PAUSE AND PONDER

The Sinfulness and Depravity of Men - And Women

2012-01-25T23:38:00.000-08:00

Scripture is clear when it proclaims the sinfulness of man. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” the Apostle Paul was inspired to write in Romans 3:23. In Romans 5:12 Paul wrote, “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned”.

In Romans 3:12 we read “ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.” And in Romans 3:10 we find that “THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE”.

The sinfulness and utter depravity of man is on display each and every day in the world in which we live. The news headlines seldom, if ever, lack a news story that depicts the depraved acts of men. Each one contributes to the ever growing mountain of evidence and eye witness testimony in support of the sin indictment against man that is declared in scripture.
As I was recently reading the 14th chapter of the Book of Matthew, I was reminded that depravity knows no gender boundaries. I don’t mean to suggest that this truth had previously escaped me or that I had discovered some hidden truth. It just caused me to pause and consider the depravity of men – and women.

In this chapter we read Matthew’s account of the death of John the Baptist. Most are familiar with the story. John had been telling Herod that it was not lawful for him to have his brother’s wife. This (the truth) had angered Herod and Herodias, his brother’s wife and had resulted in John being jailed.

At a birthday celebration for Herod, the daughter of Herodias had pleased Herod with her dancing. As a reward for pleasing him, Herod promised with an oath to give the girl whatever she asked. The passage tells us that Herodias prompted her daughter to ask Herod to give her the head of John the Baptist on a platter. In fulfillment of his promise, Herod had John beheaded and his head was brought and given to the girl on a platter. The girl then gave it to her mother.

I’m convinced that seeing the head of a man who had been beheaded, sitting on a platter would be grotesque and repulsive to most all people. But nothing in the text seems to suggest that there was anything but glee in the hearts of these two women. They could have asked for wealth and fortune, as Herod had said to the girl that she could ask for up to half of his kingdom. But it was the beheading of a man and his head being delivered on a platter that was the request of a depraved woman and her daughter.
Praise God for the cross of Christ. Praise God for the gospel of grace. Praise God for His ability to save. And praise God for His power to change lives and renew minds. Praise God for His Son, Jesus!

Portions of Scripture to Ponder for 2012

2012-01-02T20:46:00.000-08:00

As we enter this new year I thought I would suggest 12 portions of scripture and encourage you to ponder them during the months of 2012. May the Lord bless you and may you know Him better and have a more intimate relationship with Him at the end of the year. Lord willing, I hope to pause, ponder and write some thoughts related to each of these portions of scripture during the coming months. God bless!

1 John 3:1 "See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him."

Ephesians 4:1 "Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called."

Colossians 3:1-2 " Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth."

1 Peter 1:13 " Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

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

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."

Philippians 3:8-10 "More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death".

Hebrews 12:1-2 "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

1 Timothy 6:12 "Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses."

Romans 8:28 "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

2 Peter 1:2-3 "Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence."

2 Peter 3:17-18 "You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."

For You, a Savior.

2011-12-25T15:44:00.000-08:00

In the first chapter of Luke's gospel, in verses 8-11, we read the following words regarding the announcement of the birth of Jesus. In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

For good reason, this was a grand and glorious announcement that was accompanied by "the glory of the Lord" shining about. We are not given an exact number of the persons who first heard these wondrous words; only that the angelic proclamation was made to "some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night." The significance of the announcement was not found in the number of persons that it was made to, but in the content of the announcement itself and the number of persons that needed a savior. The Savior of men had been born! Oh, how great was our need of a savior.

In Matthew 1:21 we read that our Savior's name would be Jesus and that He would "save His people from their sins." The multitude of our sins is staggering to consider. Surely, using the descriptive words found elsewhere in scripture, our sins are greater in number than the sands of the seashores! It is difficult for me to find the words that are sufficient to fully describe how desperate our need of a savior was.

As I consider the great news of our Savior's birth, I can't help but recall the many stories that have been in the news this past year that proclaim the depravity of men and his desperate need of a savior. I know that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" but there are certain sinful acts that men commit that seem to affirm the truth of total depravity. Fathers and mothers murdering their children. Children abducted from their homes and murdered by strangers. Earlier this month the body of a 7 year old girl was found in a dumpster where her killer had left her. As most of us know, these are just a few of the many stories one could find if he chose to look for them all. And these are only but a small number of the countless acts of depravity amongst men that are fueled by sin. Our hearts should break that these horrific stories have become all to common, so much so that their shock is waning. Yes indeed, out of great necessity and the love of God, a Savior has been born for us.

Sin's impact on humanity rejects the notion of boundaries and you can not find a place where it is not present and wrecking havoc. Following my pastor's recent return from ministering in Uganda, I was considering this sober truth. In so many ways, life for the people in a small village in Uganda is so drastically different than life for those who live here in America. Some of these differences are stark. But sin is a different matter. Sin is very much present no matter where one may find themselves dwelling upon this earth. Sin is present in New York City (New York), Astoria (Oregon), Kampala (Uganda) or Muge Village (Uganda). For all who dwell in these different places around the world, no matter what their differences may be, we rejoice in knowing that a Savior was born for us on that first Christmas day.

What a privilege it is to know the Savior. To know His name. To be forgiven of one's sin. On this Christmas day I would ask that you to pray for those who know not the Lord Jesus. And praise God that the Holy Spirit continues His ministry in the world. Join with me in praising God on this Christmas day, knowing that in different locations around the world, the Spirit will reveal the truth of Jesus to men, women and children. All of which are in need of a Savior. Praise the Lord.

Pastor Ray Persson and That Which is Very Much Better

2011-12-08T22:31:00.000-08:00

The body of Christ experienced the loss of one of its steadfast members this past Friday evening. Pastor Ray Persson was 93 years old when he passed into glory last week. Praise the Lord, that as brothers and sisters in Christ we can rejoice amidst sorrow. We know that many years ago Pastor Ray trusted in the finished work of Christ on Calvary for salvation and he became a possessor of eternal life in Christ. He had believed in the One who is able to save to the uttermost!

We “need not grieve as do the rest who have no hope” wrote the Apostle Paul, but sorrow is OK and is not a sign that our faith is lacking. The Apostle Paul, a man who loved the Lord and lived a life that was marked by faith wrote these words in Philippians 2:25-27; “But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need; because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. For indeed he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow.”

Although he knew of the victory and hope possessed by the believer in Christ, Paul acknowledged that sorrow was still something that was real in the life of the Christian. But he rejoiced in the “God of all comfort” and the “Father of Mercies”.

I had the privilege of meeting and becoming acquainted with Pastor Ray as he attended the Lewis and Clark Bible Church these past few years with his daughter her family. I had the privilege of having him in my Sunday School Class on many occasions. His presence was edifying to the class and to our church.

In the few years that I had the privilege to know him, I saw Pastor Ray, first and foremost, as a man who loved the Lord Jesus. He loved his family, he loved his brothers and sisters in Christ and he had a heart for the lost. He was kind, gentle and humble. He was an encouragement to others. He was one of those rare men that I have known that you could sense the presence of Christ in him.

As I read Pastor Ray’s obituary earlier in the week I noted these words that were written; “He served in the U.S. Army, Merchant Marine and Navy for five years, and received the World War II Victory Medal. He was a machinist's mate on the battleship USS Iowa.”

I’m reminded of another battle that Pastor Ray served in. A struggle that the Apostle Paul said “is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” As a soldier in this struggle Pastor Ray served faithfully for many years and for that I am thankful. He served as a preacher of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. He served as a husband, a father, a grandfather. He served as a fellow worker with others in the ministry. He served as a neighbor, a friend, a prayer warrior. And in his later years, to me and to many others, he continued to serve as an example of faithfulness.

As a soldier in this service, there was no retirement or inactive duty for Pastor Ray. He served until he could serve no more while “in the body”. Until his death this past Friday evening, Pastor Ray’s desire was to please the One who had enlisted him as a soldier in this service. He was a fighter of the good fight of faith. He finished his course. He kept the faith. In this life he received the World War II Victory Medal; the Lord will now award him the crown of righteousness.

In 1^st Corinthians 15:58 the Apostle Paul was inspired to call believers to a standard of Christian living. Pastor Ray Persson heeded that call. In that passage, Paul wrote these words, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” Pastor Ray understood that his enlistment into the Lord’s service was not for a tour of duty of his own choosing. Not for 4 years or 8, or even 25. But for decades he was steadfast, immovable and abounding in the work of the Lord. Like the Apostle Paul, if Pastor Ray was here today he would tell you that these things were true in his life by the grace of God and the indwelling presence of Christ in his life. As I had seen him do before, He would give Christ the glory.

Pastor Ray has come to know quite well that his toil was not in vain in the Lord. Scripture tells the believer that to be absent from the body is to be at home with the Lord. Pastor Ray is present with the Lord today. In Philippians 1:23, Paul spoke of the conflict of feelings that he had about serving Christ in this life and being with Christ. He said that “to depart and be with Christ”, was “very much better;” Service was necessary and rewarding, but nothing could compare with being in the presence of his savior. Pastor Ray now knows that which Paul said was “very much better”. Praise God!

Let me repeat those last few words. “Though he is dead, he still speaks.” Today, Pastor Ray is absent from the body and present with the Lord. His service “in the body” is over. But make no mistake, ask members his family, ask anyone who knew him, and they will tell you that he still speaks today. And I am convinced that he will continue to speak for many years to come. He speaks now by the life of faith that he lived for those many years. May Pastor Ray’s life be an example and a reminder to each of us, that the opportunity that God gives us to continue to speak of Christ and faithfulness after our death is determined by the life that we live now.

Father, I thank you for your servant, Pastor Ray Persson. Thank you for revealing the truth of Jesus Christ to him and for calling him to be a preacher of the gospel. Thank you for his steadfastness that was found in your Son. Thank you for the truth of your word and your many promises. I know that absent from the body, Pastor Ray is now at home with his Lord. I pray that you might comfort his family. Encourage them through your grace. May you raise up others in the body of Christ to be faithful, steadfast, immovable and always abounding in the work of the Lord. And may you help us live Christ centered and Spirit filled lives while “in the body” that we might be privileged to continue to speak of Christ and faithfulness after we are at home with the Lord. Guide and direct us in all that we do, we ask in Jesus name, amen.

What Does the Word of God Say?

2011-10-06T22:40:00.000-07:00

It is quite common for believers to ask other believers what they think about a host of matters related to God's word. It's not uncommon for Christians to quote what others have said or written about various bible passages or issues of doctrine. Unfortunately, it may be less common for believers to search the scriptures themselves with a desire to find what God's word says about any given matter.

When I was a young believer I had many questions about various aspects of the Christian faith and doctrine. During the time of my life I'm referring to, which was in the early 1980's, Pastor Richard Casad was shepherding a small community church in Jewell, Oregon. On many occasions I felt compelled to ask him what he believed about these matters of doctrine that I would find myself considering.

I won't say that he never shared his personal thoughts on a passage of scripture or on a particular topic, but more often than not, Pastor Casad would encourage me to prayerfully read the Bible and see what the word of God had to say. Regarding matters of faith and doctrine, he stressed the importance of scripture and the significance of having God Himself reveal truths to the believer through His word.

I have often thanked God for having used Pastor Casad to advise me as he did. As I look back, I feel there were three particularly important lessons that I learned, or began to learn, during that time. The first was how much more meaningful it was (and is) to come to know something that God has revealed to you in His word than to simply believe something that someone else has taught or told you of. The second was how significant it was (and is) to read God's word and find that it speaks to various matters of doctrine on its own. To me this was much different and more powerful than when I would start with a particular doctrine and look for scripture verses to support it or disprove it.

I'm not suggesting for a moment that teaching the word of God to others is not important and that believers should not submit themselves to the teaching of others whom God is using for their growth and edification. And I'm not saying that there is never an appropriate time to search for various scripture texts as they relate to a specific topic. But what I am saying is this. Whatever you have learned through God's provision of a gifted Bible teacher or preacher, and whatever biblical doctrine you have gathered proof texts for; they will become the things you are assured of and convinced of when you see for yourself God's word speaking to them. Praise the Lord!

Well, I said there were three lessons that I began to learn back in those earlier days and the two that I have mentioned are directly related to the third. In harmony with the exercise of gifts that He has given His church, when we prayerfully read the word of God and allow Him to speak to us through it, He reveals His Son to us. We will not grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ apart from His word. The wonders of Jesus are found in the word of God. Do not put knowing biblical truths and doctrine ahead of knowing the Savior better. Seek to know Him and as the Spirit reveals Him through His word, the Spirit will use the word to speak to the matters of truth and doctrine. "In Him all things hold together" and this includes biblical truth and doctrine.

Approximately 28 years have passed since those early words of advice from Pastor Casad. God has again blessed me during these last several years with my current pastor at Lewis and Clark Bible Church, Jerry Conklin. Pastor Jerry offers the same advice and regularly asks and holds up as the deciding factor in all matters of faith and practice, "What does the word of God say?"

I felt compelled to write this short article after recently receiving notice that Pastor Casad had experienced the wonder of being absent from the body and present with the Lord. The one who had advised me many years ago to always look to the word is now himself in the presence of The Word. Praise the Lord.

Prepared Minds

2011-08-30T07:38:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege to speak at my home church this past Sunday. Since I have not taken the time to post on my blog for some time, I thought I would post my notes from my message. I pray that they might be edifying to you.
Message from August 28, 2011

As we have already read this morning, the text for this morning’s message is found in 1^st Peter 1:13. In this passage, the Apostle Peter was inspired by God to write these words.

“Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Consider these three questions if you will.

Is your mind prepared for action? As a church family, are our minds prepared for action?

Are you, are we sober in spirit?

And is your hope, is our hope, fixed completely, let me repeat that, fixed completely on the grace to be brought to you (to us) at the revelation of Jesus Christ?

I believe these are three very important questions for us to consider.

It is the first one that we will address this morning; that matter of our minds being prepared for action.

I want to start by looking at a verse of scripture that I believe captures the significance of what the Lord has laid on my heart regarding this matter.

It is found in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthian church, where in chapter 11 verse 3 we read, “But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.”

Make no mistake, whether we acknowledge it or not, there is a battle being waged for our minds. There is a battle being waged against you and I and against all who have been born again. Against all who have believed the witness God has borne concerning His Son Jesus. Against all who have believed that Jesus died for our sins according to the scriptures. That He was buried and that He was raised on the third day according to the scriptures.

There is a battle for our mind. In part anyway, this battle is “the action” our minds need to be prepared for. The world, the flesh and the devil have a desire for our minds. What we think about. What our minds are filled with. What our minds dwell on. What our minds are set on.

Individually and together they desire to lead us astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. I believe this is a reference to everything that is “Christian”. The “simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ” is the summation of all that is God’s will for the believer in Christ. It includes walking by faith, Christian love, proclaiming the gospel, growing in Christ and so on.

Recently I found myself considering how it was that the world, the flesh and the devil seemed to work together with an uncanny harmony. Working as well together as any championship sports team. But as I thought about it further I concluded that it wasn’t that they necessarily worked together, they just shared a common opposition to Christ. And it was their common opposition to Christ that brought about this sense of harmony.

And in their opposition to Christ they find their opposition to you and I and their desire to lead us astray from devotion to Him. So this is an important matter to consider and one that we must take notice of.

So, how do we “prepare our minds for action”? As I have already mentioned, I think the first step is to acknowledge God’s admonition to do so and understand its importance. We are given other instructions in scripture for preparing our minds for action.

To be prepared for action our minds need renewing.

In Ephesians 4:22-23 the Apostle Paul wrote these words to the Ephesian believers, “that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,” The flesh is corrupt and being corrupted. It is ongoing. It is not getting better. We need to be renewed in the spirit of our minds.

In Romans 12:2, Paul wrote, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Our minds need renewed “so that we may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” For us, I believe “That which is good and acceptable and perfect” is again the “simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.”

We are challenged in this passage of scripture with an unavoidable truth. Transformation, through the renewing of our minds is our antidote or remedy against conformity to the world. If, by the Spirit of God and all that He has provided us, we are not engaged in the process of our minds being renewed, there should be no doubt that the result will be (to differing degrees I suppose) conformity to the world. Conformity of both thought and action.

We must not neglect His precious word. We must not neglect the privilege of prayer. We must not neglect the exercise of the spiritual gifts He has given. We must not harden our hearts against the Spirit’s work in our lives. We must not neglect the gift of Christian fellowship. (Regarding Christian fellowship-I feel compelled to say this: While we are yet unhindered from it, let us not neglect it. In Hebrews 10:25 the author wrote, “not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”) If it has been your habit to forsake the assembling together with other believers, endeavor to break that habit and establish a better one.

A favorite passage of scripture of Pastor Jerry’s is 2 Peter 1:3 where we are reminded that God has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness. We can be sure that He has granted to us that which is necessary for the renewing of the mind. And we must avail ourselves to what He has provided.

Earlier I said that there was a battle going on for our minds; for the things we think about. The things our minds are filled with. The things we set our minds to dwell on.

In Philippians 4:8 the Apostle Paul was inspired by God to direct our minds rightly. He wrote, “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

He says “whatever is ….” True, Honorable, Right, Pure, Lovely, of good repute (favorable or esteemed), Any excellence, Anything worthy of praise.

As we honestly, prayerfully, and Spirit lead consider “whatever is” (?) I believe the Spirit we will direct us to the better things of God and specifically to Christ. It is God that defines and Christ that exemplifies what is true, what is honorable, what is right, what is pure, what is lovely, what is of good repute (favorable or esteemed), He is what excellence is and there is nothing and no one more worthy of praise than Him.

And so the writer says “dwell on these things”. “Dwell” or keep your attention directed upon Him. In our efforts to help others get their minds off of negative things we often tell them to quit dwelling on them. To stop keeping their attention directed that way. It is the complete opposite here. We want our minds to be focused on Christ. We don’t want them wandering elsewhere. May God help us to daily dwell on the Lord Jesus Christ.

As we acknowledge that there is a battle going on for our minds. As we understand that our enemy, the flesh, the world and the devil, are working in opposition to God’s desire for each one of us to have a simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. As our minds our being renewed by His Spirit, through His word, prayer, fellowship, the exercise of spiritual gifts and all that He has provided for life and godliness. And as we dwell on the things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent and worthy of praise, we will see our minds being prepared for action.

A good indicator of how well our mind is prepared for action is where it is set. In Colossians 3:1-2 we read, “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”

All who know Christ have been raise up with Him. All who know Him are admonished to “keep seeking the things above”. Again, I don’t think I can overemphasize this; there is a battle for our affections; for our heart and for our minds. For the things we seek after. We must seek the things above and we must do so today and again tomorrow. We must KEEP seeking. And again, the author is inspired to give us the reason we are called to seek the things above. Because it is Christ who is seated there.

Will you acknowledge today that there is a battle going on for your mind and for the mind of your brothers and sisters in Christ? Will you acknowledge that our enemy wishes to lead us astray from “simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ”? Will you acknowledge that we need to prepare our minds for action? Will you pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ in this endeavor? We cannot do it in the energy of the flesh.

But we must and we can, by the Spirit of God and His provisions have our minds prepared for action.

We can, by His power and grace, not be lead astray. We must surrender to the Spirit for the renewal of our minds. We must dwell on the things that are true, the things that are right, the things that are pure, the things that are lovely, the things of good repute, the things that are excellent and the things that are worthy of praise. We must dwell on Christ. And we must get our minds off of the things of earth and keep, day after day, setting them on the things above – where Christ sits at the right hand of God.

By His grace and power may we individually and as a church family, together have our minds prepared for action. Amen.

Busyness of Life

2011-07-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

June was quite a month for my family and I. Much time was spent preparing for my daughter's wedding that occurred on the 25th of the month. The Lord blessed us with a beautiful day and a most wonderful wedding ceremony and reception. Oh, what a lovely bride!

Earlier in the month I found myself in the hospital after being diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in my lung). This was quite a shock for myself and my family. I am following through with treatment recommendations and also in the process of trying to determine the origin of the blood clot.

With the exception of the Sunday I was in the hospital, my wife and I have continued to travel to Oretown Bible Church (near Pacific City, Oregon) each week where I have been teaching Sunday School and preaching the morning message for about 18 weeks now. I hope to resume writing more on my blog soon. Please pray for my family and I as we go through the steps to address my health matters and do continue to pray for the Lord's will for Oretown Bible Church and the people there. They have become very dear to us.

What a gracious and loving Lord we have. May He be glorified in our lives. Thanks for your prayers.

The Hyperbole that Wasn't

2011-06-03T15:30:00.000-07:00

I know that the title I have chosen for this article does not have the appearance of being very spiritual, edifying or profitable for the believer in Christ and His church. I pray that you might read it through anyway.

You may or may not know what a hyperbole is. But even if you don't, I'm sure that you are likely to have heard and/or used them. They are common in our everyday conversations. Webster's defines hyperbole as an "extravagant exaggeration". Another definition says that a hyperbole "is any rhetorical device or figure of speech that employs exaggeration. It may be used to evoke strong feelings or to create a strong
impression, but is not meant to be taken literally." As you look at the following examples of hyperbole's you will see more clearly what they are, and undoubtedly recognize their usage.

Examples of hyperbole's:
"I'm so hungry that I could eat a horse."
"She cooked enough food to feed an entire army."
"That part of the country is as flat as a pancake."
"My brother is as big as a barn."
"His jokes were so funny that we almost died laughing."
"He's as strong as an ox."
"That hamburger was piled mile high with toppings."

The list could go on and on, but I hope I've help make it clear what a hyperbole is. I never thought I would find myself writing about a figure of speech or any other matter related to the use of the English language. I will now endeavor to explain why I have done so.

Some time ago, in my adult Sunday school class, while I was teaching out of the book of Galatians, I used what many would consider to have been a hyperbole. I used it in reference to Galatians 2:21, where the Apostle Paul wrote, "I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died needlessly." As you may recall, Paul had been addressing the matter of "another gospel" that had been spreading throughout the churches of Galatia. He went on to teach that it was not "another gospel" at all, as there was only one true gospel, the gospel of grace. The gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. But there were those who were teaching that righteousness came through Christ AND observance of the Law. This was, of course, a perversion of the true gospel message.

This passage in Galatians 2:21 suggests a most tragic conclusion by asserting that Christ had died needlessly "if righteousness comes through the law". Of course, we would not just be speaking of his physical death but the entire matter of His death. If He died needlessly, we must conclude that He bore our sins needlessly if He bore them at all. If He died needlessly, His agonizing separation from His father was needless as well. If He died needlessly, He tasted death for no purpose. His agony in the garden, the thorns on his brow, the nails in his hands and feet. All would have been needless. If He died needlessly, He was needlessly born of a virgin.

But what I said during that Sunday School class was that nothing could be farther from the truth. Some might have described my statement as having been a hyperbole. But was it? Was it an extravagant exaggeration? No. Had I used it as an exaggeration to evoke strong feelings or to create a strong impression without intending it to be taken literal1y? Absolutely not!

It was no exaggeration at all. It was meant to be taken as entirely literal. With no doubt in my mind, I absolutely meant that nothing could have been further from the truth than the notion that Christ had died
needlessly. The exact opposite is true. The need for His substitutionary death is proclaimed throughout scripture. Christ's death was not needless, but altogether necessary.

All of our efforts to obtain "righteousness" or to rectify our sin problem, "fall short of the glory of God". It is an error to believe and/or teach that we must add something to our faith in Christ to obtain righteousness. God reckons Christ's righteousness to us through faith. We are complete in Him! Praise God for the all sufficient sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ.

A Prayer Request - To Fully Carry Out the Preaching of God's Word

2011-05-26T00:19:00.000-07:00

In Colossians 1:25, the Apostle Paul was inspired to write, "Of this church, I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed upon me for your benefit, that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God". As I prepared to speak on this passage of scripture last week, I focused on three main points. That God had sovereignly made Paul a minister, or a servant of His church and that He had bestowed on Paul a stewardship that was for the benefit of His church, with a charge to fully carry out the preaching of the word of God.

One thing I continually thought about, was that fully carrying out the preaching of the word of God was directly related to that which "benefited" His church. Even as I shared the message I felt burdened as I considered that many who were speaking in churches all over the country were not preaching the word of God. The very thing, the only thing, that would truly "benefit" His church, the preaching of His word, was not being fully carried out.

Watering down God's word does not benefit His church, preaching Jesus does. Preaching that which is contrary to, or inconsistent with God's word does not benefit the body of Christ, unashamedly preaching the the whole counsel of God's word does. Preaching human wisdom or intellect does not benefit His church, preaching the gospel of grace, Christ and Him crucified does!

The more I considered this matter, I felt as if God was asking me if I had been praying about it. Had I dared ask the One who is able to do "exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think" to intervene and make a difference in this matter? Had I asked Him to work mightily in the hearts of those men, who perhaps had started off well, but had strayed from fully carrying out the preaching of God's word? Had I beseeched Him to change the hearts of men and to draw His "ministers" back to His precious word?

I know that we are in the last days and that some of what we see in the church is prophetic. I suspect that many will continue to preach those things which are not beneficial to Christ's church, even if many were to pray daily for His intervention. But what if we do pray? What if God does change the heart of one or of two who minister in His church? How might that affect His church? How might that benefit the members of His body? I guess it is for that reason that I feel compelled to pray about this matter. It concerns His church, those for whom Christ died.

Would you join with me in praying that God might raise up men who will fully carry out the preaching of God's word? Would you ask God to work in the lives of those who will step into the pulpits of our churches this Sunday and in the weeks to follow, that they might be compelled to preach Jesus? Would you ask God to confirm in the hearts of these men that Jesus Christ remains a rock of offense and a stumbling stone to a lost world, and to preach Him anyway? We need not try to "dress Him up" and make Him more acceptable. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation and the preaching of His word is necessary for our edification. May God help us and may His name be glorified.

Just as He Said

2011-04-24T22:59:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful celbration of the gospel is Easter! The resurrection of Christ and the events preceding it are perhaps the most important events in human history. All of man kind finds themselves either looking forward or backward to this glorious resurrection day. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, the Apostle Paul was inspired to write the following words regarding these events; “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”. That Christ died for our sins, that He was buried, and that on the third day He was raised from the dead, are said to be "of first importance". Without these truths, as revealed "according to the Scriptures", there can be no gospel message, no good news.

Jesus emphasized these truths when He repeatedly told His disciples of there coming occurrence. We read the following accounts
(Matthew 17:22-23) “and while they were gathering together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men; and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day." And they were deeply grieved."

(Matthew 20:17-19) “As Jesus was about to go up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and on the way He said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, and will hand Him over to the Gentiles to mock and scourge and crucify Him, and on the third day He will be raised up."

(Mark 8:31) “And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.”

(Mark 9:30-32) “From there they went out and began to go through Galilee, and He did not want anyone to know about it. For He was teaching His disciples and telling them, "The Son of Man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and when He has been killed, He will rise three days later." But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask Him.”

(Mark 10:32-34) “They were on the road going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking on ahead of them; and they were amazed, and those who followed were fearful. And again He took the twelve aside and began to tell them what was going to happen to Him, saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles. "They will mock Him and spit on Him, and scourge Him and kill Him, and three days later He will rise again."

(Luke 9:22) "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised up on the third day."

(Luke 9:43-44) “And they were all amazed at the greatness of God But while everyone was marveling at all that He was doing, He said to His disciples, "Let these words sink into your ears; for the Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men."

There is no question that His repetition of these truths stressed their importance and significance. I appreciate the last reference where Jesus told His disciples to "Let these words sink into your ears". He was as sure of these events as He was of anything. Not simply because He knew the sinfulness of men and what they were capable of doing, but because He knew the perfect plan of God. The plan, the authority, to “deliver Him into the hands of men” had not been made by men, but by God.And praise God, He rose on the third day!

This was the purpose for His coming to dwell amongst men. This was God’s will being done. He was simply using the sinful hearts of men to accomplish His perfect will. May we never forget and may we never allow someone to persuade us to believe otherwise, that the manger He laid in at His birth, lie already, in the shadow of His cross.

The proclamation made that resurrection morning was grand; "He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying." (Matthew 28:6)

Yes, just as He said! Today we celebrate the fulfillment of His word. He is faithful and true. So, just as He had said:

He was delivered into the hands of men.

He was condemned to death.

He was mocked. He was spat upon. He was scourged.

He was crucified.

He was buried.

He rose the third day!

What a wondrous day is Easter!

Epaphrus, A Faithful Servant

2011-04-02T07:41:00.000-07:00

In his letter to the church at Colossae, the Apostle Paul was inspired to commend Epaphrus, a man who had been involved in Christian service to the Colossians, as being a "faithful servant of Christ". Throughout Paul's letters one would see that Paul did not make such statements lightly. He was a man much about proven character and not just words.

There is not a lot of scripture concerning this man Epaphrus, but it seems that what we have is quite telling. In Colossians 1:3-8, Paul wrote, "We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth; just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit." And in Colossians 4:12-13 we read, "Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis."

From these verses and their context, we gain some insight as to why the Apostle Paul would refer to Epaphrus as a "faithful servant of Christ". Consider these three points. First of all, he had been God's vessel or instrument in the sharing of the gospel of Christ with the people in Colossae. Having been a good steward of the gospel, He had declared unto them the "word of truth". Secondly, it appears that he had been a defender of the gospel of grace. Seemingly aware of it's importance and led by the Spirit, he taught the Colossions in a manner which they "understood the grace of God in truth". And thirdly, though imprisoned for his faith in Christ, out of a God inspired "deep concern" for others, he continued to serve the Colossian believers by "laboring earnestly" for them in his prayers.

Although it is not intented to be a complete list of qualities that might be seen in a faithful servant, in Epaphrus we can learn the following. That a "faithful servant of Christ" is one who lives and shares the gospel of Christ, defends and teaches the gospel of grace, serves in whatever situations they find themselves in and is a person of earnest prayer. The place of service and specifics of it may change but the heart of the faithful servant remains the same. May God so work in our lives that we might be found to be faithful servants of Christ. To God be the glory!

The Local Church

2011-03-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

My home church recently became aware of a small congregation on the Oregon coast that finds themselves without a pastor, following their pastor's retirement after 25 years. As an outreach of our church, God has given me the privilege to go and minister to these brothers and sisters in Christ. I have been graced with the opportunity to teach their adult Sunday School class and preach their morning message. As the Lord allows, the current plan is for my wife and I to travel there each Sunday for the next several weeks. God has already blessed us in this ministry and travel time together.

As I shared with them for the first time last week, I felt compelled to remind them of an important truth. God cares for the local church. He cares for their church, those who fellowship there and for the people that live in the communities surrounding it. Their congregation is not large in number but their love for the Savior is evident. I was reminded of Acts 17:17, where speaking of the Apostle Paul, the author wrote, "So he was reasoning in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and in the market place every day with those who happened to be present." I so much appreciate what it says here. Paul was not moved by the Spirit to speak only to a certain number of people but he shared God's truth "with those who happened to be present."

Paul was concerned for the church that met in Prisca and Aquila's house. He was inspired to write to the church in Rome, the church in Corinth, the churches of Galatia, the church of Ephesus, of Philippi, of Colossae and of Thessalonica. He wrote to Titus regarding the churches on the island of Crete. God is building His Church, the body of Christ. But He cares for the local church. As only God could do, He inspired various letters to be written to believers located in different places and then preserved them for His use in speaking to all members of the body of Christ who have gathered through the centuries at various churches around the world. Praise the Lord for such a miraculous work as that.

May God give direction to this group of believers that He has privileged me to work with and may He give me the words to share each week with those who happen to be present.

The Time is Now

2011-02-20T12:21:00.000-08:00

Some readers may remember a passage of scripture I have commented on from the eleventh chapter of the Book of Hebrews. In this great chapter of faith, in the fourth verse, the writer tells us that by faith, though Abel is dead, he still speaks. As is the case for Abel, I see God reminding us of a couple of undeniable truths for us to consider. We will all "speak" after we are dead and the life that we live now will determine the sort of things we "speak" after we are gone.

Through the death of my father in-law and through His holy word, God has spoken to my heart recently about the importance of "the now". My father in-law left behind many memories and the life that he lived will dictate how he continues to speak to his family and friends as time goes on. But the dead are not afforded another opportunity to speak something new. They may only speak what they previously lived. I pray that this truth may instill in me a sober mindedness that will draw me to a closer walk with Christ through His word and promised Helper.

In a portion of Isaiah chapter 38, Isaiah was inspired to include "a writing of Hezekiah king of Judah". In the 19th verse we find in Hezekiah's writing, these words; "It is the living who give thanks to Thee, as I do today; A father tells his sons about Thy faithfulness." It is while we are living that we can give thanks to God. It is while we are living that we can love and serve one another. It is while we are living that we can "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ". It is while we are living that we can "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God". It is while we are living that we can write in the hearts and minds of others the things that we will later speak when we are gone.

Fathers, while we are living and breathing, let us tell our sons and daughters about His faithfulness today! And may our life in Christ, while we walk this earth now, be such that we will continue to speak to them and others of faith; faith unto salvation and faith for living, when we are gone. May He be praised!

Thoughts and Memories

2011-02-13T17:32:00.000-08:00

My father in-law passed away on Monday, February 7, 2011. He was a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. He has left me with a multitude of memories that are two many to put into words. On behalf of his family I shared the following at his memorial service.

The passing of a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is a very unique event. It is a time marked by many mixed emotions. There is mourning and yet there is rejoicing. There is deep sadness amidst a host of joyous thoughts and memories. There is a great sense of loss and then comfort is our gain. There is anxiousness and then peace. There are regrets and then resolutions of the same. There are questions that are answered and questions that will remain unanswered for now.

Bernard's family has been experiencing all of these emotions since Monday afternoon when he passed away peacefully at his and Donna's home just a few miles from here. Bernard was graced with an unusual opportunity Monday; to pass into the presence of his Savior while resting in his favorite chair. Although Monday was a very difficult day for our family, it marked the end of all difficulties for Bernard and for that we are thankful.

Many years ago Bernard had already passed from death unto life when God had revealed to him the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Bernard had trusted in the saving work of Christ on Calvary's cross, believing that Jesus had died for his sins. By faith Bernard believed the gospel and believed Jesus' words recorded in John 11:25-26 where He said, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die."

Bernard was many things to many different people. He was Donna's constant companion and husband of 56 years. He was a father to their five children; four daughters and a son. He was a father in-law, a grandfather, a great grandfather, a brother, an uncle, a cousin, a nephew, a church member, a brother in Christ, a friend, a teacher, a principal, a superintendent, a boss, a fishing partner, a hunting partner and the list goes on.

Bernard was an extraordinary man with many and varied experiences and interests. He could quickly engage in a conversation with nearly anyone. He served his country in the Air Force. He was a lifelong educator as a teacher and school administrator. He had a love for golf when he was younger. He liked to cook a variety of foods, make homemade apple cider, and smoke fish. He enjoyed reading books and magazines. He enjoyed sports. He collected pocket knives. He had a thing for tooth picks. He enjoyed a variety of outdoor activities including farming, gardening, picking mushrooms, smelt dipping, clam digging, crabbing, hunting and fishing.

He was a kind and generous man with a good sense of humor. He treated people with respect unless you were the operator of a boat that was causing him to veer from his desired trolling path while fishing. He was a man of faith, not a perfect man, but a man who believed in the perfect One. He loved his family and although he might call his grandkids "mug wamps" or "magpies" or similar such names, they were just terms of endearment or he had forgotten their names for a moment. Following a heart attack he experienced a couple of years ago he was advised that only half of his heart was functioning. And although this was medically true, he continued to live life with all of his heart. Even after his 80^th birthday last May he continued to drive into Warrenton early in the morning on several occasions to go sturgeon and salmon fishing this past summer.

Although his family will miss him dearly, we rejoice in our shared faith that he rests in the presence of Jesus now. We find assurance in God's word, that for the believer in Christ, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. We are thankful for the bountiful memories that we have and that we can share them with each other in the days and years to come.

We want to thank each one of you for your words of encouragement, your hugs, your cards, the food, your thoughts, your love and your prayers. We thank you for being a part of Bernard's life and pray that you might enjoy the memories he has left with you also.

I'm Sticking with Jesus!

2011-01-18T23:58:00.000-08:00

Late last week the headlines were everywhere. Local, national and international news agencies all covered the story. The headlines read that Pope John Paul II was to be "beatified" in May of this year. This announcement followed the decision made by Vatican officials, attributing a miracle to John Paul II. The story indicated that a panel of doctors, theologians, cardinals and bishops, appointed by the Vatican, had determined that a French nun's miraculous recovery from Parkinson's disease was due to the intercession of John Paul II. This step in the "canonization" process apparently acknowledges John Paul's entrance into heaven and his capacity to intercede on behalf of individuals who pray in his name. It will give him the title of "blessed" and give authority for him to be publicly "venerated". Another "Vatican approved miracle" and John Paul II may even become a saint some day.

I do not normally comment on matters like this but felt compelled to do so now. Let me first say, that unequivocally, the Apostle Paul's words to Timothy proclaim an everlasting truth; there is "one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus"! "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me" Jesus declared. He alone "always lives to make intercession" for "those who draw near to God through Him" stated the Hebrew author. His miracles were countless and no panel of men, appointed by men, has or ever will be required for validation.

He is the "blessed God", "the blessed and only Sovereign", the One "who is blessed forever" and there is none other like Him! Men have been the recipients of His countless blessings but He alone is the Blessed One. In Christ, all who have believed the gospel message are saints. They are saints, not by virtue of a progression of man made ordinances and requirements, but by the grace of God. I am a saint because of the kind intention of His will, where He purposed to reveal Christ in me, the hope of glory. Soon millions will publicly "venerate" John Paul II, giving him reverential adoration and respect not due any man, save the man Christ Jesus. It is the Lord Jesus Christ who has been exalted by God and given "the name which is above every name".

Yes, I suppose millions welcomed the news of John Paul's anticipated "beatification" and that many will be praying in his name. Sadly, there is no power in his name. But there is power in the name of Jesus! May God open the hearts and minds of men, women and children all over the world to the gospel of grace, the gospel of Jesus. As the words of the great hymn remind us, "Jesus paid it all. All to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain. He washed it white as snow."

Man may deny the truth and supremacy of Christ and continue to exalt other men to positions that He alone is worthy of. And I suppose men, in their own estimation, will continue to determine the time of "beatification", when and to whom to ascribe the title "blessed" and maintain a list of criteria for becoming a "saint". But along "with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours", I'm sticking with Jesus!

Resolved to Turn Away, Resolved to Pray

2011-01-08T22:10:00.000-08:00

Believers and non-believers alike often make New Year's resolutions at or near the beginning of each new year. Resolutions most commonly made are those related to losing weight, discontinuing bad habits or developing more positive ones. A comprehensive list of specific ones would be quite long. The leadership of my home church has put forth a bible reading program that encourages our members to read through the Bible this year. This has already been a blessing for me. God has reminded me of a couple of important truths that I thought I would share.

The first one is spoken of in Isaiah 5:20 where we read, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness: who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!" Oh, how accurately this describes the times in which we live. May God help us to be aware and yet not disheartened by this truth. In a world where evil is called good, darkness is substituted for light and bitter is substituted for sweet, how much do we need the everlasting truth of God's word to light our ways.

The other passage of scripture I wanted to mention is found in the book of Job. In the beginning of the first chapter we are given some insight into the man that Job was. First, in Job 1:1 we read, "There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil." And then in Job 1:5, in reference to Job's concern for his children, we read, "When the days of feasting had completed their cycle, Job would send and consecrate them, rising up early in the morning and offering burnt offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said, "Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." Thus Job did continually."

Oh, that like Job, we also would turn away from evil! Paul wrote of abhorring that which is evil and clinging to that which is good. Peter wrote of the importance of turning away from evil and doing good. We will not turn away from that which we do not see. By His Spirit and through the study of His holy word, may we have the mind of Christ to recognize evil when it is before us. As the Hebrew author was inspired to write about the importance of maturity, he said that "solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil." Oh, how important that we avail ourselves to all that God has provided for spiritual maturity!

And oh, that like Job, we would have a heart for our children in regards to spiritual matters. No, we are not called to offer burnt offerings for our children's sins and we cannot live their life in Christ for them. But I'm talking about the heart of Job. The relationship that his children had with the Lord was a deep concern of his heart continually. When did you last, with great humility of heart, pray earnestly for your sons or daughters? Or perhaps for your grandchildren. If it has been some time, please do so today. May we be serious minded regarding the impact that our life in Christ can have on those close to us.

I cannot help but think of the effect that would be upon the Church, the body of Christ, if God's people resolved to turn away from evil and to cling to what is good. And one can only imagine the impact of believing parents being resolved to be concerned for their children in spiritual matters, continually. Perhaps we will not see the impact of such on the entire body of Christ. But how about an individual life or perhaps a family or a local church? Oh, that Christ may work in our lives, in accordance with His glorious might, to accomplish His will in us. May Christ be glorified in and through our lives this and every other year He grants us.

Overshadowed by the Most High

2010-12-25T14:25:00.000-08:00

The wondrous story of Christmas is a timeless proclamation of good news, great joy, hope, salvation, and grace. As I recently considered the birth of Christ, my attention was drawn to the interaction between the angel Gabriel and Mary as he revealed to her the approaching miracle. Sure, I have read the story many times, but God seemed to speak to my heart about something I had never considered before.

In Luke 1:26-37 we read the following, "Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming in, he said to her, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end." Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" The angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. "And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. "For nothing will be impossible with God."

Following Gabriel's announcement, Mary asked a very practical and a most appropriate question of the angel. "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" As I considered Gabriel's response, I was reminded of several other questions that find their answer resting, at least in part, on the one he gave. How can God remain holy and righteous while imparting forgiveness and righteousness to sinners? How could He be "made like His brethren in all things"? How could God partake of flesh and blood? How can He bid me to come boldly to the throne of grace? How can He use these vessels that are you and I to accomplish His will? How can this mortality someday put on immortality? May we never forget Gabriel's inspired proclamation of truth to Mary. And may we ever lean on the hope that it speaks of. "Nothing is impossible with God." Repeat these words to yourself again and again and never forget them.

As I thought about Gabriel's response to Mary's question further, it occurred to me that Mary and I had something quite significant in common. As she wondered how she could "bear a son" while yet a virgin, Gabriel announced that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and that the power of the Most High would overshadow her. It seemed so clear to me. Had I not also experienced the Holy Spirit coming upon me? Could I not rejoice forevermore that the power of the Most High had overshadowed me? Had not my "empty womb" been given life? And did not the life that grew in Mary bear the same name as The Life that was given me? The wonderful name of Jesus! Praise the Lord for the life giving message of Christmas!!!

Blessed be The Blessor

2010-11-25T10:56:00.000-08:00

I have so much to be thankful for! Our blessed Savior, my family, my new granddaughter, my church family, opportunities to serve, my job, etc.... But today I would like to use the words of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Ephesian believers to express my thanks to our great God. The passage is found in Ephesians 1:3-14 and speaks of so many wonderful truths.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation--having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory."

Lord, thank you!

BEWITCHED

2010-11-17T05:30:00.000-08:00

When I was growing up, my reference for the word "bewitched" was a television show of the same name. It was a light hearted comedy about a witch named Samantha who was married to a mortal (Darrin), and trying to live the life of a typical suburban housewife in America. Samantha's relatives, both witches and warlocks, along with Darrin and Samantha's neighbors, the Kravits and Darrin's employer, McMann and Tate are just some of the characters that contributed to the laughs and entertainment of the show. As a much older man, and member of the body of Christ, I now have a very different reference for the word "bewitched". And this one is no laughing matter at all. It is about something that I pray more Christians become aware of and develop a greater concern for. It is about the bewitching of the Christian church.

In Galatians 3:1, in response to a perversion of the gospel of grace that was occurring in the churches throughout Galatia, the Apostle Paul was inspired to pose the following question to them in his letter. "You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?" The question itself was simply this; "who has bewitched you?" There is no doubt that this question was specific to the matter being addressed by the apostle. The gospel of grace, found wholly and only in Christ, was being deserted for "another gospel", which Paul had unashamedly proclaimed was not another gospel at all.

As I considered the word "bewitched" and the question asked by the Apostle Paul, I became convinced that this issue was not limited to the gospel of grace. On the contrary, I concluded that "bewitching" has so affected Christ's church that one might say that nothing has had a more negative impact on it. Perhaps you may think I'm exaggerating when I say this. It is the meaning of the word that is translated "bewitched" in the Galatian passage that has brought me to this conclusion.

The word translated "bewitched" is the Greek word "baskaino". It's meaning is "to fascinate by false representation". Some of you who are reading this are saying to yourselves, "Oh my gosh, I know exactly what he means about the impact this has had on the Church." Let me repeat the definition one more time. "To fascinate by false representation." There are a multitude of believers who are being fascinated by false representations in the day that you and I live. Oh, how I could only wish it was contained in the churches of Galatia.

What was it that had caused these Galatian believers to "desert the One who had called them by the grace of God for another gospel"? I'm not setting aside the responsibility to be Berean-like and examine what people say in light of God's inspired and infallible word of truth. The Galatian believers were apparently lacking in doing this as they ought to have. But Paul is clearly inspired to write about something else that was occurring. They had been "bewitched". Certainly there were those who had been the instrument of the bewitching. In this case, those composing the churches in Galatia had been fascinated by false representation regarding righteousness coming through the works of the law.

There is a reason that Paul purposed to preach Christ and Him crucified. He admonished against the use of smooth and flattering speech, clever speech and superiority of speech. On more than one occasion he warned of those who would use the same. We have not headed these warnings well. It has leavened the whole lump and has spread like gangrene. In part it is because we have not contended earnestly for the faith. We have neglected to take up the shield of faith. We have failed to take the helmet of salvation and all too often we have left the sword of the Spirit, the word of God, idly in its sheath. We have not rightly divided the word of truth. Many have failed to be on the alert, to exercise discernment and to fix their eyes on Jesus. We have forsaken the assembling together with brothers and sisters in Christ. We have filled our lives with so much busyness that we have no time to consider Jesus, to dwell on the things that are true, honorable, right, pure, etc. We have failed to be serious minded about spiritual matters. We have allowed our minds to be lead astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. We have not gone to the throne of grace as He has welcomed us and bid us come. We have not set our minds on the Spirit as we ought. We have spent too much time walking in the flesh and not the Spirit. We have lacked a passion to know Him and the power of His resurrection; to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Too often we are concerned with what we can get instead of what we can give. Although it is not an exhaustive list, I mention all of these only to say that they have contributed to our susceptibility to be bewitched.

Why is it that many believe in the "health, wealth, and prosperity gospel"? Because many have been fascinated by it through false representation.

How can so many believe in regeneration through water baptism? Because many have been fascinated by it through false representation.

Why have so many believed in the doctrine of holiness or sinless perfection? Because many have been fascinated by it through false representation.

How can so many who claim to be students of the Bible endeavor to use books like "The Shack" through false representation.

How can so many Christian churches have women participating in roles outside the parameters of the inspired word of God? Because many have been fascinated by it through false representation.

How can so many Christians express acceptance for or be ambivalent about the matter of homosexuality? Because many have been fascinated to do so through false representation.

How can so many pastors, elders and other's in positions of leadership and influence be so quick to jettison our pulpits, box up our hymnals and even remove the cross from our churches? Because many have been fascinated to do so through false representation.

Why are so many churches watering down their statement of faith, if they have one at all, and treating "doctrine" as a word to be feared and despised? Because many have been fascinated to do so through false representation.

How can there be so little difference between a rock concert and a Sunday morning song service at many churches? Because many have been fascinated to accept it through false representation.

Why have so many evangelical believers embraced movements to unite and declare commonality with those whose religions reject the precious truths of Christ? Because many have been fascinated to do so through false representation.

And how can so many Christians, like the recipients of Paul's letter to the Galatians, still be ready to abandoned the gospel of grace for another gospel? Because many are still fascinated by it through false representation.

I could go on but I suppose I have said enough. I hope that any reader of this article will now understand why I consider this matter of "bewitching" so serious for the church today. Oh that we might remember the words written by the Apostle Peter and stand firm in the truth "that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness." Praise the Lord that we do not have to be "bewitched"! We need to be humble recipients of all that God has provide us. His word. The Helper. Brothers and sisters in Christ. Gifted men. We need to take Him at His word. We need to be obedient from the heart. Lord, may you work mightily in the lives of your people. Help me. Help my brothers and sisters in Christ. Help us to cling to the Truth, our best defense in our desire to not be bewitched.

Defending the Gospel of Grace

2010-10-16T00:08:00.000-07:00

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;" (Ephesians 2:8) At first I wasn't sure if "defending" was the correct word to use in the title or in the content of this short article. On the one hand I don't feel that God needs me to defend what He has declared as truth. The Bible is His holy word. As the one and only Sovereign He speaks through it with absolute authority. In addition to the authority with which He speaks, power, both of creation and the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, is found in His living and active word. But on the other hand, I am mindful of verses of scripture that admonish the believer to "stand firm", "hold fast", and "fight the good fight of faith". But I believe it was the verses I will note as I continue this article that caused me to conclude that "defending" was perhaps the exact word to use.

In Philippians 1:16 the Apostle Paul wrote that he had been "appointed for the defense of the gospel". I would never suggest that I was appointed for the defense of the gospel in the same manner as Paul was. But in Philippians 1:7, speaking of his imprisonment and of "the defense and confirmation of the gospel", Paul told the Philippian believers that they were all "partakers of grace" with him. Perhaps each one was a partaker and a defender alike. As those who have "obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand", I believe we are also privileged to partake of and defend grace.

The Apostle Peter, in harmony with the Apostle Paul, wrote similar "God breathed" words in 1 Peter 3: 15 when he wrote that we should "always be ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you." The "defense" that we are called to make, or to give, is directly related to giving an account, or giving the reason for the hope that is in us. I will suggest that this reason, or this account, can only be attributed to the gospel. Without the gospel, there can be no hope to give an account for! In this sense I believe we are all admonished to be defenders of the gospel. And if called to be defenders of the gospel we are called to be defenders of the gospel of grace. The two are inseparable.

You must believe strongly in something before you will have a passion to defend it. In his letter to the churches of Galatia, the Apostle Paul left no doubt as to his faith in, and of his passion for, the gospel of grace. You will have to look long and hard to find stronger words of rebuke than those written by the apostle in condemnation of those who were distorting the gospel of Christ; the gospel of grace. Paul was inspired to state clearly that a gospel message other than the gospel or grace was in fact no gospel, or good news, at all. He knew that this message of hope, delivered once for all, was not subject to change despite its existence in a changing world. Passing years could not alter it. Cultures could not modify it. The ebb and flow of societal norms, or man's changing concept of right and wrong could not alter its truth. And all the religions of the world? Well, they would come and go and change as they might, but the gospel of grace would continue to
triumph in the redemption of men's souls.

In his warning and admonition, without reservation and with the utmost confidence in God's steadfastness of truth, Paul went so far as to warn the churches of Galatia against even himself. Bear with me as I explain what I mean. In Galatians 1:8 the apostle warned, "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!" Paul himself is clearly included in the "we" of this verse. Some may ask why, and my response would be that it was necessary. God is stressing the immutability of the gospel of Christ, the gospel of grace. Although a new creature in Christ and an apostle, Paul was still a man. And as a man he was subject to the infirmities of the flesh. I believe Paul was saying something like this to the churches throughout Galatia. "In the years to follow, whether in Galatia or anywhere else, if I am found to be preaching a gospel contrary to the gospel of grace previously delivered, don't believe me! And if I am found doing so, I should be counted amongst those who should be accursed." Paul was serious (God is serious) about the veracity of the gospel of grace.

I feel compelled to ask a question. Where are the defenders of the gospel of grace? Where have they gone? Throughout Christendom, one can faintly hear their voices above the murmur of those who would preach "another gospel". Praise God for those who preach Christ crucified and unashamedly defend the gospel of grace! But why aren't there more of them? Many do not defend the gospel of grace because they do not wholly believe it. I know there is not a single answer to why this is so. A lack of dispensational teaching, a rejection of the total depravity of man, a hidden, yet well rooted desire of the flesh to steal the glory that belongs to Christ and boast therein are but a few reasons I will mention. Oh, how quick men are to welcome grace and then add works to it.

A Precious Little Girl

2010-09-26T09:08:00.000-07:00

God has blessed my son and daughter in-law with their first child, and me, with my first grandchild, Hannah Grace. She is a beautiful little girl! Perhaps it is simply because she is my granddaughter, I don't know. But I am very much taken by her presence. Oh, did I say she was a little girl? Yesterday she weighed a little more than 4lbs 10oz. I hope to return to my blogging through Hebrews soon. For right now, and I suspect for many years to come, I am pondering the wonder of this little girl and the One who has given her.

THE FOREMOST

2010-09-10T22:00:00.000-07:00

There is no doubt it has been read, quoted and preached an innumerable amount of times since the precious word of God has been in the hands of His children. I am referring to the portion of scripture found in 1st Timothy 1:15 where the Apostle Paul describes himself as the foremost of sinners. The verse reads, "It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all."

Paul was not the first to be made God conscience regarding the depth of his sinfulness. In Job 42:5-6 we see Job declaring "I have heard of the Thee by the hearing of the ear; But now m eye sees Thee; Therefore I retract, And I repent in dust and ashes." And in Isaiah 6:5 Isaiah writes, "Then I said, woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts."

In 1st Corinthians 15:9 Paul wrote that he was "the least of the apostles" and that he was "not fit to be called an apostle" because he had persecuted the church of God. To the churches in Galatia he had spoken of how he had persecuted "the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it." In Ephesians 3:8 Paul included the entirety of believers when he stated that he was "the very least of all saints" and yet had been privileged, through grace, to preach the riches of Christ. Indeed, Saul of Tarsus had caused much harm to the body of Christ and to many of its members and their families.

Webster's defines "foremost" as meaning "first in a series of progression" and "of first rank or position." I recently found myself considering Paul's assertion that he was the foremost of sinners. Don't get me wrong; I am not questioning the inspired word of God but just considering the words Paul was moved to write. Was he really first in the line of many and did he actually rank at the very top as the worst of sinners?

Perhaps it was not really his rank amongst sinners that Paul spoke of when he declared himself as the foremost. In 2 Corinthians Paul admonished against measuring or comparing ourselves with ourselves. I suppose that if we did measure ourselves with ourselves, we would come up with a list progressing from the least to the greatest of sinners. Maybe Paul would be at the top of that list and maybe he wouldn't. But the measurement is the "stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ."

And so, was not "foremost of all" sinners Paul's rightful place, his only place, as he looked upon the glorious Christ? In awe, as he considered Jesus and His holiness, aware of his own sinfulness and his salvation by grace, could he have placed himself somewhere other than the foremost? I suspect that Paul may have company in the position as foremost. Is it not the position that will readily be taken by anyone who is granted a heart knowledge of the truths of Christ, His righteousness, salvation by grace and forgiveness of sins?

If you or I would dare gaze wholly on the righteous One, we might also be inclined to declare ourselves as the foremost of sinners and join Paul in crying out, "Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Paul rightly declared himself as the foremost of sinners. As we look upon the glories of our Savior, as revealed through God's holy word, you and I will join him there.

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-08-29T21:45:00.000-07:00

The passage of scripture for today's short thoughts will be Hebrews 12:3. It is here where the Hebrew author was inspired to give us some tremendous words of exhortation and encouragement as he writes of Christ. "For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow wearing and lose heart." Oh, what a wonderful savior we have! Will you consider Him today? And will you consider Him all your tomorrows?

Earlier in this chapter we saw the Christian life described as a race that we are called to run with endurance. In other passages of scripture we see our life in Christ described as a fight, a battle, a war. We are involved in Christian service and find ourselves in the face of much opposition. In 2 Corinthians 7:5 we see Paul giving some descriptive words regarding such matters. "For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within." And in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, Paul wrote the following in regards to his life in Christian service. "Are they servants of Christ?--I speak as if insane--I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep.I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren;I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches."

Some may teach that weariness or losing heart comes only from getting our eyes off of Christ or by trying to accomplish His will in the energy of the flesh. Although this can be true, I would suggest that it is not always so. Useful service for the Master, or running the race set before us, can be difficult and trying. Although I made reference to some of Paul's words above, we could find countless examples of brothers and sisters in Christ who have labored long in following Christ amidst trying circumstances. Loss of heart and weariness are realities that face those who desire the high calling of being bond-servants of Christ.

Praise God that He has provided a remedy, or perhaps even a preventative measure for growing weary or losing heart. We are to consider Jesus. Have you grown weary in service for Christ? Consider Him. Have you lost heart in serving Christ? Consider Him. Webster's provides the following definitions for the word "consider". To think about carefully. We need to do that of Jesus. To regard or treat in an attentive or kindly way. We ought to do so of Jesus. To gaze on steadily or reflectively. Oh, how we need to do so of Jesus! Let us each one consider Jesus. He is worthy of our consideration!

We have new life in Christ. We have abundant life from Him. But He has called us to be servants. We will find great joy in serving Him in a multitude of varying ministries. You may be poured out and used up as you fight the good fight of faith and look to finish your course. If you find that you are growing weary in Christian service, take time to consider Jesus today. He is our strength. If you find yourself losing heart, do not put if off but consider Him now. Doing so will encourage your heart. Get into His word and read about Him. Think carefully about Him. Regard Him in an attentive and kindly way. Steadily gaze upon and reflect upon Him. This is God's gracious provision for us to not grow weary and lose heart. May we heed His invitation to consider Jesus.

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-08-12T13:00:00.000-07:00

The passage of scripture for today's short thoughts will be Hebrews 12:2. This verse concludes the sentence began in verse one and includes a most valuable instruction for the believer in Christ; each one who is running "the race that is set before us". In the fist verse the writer spoke of our need to "lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us." In this second verse we see the importance of "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

"Fixing our eyes on Jesus" is the Divine instruction given by God through the Hebrew writer. When you think about it for a moment, you may find yourself asking the question; "Why would we not fix our eyes on Jesus?" As people who desire to heed the biblical call to live by faith, Christians should long to fix their eyes on Him. He is the author of faith. He is the perfecter of faith. And as people who are called to a life of endurance, there has never been another who has endured more than Him.

Oh, the importance of fixing our eyes on Jesus! Of course, this is not a mere speculative suggestion but an admonition with great significance. It seems evident that if our eyes are fixed on Him they will not be fixed elsewhere. And I cannot suppose otherwise, that if our eyes are not fixed on Him, they will be fixed on matters of much less importance. He is not difficult to find. Seated in glory, He sits at "the right hand of the throne of God." I suppose that our hearts must be fixed on Him before our eyes will be. Scripture tells us that "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." May we earnestly ask the Holy Spirit to make Him our treasure.

"Fixing our eyes on Jesus" speaks of an ongoing, continuous processs. It is not a one time matter. Many, or dare I say all of us who have fixed our eyes on Jesus for a time have found our hearts and minds straying elsewhere. With soberness, alertness and discernment we should acknowledge that there is a spiritual battle for our affections. Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life". May we heed the admonition and in our hearts long to fix our eyes on Him!

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-08-01T00:17:00.000-07:00

Today, as I continue to "blog" through the book of Hebrews, I am privileged to begin the 12th chapter. In the first verse we read, "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us". This single verse of scripture is one of those in which considerable time could be spent on the matters it speaks of. Intending to keep my thoughts somewhat short, I will endeavor to do so in spite of the wealth of topics that are found here.

There is a race that is set before us and of this we can be certain. It is a race that is unlike any other we have been in or have ever seen. Entrance into this race came about through saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Regardless of how well we may be "running", this race is set before each believer. There has never been a more important race for the runner to run well. If we haven't already, we ought to consider and act upon the instructions that God has given us through the Hebrew author in today's passage. They were given to assist us in the race. They were given by divine inspiration from the One who has gone before us.

To run well we will need to consciously "lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us". We are not given a list of these "encumbrances" but are directly told to lay them all aside. Yes, all of them. They are various and innumerable. Simply put, they are anything that weigh us down, impede or hamper us from living for Christ. They are unnecessary burdens in our life that work contrary to a desire to be surrendered to His will and to walk in a manner pleasing to Him. The things that encumber us may not be bad or evil in and of themselves. But if they negatively effect our running the race, they are an encumbrance to us.

In addition to "every encumbrance", we are called to lay aside "the sin which so easily entangles us". We are not told specifically what this sin is. Some will suggest that this sin differs from believer to believer. They maintain that each one of us has a particular sin issue that we struggle with or are entangled by. Given the individuality of each believer, I think there is some truth to this. But I also think that there is a sin "that so easily entangles us". All of us. It is the sin of living according to the flesh and not by faith. As we run the race
that is set before us, I suppose that nothing will entangle us more quickly than the flesh and its desires.

Again, in order to run well, both of these matters need our attention. The "encumbrances" will hold us back and wear us down as we try to carry them along in the race. And sin will entangle us. Bad things can happen when the runner of a race becomes entangled. He or she may trip for just a moment before they regain their composure and are back running well. They may trip and be thrown off course for a time. The time may become prolonged. Or the runner may actually fall and scuff a knee or a hand. Or they may fall harder and break an arm or a shoulder. Because we are all in the race and no one is running alone, the entangled runner may affect the other runners as well. He or she may cause others to stumble, others to fall, others to be hurt. Oh, that for Christ we might run free of encumbrances and entanglement.

I must include a final thought on this passage; one that I would consider myself neglectful if I did not. We are called to run this race with endurance. It may not be short and it will not be easy. Some are misleading of this truth. We may have the opportunity to be in this race for only a short period of time or for many, many years. But He does not ask us to run in our own strength. He offers us His. It provides for great endurance. He affords us His divine power. Of the One who endured the cross it is said, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me". May we heed the words of the Hebrew author as we run the race set before us. Through Him let us run well!

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-07-23T21:43:00.000-07:00

As I conclude the 11th chapter of Hebrews in today's short thoughts, I will include the lengthy portion of scripture that is found in verses 32-40. The author concludes the chapter as he writes, "And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect."

"What more shall I say," the author writes. He could go on providing various accounts of a seemingly endless list of those whose faith was worth noting. Time itself would be his only barrier in doing so. But under divine inspiration he has already spoken clearly regarding the importance of faith and the significance of what God can achieve in and through the lives of those who live by it. Each of those who have been mentioned by the
Hebrew writer, whether by name or generically, had faith as their common tie. A faith that was God's conduit for working in their lives.

We should note that faith was seen as the key in both glorious times of accomplishment and in times of great difficulty. I'm reminded of the Apostle Paul's words regarding the learning of contentment and the secret thereof. There should be no doubt that rightly understood and rightly placed faith is necessary for contentment. We may never find ourselves in a situation where, by faith, we would refuse our release in exchange for torture, but faith will always be the high road to take. May our faith ever increase as we
grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory!

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-07-16T07:35:00.000-07:00

The passage of scripture for today's short thoughts will be from Hebrews 11:31. It is here that we read, "By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace." For me, this has been somewhat of a thought provoking passage as I see God inspiring the Hebrew author to write of the faith of a harlot.

It is quite a list of names that Rahab is mentioned in the midst of. Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David and Samuel. Perhaps the human writer even struggled to include her as he was moved to pen this account of Rahab's act of faith. But God would not only include her, He would make certain that the writer included the descriptive words that follow her name. The harlot. Although He had use no descriptive words for the other 15 persons named in the chapter, He would do so with Rahab. We read and believe that all scripture is inspired by God and that it is profitable. I pray that my comments on this verse might only assist in seeing the profit God can give.

I will start with the more obvious; that faith made the difference for Rahab. Because of faith she "did not perish along with those who were disobedient". Faith continues to make the difference today. It is faith that has made the difference in my life and in the lives of all who believe. By God's grace and through faith, we too will not perish with the disobedient, but have eternal life! As we read in John 3:16, "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."

It seems to me that God included the description of Rahab as "the harlot" without hesitation and even for a purpose. And although I would never claim to know exactly why He chose to do so, I would like to share a couple of thoughts that I have had regarding this matter. Perhaps it reminds us that faith is not always as obvious as we might expect. Or that faith is not limited too those who we might determine should possess it. And it is surely a reminder that the choices we make in life regarding our conduct and behavior will often be the means by which we are described or identified. And may we never forget that God is able to cause faith to be wrought in the life of anyone.

When I looked up Webster's definition of harlot, I saw that it made a reference to the word prostitute. I then found that one of the definitions given for prostitute was "to devote to corrupt or unworthy purposes". I immediately thought of my own life. Before I had come to know Christ by faith, I too had been devoted to corrupt and unworthy purposes. And now, with my brothers and sisters in Christ, I can sing the words from that wonderful hymn, "What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought since Jesus came into my heart".

There is no doubt, that in addition to her act of faith, God was keenly aware of Rahab's entire life, including her life of harlotry. He would have known of the emptiness and shame that such a life would have brought her. And yet He seems unashamed to have named her and her act of faith in this passage of scripture. I am reminded of a sobering truth. The God of creation, The Omniscient One, knows our every thought and deed. Even the intentions of our heart are not hidden from Him. But again, faith has made the difference and the One who has sanctified us is not ashamed to call us brethren. May we be the most grateful of all men.

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-07-09T20:30:00.000-07:00

Initially I thought that I would not comment specifically on the passage of scripture that I will now use for today's short thoughts. In Hebrews 11:30 the author references one of the more famous Bible stories when he writes, "By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been circled for seven days". As I thought about this verse a while longer, I sensed God speaking to me about an important truth found here. What initially was a verse I was not going to comment on at all, became one that I felt necessary to do so.

It is really just a reminder of a great truth about God that most believers have already come to know. There are times when God accomplishes His will in ways that seem beyond human reasoning. He seems to do so more often than not. We should not be alarmed when we find that God's ways of accomplishing a particular matter is out of line with the conventional ways of men. His ways are only bound by His divine attributes. The forces of nature that He created do not bind His ways. His ways cannot be bound by academics or human intellect. They are not bound by political correctness. They are not bound by man's own assumptions.

Oh, what a privilege is ours to know the One who is Creator and Sovereign. Perhaps He will not ask you to march around the walls that you come upon in this life and blow a trumpet and shout a great shout for those walls to fall down. But as you place your faith in Him, He may bring down those walls you encounter in ways that defy human logic. The One who walked on water and caused the gale force winds and breaking waves to be still with a word, is for us. May we grow to trust the ever faithful One more and more and rejoice in His glorious ways!

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-06-10T22:35:00.000-07:00

Today's passage of scripture is from Hebrews 11:28-29. Here the author writes, "By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that he who destroyed the firstborn would not touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned."

We may not always sense the urgency or understand the importance of acts done by faith, but we see just that in today's scripture. As we have seen before, faith and obedience are often seen as married, one to the other. By faith, or in obedience, Moses "kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood". As the Lord passed through the land of the Egyptians smiting all of the firstborn, He passed over the houses of the sons of Israel that were protected by the blood. Moses had obeyed God and saw to it that the blood had been applied to the homes of the Hebrew families as God had instructed. It is quite evident in this instance that faith and obedience were substantially important and significant.

We see another great lesson illustrated in today's passage of scripture as well. We read that the children of Israel passed through the Red Sea by faith, "as though they were passing through dry land". But when the Egyptians tried to pass through the same location in pursuit of them, they all drowned. Have you ever sensed that you were drowning in the sea of life when you were not walking by faith? How quick the waters become deep and impassable when we attempt to pass through life in our own strength and according to our own ways.

Perhaps you know a brother or sister in Christ who is in danger of drowning in the sea of life today? Pray earnestly for them. Let God use you in their life as He wills. Perhaps you have found yourself in this situation and are struggling to stay above water. Look to the ever faithful One and trust Him. Read His word. Receive His grace. Seek fellowship with His people. By faith you can pass through as though you are passing through dry land and not drown!

Busy/Will Be Back

2010-06-05T07:45:00.000-07:00

I have been busy, busy, busy helping my son and daughter in-law get ready to move in to their first house. It has been exciting and lots of work. Pray for them and for me. I am more and more aware of my age these days. Thanks.

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-05-21T19:55:00.000-07:00

The passage of scripture for today's short thoughts is found in Hebrews 11:26-27. As the author continues to write of Moses' faith, his refusal "to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter", and his choice to "endure ill-treatment with the people of God", he tells us that Moses was "considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen."

Like Moses, we too should consider the "greater riches" that are found in Christ, even "the reproach of Christ", than the treasures of this world, our "Egypt". As we see in this passage, there were the "treasures of Egypt" and there was "the reward". The treasures of "Egypt" include all that is alluring to the flesh, while "the reward" is the allure of the new creature in Christ we have been created to be. It is the Spirit within us that cries, "Abba, Father" and longs to do His will. Make no mistake, the "treasures of Egypt" tug strongly at the flesh and the flesh longs for them in return. But, brother in Christ, "greater riches" are always found in Him! No matter what your "Egypt" may offer you, "greater riches" are yours in Christ.

As we had seen previously in verse 25, "enduring ill-treatment" may go hand in hand with any decision we make to stand with God, His Son, His people and His ways. Jesus taught that we should not be surprised at such. We are called to be people who fix their eyes on Jesus and to look heavenward while we sojourn on this earth. Where we are looking with our heart and mind can make all the difference in our daily walk.

In today's text we see that focus was instrumental for Moses as well. We read that he endured, "seeing Him who is unseen". May I suggest this? As sure as He is unseen, is He not also seen? This is not intended to be double talk. But have you not seen Him in His word? Have we not seen Him in our lives and in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ? Can we not see Him working in this world and in the church He is building? I
suspect that you will join with me and say "yes" and "amen" to these questions.

As a final thought I must bring attention to how faith worked similarly in Moses as it did with his parents. Back in verse 23 we saw that fear "of the king's edict" was overshadowed or overcome by the faith of Moses' parents. And in today's passage we see that it was again faith that allowed Moses to not fear "the wrath of the king". I'm reminded of 1 John 4:19 where we read that perfect love casts out fear. Loving Him is trusting Him; having faith in Him. May your faith and mine grow through the bountiful provision of His grace. By faith, may we "press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus", always looking to our reward; seeing "Him just as He is".

A Non-Denominational Reminder

2010-05-07T21:57:00.000-07:00

At a recent Saturday morning men's Bible study at our church, a reference was made to the passage of scripture where Jesus had proclaimed that He would build His church. The passage is found in Matthew 16:18, where the author records these words spoken by Jesus to the Apostle Peter; "I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it."

The point of this short article is not to debate the various views held by professing Christians regarding "this rock" that Jesus said He would build His church upon. I will simply say I believe He is building His church upon the truth that Peter had been inspired to proclaim in Matthew 16:16, where he said of Jesus, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." As the Apostle Paul also wrote in 1 Corinthians 3:11, "For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." And speaking of those of the Exodus, in 1 Corinthians 10:4 Paul wrote, "and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ."

Anyway, my thoughts are really on the building of His church, and the promise that the "gates of Hades will not overpower it." The proclamation is clear and precise. Men will still quibble about His statement but I suggest that we take Him at His word. "I will build My church", Jesus said. I believe He is. It was through Him that the world was created and thank God, "in Him all things hold together". I trust He knows best how to build His church. I trust that He is building His church just as He has purposed to do so. He is making no mistakes.

The Church, or the body of Christ, is God's purposeful work of art and grace. As we see in Romans chapter 6, there are many members of the body of Christ, each believer, individually a member, and each one, "members one of another." And in 1 Corinthians 12:18 we read, "But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired." You and I are in the body of Christ, the Church Jesus is building, not by chance or by accident, but just as He has desired!

When I consider all of the bad news a person can read or hear about on any given day, most of it declaring loudly the depravity of man, I remind myself of this truth. Christ is still building His church. The Holy Spirit is still moving in the hearts and minds of individuals all over this world, revealing the truth of Jesus according to His sovereign will. I believe it is true today and that it will be so again tomorrow; a boy, a girl, a man or a woman will be the object of the Spirit's life changing work and come to know the truth of Jesus today. They will come to know the joy of forgiveness, the hope of salvation and the love of a Savior. They will become members of the body of Christ and the Church He is building.

In the flesh, men are prone to have the desire to usurp the place of God in the building of His church. I chose this term because its meaning, to seize or to take the place of without right or legal claim, seems appropriate in what I wish to express. We have no right to take His place in the building of His church. Without the right, without the knowledge, without the wisdom and without the power. And yet, perhaps often with good intentions, we find ourselves trying to build His church. We ought to be content with the privileges that are bestowed upon us, to be those who plant and those who water. As Paul was inspired to write to the Corinthian believers, the one who plants and the one who waters are nothing. The One who is anything, the One who is everything, is God. He is the One who causes the increase. He is the One building His church.

Oh, to be sure, there is much that He has called us and equipped us to do and I wish not to minimize the importance this. So great is this subject that it would take much time and space if I attempted to write an all inclusive list here and now. I will just say that building His church would not be on the list I would write. Jesus is building His church.

I say all of this to get to the thought that had first come to my mind when this verse from Matthew 16 was referenced at the bible study mentioned above. The latter part of the verse quotes Jesus as saying "the gates of Hades will not overpower" His church. This is crucial for us to take note of. For sure, we have been given a tremendous promise in this verse. It is one that has been leaned on by His children throughout the centuries. But let us see clearly that His promise is in regards to the church He is building and not the ones that men build apart from Him. The church built by a man or a group of men is susceptible of being overpowered and most likely will be in time. It can be overpowered by the very ones who built it. Let us rejoice and be glad to learn of, and walk in our proper role in the Church He is building, the one "the gates of Hades will not overpower"!

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-05-01T23:06:00.000-07:00

As I continue to "blog" through the Book of Hebrews, the passage for today's "short thoughts" is in Hebrews 11:24-25 where the author writes, "By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasure of sin". I find myself in one of those passages of scripture where I must endeavor to keep my thoughts short. Doing so may prove difficult, so bear with me if this is a little long.

When we were young, our parents and other adults often encouraged us to grow up, to be "big boys" and "big girls". We would argue over who got to be "the dad" or "the mom" in our childhood games. Time and experiences passed and we did grow up. And now that we are grown, there are times when we wish for the simple things of childhood again. Many decisions and responsibilities come with growing up. Some decisions are routine and we make them daily. We don't even take the time to see the impact they may have on our life. Other decisions are made after much thought and hopefully, much prayer. Some of these decisions can greatly impact our lives and the lives of others.

Oh, the importance of growing up! Growing up in Christ that is. As believers we are directed and encouraged to grow up and to become mature in our faith. I think it is worth noting that Moses' act of faith referenced in today's scripture occurred after "he had grown up". For some time he had already been a "grown-up" or a physically mature man. But more importantly, he had grown in his faith, thus preparing him to make a very important decision. He would side with the ''people of God". Pointedly, he would side with God Himself. Through his growing up he had obtained the measure of faith that would allow him to "refuse to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter". I must refrain from going into a long discourse and simply say that giving up the things that came with being Pharaoh's daughter and the wealth and allure of Egypt was, using my favorite biblical adjective, no small decision.

The decision Moses made to refuse one thing was in light of something greater. Rather than being called the son of pharaoh's daughter, and all that this represented, he chose to "endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasure of sin". Clearly it was not ill treatment that he wished for but he was prepared to endure it for the right reason. He would endure it with God's people. He would be on the right side, God's side. This was the greater choice. Is this not always the greater choice?

We might assume that his faith saw beyond the ill treatment that would be endured to the blessings that would follow in time. As he looked forward to all the God would do, he would endure. Because he had grown up, Moses also saw beyond the glory that came with power and position in Egypt. Despite the unarguable "benefits", being the son of pharaoh's daughter and having Egypt at one's fingertips was not all that life was about.

We must not read this passage and fail to acknowledge two important truths that are seen here. The first is that sin can be pleasurable, pleasurable to the flesh. There is no advantage in pretending that this is not so. It is the flesh's appetite. Sin will feed this appetite but the flesh will always want more. The second truth that we see is that the pleasure of sin passes. It does not last. It is without value to endure. And I would be remiss if I did not speak of yet a third truth that I am compelled to make note of. If you have never taken the time to consider this, I pray that you might write it down. I have never suggested that you write anything down that I have written. Perhaps write it down on paper with pencil or pen but most assuredly write it down in your heart and mind. Though the pleasure of sin is passing, its consequences are not. Though the pleasure of sin may last but a while, the consequences of sin may last a lifetime, extending even through generations.

May we grow up in Christ and progress towards maturity. In our decision making, may we seek His will and wisdom, and always choose to side with Him. Ill treatment may come our way, but by faith we can endure as we fix our eyes on Jesus and wait "eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body." "For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay."

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-04-13T23:05:00.000-07:00

Today's short thoughts are from Hebrews 11:23 where the author writes, "By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's edict." It is not the faith of Moses that is spoken of here but that of his parents. Here we see their faith and God's providence working together in harmony.

Again we see that the Hebrew author has provided some additional insight to the record we find of this account in Exodus Chapter two. Perhaps he was inspired to give a general summation and not be as specific as the Exodus writer. But I appreciate that here we see that both parents acted together in faith. He was hidden "by his parents". "They saw he was a beautiful child". And "they were not afraid of the king's edict." What a blessing it is for two parents to act together in faith. To be nit together in faith; together trusting the Savior in all matters of life. Oh, how the Church needs parents living lives of faith together.

The parents of Moses found that faith occupied a place in their heart and mind where fear wished to be. Do we not see this time and time again throughout scripture? David as he slew Goliath. Peter as he preached Christ to the Jews gathered in Jerusalem. Peter and John as they responded to the threats from the religious leaders to stop teaching in the name of Jesus. Stephen as he testified before the council. Paul as he pressed on preaching Christ, knowing that bonds and afflictions awaited him in each city he went to. By His grace, may we also have faith to overcome the fears that keep us from His will. Faith that is based on the truth of His word and His many infallible attributes. May He be praised through acts of faith.

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-04-10T23:27:00.000-07:00

Today's "short thoughts" will be from Hebrews 11:20-22 where we read, "By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even regarding things to come. By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones."

The Hebrew author continues to reference various acts of faith as he speaks of Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. Isaac "blessed Jacob and Esau, even regarding things to come." Jacob "blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff." And Joseph "made mention of the exodus" and "gave orders concerning his bones". Each of these men are said to have acted "by faith" in these respective accounts.

When I first considered these verses I was unsure if I would even comment on them specifically. Other than noting that these men had performed specific acts "by faith", there did not appear to be anything that I felt compelled to write about. But I felt the Lord reminded me of my own premise that we often need to take more time to ponder the word we have read and to use the mind He has given us to consider it further after reading it. So I was challenged as to what I might find as "profitable" for myself and to other believers in these three verses? I pray that the following might be profitable for you.

Although not mentioned by the Hebrew writer regarding Isaac, he is inspired to specify that Jacob's recorded act of faith was done "as he was dying" and that Joseph's was done "when he was dying". And if we read the Genesis account of Isaac blessing Jacob and Esau, we see that he did so when he ''was old" and when. "his eyes were to dim too see". So all three accounts were acts of faith that were seen at the end of their lives.

Is this not the sort of life we should wish to have, a life of faith, where faith is still present and active in our latter days? I know that no one is more faithful than our loving Lord, but how precious is the faithfulness of God's children in their latter years. Isaac, Jacob and Joseph believed God. They knew Him to be true and always faithful. I see the same in the Apostle Paul's life as he "blessed" Timothy near the end of his life.

I know I will not be a man of great faith just because I grow old as a Christian. But if I am obedient to the call to "grow in the grace and in knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ", I know that my faith can be strong even when I grow weak in my latter years. When I am old and my eyes are dim, I pray, that by His grace, I will be a man of strong faith in the One who is forever faithful. And I pray that I too will be one who blesses his children and others with words that speak of the faithfulness of the God.

Easter 2010, A Contrast of Thoughts and Images

2010-04-04T00:04:00.000-07:00

What a privilege and stewardship belongs to those who know the true meaning of Easter! May we never stray from the hope and promise that we find in our risen Savior. And may we always proclaim, by word and by practice, the gospel of our Lord Jesus, "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".

For my Easter thoughts this year I would like to share several contrasting images that we can see in this wondrous of stories. My thoughts will focus on those days immediately surrounding His crucifixion and resurrection. By no means will this be a complete list of those things we might find contrasting one another.

Jesus washing the feet of those who would deny Him.

One who betrayed and One who was faithful.

Breakers of promises and One who kept His.

Those who fell away and One who said, "Thy will be done".

Men sleeping in the garden and One praying fervently.

Those coming to seize and arrest and One ready to go willingly.

A crown of thorns for the King of Kings.

Those without authority given the same to crucify the Son of God.

No guilt found in Him but mine taken by Him.

Sinners shouting "Crucify, crucify Him" and the sinless One saying, "Father forgive them".

Those who hung on a cross for breaking the law and One hanging with them Who had fulfilled the Law.

A mother grieving the cruel punishment of her Son and His Father forsaking Him.

A Man dying for the sins of His mother, the one who gave Him life.

A Man committing His mother into His best friend's hands while committing His Spirit into those of His Father.

Barabas and Jesus.

The sinless One paying the wages of sin.

A hardened thief and a repentant thief.

Two lives that were taken and One that was given.

The One who knew no sin becoming sin for those who know it so well.

Two men dying because of their sins and One Man dying for the sins of the world.

The death of One resulting in life to many.

Life coming through death.

An occupied and sealed tomb becomes an open and empty one.

My sins credited to Jesus and His righteousness credited to me.

Ascended but coming again!

Preparing a place in Heaven for me while living in me and preparing me for that place with Him.

As we "grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ", may our life overflow with love and obedience to the One who died on Calvary's cross, "the just for the unjust". May the power of the resurrection cause us "to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord" and to live lives that are marked by a "simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ". May the name of Jesus be glorified!

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-04-02T23:08:00.000-07:00

The passage of scripture for today's short thoughts will be Hebrews 11: 17-19. Although the author had already written of Abraham's faith in verses 8-10, we see him inspired to return to Abraham in these three verses. "By faith, Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; it was he to whom it was said, "IN ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS SHALL BE CALLED." He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type." Divine inspiration notwithstanding, it is no wonder why the author goes back to discussing Abraham. The example of faith we have here is nothing short of amazing.

I suspect that most are quite familiar with the story; Abraham being called by God to take his son and sacrifice him as a burnt offering. The donkey, the servants, the wood, the bound son, the drawn knife the ram caught in a thicket, etc... But it is the Hebrew author's contribution to the account that causes me to say, "wow!" I think that many have been in awe with Abraham's faith shown in this account, thinking that his faith was in God intervening and preventing Isaac's death. And no doubt, such an act of faith would have been remarkable.

But again, the Hebrew author invites us to consider a striking truth that makes Abraham's act of faith even more notable. God, the One "who cannot lie" had declared that in Isaac, Abraham's descendants would be called. This is important to note because Isaac would need to be alive in order for this to occur. Abraham's faith does not appear to have been in God preventing Isaac's death but in His power to raise Isaac from the dead after his ensuing death at his father's hand! Again, God had declared that Abraham's descendants would come through Isaac, and indeed, through Isaac they would come. Since God had instructed him to sacrifice his son, Abraham believed that God would raise Isaac from the dead in order to fulfill His promise.

When I consider the faith that is described in this account I can better understand why in Galatians 3:9 the Apostle Paul simply describes Abraham as "Abraham, the believer". Similar to Abraham, we are the target of many promises from the Lord. May we come to know them, receive them, believe them, live them, and rest in them.

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-03-30T22:26:00.000-07:00

The passage of scripture for today's "short thoughts" will be Hebrews 11:16 where we read, "But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them." As the author continues to speak of the Old Testament saints he has previously named, he tells of a desire they had that gave great influence to the lives they lived.

Without a doubt, there are dispensational differences in the promises that belong to the believer in Christ and those belonging to the saints the Hebrew author has named in this chapter. But I believe we find some commonalities in our "desires". One of their's was a "better country", "a heavenly one". A heavenly home is clearly one of our desires. Today's verse says that God Himself has prepared a city for these saints the author writes of.

Jesus spoke of the many dwelling places in His "Father's house". We have His word that He is preparing a place for us and that He will come again and recieve us unto Himself. This place He has prepared for us, a heavenly home within His Father's house, will be a glorious reallity for each believer in Christ one day. May our hope of heaven and the special dwelling place the Savior has prepared for us greatly influence our life on earth. By His grace may it help us to be people of great faith in our great God!

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-03-26T00:04:00.000-07:00

Today's short thoughts will be from Hebrews 11:15, where we find great insight into fighting the good fight of faith. The Hebrew author writes, "And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return." Oh, how important are the things that we think about; the things we choose to occupy our minds with.

Opportunity to return to the world and its ways is all around us. Look to the left and it is there. Look to the right and it is there also. Look behind you and you will see that opportunity is there as well. But we can avoid these "opportunities" by "fixing our eyes on Jesus", "looking for new heavens and a new earth" and by "seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God." Opportunity to return to the world, that "country" from which we have come out of, our "Egypt" if you will, is not there. Praise God. Oh, the wisdom of our gracious Lord! Looking unto Jesus is the good way, the safe way, the only way for the child of God.

What then shall we think on? What will we occupy our minds with? In Philippians 4:8 the Apostle Paul wrote, "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." Nothing is more true, more honorable, more right, of greater purity, more lovely, of greater consideration, of more excellence or worthy of any greater praise, than Jesus. This is what we are called to "dwell on". Dwell on Jesus. Dwell on the truths of His word and His wondrous ways. This is one of God's gracious provisions to keep us from the "opportunities" that are all around us, beckoning us to return to the world.

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-03-23T13:30:00.000-07:00

The passage of scripture for today's "short thoughts" will be Hebrews 11: 13-14. Speaking of those who had lived lives of faith, the writer is inspired to proclaim, "All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. "

My first thought is to praise God for the grace He has bestowed upon me. If for some reason I were to die today, I too would be counted amongst those who "died in faith". To echo the words of the great hymn, "My faith has found a resting place, not in device or creed. I trust the ever living One, His wounds for me shall plead. I need no other argument, I need no other plea, it is enough that Jesus died and that He died for me."

Like those before us, we are amongst the blessed who have both seen and welcomed "from a distance" our promise of being with Christ in heaven one day. The fulfillment of our promises may lie before us but we can rest in the many positional truths that God has given us assurance of in His word. As we read in Ephesians 2:6, He has already "raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus."

Perhaps here is my struggle. Confessing that I am a stranger and exile on the earth. Oh, sure, I understand the truth of what that means but have I confessed it in my heart. Do I only give this truth words from my mouth? Am I "seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God"? May the Lord help us to be those found "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith".

A country of our own, one not of this world, is a focal point of His promise to us. "Home" is being "absent from the body" and being "at home with the Lord". He will fulfill His promise to prepare a place for us and to come again and receive us to Himself, that where He is, we may be also. It is here that we "shall always be with the Lord".

A Quick Note and Prayer Request

2010-03-23T12:59:00.000-07:00

Although I have been doing much pondering, I have been doing less writing than I would like. The business of life and the choices we make often keep us from doing that which God would have us do. Pray that I am able to put into words the thoughts I feel lead to share and that I would better utilize the time God provides for me to do so. Oh, to be a better steward of the graces He bestows.

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-03-05T23:28:00.000-08:00

The scripture for today's short thoughts will be Hebrews 11: 11-12, where the author writes, "By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised. Therefore there was born even of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many descendents AS THE STARS OF HEAVEN IN NUMBER, AND INNUMERABLE AS THE SAND WHICH IS BY THE SEASHORE."

Sarah is certainly not the only woman mentioned in the Bible who experienced difficulty with conceiving a child. A "barren womb" has been the burden of many women throughout history and continues to be a reality that is faced by women today. As it often is, we do not know why, but Sarah lacked the ability to conceive. I imagine that this had troubled her heart throughout her "childbearing" years. But in addition to having lacked the ability to conceive during childbearing years, we find that she was now "beyond the proper time of life". Adding further to her difficult situation, Abraham was now old and described as one who was "as good as dead".

But we must praise God that here is no "proper time of life" for faith. We are not given an age or time limit for faithfulness. It is proper always to believe God! As I have previously emphasized, Sarah's faith in God was based on His faithfulness to His promises. Only God can turn barrenness into "many descendents", numbered like the stars of heaven or the sand of the seashores. Oh, may we never forget that His word is His oath. As the psalmist wrote, He is a God of "exceeding faithfulness".

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-03-04T23:37:00.000-08:00

Today's short thoughts will come from Hebrews 11:9-10 where the author continues to speak of Abraham as he writes, "By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God."

Abraham lived a life of faith here on earth because of the faith he had in God's promise of a hope that was not of this world. He was a tent dweller, which seems to an illustration worth our consideration. Never permanently connected to this world and ready to go as God directs. Knowing that this world is not our home but that our home is with the Lord where, although we are seated in Him positionally, we will one day "bear the image of the heavenly."

Certainly Abraham has been used by God to be a testimony of faith to a countless number of persons who have come after him. But I appreciate what we see in today's verse. He dwelt in tents "with Isaac and Jacob." He lived a life of faith before many but I find it important to note that he did so before his family, namely here, his son and his grandson. What a privilege is ours to testify of the One who is always faithful as we put our trust in Him before our children, our grandchildren and all who God may bring into our lives.

May we learn from Abraham and his life of faith. As we live on this earth in anticipation of our Lord's return and the place He has prepared for us, may we have the spirit of a "tent dweller". May we not become too settled and connected to this world that our hope of eternity is clouded by the things of the world. May we have a spirit of availability and readiness to go as the Lord directs in our lives. May we say in our hearts, "Thy will be done." And may we see the importance of living lives of faith before those who follow after us. It is not a guarantee that they will live lives of faith but much can be said about the way God can use the faith of one to impact the lives of others.

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-02-23T12:33:00.000-08:00

Today's short thoughts will focus on Hebrews 11:7 as I continue my journey of blogging through this wonderful Book of the Bible. It is here that the writer references one of the most dramatic events of human history when he writes of Noah and his faith. It is here that he is inspired to write, "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."

In Noah we see the consistency of God's word. Noah is named amongst those who inherited righteousness through faith. Again we see faith and obedience, or faith and reverence working hand in hand. After being warned by God of something that Noah had never seen, Noah obediently carried out the building of the ark, anticipating that what God had spoken of would become a real part of history. Remember, in the definition given in the first verse of this chapter, we saw that faith involves the "conviction of things not seen". Noah had never seen with his own eyes the sort of event that God had spoken of, but he was convinced that it would be so. God had said it and he believed God!

Although it is another topic altogether, I feel I should comment briefly on another portion of this verse. I think sometimes that we tend to believe that the ark was so large because it had been built to carry so many people who had failed to respond to some invitation to enter it. In the Genesis account we see God instructing Noah to "make for yourself an ark" and that those who would enter would be himself, his wife, his three sons, their wives and the multitude of animals.

There were no empty rooms that lay unoccupied by those who had made some choice about entering or not. It seems clear that even Noah's wife and his sons and their wives had been chosen by the Lord to enter the ark on the basis of their relationship with Noah, the one man living at that time who "found favor in the eyes of the Lord". All of the glory belongs to the Lord God Almighty, but I believe that in Noah, God has profoundly demonstrated how significant the faith of one man might be. It is a high calling to be people of faith.

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-02-22T23:10:00.000-08:00

Hebrews 11:6 will be the passage of scripture for today's short thoughts. It is here where the Hebrew author writes as follows; "And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." Throughout scripture we find instances where specific word meanings are necessary to rightly understand a particular passage. In the present case, I doubt that one would need to explore the Greek or Hebrew language to understand the truth of the passage.

"Without faith it is impossible to please Him" declares the Lord through the Hebrew writer. The word of God establishes this as both a positional and experiential truth for the believer in Christ. Positionally and once for all time I have been found pleasing to the Father as He has clothed me in the righteousness of His Son Jesus by grace and through faith for salvation. As Peter spoke of Christ to the religious leaders in Jerusalem; "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved"

We are often prone to make the same mistake as the Galatian believers, having begun in the Spirit through faith and then taking on the task of being perfected by the flesh. But "without faith it is impossible to please Him" the scripture echos. At the time of our salvation we "obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand." We may continue to live by faith as there is more grace! Salvation itself was only our introduction to it. As the Apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians, "Therefore as you have receive Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him". By faith we received Him and by faith we are to walk in Him.

Through Paul's letter to the Galatians, the Lord graciously gave us these words describing the Christian life of faith; "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me."

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-02-19T23:16:00.000-08:00

In Hebrews 11:5, the passage for today's short thoughts, we read, "By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; AND HE WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE GOD TOOK HIM UP; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God."

As I considered this passage I concluded that I have something in common with Enoch and that I may one day yet have even more in common with him. By faith alone I am able to please God. By faith in Christ, His only begotten Son. By faith in the One of whom He said, "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased." Through the kind intention of His will, by grace and through faith, I am in Christ! What a position is mine. What a position is ours! May we never cease to marvel at this most grandest of truths.

There is also a chance that one day I will be amongst those who are living at the time of His coming. Speaking of our Lord's return, the Apostle Paul encouraged the Thessalonians, saying that "we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord." Yes, one day, like Enoch, I may be "not found" because I have been taken up. And like Enoch, faith (in Christ) will precede my being taken up. My He be praised!

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-02-17T23:00:00.000-08:00

Today's "short thoughts" come from one of my favorite verses of scripture. The passage is found in Hebrews 11:4, where the author begins to write of specific people and incidents of faith. In this verse we read, "By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks." Forgive me if my thoughts are a little lengthy today.

It appears obvious that Abel's sacrifice was better than Cain's because it was offered by faith. And perhaps equally obvious, is that Cain's sacrifice was inferior to Abel's because it was not offered by faith. In this account, faith and an obedient heart appear joined together as one. We cannot point to a particular verse of scripture and say for certain that God had given instructions regarding sacrifice.We might assume that He had revealed this to Adam and that Adam had taught his two sons. However, it does appear from the context of the account that each brother knew what God required. Abel had offered his sacrifice accordingly while Cain had not. Abel had believed God. Cain however, had chosen to sacrifice in a different manner, one of his own choosing. Cain failed to believe God.

But the lesson I would like to focus on today is the one that we find in the latter part of today's verse in Hebrews. It is a vital lesson for believers to learn. I have come to believe that it is one of the most important matters for the child of God to consider. It is a lesson that I know about, but one I am still in the process of learning. Today, I find myself in the year 2010 and through faith, Abel is still speaking. We must not allow this to go unnoticed. Abel has been dead for a few thousand years and yet he still speaks!

In short, here is the lesson I wish to convey. One day, save His coming, you and I will experience death. And we must understand, that though we lie dead one day, we will continue to speak. What will I speak? What will you speak? Will you and I be among those who speak through faith, of Christ and the riches of knowing Him? Will we speak of the glories found in serving Him and in enjoying fellowship with His people?

Perhaps you will speak to your spouse, your children, and your grandchildren or to other family members. Or maybe you will speak to a brother or sister in Christ, or to someone who knows not Christ now, but presently lies in darkness. I suggest that we will speak to many who remain after us. There is another side to this that I must address. Cain is also still speaking. He speaks not through faith and the glories of obedience but he speaks nonetheless. He speaks of disobedience and a life not of faith.

Like Abel and Cain, what we speak after we are dead will be determined by the life that we live now. We have not the option, after death, to speak something different than what we have spoken in life. May we consider this matter with sober mindedness and look to Christ and all He provides to live lives of faith. What a privilege will be ours; to live lives of faith in Christ and then continue to speak of Him through faith after we are gone. Praise God!

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-02-16T23:23:00.000-08:00

My previous "short thoughts" came from the first verse of Hebrews chapter eleven. Before looking at any of the specific persons, or acts of faith named in the chapter, today's thoughts will come from verses 2-3. As the Hebrew writer continues his introduction to this "chapter of faith", speaking of faith, he is inspired to write, "For by it the men of old gained approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible."

I live at a very different time but I share something in common with these "men of old". I have also "gained approval" by faith. Through His grace, and by faith in the Lord Jesus I have been made a child of God. I have been adopted as a son through Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord for this great truth of scripture! Where would I be if it were not so? It is a dreadful thought indeed. How could I dare seek to gain approval some other way? I am so thankful that I find myself in Christ and sealed therein by the Holy Spirit of promise. I find that I am amongst a small but most privileged group of people in the world to whom God has seen fit to reveal the truth of His Son. Yes, I am amongst those who have found forgiveness of their sins in Christ.

A final thought on a truth the author speaks of in the third verse. The creation that is all around us is awe inspiring. Its vastness, majesty and intricacy is beyond our comprehension. But we must stop for a moment to consider that God created it out of nothing. Look to the highest mountain tops if you will or into the deepest of the seas. Consider man and all other created things that dwell upon the earth. Study their complexity. Gaze into the heavens with the most powerful of telescopes and consider the galaxies He allows us to see. Study the tides, gravity, weather, etc. But remember, "what is seen was not made out of things which are visible." There is no doubt in my mind that in this passage we are being challenged to consider the wonder of our Creator God, that we, along with the "men of old", may live lives of faith. Faith that is directed at Jesus, "the author and perfecter of faith".

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-02-12T19:59:00.000-08:00

As I continue with my hope of "blogging" through the Book of Hebrews, I find myself beginning the eleventh chapter as I share some "short thoughts" today. I will only look at the first verse today, where the Hebrew author writes "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." It is by His grace, that the Lord has given us this biblical definition of faith.

First, a thought about the "things hoped for". As believers in Christ, I suppose that each of us could make a list of these things. The list could be short or be quite long. My short list would simply be the hope of seeing Christ face to face, as this is the hope of my faith. In addition to being "present with the Lord", my long list would include the privilege to serve Him, His promised return, meeting Him in the air, obtaining a resurrected body and eternal dwelling place, and the fulfillment of all He has promised, both in this life and for
eternity.

I have assurance of these things. My assurance is based on the character and attributes of Almighty God, His infallible word, and the finished work of Christ. He is the reason for the strong conviction ofthe "things not seen". I have not yet seen Him face to face but I will do so one day. I have not yet seen what it will be like meeting Him in the clouds but I know it draws nearer each day. I have not yet seen a resurrected body, but one day I will have one and see multitudes of others. I have not yet seen this place He is preparing for me but one day I will dwell there forever. I have not yet seen death, but I know that I have already passed from death unto life and that death has no dominion over me.

As I think of the "things not seen", I must say that I'm compelled to consider the things that are seen. I have seen Him change lives, including mine. I have seen Him answer prayers, including those from my lips. I have seen His faithfulness, including His faithfulness to me. I have seen the truth of His word, both in the world and in my life. I have seen Him give peace when there was none to be had. I have seen Him give hope when there was none in sight. I believe you know what I mean.

The assurance and conviction that we read about today does not somehow spring forth from within us, absent the Spirit of God. The flesh is quick to doubt, to question, to second guess and to not believe the things of God. Our assurance and conviction can only be found in Him. This is true because of the sureness and certainty of God. He has proven Himself faithful. It is the Creator, the One and only Sovereign who is our guarantee, our confidence and our security. No, I have not seen Him with my eyes, but I believe Him!

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-02-10T23:54:00.000-08:00

In Hebrews 10:38-39 we read, "BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH; AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM. But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul." Today's "short thoughts" will come from these final two verses of chapter ten. They serve as somewhat of an introduction to Chapter 11, often referred to as "the faith chapter".

It is the will of God that we believe Him, trust Him, have faith in Him. We are called to live by faith and not by sight. As we have received Him by faith we are called to walk in Him by faith. He is worthy to be the object of our faith. He is worthy to be believed. Praise the Lord that ours is a faith "to the preserving of the soul" and "not of those who shrink back to destruction." But we may ask, why is this so? I will caution against any boasting. The Apostle Paul was inspired to write that he would only boast in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord". My faith in Him is victorious because, "He who promised is faithful".

Today's passage does not suggest some sort of perfection that we must attain too in order to avoid "destruction". This "preserving of the soul" kind of faith is possessed by all who have believed, all who have been "born again". I have purposely limited this group to those who have "believed" according to the scriptural truth of salvation by grace through faith. Not all who have made a profession of faith are counted amongst those who have "believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son" and "The Lord knows those who are His". My soul is preserved because of His faithfulness. We are so blessed!

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-02-09T18:26:00.000-08:00

I appreciate the truth seen in the passage of scripture that is the basis for today's short thoughts. Divinely inspired, in Hebrews 10:37, the Hebrew author writes, "FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE, HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY." Go ahead and say, "Amen!" Go ahead and say, "Praise God!" Go ahead and say, "Thank you, Jesus!"

Yesterday I shared some thoughts regarding the necessity of endurance in Christian living. Before that, we discussed the "better" and "lasting" possession we have that transcends the conflicts and sufferings that can be ours this side of glory. But today we are reminded of a future event that's as sure as today's setting sun and the rising of the same tomorrow.

Assuring His disciples, Jesus had said, "If I go, I will come again and receive you unto myself that where I am you may be also." None of us can possibly know just how long a "very little while" is to the One who is eternal. But without a doubt, each day draws us nearer to His coming. We may not be able to mark it down a date and time certain on our calendars. But the certainty of its occurrence has been long established in His word and we
can look forward with assurance that, "HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME"!

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-02-08T22:53:00.000-08:00

As I continue to "blog" through the book of Hebrews, today's passage of scripture will be Hebrews 10:36. In this single verse the author is inspired to write, "For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised." Make no mistake about it and do not allow anyone to convince you otherwise, as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we have need of endurance! If you have recently come to know the Savior, you may not know what I am talking about. You will soon learn that doing "the will of God" is met with much opposition. There is opposition from the flesh, the world, and the devil.

But if you have been a Christian for any length of time, I suspect that you already know this truth. Similar admonishments are found throughout scripture. We are encouraged to not lose heart, to faint not, to hold fast, to stand firm and to persevere. We are called to keep seeking the things above, to keep sober in spirit and to press on towards the goal and towards maturity. The things that happen in a moment are positional truths. This would include our salvation, the forgiveness of our sins, our baptism in the Spirit, our entrance into the body of Christ, our position in the family of God, the establishment of our inheritance and the surety of all that is promised to those who are in Christ.

But the Christian life, although bathed in opportunities for abundance, necessitates endurance. Perhaps there is someone who is reading this right now that is saying, "I can't endure any longer". I will boldly yet lovingly say, that in and through Christ, you can. God calls us to endure but He desires not that we do so on our own, or that we attempt endurance in our own limited strength. He wishes to be our strength. Endurance is found
in Him. He may use His word or His Spirit, which dwells within us. Or He may choose to work though another member of the body of Christ as He sustains you. Welcome His provisions.

Remember that the famous words of the Apostle Paul are much more than just words. Divinely inspired, Paul wrote, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I need not specify that "all things" include the endurance to do His will. Brothers and sisters in Christ, we will one day receive all that has been promised the children of God. With this hope before us, and the endurance that is found in Christ, let us seek to do His
will as we await His return.

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-02-06T10:32:00.000-08:00

Today's passage of scripture for my "short thoughts" is found in Hebrews 10:32-35 where the author writes, "But remember the former days, when after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one. Therefore, do not throwaway your confidence, which has a great reward."

If I had to summarize my thoughts regarding today's scripture in just a few short words I would say, remember the faithfulness of God and the treasures that are ours as members of the body of Christ! Like the original recipients of the letter, are there not times when we all need to "remember the former days"? Remember our salvation. Remember those times of earnest prayer and the answers to prayer we have experienced. Remember the joys of fellowship. The joy of singing together, reading and studying His word together or just enjoying all that we have in common with those who believe. Perhaps you will not agree, but we may need to remember the sorrows. Not for sorrow's sake but to remember the comfort of God that came through His word or through the life of a brother or sister in Christ, praying and weeping together as His will was sought.

As the writer is inspired to remind us in today's verses, we have for ourselves "a better possession and a lasting one". It cannot be taken away and we cannot be separated from it. The "confidence" or faith we have in the One who is forever faithful has "a great reward". All who have "walked in the Spirit" know this to be true. But something serious is implied both here and in other areas of God's word. The volition that is the believer's. So the writer admonishes all who may find themselves in such a situation, "do not throw away your confidence". I believe this confidence is ours to have but we ought not take it for granted. We should grow in it and cling to it. And when afforded the privilege we should be a help and not a hinderance to our brothers and sisters in Christ holding onto theirs.

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-02-04T23:17:00.000-08:00

Although I chose to divide them due to their length, verses 28 through 31 of Hebrews, chapter ten are a continuation of verses 26 and 27 that I commented on yesterday. Here the author continues to address those who might "go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth" and the expectation of God's judgment that is before them. He writes, "Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY" And again, "THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE. " It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

Perhaps there is no other judgment more severe for the one professing faith in Christ than to be judged by God as having "trampled under foot the Son of God" or to have "insulted the Spirit of grace". Today's passage suggests that this person "deserves" a "severer punishment" than those who where put to death for setting aside the Law of Moses! We may find some solace in knowing that God often tempers what we deserve with grace. But in this case there is no indication that we should expect so. We should only be terrified.

Only God has the right to make this judgment and determine and implement the punishment for it. I have seen men point to events in the lives of other believers and name them as indicators of God's judgment in their lives. I caution against such declarations. We have not the wisdom nor insight into the ways of the Almighty to make such determinations.

What I do believe to be true and what we have seen in these last two days is that God is sovereign and retains the right to judge His people. He does so rightly and justly. The Lord has declared that vengeance is His and that He will repay. This ought to be terrifying to the one who goes on sinning willfully.

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-02-03T23:38:00.000-08:00

Our Hebrew passage for today is found in Chapter 10 and verses 26-27 where we read, "For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE AVERSARIES." Although one could spend a considerable amount of time on these two verses, I will take but a little time to share some "short thoughts".

"Willful sinning" by a child of God is simply a wrong attitude, a misinterpretation of scripture, the result of false teaching, or perhaps the reaping of a hardened heart or the failure to confess sin. In the context of our passage, the believer ought never to think that he can sin willfully in anticipation of offering a sacrifice for that sin. The entire Book of Hebrews extols this truth; Christ died once for sin. He is seated and that work is finished. There remains no sacrifice for sin as the ultimate sacrifice has been offered and accepted; Jesus. The thought that there yet remained a sacrifice for sin would imply that His sacrifice was insufficient. Oh, that a attitude of willful sinning would be far removed from each of us.

But "if we go on sinning willfully", we should expect judgment. Judgment and discipline. I will not make the mistake of trying to proclaim the manner in which His judgment will come or just how He will discipline His child. But that He chastens and scourges His children is indisputable. We may not understand how love and judgment, grace and discipline and mercy and scourging can be perfectly accomplished or carried out in the life of a believer. But He is able to do so flawlessly.

Make no mistake, in our struggle with sin, I believe He wishes to speak to us as a loving Father to His child, accepting our confession of sin. And when necessary, He graciously works as only He can to bring us to a place of Godly sorrow that leads us to repentance and restoration. But for continued willful sinning, His judgment is sure.

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-02-02T23:08:00.000-08:00

As I resume blogging my "short thoughts" through the Book of Hebrews, today's passage will be in Hebrews 10:24-25, where the author writes, "and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking the assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near."

In his third "let us" statement, we find the Hebrew author inspired to give valuable instructions regarding life in the body of Christ. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for members of the body of Christ to be unkind or indifferent to one another. To often believers are found to be critical of one another and have a tendency to be the "holy spirit" in each others lives. So it seems right for us to ask; how much time and energy do we spend to "consider how to stimulate one another to love and good works" or in "encouraging one another"? We can be thankful that some congregations have many members who are actively involved in doing so while others need our prayers.

For the body of Christ to function as God has intended, its members must endeavor to see and practice the truths spoken of in these two verses. We must be concerned about stimulating one another to love and good works and we must be those who encourage one another. We will not be able to accomplish these ministries in the energy of the flesh and will only walk in them as we walk in the Spirit.

It was true at the time of the writing and it is certainly true today. It is the habit of some to forsake the assembling together with other believers in the body of Christ. But if you noticed the context of where this famous admonition is, you see that it is not about going to church for church sake, but going to church for the sake of those who compose the Church. For His Church and those who are its members. I know there will be exceptions, but I believe this passage speaks to the truth that it will be difficult to stimulate one another to love and good deeds and to encourage one another if we are forsaking our assembling together.

If it is not your habit, don't allow it to become yours. If it is your habit, seek His help to break it. Determine to assemble together with brothers and sisters in Christ. Make that your habit. And take the time to consider how you might stimulate a brother or sister in Christ to love and good deeds. Consider how you might encourage a brother or sister in Christ today and another tomorrow. Let each of us be quick to encourage one another.

In this life there is really no end in sight to this admonition to assemble together, to stimulate one another to love and good works and to encourage one another. May we never think that our need to be a giver or receiver of these ministries in the body will lessen as we grow in Christ. On the contrary, as we "see the day drawing near", we are to assemble together, stimulate one another to love and good deeds and encourage one another, "all the more". Surely we can "see the day drawing near". As you consider the importance of these matters in your life and in the lives of those who you fellowship with, remember these three words; "all the more".

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-01-23T07:25:00.000-08:00

In Hebrews 10:23, the author continues with another "let us" statement when he is inspired to write, "Let us hold fast the confession of hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful". This verse will be the basis for today's short thoughts. As the Hebrew believers were, so are we challenged with these words written so many years ago. We are called to believe and trust Him. In our confession of hope, He calls us to hold fast to it without wavering. The passage seems to acknowledge our tendency, in the weakness of the flesh, to waiver. But we are admonished towards steadfastness. The key? To remain mindful of His faithfulness.

Perhaps there is nothing that gives the believer hope and sustains that hope more than the faithfulness of God. Without question and without exception, God is faithful! He has promised us etemallife. We have it. He promised to send the Helper. He sent Him. He promised to build His church. He is building it. He promised that He would prepare a place for us. This special place awaits us. He promised to come again and receive us unto Himself. That day draws nearer each hour. He promised that there will come a day when we will be with Him and "so shall we ever be with the Lord". Oh, what a hope is ours!

In our "conviction of things not seen", let us hold fast our confession of hope. The hope that we have in Christ and the summary of all truth that is found in Him. May He be our reason for steadfastness of faith.

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-01-21T23:29:00.000-08:00

In Hebrews 10:19-22, we read, "Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

My short thoughts for today could be summarized by the short chorus, "Only by the blood of the Lamb." Or as the great hymn truthfully proclaims, "No other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus".

Brothers and sisters in Christ, we may enter the holy place by the precious blood of Jesus, but for reasons I will not attempt to name, I fear we are often neglectful of His gracious invitation. When did you last enter this place? How long has it been since you last journeyed to "the throne of grace"? He bids us come and has given us His word that we will "find grace to help in time of need". Is today not that time? Will tomorrow some how be void of our need for His helpful grace? Oh, don't worry if you go there often. We cannot exhaust the grace that is found at this place. Only be concerned that you not become a stranger there by staying away too long and making only infrequent visits.

So, "by the blood of Jesus", enter the holy place. The giver of grace desires to give grace to His children. Grace upon grace!

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-01-19T07:30:00.000-08:00

Today's short thoughts will come from Hebrews 10:14-18 where we read, "For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us; for after saying, "THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THEM AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD: I WILL PUT MY LAWS UPON THEIR HEART, AND UPON THEIR MIND WILL I WRITE THEM," He then says, "AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE." Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin."

There is much to say about the content of these verses but in my "short thoughts" format, I will attempt to keep my comments brief. If you find yourself amongst the blessed; those who have been set apart by the work of the Holy Spirit; a recipient of God's lavished grace; praise God that you have been perfected for all time! This truth testifies to His effectual work and the rest that we find in Christ.

Consider our sins and lawless deeds. I could not begin to count the number that would have my name alongside them as their owner. Simply put, since my entrance into this world, sins and lawless deeds have been mine in abundance. Believer in Christ, I am not suggesting that I dwell on mine or that you dwell on yours. But do glory in what He has done on our behalf. He has purposed to remember them no more! This is not the result of a God who has grown old and forgetful. It is the result of a God who has given His Son to be our sin bearer. In Christ, we find hope that God has purposed to remember our sins and lawless deeds no more!

In Romans 4:7-8, the Apostle Paul wrote of the blessedness of forgiveness. Quoting from Psalm 32, the apostle wrote, "BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE LAWLESS DEEDS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN, AND WHOSE SINS HAVE BEEN COVERED, BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT." The efficacy of Christ's offering for sin is etched in the forgiveness that is found in Him. As many as my sins and lawless deeds have been, I am forgiven in Christ. Yes, I am a blessed man! Hear what the scripture says believers in Christ. Know the completeness of your forgiveness. "Where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin." It is finished! He is seated! Believer, you are forgiven!

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-01-13T22:17:00.000-08:00

In Hebrews 10:10-13, we read, "By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD, waiting from that time onward UNTIL HIS ENEMIES BE MADE A FOOTSTOOL FOR HIS FEET." These four verses will be the basis for today's short thoughts.

It may seem repetitive but its repetitiveness is based on its importance. It is reflective of God's desire to impart the truth firmly in our hearts and minds. ONCE FOR ALL declares the scriptures! Do not doubt nor minimize this truth of Christ. As the author is inspired to write, by Christ and Christ alone are we sanctified.

There was no "sitting down" for the priests who offered gifts and sacrifices according to the Law. There could be no declaration proceeding from their mouths, saying, "It is finished!" No, quite the opposite, they stood daily ministering and offering the same sacrifices "time after time". The "same sacrifices" they offered could not take away sin. But they rightly pointed to and anticipated the one sacrifice that would do so for all time. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ Himself. In Him we find our sins have been taken away!

Short Thoughts for Today

2010-01-10T22:44:00.000-08:00

As I resume posting some short thoughts as I blog through the wonderful Book of Hebrews, today's passage will be in Hebrews 10:5-9 where we read, "Therefore, when He comes into the world, He says, "SACRIFICES AND OFFERINGS YOU HAVE NOT DESIRED, BUT A BODY YOU HAVE PREPARED FOR ME; IN WHOLE BURNT OFFERINGS AND sacrifices FOR SIN YOU HAVE NOT TAKEN PLEASURE. THEN I SAID, 'BEHOLD, I HAVE COME (IN THE SCROLL OF THE BOOK IT IS WRITTEN OF ME) TO DO YOUR WILL, O GOD.'" After saying above, "SACRIFICES AND OFFERINGS AND WHOLE BURNT OFFERINGS AND sacrifices FOR SIN YOU HAVE NOT DESIRED, NOR HAVE YOU TAKEN PLEASURE in them" (which are offered according to the Law), then He said, BEHOLD, I HAVE COME TO DO YOUR WILL." He takes away the first in order to establish the second."

The holy and righteous One found no pleasure in the sacrifices and offerings which were offered under the Law. Lest we stumble in our thoughts for even a moment and think that He had made some "mistake", we ought to remind ourselves that they were not intended for this purpose. He found pleasure and satisfaction in that which they foretold. That which they looked forward too. The One who came into the world, saying "I come to do Thy will, O God". That which was offered according to grace and not law. The One the scriptures attest to as having always done the things that were pleasing to His Father. Jesus. The beloved Son of the Father. Pleasure was taken in Him. Pleasure is still found in Him and those who are in Him. May He be praised!

Press On!

2009-12-31T12:01:00.000-08:00

If I had to summarize a New Year's thought or admonition in two words, I would say, "press on!" As you look to a new year in Christ, as given to you by His grace, "press on!" As you contemplate your relationships with your spouse, your children, your family and your friends, "press on!" As you consider your involvement in you local church, your ministry, your brothers and sisters in Christ, your neighbors, your employment, your employees, "press on!"

We find the Apostle Paul using these words twice in Philippians 3:12-14, where he is inspired to write, "Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." As we look to a new year; as we are challenged to "press on" in our faith, to know Him better, to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, let us not miss this important point presented in this passage of scripture.

As Paul wrote of pressing on he noted that a condition of doing so was "forgetting what lies behind". I think God intentionally left out a list of "what lies behind" but I believe Paul was referring to those things that cause us to stumble in our walk with the Lord. The list would be quite long and each of us could find those things that have or perhaps are hindering our walk in Christ. What lies behind for you may not be that which lies behind for your brother or sister in Christ. But they are the things that can upset one's faith. The things that will cause difficulties in our relationships with those around us. Our family, our friends, our employers, our employees, our co-workers, our neighbors, our church families.

This "forgetting" can be difficult and I will say that it cannot be accomplished in the flesh. This is not the sort of forgetfulness that some find quite easy to come by in their lives. Forgetting your car keys. Forgetting to take the trash out. Forgetting something at the store. Forgetting someone's name. We all know this sort of forgetfulness and how prone we can be to practice it.

But the "forgetting" referred to here by Paul is active, determined and purposeful, and can only be accomplished as we walk in the Spirit. It is the spiritual warfare that we are engaged in that makes this sort of forgetting difficult. The enemy will be quick to bring that which "lies behind" to your mind and will do so frequently in hopes of causing you to stumble. The scripture speaks of this striving, this incompatibility, this opposition. Believers and unbelievers. Righteousness and lawlessness. Light and darkness. Christ and Belial. Spirit and flesh. Our gracious and merciful God so works in our lives that we might "share His holiness". But our enemy's hope is to distract us from a devotion to the Lord; to lead us "astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ".

Our enemy is intent on destroying all that is good and all that brings glory to the Lord Jesus. Our marriages. Our families. Our friendships. Our local congregations. The body of Christ. The enemy is well pleased with divorce, broken family relationships, broken friendships, lost reputations, discouragement and disharmony in the body of Christ. There may be something that you are not free to forget. Let me explain. It may be that the Helper desires to bring you to remembrance of something that you need to confess before Him. Perhaps He is bringing you to a place of Godly sorrow as He graciously leads you to repentance. Perhaps an apology is in order, I do not know. But after a wrong has been righted, press on and "do not give the devil an opportunity".

Through prayer, His word, His grace and His power we can forget those things that wage war against our soul and hinder our walk with the Savior. Know for certain that our enemy will use our rememberance of these things against us and against those we care for. Our family. Our friends. Our neighbors. Our church. The body of Christ. As we consider "forgetting what lies behind", may we seek help from the One who remembers no more our sins and lawless deeds. And in Christ, press on!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T17:15:00.000-08:00

I recently read a news story where government officials in Sonoma County, California had ordered that stars and other religious emblems be removed from Christmas trees in all government buildings within the county. They took this action following the complaint of a citizen that an angel atop a Christmas tree in the lobby of a county office was "extremely offensive" and part of the "cult" of Christianity. These sorts of stories are not new and seem to make the headlines more and more each year.

Public displays of manger scenes and other "Christmas symbols" may be forbidden and even private displays of the same may be frowned upon. Our government may offer a variety of "holiday stamps" to choose from as you send your "holiday greetings and gifts". In the religion of political correctness, many will wish you a "happy holidays" as they determine to not use that word, "Christmas" or that name, "Jesus".

But rejoice brothers and sisters in Christ! Try as some might, as the waters cannot be removed from the oceans, Christ can never be removed from Christmas! He is Christmas. The angelic announcement, Mary and Joseph, the virgin birth, the shepherds in the field, the manger scene, the wise men; these are forever truths of human history. Questioning or mocking these cannot detract from their truthfulness. Political correctness may rule the day but all men and governments are still subject to His rule. He is forever sovereign over the affairs of men.

Although futile in their efforts, these attempts to remove Christ from Christmas have their origin in the very purpose of His birth that we celebrate at Christmas. Sin. As recorded in Matthew 1:21, "She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins". Salvation from sin was the purpose of His birth. There was and is, a necessity to be saved from sin. Sin is all around us. Sin is on every side. Look to the right or to the left and it will be there. It matters not if you look forwards or backwards, sin will be there. It is within and without. It may be subtle and overt, hidden or exposed.

But the story of Christmas is a story of salvation. It is the story of Emmanuel; God with us. God in a manger. In Luke's Gospel we read, "for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord". Salvation from sin. In Acts 4:12 Luke was also inspired to write, "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.". The significance of the Christ of Christmas is seen here.

The story of Christmas will be told this year and next. It will be told worldwide and it will be told year round. This One who laid in a manger is the One through whom "all things came into being"; the One who holds together all things. He was "God with us". The baby, whose birth we celebrate, grew to become the man we are called to imitate. He is the "only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth".

As we observe a lost world continue to proclaim that there is "no room" for Him in their hearts, may this final thought cause us to pray and perhaps weep for them. The world can never remove Christ from Christmas but one day Christmas will be removed from the world. May we continue to boldly proclaim the Christmas story! "For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord". Merry Christmas! Yes, Merry Christmas.

Short Thoughts for Today

2009-12-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today's short thoughts are from Hebrews 10:3-4 where the author is inspired to write, "But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins."

The first thought that comes to my mind is that under the Law, there was a "reminder of sins" and in Christ there is the "remission of sins". The contrast is in the sacrifices that were offered "year by year" and the sacrifice that was offered "once for all". It was simply impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. But we must not miss the truth implied here. In light of the holiness of God, the need for something to "take away sin" was paramount.

Do not mistakenly think that God intended for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin. We must remember that the Law was a tutor, or a school master to lead us to Christ. As the Apostle John was inspired to write of concerning Jesus; the Lamb of God appeared to take away sin. In Christ alone is there remission of sins and not the reminder of sins.

Short Thoughts for Today

2009-12-22T00:01:00.000-08:00

As I continue my attempt to "blog" my short thoughts through the Book of Hebrews, I begin the 10th chapter today, and its first two verses. In Hebrews 10:1-2 we read, "For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never by the same sacrifices year by year, which they offer continually, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have consciousness of sins?"

This is not a new truth being spoken of by the Hebrew author in this 10th chapter. He has written of it already in the preceding chapters. But it seems clear that God has inspired him to write of this truth in different ways, with each proclaiming the supremacy of Christ. The contrast is evident. The Law, though ordained by God to be a "school master", could never bring about perfection for the person or the people through the observance of its sacrifices. The continuance of the "same sacrifices year by year" was itself a testimony to this truth. It was "only a shadow of the good things to come" and these would be found in Christ.

The question posed in the second verse makes the point again. If the sacrifices which had been offered under the Law could make the worshiper "perfect", no longer with "consciousness of sins", they simply would have ceased to be offered. They would have accomplished their purpose. But again, this was not their purpose. Their purpose was to point to a day in which the One who knew no sin would become sin for us. The day in which He would die once for all. Oh, to be thankful for the Lord Jesus!

Short Thoughts for Today

2009-12-18T10:21:00.000-08:00

Today's short thoughts come from the final two verses of Hebrews chapter nine. Here, in verses 27 and 28 we read, "And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, shall appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him."

Perhaps to all, these are sobering words. Perhaps to some, they are words that promote fear and uncertainty. "It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment". But within the verse the Gospel rings out! Christ was "offered once to bear the sins of many" and in Him we find hope. Because He bore my sins on Calvary's cross I need not bear my own.

And what now awaits those who "eagerly await Him", those who find themselves "hidden with Christ in God"? When He appears again, and He will, our salvation will take that final step beyond positional truth and be realized in its fullest sense when we see Him, "face to face". "When this perishable will have put on the imperishable and this mortal will have put on immortality", then we will know fully our victory in Jesus!

Short Thoughts for Today

2009-12-15T23:20:00.000-08:00

Today's short thoughts find there source in Hebrews 9:25-26 where we read, "nor was it that He would offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the holy place year by year with blood that is not his own. Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now once at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself."

No, He would not offer Himself often but only once. Sufficient! Satisfied! Finished! The degree that He suffered when He "became sin" and the sufficiency of His sacrifice would negate forever any further suffering for Him to endure. And He would not enter the holy place with "blood not his own". The high priests who entered the holy place year after year served as a copy, or shadow of what He would do one day. Their sacrifices could not "put away sin" but they did look forward to the one that would. The sacrifice of Himself. "Oh, precious is the flow. That makes me white as snow; No other fount I know, Nothing but the blood of Jesus."

Short Thoughts for Today

2009-12-14T23:15:00.000-08:00

Today's short thoughts come from the passage of scripture found in Hebrews 9:23-24 where the author writes, "Therefore it was necessary for the copies of the things in the heavens to be cleansed with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ did not enter a holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us."

Again, the Hebrew author is inspired to write of that which is better in Christ. In these verses we see an emphasis on the origin of the "holy place" in which Christ entered and the better sacrifice that He offered. The earthly tabernacle is described as a "mere copy of the true one". Without a doubt this "holy place made with hands" had great significance and was ordained by God. But its significance was based on what it represented, what it was a copy of; heaven itself.

Where no other high priest could have ever entered, Jesus entered the very throne room of God to offer a better sacrifice. Into heaven itself, Jesus appeared in the very presence of God with an all sufficient sacrifice. And how can we not marvel at the last words seen in today's passage? "For us" the writer declares under divine inspiration. Yes, for you and for me. Praise God!

Short Thoughts for Today

2009-12-08T11:41:00.000-08:00

As I continue to "blog through Hebrews", several verses in chapter nine will serve as the source for today's short thoughts. In Hebrews 9: 16-22 we read, "For where a covenant is, there must of necessity be the death of the one who made it. For a covenant is valid only when men are dead, for it is never in force while the one who made it lives. Therefore even the first covenant was not inaugurated without blood.For when every commandment had been spoken by Moses to all the people according to the Law, he took the blood of the calves and the goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people,saying, "THIS IS THE BLOOD OF THE COVENANT WHICH GOD COMMANDED YOU."And in the same way he sprinkled both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry with the blood.And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness."

If I had to summarize my short thoughts regarding this portion of scripture with a single word, I would choose the word necessity. It speaks to the necessity of a new covenant. The necessity of validity. The necessity of a death. The necesesity of shed blood. The necessity of forgiveness. The necessity of cleansing. Yes, it speaks to the necessity of Christ!

Short Thoughts for Today

2009-12-01T23:04:00.000-08:00

The passage of scripture for today's short thoughts is found in Hebrews 9:15. Here the author writes, "And for this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, in order that since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance."

This is one of those "gold mine" passages of scripture. It is a Bible verse that you could spend days or months or even years exploring its depths. Without a doubt, much has been written about the many truths that it speaks of. A sound preacher of the Gospel would find sufficient material to preach sermon upon sermon. In keeping with my desire to share only "short thoughts" in this forum, I will simply touch a few of the topics on which one might ponder the wonders of our Lord.

"This reason": The efficacious blood of Christ.

"The mediator": "For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."

"A death": A most unique death. "And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

"The redemption": Redeemed by the precious blood of Christ.

"Transgressions": Our sins.

"Those who have been called": Sovereign election. Lavished grace. The kind intention of His will. Predestined.

"The promise of eternal inheritance": His promise. His children. His presence.

Praise the wonderful and gracious word of God!

Something to be Thankful For

2009-11-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

It is referred to as "The Last Supper". Countless authors have written about it. Innumerable preachers have preached messages regarding it. And for centuries artists have attempted to capture images of it. But for my "Thanksgiving" thoughts, I would like to look at what I will refer to as "The First Supper". The event that I am referring to does not actually have a name at all and I am not suggesting that it should be given this title. I have just chosen to call it this for my own reference.

The "supper" that I speak of is recorded for us by three of the Gospel writers, Matthew, Mark and Luke. Each gives a very similar description of the event with little variation of the details. The following are their separate accounts as found in scripture.

Matthew 9:9-13 And as Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man, calledMatthew, sitting in the tax office; and He said to him, "Follow Me!" And he rose, and followed Him. And it happened that as He was reclining at the table in the house, behold many tax-gatherers and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, "Why is your Teacher eating with the tax-gatherers and sinners?" But when He heard this, He said, "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick."But go and learn what this means: 'I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,' for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Mark 2:14-17 And as He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting in the tax office, and He said to him, "Follow Me!" And he rose and followed Him. And it came about that He was reclining at the table in his house, and many tax-gatherers and sinners were dining with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many of them, and they were following Him. And when the scribes of the Pharisees saw that He was eating with the sinners and tax-gatherers, they began saying to His disciples, "Why is He eating and drinking with tax-gatherers and sinners?" And hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Luke 5:27-32 And after that He went out, and noticed a tax-gatherer named Levi, sitting in the tax office, and He said to him, "Follow Me."And he left everything behind, and rose and began to follow Him.And Levi gave a big reception for Him in his house; and there was a great crowd of tax-gatherers and other people who were reclining at the table with them.And the Pharisees and their scribes began grumbling at His disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with the tax-gatherers and sinners?"And Jesus answered and said to them, "It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. "I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance."

It is evident that this occurs following the calling of Matthew to be one of the twelve. The incarnate Son of God had spoken two very powerful words to Matthew when He said to him, "Follow Me". There is no doubt in my mind that these were the words of the Sovereign One. This "tax-gatherer", who had been sitting in the tax office, then "rose and followed Him". I don't suppose that Matthew could have refused any more than the sun and moon could have resisted their creation and placement in the heavens. I will not deny it, I am one of those who believe in, trust in, and find great comfort in His sovereignty over all His creation.

At some point they precede to Matthew's house for what Luke calls a "big reception" for Jesus. We are not really given a description of Matthew's house but we can make at least one assumption about it. It appears to have been a large house as the Gospel accounts speak of "many" or "a great crowd of' tax-gatherers and sinners who were in the house and "reclining at the table" with Jesus and His disciples.

We see in the text that the Pharisees and their scribes became witnesses to this "reception" and in their grumbling, they asked His disciples a question. Matthew records the question in this way, "Why is your Teacher eating with the tax-gatherers and sinners?" Mark's gospel reads, "Why is He eating and drinking with tax-gatherers and sinners?" And in Luke's gospel we read, "Why do you eat and drink with the taxgatherers
and sinners?" At first one might criticize them for asking the question. But perhaps we should be thankful that they did. In fact, I am very glad that they asked this question.

If you have read this scripture before, perhaps you have already noticed this. Although the disciples are the recipients of the Pharisee's question, neither of them appears to have given a response. I have a couple of thoughts about this. First of all, I would suggest that none of the disciples would have known how to rightly answer the question. Perhaps they even looked at one another in anticipation of one of them responding to the question for the others. We really don't know. But then Jesus spoke. Jesus provided the answer.

As we should be, I am sure that each of the disciples was thankful that Jesus responded to the question Himself. After all, it was His conduct that was really being questioned. In the thirty-three years that He walked on this earth, Jesus never shied away from giving a truthful answer. I so much appreciate the picture that we see here. The disciples are questioned and Jesus intercedes. Praise the Lord! He is our intercessor and advocate!

And don't you love His answer? Should we not be forever thankful for the answer that He gave? Jesus said, "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick." And He continued, "I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners." He did not deny or try to make excuses for it. He reclined at this table in Matthew's house, in the midst of tax-gatherers and sinners because of their need of Him. Those who surrounded Him at this ordinary table were representatives of you and I. We all share in the same sickness which is nothing less than sin itself. No, their was no one at the table who fully understood who He was, and what He had came to do. But He was the Physician they all needed. And we need Him too.

The "table" is not limited to the one that sat in Matthew's house so many years ago. If Jesus were walking on earth today, I have no doubt that the Holy and sinless One would recline at your table or mine and eat with the sinners gathered around it. He would do so, not to condone the sin in our lives, but for the same reason that He reclined at the table with tax-gatherers and sinners. Sin has brought a sickness to each of us that only this Physician can heal.

As you gather around your table this Thanksgiving, together with family and friends, remember to give Him thanks for His willingness to eat with tax-gatherers and sinners! If you sense that you are not well; if the sickness and burden of sin is upon you; come to His table and dine with the One who is able to make you well. And give Him thanks everyday! God bless.

Short Thoughts for Today

2009-11-24T19:41:00.000-08:00

Today's short thoughts come from Hebrews 9:13-14. Here the author writes, "For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled, sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?"

The writer continues to contrast the differences between that which occurred in the earthy sanctuary and that which occurred in the heavenly one. Remember, the gifts and sacrifices offered in the earthly sanctuary could not make the worshiper perfect in conscience. They related "only to food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until a time of reformation." As seen in today's passage, they were for a cleansing of the flesh, an outer or surface cleansing if you will. And although they were a shadow of what would come to pass in Christ one day, they lacked the power to address the root problem, defilement from sin.

So the question posed in today's passage is "if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer" could sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ cleanse one's conscience, whereby instilling in the one cleansed, the ability to serve the living God? The implied answer can only be, infinitely more! The one could not make the worshiper perfect in conscience while the blood of Christ cleanses one's conscience from dead works and empowers them to serve the living God!

Short Thoughts for Today

2009-11-23T22:52:00.000-08:00

Today's short thoughts will be based on the passage of scripture found in Hebrews 9:11-12. Here the author writes, "But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption."

In the first ten verses of the chapter we read of the "earthy tabernacle" and now we read of the "more perfect" one. What a difference is found in the two! Into the "earthly tabernacle" the high priest would enter once a year and he would do so year after year. The gifts and sacrifices that he offered were not able to "make the worshiper perfect in conscience." There was no power in the blood of goats and calves; it only looked forward to the blood of the Lamb."

But Christ entered to minister in "the more perfect tabernacle", one that is "not of this creation". He entered this tabernacle through His own blood once and because of His efficacy, redemption is secure for eternity. As the great hymn proclaims, "There is power, power, wonder working power; In the blood of the Lamb. There is power, power, wonder working power In the precious blood of the lamb."

Short Thoughts for Today

2009-11-21T09:10:00.001-08:00

Today's short thoughts come from Hebrews 9: 1-10. Because of its length I will not include it with this post but I will encourage you to read it. The Hebrew author is inspired to take the first ten verses of the chapter to describe various aspects of the "earthly sanctuary". He speaks of "regulations of divine worship" and notes specific truths which are pertinent in revealing the better priesthood of Jesus. As he provides details concerning the "earthly tabernacle", he points out the presence of an inner and outer tabernacle. More specifically, he speaks of the inner or secondary tabernacle where only the high priest could enter, and that, only once each year. He indicates that these regulations of divine worship governing the earthly sanctuary had signified that the way into the holy place had not yet been revealed.

But again, the writer is clearly being inspired to teach and proclaim the more excellent priesthood of Christ. The way into the holy place has now been disclosed and it is found only in Jesus. He is "the way" and He is "the door". Gifts and sacrifices offered in the earthly sanctuary could not "make the worshiper perfect in conscience". In Christ, each "worshiper" is now "perfect in conscience", forgiven of all their sins. The One who bore our sins on Calvary has clothed us in His own righteousness. No longer is the "holy place" an earthly sanctuary and no longer is it exclusive for one man to enter just once a year. All who are in Christ may "draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need". Praise God! Praise our more excellent High Priest!

Violence in Another Domicile

2009-10-30T23:44:00.001-07:00

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and much has been written and voiced about the effects of domestic violence on our families and in our culture. As a Christian, I believe that the real answer to lessening incidents of domestic violence is for people to know Christ and to love and care for one another according to God's word and the love with which He calls us to love one another. There may be legal and just consequences for those who are the perpetrators of domestic violence. There will always be an aftereffect in the lives of those involved in domestic violence, including victims, perpetrators, other family members, friends, etc. When appropriate, I support programs to assist offenders from continuing their pattern of abuse. I also welcome efforts to provide women and children with assistance in achieving safety and support when they find themselves victims of domestic violence.

In my profession I have come to know several people who have a commendable desire to prevent and/or stop domestic violence and who work to provide resources to those who are its victims. But I am greatly conflicted with those who are often the greatest champions in this fight against domestic violence. Bear with me as I attempt to explain this conflict. I will not be unwise in proclaiming that all, but I must say that in my own experience, most of the men and women that I have known over the years who are the most outspoken against domestic violence, are the same people who are strong supporters of abortion "rights". A small group of people often found among them are those who would never be an advocate for the unborn, but who will devote their time and resources to save a tree or a bird or a fish. To me this is one of the greatest of ironies. How can one decry a culture of violence and at the same time be a proponent of one of the most violent acts committed; that which occurs in the domicile of the unborn?

There can be no harmony in these two positions as they are at odds with one another. I know that many who attempt to hold these two positions simultaneously, often say that they support a woman's right to choose and not necessarily abortion itself. So I must ask a question. Why is it not be those who speak out against domestic violence the ones who are most passionate about women "choosing" life for the unborn? How can they be so heartfelt against domestic violence and a culture of violence, and yet, at best sit back quietly, and at worst, advocate ardently for the practice of abortion?

I am convinced that no amount of talking or twisting of words can persuade me to believe that the killing of more than 2,000 unborn children every day in our country does not contribute to our domestic violence problem and a culture of violence in general. Because its victims are the most vulnerable, and those making the decision to terminate their existence are those they depend on most, some would say that abortion is the most cruel of acts. The procedures employed to fulfill this "choice" only add to the horrific nature of the event. While seemingly safe in the domicile of the womb, these smallest members of our communities, whose lives are taken commonly, know a domestic violence like no other group.

It is quite alarming when you take the time to consider the reality of it all. Statistics indicate that even though thousands of women in America are pregnant today and that each has an individually unique person developing in their womb, more than two thousand will cease to exist tomorrow as their life is terminated. They will not have a chance to recover from this action taken against them. None of them will ever have the opportunity to tell others of their trauma in an effort to save others from it. May God open the hearts and minds of the men and women in our country. May He start with those who profess faith in Him.

For a moment I would ask that you forget the arguments for and against the legalization of abortion. The sobering truth is, that with some restrictions, abortion is legal in America. One may certainly argue the moral right to abortion but presently women do have the "right to choose" it. But as sure as they have the right to choose abortion, they have the right to choose life. May those who passionately oppose domestic violence be consistent in their concern for the violence perpetrated against women and children and passionately encourage the choice for life. Life that is free from the devastating effects of all forms of domestic violence, including that which occurs in the domicile of the womb.

Sin Is Not a Four Letter Word

2009-10-26T21:21:00.000-07:00

For the past several years I have heard stories of churches who are endeavoring to refrain from speaking of sin. Instead, it is said that they only wish to speak of love. Topics such as one's purpose, self-esteem, self-enhancement, self-realization and just simply being a better person fill the pages of their sermon notes. I must admit that I do not understand, and nor do I seek to, this philosophy of preaching and ministry that has found its way into some of our churches.

In his first letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul wrote, "I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified." Why was "Jesus Christ and Him crucified" the focus of Paul's message? Can any reputable answer to this question leave out the matter of "sin"? Did Paul not know the sobering truth that the "the wages of sin is death"? And was he not inspired to proclaim that "the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord".

In 1 Timothy 1:15 Paul wrote, "It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am the foremost of all." I write this article believing wholeheartedly that one cannot rightly preach about God's love without addressing the matter of sin. One might say that it is impossible to truly know God's love without knowing of sin. I'm not suggesting that sin is a good or positive thing, but it is on account of God's dealing with sin that we can know His love.

There is an unwavering truth spoken of in Romans 3:23 where we read, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". But in Romans 5:6-8 we read the following glorious account of God's provision. "For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

We do not tell the truth about sin to trample upon the sinner. Or to be like the Pharisee who went up to the temple to pray and proudly thanked God that he was not like the "tax-gatherer" who was also there praying. We do not speak of sin to promote some false sort of self-righteousness. We include the matter of sin in our preaching and teaching so that by God's grace the sinner may be brought to gaze in awe at the sinless One. That by faith, he or she may come to believe in and adore the One who died for their sins.

In 1 John 3:16 the beloved apostle was inspired to write, "We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us". And in 1 John 4:10 we read, "In this is love, not that we love God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." So how can men stand in the pulpits of our churches and preach about love while purposely neglecting to address the issue of sin? Apart from knowing sin, its consequences and God's provision in Christ, we can not even know the highest form of love, God's love.

For those who have been granted the privilege and responsibility to speak or to write in the name of Christianity; Do not neglect to speak of sin and thereby fail to tell the whole glorious truth of God's love that is in Christ. The Apostle Paul was inspired to give his "true child in the faith", Timothy, many exhortations that were intended to be beneficial to both Timothy and the body of Christ. I will close with one that is found in 2 Timothy 4:2 where Paul wrote, "preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction."

Short Thoughts for Today

2009-10-22T22:14:00.000-07:00

Today's passage of scripture will be Hebrews 8:7-13 which includes a lengthy recitation of old testament scripture. Here the Hebrew author wrote, "For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion sought for a second. For finding fault with them, He says, "Behold, days are coming, say the Lord, when I will effect a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; Not like the covenant which I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; For they did not continue in My covenant, and I did not care for them, says the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their minds, and I will write them upon their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. And they shall not teach everyone his fellow citizen, and everyone his brother, saying, 'know the Lord,' for all shall know Me, from the least to the greatest of them. For I will be merciful to their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more." When He said, "A new covenant," He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear."

The focus of my short thoughts today is not on all of the Old Testament scripture that is reference here but on a simple truth. Fault was found in the first covenant because of the faults of sinful men. And the new covenant is faultless because it is based on the One who was without sin, Jesus, the incarnate Son of God. He will never grow old, never become obsolete and He will never disappear. As the Lord allows me to continue this "blog through Hebrews", I pray that Christ remains the focus and the recipient of the glory and honor due Him.

Found Quotes

2009-10-18T20:27:00.000-07:00

Several years ago I had the privilege of meeting and listening to Pastor Lee Thoms teach from God's word. Pastor Thoms served the Lord as Pastor of Arcade Baptist Church in Sacramento, California for 40 years. Founding the church in 1952, Pastor Thoms sheparded this congregation as it grew to consist of over 1900 members in 1992 when he retired. Pastor Thoms was 80 years of age when he went home to be with the Lord in 2007.

Before and since I had the opportunity to meet this servant of the Lord, I have never been in the presence of another believer whom Christ seemed so evident in. Anyway, today I found a piece of paper that I had written down some quotes from Pastor Thoms from when I had heard him speak once and thought I would share them. They are still relevant and I believe will remain so.

"This is not the time for a timid Church of Christ."

"Now is the time for Godly living, prayer and bold speak."

"God would have us give earnest heed and careful attention."

"Not fans, but followers are wanted by Christ."

"God does not desire a tip of the hat in patronage, but a bowed life."

And this great reminder;

"The world has never been cordial to God, the Church and Grace."

Thank you Pastor Thoms.

Short Thoughts for Today

2009-10-16T18:11:00.000-07:00

It is often referred to as the "better than" book of the Bible. As I have been "blogging through" Hebrews, the writer has spoken of Jesus as being better than the angles and better than Moses. He has spoken of the better hope that is found in Him and how it is that He is a better high priest.

In Hebrews 8:6 we read, "But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises." Through the ages, different men of God had undoubtedly been used by Him to serve in various ministries. But Christ has "obtained a more excellent ministry". In this forum, time does not allow me to address His role as mediator or the matter of covenants. But know that it is a "better covenant" that He mediates. And this covenant, well, it is enacted on "better promises".

Praise the Lord! There is no mistake about this truth that the Hebrew writer conveys. Everything about Christ is better!

Short Thoughts for Today

2009-10-13T21:33:00.000-07:00

"Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since there are those who offer the gifts according to the Law; who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when He was about to erect the tabernacle; for "SEE" He says, "THAT YOU MAKE all things ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN WHICH WAS SHOWN YOU ON THE MOUNTAIN." These are the words written in Hebrews 8:4-5 and will be the basis for today's short thoughts.

Earth was not the place for Him to serve as high priest. As seen previously, He is a minister in "the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man." This testifies to the truth of His resurrection and the position which is His; seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high. To serve as our high priest He must serve in a tabernacle not made with human hands and not on earth. Moses had been warned by God to construct the tabernacle exactly as he had been shown because of the heavenly things it represented.

The passage tells us that if He were on earth He would not be a priest at all. But praise God He is not on earth, He is risen and is "a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek". And He did not offer gifts according to the Law but has fulfilled the Law and offered Himself according to Grace!

Short Thoughts for Today

2009-10-12T22:58:00.000-07:00

As I continue to "blog through" the book of Hebrews, today's short thoughts will come from Hebrews 8:3 where the author writes, "For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices; hence it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer."

As the writer continues to compare and contrast the "former priests" with Jesus, our high priest, we see, like the former, "it was necessary that this high priest also have something to offer". Where does one start to explain all that He has to offer!

A list would include but not be limited to the following. A perfect sacrifice. Sinlessness. Righteousness. Holiness. Justice. Innocence. Propitiation. Access to the Father. Love. Hope. Peace. Forgiveness. Eternal life. Abundant life. Sin bearer. Savior. Helper. Victory over death. A promised return. A home in heaven.

Oh yes, this high priest has something to offer!

Beyond What They Asked or Thought

2009-10-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

With pen in hand he wrote words to describe it. With power from above God wrote it with his life. I am speaking of the great truth and promise we find in Ephesians 3:20-21 where God had inspired the Apostle Paul to write, "Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen."

He had stood by "in hearty agreement" with putting Stephen to death. With the smell of anger and death in the air, he had witnessed the stones striking Stephen, one after another until he lay on the ground lifeless. It is likely that he had heard Stephen call out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" and I am certain that he heard Stephen as "he cried out with a loud voice, Lord, do not hold this sin against them!"

This was only the beginning as Saul began to ravage and persecute the church, trying "to destroy it". The scripture tells us that he entered "house after house" and drug off men and women to put them in prison. The cries of their children were ineffective in deterring him from this course of zealous aggression. But Jesus had promised to build His church and that "the gates of Hades shall not overpower it."

It was no secret who Saul was and what it was that he was intent on accomplishing. I am convinced that Christians were imploring the Lord to stop him. To intervene and by whatever means necessary, keep him from continuing his attack on the Church and its members. I suppose that members of the body of Christ were praying this in Jerusalem as well as in Damascus.

The believers in Damascus knew why he was coming to their city. They were aware that he had been granted authority from the chief priests to bind all who called upon the name of Jesus and return them to Jerusalem for punishment. Surely there were saints in Damascus asking the Lord, pleading with the Lord, to intercede on their behalf and on the behalf of all who called on His name.

But I don't suppose that any of them, no not one, would have ever thought of what God was going to do. Perhaps there was some dear saint who quietly prayed for Saul's salvation. But like us, I would suggest that most were just asking God to intervene and stop his assault upon the Church.

God answered their prayers but He most assuredly did so, "exceeding abundantly beyond" all that they asked or thought. God did indeed stop Saul's assault on His Church and its people. He did so by revealing to him the truth of Jesus and as Paul would later write, putting him into service. Not only did He cause him to be born again and put him into service, He made him an Apostle. He made him a preacher of the Gospel, a steward of the gospel of grace, a writer of at least 13 New Testament epistles; 14 if you include Hebrews. In Christ, he was a tremendous evangelist and mentor to younger men. He was used by God to be the teacher of many, if not most, of the fundamental truths of our faith. He was "caught up into Paradise, and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak." He contended for the truth as he fought the good fight, finished the course and kept the faith.

All they wanted was for God to intervene and stop him from persecuting His Church. But in time they would learn a great lesson that we can all rejoice with confidence in. God "is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think". This is worth a resounding hallelujah from His children!

Short Thoughts for Today

2009-10-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

Today's short thoughts come from Hebrews 8:2 where the author continues speaking of Jesus our high priest, "a minister in the sanctuary, and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man." Not only is our High Priest unique, so is this place where He ministers.

The sanctuary, the true tabernacle that he writes of had never been entered by any other high priest. Unlike the tabernacle on earth which had been pitched by men, this one had been pitched by the Lord Himself. It is in heaven. High priest after high priest had served in the tabernacle on earth but only One would enter to minister as high priest in the "true tabernacle".

While on earth Jesus never entered the earthly tabernacle to serve as high priest. But as He was crucified for our sins, the curtain that separated the holy place from the holy of holies was torn in two from top to bottom. What He did in the earthly tabernacle was to symbolize that entrance into the very presence of God was now open and that He was accessible to all who come in and through Christ.

Rare and Infrequent - Thinking Out Loud

2009-10-05T21:36:00.000-07:00

Please bear with me as I think out loud for a few moments. In America we have unfettered access to God's holy word. Although many are seldom used, perhaps dust covered or in an unknown location, multiple bibles can be found in our homes. The Bible is on our computers, our media players, our phones, etc. Christian bookstores are filled to the rafters with all kinds of books, both fiction and non-fiction. There are books about the Bible, its passages, its authors, its origin, its prophecies, etc. If you look hard, you can even find various translations of the Bible in a small section of the bookstore. Christian books and/or Bibles can be found in some secular bookstores, department stores and even your local grocery or convenience store.

Some churches will be full this coming Sunday while others will have only a handful in attendance. The numbers, large or small, will not necessarily be indicative of the truth being proclaimed or tell you if the congregation is walking in love. Some will be preaching the gospel of Christ while others will be perverting the Gospel. Some will be striving to teach the whole counsel of God's word while others will be mishandling the work of life.

I was recently reading in 1 Samuel and a portion of the first verse in Chapter three caught my attention and is the cause of this "thinking out loud". Most of us know the story. Hannah's prayer to the Lord has been answered and she has given birth to Samuel. As she had given her word to the Lord, Samuel had been dedicated to the Lord and was in the care of Eli the priest and being raised in the temple. In Chapter two we find Samuel being described as one "growing in stature and in favor both with the Lord and with men". And then in 1 Samuel 3:1 we read, "Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord before Eli. And word from the Lord was rare in those days, visions were infrequent."

"And word from the Lord was rare in those days, visions were infrequent." As I considered these words written so long ago, I could not help but wonder at their relevance for today. Oh, I know they are words that were not to the Church or its members directly. But I have often asserted the biblical truth that all scripture is profitable although it may not be directly applicable.

As indicated above, the word of the Lord is not rare in our day but I must ask if "word from the Lord" is? I fear that much of what is said to be from the Lord is not from Him at all. On any given Sunday many will stand in the pulpits of American churches preaching and teaching things that cannot stand the test of careful scriptural examination. It seems as if more time is spent reading what men have said about the inspired word of God than is spent reading the word itself. The Church needs humble men who have a desire to be vessels of His truth. To hold His word up as the highest authority in all matters. To be good stewards of the Gospel and of the doctrine of grace. To preach Christ and Him crucified. To be messengers of a "word from the Lord" as established in His written word and revealed by His Spirit.

In regards to that portion of 1 Samuel 3:1 where we read, "visions were infrequent", I would simply say the following. Our vision should be narrowly focused and it should be on Christ. Our vision ought to be His will as revealed in and through His infallible word. May we share this vision together.

We must not forget another part to this story of Samuel. In the 9th verse of 1 Samuel 3, we see Samuel responding to a "word from the Lord" as instructed by Eli. "Speak Lord, for Thy servant is listening." May each of us respond in kind as God speaks to us through His word and through His servants. May we boldly ask that He speak to us and that He instill in us a desire to listen with eager anticipation. And then may we dare ask the Helper to empower us to be "doers of the word, and not merely hearers".

As I conclude this "thinking out loud" I will share a final thought. Perhaps it is the dust on my bible that God is speaking to me about. Perhaps it is my vision. Perhaps it is my focus that needs adjusting so that my eyes may look on the glorious Christ and His will for my life. Oh, that we might humbly and boldly speak the word of truth, eagerly listen to the Lord as He speaks to us through His word and His people and have as our vision His will for our lives. By His grace, may a word from the Lord, spoken or heard, be a regular occurrence in our lives. And may a correct vision of Christ and His will for our lives be frequent in our walk of faith.

Short Thoughts for Today

2009-10-01T23:20:00.000-07:00

We began the 8th Chapter of the Book of Hebrews by considering the powerful statement found in the first verse where the writer was inspired to declare that the main point of what had been said was that "we have such a high priest". As he continues speaking of Christ in the second verse, he concludes the sentence began in verse one and states that Christ is "a minister in the sanctuary, and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man."

Although I did not take the time to comment on it, verse one of Chapter 8 had again spoken of Christ having "taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens". This was a reminder of the truth spoken of in the first Chapter where he wrote that "He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high" after He had made purification of sins.

This "sanctuary", this "true tabernacle", is where He is seated. It is where He ministers as a "priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek". It is in the very throne room of God where He sits in "His seat". This is not a tabernacle made by men but one "which the Lord pitched". A better sacrifice. A better hope. A better priesthood. A better intercessor. A better tabernacle. We are so blessed in Him!

Short Thoughts for Today

2009-09-28T20:05:00.000-07:00

Preachers and teachers of God's word often struggle with determining and then conveying the main point of their message or lesson. As I continue my attempt to "blog" through the Book of Hebrews, I begin chapter eight where we read in the first verse, "Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens".

It is not necessarily always spelled out for us so clearly. But here it is clear and precise. In fact, as I consider all that the Hebrew author had been inspired to write about Christ in the first seven chapters, I began to wonder if we could determine any other "main point" than what is stated. In fact, it seems to be a statement that we can not give sufficient importance to. We have such a high priest!

The Hebrew author is not finished with his inspired words about the One who abides forever and holds His priesthood permanently. But as we read through these first seven chapters we should each come to the same enthusiastic conclusion. We have such a high priest! Praise God for Him!

Short Thoughts for Today

2009-09-24T22:47:00.000-07:00

Today's short thoughts will come from Hebrews 7:28, the final verse of this great chapter of scripture which exalts the "better hope" we have in the One who "holds His priesthood permanently". The author concludes the chapter as he writes, "For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever."

The Lord Jesus was not appointed high priest according to the Law. Through the Law came high priests who were weak. Their weakness was found in their own sins and resulted ultimately in their deaths which prevented them from continuing their priesthood. One after another. Far from weak, one might say at the opposite end of weak, our high priest is the Omnipotent One. His is the power of an indestructible life and since He lives forever He holds His priesthood permanently.

Christ was appointed high priest by the word of an oath, the oath of His Father. Rejoice brothers and sisters in Christ! The One who has been made perfect forever, holds His priesthood forever and saves forever!

Short Thoughts for Today

2009-09-23T23:17:00.000-07:00

As the Hebrew author continues to describe the uniqueness and supremacy of Christ's priesthood he continues to point out the stark differences with those who had served at the altar before. In the twenty seventh verse of Chapter 7, as he speaks of Christ he wrote, "who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins, and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself."

The Hebrew believers were accustomed to a law that required the offering up of sacrifices on a regular and on-going basis. Those who offered the sacrifices were themselves sinners and their sacrifices could only look forward to the One that would be made by our High Priest. The thought in the verse is clearly tied to the previous one that spoke of Christ's holiness, innocence, sinlessness and absence of defilement.

The sacrifice that He offered was Himself and He needs never to be offered again! "Once for all" the scripture proclaims assuredly. Though it may have been difficult for the Hebrew believers to comprehend, the completeness and sufficiency of His sacrifice is indisputable. May we rest in the assurance it provides.

Short Thoughts for Today

2009-09-22T20:26:00.000-07:00

The scripture for today's short thoughts is found in Hebrews 7:26 and says so much in one single verse. As the Hebrew author continues to speak of the priesthood of the Lord Jesus, he writes in this passage, "For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens."

On the one hand it seems to be an odd fit, and on the other hand it is the perfect fit. All that we were not, He is. Our sinfulness necessitated that our high priest be all that we were not and could not be. We were void of any holiness. Innocence is far from each of us but all are pronounced guilty. By thoughts and actions alike we are defiled in so many ways. Sin has been an ever present factor since we took our first breath.

But praise God that He has provided a "fitting" high priest for us. He is the perfect fit. Oh, the joy of being "in Christ", clothed in His righteousness and sharing in His holiness.

Short Thoughts for Today

2009-09-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

Today's passage of scripture is found in Hebrews 17:25. It is a passage of great hope and assurance for the believer in Christ. As we saw yesterday, "because He abides forever" He "holds His priesthood permanently". And today we read, "Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them."

The basis of the believer's hope and assurance is found in the One who "always lives"! Because He "abides forever", because "He always lives", He is able to "save forever" you and I and all who have drawn "near to God through Him". May we rest in the supremacy of our High Priest. He lives forever. He holds His priesthood forever. He intercedes forever. He saves forever. Praise God.

Short Thoughts for Today

2009-09-16T06:48:00.000-07:00

Forever and permanently is the priesthood of Jesus! We are assured of this in today's passage of scripture in Hebrews 7:23-24 where we read, "And the former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers, because they were prevented by death from continuing, but He, on the other hand, because He abides forever, holds His priesthood permanently."

It seems that it their truest sense, forever and permanently are words that can only be attributed to the things of God. We see this truth with the comparison found in today's scripture. The "former priests" were numerous because of the reality and power of death. No matter how good he served in his priesthood or how well he may have been adored by the people, death ended the priesthood of those who had formerly served as priests. The death of one would usher in the priesthood of another.

But Jesus rose victoriously from the dead, obtaining victory over death as He triumphed over it, taking away its fear and sting. Death had no ending effect on His priesthood because He lives on. And so, permanent and forever is His priesthood! Praise God.

Short Thoughts for Today

2009-09-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Today, in Hebrews 7:20-22 we read, "And inasmuch as it was not without an oath (for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to Him, "THE LORD HAS SWORN AND WILL NOT CHANGE HIS MIND, 'THOU ART A PRIEST FOREVER' "); so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant."

My son works for a company who has slogan which says, "If we can't guarantee it, we wont sell it". We are all somewhat familiar with guarantees. Guarantees come in all shapes and sizes. All sorts of products and services may come with some sort of guarantee. Some may report to be good for 30 days while others may claim to be for a lifetime. Most come with fine print that explain the exception clauses of the guarantee.

Today's passage speaks of a guarantee like no other. Jesus Christ is our High Priest and is said to be so according to the order of Melchizedek. Yesterday we saw that His priesthood brings a "better hope" and that it is the means by which men can "draw near to God". Previously in chapter six we saw the importance of God interposing with an oath. And again in today's scripture we see the importance of His oath that Christ is a priest forever. But in the last part of today's scripture we see that Jesus Himself is "the guarantee of a better covenant". This guarantee has no hidden exclusionary clauses. There is no fine print. There is no limitation to its durability. The guarantee is the One who "in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God"! Oh, the blessed assurance that is found in Jesus.

Short Thoughts for Today

2009-09-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

As I resume posting my "short thoughts for today" I will continue to blog through the Book of Hebrews. Today's passage of scripture will be Hebrews 7:17-19 where we read, "For it is witnessed of Him, "Thou Art A PRIEST FOREVER ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK." For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God."

The writer continues to proclaim the forever priesthood of the Lord Jesus Christ. We see in today's passage that the writer is inspired to write about the "setting aside" of that which was weak and the "bringing in" of a better hope. Make no mistake, only God Himself can set aside "a former commandment" and bring in that which is new. The "better hope" He affords is the priesthood of Christ. It is through this (and we might rightly say this alone) that we "draw near to God"!

May we rejoice in the better hope of Christ and may we appreciate God's provision to draw near to Him.

Resuming Short Thoughts

2009-09-11T12:14:00.001-07:00

After a busy summer I anticipate resuming my "short thoughts for today" posts and continue to "blog through" the book of Hebrews. I am praying that the Lord will direct my thoughts and use them to edify members of His Church. God bless!

Treasure Hunting

2009-09-07T22:00:00.000-07:00

It is Labor Day and summer has gone by so quickly. My daughter begins her 3rd full week of classes at college this week while students all over the country begin their return to school tomorrow. May we take the time to pray for the students who attend the schools in our communities. May those who know not the Lord Jesus come to know the truth of the Gospel. Let us pray especially for those students who know the Lord Jesus. May they be strong in their faith and may their walk be pleasing to Him.

For the past two Sundays I had the opportunity and priviledge to preach at my home church as my pastor and his wife were away celebrating their twenty-fifth aniversary. The focus of my two-part message was the “surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus”. In a portion of the message I shared some thoughts from a portion of Paul’s letter to the Colossians.

In Colossians 2:3, speaking of Christ, Paul was inspired to write, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." This is a truth that we ought to pause and take special notice of; all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ! Believers all over the world can testify of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge they have found in Christ.

This "hidden treasure" hunt is unlike any other. God has revealed to us the exact location of the treasure. There is no need for guessing or for plotting the location. Though we often do, time should not be wasted looking elsewhere. These treasures are in Christ and can be found nowhere else.

We need no other map or directions. No special eyeglasses. No secret code to be found only in some remote location in the world. No special key. We cannot hire someone else or send someone else to find these treasures for us. But we may find them in Christ and He desires that we do.

In the passage itself we see that there is no guessing at what treasures will be found there. He has told us clearly. It is wisdom, and it is knowledge. Not man's wisdom or knowledge but God's. There are no high expectations of this treasure that will not be satisfied. It is quite the opposite. Our highest expectations will pale in comparison to the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that are found in Christ.

There is a way in which this hunt for hidden treasure is like those that we read about or watch movies about. The "treasure hunter", if you will, is one that has a passion to search for the treasure. They are willing to go to great lengths to find that which they believe is of great value. But in the usual hunt for hidden treasure, it is often the treasure itself that is the object of those who pursue it. But the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge ought not to be the object of the believer's passion and pursuit. That belongs to Christ alone!

But when our passion to know Him is realized and we grow in our knowledge of Him, we find the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that are hidden in Him! We know the treasures. We know where they are hidden. We know how to get there. But we must consider our own answers to some questions. "Do I have the passion to go there?" "Do I have the passion for Christ?" "Do I want to know Him better?" May we pray for and encourage one another in this important matter. May the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge edify the body of Christ as its members grow in their knowledge of Him.

Busy Summer/Daughter to College/Vacation Time

2009-08-16T15:11:00.000-07:00

I apologize for not posting more regularly these past two weeks. I have been busy being busy and also doing some fishing. Getting ready to take my daughter a few hundred miles away to college and will be gone for a couple of days and then back to take some vacation time and get some chores done around the house while summer lasts. Pray for my daughter and pray for my wife and I. I hope to "pause and ponder" the wonders of our Lord and His word and get back to writing soon. God bless!

Short Thoughts for Today

2009-08-11T21:45:00.000-07:00

Hebrews 7:12-16 will be the passage of scripture for today's short thoughts. As the author continues to describe the uniqueness of Christ's priesthood, he is inspired to write, "For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also. For the one concerning whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, a tribe with reference to which Moses spoke nothing concerning priests. And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become such not on the basis of a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life."

Yes, the priesthood changed and there was a change of law also. No one from the tribe of Judah had ever held the position of priest and yet this was the tribe from which our High Priest would come from. Although it is clearly noteworthy that Jesus was from the tribe of Judah, it is not His tribal lineage that makes Him a "high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek".

It was not on the basis of any physical requirements that He could be our Priest forever, but because He possesses a "power of an indestructible life". Indestructible is our Lord Jesus!

Short Thoughts for Today

2009-08-10T21:43:00.000-07:00

Today I begin the 7th chapter of the Book of Hebrews as I continue to "blog" my way through this portion of God's precious word. Back in chapters five and six we saw the author make mention that the Son of God was a high priest "according to the order of Melchizedek". The first ten verses of this chapter are used to go into more detail regarding "this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the most high God". I will not take the time to comment on these first ten verses but look to the question posed in verse eleven and the answer that follows.

In Hebrews 7:11 the author is inspired to write, "Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the Law), what further need was there for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be designated according to the order of Aaron?"

As we prepare to look at the remainder of this chapter and the chapters to follow, I would like to consider three matters from this verse. First of all, that a way of "perfection" was necessary. Secondly, that "perfection" had not been and could not be found through the Levitical priesthood. Thirdly, that the need for another priest to "arise according to the order of Melchizedek" was of the utmost importance. And lastly, that this other priest through whom would come perfection was Jesus.

Short Thoughts for Today

2009-08-04T21:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I began to look at the last two verses of Hebrews chapter six. In verses 19-20 we saw the author's words, "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek."

Is it not Christ Himself who is our hope? Our Hope has entered within the veil as a forerunner for us. Webster's defines "forerunner" as "one that precedes and indicates the approach of another". Yes, Jesus has preceded us to the holy place but has also prepared our way and indicated our approach. I so much appreciate that thought. We are welcome at the throne of grace and He bids us come. The Father expects us there. Lord willing, in the days ahead we will look more at the high priesthood of our Lord Jesus and this Melchizedek order spoken of.

Short Thoughts for Today

2009-08-03T20:25:00.000-07:00

Today and tomorrow I will conclude the sixth chapter of Hebrews as we look to the final two verses for the days short thoughts. In these last two verses we read,"This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek."

I do a lot of fishing/boating in the lower Columbia river in Oregon and appreciate the importance of a quality anchor. On more than one occasion I have witnessed fisherman lower their anchor to the river bottom only to find out that it would not hold them in the powerful current. On the home page of my blog, "Pause and Ponder", I have a picture of the huge ship anchor that is on display at the Maritime Museum in Astoria. For me it is a visual reminder of the great truth found in today's verse of scripture.

The hope previously spoken of by the Hebrew author was based on God's faithfulness, His unchangeableness and the oath of His word. The writer now states that this hope is the "anchor of the soul" for all who possess it. And unlike an anchor that may not be able to hold in a strong current or violent storm, ours is both "sure and steadfast". No matter how strong the currents of life run against you and the storms of this world assail you, your soul is well anchored in Christ!