Genesis 9:11
“And I will establish my covenant with you, neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.”
To give Noah and his sons a firm assurance of the continuance of the human race, God established a covenant with them and their descendants, and to confirm this covenant, He set a visible sign for all generations, His rainbow (Genesis 9:14). This covenant of God keeps the sea and clouds in their decreed places, and sets boundaries on them (Job 38:10-11).
For if the sea should flow for a few days (as it does twice every day for a few hours) what desolations would it make! However God said, “Thus far you shall come, but no farther; and here shall your proud waves stop.” (Job 38:11)
The Truth
“For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” (1 Colossians 1:16-17)
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Go Out Of The Ark
Genesis 8:14-16
“In the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, the earth was dry. Then God spoke to Noah, saying, “Go out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and your sons' wives with you.”
Here, the command to leave the ark is given and obeyed. Just as Noah did not enter, neither does he leave the ark, without divine direction. Fifty-seven days after Noah removed the covering, and a year and eleven days after the flood began Noah received the command to, “Go out of the Ark.”
The application here is that, we should watch for and listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit to direct us in our life’s journey. Patiently seeking direction through prayer and the reading of His word.
The Truth
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
“In the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, the earth was dry. Then God spoke to Noah, saying, “Go out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and your sons' wives with you.”
Here, the command to leave the ark is given and obeyed. Just as Noah did not enter, neither does he leave the ark, without divine direction. Fifty-seven days after Noah removed the covering, and a year and eleven days after the flood began Noah received the command to, “Go out of the Ark.”
The application here is that, we should watch for and listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit to direct us in our life’s journey. Patiently seeking direction through prayer and the reading of His word.
The Truth
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Go Into The Ark
Noah 7:1
“The LORD then said to Noah, "Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation.”
When the ark was built, and the period of grace had passed (Genesis 6:3), Noah received instructions from GOD to enter the ark with his family, and with the animals. He was also informed that within seven days God would cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights (Genesis 7:4).
Why Noah and his family? Because Noah remained righteous when the rest of the world was wicked. Because Noah had exceptional faith and exemplified that faith every day pounding away on the Ark. What a fabulous thing it is to realize that through Noah’s belief, God would save his entire family.
Certainly everyone must make their own decision regarding salvation, but seeing the reality of faith lived out in your house every day would be a dynamic hard to ignore. Leadership begins at home and it starts at the head of each household. May God give all of us the strength of Noah to lead through example every day.
The Truth
“Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thy house.” (Acts 16:31)
“The LORD then said to Noah, "Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation.”
When the ark was built, and the period of grace had passed (Genesis 6:3), Noah received instructions from GOD to enter the ark with his family, and with the animals. He was also informed that within seven days God would cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights (Genesis 7:4).
Why Noah and his family? Because Noah remained righteous when the rest of the world was wicked. Because Noah had exceptional faith and exemplified that faith every day pounding away on the Ark. What a fabulous thing it is to realize that through Noah’s belief, God would save his entire family.
Certainly everyone must make their own decision regarding salvation, but seeing the reality of faith lived out in your house every day would be a dynamic hard to ignore. Leadership begins at home and it starts at the head of each household. May God give all of us the strength of Noah to lead through example every day.
The Truth
“Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thy house.” (Acts 16:31)
Monday, April 27, 2015
Noah Found Grace
Genesis 6:8
“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”
Noah did not find favor in the eyes of men; they hated and persecuted him, because both by his life and preaching he condemned the world: but he found grace in the eyes of the Lord, and this made him more truly honorable than the men of renown.
We also see in v.9 that Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his time and that he walked with God. Noah believed in God’s character, that He is good, even when faced with the reality that his Lord was about to destroy the world as he knew it. He “walked with God” through believing in His justice, His good purposes and His right actions. Noah had "FAITH" in the Lord.
When the rest of the world was wicked, Noah kept his integrity.
The Truth
“By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.” (Hebrews 11:7)
“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”
Noah did not find favor in the eyes of men; they hated and persecuted him, because both by his life and preaching he condemned the world: but he found grace in the eyes of the Lord, and this made him more truly honorable than the men of renown.
We also see in v.9 that Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his time and that he walked with God. Noah believed in God’s character, that He is good, even when faced with the reality that his Lord was about to destroy the world as he knew it. He “walked with God” through believing in His justice, His good purposes and His right actions. Noah had "FAITH" in the Lord.
When the rest of the world was wicked, Noah kept his integrity.
The Truth
“By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.” (Hebrews 11:7)
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Enoch Translated
Genesis 5:24
“And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.”
The first part of this verse indicates that Enoch pleased God. It also denotes a life spent in constant communion with God. So much so that he did not see death. Instead, God took him into His the immediate presence.
Enoch was removed to a better world. As he did not live like the rest of mankind, so he did not leave the world by death as they did. He was not found, because God had translated him. (Heb. 11:5.) He was not any longer in this world; he was changed, as the saints shall be, who are alive at Christ's second coming. (1 Corinthians 15:51-53)
The Truth
“By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: "He could not be found, because God had taken him away." For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.” (Hebrews 11:5)
“And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.”
The first part of this verse indicates that Enoch pleased God. It also denotes a life spent in constant communion with God. So much so that he did not see death. Instead, God took him into His the immediate presence.
Enoch was removed to a better world. As he did not live like the rest of mankind, so he did not leave the world by death as they did. He was not found, because God had translated him. (Heb. 11:5.) He was not any longer in this world; he was changed, as the saints shall be, who are alive at Christ's second coming. (1 Corinthians 15:51-53)
The Truth
“By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: "He could not be found, because God had taken him away." For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.” (Hebrews 11:5)
Friday, April 24, 2015
Genesis 4:1 "The First Parents"
“And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bore Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.”
In this verse the first husband and wife become the first father and mother. This new relationship must have been deeply interesting to both, especially so to the mother.
In naming her first born, Cain, or “acquired,” it is clear Eve believed he was the Seed promised to her in Genesis 3:15, the Promised One, the Messiah.
The problem here was that Cane was born of the seed of man. The promise of Genesis 3:15 would not be fulfilled until One was born of the seed of a women. And that One would be Jesus Christ.
The Truth
"But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,” (Galatians 4:4)
In this verse the first husband and wife become the first father and mother. This new relationship must have been deeply interesting to both, especially so to the mother.
In naming her first born, Cain, or “acquired,” it is clear Eve believed he was the Seed promised to her in Genesis 3:15, the Promised One, the Messiah.
The problem here was that Cane was born of the seed of man. The promise of Genesis 3:15 would not be fulfilled until One was born of the seed of a women. And that One would be Jesus Christ.
The Truth
"But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,” (Galatians 4:4)
Thursday, April 23, 2015
The Deceiver
Genesis 3:4
“The serpent said to the woman, ‘You surely will not die!’” "For God knows that in the day you eat from it (the tree in the middle of the garden) your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
The “serpent,” who was the “devil” also known as “Satan” and the “great dragon” as described in Revelation 12:9, now directly LIED to Eve. Actually, his response, as it is so often the case, was a mixture of the truth and a lie.
They would not drop dead right after they ate of the fruit, but physically they would continue to live for 900-plus years. There are two kinds of death in Scripture; the death of the body, but much worse, the death of the soul, in which men and women are separated from God. Satan knew of both kinds of death, but only mentioned one of them.
In our society today incomplete information or the withholding information is often done by man, to gain an advantage or steer the unsuspecting in the wrong direction. As we can see by our text this ploy is as old as scripture.
This encounter of Eve with Satan at the tree of knowledge of good and evil was an opportunity for humanity’s representatives to respond in FAITH, trusting in the character of the Lord. Instead she was tempted to believe this lie about the nature of God and sin entered the world through deception.
The Truth
“So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” (Revelation 12:9)
“The serpent said to the woman, ‘You surely will not die!’” "For God knows that in the day you eat from it (the tree in the middle of the garden) your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
The “serpent,” who was the “devil” also known as “Satan” and the “great dragon” as described in Revelation 12:9, now directly LIED to Eve. Actually, his response, as it is so often the case, was a mixture of the truth and a lie.
They would not drop dead right after they ate of the fruit, but physically they would continue to live for 900-plus years. There are two kinds of death in Scripture; the death of the body, but much worse, the death of the soul, in which men and women are separated from God. Satan knew of both kinds of death, but only mentioned one of them.
In our society today incomplete information or the withholding information is often done by man, to gain an advantage or steer the unsuspecting in the wrong direction. As we can see by our text this ploy is as old as scripture.
This encounter of Eve with Satan at the tree of knowledge of good and evil was an opportunity for humanity’s representatives to respond in FAITH, trusting in the character of the Lord. Instead she was tempted to believe this lie about the nature of God and sin entered the world through deception.
The Truth
“So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” (Revelation 12:9)
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Woman
Genesis 2:18
Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”
Man is created a social animal. To be alone is not “good”; it does not promote his fullest life, or his best service. So, Lord God made for man a “helper” corresponding to his moral and intellectual nature, supplying what he needs, the counterpart of his being. Woman!
Hallelujah! Thank you Lord.
The Truth
"The man said, “This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." (Genesis 2:23)
Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”
Man is created a social animal. To be alone is not “good”; it does not promote his fullest life, or his best service. So, Lord God made for man a “helper” corresponding to his moral and intellectual nature, supplying what he needs, the counterpart of his being. Woman!
Hallelujah! Thank you Lord.
The Truth
"The man said, “This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." (Genesis 2:23)
Monday, April 20, 2015
God Created
Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth”
Many people get hung up on this verse. They just can’t accept the idea of creation. But is that truly the case? Anyone who looks at the grandeur of the universe and denies the existence of a Creator is suppressing the truth. Why, because, men do not want to be accountable to this creator. It eases their conscious to believe in evolution.
Keep in mind evolution at best is a theory – and an empty one at that. Many scientists have turned away from this hypothesis because it breaks the basic second scientific law of, “Thermodynamics.” This basic principle states everything goes from order to disorder, discounting the Big Bang theory of disorder to order; from simplicity to complexity.
No, the bottom line here is God and His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I and my father are one.” (John 10:30-31) Do you believe this? If so, you’ll have no problem believing in the literal account of Genesis. If not, look to the heavens and listen.
The Truth
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament show His handywork. Day unto day they utter speech, and night unto night they show knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.” (Psalm 19:1-3)
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth”
Many people get hung up on this verse. They just can’t accept the idea of creation. But is that truly the case? Anyone who looks at the grandeur of the universe and denies the existence of a Creator is suppressing the truth. Why, because, men do not want to be accountable to this creator. It eases their conscious to believe in evolution.
Keep in mind evolution at best is a theory – and an empty one at that. Many scientists have turned away from this hypothesis because it breaks the basic second scientific law of, “Thermodynamics.” This basic principle states everything goes from order to disorder, discounting the Big Bang theory of disorder to order; from simplicity to complexity.
No, the bottom line here is God and His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I and my father are one.” (John 10:30-31) Do you believe this? If so, you’ll have no problem believing in the literal account of Genesis. If not, look to the heavens and listen.
The Truth
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament show His handywork. Day unto day they utter speech, and night unto night they show knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.” (Psalm 19:1-3)
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Be Patient Brothers
James 5:7
“Be patient therefore, brothers, to the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and has long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.”
Here James gives an exhortation towards those who were oppressed and persecuted by the pious and wealthy - to patiently endure the injuries without murmuring and without resistance. For those who injured and wronged them, would be suitably punished at the Day of Judgment as their case will be in the hands of God.
We too should be patient, not just in general or for the moment, but as far into the future as the coming of the Lord. James uses the example of the farmer who plants in expectation of a future result, who waits and endures the time until he receives the expected reward.
So we should patiently endure for our reward as well.
The Truth
“And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.” (Hebrews 6:15) “Now Abraham was one hundred years old when his son Isaac was born.” (Genesis 21:5)
“Be patient therefore, brothers, to the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and has long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.”
Here James gives an exhortation towards those who were oppressed and persecuted by the pious and wealthy - to patiently endure the injuries without murmuring and without resistance. For those who injured and wronged them, would be suitably punished at the Day of Judgment as their case will be in the hands of God.
We too should be patient, not just in general or for the moment, but as far into the future as the coming of the Lord. James uses the example of the farmer who plants in expectation of a future result, who waits and endures the time until he receives the expected reward.
So we should patiently endure for our reward as well.
The Truth
“And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.” (Hebrews 6:15) “Now Abraham was one hundred years old when his son Isaac was born.” (Genesis 21:5)
Friday, April 17, 2015
Submit To His Will
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Submission is looking at the humble, self-emptied example of Jesus and choosing to follow in His steps every day. “Not my will but thine be done.” James here, commands the reader to make a conscious choice to submit their imperfect will to God's perfect will.
Resist literally means to stand against; to withstand, to act in opposition to. James is saying, take a stand against the devil. Set yourself against the devil. Withstand the devil and his minions. Therefore, when we submit to God and resist the devil, then he must immediately flee! This is a promise and one all believers should commit to memory so that they are always prepared for spiritual battle.
The Truth
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:10-13)
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Submission is looking at the humble, self-emptied example of Jesus and choosing to follow in His steps every day. “Not my will but thine be done.” James here, commands the reader to make a conscious choice to submit their imperfect will to God's perfect will.
Resist literally means to stand against; to withstand, to act in opposition to. James is saying, take a stand against the devil. Set yourself against the devil. Withstand the devil and his minions. Therefore, when we submit to God and resist the devil, then he must immediately flee! This is a promise and one all believers should commit to memory so that they are always prepared for spiritual battle.
The Truth
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:10-13)
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Faith That Works
James 2:26
"For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead."
James is saying that, faith (that one professes to possess) is actually dead, lifeless and useless, without fruit or deeds. We had might as well place this faith in a coffin and bury it in the cemetery. That is a tragic picture of a faith without works! However, James is not saying that, works be added to faith, but that one who possess the right kind of faith, is evidenced by a faith that works.
It is important that each professing Christian examine his own heart and life and make sure that he possesses true saving faith, dynamic faith and not something untrue.
As stated in 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? Unless indeed you are disqualified.”
Satan, the great deceiver, has as one of his devices - imitation. If he can convince a person, that a counterfeit faith is true faith, he has that person in his power.
Martin Luther said, and I agree, "The biblical truth is, we are justified by faith alone, but good works prove that our faith in Christ alone is a genuine, saving faith.
The Truth
“For the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.” (John 5:28-29)
"For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead."
James is saying that, faith (that one professes to possess) is actually dead, lifeless and useless, without fruit or deeds. We had might as well place this faith in a coffin and bury it in the cemetery. That is a tragic picture of a faith without works! However, James is not saying that, works be added to faith, but that one who possess the right kind of faith, is evidenced by a faith that works.
It is important that each professing Christian examine his own heart and life and make sure that he possesses true saving faith, dynamic faith and not something untrue.
As stated in 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? Unless indeed you are disqualified.”
Satan, the great deceiver, has as one of his devices - imitation. If he can convince a person, that a counterfeit faith is true faith, he has that person in his power.
Martin Luther said, and I agree, "The biblical truth is, we are justified by faith alone, but good works prove that our faith in Christ alone is a genuine, saving faith.
The Truth
“For the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.” (John 5:28-29)
Monday, April 13, 2015
Abiding Love
James 1:2-4
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Maturity only comes through testing (trials). Faith is made pure by fiery trials, those times of waiting, being patient. I’ve gone through many experiences in life where I wondered, “What is God doing and why is He taking so long?
The answer is, He is perfecting His work in our lives. He is the master painter and we are His canvas. We must trust in Him, endure and let Him have His perfect work, so we may be complete lacking nothing.
This is called abiding love, in that we stay close Him through the trials that our lives may bear fruit for Him.
The Truth
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; neither can you, except you abide in Me.” (John 15:4)
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Maturity only comes through testing (trials). Faith is made pure by fiery trials, those times of waiting, being patient. I’ve gone through many experiences in life where I wondered, “What is God doing and why is He taking so long?
The answer is, He is perfecting His work in our lives. He is the master painter and we are His canvas. We must trust in Him, endure and let Him have His perfect work, so we may be complete lacking nothing.
This is called abiding love, in that we stay close Him through the trials that our lives may bear fruit for Him.
The Truth
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; neither can you, except you abide in Me.” (John 15:4)
Friday, April 10, 2015
Restoration Of The Heart
Malachi 4:6 “Restoration of the Heart”
“And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers; lest I come and smite the land with a curse.”
Whether you believe that, this passage is speaking literally of Elijah the prophet (Malachi 4:5), or John the Baptist (in the spirit and power of Elijah, Luke 1:17), it doesn’t change the message. Both men, John and Elijah, spoke and acted in the power of the Spirit of God, as His mouthpiece, to His people. The message of restoration is what’s important here along with the warning of what would happen if not accepted.
God has always honored free will, dating all the way back to the garden of Eden. Here again a choice is given. Some would head the warning and turn back to the beliefs of their fathers while others did not and would experience the curse. This would be the last prophetic word heard for over 400 years, as “the silent years” would begin, creating a thrust for His word.
The Truth
"1 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 and sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high." (Hebrews 1:1-3)
“And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers; lest I come and smite the land with a curse.”
Whether you believe that, this passage is speaking literally of Elijah the prophet (Malachi 4:5), or John the Baptist (in the spirit and power of Elijah, Luke 1:17), it doesn’t change the message. Both men, John and Elijah, spoke and acted in the power of the Spirit of God, as His mouthpiece, to His people. The message of restoration is what’s important here along with the warning of what would happen if not accepted.
God has always honored free will, dating all the way back to the garden of Eden. Here again a choice is given. Some would head the warning and turn back to the beliefs of their fathers while others did not and would experience the curse. This would be the last prophetic word heard for over 400 years, as “the silent years” would begin, creating a thrust for His word.
The Truth
"1 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 and sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high." (Hebrews 1:1-3)
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Preparing The Way
Malachi 3:1
“Behold, I will send my messenger and he will prepare the way before Me.”
Therefore, I (God) will send My messenger (John The Baptist) and he will prepare the way by preaching repentance, by baptizing and by calling them to believe on the Messiah (Jesus).
John the Baptist was God’s messenger, and had his commission from heaven and not of men (Matt. 21:25-26), being sent by the same divine authority by which the prophets were sent, and for the same purposes, namely, to call men to repentance and reformation.
The message is the same today, repent, change and be saved.
The Truth
This is the one about whom it is written: "'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.” (Luke 7:27)
“Behold, I will send my messenger and he will prepare the way before Me.”
Therefore, I (God) will send My messenger (John The Baptist) and he will prepare the way by preaching repentance, by baptizing and by calling them to believe on the Messiah (Jesus).
John the Baptist was God’s messenger, and had his commission from heaven and not of men (Matt. 21:25-26), being sent by the same divine authority by which the prophets were sent, and for the same purposes, namely, to call men to repentance and reformation.
The message is the same today, repent, change and be saved.
The Truth
This is the one about whom it is written: "'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.” (Luke 7:27)
Where Is The God Of Judgment?
Malachi 2:17 “Where Is The God Of Judgment?”
“You have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet you say, Wherein have we wearied him? When you say, Every one that does evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delights in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?”
Do not make the mistake that God favors the wicked and has no respect for those that serve Him, (as was done by the people and priests of Malachi’s day) least you fall into the trap of thinking, He is not going to mete our justice. As Solomon warned, “Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil.” (Eccl.8:11)
Getting away with evil for the moment doesn't mean that judgment will not be served. Some wrongs are not discovered by men but, nothing misses the eyes of Him with whom we are to do (stand before). Where is the God of judgment? He is coming and sooner than you think.
The Truth
“Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.”
“You have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet you say, Wherein have we wearied him? When you say, Every one that does evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delights in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?”
Do not make the mistake that God favors the wicked and has no respect for those that serve Him, (as was done by the people and priests of Malachi’s day) least you fall into the trap of thinking, He is not going to mete our justice. As Solomon warned, “Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil.” (Eccl.8:11)
Getting away with evil for the moment doesn't mean that judgment will not be served. Some wrongs are not discovered by men but, nothing misses the eyes of Him with whom we are to do (stand before). Where is the God of judgment? He is coming and sooner than you think.
The Truth
“Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.”
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Malachi, The Messenger
Malachi 1:1
“The burden of the word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi.”
One Hundred years after Zechariah and Haggai had encouraged the people of Israel to rebuild their walls and their temple, the Lord sends His messenger Malachi to wake up the people once more, who had become complacent and lukewarm in their hearts.
Complacency is so mundane, mediocre and ineffective. It signifies the loss of compassion and fire. This can happen on the heels of success when one backs off or feels content – just as it did with the people Israel, after completing the rebuilding of their walls and their temple.
Keep moving forward in your walk, keep studying God’s Word, do not become complacent toward Him. Stay hot, not lukewarm.
The Truth
“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:15-16)
“The burden of the word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi.”
One Hundred years after Zechariah and Haggai had encouraged the people of Israel to rebuild their walls and their temple, the Lord sends His messenger Malachi to wake up the people once more, who had become complacent and lukewarm in their hearts.
Complacency is so mundane, mediocre and ineffective. It signifies the loss of compassion and fire. This can happen on the heels of success when one backs off or feels content – just as it did with the people Israel, after completing the rebuilding of their walls and their temple.
Keep moving forward in your walk, keep studying God’s Word, do not become complacent toward Him. Stay hot, not lukewarm.
The Truth
“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:15-16)
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Resisting Unto Blood
Hebrews 12:4
“Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.”
The general sense of this passage is you (Christians) have not yet been called, in your Christian struggles, to the highest kind of sufferings and sacrifices.
Great as your trials may seem to have been, your faith has not yet been put to the severest test. And since this is so, you should not give in to the conflict with evil, but manfully resist it.
Consider Jesus, who endured the opposition of sinners being spat upon, cursed at, beaten with fists, flogged, crowned with thorns, nailed to a cross and a spear thrust through His side. Who could have chosen to call a legion of angles to rescue Him instead, chose the agonizing death of the cross for you and for me.
At some point, in your Christian walk, your resolve will be tested. Thank God for all the minor tests along the way, for they only prepare you for the greater tests which are to come, as this world grows darker.
The Truth
“Resist him (satin), standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (1 Peter 5:9)
“Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.”
The general sense of this passage is you (Christians) have not yet been called, in your Christian struggles, to the highest kind of sufferings and sacrifices.
Great as your trials may seem to have been, your faith has not yet been put to the severest test. And since this is so, you should not give in to the conflict with evil, but manfully resist it.
Consider Jesus, who endured the opposition of sinners being spat upon, cursed at, beaten with fists, flogged, crowned with thorns, nailed to a cross and a spear thrust through His side. Who could have chosen to call a legion of angles to rescue Him instead, chose the agonizing death of the cross for you and for me.
At some point, in your Christian walk, your resolve will be tested. Thank God for all the minor tests along the way, for they only prepare you for the greater tests which are to come, as this world grows darker.
The Truth
“Resist him (satin), standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (1 Peter 5:9)
Friday, April 3, 2015
Two Thieves
I thought I would repost this in light of the coming Easter Celebration.
In Luke’s Gospel account of the crucifixion of Jesus, he records some of the conversation between the "two thieves" who were crucified along with Jesus. One blasphemes and mocks Jesus (Luke 23:39) while the other comes to believe in Him. (Luke 23:40)
Two thieves, aware of their crimes and their guilt and just as aware of His innocences. (Luke 23:41) Two thieves, in the same proximity of Jesus - at the same time - hearing and observing the same things - arrived at two different conclusions. One thief verbally rejects Jesus for what He would not do, give into Satan and save himself and them; the other thief comes to a belief in Jesus for what He did do, die willingly a sacrificial death for all who would believe. (Luke 23:42) These two thieves represent the struggle for mans heart and soul still today. One willing to believe while the other, denies Jesus right up to his last breath on the cross.
Luke goes on to record the salvation of the thief who believed at death’s door. “Lord remember me when you come into Your kingdom." To which Jesus responded, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in “Paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43) Confirming there is life after death in Heaven (paradise) for all who believe. Which now begs the question, "What if I don't believe?" Well, just assuredly as there is a heaven, there is also a hell. (Matthew 13:42) And if all one has to do to go to heaven is believe in Jesus - then all one has to do to spend eternity in hell is not believe in Jesus. (John 3:36)
End your fear of death today and be ready to move on with peace in your heart. How? The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans, "if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)
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)
In Luke’s Gospel account of the crucifixion of Jesus, he records some of the conversation between the "two thieves" who were crucified along with Jesus. One blasphemes and mocks Jesus (Luke 23:39) while the other comes to believe in Him. (Luke 23:40)
Two thieves, aware of their crimes and their guilt and just as aware of His innocences. (Luke 23:41) Two thieves, in the same proximity of Jesus - at the same time - hearing and observing the same things - arrived at two different conclusions. One thief verbally rejects Jesus for what He would not do, give into Satan and save himself and them; the other thief comes to a belief in Jesus for what He did do, die willingly a sacrificial death for all who would believe. (Luke 23:42) These two thieves represent the struggle for mans heart and soul still today. One willing to believe while the other, denies Jesus right up to his last breath on the cross.
Luke goes on to record the salvation of the thief who believed at death’s door. “Lord remember me when you come into Your kingdom." To which Jesus responded, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in “Paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43) Confirming there is life after death in Heaven (paradise) for all who believe. Which now begs the question, "What if I don't believe?" Well, just assuredly as there is a heaven, there is also a hell. (Matthew 13:42) And if all one has to do to go to heaven is believe in Jesus - then all one has to do to spend eternity in hell is not believe in Jesus. (John 3:36)
End your fear of death today and be ready to move on with peace in your heart. How? The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans, "if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)
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)
The Walk Of Faith
Hebrews 11:1
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
The more we have faith in the Lord, the more we can understand—everything. As we, “walk by faith not by sight.”
Faith says, “I may not see it (the why) presently, or understand it (the now) intellectually, or experience it (the answer) immediately but, I know what God says He will do.”
Faith says, “I trust you Lord, in whatever You choose to do in my situation. Have Your will and way in my life”
The Truth
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
The more we have faith in the Lord, the more we can understand—everything. As we, “walk by faith not by sight.”
Faith says, “I may not see it (the why) presently, or understand it (the now) intellectually, or experience it (the answer) immediately but, I know what God says He will do.”
Faith says, “I trust you Lord, in whatever You choose to do in my situation. Have Your will and way in my life”
The Truth
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
The Better Sacrifice
Hebrews 10:4-5
"For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for me."
The Law had its expression through the sacrifice of animals on the altar first in the Tabernacle and later in the Jerusalem Temple. The sacrifices to God were needed because all the people regularly broke the Law. The many sacrifices under the Law did not change people for the better, for it was impossible for their blood to cleans the sinner.
God, loving us and wanting to rescue us from the insufficient animal sacrifices, provided an infinitely better sacrifice in the body of His own Son.
The Truth
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, That whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
"For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for me."
The Law had its expression through the sacrifice of animals on the altar first in the Tabernacle and later in the Jerusalem Temple. The sacrifices to God were needed because all the people regularly broke the Law. The many sacrifices under the Law did not change people for the better, for it was impossible for their blood to cleans the sinner.
God, loving us and wanting to rescue us from the insufficient animal sacrifices, provided an infinitely better sacrifice in the body of His own Son.
The Truth
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, That whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
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