Daily Devotions for June

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THEME - "The Church Covenant"

June 1st

We Unite Ourselves as One Body in Christ

I Corinthians 12:12-31

      The unity of the church is one of its greatest strengths. In 1 Corinthians 1:10 God says Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. One of Satan's prime objectives is to create division in the body of Christ. Over and over he has been successful in dividing homes and churches. Matthew 12:25 tells us that every city or house divided against itself shall not stand. H. G. Bosch gave the following report:

      In 1765, John Fawcett was called to pastor a very small congregation at Wainsgate, England. He labored there diligently for 7 years, but his salary was so meager that he and his wife could scarcely obtain the necessities of life. Though the people were poor, they compensated for this lack by their faithfulness and warm fellowship.

      Then Dr. Fawcett received a call from a much larger church in London, and after lengthy consideration decided to accept the invitation. As his few possessions were being placed in a wagon for moving, many of his parishioners came to say good-bye. Once again they pleaded with him to reconsider.

      Touched by this great outpouring of love, he and his wife began to weep. Finally, Mrs. Fawcett exclaimed, "O John, I just can't bear this. They need us so badly here." "God has spoken to my heart, too!" he said. "Tell them to unload the wagon! We cannot break these wonderful ties of fellowship."

      This experience inspired Fawcett to write a hymn. "Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love! The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above."

      Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Today's scripture reading:

I Corinthians 12:12-31 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.  For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?  And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?  If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?  But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.  And if they were all one member, where were the body?  But now are they many members, yet but one body.  And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.  Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:  And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.  For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.  That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.  And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.  And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.  Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?  Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?  But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

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June 2nd

Why A Church Covenant?

I Corinthians 12:12-18

      Why is it that churches have a church covenant? The word covenant speaks of a relationship. The Bible defines the marriage relationship in terms of a covenant. God 's election and relationship with the nation Israel was built on a covenant. Under the Old Covenant, this relationship involved a temporal kingdom, the nation Israel. The law outlines the responsibilities and privileges of this relationship. These covenants involved at least three parties. It was a people to people covenant, and it was a people to God covenant.

      Under the New Covenant, the relationship is to a spiritual kingdom. The covenant signifies a mutual undertaking between two parties or more, each binding himself to fulfil obligations, it does not in itself contain the idea of joint obligation, it mostly signifies an obligation undertaken by a single person. (Vine, W. E., Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, Grand Rapids, MI: Fleming H. Revell 1981). Under the Old Covenant, Israel united as one nation under God. Under the New Covenant, God 's people unite as one body in Christ for the purpose of fellowship, worship and service. The church is not a service club, business or organization. It is an organism.

      In God 's Word, we find many instructions about the various duties of husbands and wives in the marriage relationship. This relationship requires the deepest commitment. The marriage vows outline these important responsibilities. The church relationship demands deep commitment as well, and the church covenant outlines these responsibilities. In the marriage relationship, husband and wife become one flesh. In the church, those who are born of the spirit are one body. How is this possible? The Spirit of God dwells in the hearts of all those who believe. Thus, if a church is a church, one Spirit directs and empowers the body. If the Spirit of God is directing and empowering the body it will manifest itself according to the pattern we find in the Bible. The church covenant makes us mindful of this commitment and our responsibilities.

      We need to gather as God 's people for fellowship, worship and service. As we do so, we need to be mindful of our covenant with each other and God. Thus it is helpful to outline some of the responsibilities of this covenant.

Today's scripture reading:

I Corinthians 12:12-18 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.  For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?  And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?  If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?  But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 

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June 3rd

Walking Together In Love
John 13:31-35

      A Covenant is "an agreement between two or more persons to do or refrain from doing some act; a compact; a contract. Eccles. A solemn agreement between the members of a church, as that they will act together in harmony with the precepts of the gospel."(Dictionary) As members of Liberty Baptist Church we have entered into an agreement to do certain things and also to refrain from doing certain things.

      The first statement in our Church Covenant says: "We will make it our purpose to walk together in Christian love." We have pledged ourselves to making this a goal of our Christian lives. The only way this can be done is with the aid of the Holy Spirit because the fruit of the Spirit is love. Gal. 5:22 He will enable and empower us to do this. To walk is "to conduct ourselves in a particular manner."(Dic.) Walking together involves conducting ourselves in a particular manner toward others. There are not just a few (our close friends) in our church with whom we need to walk together, but all of the members of the church. That which should govern our walk together is Christian love. The 5th definition in the Dictionary defines what we mean: "A feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection for someone." Three words: love, affection, and devotion, all mean "a deep and enduring emotional regard." (Dic.) Christian designates the love of one Christian for another Christian. No wonder Jesus said A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:34,35. Even if we do not always agree. KDD

      Thought: A Christian who tugs on the oars hasn't time to rock the boat. (The Lifeline)

Today's scripture reading:

John 13:31-35 Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

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June 4th

Church Covenant: Having been Saved by Grace through Faith
Ephesians 2:1-10

      Have you genuinely been saved from the penalty of sin? Are you a True Christian who has repented of sin and has called on Christ's mercy to save you? Is there clear evidence to others, that what you say is true? These are key questions that need to be answered openly and honestly by every individual, especially in a church body of believers.

      The church covenant spells out clearly what that group of people believes, and it gives concise statements as to what those beliefs are. It also identifies the accurate beliefs of the Christian Faith, with the Bible as the final authority. The covenant then helps to clearly identify the spiritual state of the person that wants to join the church body. If a person is not saved, then they clearly should not join the membership of the body of believers. If a person is unsaved, would they be able to understand the spiritual reasons for the church covenant? Could they understand salvation and baptism as true believers do? Can they worship God acceptably? The answers are obvious; they cannot, for these things are spiritually discerned. And so the covenant, that is based on Biblical doctrine clearly tells outside folks where the body of believers stand.

      May we bring it closer to home? The church building is a place to gather for worship and praise to God. There is a grave misconception that the building itself is the "church". 1 Peter 2:5 says, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Thus, saved people are the church, whom God, the Holy Spirit indwells.

      So, the question still stands! Are you genuinely saved? Have you repented of your sin and accepted Christ's payment on the cross for you? If not, why not do so today? There may not be a tomorrow for you, only God knows for sure. Are you willing to take that risk and go into eternity not knowing, absolutely for sure, that you would go to heaven if you died tonight? If you are saved, have you followed through in obedience to the Lord and become a viable member of the local body of believers, so that your service to the Lord can be fully used for Him?

      Dear Lord God, guide us in the way of everlasting truth. Amen.

Today's scripture reading:

Ephesians 2:1-10 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

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June 5th

We Promise (Covenant) Together Before God
Ecclesiastes 5:1-6

      The second sentence of the Church Covenant is as follows. "We promise therefore before God and this assembly that we will make it our purpose to..." this is a promise before God, therefore God hears it and expects us to keep our vows for a vow is a promise or covenant. God made eight covenants with the human race and they are as follows: Edenic, Mosaic and Palestian are conditional. Adamic, Noahic, Abrahanic, Davidic and New Covenants are unconditional. Please note, when God makes a covenant (promise), He is faithful to His Word. When you read the Church Covenant in the congregation you are standing before God and the congregation and making a vow that you will comply with all that you read. If you do not follow up, then you are being dishonest, it is just that simple. Ecclesiastes 5:5 Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay, [ie: keep your vow].

      Matthew 12:36-37 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. We know that our sins are forgiven, but if we do not confess them daily, we shall give an account at the Bema Seat (judgment seat of Christ for the Christians). Romans 14:12-13 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. We do not condemn, but the Word of God condemns us if we do not confess our sins now, and confession means to put away or quit sin, I John 1:7-10.

      In reading the Covenant, we are pledging our faithfulness to God, our pastor and the congregation. In being unfaithful to our words, we are disobedient and others see that our words and our lives are not consistent. 1 Cor. 11:28-29 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation (judgment) to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. Better to judge now than then!

Today's scripture reading:

Ecclesiastes 5:1-6 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words. When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?

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June 6th

Sustaining Doctrine
2 Timothy 4:1-8

      2 Timothy 3:16, says All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. This verse is familiar to many, especially when speaking about doctrine. Today we are going to look at the word doctrine in conjunction with the promises that we say at the beginning of each month. We promise, therefore, before God and this assembly that we will make it our purpose to"sustain its" doctrine. What is doctrine? Doctrine is nothing more than teaching. If doctrine is nothing more than teaching, then we need to be very careful at how we obtain our doctrine.

      In John 7:16-17, Jesus said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. I pray that it is our desire not to seek the teachings and doctrines of man, but of God. As Christ received His doctrine from His Father, He then proceeded to teach the very same things that had been taught to Him. On many occasions, the Bible makes reference to how people were astonished at the doctrine of Christ. Note Mark 1:22 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. Luke 4:32 says And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.

      Unfortunately, we are fast approaching a day where people have little or no concern about how and where they get their doctrine. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 says For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. Let us be challenged today to make sure our doctrine comes straight from the Word of God, for all Scripture is profitable for doctrine. JDL

      2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Today's scripture reading:

2 Timothy 4:1-8 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

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June 7th

Church Discipline
II Thessalonians 3:6-14

      Man in sin has turned from God to his own way. He does not want fellowship with God. He does not want the will of God. He does not want to be responsible to anyone. Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way ... We read in Luke 19:14 about the attitude of the religious leadership in Israel. In the text we read, We will not have this man to reign over us. As sure as the church is Christ 's kingdom, his servants submit themselves to His leadership. This submission is manifest in several ways.

      First, it is manifest as we follow the leadership of God through his servants. Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. It is those whom God has called to ministry that God has used to set the standards of membership. In Matthew 16:19, we see a reference to this authority. In this text, we read where Jesus says to Peter, I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. This is a reference to membership in the kingdom.

      Second, it means that we are to submit ourselves to one another. We read about this dual dynamic in 1 Corinthians 5:3-5 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Under Paul 's leadership, the church at Corinth dealt with a very serious problem to the health of the church. It is wise for us to remember that along with authority goes accountability. For this reason, we read in James 3:1 be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

Today's scripture reading:

II Thessalonians 3:6-14 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.

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Saturday, June 8th

Submitting To The Word Of God
II Timothy 3:14-17

      The fifth statement of our Church Covenant says: We will "Submit ourselves to the Word of God in all matters and to the leadership of this church." In this devotional, I will deal with "submitting ourselves to the Word of God in all matters." In as much as this is a Baptist church we need to remind ourselves that the first Baptist Distinctive is: The Bible is our Only Rule for Faith and Practice. This means that what we believe and what we do must be backed up by the Bible."We have no Founder but Christ and no Book but the Bible! We have no Lord but Christ and no commands from Him but through the Bible." (Felix Runquist)

      We have declared that we will submit ourselves to the Word of God. The word submit means "To yield, resign or surrender to the power, will or authority of another; to be submissive."(Webster, 1828) Since God is the Author of the Bible, it is the Word of God, so when we submit ourselves to the Word of God, we are submitting to Him. We also declare that we will submit in all matters. The Bible then must govern our lives -- how we talk, how we act, how we think, how we dress, how we respond in situations. It needs to affect every area of our lives, at home, on the job, in the community.

      In order to submit to the Word of God, we have to know what it teaches. The Apostle Paul wrote: Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. II Tim. 2:15 "Know the Bible in your head; Stow the Bible on your heart; Show the Bible in your life; Sow the Bible in the world." (Teachers Swap Shop)

      Thought: It is a good thing to mark your Bible, but it is a BETTER THING to let your Bible mark you.; (First Baptist Church, Silt, CO)

Today's scripture reading:

II Timothy 3:14-17 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

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June 9th

Church Covenant: Strive for the Advancement of this Church
Hebrews 10:19-39

      Have you ever stopped to consider the advancement of the church? How does it happen and who does the work? The scriptures give us clear answers to these questions. There are those folks who only come to the assembling of the church body maybe once or twice a year. Then there are some that come more regularly, once or twice a month. Then there are those that come every week but only if it's not a hindrance to their personal schedule. Then there are those that come almost every time the door is open, but never seem to get involved. There are literally very few who come with regularity and pour out their lives in sacrificial service to the Lord God Almighty. Why is that?

      Our passage today talks of these problems and gives some clear commands. It says in vs. 24, forsaking not the assembling of yourselves together as the manner of some is. There are many that never really seem to fully use the skills and abilities that God has given them. There is the claim of salvation but really little or no fruit in the life to back up the profession. Have you considered that when a person doesn't come regularly to services, they are literally casting their vote to close the doors of that church? Have you also considered that by just doing nothing, many people are casting their votes to eliminate the local church and the effectiveness of the Living Word of God in their lives?

      So, let's individually evaluate our own lives. God commands us to love Him above all else and then tell others about Him, too. Isn't that the answer to the problem?! If we really love God above all else, we will make time to obey His clear commands and we will be growing spiritually and we will be telling others about Him and then His church will be advancing. If there is a false profession in a person's life, God's commands really don't mean anything to them and they will go about as people do, possibly hearing the Word but never really doing anything. Where do you stand? Let's evaluate ourselves and ask God what we can do in advancing His church starting today!

      Dear Lord and Savior, we have failed many times in our service to you. Please forgive us and help us to be obedient to Your Holy Word. In Jesus name and for His sake, we pray. Amen.

Today's scripture reading:

Hebrews 10:19-39 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

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June 10th

Promote its Spirituality
1 Peter 2:1-5

      The Apostle Paul was very concerned about "Spirituality" and he wrote about it in all his epistles but especially in Romans, First Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians and Colossians. Paul was himself a man led by the Holy Spirit and filled for a ministry of bringing others into a spirit filled life. Every born-again Christian should be concerned about those who need to be led into a spirit controlled life. Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Please note there are three things Paul prayed for: knowledge, wisdom and understanding. Every Christian should be concerned about the weaker ones growing in spiritual knowledge, wisdom and understanding regarding the Scriptures.

      Paul gives us another responsibility and that is to live so that the weaker ones will see that we are following the Holy Spirit in our walk and talk. Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. We are not to kick them if they are down and have fallen into sin, but rather we are to lift them up, support and encourage them, lest we also fall into the same pit. Luke 6:41-42 Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?... how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

      Lastly, Paul admonishes us that there are two kinds of minds: The carnal or fleshly and the spiritual or godly minds in Romans 8:5-6 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Paul does not pull any punches, he calls a spade a spade and tells us we are one or the other. The Holy Spirit led Paul in all actions and words and he gave us good examples to follow. It is also good to follow what Joshua said as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15. It is my desire that the same would be true in every home in our church.

Today's scripture reading:

1 Peter 2:1-5 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

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Tuesday, June 11th

Church Ordinances
Acts 2:1-47

      The two ordinances found in a Baptist Church are that of Baptism and the Lord's Supper. In Acts chapter two, Luke records one of the most significant events in the New Testament. After Peter's denial of Christ, God chooses to use him to bring one of the most powerful messages of all time. On this day, the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit is revealed in a wonderful way and the work of God is accomplished all for His honor and His glory. At the conclusion of Peter's message, the Bible records in Acts 2:41-42, that they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Notice what immediately happened after they received the Word. The Bible tells us the first thing they did was get baptized. After salvation, baptism is the first step of following God in obedience. Some of Jesus' last words to His disciples are found in Matthew 28:19-20, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Christ placed great importance on the act of baptism. Baptism is a picture of salvation, which identifies you with Christ. This is the first ordinance.

      The second ordinance is found in the latter part of Acts 2:42, and that is the breaking of bread. 1 Corinthians chapter 13 goes into the most detail about the Lord's Supper. For us as believers, this is an opportunity to remember what Jesus did for us on the cross. We take part in the Lord's Supper not just to eat, but to worship. It is our responsibility to sustain these two ordinances, Baptism and the Lord's Supper. God placed great importance on these two ordinances and so should we.

      1 John 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

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June 12th

Ready to Forgive
Hebrews 12:14-17

      Bitterness is a great threat to the unity and health of the fellowship. As our Lord said, it is impossible that we should keep offenses from coming. All of us will be offended by something at some time. We all share a common experience. What is important is not the offense, but how our hearts react to the offense.

      If we react in a godly way, bitterness will not bring destruction into our lives. However, if we allow even the root of bitterness in our lives, we will find that it destroys everything we hold dear. In our text today, we read this warning. Hebrews 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled. Bitterness is like drinking poison and then waiting for the enemy to die. Bitterness will destroy the heart, life and even soul of the one infected. To become bitter is to fail of the grace of God. The warnings our Lord gave us in this regard are clear. Bitterness is the path to apostasy.

      Our Lord taught that if we do not forgive others from our hearts, He will not forgive us. Matthew 18:35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. Two things are very helpful in this regard. First, we need to learn to avoid angry and bitter people. Bitterness is contagious. Hurt people have a way of hurting other people. Thus, it is wise to avoid these kinds of people. King Solomon spoke of this difficulty in the marriage relationship. He said, Proverbs 21:19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. The same is true when it comes to friends, and any partnership.

      I believe that the strife that we see in the Middle East today is the result of bitterness on the part of Hagar and Ishmael. Bitterness is a deadly and destructive thing. Some want to withhold their forgiveness until there is repentance. We find no such teaching in the Bible. Only God can give that kind of forgiveness, because it is related to redemption. We are not to keep hurt and anger in our hearts. We are not to even let the sun go down on such hurt and anger.

Today's scripture reading:

Hebrews 12:14-17 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

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June 13th

We Promise to Give Regularly
II Corinthians 9:1-15

      The 6th statement of our Church Covenant says: We have promised "To give regularly and systematically to support the work of the church including the relief of the poor and the worldwide spread of the Gospel." We have covenanted with all the others of our church to contribute financially to the total ministry of our church. We have pledged our word that we would do this. How do we do this? By giving our tithes and offerings.

      Paul wrote to the Corinthian church: Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him. I Cor. 16:2. Again he wrote: But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man (Person) according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver. II Cor. 9:6,7 Another word for cheerful is hilarious. The word means "joyous, prompt to do anything."(Vine) There ought to be joy in giving to the work of the Lord. We also promised to do it regularly or systematically. And we agreed to support the total ministry of the church: the pastors. Church programs, relief of the poor (our Deacon Fund), and worldwide missions.

      Israel was accused of robbing God. How? In tithes and offerings. Malachi 3:8,9 They had been told all the tithe is the Lord's. Lev.27:30-32 To take what belonged to the Lord was robbing Him. He then told them what to do: bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse. Mal. 3:10 Note God's promise. Also see Luke 6:38.

      Thought: What would my church be like if all the members were just like me? (The Lifeline)

Today's scripture reading:

2 Corinthians 9

For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many. Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready: Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting. Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness. But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

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June 14th

Church Covenant: Maintain Personal Devotions
Psalm 19:1-14

      Have you ever stood outside on a clear night and just gazed at the stars and the vastness of the heavens? It is breathtaking to say the least. While gazing up into the heavens, have you ever suddenly felt very, very small in the vastness of the universe that God has made. This is what Psalm 19 does for us in the spiritual sense. It brings us to a spiritual humbleness where we can truly look at what God has done for us, and what His Word can do in us, and then it begins to focus our attention, and our minds, and our hearts in true devotion to Him.

      We live in a society today where there is little, if any time to give to God. We are too busy to spend time with God and have no time for devotions, and yet, isn't He the one who made us? Isn't He the one who gives us our daily bread? Isn't He the one who gives us each day and each breath, so that we can glorify Him as Creator and Savior? Isn't He the one that took our place on the cross to die, so that we didn't have to? It's a very sad day indeed, when those who genuinely know Christ as Savior, cannot take even just a short time of each day that God has given to them, to bring their heartfelt love and devotion to Him. In fact, it's as if there are other gods that have taken God's rightful place. Otherwise, there would be ample, unselfish time given in true devotion to God.

      King David spoke of his personal devotion to God as one of the most positive things that could ever happen to him, to the point of being better than gold and sweeter than the honeycomb. In keeping and following God 's Word in personal devotion, there is literally great reward! And then with the light of God's Word on his heart, King David realizes in his own life that he falls far short and in true humbleness of heart asks God to forgive his sin, even the willful sin that he would commit. This is true devotion unto God the Creator, the King of Kings. King David ends this Psalm with a prayer in utter humility, and asks God to help him with his mouth and his heart, because he wanted to be innocent of great transgression. May this also be our prayer today!

      O Dear God of all Creation, may the words of our mouths, and the meditations of our hearts, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, our Strength, and our Redeemer. In Jesus precious Name, Amen.

Today's scripture reading:

Psalm 19

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

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June 15th

Promote Prosperity in your Church
First Corinthians 16:1-3

      Turning again to the Church Covenant and the introduction, which says, "We promise therefore before God and this assembly that we will make it our purpose to: 3. Promote it's spirituality and prosperity." When you read the above words in the congregation you are promising to bring your tithes and offerings into the church. 1 Corinthians 16:2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. The Apostle Paul under the guidance of the Holy Spirit knew that the church would need funds to pay for the utilities, insurance, salaries, missions, and a multitude of other monthly expenses.

      Our church does not raise moneys by rummage sales, dime-a-dip dinners nor any other form of commercialization. The church is dependent upon the gifts of love for the current expenses and the outreach of the ministry in the many and varied channels used to propagate the Gospel message. The leadership does not pressure you to give, because if you give from an unwilling heart you are not giving because you love the Lord. He loved us and gave His all for us!

      I heard people say, I will give after all my bills are paid, there never seems to be enough to go around. They are right! If you don't put the tithe aside before other things are paid, you will always run out of money before everything is paid. The most surprising effect of tithing is that there is always something left after the monthly bills are paid. I knew a deacon who was wealthy and I asked him if he tithed. His response was,"No! If I tithed the rest of the church would not have to tithe." I responded, "Have you ever thought of what the church could do in the way of missions and local outreach if you did tithe?" No response! If every one in our church tithed, we could triple our missionary program and there would be money left over to build as the Lord desires. It is amazing how we never learn the most important lessons in the Christian life. The tithe is the Lord's and we are stealing from Him when we withhold that which is His. Please read and see if you are justified in withholding your tithe and gifts to the Lord. The 8th Commandment: Thou shalt not steal.

Today's scripture reading:

I Corinthians 16:1-3. Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.

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June 16th

Helping One Another
John 8:57-9:11

      Jesus was a man that loved to help other people. His purpose for coming to earth was not to be ministered unto, but to minister. So often we find ourselves wanting others to do things for us instead of us doing things for others. This mind set is contrary to God's Word and to the mind of Christ?

      Jesus performed many miracles while on earth, but one that ought to stick out in every individuals mind is found in John chapter nine. Here we find Jesus healing a blind man. You may ask, what is so unusual about that? Jesus healed many blind men. Is it different only because He used His spit mixed with dirt to make clay, and then anointed the man's eyes? No. What makes this miracle so wonderful is the fact that Jesus was running for His life. Notice the last couple verses in chapter eight. After Jesus answered the questions of the scribes and Pharisees, they picked up stones to kill Him. As He was running from them, He came across a blind man. Then Jesus, seeing the need of the blind man, stopped to help. As we ponder the actions of Christ, let's ask a couple of questions. Would we have stopped to help if we were in the same situation as Christ? Would we have even noticed? Many people are hurting and in need of spiritual, mental, and physical help, but we don't even notice them, and often times, those that do notice have no time to help because they are busy helping themselves.

      The fact is, we live in a very busy society. So much of our time is spent on self that there is no time left to help others. As Christians we are commanded by God to love others as ourselves. It is not only our responsibility, but also our Christian duty to help one another.

      Galatians 6:10, As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Today's scripture reading:

John 8:57-9:11. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing. The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged? Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he. Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.

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June 17th

Willing to Seek Reconciliation Quickly
Ephesians 4:24-27

      The word of God is so practical. It does not matter what is the cause of the offense. If we have offended or we are the offended, we are to try to resolve the difficulty. We read in Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Therefore, if we sense a problem, we need to do everything in our power to try to resolve it. Sadly, as we see in this text, we may not be able to resolve it. Sometimes it is just not possible. In our text today, we are warned not to give the devil a base of operation in our heart and life. Can you imagine giving the devil a room in your house? We would be better off giving some dangerous criminal a room. Yet, I tell you that many of God 's people give the devil such a base of operation because they will not seek reconciliation quickly. They allow anger, bitterness and hate into their hearts.

      Sometimes we think that the best marriages are those where the husband and wife never disagree or fight. Important research does not bear this out. The research tells us that it is important that the husband and wife learn to express themselves even to the point of strife. What is important is not the strife, but that they have the maturity to reconcile. Those who have not come to important emotional maturity will either clam up or blow up. They will be childish. Mature people may never come to a complete meeting of the minds, but they will be able to compromise and walk in harmony. Adults learn to work together in spite of disagreement. They learn to set aside personal beliefs and submit to God ordained leadership.

      Spiritual immaturity is likened to carnality and physical immaturity. We have all seen children fight over the most insignificant and petty things. Pride drives all such conflict (Proverbs 13:10). Yet, as the prophet has asked, Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed? The answer is no, thus we need to learn to reconcile quickly if we would work together in the local church. If we are mature and if we are on the same page on doctrine and polity, we ought to be able to live in peace and harmony.

Today's scripture reading:

Ephesians 4:24-27.
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.

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June 18th

Personal and Family Devotions
Deuteronomy 6:1-12

      The full statement in our Church covenant says: "Maintain both a personal and a family devotions." A reminder as to what a Covenant is. "Literally, a coming together; a meeting or agreement of minds. A mutual consent or agreement of two or more persons, to do or forbear some act or thing; a contract; stipulation. In church affairs, a solemn agreement between the members of a church, that they will walk together according to the precepts of the gospel, in brotherly affection."(Webster, 1828) It is not something to be taken lightly and needs to be considered as a binding agreement.

      Personal devotions speaks of those times when individually we take time to read and study the Bible and spend time in prayer. Jesus spoke of such a private time. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Matt. 6:6. I believe Jesus is saying we need to get alone with God, hear Him speak to us through His Word, and speak to Him in prayer. The Psalmist referred to the need of meditating on the statutes and precepts of God. Psalm 119. Read and ponder on what God has said in His Word. Pray.

      Family Devotions refers to those times when we gather as a family, read the Word of God, talk about what He has said, answer questions and make applications of truths learned. Spend time as a family in prayer for needs, the church, missions, etc. In Deut. 6 we have a good illustration of what is meant by Family Devotions. When is not important; doing it, that is what is important.

      Thought: Nothing is discussed more and practiced less than prayer. (Punch Lines, Messiah Baptist, Denver)

Today's scripture reading:

Deuteronomy 6:1-12 Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it: That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged. Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not, And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full; Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.

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June 19th

Church Covenant: Reaching Others with the Gospel - Witnessing
Matthew 28:16-20, Acts 1:8, Romans 1:16

      Reaching others with the gospel of Christ is the 2nd primary command given to us by Jesus, in loving our neighbors as ourselves, immediately following the 1st and greatest commandment, to love God with our whole heart. It is the great commission that God has given to those who truly love Him, it is the great undertaking of building up the spiritual house of Christ, it is a clear and unmistakable sign of obedience to God as a True Christian. If a person claims to be a Christian, there should be clear evidence as to that person's claim and that evidence is in obedience to this particular command given to all believers.

      Sadly, many folks who claim to be Christians never tell anyone else of Jesus, never witness to their friends and family of the greatest news they will ever hear. But it doesn't negate the clear command given by Jesus to "Go and make disciples,and Ye shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and unto the utter most parts of the world. It could be read as Grand Junction, Palisade, Fruita, and so forth. The command is clear, we are to go. Our heavenly Father, who loves us so much, would never ask us to do anything that would hurt us, in fact, He has a perfect plan for each one of us. But He also allows us to make our own choices of whether or not we will obey Him. He wants to bless His children and see them overflowing with joy and peace and love, but He still allows us our own free will. It seems an easy choice, doesn't it? Our Gracious and Loving Heavenly Father asking us to do something that will bring great Joy and Great blessing and Great Peace and Great Satisfaction in helping others, just as He has helped us. Consider Jesus, Heb. 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Jesus went to the cross for all men. He died for all men's sin, and He rose again in victory so that we can have eternal life with Him in heaven! Hallelujah, Praise the Lord!

      Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive us for not obeying this commandment as we should. Give us boldness to unashamedly proclaim the Gospel to all that we can. In Jesus wonderful name. Amen.

Today's scripture reading:

Matthew 28:16-20, Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

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June 20th

Submitting to the Leadership of the Church
Ephesians 4:11-16

      The minister in the church is placed in leadership even as Moses was placed in leadership over Israel when they left Egypt. The Pastor is a gift unto the church according to Ephesians 4:11 and, therefore, should be treated as a gift. There are times when we do not appreciate a gift from a relative or friend, because their tastes are far different than ours. The Pastor is a gift from God and to refuse to follow the Pastor is to refuse God and his gift to the church. We must all recognize that the Pastor is a man of like passions, even as we are, therefore, we need to uphold him in prayer that he will know the will of God.

      The Pastor is chosen of God. Men may have ordained him, but God ordained him long before the ordination by men. God gave him the gifts of studying the Word and praying that he might lead you out of sin into the glorious truths of God. The Pastor is responsible to God and God only. If he fails in his responsibility he will stand before the Lord and give an accounting. That will be much more embarrassing than any judgment mankind could pass upon him. Without a Bible preaching Pastor, we would not be able to discern between truth and error. Then we could easily be led into any and all forms of apostasy and cultic worship. Praise the Lord we have a Bible preaching minister in our church in these days of falling away. 2 Timothy 4:2-5 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. Paul was instructing young Timothy that he must remain faithful in Paul's preaching and teaching, because there would come a day when wolves would come into the flock and destroy it. If the Word of God is preached in the local church, the wolves will not find ready ears to listen to their misleading untruths and they will fail. We are living in the last days and the greedy wolves are all about us, let us be alert to their destructive teachings!

Today's scripture reading:

Ephesians 4:11-16 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

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June 21st

Giving Honor and Courtesy
Ephesians 4: 30-32

      "The world" puts very little value in the concept of honor and courtesy. Unfortunately, many Christians do the same. If ever there were a people who should demonstrate this character and quality, it ought to be Christians. But sadly and selfishly, we expect others to give us honor and courtesy without giving it to them first or at all. We often come to the conclusion that if people don't deserve it, we won't give it to them. How humbling it is to think of all the things that God has so freely given us, and yet we must ask ourselves, do we deserve His goodness, His grace, His kindness, and all the other things that He gives undeservingly? Psalm 40:5 tells us Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. We cease to be kind one to another and in giving respect all because we believe they don't deserve it. So many of our children and teens display a lack of honor and courtesy for parents, teachers, and authority. And many times it is because they think these authority figures don't deserve it. Where do they learn this? Unfortunately, this mentality is everywhere, even in our churches. Young people witness day in and day out how parents treat other people. And many times they hear the words "They got what they deserve." We ought to praise and thank God that we didn't get what we deserve. There is not a person alive that doesn't deserve Hell, yet God has shown His great mercy and has offered grace that we might receive life instead of death.

      God's great command is easily understood. Galatians 5:13-15 says For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. This same result will happen to us if we do not show the honor and courtesy that we ought to show. Not because they deserve it, but because we are commanded to and were given this same example in our Lord, Jesus Christ.

      Matthew 7:12, Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Today's scripture reading:

Ephesians 4: 30-32 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

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June 22nd

Unite With a Church of Like Faith
Acts 2:41-46

      We need to make up our minds about certain important doctrinal issues. If we don 't learn to stand for something, we will fall for anything. Sadly, today's research tells us that most people identify with a church for social reasons or entertainment reasons rather than important doctrine. You wonder if they might even turn from Christianity to Hinduism or Islam, for the same reasons. In other words, the faith is either corrupt or immature. One way churches today are getting around such problems, is by diluting membership or doctrine. Some don 't have any meaningful membership or doctrinal position.

      This does not fit with what we find in the New Testament about the local church. In our text, we see that God 's servants built the church around doctrine, worship and fellowship. Therefore, if we are mature in the faith, we don 't have to have a perfect church. Someone has said if you find the perfect church don 't join. If you do, you will ruin it for there are no perfect people. This statement has been a part of church covenants for years, and it illustrates the principle on which godly pastors have stood. That is, church fellowship is based on important doctrine and practice.

      Today, as we have noted, doctrine and practice are placed on the back burner and our feelings and preferences come first. No where else is this true in our lives. If we buy a house or a car, we look at important matters of substance. Feelings come secondary. We need to realize that building a church is not primarily a matter of numbers. Rather, it is primarily a matter of maturity and commitment. For this reason our Lord spent most of his ministry working with just 12 men, and even one of these turned out to be an apostate. For the most part, the thousands that followed Him didn 't amount to anything. They were fickle and followed any wind of doctrine, but thank God eleven of the twelve were committed to death. If we understand this principle, we will learn to look at the depth of ministry rather than the breadth. If we understand this principle, we will not be committed to a man or specific ministry but the Christian faith, and we will remain in a committed relationship to the local church.

Today's scripture reading:

Acts 2:41-46 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

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June 23rd

Use Our Spiritual Gifts
Romans 12:1-13

      The 8th statement in our Church Covenant reads: "Serve the Lord through the exercise of our spiritual gifts in the ministry of this church and reaching others with the Gospel of Christ." In becoming members of Liberty Baptist Church, we have entered into an agreement to serve the Lord. One meaning of the word serve is "to work for; to bestow the labor of body and mind in the employment of another." (Webster, 1828) And the Lord is the One we are to serve. We do this in the ministry of this church. There are many areas in the ministry where we can find a place to be of service to the Lord.

      We are to serve the Lord with our spiritual gifts. The word gifts in Romans 12:6 is the Greek word charisma "extraordinary powers" (Wuest),"His endowments upon believers by the operation of the Holy Spirit in the churches. (Vine). They are spiritual gifts given to believers by the grace of God. Paul then lists a number of gifts:

Romans 12:6-13: Prophecy- "the inspired delivery of warning, exhortation, instruction, judging, and making manifest the secrets of the heart." (Vincent)

• Ministry-"serving,"
• Teaching-giving instruction;
• Giving of one's earthly possessions;
• Exhorting-giving encouragement;
• Ruling-place of authority;
• Showing Mercy-with cheerfulness;
• Unhypocritical love.

They cover every area of church life. Find God's gift for you and serve the Lord. In Eph. 4:11, Paul lists the gifts of prophets, evangelists, pastor-teachers. Not everyone can be a pastor-teacher or evangelist, but everyone can serve somewhere. The last statement says: using our gifts in reaching others with the gospel of Christ.

      Thought: Here is a test to find whether your mission on earth is finished: If you ’re alive, it isn't (Baptist Breeze, Great Falls, MT)

Today's scripture reading:

Romans 12:1-13 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

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June 24th

Church Covenant: Be Slow to take Offense
Ephesians 4:17-32

      One of the evidences of a mature believer is in the ability to not take an offense against someone else. We are given this admonition in our text today and Paul is very clear as to the details. After becoming a true believer, we are not to walk anymore like the gentiles walk. We are not to walk in the flesh, or to do like we used to do. We are to put off the old man, literally the old nature. After all, 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new. It is clear then, that this is major evidence of a transformed life. We are to be renewed in the spirit of our mind. And we are to put on the new nature, the new man, to walk in newness of life. No corrupt speech should ever come through our lips after we have been saved, but only that speech which is good for edification that it may lift up and edify the hearer. We will then be slow to take offense because we have Christ's nature living within.

      Many folks, who claim to be believers have not come to realize that the words and the attitudes that they use can be very offensive, even to the quenching of the Holy Spirit in their lives. They literally go about like the spiritually dead person, hurting and offending others; even brothers and sisters in Christ with gossip and unkind words, using the excuse that, "well, it's true,"{ or, "I was only joking." Question! Does this type of behavior typify the true believer, one, which claims to be Christ-like? No. Does this follow God's Word that has been given to us for holiness and godliness? Again, we can answer no. Honestly, the world doesn't even talk about it's own the way many who claim to be believers do. This brings shame and reproach on the name of Christ. It's no wonder that many are not able to be slow to take offense. It is so prevalent today, that when folks have problems or offenses with others in the church, they just leave and go to some other church or just quit altogether. But does their leaving solve the problem or just extend it to the next group? May we gently be reminded that as Christians, we have been forgiven in Christ!

      Dear Lord Jesus, please forgive us when we take or cause an offense. Help us to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving just as Christ has been with us. Help us to remember Christ's example to us. Amen.

Today's scripture reading:

Ephesians 4:17-32This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

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June 25th

The Overseer, The Pastor, The Bishop
Titus 1:1-16

      The above three titles are all referring to the same person. The Pastor is to be the Bishop in his home. Polygamy and slavery were in vogue in Paul and Timothy's day. The Overseer was to be above the things mentioned in the previous sentence. The Pastor was to have his children in control. We knew a pastor in Southern California whose oldest daughter ran away from home. She did not get into trouble, actually she was staying in the home of one of the church families. But the pastor was so troubled that his daughter had run away, that he resigned from the church and the ministry. He was convinced that he had failed as a minister.

      The Pastor-Bishop must be a good steward of his financial affairs, and have a good name in the community. He is not to be self-willed, but show as much humility as he can when trouble plagues him or his family. He is "not soon angry," for if there is no self-repression, it is like unto a volcanic fire in his heart and he cannot be a successful pastor. He will be a failure if he preaches the cross where self is crucified and does not practice self denial and crucifixion of his own flesh.

      He cannot be given to wine or strong drink. He is not a striker, but is gentle unto all men. He cannot be guilty of preaching for filthy lucre. He must be a man of self-discipline in studying the Bible and prayer.

      He must be a man of hospitality and always ready to share with those who are suffering. He must be a lover of good men, not great men, merely of men of genius and power, but men whose hearts are true and pure."Sober, just, holy, temperate as the city four-square."
      Lastly, he must be a teacher of sound doctrine, not a teacher of fables and philosophies, but an exhorter of the Word of God. As a prophet, being a forth-teller, as well as, a fore-teller. There are times when he must assert from the Word of God against sins in an individual, as well as the church. These are times when he truly needs the wisdom of Solomon and must trust God to lead in all decisions of leadership. Let us all remember that our pastor is a man of like passions as we are.

Today's scripture reading:

Titus 1. Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

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June 26th

Watch Over One Another in Christian Love
1 Corinthians 13:1-13

      What does it mean to watch over one another in Christian love? Does it mean keep an eye on your Christian friends? Watch their every move? Pry into their personal life? Could it be that many people take this as being a license to be nosy, busy bodies into others' business? Watching over one another has nothing to do with any of these things. But it has every thing to do with guarding and protecting each other.

      Many times in scripture when the word watch is mentioned, it is actually giving reference to guarding and protecting. Luke 2:8 is a familiar verse and a great illustration. It says And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. We need to have this same mentality (as the shepherds) with keeping watch and protecting, not sheep, but one another.

      What does it mean to watch over one another in Christian love? Again, the Bible has much to say about love. Maybe one of the more noted verses in Scripture is John 15:13, Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. What is Christian love? It is simply demonstrating the same kind of love that Christ has shown to us. Christ revealed that kind of love when He died on the cross, not because He had to, but because He was willing to give of Himself in order to save us from death. What would happen if we, as Christians, would guard and protect our fellow believers when people talk down or negative about them? What would it be like if we, as Christians, would show unselfish, unconditional love for one another? Wow, how wonderful that would be! Let us be encouraged to watch over one another not only because it is our Christ-like duty, but also because we actually love one another in the same way that Christ loves us.

      1 Corinthians 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Today's scripture reading:

1 Corinthians 13. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 1 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

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June 27th

Public Profession of Faith
Matthew 3:13-17

      I have talked about the importance of principle, doctrine and commitment when it comes to the local church relationship. Historically, Baptist preachers have held that church membership is only for those who profess faith in Christ, and have been baptized by immersion after an experience of salvation. While these principles are based on the teaching of the Bible, they do not come to us with extreme clarity.

      Why, then, can't one who has been saved, but cannot be baptized for health reasons, join the church? As we have noted, it is important to stand for something. It is important that we be in complete agreement with certain core principles. If we allow exceptions to move us, we won't be able to stand for anything of substance. If we would stand together in service, worship and fellowship, we need a solid foundation. The church will only be as strong as its foundation. I wholly concur with men of God who have gone before me. Church membership needs to be made up of those who have come to faith in Christ. We are warned, 2 Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? Furthermore, church membership needs to be made up of those who are committed. If we cannot even take that first step of obedience and follow the Lord in believers ' baptism. We don 't have the commitment to be a disciple and help build the local church.

      Church membership ought to mean something. The bar ought not to be raised so high that the babes in Christ cannot come. However, it needs to have important substance, and I agree with the Baptists that have gone before us that this substance must include a public profession of faith and baptism. This is the proper foundation for church membership. We need to be mindful of the foundation on which we build. Without this foundation, there will not be a healthy spiritual life and growth in grace. Therefore, it is important that we understand the importance of the local church in our spiritual life. If we ignore this, we do so to our own spiritual ruin. Say, what about your relationship with the local church today? Are you committed and involved? If not, do something about it.

Today's scripture reading:

Matthew 3:13-17. Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

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June 28th

Praying For One Another
John 17:1-26

      In the next to last statement of our Church Covenant, we read these words: remember one another in prayer. As members of the church we promised "before God and this assembly that we will make it our purpose" to pray for one another. One of the best, if not the best, illustrations of praying for others is found in John 17 where Jesus Himself set the example for praying for His disciples v.9 and then for them also which shall believe on Me through their word. V. 20 We have assumed an obligation.

      To remember means "to recall to the mind by an act or effort of memory; to exercise the faculty of memory."(Dic.) Remember "implies that a thing exists in the memory, though not actually present in the thoughts at the moment, and that it can be called up without effort."(Dic.) A synonym would be "recall, recollect." Prayer is "a petition or entreaty." To Pray is "to make earnest petition on behalf of; to make entreaty or supplication for someone."(Dic.) We are talking about upholding every other member of our church in prayer before the throne of God. Perhaps this is one of the most difficult statements in our Covenant to do.

      The Bible is filled with illustrations of praying for others.

• Moses prayed for Israel. Deut. 9:26-29
• Paul prayed for believers and leaders at Ephesus. Acts 20:36,37
• Paul prayed for the Colossian, Philippians, and Thessalonian believers. Col. 1:3; Phil. 1:9-11; I Thess. 1:2
• Paul asked the Ephesian believers to pray for all saints. Eph. 6:18
• The early church prayed for Peter. Acts 12:5
• We are to pray for one another. James 5:16 KDD
  
        Thought: The other man's sins, like the headlights of his car, are always more glaring than his own. (The Lifeline)

Today's scripture reading:

John 17. These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they