Tag: Sanctification

Devotional Thought – 10-13-2020

Logos.com

AMP and RVR 1960

There are three types of “Christians” in the world. You are probably thinking I have gone off my rocker but hear me out. If we take this one verse in context 2 Corinthians 6:14-18  I believe we can see them all. Paul tells us that Light (God and His chosen) can have no fellowship (union) with Darkness (Satan, sin and unbelief). 

The pretenders: Those who remain unequally bound together with unbelievers they try and live in both worlds and as Christ relates to John will be spit out Revelation 3:14-16 in the end. 

The Legalist: You know these folks they seperate from all things (except maybe nice cloths, cars, homes etc.) They do not smoke, drink, go to movies, dance, even their music is “appropriate” and are quick to condemn anyone who does not comply. They believe what they believe and everyone else be damned.

The Pilgrim: Those who understand that all are sinners saved by Grace. That all “worldly” things are bad for us, and even those that we can participate in should never be done in excess. We are pilgrims or sojourners and exiles (1 Peter 2:11) and as such our focus must always be on the eternal not the temporal. 

One last note you can not evangelize if you stay locked in your church, home etc. you have to go out into the world, that is the nature of the Great Commission.  Nowhere does God tell us to bring the world into the church, He calls us to go into the world. We must do so with caution and being well prepared. 

Daily Devotional – Frailty of Man

Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days,That we may present to ...

AMP and RVR 1960

CONTEXT:

The ESV says: So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom, most folks just sort of shorted it to ‘Life is short so live wisely.’  

Unfortunately that does not really take into context the whole Psalm.  First it is a Psalm of Moses, and more than just life is short (v.2,3,4,10,12,14) it has two other themes of note: God’s Eternal Greatness (v.1-17) and Mans Frailty (v.3,5,7,11,).

 

BREAKDOWN: 

So teach us – Who do you rely upon for wisdom? Is it your friends, family, Pastor? While the Bible certainly encourages us to seek wise counsel, it also makes it abundantly clear that the best advice comes directly from God.

to number our days, – One plus one equals, Math is not really what Moses or God is speaking of here. Neither is the subject matter just an accounting of all we accomplish on a daily basis or plan to accomplish (we know not when God will call us home). 

Moses under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is saying count each day as your last, (our days are certainly numbers v.3) make each worthy, make it count for something towards the Kingdom of God and His Glory.

that we may apply – The bible says Jeremiah 17:9 (ESV)The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?  Man cannot on his own apply the things of God to himself.  Man is weak and Frail in his natural state and only with God’s help can he apply…

our hearts unto wisdom. –  As John Gills commentary says:

“to seek the way of salvation by Christ – to seek to Christ, the wisdom of God, (for it to fear the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom) and to walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise…For unless a man is taught of God, and by his Spirit convinced of sin, righteousness, and judgment, he will never be concerned, in good earnest, about a future state. Nor inquire the way of salvation, nor heartily apply to Christ for it: he may number his days, and consider the shortness of them, and apply his heart to folly, and not wisdom.”

APPLICATION:

Having survived over 6 decades now I am realizing that there are advantages and disadvantages to prolonged life.  The older I get the more knowledge I am able to gain; I love to study especially God’s word. At the same time the older I get the more forgetful and absent minded I get especially it seems with remembering Bible verses. 

Also unlike some, I came to saving Grace later in life and I find that my momentary lapses, frailty of human nature surfacing, are usually caused by my failure to prepare each day by asking God to ‘teach me to number this day and apply His wisdom to my heart.’

How are you beginning each day as a frail loner or entrenched with the Wisdom of God in your heart?

 

Sunday’s Sermon Series – Keep Watch

Yesterday our Devotional was entitled Saturday’s Military Devotional – Watchmen, today I continue that theme but from Christ Jesus’s own Words. 

 

M.A.G.D.A.L.E.N.E on Twitter: "#Matthew 25:1-13, "Then ...

Matthew 25:1-13

AMP and RVR 1960

 

CONTEXT:

This is the Parable of the 10 Virgins or Bridesmaids as some modern versions have it. If your Bible is a Red Letter edition you will not the words are in Red denoting that Christ Jesus Himself is speaking. 

Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to that of a Grand Wedding and the key participants (virgins or bridesmaids) need to be ready for the event (also see Revelation 19:7). Some are ready and on watch for the groom to arrive others are lazy and figure they have plenty of time to deal with things.

Of course the later are caught off Guard and try and rush at the last minute only to be shut out of the feast. 

 

SERMON:

Coming Events and Present Duties
J.C. Ryle, 1879

WATCH!

…The passage of Scripture before our eyes, is one that deserves the close attention of all professing Christians. We ought to read it again and again, until we are thoroughly familiar with every sentence that it contains. It is a passage that concerns us all, whether ministers or people, rich or poor, learned or unlearned, old or young. It is a passage that can never be known too well.

These thirteen verses make up one of the most solemn parables that our Lord Christ ever spoke; partly because of the time at which it was spoken, partly because of the matter which it contains.

As to the time — it was but a few days before our Lord’s crucifixion. It was spoken within view of Gethsemane and Calvary, of the cross and the grave.

As to the matter — it stands as a beacon to the Church of Christ in all ages. It is a witness against carelessness and slothfulness — against apathy and indifference about religion — and a witness of no uncertain sound. It cries to thoughtless sinners, “Awake!” It cries to true servants of Christ, “Watch!”…

OTHER RESOURCES

The Fate of the Unprepared by John MacArthur 

Daily Devotional – Daily Delights

I've Taken This for Granted – Heather C. King – Room to Breathe

AMP and RVR 1960

CONTEXT:

What is it you delight in? Something simple like that first sip of coffee each morning? The warm embrace of you child, wife or other loved ones. Maybe it is more complicated like accomplishing something you thought you could not do. 

With all of these, the bible in no way suggests there is anything wrong with taking delight in them. If you are married and do not delight in the companionship of your wife, you have a real BIG issue. Yet God’s Word make something else abundantly clear, there is one thing greater than all else in our lives to delight in…

BREAKDOWN:

In the way – Note the Psalmist does not say ‘In your testimonies’ for many “like” certain rules but do not always follow them. Here the Psalmist makes clear the expression of God’s laws brings delight unto him and all who adhere.

of your testimonies – God’s testimonies are His; Laws, precepts, statues, commandments, and Word all terms used to describe the same thing here in Psalm 119. In the Old Testament God’s Laws could be broken down into 3 areas Ceremonial, Civil and Moral. 

I delight – Rules (or laws) are meant to put unnecessary restrictions on people. One has to look no further than the current COVID-19 fiasco in America to understand that. BUT are all rules (laws) the same. The Psalmist here makes it clear ABSOLUTELY NOT! God’s Rules (law’s) are a delight, (many translation use rejoice in) to those who believe. 

as much as in all riches. – Remember that sip of coffee or your wife’s sweet embrace, God’s Word, His Statutes are better than that. In fact they are more delightful more satisfying than all the riches found in the world. 

APPLICATION:

How do you view God’s Word, His Laws in your Life? Are they a burden or Delight? Are you getting your Daily Delight, by reading God’s word and actively pursuing God’s chosen path for you each day? 

God’s laws should never seem difficult or harsh, they should always be a burden lifter not adding to our baggage. If the reverse is true we need to be in prayer and ask God to reveal to us what is truly dragging us down, ask the Holy Spirit to teach us to delight in God’s Law daily. 

 

How should a Christian deal with feelings of guilt regarding past sins?

 

Question: “How should a Christian deal with feelings of guilt regarding past sins, whether pre- or post-salvation?”

Answer: Everyone has sinned, and one of the results of sin is guilt. We can be thankful for guilty feelings because they drive us to seek forgiveness. The moment a person turns from sin to Jesus Christ in faith, his sin is forgiven. Repentance is part of the faith that leads to salvation (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Acts 3:19).

READ MORE

Daily Devotional – Couch Potato Christian

There are two types of “Christians” in the world, one hears God’s Word and says that’s nice let me sleep on it, the other says that’s great let me take action because of it. 

Are you a DHaggiaoer or Couch Potato Christian (CPC)  

Aberdeen tops Scottish couch potato league table | HeraldScotland

CONTEXT:

First I must admit I was a little surprised at the amount of content I found when I googled “Couch Potato Christian.”  There are many articles and even a few books on the subject. 

So today instead of focusing on one text I am going to use two to explain what I mean by “Couch Potato Christian” and why God does not look favorably upon said people. 

Wednesday's Word ~ Haggai 1 – Michelle Lesley

AMP and RVR 1960

Haggai begins with the Lord speaking to Haggai and asking a simple question; ‘how is it you people live so comfortably yet my temple is in ruins? ‘ The chapter goes on to say that the Israelites have lived a life of excesses but have nothing to show for it. They are lazy and indulgent. 

Compare them to what James says a true believer should be: 

22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. James 1:22

AMP and RVR 1960

James makes it clear a true hearer of God’s Word, consistently and actively proves his love and obedience by actively pursuing or doing what they have heard. They go about having God work through them for His glory.  In other words, no CPC’s here, they, no matter their limitations (Physical, mental, financial, etc.) will be about God’s work.

COMPARISON: 

Spiritual Couch Potato Christian’s (SCPC’s) will always take the easy way out:

They will be silent on important issues: Abortion, LGBT, Religious Freedom, to name a few yielding to the popular (worldly) thought of the day 

Play the Swiss Card (Neutrality) trying to claim Jesus never took sides: Of course they have not read the Bible, or skipped the GOSPELS when Jesus cleanses the temple, curses (Woe unto you) the Pharisees and Scribes, and so on. 

They are Unwilling to fight the “Good Fight” Somewhere online I saw the term Spiritual Pacifists and it makes sense, those unwilling to Armor Up daily and get in the fight, are just that pacifist and pretty much useless in God’s Army. 

The Doer Christian: Can never be silenced: 

Refuses to be silent on important issues: Will always Obey God rather than man. 

Follows Jesus example of Good Works no matter the consequence: We were saved to with a Holy calling not to sit idly by and let the world happen around us. 

Shares the Good News: Man’s first duty is to Love God and Glorify Him forever. Inherent in that is obedience to God’s commands none of which is more important than the spreading of the Gospel this is never a burden for a true Christian. 

APPLICATION:

We are not calling into question here anyone’s “salvation” although the bible certainly does say we will know you by your fruit. Granted it is specifically speaking of false teachers and the like, but bearing fruit is applicable to all “Christians.”

So the question remains what type of Christian are you? 

ᐈ Funny couch potato stock pictures, Royalty Free couch potato ...

 

 

One who cheers from the comfort of your comfortable couch? 

 

Pray James 1:26-27 | Pray Scripture.org

 

 

 

Or an Fruit Bearing “Christian” not afraid to put your Faith in Action

 

 

Related Posts:

DO IT!

Failing to Do It!

 

Daily Devotional – Pressing Onward

14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

AMP and RVR 1960

CONTEXT:

If I had to put a title on the Chapter; one suggestion might be “Christian Duty and Goals.”  The first 11 verses are full of Paul explaining how we are to know Christ, be righteous and be weary of those who do evil. In other words earthly duties.  

The remainder of the Chapter verses 12-21 heavenly goals or what we are to focus on to achieve Glory with Christ. 

Verse 12 and 13 set up out text; note Paul says:

Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on… Paul does not claim perfection only consistent action towards it

forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead – by not focusing on past sins but learning from those errors he can focus on the pressing forward

 

BREAKDOWN: 

I press – It is up to us to take action, using Paul as an example we can clearly see no one is called to be a couch potato Christian 

 

toward the mark – The mark or goal, here a most likely a reference to the finish line in a race; for Christians the “Mark” or “Goal” is simple as Paul puts it For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain Philippians 1:21. Our end game if you will is eternity with our LORD and Savior.

 

for the prize – The “Goal” and “Prize” are not the same. As noted above the “GOAL” is eternal life with Christ, the Prize is the the Crown of Life, the incorruptible crown;  righteousness, and glory, that fadeth not away, ( James 1:12 ) ( 2 Timothy 4:8 ) ( 1 Peter 5:4 )

 

of the high calling –  Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible – Unabridged  High calling , [ tees (Greek #3588) anoo (Greek #507) kleeseoos (Greek #2821)] – ‘the calling that is above’ (Galatians 4:26; Colossians 3:1); the “heavenly calling” (Hebrews 3:1). “The prize” is the “crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:7-8; Revelation 2:10, “crown of life;” 1 Peter 5:4 “a crown of glory that fadeth not away.”) “The high calling” is not Paul’s calling as an apostle by God from heaven, but that of all Christians to salvation in Christ, which coming from, invites us to, heaven, where accordingly our minds ought to he uplifted (1 Thessalonians 2:12).

 

of God in Christ Jesus. – Paul’s gaze was ever upward not just forward. This little phrase has great doctrinal and theological significance, for Paul is saying the prize, the goal, all the forward motion is focused upon Christ. 

 

APPLICATION: 

We live in a BUSY, DISTRACTING and often TUMULTUOUS world. For the unbeliever their life goes on without hope of getting better. For the Christian however everyday our hope is strengthened as we run the race towards the prize and goal that has been promised to us. 

Are we going to stumble along the way, you bet. Like Paul we are not perfect. I would hope and pray like Paul you would know that the Prize and Goal is well worth the daily race. 

 

Daily Devotional – Christian Walk

7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

AMP and RVR 1960

 

CONTEXT:

1 John begins with the confirmation (nothing new here) that Man is supposed to have communion (fellowship) with God and like minded believers (v.1-4).

John then goes on to explain v.5-6 how God is light (Holy and unblemished) and we are to walk in that light. In fact verse 6 makes it clear we MUST walk in the light to have fellowship with God.

 

BREAKDOWN:

But if we walk in the light, – Note the “if” not all “christians” walk in the light. They are believers in name only. 

as he is in the light, – If the light of Christ that is the Fruit of the Spirit is not shining through you are not walking in the light.

we have fellowship one with another, – The only way to have fellowship with one another is to be in the light. 

and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. The only way to be in the light is to be truly and FULLY redeemed by the Blood of Christ.

 

APPLICATION:

Listen, you cannot walk with God or fellowship with like minded believers if you do not know God. Think about it a minute; we are to be intimate with God, telling Him our most guarded secrets and our deepest desires. Would you do that to another human whom you knew nothing about, a stranger? 

If we call ourselves born again, believer, Christian, child of God whatever label you prefer you must get to know your Father in heaven to Walk in His Light.

I offer the following link for your edification:

Online books on the Attributes of God 

Take time today to get to intimately know God and enjoy true fellowship and joy with the Triune God and fellow believers. 

 

 

 

Saturday’s Military Devotional – Hungry and Thirsty

Logos.com

AMP and RVR 1960

CONTEXT:

AT first glance this may not seem the most logical verse for a “Military” devotional but bear with me through the next two sections and I hope I can convince you otherwise.

We have here a verse from the great text known by two distinct names. First it is part of the “Sermon on the Mount” , Matthew 5-7, which Jesus preached from a mountaintop for the first time educating the larger audience and not just his immediate disciples. 

It is also part of the sermon know as the “Beatitudes” , Matthew 5:3-11,  as each verse begins with “B”lessed. 

BREAKDOWN:

Blessed are they – I keep looking for them, but have yet to find that person who says “yes sir I get up every morning and pray I will be cursed.” That would be nuts, folks want to be BLESSED, and here in these Beatitudes Jesus tells us how we can be. 

which do hunger and thirst –  I dare say that all of us have been there done that. I mean at some point in our lives we have been hungry or thirsty. Whether it was self imposed or forced upon us in some manner we have all experienced it.  So you understand the craving the deep desire to fill the need for food and drink that Jesus is referring to here. 

after righteousness: – Yet Jesus is not speaking of the physical needs of man, that would be too simple to accomplish. (Do not lecture me on the staving of the world, if society as a whole was not depraved and corrupt, we could fix that quickly). Jesus was speaking of eternal hunger and thirst. 

for they shall be filled. –  This life and the nourishment thereof is only temporary, eventually we all die and then eternity in Heaven or Hell kicks in. Jesus is says which is more filling the stuff of the world or God?  

 

APPLICATION:

We all need physical nourishment to survive. When I was on active duty, back in the day MRE’s had like 3000+ calories or some crazy thing. The thought was if a soldier only got one a day they were good to go. Well anyone who serves(d) knows first most MRE’s suck, and “one a day” is a vitamin not a daily meal count. We need more to survive and be combat ready and efficient. 

The same holds true for God and or future.  Here in this verse Jesus is saying what nourishment for your eternal future are you eating daily? Are you reading His Word? Are You fellowshiping with like-minded believers? Are you propagating the kingdom by sharing the Gospel message? In others words are you Filling your Spiritual Bellies? 

 

Today’s Questions:

Say What?

Observation: What did I read? What struck you as most meaningful?

So What?

Interpretation: What does it mean? Overall and the most meaningful? Did it change your view on being HUNGRY and THIRSTY?  

Now What?

Application: How does it apply to me?

Then What?

Implementation: What do I do? How can I start living it out today?

OTHER RESOURCES:

Check out the series on our website: Daily Devotional – The Beatitudes by Thomas Watson Part by typing in the search box. 

 

Is eternal security a “license” to sin?

Question: “Is eternal security a ‘license’ to sin?”

Answer: 

The most frequent objection to the doctrine of eternal security is that it supposedly allows people to live any way that they want and still be saved. While this may be “technically” true, it is not true in reality. A person who has truly been redeemed by Jesus Christ will not live a life characterized by continuous, willful sin. We must draw a distinction between how a Christian should live and what a person must do in order to receive salvation…

READ MORE