Today's Bible reading is the 3rd chapter of the Book of 2nd Corinthians. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%203&version=NASB
Confidence in ministry should never be misplaced. If we are confident in ourselves it has been. Boasting is excluded by a law of faith Paul wrote to the believers in Rome. With Divine clarity today's text tells us that we are not "adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves". Though not found "as coming from ourselves", as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and members of His church, we are adequate for ministry. "But our adequacy is from God" Paul writes. It is safe to say that it cannot be found anywhere else. We are called to "God things", "heavenly things", "gospel things" and our adequacy must come from Him. We are "adequate" for ministry despite all of our inadequacies, because "our adequacy is from God". The One who calls is also the One who equips. He takes the one who is inadequate for ministry (me and you) and by grace makes us adequate. He is able to do this for all of His children as His adequacy is without end. Praise God.
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 2nd chapter of the Book of 2nd Corinthians. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=NASB&search=2%20Corinthians%202
In verses 10 and 11 we find the Apostle Paul writing these words to the believers in Corinth; "But one whom you forgive anything, I forgive also; for indeed what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ, so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes." This may have been true for Paul and it may be true for you, but I fear that many are indeed ignorant of Satan's schemes. In the text we find that one of his schemes we should not be ignorant of is that of being unforgiving. As a result of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, corrective action had been taken in the church with regard to one of it's members. Paul is now telling them to reaffirm their love for this brother in Christ. To be sure, there had been a time for discipline but now it was time for them to "forgive and comfort him". Failure to do so could result in bitterness on the part of those unwilling to forgive and the possibility that the one now needing forgiveness and restoration would be "overwhelmed by excessive sorrow". And Satan would take advantage of one or both. Yes, let us not be "ignorant of his schemes".
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 1st chapter of the Book of 2nd Corinthians. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=NASB&search=2%20Corinthians%201
Today's text reminds us that we (believers in Christ) are not immune from afflictions, sufferings, burdens, despair and peril. Each is a part of living in a sin affected world. It is good for the Christian to have a proper perspective on this in order that he or she is not mislead in believing that God has somehow granted us exempt status from both the troubles that are found in life and those that come specifically because of our association with Jesus Christ. But the text also reminds us of the wonderful advantage that is ours in Christ. God is the "Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies" and the "God of all comfort". Praise the Lord that He is indeed the God of all comfort! Much comfort is needed in our sin ridden world. The older I am, and I pray the more I grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the more fully I see the sin issue. Oh, how we needed a Savior! The "God of all comfort", our text says, "comforts us in all our affliction" and, at least in part, He does "so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." Comforted by God so that we might comfort one another as He comforted us. May we be thankful to Him for this. Yes, sufferings may be ours in this life and there may be an abundance of them, but our "comfort is abundant in Christ."
Today's text reminds us that we (believers in Christ) are not immune from afflictions, sufferings, burdens, despair and peril. Each is a part of living in a sin affected world. It is good for the Christian to have a proper perspective on this in order that he or she is not mislead in believing that God has somehow granted us exempt status from both the troubles that are found in life and those that come specifically because of our association with Jesus Christ. But the text also reminds us of the wonderful advantage that is ours in Christ. God is the "Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies" and the "God of all comfort". Praise the Lord that He is indeed the God of all comfort! Much comfort is needed in our sin ridden world. The older I am, and I pray the more I grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the more fully I see the sin issue. Oh, how we needed a Savior! The "God of all comfort", our text says, "comforts us in all our affliction" and, at least in part, He does "so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." Comforted by God so that we might comfort one another as He comforted us. May we be thankful to Him for this. Yes, sufferings may be ours in this life and there may be an abundance of them, but our "comfort is abundant in Christ."
Monday, July 28, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 16th chapter of the Book of 1st Corinthians. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=NASB&search=1%20Corinthians%2016
Two relatively short verses in this last chapter of 1st Corinthians summarizes much of what Paul had written to them in the entire sixteen chapters. In verses 13 and 14 the Apostle Paul was inspired to write, "Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love". In keeping with much of what Paul had already written to the believers in Corinth, these two verses maintain their great profitability for churches all around the world today. Oh, how needful in our day for the church to be "on the alert"! Many have been "asleep at the wheel" for many years and the spiritual health of the church has suffered for it. Although admonished here and in other passages of scripture, we have failed to "stand firm in the faith" and have instead been "tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming" as we read in Ephesians chapter four. Spiritual maturity has been unimportant to many, including those who find themselves in leadership and teaching positions. There has been an unfortunate contentment with human wisdom, shallow spirituality and walking as "mere men". Quite frankly, the church struggles to embrace the gospel message, the gospel of grace and the cross of Christ. We must not walk as mere men but as Spirit empowered new creatures in Christ strengthened in His might. And although few would argue against the admonition that all things "be done in love", it seems that many find it difficult to have and maintain a biblical understanding of what Christlike love is. Yes, pray that we might "be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong" and let all that we do "be done in love".
Two relatively short verses in this last chapter of 1st Corinthians summarizes much of what Paul had written to them in the entire sixteen chapters. In verses 13 and 14 the Apostle Paul was inspired to write, "Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love". In keeping with much of what Paul had already written to the believers in Corinth, these two verses maintain their great profitability for churches all around the world today. Oh, how needful in our day for the church to be "on the alert"! Many have been "asleep at the wheel" for many years and the spiritual health of the church has suffered for it. Although admonished here and in other passages of scripture, we have failed to "stand firm in the faith" and have instead been "tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming" as we read in Ephesians chapter four. Spiritual maturity has been unimportant to many, including those who find themselves in leadership and teaching positions. There has been an unfortunate contentment with human wisdom, shallow spirituality and walking as "mere men". Quite frankly, the church struggles to embrace the gospel message, the gospel of grace and the cross of Christ. We must not walk as mere men but as Spirit empowered new creatures in Christ strengthened in His might. And although few would argue against the admonition that all things "be done in love", it seems that many find it difficult to have and maintain a biblical understanding of what Christlike love is. Yes, pray that we might "be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong" and let all that we do "be done in love".
Friday, July 25, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 15th chapter of the Book of 1st Corinthians. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=NASB&search=1%20Corinthians%2015
To be sure, there is much to rejoice in throughout scripture. But I rejoice in the clear and simple proclamation of truth found in verses 3 and 4 of today's chapter. "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the scriptures" Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth. Praise God for these matters of "first importance", the glorious gospel message! These are not just important matters, but the matters of first importance. Our faith rests on the truths they proclaim. One might say that nothing else matters without them. That Christ died for our sins. That Christ was buried and that Christ rose on the third day. Oh, yes, without a doubt, they are the matters of first importance. The matters of utmost importance. Everything else we believe in and teach as Christians is only true because of these truths. May we praise God for these matters of first importance today and each day.
To be sure, there is much to rejoice in throughout scripture. But I rejoice in the clear and simple proclamation of truth found in verses 3 and 4 of today's chapter. "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the scriptures" Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth. Praise God for these matters of "first importance", the glorious gospel message! These are not just important matters, but the matters of first importance. Our faith rests on the truths they proclaim. One might say that nothing else matters without them. That Christ died for our sins. That Christ was buried and that Christ rose on the third day. Oh, yes, without a doubt, they are the matters of first importance. The matters of utmost importance. Everything else we believe in and teach as Christians is only true because of these truths. May we praise God for these matters of first importance today and each day.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 13th chapter of the Book of 1st Corinthians. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2013&version=NASB
Often referred to as "the love chapter", today's scripture tells us much regarding the significance of love. In the first three verses we read the following: "If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing." We see in each of these examples that love is the necessary "ingredient" if you will, that gives value, meaning and profitability to the particular spiritual gift the believer in Christ has been gifted with. Much time could be spent talking about the gifts that Paul speaks of in the chapter but my comment on the matter could be summed up this way. If in fact love is the key, and the text, and others, clearly says that it is, how important it is for the believer to have a right biblical understanding of love! Men, including some believers, often try to define love in a simple and/or singular manner. Scripture teaches us that love is from God, quite literally, that "God is love". Again, if God is love, and He is, we must be careful to grow in our knowledge of Him that we might know what His love looks like. If God is multifaceted, and He is, then one can rightly determine that this love is also. Love may include forgiveness but it cannot be defined by forgiveness. Love may include forbearance but it cannot be defined by it. Love may include tolerance but it cannot be defined by it. Love may include righteousness and holiness but it cannot be defined by it. By God's grace, may we know Him better that we might have a right understanding of love and allow this love be the ingredient that makes all we do in His name have meaning.
Often referred to as "the love chapter", today's scripture tells us much regarding the significance of love. In the first three verses we read the following: "If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing." We see in each of these examples that love is the necessary "ingredient" if you will, that gives value, meaning and profitability to the particular spiritual gift the believer in Christ has been gifted with. Much time could be spent talking about the gifts that Paul speaks of in the chapter but my comment on the matter could be summed up this way. If in fact love is the key, and the text, and others, clearly says that it is, how important it is for the believer to have a right biblical understanding of love! Men, including some believers, often try to define love in a simple and/or singular manner. Scripture teaches us that love is from God, quite literally, that "God is love". Again, if God is love, and He is, we must be careful to grow in our knowledge of Him that we might know what His love looks like. If God is multifaceted, and He is, then one can rightly determine that this love is also. Love may include forgiveness but it cannot be defined by forgiveness. Love may include forbearance but it cannot be defined by it. Love may include tolerance but it cannot be defined by it. Love may include righteousness and holiness but it cannot be defined by it. By God's grace, may we know Him better that we might have a right understanding of love and allow this love be the ingredient that makes all we do in His name have meaning.
Monday, July 21, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 11th chapter of the Book of 1st Corinthians. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=NASB&search=1%20Corinthians%2011
Praised because they had remembered Paul and "in everything" had held "firmly to the traditions" as he had delivered them, the apostle could not praise the Corinthian church for their interactions when they would "come together". Completely opposite of God's intended purpose for His people to gather together, the Corinthians had not been gathering together for the better but for the worse. They had turned their gathering together for the Lord's supper into a fleshly demonstration of division, strife, judging of one another, self indulgence, etc.. It was all in stark contrast to what we find elsewhere in scripture regarding doing that which is for the better and not for the worse. Here is a list of such admonitions found that are clearly "for the better". Love one another or abound in love for one another. Encourage one another. Comfort one another. Be devoted to one another. Give preference to one another. Build up one another. Don't judge one another. Accept one another. Admonish one another. Care for one another. Greet one another. Serve one another. Bear one another's burdens. Be subject to one another. Speak to one another. Be kind to one another. Show tolerance for one another. Regard one another as more important than yourself. Bear with one another. Live in peace with one another. Stimulate one another to love and good deeds. Confess your sins to one another. Pray for one another. Be hospitable to one another. Cloth yourself with humility towards one another. Serve one another. By God's grace and His indwelling Holy Spirit, may we strive to do that which is for the better and refrain from doing those things that are for the worse.
Praised because they had remembered Paul and "in everything" had held "firmly to the traditions" as he had delivered them, the apostle could not praise the Corinthian church for their interactions when they would "come together". Completely opposite of God's intended purpose for His people to gather together, the Corinthians had not been gathering together for the better but for the worse. They had turned their gathering together for the Lord's supper into a fleshly demonstration of division, strife, judging of one another, self indulgence, etc.. It was all in stark contrast to what we find elsewhere in scripture regarding doing that which is for the better and not for the worse. Here is a list of such admonitions found that are clearly "for the better". Love one another or abound in love for one another. Encourage one another. Comfort one another. Be devoted to one another. Give preference to one another. Build up one another. Don't judge one another. Accept one another. Admonish one another. Care for one another. Greet one another. Serve one another. Bear one another's burdens. Be subject to one another. Speak to one another. Be kind to one another. Show tolerance for one another. Regard one another as more important than yourself. Bear with one another. Live in peace with one another. Stimulate one another to love and good deeds. Confess your sins to one another. Pray for one another. Be hospitable to one another. Cloth yourself with humility towards one another. Serve one another. By God's grace and His indwelling Holy Spirit, may we strive to do that which is for the better and refrain from doing those things that are for the worse.
Friday, July 18, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 10th chapter of the Book of 1st Corinthians. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2010&version=NASB
Among the things we find in today's chapter, Paul continues to speak of similar things mentioned in my short thoughts from the previous day's text. In the freedom that is found in Christ, Paul wrote that "all things are lawful" for the one who has been justified by grace and through faith. But in the text, twice Paul comments on the lawfulness of all things in Christ, saying, "but not all things are profitable" and "but not all things edify". Our freedom in Christ is tempered by the love we have received from Christ. So it is not simply about what is lawful for me, but about what, through love, is profitable and edifying to others. He writes, that in our freedom, we are not to seek our own good but the good of our neighbor. There are a multitude of different situations that one might find themselves in where their freedom in Christ grants them certain liberties. But our freedom in Christ is meant to be held in check with an obligation of love to do that which is edifying and profitable for the body of Christ. With God's help, may we each one be mindful of the things that are profitable, the things that edify.
Among the things we find in today's chapter, Paul continues to speak of similar things mentioned in my short thoughts from the previous day's text. In the freedom that is found in Christ, Paul wrote that "all things are lawful" for the one who has been justified by grace and through faith. But in the text, twice Paul comments on the lawfulness of all things in Christ, saying, "but not all things are profitable" and "but not all things edify". Our freedom in Christ is tempered by the love we have received from Christ. So it is not simply about what is lawful for me, but about what, through love, is profitable and edifying to others. He writes, that in our freedom, we are not to seek our own good but the good of our neighbor. There are a multitude of different situations that one might find themselves in where their freedom in Christ grants them certain liberties. But our freedom in Christ is meant to be held in check with an obligation of love to do that which is edifying and profitable for the body of Christ. With God's help, may we each one be mindful of the things that are profitable, the things that edify.
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 9th chapter of the Book of 1st Corinthians. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%209&version=NASB
In today's text the Apostle Paul acknowledged a right that he possessed as an apostle, to get his living from the gospel as the Lord had directed. Those who proclaimed the gospel, he wrote, were to get their living from the gospel. Without a doubt, Paul was one who proclaimed the gospel message and was within his rights to get his living from the gospel. But although in Christ and in His church we may have certain rights we are free to claim, our rights are subordinate to the gospel of Christ. Although Paul "sowed spiritual things" and had the right to "reap material things", the gospel message itself was more important than any right that he may have been granted as a preacher of the gospel. His life and conscience was guided by this principal, "we endure all things (including his forfeiture of this right) so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ". I suppose similar to the words found in Deuteronomy chapter 8 and recorded as having been spoken by the Lord Jesus Himself in both Mathew and Luke's gospel accounts, "man shall not live by bread alone". Oh, to be sure, Paul needed bread and he needed water, but he needed to preach the gospel, not to get his living from doing so, but to have life, and that more abundantly, from doing so. May we always view our "rights" in light of the higher calling of the gospel and like Paul, wish never to cause any hindrance to the gospel message.
In today's text the Apostle Paul acknowledged a right that he possessed as an apostle, to get his living from the gospel as the Lord had directed. Those who proclaimed the gospel, he wrote, were to get their living from the gospel. Without a doubt, Paul was one who proclaimed the gospel message and was within his rights to get his living from the gospel. But although in Christ and in His church we may have certain rights we are free to claim, our rights are subordinate to the gospel of Christ. Although Paul "sowed spiritual things" and had the right to "reap material things", the gospel message itself was more important than any right that he may have been granted as a preacher of the gospel. His life and conscience was guided by this principal, "we endure all things (including his forfeiture of this right) so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ". I suppose similar to the words found in Deuteronomy chapter 8 and recorded as having been spoken by the Lord Jesus Himself in both Mathew and Luke's gospel accounts, "man shall not live by bread alone". Oh, to be sure, Paul needed bread and he needed water, but he needed to preach the gospel, not to get his living from doing so, but to have life, and that more abundantly, from doing so. May we always view our "rights" in light of the higher calling of the gospel and like Paul, wish never to cause any hindrance to the gospel message.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 8th chapter of the Book of 1st Corinthians. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%208&version=NASB
In a world where there are indeed, "many gods and many lords", a world where "so-called gods" abound in heaven and on earth, we ought to be thankful for the Lord's revealed truth about such matters. Although men may worship "other gods" and give sacrifice to a host of idols of their making, the word of God proclaims that there is only one God! Men cannot create a god by believing in it. The proclamation of millions that something is true does not in and of itself make it true. "There is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him" Paul writes in today's text. In a world where religions abound and various god's and idols are worshiped, I am thankful for the reminder from scripture that it is not as if our God is better or bigger than theirs. It is that our God is the only God. In his letter to the Ephesian believers, Paul declared the oneness of God when he said that there is "one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all." What a privilege is mine to know the one and only true God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
In a world where there are indeed, "many gods and many lords", a world where "so-called gods" abound in heaven and on earth, we ought to be thankful for the Lord's revealed truth about such matters. Although men may worship "other gods" and give sacrifice to a host of idols of their making, the word of God proclaims that there is only one God! Men cannot create a god by believing in it. The proclamation of millions that something is true does not in and of itself make it true. "There is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him" Paul writes in today's text. In a world where religions abound and various god's and idols are worshiped, I am thankful for the reminder from scripture that it is not as if our God is better or bigger than theirs. It is that our God is the only God. In his letter to the Ephesian believers, Paul declared the oneness of God when he said that there is "one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all." What a privilege is mine to know the one and only true God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 7th chapter of the Book of 1st Corinthians. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%207&version=NASB
Much is written in today's chapter about husbands and wives, married life and single life, self-control, whether or not to remain a widow, the state you were in at your calling, virginity, etc. Although time would not permit me to go into each or even one of these matters in detail, there are a couple of things the apostle says in the midst of it all that I would like to note. "The form of this world is passing away" he writes at the end of verse 31. "I want you to be free from concern" he writes in verse 32. And in verse 35 we read that he wishes to "promote what is appropriate and to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord." In the midst of all that believers face each and every day, from the routine and mundane to the new adventures, joys, struggles and life affecting decisions, may we remember these truths. The world in which we live IS passing away and are hope is of heaven and not of this world. As we live by faith and not by sight, may we find rest in our gracious God and Savior and find the freedom from concern that only He provides. May it be our passion and hearts desire to know and teach that which is consistent with Godliness and may we long for that "undistracted devotion to the Lord" the apostle spoke of.
Much is written in today's chapter about husbands and wives, married life and single life, self-control, whether or not to remain a widow, the state you were in at your calling, virginity, etc. Although time would not permit me to go into each or even one of these matters in detail, there are a couple of things the apostle says in the midst of it all that I would like to note. "The form of this world is passing away" he writes at the end of verse 31. "I want you to be free from concern" he writes in verse 32. And in verse 35 we read that he wishes to "promote what is appropriate and to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord." In the midst of all that believers face each and every day, from the routine and mundane to the new adventures, joys, struggles and life affecting decisions, may we remember these truths. The world in which we live IS passing away and are hope is of heaven and not of this world. As we live by faith and not by sight, may we find rest in our gracious God and Savior and find the freedom from concern that only He provides. May it be our passion and hearts desire to know and teach that which is consistent with Godliness and may we long for that "undistracted devotion to the Lord" the apostle spoke of.
Monday, July 14, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 6th chapter of the Book of 1st Corinthians. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=NASB&search=1%20Corinthians%206
Reminded that they would judge the world and also judge angels, the Apostle Paul tells the Corinthian believers that there ought to be men among them with the wisdom to judge matters of this life. To their shame and ultimately to their own detriment, they were taking matters between "brethren", members of the body of Christ, to the "law courts" and not before the saints. He went further in his God inspired reprimand and told them that it was already a "defeat" to them that they had lawsuits against one another. He posed two challenging question to them that would be good for us to consider as well. "Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded?" Each question implied that it would be better for them, and better for the body of Christ, to be wronged or to be defrauded. He was in no way suggesting that it was right or acceptable to wrong and defraud one another in the body of Christ without thought or consequence. But again, it is also clear that he was saying that it would be better for them to be wronged defrauded in the matters they had taken one another to unbelievers to decide between. He had previously written to them that "when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted we endure". Such living in this world is made possible as the Spirit lives the life of Christ in us. He receives the glory.
Reminded that they would judge the world and also judge angels, the Apostle Paul tells the Corinthian believers that there ought to be men among them with the wisdom to judge matters of this life. To their shame and ultimately to their own detriment, they were taking matters between "brethren", members of the body of Christ, to the "law courts" and not before the saints. He went further in his God inspired reprimand and told them that it was already a "defeat" to them that they had lawsuits against one another. He posed two challenging question to them that would be good for us to consider as well. "Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded?" Each question implied that it would be better for them, and better for the body of Christ, to be wronged or to be defrauded. He was in no way suggesting that it was right or acceptable to wrong and defraud one another in the body of Christ without thought or consequence. But again, it is also clear that he was saying that it would be better for them to be wronged defrauded in the matters they had taken one another to unbelievers to decide between. He had previously written to them that "when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted we endure". Such living in this world is made possible as the Spirit lives the life of Christ in us. He receives the glory.
Friday, July 11, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 5th chapter of the Book of 1 Corinthians. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=NASB&search=1%20Corinthians%205
It was unfortunate but true; there was immorality in the church at Corinth that was "of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles". Perhaps there were many factors that contributed to their struggling spiritual condition but one that I would note was their pride. Their arrogance had kept them from mourning about the things they were doing that were not consistent with the character and teaching of Christ. In verse 6 the Apostle Paul lovingly told them that "their boasting was not good". If it was not good it was bad and if it was bad it came with negative results. Boasting remains an unhealthy act for individual believers or for the church gathered together. James wrote of arrogant boasting and said that "all such boasting is evil". In Galatians Paul asserted, "may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ". And in his second letter to the Corinthians he wrote that "he who boasts is to boast in the Lord". May we fix our eyes on Jesus, grow in grace and in the knowledge of Him and boast only in our glorious Savior as we marvel in Him.
It was unfortunate but true; there was immorality in the church at Corinth that was "of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles". Perhaps there were many factors that contributed to their struggling spiritual condition but one that I would note was their pride. Their arrogance had kept them from mourning about the things they were doing that were not consistent with the character and teaching of Christ. In verse 6 the Apostle Paul lovingly told them that "their boasting was not good". If it was not good it was bad and if it was bad it came with negative results. Boasting remains an unhealthy act for individual believers or for the church gathered together. James wrote of arrogant boasting and said that "all such boasting is evil". In Galatians Paul asserted, "may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ". And in his second letter to the Corinthians he wrote that "he who boasts is to boast in the Lord". May we fix our eyes on Jesus, grow in grace and in the knowledge of Him and boast only in our glorious Savior as we marvel in Him.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 4th chapter of the Book of 1st Corinthians. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%204&version=NASB
As I consider today's passage of scripture I intend for my comments to be somewhat brief. I suppose in a sense, Paul may have been speaking of himself and others in similar positions of authority when he said, "Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God." But are we not all His servants and all stewards of the gospel message? I believe that we are and that what he goes on to say about stewardship is applicable to each of us. He writes, "It is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy." Oh, that we might be found by God to be trustworthy stewards of the mysteries of Christ that God has graciously revealed to us. Trustworthy and faithful to the word of truth. In Ephesians Paul wrote of "the stewardship of God's grace" which had been given to him and in 1st Peter the Apostle Peter wrote of "serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God". As stewards, may we handle God's grace with great care and watchfulness. The gospel of grace both requires and is worthy of our being trustworthy with it. May God help us in this endeavor and may we remember Peter's words that teach us that such stewardship is a manner of "serving one another".
As I consider today's passage of scripture I intend for my comments to be somewhat brief. I suppose in a sense, Paul may have been speaking of himself and others in similar positions of authority when he said, "Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God." But are we not all His servants and all stewards of the gospel message? I believe that we are and that what he goes on to say about stewardship is applicable to each of us. He writes, "It is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy." Oh, that we might be found by God to be trustworthy stewards of the mysteries of Christ that God has graciously revealed to us. Trustworthy and faithful to the word of truth. In Ephesians Paul wrote of "the stewardship of God's grace" which had been given to him and in 1st Peter the Apostle Peter wrote of "serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God". As stewards, may we handle God's grace with great care and watchfulness. The gospel of grace both requires and is worthy of our being trustworthy with it. May God help us in this endeavor and may we remember Peter's words that teach us that such stewardship is a manner of "serving one another".
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the third chapter of the Book of 1st Corinthians. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%203&version=NASB
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 2nd chapter of the Book of 1st Corinthians. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%202&version=NASB
Paul did not look to, nor rely on "superiority of speech" or "persuasive words of wisdom" when preaching the gospel. Spirit led, Paul was determined to preach "Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. Oh, that all those who step into the pulpit of churches across our country were to preach Jesus Christ, and Him crucified! Paul was quite aware of the tendencies that exist to preach with a supposed superiority of speech and with persuasive words of wisdom. But he was also quite aware that the latter lacked the power to save souls and change lives. In the first chapter of the Book of Romans Paul had declared that he was "not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes". "It" was the gospel. The gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel of grace. And as he wrote in verse five of today's text, our faith is to rest on the power of God and not on the wisdom of men. Let me just say that there is no true rest on the wisdom of men.
Paul did not look to, nor rely on "superiority of speech" or "persuasive words of wisdom" when preaching the gospel. Spirit led, Paul was determined to preach "Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. Oh, that all those who step into the pulpit of churches across our country were to preach Jesus Christ, and Him crucified! Paul was quite aware of the tendencies that exist to preach with a supposed superiority of speech and with persuasive words of wisdom. But he was also quite aware that the latter lacked the power to save souls and change lives. In the first chapter of the Book of Romans Paul had declared that he was "not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes". "It" was the gospel. The gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel of grace. And as he wrote in verse five of today's text, our faith is to rest on the power of God and not on the wisdom of men. Let me just say that there is no true rest on the wisdom of men.
Monday, July 7, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 1st chapter of the Book of 1st Corinthians. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=NASB&search=1%20Corinthians%201
You can't get past the introduction of Paul's first letter to the church in Corinth without rejoicing in truths of our common faith in the Lord Jesus that are touched on there. Paul is "called as an apostle of Jesus Christ" and we are, each one, "saints by calling". Let us rejoice in the One who calls! In Paul's letter to the Romans, he said that it was "God's purpose according to His choice" that would stand and "not because of works but because of Him who calls." Paul lacked the ability to become an apostle on his own initiative and was dependent upon He who calls. I entirely lacked the ability to become a saint by my own doing but can rejoice that my sainthood is not based on my worthiness but on Him who has made me a saint by calling. In my attempt to be somewhat brief with my thoughts from each day's chapter, I will comment briefly on a couple of other passages from today's text. In verse four we are told that the grace of God is a gift that has been given to the believer in Christ Jesus. Like Paul, we should be ever thankful to God for such a gift as His grace. And it is with a loud "amen" that I respond to Paul's words in the fifth verse that remind us (if we should need such a reminder) that "in everything" we have been "enriched in Him". Abundant life in Christ is an enriched life indeed. And in verse thirty we find the truth of how we have found ourselves in this glorious position in Christ. "By His doing" Paul wrote, "you are in Christ Jesus". Oh, how we ought to glory in His calling, His doing and His Son.
You can't get past the introduction of Paul's first letter to the church in Corinth without rejoicing in truths of our common faith in the Lord Jesus that are touched on there. Paul is "called as an apostle of Jesus Christ" and we are, each one, "saints by calling". Let us rejoice in the One who calls! In Paul's letter to the Romans, he said that it was "God's purpose according to His choice" that would stand and "not because of works but because of Him who calls." Paul lacked the ability to become an apostle on his own initiative and was dependent upon He who calls. I entirely lacked the ability to become a saint by my own doing but can rejoice that my sainthood is not based on my worthiness but on Him who has made me a saint by calling. In my attempt to be somewhat brief with my thoughts from each day's chapter, I will comment briefly on a couple of other passages from today's text. In verse four we are told that the grace of God is a gift that has been given to the believer in Christ Jesus. Like Paul, we should be ever thankful to God for such a gift as His grace. And it is with a loud "amen" that I respond to Paul's words in the fifth verse that remind us (if we should need such a reminder) that "in everything" we have been "enriched in Him". Abundant life in Christ is an enriched life indeed. And in verse thirty we find the truth of how we have found ourselves in this glorious position in Christ. "By His doing" Paul wrote, "you are in Christ Jesus". Oh, how we ought to glory in His calling, His doing and His Son.
Friday, July 4, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 16th chapter of the Book of Romans. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2016&version=NASB
Perhaps not as often as it should be, but every once in a while someone's "behind the scene" ministry is pointed out and gratitude for their servant's heart is expressed towards them and to the Lord whom they selflessly serve. We have such an example in our text today and we ought to be reminde The Apostle Paul begins this 16th and final chapter of his letter to the Romans by commending a sister in Christ, Phoebe, to the believers in Rome, describing her as "a servant of the church which is in Cenchrea". Reading these words regarding Phoebe, I can't help but be reminded of the words that Jesus spoke to the twelve when He told them, "If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." Phoebe served that portion of the Lord Jesus Christ's church that called Cenchrea their home. In commending her to the Roman Christians, he directs them to "receiver her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints". The worthiness of the saint(s) is based not on their "saintly behavior" but on the One who died for them. In addition to receiving her, the apostle directs that they also help her in whatever matter she has need of them. Paul ends verse two by saying that Phoebe had been a "helper of many" and that she had been a helper to Paul himself. In essence he was telling them to help the helper. That the helper was herself, worthy of being helped also. May we never take for granted those who are helpers and servants in our Lord's Church. And may we to be ready to both receive them and to help them in any way they have need of us.
Perhaps not as often as it should be, but every once in a while someone's "behind the scene" ministry is pointed out and gratitude for their servant's heart is expressed towards them and to the Lord whom they selflessly serve. We have such an example in our text today and we ought to be reminde The Apostle Paul begins this 16th and final chapter of his letter to the Romans by commending a sister in Christ, Phoebe, to the believers in Rome, describing her as "a servant of the church which is in Cenchrea". Reading these words regarding Phoebe, I can't help but be reminded of the words that Jesus spoke to the twelve when He told them, "If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." Phoebe served that portion of the Lord Jesus Christ's church that called Cenchrea their home. In commending her to the Roman Christians, he directs them to "receiver her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints". The worthiness of the saint(s) is based not on their "saintly behavior" but on the One who died for them. In addition to receiving her, the apostle directs that they also help her in whatever matter she has need of them. Paul ends verse two by saying that Phoebe had been a "helper of many" and that she had been a helper to Paul himself. In essence he was telling them to help the helper. That the helper was herself, worthy of being helped also. May we never take for granted those who are helpers and servants in our Lord's Church. And may we to be ready to both receive them and to help them in any way they have need of us.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 15th chapter of the Book of Romans. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2015&version=NASB
The first verse of today's chapter says that "we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves." It is one of many of what I have called the "ought to" passages; actions or attributes that "ought" to be ours in Christ but not necessary present in our lives unceasingly. The "ought to's" can only become a reality in our lives as we walk in the Spirit; as Christ lives in us. These "ought to" passages have a higher purpose than to simply tell us what the believer in Christ ought to do or be. In today's passage we see that the "ought to" would work to help the believers in Rome being of one accord, so that with one voice they might "glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." May God grant us a heart's desire to "be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus" for the high calling of glorifying God with one voice. It is what we ought to do.
The first verse of today's chapter says that "we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves." It is one of many of what I have called the "ought to" passages; actions or attributes that "ought" to be ours in Christ but not necessary present in our lives unceasingly. The "ought to's" can only become a reality in our lives as we walk in the Spirit; as Christ lives in us. These "ought to" passages have a higher purpose than to simply tell us what the believer in Christ ought to do or be. In today's passage we see that the "ought to" would work to help the believers in Rome being of one accord, so that with one voice they might "glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." May God grant us a heart's desire to "be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus" for the high calling of glorifying God with one voice. It is what we ought to do.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 14th chapter of the Book of Romans. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=NASB&search=Romans%2014
It seems as if the Apostle Paul had laid the foundation for today's text in the previous chapter when he was inspired to write, "Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another". It would do us much good to keep those words in the back, or perhaps the front of our minds when reading today's scripture passage. With Christ's love as our example and our very own source of love, may we owe nothing to anyone except to love them. Today we see Christ's call to be accepting and not judgmental, to not regard a brother with contempt, to be determined not to an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way, to pursue the things that make for peace and the building up of one another, to not tear down the work of God for the sake of our personal opinions and to "not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died". That last phrase, found in verse 15, should be sufficient to put things in their right perspective when in comes to our interactions with brothers and sisters in Christ. The Lord would have us to remember that for each one, Christ died. Thank you Jesus.
It seems as if the Apostle Paul had laid the foundation for today's text in the previous chapter when he was inspired to write, "Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another". It would do us much good to keep those words in the back, or perhaps the front of our minds when reading today's scripture passage. With Christ's love as our example and our very own source of love, may we owe nothing to anyone except to love them. Today we see Christ's call to be accepting and not judgmental, to not regard a brother with contempt, to be determined not to an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way, to pursue the things that make for peace and the building up of one another, to not tear down the work of God for the sake of our personal opinions and to "not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died". That last phrase, found in verse 15, should be sufficient to put things in their right perspective when in comes to our interactions with brothers and sisters in Christ. The Lord would have us to remember that for each one, Christ died. Thank you Jesus.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 13th chapter of the Book of Romans. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=NASB&search=Romans%2013
In the first seven verses of today's chapter we find the Apostle Paul, inspired by God, speaking of a right attitude and perspective that believers are to have of the "governing authorities". Not all that is written is readily and easily appreciated by all brothers and sisters in Christ. But I am reminded that they are the ways of God and the best for His children. It can be difficult to understand statements such as, "there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God." May God help us to be Christ-like in our relationships with the "governing authorities" and in so doing may it be pleasing unto Him. Not to long ago, while leading a small Bible study, I was challenged with the words found in the 8th verse of today's text. Paul wrote, "Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law." If I am to owe someone anything, it is to be the love that God has placed within me to love others with. I can only imagine that such a statement is based on our having been the recipient of His great love for us. We have been loved abundantly and such love ought to be overflowing towards others. Today's chapter closes with such a great and important admonition to each one of us who has been born again and possesses newness of life in Christ. It is to the redeemed He inspires Paul to write, "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts." Oh, that we might heed the call and seek the Lord's strength and guidance in putting on the Lord Jesus Christ and in making no provision for the flesh. Yes, I see that is says "no provision" and believe that it means just that. None, no not any. We must not make provision for the flesh because the flesh is never satisfied. "Provision" is not sufficient as the flesh is insatiable. When it is given something, it will always want more. So put on Christ each day. By grace and through faith, be clothed with His attitudes, His thoughts, His attributes, His life, each and every day. May the Lord Jesus Christ be praised.
In the first seven verses of today's chapter we find the Apostle Paul, inspired by God, speaking of a right attitude and perspective that believers are to have of the "governing authorities". Not all that is written is readily and easily appreciated by all brothers and sisters in Christ. But I am reminded that they are the ways of God and the best for His children. It can be difficult to understand statements such as, "there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God." May God help us to be Christ-like in our relationships with the "governing authorities" and in so doing may it be pleasing unto Him. Not to long ago, while leading a small Bible study, I was challenged with the words found in the 8th verse of today's text. Paul wrote, "Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law." If I am to owe someone anything, it is to be the love that God has placed within me to love others with. I can only imagine that such a statement is based on our having been the recipient of His great love for us. We have been loved abundantly and such love ought to be overflowing towards others. Today's chapter closes with such a great and important admonition to each one of us who has been born again and possesses newness of life in Christ. It is to the redeemed He inspires Paul to write, "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts." Oh, that we might heed the call and seek the Lord's strength and guidance in putting on the Lord Jesus Christ and in making no provision for the flesh. Yes, I see that is says "no provision" and believe that it means just that. None, no not any. We must not make provision for the flesh because the flesh is never satisfied. "Provision" is not sufficient as the flesh is insatiable. When it is given something, it will always want more. So put on Christ each day. By grace and through faith, be clothed with His attitudes, His thoughts, His attributes, His life, each and every day. May the Lord Jesus Christ be praised.
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