the reality behind all these sacrifices, died for you and me. His shed blood (poured out at the base of the cross) cleansed us from all sin and replaced the need for any other sacrifices to be made. He has been ordained by God as our High Priest and now sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us day and night.

The Truth

“And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:11-14)

The High Priest

Exodus 28:1 (a)

"Then bring near to yourself Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the sons of Israel, to minister as priest to Me…”

In Chapter 28 we get a look at the priesthood from God’s point of view. Here God will show us His intent for this office, occupied by by sinful men, bringing God to the people and the people to God. Ministering not only for God but to God with praise, honor, glory and worship on behalf of the people.

Just as Aaron (and his family) was selected to perform the duties of high priest before the Lord in the temple under the Mosaic Law, so God selected His Son Jesus Christ to be our great high priest and intercede for us before His throne in heaven under the new covenant of the blood of Jesus Christ.

Interestingly enough, You and I also have a role to play in this as well. The Bible says in I Peter 2:9 (written to ALL believers), “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you”. Therefore, if you trust in the Lord you are His priest, a representitive of Him in your daily life before a lost world.

So praise Him, give Glory to Him, Worship Him our Great and Awesome High Priest.

The Truth

“Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man.” (Hebrews 8:1-2)

The Altar

Exodus 27

In Chapter 27, we step out of the Holy Place of the Tabernacle and enter the Tabernacle Courtyard. Here the people would bring their sacrifices to the priests to be placed upon the altar for the remission of their sins. And according to the law (old covenant) almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission (Hebrews 9:22).

Today we have no need to bring an animal to an altar, for we have a new covenant through Jesus Christ. His ultimate sacrifice upon the cross, made that possible for all mankind.

The Truth

“For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:14)

A Place Of Beauty

Exodus 26

Our God is a God of details. Here in chapter 26 the various coverings over the structure will be seen, the framework for the dwelling place where the Lord would encounter Israel would be described in detail. Even the fittings, hooks, rings, sockets, material and colors to be used were all laid out here for Moses to follow to complete this place of beauty.

The LORD sees you and I as His workmanship. He is chipping away at us constantly forming and shaping us into what He would have us to be. We are the clay in the hands of the Master Craftsman who will make us into a place of beauty if we will just submit to His Lordship in our lives.

The Truth

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

Follow The Pattern

Exodus 25:8-9

“Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them. According to all I am going to show you, as the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furniture, just so you shall construct it.”

Here God tells Moses to construct Him a tabernacle. He later gives Moses explicit instructions, a plan, a design, a pattern, for the construction of it and each object to be found within - and Moses was to follow that plan.

The application for us is when God calls you, follow the pattern of His call. If you’re a teacher, then teach. If you’re a helper, then help. We are simply what He has called us to be. Don’t try to do what someone else should be doing. Just follow His pattern, pray for help when needed and you will find His rest.

The Truth

“Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Moses Is Called

Exodus 24:1-2

"Then He said to Moses, 'Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu and seventy of the elders of Israel, and you shall worship at a distance. Moses alone, however, shall come near to the Lord…”

Out of the millions of people from the children of Israel, the Lord here calls 73 men to come and worship with Moses but only Moses was allowed to approach God.

Why Moses? Why not somebody else? We saw the choices he made that led to his exile and then forty years later we saw his reluctance in accepting the call of God. So again one may ask, why Moses?

The reality is that Moses had an honest faith in the Lord (Hebrews 11:27) and God can get extraordinary things done with ordinary people who have faith. The application here is to act in faith when called by God. He will give you the strength and the gifts needed to do His will.

Moses followed God's call did what the Lord revealed to him must be done. We are at our best when we faithfully follow the Lord, as Moses had learned to do.

The Truth

“He chose his servant David, calling him from the sheep pens. He took David from tending the ewes and lambs and made him the shepherd of Jacob’s descendants - God’s own people, Israel.” (Psalm 78:70-71)

Do Not Give A False Report

Exodus 23:1

"You shall not give a false report; do not join your hand with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.”

Simply put, we are to tell the truth, in court and in all of life. We are to follow God; not follow, join, conspire or buy into the "crowd in doing evil." We are not to repeat, spread or even listen with interest (as people often do) to a false report but instead we should discourage and reprove the reporter of it. (Proverbs 25:23)

Sometimes however, we cannot avoid hearing a false report but we must not receive it, we must not hear it with pleasure, nor easily give credit to it, for there are consequences for joining yourself to evil.

God's laws for Israel were tailor-made for that nation of 3,500 years ago but, many continue to apply to you and I today.

The Truth

“Now the men whom Moses sent to spy out the land, who returned and made all the congregation complain against him by bringing a bad report of the land, those very men who brought the evil report about the land, died by the plague before the Lord. But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh remained alive, of the men who went to spy out the land.” (Numbers 14:36-38)

The Responsibility Of Restitution

Exodus 22:1-27

In this chapter the first 27 verses deal with theft. Sin has not only made us murderers, but also thieves. Honesty does not come naturally to sinful man. Sin and lying go together. The first thing Adam and Eve did after they fell into the sin of disobedience was to lie about it.

God respects private property. It is part of man's dignity to own. Stealing, therefore, is more than taking what belongs to another, it is an insult to the image of God in man. God takes such insults very seriously. Stealing was not considered to be just an act of taking someone else's property, the thief became guilty before the Lord and had to atone for his sin by bringing a guilt offering.

As far as life on earth is concerned, in the event that the thief is caught, God wants him to make restitution above and beyond that which he stole. This is what Zacchaeus did when he was visited by the Lord Jesus and understood that his sins were being forgiven (Luke 19).

The Truth

Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:6-9)

Judgments For Israel

Exodus 21:1

“Now these are the judgments which you shall set before them:”

Chapter 21 is an extension of Chapter 20, continuing God’s Word to Moses for the people outlining His judgments.

As you read God’s Judicial Laws beginning here in chapter 21, one can see that it is the basis of much of our “modern” law. If you caused loss to someone, they should receive value to compensate them for what is gone, and that has been the basis of courtroom decisions through the centuries.

We are taught here in Chapter 21 that we must be very careful to do no wrong, either directly or indirectly. However, if we do, we must be willing to make it right by providing restitution.

The Truth
“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:33)

Moses Went Up At God's Call

Exodus 19:20

“And the LORD came down on mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the LORD called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up.”

Just as God came down and Moses went up, Jesus will come down and the church will go up to meet Him in the air. Amen.

The Truth

“Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17)

God Knows Your Needs

Exodus 16:6-7

"So Moses and Aaron said to all the sons of Israel, 'At evening you will know that the Lord has brought you out of the land of Egypt; and in the morning you will see the glory of the Lord, for He hears your grumblings against the Lord; and what are we, that you grumble against us?'"

The Lord is fully aware of our needs and just like Israel, He will provide for us. God knows the "grumblings" in our hearts and on our lips and yet, He still loves us enough to provide for each and every one of us.

Just as Moses and Aaron were the targets of the grumbling and complaining, the ones God had chosen to be the examples to the people of FAITH, so we as Christians are to be examples to others around us of FAITH as well. As we walk through different seasons in life, may we be that example of faith to all.

Thank you LORD for your daily provision in our lives. Help us to walk in faith. Amen.

The Truth

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25)

Hold Your Peace

Exodus 14:14

“The LORD shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”

Here in Chapter 14 the children of Israel are trapped, the Red Sea in front of them and the Egyptian army approaching them from behind. The people seeing no (humanly) possible way out of trouble began to murmur and quarrel with Moses saying, “There were not enough graves in Egypt, so you have taken us away to die in the wilderness. Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians.” (v.11-12)

So typical of how limited our vision can be and how we cannot wait for God’s appointed timing.

Moses on the other hand gets above the fear and says, “The Lord shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” In other words, compose yourself, remember who is in control and have confidence in Him. If God brings his people into trouble, you can be sure He will find a way to bring them out.

The Truth

“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27)

Don't Give Up

Exodus 11:10

"Moses and Aaron (had) performed all these wonders before Pharaoh; yet the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the sons of Israel go out of his land."

Many people would have given up at this point, convinced that NOTHING could persuade the Pharaoh to let Israel's people go – not Moses. What did he do? He listened to and trusted in the Lord.

Thank you Lord for your grace and mercy in our lives. Help us all to trust that all things are working together for your greater good. Amen.

The Truth

“Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah (Psalm 62:8)

The Men May Go

Exodus 10:11 “The Men May Go”

“…Go now you that are men, and serve the LORD; for that you did desire. And they were driven out from Pharaoh's presence.”

Here Pharaoh cunningly tries to get Moses to compromise and leave the women and children behind. But the demand given to Moses by God was, “let my people go” (Exodus 5:1). This demand was not the men only, but the women and children also, and all that were concerned in the service of God, and in keeping a feast to him: including their cattle.

This deception is an attempt to, not only break up the families but to gain leverage against Moses as well. Pharaoh would have most likely taken the women and children as hostages and held them captive awaiting his return. Because Moses did not take the bait, he was driven out of Pharaoh’s presence; by some of his officers, according to his orders.

Men, do not be deceived. Protect your families and your beliefs against all those who would seek to compromise them. Stand firm.

The Truth

“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness..” (Ephesians 6:14)

Recognition Of Sin

Exodus 9:27

“And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said to them, I have sinned this time: the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.”

Pharaoh said, I have sinned; the Lord is righteous; I am wicked — These professions however were only produced by his fears: his heart was still untouched. His head recognized the power of God but his heart was still hardened and unbelieving.

The wicked confess their sins to their condemnation, but they cannot believe to obtain remission.

The Truth

“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:18)

Vain Words

Exodus 5:9

“Make the work harder for the people so that they keep working and pay no attention to these vain words (lies).”

Here Pharaoh referred to Moses’ request to worship (in verse 8) as vain words, or lies. That Moses and Aaron falsely pretended that their God had commanded them to go and worship, when it was only a crafty design of their own to advance themselves in the eyes of the people.

Pharaoh treated all he had heard with contempt. He had no knowledge of Jehovah, no fear of him, no love to him, and therefore refused to obey Him. Thus Pharaoh's pride, ambition, covetousness, and political knowledge, hardened him to his own destruction.

What Moses and Aaron asked was very reasonable, to go three days' journey into the desert, and that on a good errand. Yet Pharaoh’s response was very unreasonable, “make the work harder so they will pay no attention to these 'vain words'”, or to the things of God.

Today, there are many different activities that can seem more important than spending time with God but I can assure you, there is no greater use of time in these last days than seeking Him.

The Truth

“Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.” (Isaiah 55:6)

Moses Is Called

Exodus 3:10

"Therefore, come now, and I will send you to Pharaoh, so that you may bring My people, the sons of Israel, out of Egypt."

During the early decades of Moses' life, he decided to his pleasure that he was being prepared to deliver Israel out of bondage. It seemed logical—the circumstances of his birth and subsequent adoption by the house of Pharaoh, his education, mental abilities, oratorical skills—it all fit! But then he was forced out of Egypt in disgrace and became a mere sheepherder, an occupation loathed by the Egyptians (Genesis 46:34). And now four decades had passed and his pride was trampled in the dust of Midian.

Moses then shows his doubts to be used of God (in Verse 11) when he asks, 'Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?'" Ah, humility, he is finally ready.

Truth be told who are any of us, that we should do or say anything on behalf of God? ALL of us are disqualified for ministry, but when we are called we should go because He will do the work in and through us. His strength is perfected in our weakness. We can't do it, but He can - So send I you.

The Truth

‘And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.’ (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Contend For The Faith

Jude 1:3

"Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints."

Here Jude, the younger brother of Jesus, is encouraging the believers to be passionate in the faith that has been handed down through the centuries and to share that faith with utter conviction as led by God.

Why would Jude feel led to say this? And, is this relevant in the Church today?

Well, for one thing, just like a hospital is full of sick people looking for health, churches are full of sinners who need healing from sin. Another reason is that not all who attend and participate in church really belong to the Lord – some being false teachers, leading the less mature astray.

There are times when all of us stumble in one way or another, and it is wonderful to know that God Himself is keeping us from falling. The Lord is, as Hebrews 12:2 states, "the author and finisher of our faith." He is faithful and does His part, even when we fall flat on our faces, and He is the One who, by His cross and through His love, will bring us safely into eternity by God's grace.

So, share your faith with conviction, knowledge and passion - for even in the church, there are many in need.

The Truth

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” (Proverbs 27:6)

Given To Hospitality

3 John 1:5

"Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever you accomplish for the brethren, and especially when they are strangers;”

It's risky to help others, especially strangers you don't know. They might turn on you or take what you have. But Gaius acted in faith, helping them anyway. As the Holy Spirit led him, he treated them kindly, then helped them on their way.

Not every person standing on a street corner with a sign asking for help is honest but if your eyes and your heart are speaking to you to help someone, do it. If you see a need in your neighborhood, at work, in the church and the Spirit is tugging at you, follow the leading.

"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels." (Hebrews 13:2)

The Truth

“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38)

Walking In Truth

2 John 1:4

“I rejoiced greatly that I found of your children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.”

Children are very impressionable. They see and hear everything. Therefore, parents must make sure they model absolute integrity and not have double standards. Setting a good example may mean not exercising your liberty in front of your children.

The old cliché, “Do as I say not as I do”, just doesn’t cut it. There is no quicker way to lose your integrity with young people than to do the very thing your asking them not to do.

Never let your children see you compromise truth even in little, insignificant ways, for such actions will plant seeds in their hearts that will take root, causing them to be people who do not walk in integrity or deal with others honestly.

As parents we have a responsibility to raise our children in the fear and admonition of the LORD, to set the Godly example for them to follow and not give cause for them to stumble. Even then, God has given them a free will to choose; you can’t force your will on them but you can pray for them.

The Truth

“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

“And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)

Etrtnal Life

1 John 5:12

“He that has the Son has life; and he that has not the Son of God has not life.”

Here the Apostle John is referring to “eternal life”. Eternal life is not granted to the whole world, or even to all Christians; it is given to individuals, soul by soul, according as each does or does not accept the Son of God. He that does not believe on the Son will not attain to eternal life (John 3:36).

Kinder, party of four LORD.

The Truth

"Very truly I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” (John 5:24)

Perfect Love Drives Out Fear

1 John 4:18

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

If we understand that by love, we are in God, and God in us, that we are His sons and daughters, that we know God, and that everlasting life is in us: John rightly concludes here that we may well gather peace and contentment from this perfect love and fear not.

The Truth

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

A Purifying Hope

1 John 3:2a-3

“But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. All who have this hope in Him purify themselves, just as He is pure.”

Living in a constant awareness that the LORD’s coming is at hand, should have a definite effect on the way the Christians live their lives. Everyone one who looks for His coming walks with a greater degree of purity than they might otherwise walk to be sure.

When you read Jesus’ words concerning the end times it becomes very clear He wants us living each day looking for His return: “No man knows the day or the hour” – “He will come as a thief in the night.” One might not want to be found doing evil.

Therefore, live in expectation of His return, purify your walk and when He does return, the promise is we shall be like Him.

The Truth

“And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the “day of judgment”, but we can face Him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.” (1 John 4:17)

Our Advocate

1 John 2:1-2

“My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous"

Here the Apostle John is telling us that Jesus is our "Advocate", (Attorney, Proxy and Friend) who presents the key evidence for our defense against sin, which is His blood.

Because Christ, is the only blameless example of human nature, He alone can intercede on our behalf with God. He is the propitiation (v.2) for our sins; and those of the entire world. All men, in every land, and through successive generations, are invited to come to God through this all-sufficient atonement, and by this new and living way.

The Truth

“Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.” (1 Peter 3:18)

God Is Light

1 John 1:5

"This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all."

The statement "God is light" in this verse is more than just seeing with our eyes—He is the Light that enables us to understand. He is "light" in who He is...and those who have faith in the Lord become like Him...open, honest, nothing hidden...light!

When Jesus said in Matthew 5:19, "You are the light of the world," He meant we would shine our light of honesty into a dark world to show the way into His glorious light.

The Truth

“God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.” (1Timothy 6:15-16)

Our LORD Is Longsuffering

2 Peter 3:9

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

This passage refers to Christ’s promised return. The fact that He has not yet returned, does not mean He won’t – oh, He will.

He waits (longsuffering) but He is never slow. He waits but is never lacking in His promise. He is waiting, until the full number of those appointed to “salvation” (2 Peter 3:15), repent and defers the “day of judgment “until then.

The Truth

“Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?” (Ezekiel 18:32)

False Teachers

2 Peter 2:19

“While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.”

This passage describes false teachers as servants of corruption who promised a carnal liberty from the law of God. One who is in a state of bondage and wholly under the dominion of sin. Such a man is neither a free man himself, nor can he give liberty to others.

Satisfying "fleshly desires" may provide a moment of escape from the cares of this world, but who wants to be "enslaved" by "corruption?" You might think you do, but that path leads to regret and remorse, unhappiness and destruction will surely follow.

The only true freedom offered to us is found in Jesus Christ. His liberty lies in a freedom from sin, its dominion, guilt, and condemnation.

The Truth

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)