Romans 8 "No Condemnation in Christ"

"There is, therefore, now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." (v.1)

The great truth of chapter 8 is summed up here in verse one. If we are in Christ, meaning we have accepted Him as Savior and LORD, we do not need to live in doubt or fear of our salvation. We can never be more free from the condemnation of God’s righteous judgement (the great white Throne) than we are today.

Oh your heart may condem you; your memory may haunt you; the great Accuser of souls may come against you; your faith may become week and lose its power and grip; your sense of unworthiness may become increasingly heavy on your soul but, none of these things can touch your acceptance with God – if you meet His one all inclusive condition, “no comdemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus.”  

Commit yourself to His care and keeping that His grace may be afforded to you on that “great day.”

The Truth

“This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us.The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him.” (1 John 3:23-24)

The Light of the World - Merry Christmas

The Christmas song, “We Three Kings” speaks to us of the “guiding light” which lead the Magi West from Persia to Jerusalem and eventually to Bethlehem, the birth place of Jesus. In the gospel of Matthew (2:2) this light is referred to as, "His Star."

Not much is known about the exact identity of the Magi but they were most likely Gentiles of high position from a country northeast of Babylon, who were given a special revelation by God concerning the birth of, the King of the Jews. Some Bible scholars believe the revelation came through knowledge of Balaam’s prophecy concerning the “star” that would “come out of Jacob” (Num. 24:17). Others simply believe it came to them in the sky, as we are told in Matthew’s Gospel, “they had seen His star in the East.” (Matthew 2:2) Whatever the source, the Magi came to Jerusalem to worship the new-born King of the Jews  and to pay Him tribute of Gold, Incense and Myrrh.

On their journey from Jerusalem to Bethlehem “the star” they had seen in the East, reappeared and led them to the specific house in Bethlehem where they found the Child Jesus. (Matthew 2:9-11) This was truly a miracle, as Bethlehem is about 5 miles south of Jerusalem and “Stars” naturally travel from east to west across the heavens, not from north to south.

The response of the wise men upon finding Jesus was entirely appropriate, and their actions serve as a model of true discipleship. First they sought the Christ child (Matt. 2:2), and when they had found their way to Him, they rejoiced (Matt.2:10). Then, seeing the child they worshiped Him (Matt. 2:11), and offer him gifts that befit a king (Matt.2:11; cf. Pss 45:7-9; 72:15).

The response of Herod on the other hand was completely different. First, he did not seek to honor the baby Jesus, in fact He was not even a wear of His birth under His very nose until the Magi inquired. Second, once he learned of it from the Magi, he tried to deceive them into returning too give him the exact location of Christ child in order that he might supposedly worship Him. But in his heart he had other plans. Two different people groups with two different reactions. The wise men (from the east, gentiles) worshiped Jesus. While Herod (part Jewish, ruler of the nation), sought to kill him.

This early division and the different reactions over the announcement of the birth of Christ, would mark His ministry His entire life. There would be no middle ground. Some would seek Him for life, while others would seek Him to take His life.

The same is true today for many people. Some are like Herod and reject Jesus, while others are like the Magi and see Him for who He is; the Messiah, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Savior of mankind, the "Light of the World." God's gift to all - if we will only receive it.

The Truth
“A Star shall rise out of Jacob. A Scepter shall rise out of Israel.” (Numbers 24:17)
“I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” (Rev.22:16)
Merry Christmas.

God's Gift to All - 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)

1 Samuel 31 "Jabesh-Gilead Remembered Saul"

“Now when the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all the valiant men rose and walked all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and they came to Jabesh and burned them there. They took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days.” (vv.11-13)

Back in chapter 11, right after Saul was made king, Nahash the Ammonite threatened to wage war against the men of Jabesh-gilead (v.1). Saul being moved with compassion, rallied 330,00 men of Israel and came to their aide (v.8). Saul marched all night to rescue the inhabitants (v.9) and the men of Jabesh-gilead never forgot it.

Now here in chapter 31 (40 years later) after Saul had been killed in battle, decapitated the next day, his head displayed as a trophy, his armor placed in the temple of Ashtoreths, and his naked body nailed to the wall of Beth Shan (v.9-10), the people of Jabesh returned the favor and rescued Saul’s body from public humiliation (v.12). Showing mercy no other nation dared to accomplish.

This reminds us of the compassion of our Lord who was; striped, mocked, whipped, beaten, nailed to a cross, and publicly humiliated for us. Just as the men of Jabesh-gilead remembered how Saul had rescued them and showed them mercy, so we should remember how our Lord rescued us and showed His mercy towards us.

The Truth

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matther 5:7)

1 Samuel 30 "David's Strength"

“…but David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.” (v.6b)

When David and his army returned to Ziklag, to be reunited with their families, they discovered that the Amalekites had invaded the town, burned down their homes, and carried their families away (v.1-2). Not only did David lose his house and his family, but his own men turned against him, and were ready to stone him (v.6a) What did David do? He “strengthened himself in the Lord.”

David’s strengthening probably came through looking back at all the ways in which God had protected him, provided for him and gave him victory in many perilous situations. It very well could have come in the form of praise to God through songs, as we know, David wrote many.

However, as he strengthened himself, he came out of his sorrow and inquired of the LORD, “shall I pursue them?” The Lord answered him directly in verse 8, “Pursue, for you shall overtake them and recover all.” Then Daivd and his 400 men acted on God’s direction and recovered every person and procession that was taken, along with enough spoil to share with the entire nation (v.26-30).

What a great lesson for us today. Even though David had been off track with God, by strengtheneing himself in the Lord, inquiring of the Lord, and following the Lord’s direction, he was used mightily.

The Truth

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies.” (Psalm 18:2-3)

1 Samuel 29 "David Returns to Ziklag"

“So David arose early, he and his men, to depart in the morning to return to the land of the Philistines.” (v.11)

Here in chapter 29 we will see how God worked in David’s life; 1) to spare him from the dilemma of fighting against king Saul and 2) free him up to rescue his own people from the Amalekites (Ch.30).     

Back in chapter 27, we saw David had left Israel (to escape Saul) and fled to the land of Israel’s enemy, the Philistines. Then in chapter 28, David was so convincing in his betrayal of Israel that King Achish enlisted David to fight with him against his enemies (v.1-2). Now here in chapter 29, king Achish has brought David and his men with him to fight against king Saul. What will David do? How will he escape this dilemma?

Mysteriously the Philistine commanders began to complain of David to king Achish and demand that David return Ziglag, for they feared this would provided David an opportunity to prove his loyality to king Saul (v.4). King Achish then said to David, “Now therefore return and go in peace, that you may not displease the lords of the Philistines” (v.)

The idea that “God moves in mysterious ways” is often overused, but it still contains much truth. David was now both free from having to draw his sword against king Saul and return to Ziklag to carryout God’s plan of rescuing his people from the Amalekites.

The Truth

“Who has understood the mind of the Lord, or instructed him as his counselor?’ (Isaiah 40:13)

1 Samuel 28 "God's Word is True"

“The Lord has done for Himself as He spoke by me.” (v.17)

In today's Bible reading, King Saul, on his last legs as king of Israel, was in a panic. The Philistines, Israel's archenemies, were poised to attack; and Saul was desperate for a word from God. But the prophet Samuel was dead, and God wasn't speaking to Saul directly anymore (v. 6).

In his fear and sinfulness, the king decided to go to a medium for help, although he himself had outlawed witchcraft (Detu. 18:9-13) At this point his character (if possible) had sunk even lower by asking her to bring up Samuel’s spirit from the dead (v.11).  

How could she do so? Do witches really have such power over dead saints? No. In this case God permitted the spirit of Samuel to come with a specific message for Saul. Lies and disguises end, as the king's identity is revealed (v.12). After death, in the same way as when he was alive, Samuel prophesied God's word, a judgment. The Israelites would be defeated, and Saul and his sons were to die because of their disobedience (v.18).

Although he heard this final word from the man he most respected, Saul still did not repent. Sadly, his only response was fear (v. 20). Saul, had completely removed himself from the grace and presence of God, and he was left with a terrifying fear and an inability to lead his people. Such is the consequences of unchecked sin. 

Even king David would later experience this fear but, unlike Saul, he repented and God's grace was granted to him.

The Truth

‘O Lord, when you favored me, you made my mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.” (Psalm 30:7)

1 Samuel 27 "David's Faith Falters"

Then David said to himself, “Now I will perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape into the land of the Philistines. Saul then will despair of searching for me anymore in all the territory of Israel, and I will escape from his hand.” (v.1)

In todays reading, the real story is in what’s missing. There's not a single mention of seeking God or God's perspective in this passage. The text's silence at this point speaks volumes.

In today’s passage, David is telling himself that sooner or later, Saul was going to capture him, so “the best thing I can do is to escape to the land of the Philistines” (27:1). Given all we have seen of God's repeated protection, David's decision to find safety among the godless Philistines rather than in God's continued care is totally off.

At no point does David seek the Lord, His promises, or His past protection. The absence of prayer in today's text points us back to others who forgot God as the true source of their security. We may understand, even sympathize with David's difficulties, but Scripture also warns us against leaving God out of our decision-making processes.

Today’s passage reminds us that all of God’s children falter in their faith, even David. It is not easy to remain patient during times of great stress but moving forward with a choice (which seems wise to us) without God in it, usually leads to trouble.

Therefore, do not lose heart as David did but look at God – not at the wind or the waves but to Him who calms them both.

The Truth

But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. (Matthew 8:26)