Wars and Rumors of Wars
And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.� (Matthew 24:6)
And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.� (Matthew 24:6)
Christians are often chided because they are looking for the return of Christ rather than improving this present world. The fact is, however, that Bible-believing Christians have been largely responsible for such improvements in this world as have actually been achieved (elimination of slavery, establishment of hospitals and educational institutions, founding and development of modern science, advances in political freedoms, etc.).
On the other hand, Christ predicted that wars would continue despite His own death and resurrection. In fact, the prophet Daniel had prophesied over five centuries earlier that unto the end of the war desolations are determined� (Daniel 9:26). For 2,500 years the prophecies have been fulfilled and will continue to be fulfilled until Christ returns. In that day, God promises: Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end. However, it is not the misguided efforts of secularists and worldly minded Christians that will bring about this state of eternal peace and righteousness.The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this� (Isaiah 9:7).
Our text is taken from Christ's Olivet discourse, given in answer to His disciples questions about His Second Coming (Matthew 24-25). Climaxing His message, He said, Then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory (Matthew 24:30). The wicked, warring nations of the earth all will mourn (not rejoice over!) His coming. In the meantime, He urges all true Christians to be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh (Matthew 24:44). HMM
Married or Single: For Better or WorseJohn Piper
Following a sermon entitled "Single in Christ: A Better Name Than Sons and Daughters," Pastor John received a letter asking, "If what you say about the blessing of singleness is true, then why would one even want to be married?" Here is his response.
Dear Friend,
You ask: "What is at all compelling about marriage? Why would we even want to be married?"
The "compelling" comes only from the right combination of internal realities and objective truths about God's design for marriage. When the right combination is not there, marriage is not compelling and should not be. I would say the same thing about singleness.
The objective truths about marriage are primarily God's design:
1. To display his covenant keeping love between Christ and the church,
2. To sanctify the couple with the peculiar pains and pleasures of marriage,
3. To beget and rear a generation of white-hot worshippers, and
4. And to channel good sexual desire into holy paths and transpose it into worshipful foretastes of heaven's pleasures.
That is a high calling, but it is only compelling if it meets with internal longings for God that lean strongly into these designs.
The objective truths about singleness are also primarily God's design:
1. To display the spiritual nature of God's family that grows from regeneration and faith, not procreation and sex,
2. To sanctify the single with the peculiar pains and pleasures of singleness,
3. To capture more of the single's life for non-domestic ministry that is so desperately needed in the world,
4. And to magnify the all-satisfying worth of Christ that sustains life-long chastity.
That is a high calling, but it is only compelling if it meets with internal longings for God that lean strongly into these designs.
There is more to marriage and singleness than I have mentioned. But the point is to show that neither I nor the Bible means to say that either is compelling in and of themselves. That is why Paul says, "One has one gift and one another" (1 Corinthians 7:7). I think he means: The internal reality of one person finds one of these powerfully compelling and the internal reality of another finds another powerfully compelling. And I would add: This can change from one season to another.
I don't know which holds out more joys and more hardships. There is no way to know ahead of time, it seems to me. We Christians don't make our choices that way anyway. This would be clear if all singles not only heard the wedding vows, "For better or for worse," but also heard the same words written over singleness: "For better or for worse." Marriage may prove to be gloriously happy, or painfully disappointing. Singleness may prove to be gloriously satisfying or painfully disappointing. Only God knows which it will be for you.
So in the end, your heart really matters. Objectively, we cannot know ahead of time whether marriage or singleness will sanctify us more or honor God more. Does the internal reality of our heart lean us into the designs of marriage or the designs of singleness? That is a huge question and one that only the heart can answer. But it should be a heart well-formed with much Bible and much prayer and much maturity through life and counsel of friends and family.
That's my best effort. Thanks for caring about being devoted to Christ above all.
Pastor John
Following the Father’s Example
Ephesians 6:1-4
Do you have a strong relationship with your children? The way we first think about God has much to do with how we were parented--especially by our father. What image of the Lord are youportraying?
Many men struggle in their role as dads because their own fathers were either absent--physically or emotionally-- or poor examples. But regardless of what a person experienced in the past, the best thing any parent can do is imitate God the Father. But how do we know who He really is?
We get our best glimpse of what the heavenly Father is like by looking at His Son. Speaking with the disciples, Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me . . .
He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:6, 9). Not only is Christ our path to relationship with God; He is also the way we come to know the Father’s true character.
When we look at Jesus’ life, what do we see? He was merciful, patient, gentle, compassionate, kind, and full of goodness toward all people (Matt. 9:10-13). The Savior healed the sick, provided for needs, and offered forgiveness--regardless of the offense (Matt. 14:14-21; Luke 23:34). But in love, He didn’t hesitate to discipline or correct others when required.
More than a solid education or material possessions, your child’s greatest need is a role model of devotion to God through prayer, Bible reading, and holy living. If you make knowing and following the heavenly Father your first priority, you won’t have to worry about what kind of parent you will be.
The Beginning of Creation
“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God.” (Revelation 3:14)
This salutation in the last of the seven church epistles in Revelation contains the last of four occurrences of the distinctive phrase “the beginning of the creation.” The glorified Christ here assumes this as one of His divine names. Note that even God’s work of creation, long since completed (Genesis 2:1-3), had a beginning, and that beginning was Christ. “In the beginning was the Word . . . . All things were made by him” (John 1:1, 3).
The first two occurrences of this phrase also come from the lips of Christ. “From the beginning of the creation God made them male and female” (Mark 10:6). This assertion by the Creator, Jesus Christ (quoting Genesis 1:27), makes it unambiguously certain that Adam and Eve were created at the beginning of creation, not after the earth had already existed for 4.5 billion years. God also wrote this plainly on the tables of the law (Exodus 20:8-11). Those evangelicals who accept the geological ages evidently reject this clear statement of the creation’s Creator!
Then Christ also referred to the end-times in the context of the beginning-times. “In those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be” (Mark 13:19).
The phrase is also used in Peter’s very important prophecy concerning the scoffers of the end-times who will argue (in willful ignorance) that “all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation” (2 Peter 3:3-4), thereby denying that there ever was a real creation or real Creator and thus rejecting Christ Himself. But He is also the “true witness” and the “Amen,” and such denials will only be “unto their own destruction” (2 Peter 3:16). HMM
The Father of Spirits
“Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?” (Hebrews 12:9)
In these days when parents are urged by special interest and political groups not to discipline their children, and children’s rights are championed at the expense of parental authority, it is comforting to read in Scripture that the normal response to parental discipline is reverence. Thankfully, even most secular “experts” today recognize the child’s need for parental guidelines, reinforced by physical discipline as appropriate.
But this passage is primarily discussing the role of chastening father that God plays in the lives of His spiritual children. “My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord . . . for whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth. . . . But if ye be without chastisement . . . then are ye . . . not sons” (vv. 5-8). This discipline is “for our profit” (v. 10) and “yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness” (v. 11) in our lives. The natural response should be both “reverence” and “subjection” (v. 9).
In our text, God is identified as the “Father of spirits,” reminding us that God is Creator. “The LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him” (Zechariah 12:1). He who created all things, including the spiritual side of mankind (Colossians 1:16), recreated each spirit at the time of salvation (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:10; etc.). His wise and timely chastening is “for our profit” and has as its goal “that we might be partakers of his holiness” (Hebrews 12:10).
On this day of special honor for fathers, let us not forget to honor our heavenly Father. JDM
Standing Before God’s Open Door
1 Corinthians 16:8-9
The apostle Paul had passion and vision to reach the world with the good news about salvation. As he followed the Spirit’s leading, his determination proved effective. There’s no telling how many lives the Lord transformed through this man. And his influence is still impacting people today.
Paul knew that Jesus had instructed His followers to “make disciples of all the nations,” teaching them to observe everything He had commanded (Matt. 28:19). God led and enabled the apostle to do his part in carrying out this divine mission.
But think about life back then--that was a big task for a time when there was no mass communication. Paul could only teach, write, or train others to share the truth. In spite of limited means, however, he obeyed fervently and effectively.
God’s command is still relevant for us today. He has given us the work of telling all nations about redemption through Christ’s blood and resurrection. Compared to Paul, we have an abundance of communication capabilities--including radio, television, Internet, and cell phones--which provide easy access into countries all over the world. We could make more disciples by better utilizing these technologies. But how tragic if we get busy and fail to obey God’s command.
We stand at a critical moment in history for the church. The door of opportunity is wide open for us to share the gospel through a variety of methods. As believers, we are obligated to carry out Christ’s Great Commission. Be careful that neither busyness nor apathy keeps you from obedience.
Before a Watching World - By Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org
Show me a church that doesn't have a constant flow of new believers coming in, and I will show you a church that is stagnating. The church needs new believers
to remind us of what it is all about. And new believers need the church to stabilize them.
When mature believers are around young believers and they see them discover for the first time what it means to know Jesus, it can revive them. It's like
the difference between going to Disneyland with adults and going with children. We see things differently as adults. But when we go to Disneyland with children, everything changes because we see it all through their eyes.
The Bible tells us "the generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself" (Proverbs 11:25). New believers will replenish
us. The first-century church had new believers continually coming in. As we read in Acts 2:47, "And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved."
What an attractive church this was to a lost and watching world as these believers learned, loved, cared, worshiped, and prayed. They looked out for each
other. As a result, the world watched and paid attention-and people came to faith.
Witnessing is not just something we do; it's something we are. Jesus said, "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you
shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
There was regular, even daily, growth in the first-century church. Evangelism wasn't a periodic event here and there. They were engaging in it continually. And
every church ought to be. Every week we should be giving people an opportunity to come to Christ.
Dear Friend,
You ask: "What is at all compelling about marriage? Why would we even want to be married?"
The "compelling" comes only from the right combination of internal realities and objective truths about God's design for marriage. When the right combination is not there, marriage is not compelling and should not be. I would say the same thing about singleness.
The objective truths about marriage are primarily God's design:
1. To display his covenant keeping love between Christ and the church,
2. To sanctify the couple with the peculiar pains and pleasures of marriage,
3. To beget and rear a generation of white-hot worshippers, and
4. And to channel good sexual desire into holy paths and transpose it into worshipful foretastes of heaven's pleasures.
That is a high calling, but it is only compelling if it meets with internal longings for God that lean strongly into these designs.
The objective truths about singleness are also primarily God's design:
1. To display the spiritual nature of God's family that grows from regeneration and faith, not procreation and sex,
2. To sanctify the single with the peculiar pains and pleasures of singleness,
3. To capture more of the single's life for non-domestic ministry that is so desperately needed in the world,
4. And to magnify the all-satisfying worth of Christ that sustains life-long chastity.
That is a high calling, but it is only compelling if it meets with internal longings for God that lean strongly into these designs.
There is more to marriage and singleness than I have mentioned. But the point is to show that neither I nor the Bible means to say that either is compelling in and of themselves. That is why Paul says, "One has one gift and one another" (1 Corinthians 7:7). I think he means: The internal reality of one person finds one of these powerfully compelling and the internal reality of another finds another powerfully compelling. And I would add: This can change from one season to another.
I don't know which holds out more joys and more hardships. There is no way to know ahead of time, it seems to me. We Christians don't make our choices that way anyway. This would be clear if all singles not only heard the wedding vows, "For better or for worse," but also heard the same words written over singleness: "For better or for worse." Marriage may prove to be gloriously happy, or painfully disappointing. Singleness may prove to be gloriously satisfying or painfully disappointing. Only God knows which it will be for you.
So in the end, your heart really matters. Objectively, we cannot know ahead of time whether marriage or singleness will sanctify us more or honor God more. Does the internal reality of our heart lean us into the designs of marriage or the designs of singleness? That is a huge question and one that only the heart can answer. But it should be a heart well-formed with much Bible and much prayer and much maturity through life and counsel of friends and family.
That's my best effort. Thanks for caring about being devoted to Christ above all.
Pastor John
Following the Father’s Example
Ephesians 6:1-4
Do you have a strong relationship with your children? The way we first think about God has much to do with how we were parented--especially by our father. What image of the Lord are youportraying?
Many men struggle in their role as dads because their own fathers were either absent--physically or emotionally-- or poor examples. But regardless of what a person experienced in the past, the best thing any parent can do is imitate God the Father. But how do we know who He really is?
We get our best glimpse of what the heavenly Father is like by looking at His Son. Speaking with the disciples, Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me . . .
He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:6, 9). Not only is Christ our path to relationship with God; He is also the way we come to know the Father’s true character.
When we look at Jesus’ life, what do we see? He was merciful, patient, gentle, compassionate, kind, and full of goodness toward all people (Matt. 9:10-13). The Savior healed the sick, provided for needs, and offered forgiveness--regardless of the offense (Matt. 14:14-21; Luke 23:34). But in love, He didn’t hesitate to discipline or correct others when required.
More than a solid education or material possessions, your child’s greatest need is a role model of devotion to God through prayer, Bible reading, and holy living. If you make knowing and following the heavenly Father your first priority, you won’t have to worry about what kind of parent you will be.
The Beginning of Creation
“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God.” (Revelation 3:14)
The Father of Spirits
“Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?” (Hebrews 12:9)
Standing Before God’s Open Door
1 Corinthians 16:8-9
The apostle Paul had passion and vision to reach the world with the good news about salvation. As he followed the Spirit’s leading, his determination proved effective. There’s no telling how many lives the Lord transformed through this man. And his influence is still impacting people today.
Paul knew that Jesus had instructed His followers to “make disciples of all the nations,” teaching them to observe everything He had commanded (Matt. 28:19). God led and enabled the apostle to do his part in carrying out this divine mission.
But think about life back then--that was a big task for a time when there was no mass communication. Paul could only teach, write, or train others to share the truth. In spite of limited means, however, he obeyed fervently and effectively.
God’s command is still relevant for us today. He has given us the work of telling all nations about redemption through Christ’s blood and resurrection. Compared to Paul, we have an abundance of communication capabilities--including radio, television, Internet, and cell phones--which provide easy access into countries all over the world. We could make more disciples by better utilizing these technologies. But how tragic if we get busy and fail to obey God’s command.
We stand at a critical moment in history for the church. The door of opportunity is wide open for us to share the gospel through a variety of methods. As believers, we are obligated to carry out Christ’s Great Commission. Be careful that neither busyness nor apathy keeps you from obedience.
Before a Watching World - By Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org
And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
-Acts 2:47
-Acts 2:47
Show me a church that doesn't have a constant flow of new believers coming in, and I will show you a church that is stagnating. The church needs new believers
to remind us of what it is all about. And new believers need the church to stabilize them.
When mature believers are around young believers and they see them discover for the first time what it means to know Jesus, it can revive them. It's like
the difference between going to Disneyland with adults and going with children. We see things differently as adults. But when we go to Disneyland with children, everything changes because we see it all through their eyes.
The Bible tells us "the generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself" (Proverbs 11:25). New believers will replenish
us. The first-century church had new believers continually coming in. As we read in Acts 2:47, "And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved."
What an attractive church this was to a lost and watching world as these believers learned, loved, cared, worshiped, and prayed. They looked out for each
other. As a result, the world watched and paid attention-and people came to faith.
Witnessing is not just something we do; it's something we are. Jesus said, "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you
shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
There was regular, even daily, growth in the first-century church. Evangelism wasn't a periodic event here and there. They were engaging in it continually. And
every church ought to be. Every week we should be giving people an opportunity to come to Christ.
The
Blood of the Lamb
�And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not
their lives unto the death.� (Revelation 12:11)
Blood of the Lamb
�And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not
their lives unto the death.� (Revelation 12:11)
This is the last reference in the Bible to the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ; here, it is the overcoming blood, enabling believers to withstand the deceptions and accusations of Satan.
There are at least 43 references to the blood of Christ in the New Testament, all testifying to its great importance in the salvation and daily life of the believer. Judas the betrayer spoke of it as �innocent blood�
(Matthew 27:4), and Peter called it �the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot� (1
Peter 1:19). It is the cleansing blood in 1 John 1:7 and the washing blood in
Revelation 1:5, stressing that it removes the guilt of our sins.
(Matthew 27:4), and Peter called it �the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot� (1
Peter 1:19). It is the cleansing blood in 1 John 1:7 and the washing blood in
Revelation 1:5, stressing that it removes the guilt of our sins.
Paul calls it the purchasing blood in Acts 20:28 and the redeeming blood twice (Ephesians 1:7;
Colossians 1:14; see also
1 Peter 1:18-19;
Revelation 5:9), thus declaring the shedding of His blood to be the very price of our salvation. Therefore, it is also the justifying blood (Romans 5:9)
and the peacemaking blood (Colossians 1:20). Its efficacy does not end with our salvation, however, for it is also the sanctifying blood (Hebrews
13:12). There is infinite and eternal power in the blood of Christ, for it is �the blood of the everlasting covenant� (v. 20).
Colossians 1:14; see also
1 Peter 1:18-19;
Revelation 5:9), thus declaring the shedding of His blood to be the very price of our salvation. Therefore, it is also the justifying blood (Romans 5:9)
and the peacemaking blood (Colossians 1:20). Its efficacy does not end with our salvation, however, for it is also the sanctifying blood (Hebrews
13:12). There is infinite and eternal power in the blood of Christ, for it is �the blood of the everlasting covenant� (v. 20).
The first reference in the New Testament to His blood stresses this aspect. Jesus said at the last supper, �This is my blood of the new testament [same as �covenant�], which is shed for many for the remission of sins�
(Matthew 26:28). Let no one, therefore, ever count the �blood of the covenant . . . an unholy thing� (Hebrews
10:29), for the blood of Christ is forever innocent, infinitely precious, perfectly justifying, always cleansing, and fully sanctifying. HMM
(Matthew 26:28). Let no one, therefore, ever count the �blood of the covenant . . . an unholy thing� (Hebrews
10:29), for the blood of Christ is forever innocent, infinitely precious, perfectly justifying, always cleansing, and fully sanctifying. HMM
The Call to Serve
Galatians 5:13
Jesus commanded that we serve one another, but obeying this mandate in humility is not natural for us. Sure, there are times we like to help others. But service that involves self-sacrifice--especially for someone we deem undeserving--much more difficult
to do.
What does it mean to serve? Consider Christ's example. He gave up everything in heaven to live among us, subjecting Himself to dishonor and human frailty. And He loved even those who rejected Him. Think about how He humbled Himself and washedthe disciples'
feet at Passover. This was a disgusting, lowly task that a slave might be assigned--far from anything a king should do. He even knew these men were about to abandon Him but served them anyway.
Ultimately, Christ gave His life for us. And He did so while we were still sinners (Rom. 5:8). Serving others was His lifestyle--part of who He was and what He did. As His followers, we should strive to be like Him.
Therefore, service involves first dying to our selfish attitudes and motives. Only then can we live to glorify Christ. Jesus said that the greatest commandments are to love God wholeheartedly and to love others (Matt. 22:37-39). Ironically, it is only when
we humbly serve others that we experience God's fullness in our own lives.
Many try to achieve happiness by striving after their own desires. The result? Tired, unsatisfied people. True contentment happens only when we walk closely with Jesus. He shows where we can humble ourselves and take care of others. These actions, done through
His strength, will be blessed.
Enoch: A Man of Faith
�And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.� (Genesis
5:24)
Surely one of the most godly, as well as interesting, characters who ever lived was Enoch. He is one of only two who lived before the Flood (Noah also,
Genesis 6:9) of whom it is said that he �walked with God.� He is also one of only two individuals who never died (Elijah,
2 Kings 2:11). Little is known about him, but the Bible reveals him to be exemplary among men and special to God.
Notice that he was, first of all, a man of faith. �By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; . . . he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that
he is [i.e., that God exists], and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him� (Hebrews 11:5-6). Enoch had ample faith in the fact and work
of God, which yielded a close walk with God. He also had faith in the caring character of God that rewards the diligent search for Him on His terms with sanctification, fellowship, and eternal life. This faith, we are told, pleased God.
We find in the little book of Jude a description of Enoch�s ministry. Enoch�s faith impelled him to denounce strongly the false teaching and ungodly living of his day, prophesying the coming return of, and judgment by, the Lord (Jude
1:14-15).
Some have suggested that Enoch�s ministry is not yet over. All men die, for �it is appointed unto men once to die� (Hebrews 9:27), and Enoch has not yet
died. Perhaps he is one of the two tribulation �witnesses� (Revelation 11:3) whose messages are so much like those of Enoch and Elijah who will be martyred,
resurrected, and taken up to heaven directly from Earth (vv. 4-12). At any rate, Enoch is certainly one of the great heroes of the faith whom we shall meet some day. JDM
Why Christians Need Each Other
That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His
Son Jesus Christ. -1 John 1:3
When we speak of God's name, He listens. Malachi 3:16 says, "Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord listened and heard them;
so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who meditate on His name."
The phrase "the Lord listened and heard" could be translated "to prick the ear, to bend down, so as not to miss a single word."
The Lord loves it when we talk about Him together. That is what it means to fellowship. Acts 2:42 tells us that the early church "continued steadfastly
in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship." That word fellowship comes from the Greek word koinonia, which could be translated "fellowship," "partnership," or "communion." And it even could be translated "to be generous." So this word koinonia encompasses all
those ideas. It is far more than socializing. It is where people get together to talk about the things of God.
Sometimes I will hear people use Jesus' name as profanity. I'll say, "Careful. He listens when you say His name." Jesus listens when we say His name.
He is paying attention. He also listens when His people speak of Him and fellowship around His name. He loves it when we talk about Him. He listens when we speak His name.
Fellowship is praying together. It is serving together. It is giving together. It is aging together. These are the fibers of fellowship. Fellowship with God
and with His people go together. And if you find yourself out of fellowship with God, you will soon find yourself out of fellowship with other believers as well.
Galatians 5:13
Jesus commanded that we serve one another, but obeying this mandate in humility is not natural for us. Sure, there are times we like to help others. But service that involves self-sacrifice--especially for someone we deem undeserving--much more difficult
to do.
What does it mean to serve? Consider Christ's example. He gave up everything in heaven to live among us, subjecting Himself to dishonor and human frailty. And He loved even those who rejected Him. Think about how He humbled Himself and washedthe disciples'
feet at Passover. This was a disgusting, lowly task that a slave might be assigned--far from anything a king should do. He even knew these men were about to abandon Him but served them anyway.
Ultimately, Christ gave His life for us. And He did so while we were still sinners (Rom. 5:8). Serving others was His lifestyle--part of who He was and what He did. As His followers, we should strive to be like Him.
Therefore, service involves first dying to our selfish attitudes and motives. Only then can we live to glorify Christ. Jesus said that the greatest commandments are to love God wholeheartedly and to love others (Matt. 22:37-39). Ironically, it is only when
we humbly serve others that we experience God's fullness in our own lives.
Many try to achieve happiness by striving after their own desires. The result? Tired, unsatisfied people. True contentment happens only when we walk closely with Jesus. He shows where we can humble ourselves and take care of others. These actions, done through
His strength, will be blessed.
Enoch: A Man of Faith
�And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.� (Genesis
5:24)
Surely one of the most godly, as well as interesting, characters who ever lived was Enoch. He is one of only two who lived before the Flood (Noah also,
Genesis 6:9) of whom it is said that he �walked with God.� He is also one of only two individuals who never died (Elijah,
2 Kings 2:11). Little is known about him, but the Bible reveals him to be exemplary among men and special to God.
Notice that he was, first of all, a man of faith. �By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; . . . he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that
he is [i.e., that God exists], and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him� (Hebrews 11:5-6). Enoch had ample faith in the fact and work
of God, which yielded a close walk with God. He also had faith in the caring character of God that rewards the diligent search for Him on His terms with sanctification, fellowship, and eternal life. This faith, we are told, pleased God.
We find in the little book of Jude a description of Enoch�s ministry. Enoch�s faith impelled him to denounce strongly the false teaching and ungodly living of his day, prophesying the coming return of, and judgment by, the Lord (Jude
1:14-15).
Some have suggested that Enoch�s ministry is not yet over. All men die, for �it is appointed unto men once to die� (Hebrews 9:27), and Enoch has not yet
died. Perhaps he is one of the two tribulation �witnesses� (Revelation 11:3) whose messages are so much like those of Enoch and Elijah who will be martyred,
resurrected, and taken up to heaven directly from Earth (vv. 4-12). At any rate, Enoch is certainly one of the great heroes of the faith whom we shall meet some day. JDM
The Power of God's Grace
Romans 5:1-5
Grace is one of God's most amazing gifts. It provides us with everything we need to live in perfect freedom: pardon for our sins, healing for our hearts, the companionship of God's indwelling Holy Spirit, and access to freely cultivate our relationship with
Him. We work, worship, and enjoy life surrounded by His unconditional love. His grace upholds us, fills us, and sustains us.
Since we are forgiven people, the Lord responds to us not as enemies but as His dearly loved children (Rom. 8:15; Eph. 5:1). He hears our prayers, speaks to us, and acts on our behalf.
The knowledge that we live under the covering of God's grace gives us...
The Lord is committed to transforming each of us according to His special plan for our lives. Even His correction is an expression of His loving favor (Heb. 12:10). When we falter or fail, we can rest assured that His amazing grace hems us in and always
offers us redemption.
Romans 5:1-5
Grace is one of God's most amazing gifts. It provides us with everything we need to live in perfect freedom: pardon for our sins, healing for our hearts, the companionship of God's indwelling Holy Spirit, and access to freely cultivate our relationship with
Him. We work, worship, and enjoy life surrounded by His unconditional love. His grace upholds us, fills us, and sustains us.
Since we are forgiven people, the Lord responds to us not as enemies but as His dearly loved children (Rom. 8:15; Eph. 5:1). He hears our prayers, speaks to us, and acts on our behalf.
The knowledge that we live under the covering of God's grace gives us...
- Security about our position. No one can snatch us out of His hand
(John 10:28). - Boldness to live for Christ. Nothing anyone does or says can shake our confidence in who the Lord is or who we are in Him.
- Peace for today because we can fully trust in His sovereignty. The Lord is carrying out His perfect will--and we can be sure that nothing is able to thwart His plans when we cooperate with Him.
- Hope for the future. This life is just the beginning. One day we'll see Jesus face to face, be perfected as the individuals He created us to be, and live with Him in our true home forever.
The Lord is committed to transforming each of us according to His special plan for our lives. Even His correction is an expression of His loving favor (Heb. 12:10). When we falter or fail, we can rest assured that His amazing grace hems us in and always
offers us redemption.
Why Christians Need Each Other
- By Greg Laurie -
www.harvest.org
www.harvest.org
That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His
Son Jesus Christ. -1 John 1:3
Have you ever been having a conversation with someone when you overheard your name being mentioned across the room?
Did you notice how suddenly you started listening?
Did you notice how suddenly you started listening?
When we speak of God's name, He listens. Malachi 3:16 says, "Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord listened and heard them;
so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who meditate on His name."
The phrase "the Lord listened and heard" could be translated "to prick the ear, to bend down, so as not to miss a single word."
The Lord loves it when we talk about Him together. That is what it means to fellowship. Acts 2:42 tells us that the early church "continued steadfastly
in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship." That word fellowship comes from the Greek word koinonia, which could be translated "fellowship," "partnership," or "communion." And it even could be translated "to be generous." So this word koinonia encompasses all
those ideas. It is far more than socializing. It is where people get together to talk about the things of God.
Sometimes I will hear people use Jesus' name as profanity. I'll say, "Careful. He listens when you say His name." Jesus listens when we say His name.
He is paying attention. He also listens when His people speak of Him and fellowship around His name. He loves it when we talk about Him. He listens when we speak His name.
Fellowship is praying together. It is serving together. It is giving together. It is aging together. These are the fibers of fellowship. Fellowship with God
and with His people go together. And if you find yourself out of fellowship with God, you will soon find yourself out of fellowship with other believers as well.
A Learning Church
I heard a story about a pastor who wasn't getting much feedback about the sermon he preached. So after the service, he stood in the back of the church
to shake hands with people and wait for someone to say something about it. But no one said a word. Finally one woman came by who always had something thoughtful to say, so he asked her, "What did you think of my sermon today? How was it?"
"Pastor," she said, "your sermon reminded me of the peace and love of God."
He was relieved to hear that. "Wow," he said, "I've never had anyone actually say that to me before. Tell me, how did my message remind of you of the
peace and love of God?"
"Well, like the peace of God, it passed all understanding. And like the love of God, it endured forever."
Far too many preachers today can take the life-changing, power-packed message of the Word of God and somehow make it dull and uninteresting.
The early church, the church of the first century, was a Spirit-filled church. It was a strong, vibrant, healthy, living church. This early church had
passion. They had excitement. They had commitment. They were living in a first-love relationship with Jesus Christ, and they had burning hearts-not a casual attitude. There was spiritual excitement in what they did. They applied themselves to what was taught
from the Word of God.
As John Stott said, "The Spirit of God leads the people of God to submit to the Word of God." They believed in the teaching and preaching of the Bible. This
is a primary mission of the church today. And if you are a real believer who has been filled with the Holy Spirit, then you will love the Word of God.
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including
the Lord's Supper), and to prayer. -Acts 2:42
the Lord's Supper), and to prayer. -Acts 2:42
I heard a story about a pastor who wasn't getting much feedback about the sermon he preached. So after the service, he stood in the back of the church
to shake hands with people and wait for someone to say something about it. But no one said a word. Finally one woman came by who always had something thoughtful to say, so he asked her, "What did you think of my sermon today? How was it?"
"Pastor," she said, "your sermon reminded me of the peace and love of God."
He was relieved to hear that. "Wow," he said, "I've never had anyone actually say that to me before. Tell me, how did my message remind of you of the
peace and love of God?"
"Well, like the peace of God, it passed all understanding. And like the love of God, it endured forever."
Far too many preachers today can take the life-changing, power-packed message of the Word of God and somehow make it dull and uninteresting.
The early church, the church of the first century, was a Spirit-filled church. It was a strong, vibrant, healthy, living church. This early church had
passion. They had excitement. They had commitment. They were living in a first-love relationship with Jesus Christ, and they had burning hearts-not a casual attitude. There was spiritual excitement in what they did. They applied themselves to what was taught
from the Word of God.
As John Stott said, "The Spirit of God leads the people of God to submit to the Word of God." They believed in the teaching and preaching of the Bible. This
is a primary mission of the church today. And if you are a real believer who has been filled with the Holy Spirit, then you will love the Word of God.
In
Christ Jesus
�There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh,
but after the Spirit.� (Romans 8:1)
Christ Jesus
�There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh,
but after the Spirit.� (Romans 8:1)
One of the key doctrines of Christianity is the union of the believer with Christ. In fact, the expression �in Christ� or its equivalent is found over 160 times in Paul�s epistles alone. Since, in God�s sight, we are
�in Him,� all His attributes and accomplishments are credited to us as well.
�in Him,� all His attributes and accomplishments are credited to us as well.
For example, Paul said even to the carnal Corinthians that �of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption� (1
Corinthians 1:30). To the Romans (see today�s verse) he said that being in Christ frees us from the judgment, since Christ has already borne our judgment.
Corinthians 1:30). To the Romans (see today�s verse) he said that being in Christ frees us from the judgment, since Christ has already borne our judgment.
To the Galatians, Paul emphasized that �ye are all one in Christ Jesus� (Galatians 3:28). The Ephesian epistle
has many such expressions, the most comprehensive being
Ephesians 1:3: �[God] hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.� To the Philippians, he promised that �the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus� (Philippians
4:7). The Christians at Colosse were assured that �ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power� (Colossians 2:10).
has many such expressions, the most comprehensive being
Ephesians 1:3: �[God] hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.� To the Philippians, he promised that �the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus� (Philippians
4:7). The Christians at Colosse were assured that �ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power� (Colossians 2:10).
Even when we die, we �sleep in Jesus� and, when He comes again, �the dead in Christ shall rise first� (1 Thessalonians
4:14, 16). Paul even wrote to Timothy that God�s �own purpose and grace� had been �given us in Christ Jesus before the world began� (2 Timothy 1:9).
These are only a few examples of the marvelous blessings shared by all who are �in Christ Jesus.� We should be willing gladly to acknowledge �every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus� (Philemon
1:6). HMM
4:14, 16). Paul even wrote to Timothy that God�s �own purpose and grace� had been �given us in Christ Jesus before the world began� (2 Timothy 1:9).
These are only a few examples of the marvelous blessings shared by all who are �in Christ Jesus.� We should be willing gladly to acknowledge �every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus� (Philemon
1:6). HMM
Our Gifts for His Kingdom
1 Corinthians 12:4-7
Many people hear the word "serve" and feel that they do not have the necessary qualities to make a difference in others' lives. This is true--apart from God. But He has gifted each of us in unique ways with a purpose in mind. His plan for us involves using
these talents to serve Him for the good of others.
Satan would like us to believe otherwise. Our Enemy wants us to notice what others are doing and then to feel inferior. For instance, I have heard women say, "I am just a homemaker." They see people preaching and singing in the choir and wish they
could accomplish something so great for God. Friends, there could be nothing further from the truth. An enormous responsibility rests with those who train their children in righteousness.
In fact, the Holy Spirit has gifted each believer for specific work in God's kingdom. Scripture explains this idea by a comparison with a human body: each person has gifts and purposes that make the entire system function well. But if the heel wants the
eye's role, the whole being will lose balance.
Each part is crucial, even though some are less noticeable than others. Truthfully, those with less apparent talents have an advantage because pride and self-sufficiency may be less of a temptation.
Notice how Peter defined himself: "a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ" (2 Pet. 1:1). He was no longer a man motivated by self-interest. Once He followed Jesus, he saw himself as a servant of God. We, too, are called to serve the King of Kings with
whatever abilities we are given.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7
Many people hear the word "serve" and feel that they do not have the necessary qualities to make a difference in others' lives. This is true--apart from God. But He has gifted each of us in unique ways with a purpose in mind. His plan for us involves using
these talents to serve Him for the good of others.
Satan would like us to believe otherwise. Our Enemy wants us to notice what others are doing and then to feel inferior. For instance, I have heard women say, "I am just a homemaker." They see people preaching and singing in the choir and wish they
could accomplish something so great for God. Friends, there could be nothing further from the truth. An enormous responsibility rests with those who train their children in righteousness.
In fact, the Holy Spirit has gifted each believer for specific work in God's kingdom. Scripture explains this idea by a comparison with a human body: each person has gifts and purposes that make the entire system function well. But if the heel wants the
eye's role, the whole being will lose balance.
Each part is crucial, even though some are less noticeable than others. Truthfully, those with less apparent talents have an advantage because pride and self-sufficiency may be less of a temptation.
Notice how Peter defined himself: "a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ" (2 Pet. 1:1). He was no longer a man motivated by self-interest. Once He followed Jesus, he saw himself as a servant of God. We, too, are called to serve the King of Kings with
whatever abilities we are given.
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