2009 04 April

Apostates Described and the Sons of Belial
Deuteronomy 13:12-18

      In verse 13 of our text we see men, "The children of Belial" also referred to as the sons of worthless men, wicked men, ungodly men; men who have gone out from among us and have drawn others to follow them into their diabolical sins of folly and deceit. The name Belial also refers to Satan in another text. 2 Corinthians 6:15 And what concord (or agreement) hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? There is a wide contrast between the two names mentioned in this verse. Christ stands for all that is without sin; holy, pure and good. Satan stands for all that is evil, wicked, impure and he, himself, is the paradigm of apostasy.

      Note, Revelation 2:13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. I've been to the old city of Pergamos and have seen some of Satan's works that are still there. This was where they first used the coiled snake around a pole as the symbol of practicing medicine. I have walked through the snake tunnel where all kinds of poisonous vipers were used to cure patients of many maladies. If they survived the walk without being bitten they were either cured or insane. This was also where they worshipped Satan and raised a temple to his honor. Think of the Satan worshippers today.

      Israel was appointed as an executioner of all idolaters and in the New Testament we are not to have fellowship with reprobates or idolaters. Idolatry was a capital crime in Israel. They were ordered to stone the idolatrous person that all Israel would fear the Lord, verses 6-11.

      Lastly, idolatry and witchcraft are mentioned in three passages for our admonition: Isaiah 15:23, 2 Chronicles 33:6 and Galatians 5:20. Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies. Another translation says idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, and factions. We are admonished not to have fellowship with those who practice the above as recorded in the first paragraph, 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Deuteronomy 13:12-18
[12] If thou shalt hear say in one of thy cities, which the LORD thy God hath given thee to dwell there, saying,
[13] Certain men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known;
[14] Then shalt thou inquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought among you;
[15] Thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, and all that is therein, and the cattle thereof, with the edge of the sword.
[16] And thou shalt gather all the spoil of it into the midst of the street thereof, and shalt burn with fire the city, and all the spoil thereof every whit, for the LORD thy God: and it shall be an heap for ever; it shall not be built again.
[17] And there shall cleave nought of the cursed thing to thine hand: that the LORD may turn from the fierceness of his anger, and shew thee mercy, and have compassion upon thee, and multiply thee, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers;
[18] When thou shalt hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep all his commandments which I command thee this day, to do that which is right in the eyes of the LORD thy God.

030103rjs

April 2nd

Corrupt Worship
Genesis 4:1-14

      Once sin entered this world it did not take long before envy and hate gave way to murder. The circumstances surrounding this are very interesting. The problem started from and centered on God's blessing and worship. These two brothers followed two different paths. Cain was a farmer. He worked the ground, but Able was a shepherd. He managed animals.

      We don't have a lot of information about what happened here. Before the giving of the law under Moses, from the time of Adam and Eve, God revealed truth to people and they responded in faith and obedience. Before Moses, people tithed, offered sacrifice, and otherwise worshiped God. God has written His law in the hearts of all people. It is even as we see today, some open their hearts to truth and grace and some rebel and harden their hearts. In our text, Abel opened his heart to God and Cain hardened his heart.

      It is interesting to note that although Cain hardened his heart, he still sought God's favor through worship. Abel came in faith and submission seeking to honor God, but Cain came with a heart full of self-seeking and self will. Cain sought honor for himself. In all probability, he was very successful in his agricultural endeavors. He wanted to put his bountiful harvest on display. It is a picture of the glory of his works. Oh that we would understand that the very best fallen humanity could ever offer is corrupt in the sight of God. It is important to realize the blood sacrifice that was a part of worship. Under the old covenant, it was the blood of bulls and goats. Under the new covenant, it is the blood of Jesus Christ. Before the flood, it was blood sacrifice. In Hebrews 9:22 we read almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. The picture of sacrifice was one that emphasized God's love and perfect justice. It recognized our need and God's provision. Cain's sacrifice was a picture of his own love, ability and goodness. As this was not true, it was worse than if he had not even made an attempt to worship God. It is as we read in Proverbs 21:27. The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

Gen.4
[1] And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.
[2] And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.
[3] And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.
[4] And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
[5] But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
[6] And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?
[7] If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
[8] And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.
[9] And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?
[10] And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.
[11] And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand;
[12] When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.
[13] And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear.
[14] Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.

040203dw

April 3rd

How to be a Good and Faithful Minister
2 Tim. 4: 9-18

      Faithfulness to God's calling in our lives is the key word for us today. To be sure, more and more people are losing their way in life. Their true intentions and colors are coming out. We are seeing a turning away from the faith by many professing, so-called Christians more than ever before.

      Paul gave to us this example of Demus in our text today. Interestingly, Paul and at least 4 others had come across tough times on their missionary journeys and sadly, Demus decided that he had had enough. He turned away and forsook Paul and the ministry, because as Paul put it truthfully and plainly, he loved the world more than his false profession of Christianity. Does this look and sound familiar of many people we may know today? Most of us that claim to know Christ would hopefully stay true to the calling that God has given us. But realistically, there are some that, when faced with the trials and tribulations of the Christian life, turn away from God and go their own way. Some even become disobedient, even while hypocritically and religiously pretending to be Christians, but when faced with hardship and the giving up and denial of self, they too turn and run to where their true colors really are.

      What can we learn from this very important passage?
First, we need to evaluate our Profession of Faith. Is it genuine or is it just a profession? 1John 2:3 says, And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. Do you keep God's commandments? If the answer is yes, then the question is this! What are God's Commandments? The simple answer is that if we are truly obedient to God, we will know what those commandments are, such as witnessing and sharing our faith with others.
Secondly, we need to be faithful to the calling that God has given to us. 1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. This is so important! Life is all about God! It is not about us. God desires faithfulness from His children. Truth is, if we are genuinely saved, there will be little problem with faithfulness! This is important evidence of our profession. Faithfulness to God, obedience to His commands, denial of ourselves and a turning away from this world really show Whom we serve. Dear Lord Jesus, Please forgive us of unfaithfulness and disobedience. We desire to be faithful to You. Amen.

2Tim.4

[9] Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:
[10] For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
[11] Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
[12] And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
[13] The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
[14] Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
[15] Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
[16] At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
[17] Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
[18] And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

040303dm

April 4th

The Awful Results of Worldliness
Luke 8:13

      The ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe only for a while and in a time of testing, fall away. The above is a picture of those (both men and women) that are excitable, emotional and impulsive about following Christ. They are charmed with the beauty and novelty of the Gospel message. They receive the Word, tell everyone they are taking the yoke, but do it without counting the cost. They hastily make a religious profession, but soon fall away. Upon this superficial profession of faith they base their salvation, but when persecution or opposition comes to them, they back off and return to their worldly ways of life. They are like the one referred to by the Apostle Paul in Colossians 4:14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you. And 2 Timothy 4:10 For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica" Demas had deserted Paul just as professing Christians who desert the Lord when the going gets rough. One author says Demas made a fatal mistake. "He loved this present evil world." It does not say that Demas had forsaken Christ, but it says he loved the world more than he loved the Apostle Paul. 1 John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

      Truly, born again Christians can and do sometimes become so involved with material things or sin and as they associate with the world, they lose their testimony and no longer desire fellowship with the saints.

      We are in the latter days that Paul describes in 2 Timothy 4:3-4 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. Beware lest we also turn from the great doctrines of the Scriptures and desire "pious platitudes and little sermonettes," that lead us to spiritual shipwreck and despair.

Luke 8:13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

040403rjs

April 5th

The Diffusion of Power
Genesis 11:1-9

      In this text, we find the first major judgment of God after the flood. As we read in the Bible of a coming one-world government dominated by antichrist, we need to appreciate that the purpose of the enemy is the same here. At the tower of Babel, people united in pride and false religion. It is sad, but shortly after the flood the hearts of people in large numbers turned from God to false worship and self. If God did not intervene in grace, the world would have come to be dominated by evil.

      Think about this. Why is it that dividing people was helpful? Because of sin, people are quickly and easily misled. However, in time they will come to understand the error. In other words, they have to experience the fruit of sin before they understand the evil of sin. By dividing the people, God maintains the light of liberty on this earth throughout the age. It is this work of God's grace that stays evil in our world.

      The same principle is in our constitution; there is a separation of powers. This principle helps to preserve the country from corruption. One of the problems with the diffusion of power is the diffusion of responsibility, but this is not as great a problem as the concentration of power. In order to divide people, God confused human language. We live in a day of a world economy. As we see in Europe with the common market, this world economy will drive the need for a one-world government. It is when the events at the tower of Babel are reversed that we will come to the destruction and corruption at the end of the age.

      We would be wise to understand the corrupting influence of power. Someone has noted that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. This, more than anything else, reveals the influence of sin on the human heart and the greatness and glory of God. The omnipotent is good and altogether lovely. Holiness is God's primary attribute. His power is limited by His goodness, which includes His love. If this were not true, there would be no redemption, only judgment and damnation. Turning from God most often means the false worship of idolatry and self seeking. These things have no place in a Biblical spirituality.

Gen.11
[1] And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech.
[2] And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.
[3] And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter.
[4] And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
[5] And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded.
[6] And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.
[7] Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech.
[8] So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.
[9] Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.

040503dw

April 6th

Beware of Falling from Your own Steadfastness
2 Peter 3:14-18

      In this world where we live, there are spiritually unstable people everywhere we turn; spiritually unstable to the point that they even "twist the Scriptures to their own destruction". This twisting and unstableness is nothing new. It occurred in the Old Testament in many places, even to Noah, though the Bible wasn't even written yet, who preached the gospel for over 100 years with not one convert. In our Christian life as we daily study and obey God's Word, we really need to pay attention to these clear warnings God has given us. Beware of Falling from our own spiritual steadfastness. One reason is that we have a tendency to become spiritually complacent. Complacency is really the last thing we should fall into because the enemy is formidable and we need to be ready at all times. We are to bring the battle to the enemy rather than allowing the enemy to bring the battle to us

      Folks, he who has an ear to hear, let him hear! At this very moment, we are waging the spiritual battle that has Eternal consequences. The choices we make on a daily basis, the decisions that we decide each day and each moment, can make us or break us spiritually. Many people are walking according to the flesh and not according to Christ and His Holy Word given to those who are called according to His purposes. Question! Do you know what you believe about the Bible? Why do you believe it? Do you believe all of it, or none of it, or just some of it? Do you really know what you believe about it? How do you know what you believe is accurate? What does the Bible say about living for God? Are you obeying all of it or just what is convenient? There are thousands of people who claim to know God, who are just spiritual babes, spiritually anemic to the eternal, life-giving doctrines of the Christian faith. They are being pulled in every direction, to every wind and wave of doctrine, they are unstable and untaught. They are headed to eternal destruction.

      O God help us, lest we should fall from our own spiritual steadfastness according to Your Holy Word. Your Word is Truth! Forgive us of spiritual complacency and half-heartedness. Guide us, O Great Jehovah to desire You above all else. Prepare in us a humble and clean heart, a heart of Spiritual obedience and reverence. In Jesus name, Amen.

2 Peter 3:14-18 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
[15] And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
[16] As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
[17] Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
[18] But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

040603dm

April 7th

Why Trusting in the Flesh is Fatal
Jeremiah 17:1-9

      Jeremiah was writing to Judah because of their turning from the Lord and trusting the arm of the flesh. Jeremiah was quoting God when he referred to their sins being engraved in their hearts and on the horns of their altars. What an illustration, iron chisels engraving on their hearts of stone. In Hebrews there are 3 references to "harden not your hearts," Chapters 3:8, 15 and 4:7. This was written to early Christian Jews, but it is applicable to us today.

      Returning to Jeremiah, the heart shall be like the heath (British broom grass) in the desert, which is as "worthless bushes" growing in uncultivated land. There is no spiritual value to the person who has turned from or rejected God.

      The Holy Spirit leads Jeremiah to change the illustration and make a quote from the First Psalm. Jeremiah 17:7-8 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. 8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. The heart that is following the flesh is likened unto a Russian thistle that will perish in the dry desert versus a tree planted by the river whose fruit shall continually satisfy the needs of the people.

      Now the curtain opens a third time and we see what the Lord sees as He looks into the hearts of hypocrites. Jeremiah 17:9-The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. God knows every thought and intent of the heart. This means God knows every hidden sin we do not share with anyone. He hears our deceitful words and wicked thoughts. If we are trusting in the flesh, then we are only deceiving ourselves. Others see the deceit behind our mask. They see the hypocrisy and know we are not transparent, but phonies. It's no wonder people try to hide behind the hypocrites. The only problem with that is they must be smaller than the Christian hypocrites.

Jer.17
[1] The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron, and with the point of a diamond: it is graven upon the table of their heart, and upon the horns of your altars;
[2] Whilst their children remember their altars and their groves by the green trees upon the high hills.
[3] O my mountain in the field, I will give thy substance and all thy treasures to the spoil, and thy high places for sin, throughout all thy borders.
[4] And thou, even thyself, shalt discontinue from thine heritage that I gave thee; and I will cause thee to serve thine enemies in the land which thou knowest not: for ye have kindled a fire in mine anger, which shall burn for ever.
[5] Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.
[6] For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.
[7] Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
[8] For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
[9] The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

040703rjs

April 8th

A Lost Generation
Hebrews 3:12-19

      This is the first of five warnings in Hebrews regarding the danger of apostasy. The context of this warning is a discussion of the people that died in the wilderness rather than enter the Promised Land. The problem was one of unbelief. This unbelief was manifest as the 12 spies were sent into the land. Only Joshua and Caleb believed that the people were able to go in and possess the land. The whole nation except for these men and Aaron and Moses rebelled against the will of God for them.

      This generation saw the 10 plagues in Egypt. This generation saw the Egyptian army drown in the Red Sea. They saw God provide bread from heaven and bring water out of a rock to meet their needs. They saw God part the waters of the Red Sea and they passed through the sea on dry ground. They persisted stubbornly in unbelief. This apostasy moved God to condemn them to die in the wilderness. In verse 12 the phrase in departing from the living God's the word departing is a translation of the word for apostasy. The Greek word apostasy means to stand apart. In other words, one professes to stand or believe certain things and then they stand apart from what they once professed. When the people refused to believe God, Joshua, and Caleb, they stood apart from their profession as they left Egypt. Their apostasy became evident when they refused to enter the land.

      We need to appreciate that the choices we make in life often indicate the reality of our faith more than our profession. We live in a day when people put too much emphasis on profession and not enough emphasis on the choices we make in life. Most people tend to think if they have good reasons for their choices, all is well. This is not true. The ten spies had good reasons for their opinion, and the people had good reason to accept their report, but they were still wrong. Therefore, it is not only important that we come to faith in Christ, but that we are able to sense and follow His direction in our lives. Now I do not believe that all of those who died in the wilderness were lost. Moses and Aaron died in the wilderness and they clearly knew the Lord. However, all of that generation except for Joshua and Caleb followed the path of the apostates and disobedience. Let those who think that they stand, take heed.

Heb.3

[12] Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
[13] But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
[14] For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
[15] While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
[16] For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.
[17] But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?
[18] And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?
[19] So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

040803dw

April 9th

The Fatness and The Forsaking
Deuteronomy 32:1-43, verse 15

      We have the wonderful privilege of living in a land of abundance. This land of ours, the United States of America, has been blessed by God every where we look. We have an abundance of every matter of life. We have literally become fat with indulgence of every form. Obesity is a common problem today. We have every form of food, entertainment, clothing, shelter, transportation, etc. What more could we desire? We are a wealthy people living in a wealthy nation. We have the capability of acquiring every whim and desire that crosses our path. We are becoming fat and lazy in almost every way. Thus, the Fatness.

      But pay attention; this is the warning from our text. Spiritual Apostasy is just around the corner, if not already upon us! We read in vr. 15, But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation. We see clearly that the next step after becoming fat is "The Forsaking." Guess what? Spiritually, where is our society today? Spiritually, where are many Dads and Moms and families today? Spiritually, where are many churches today that were originally founded upon godly principles? Sadly, many of these are in Spiritual Apostasy! They have grown fat and have forsaken the Lord their God! They are lost Forever! Oh, that we could see the warning here! Once apostatized, forever lost!

      Evaluation time! Where are you in your spiritual walk with God? Obedient or Fat? As Husbands and Fathers, are you spiritually leading your families, training them to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart?!" Wives and Mothers, are you also obedient to the ways of the Lord in your lives?! Children, are you following the Lord obediently as you ought?! Folks, the warning has been given, we now are faced with the choices. Will we serve God with every fiber and breath of our existence or have we grown fat, lazy, and complacent, on the edge of forsaking God's plan for us? The choice is ours, Today!

      Gracious and Merciful God, how Your heart must ache when so many people have turned away from You, from the perfect sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Help us to make right choices, for Your glory. Amen.

Deut.32
[1] Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.
[2] My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:
[3] Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.
[4] He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
[5] They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children: they are a perverse and crooked generation.
[6] Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee?
[7] Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.
[8] When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel.
[9] For the LORD's portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.
[10] He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.
[11] As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:
[12] So the LORD alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him.
[13] He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields; and he made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock;
[14] Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape.
[15] But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.
[16] They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger.
[17] They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.
[18] Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee.
[19] And when the LORD saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters.
[20] And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith.
[21] They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.
[22] For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.
[23] I will heap mischiefs upon them; I will spend mine arrows upon them.
[24] They shall be burnt with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction: I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the poison of serpents of the dust.
[25] The sword without, and terror within, shall destroy both the young man and the virgin, the suckling also with the man of gray hairs.
[26] I said, I would scatter them into corners, I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men:
[27] Were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should behave themselves strangely, and lest they should say, Our hand is high, and the LORD hath not done all this.
[28] For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them.
[29] O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!
[30] How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?
[31] For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges.
[32] For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorrah: their grapes are grapes of gall, their clusters are bitter:
[33] Their wine is the poison of dragons, and the cruel venom of asps.
[34] Is not this laid up in store with me, and sealed up among my treasures?
[35] To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.
[36] For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left.
[37] And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted,
[38] Which did eat the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offerings? let them rise up and help you, and be your protection.
[39] See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.
[40] For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.
[41] If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me.
[42] I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; and that with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy.
[43] Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people.

040903dm

April 10th

The First Christian Martyr
Acts 7:37-43

      Stephen, one the first deacons, was well versed in the Old Testament Scriptures. Here was a man filled with the Holy Spirit and not afraid to stand up for Christ. In order to understand this devotional, you need to open the Book of the Acts and start reading in Chapter 6:8 and all of chapter 7. To capsulate the story, there arose contention in Jerusalem, because Stephen was preaching against the liberal synagogue of the five nations mentioned in 6:9. Stephen rehearses a synopsis of the history of Israel from the time of Abraham to the Crucifixion of Christ.

      Stephen tells them about the apostasy of Aaron when he made the golden calf and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought you out of the land of Egypt, Ex. 32:8. Aaron had already been anointed with the oil and established as the High Priest, Ex. 29:7. Now we return to our text and Stephen tells the Jews of his day that this was the worst of apostasy. These were fighting words. No one wants to be told that he or she is apostate. If Moses had not made intercession for them, God would have wiped out all Israel, right then and there, and started over with the seed of Moses. Israel had committed the sin unto death, but God was appeased by the intercession of Moses and they were spared. Moses even offered to have his name removed from the Book of Life as a personal sacrifice in behalf of the sinning Israelites, but God would not permit that because there was a future sacrifice for all mankind; Christ.

      All of the illustrations given by Stephen were not only written to teach the Jews of that day, but for our admonition also. Remember we too still have that old sinful nature inherited from Adam. Therefore, let us fight the good fight of faith and walk in the light as He is in the light, and confess our sins daily.

      When we accepted the gift of eternal life, it was much like an open credit card, in that we were given liberty and freedom, but that is not license to see how close to the fire we can get without getting burned. When you use your credit card there is a day of reckoning, that is, you must pay the bill, so it is with sin. If we don't daily confess the sin and put it under the blood, it is not forgiven and we will lose our rewards.

Acts 7:37-43
[37] This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.
[38] This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:
[39] To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,
[40] Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.
[41] And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.
[42] Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?
[43] Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.

041003rjs

April 11th

Stern Words of Warning
Hebrews 6:4-9

      A good many commentators believe that were it not for these verses, no one would believe that salvation could be lost. A few things ought to be very clear. First, it ought to be clear that the book of Hebrews was written to believers. Second, it ought to be clear that the warning concerns apostasy. In verse 6 the words fall away are a translation of the Greek word apostasy. Therefore, believers are being warned of the danger of apostasy.

      The theological discussions here remind me of the discussion surrounding the temptation of Jesus Christ. Some believe that for the temptation to be real, it had to be possible for Jesus to sin. I believe that it was not possible for Jesus to sin in spite of the fact that the temptation was real. In the same way, I believe that the warning here is real in spite of the fact that the apostasy of those who have been born of the Spirit is impossible.

      If the warning here is taken as only a warning to those who profess to believe, verse nine makes no sense. In Hebrews 6:9 we read,beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. He is clearly speaking to believers here and not just those who profess, and he is clearly speaking of salvation not profession. In other words, although he gives stern words of warning, he does not believe salvation to be followed by apostasy.

      In addition, we dare not forget the words of verse 4. Here we read that if salvation were ever to be lost it is a one way street. In other words, if one did lose salvation, it would be impossible to bring them to repentance. It is a very dangerous thing to profess faith and then turn from it. The apostle, Judas Iscariot, is a good example of an apostate. It is clear from the Biblical record that Judas was never really delivered from his sin. He was a thief. He was the treasurer of the apostolic band and he stole from the purse. Jesus knew he didn't believe and He knew that he was a thief. His profession was convincing, yet in the end he fell beyond the point of repentance. No wonder we are admonished to make our calling and election sure. Nothing in this life is more important, and thank God we can know for sure before we die.

Heb.6

[4] For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
[5] And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
[6] If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
[7] For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:
[8] But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
[9] But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.

041103dw

April 12th

Unfaithfulness Shall Abound in Latter days!
Matthew 24:10-14

      To show the downward spiral of "unfaithfulness," in just a short 40 years our society has gone from shunning those few couples who divorced, to now not even caring if there is a marriage in the live-in relationship, even to the point of legalizing same sex marriages. Dark days indeed, as the curse of sin abounds more and more as we approach the return of Jesus Christ.

      In our passage today we see that Jesus spoke of these very things taking place and so we should not be surprised in the least. We should instead take heart that in fact when we do suffer for the cause of Christ, even if it means our earthly death, we can greatly rejoice because we have been counted worthy to suffer for the Name! The key is in verse 13. It says, But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. The ones who persevere are the same ones that will be saved, not the ones whose love grows cold. Our perseverance does not secure salvation, as Scripture teaches everywhere the exact opposite. God, as part of His saving work, secures our perseverance. True believers are kept by the power of God through faith (our faith), 1 Peter 1:5. The guarantee of our perseverance is built into the New Covenant promise where God says, I will put My fear into their hearts so that they will not depart from Me. Jer. 32:40. Those who do fall away from Christ give conclusive proof that they were never truly believers to begin with.1 John 2:19.

      So the point is that we are now in these end times. Many people are unfaithful in every way, even so-called Christians, as their love waxes cold with great disobedience to God when His commands are not heeded. Where do you stand? Are you an obedient Christian, suffering for the cause of Christ to the point of placing your life on the line, or are you caught in this world's temporary comforts and your spiritual love for Christ and His Word gone cold? Evaluate! Do you spend daily time with the Lord in His Word and in prayer or is that just a secondary item? Do you sow in tears, going forth weeping, bearing precious seed? Dear God, help us to be faithful to Your Holy Word. Please forgive us our sin, precious Lord and Savior. Help us to endure to the end, even if it means the ultimate sacrifice, because we love You Dear Jesus. Amen.

Matthew 24:10-14 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
[11] And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
[12] And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
[13] But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
[14] And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

041203dm

April 13th

Christ is a Better High Priest
Hebrews 5:4-8

      The word "Better" is recorded 13 times in Hebrews. Every time there is a comparison with something else. In our text "better" is not used, but we see Christ's priesthood to be "better" than Aaron's. Some years ago, I was talking with a Mormon Bishop and he was bragging that he was of the Aaronic priesthood. Without a stutter, I told him I was of the Melchisedec priesthood. He was dumbfounded and had no answer. 1 Peter 2:5 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. Moses built a house, but Christ was Son over the house, Hebrews 3:6. We are the house that Christ built; another name is the family of God. 1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. I trust that before you finish reading this page you will realize just what a position we have with the Saviour and that every born again person is responsible before God and men to maintain a testimony of our salvation and relationship we have with Christ. In the above two verses: we are a living stone, a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices unto God, a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation and a peculiar people. Wow! What a responsibility we have and a testimony to live before the world.

      Revelation 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. And now there is more; we are kings and shall reign with Him throughout all eternity. All this because Christ was of a better order than Aaron. Melchisedec was king-priest in the Old Testament. Christ is the Great High Priest and King of Kings in the New Testament.

      Lastly, it gets better, Ephesians 1:4-5 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his (God's) will. Hallelujah! What a Saviour!

Hebrews 5:4-8 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.
[5] So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.
[6] As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
[7] Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
[8] Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

041303rjs

April 14th

The Danger of Stubborn Rebellion
Hebrews 10:23-31

      I believe that the book of Hebrews was written to Jewish believers, who because of persecution, were dispersed primarily throughout Asia Minor. There was a great transition from the old covenant to the new covenant. The faith of the old covenant primarily manifested itself through the civil law as it related to the worship of the temple. Under the new covenant, worship as Jesus described to the woman at the well is in spirit and truth.

      Many folk are troubled at the stern nature of the old covenant. We read about this in verse 28. In this verse we read, He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses However, we need to be mindful that to whom much is given, shall much be required. Therefore, with the added revelation in Christ and grace, our accountability is even greater than that under the law. Those who profess faith, but choose to live a life of stubborn rebellion to the truth need to be mindful of this warning.

      Note the warning of verse 29. In this verse we read, 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? What could be worse than the judgment of physical death? The warning concerns apostasy, eternal death and damnation.

      In other words, those who profess faith and don't walk the path of faith and obedience are playing a very dangerous game. They are presuming on the grace of God. To presume on the grace of God is to walk the path of the apostate. I have no doubt that people today put far too much confidence in the simple profession of faith. Now thank God, a simple profession of faith is all that is necessary for salvation, but it is possible to give a sincere profession of faith without really having faith. Not all that glitters is gold. We need to realize that without the reality of a transformed life, an empty profession is worse than no profession. Empty professions like this are of the apostate, not the saint.

Hebrews 10:23-31 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
[24] And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
[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.
[26] For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
[27] But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
[28] He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
[29] 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?

041403dw

April 15th

Wickedness Everywhere
Luke 11:14-28

      Jesus, everywhere He went, was looking for people to whom He could minister. As He went, He came across a man who was indwelt by a demon (a fallen angel). Jesus cast the demon out of the man and the crowd marveled at the miracle. But there were some people who scoffed instead and falsely said that Jesus had done the miracle with the power of Beelzebub (Satan). Jesus, of course, knew their evil hearts and told them that every house divided against itself falls. He was referring to their own vain efforts to cast out demons. Jesus said in verse 23, he who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.

      The people who were accusing Jesus were vainly trying to perform their own exorcisms, and Jesus characterized the work of these phony exorcists. What appeared to be a true exorcism was merely a temporary result, after which the demon returned with 7 others, with the end result being much worse than before. Is not that how the world is today? When True Believers try to do what is right, there are all kinds of people who cast accusations at them, making them seem like the ones who are doing the bad stuff. But Jesus is clearly stronger than the strong man, who is Satan. It is the power of God unto Salvation to them that believe!

      Interestingly, after Jesus performed the miracle of the demonic, a woman from the crowd cried out and said, Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts which nursed You! Is this not ironic? Jesus was always trying to bring the spiritual focus to the people and the people could only respond with the physical. He graciously responded, More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it. This is an important lesson for us today! Let us stand against wickedness and choose to live for the Lord and watch with spiritual eyes and obey Christ from an obedient heart. We always have a choice to do what is right, or to go our own way. May we always look at life from God's perspective and not our own and choose to do things His way.

      Dear Lord, there are many wicked people in this world that would tend to draw others and us away from You. Guide us according to Your Holy Word and help us to live our lives pleasing to You as we seek You and obey You in every way! All praise and glory are Yours. Amen.

Luke 11:14-28 And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.
[15] But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.
[16] And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven.
[17] But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.
[18] If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.
[19] And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges.
[20] But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.
[21] When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:
[22] But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
[23] He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.
[24] When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.
[25] And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.
[26] Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.
[27] And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.
[28] But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

041503dm

April 16th

A Great King Falls into Apostasy
I Kings 11:1-13

There are three things God commanded of the kings in Israel not to do that led to Solomon's fall into apostasy: Deuteronomy 17:14-20

1. His fleshly desire to gather to himself great riches of gold, silver and precious stones.
2. He gathered beautiful horses from all over the eastern world, which was a negative commandment from God.
3. Solomon married 700 wives and most of them strange women and his harem included 300 concubines, I Kings 11:3.

God specifically ordered the above to be obeyed by the Kings of Israel. Our text begins with Solomon "Loved many strange wives." Here are some of the things God commanded Israel to avoid: strange fire, gods, waters, flesh, vines, speech, apparel, cities, doctrines, women, and children of strange women.So sad, that Solomon did not take heed to his own writings in Proverbs. He wrote of strange women who used flattering words, 2:16. A strange woman whose lips are as honeycomb and smoother than oil, 5:3-8. A strange woman's embrace, 5:20. The flattering tongue of a strange woman, 7:5. The mouth of a whore is a deep ditch and a narrow pit, 23:27, and others. I think you get the point. Either Solomon did not heed his words of wisdom or he wrote about the above because of the bad experiences he had. Solomon was led away from the Lord God because of the many strange gods that were brought in his house by these strange women.

The Apostle Paul also reminds us of being unequally yoked in marriage. 2 Cor. 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. This is a command!

I Kings 11:1-13
1] But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites;
[2] Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.
[3] And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.
[4] For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.
[5] For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.
[6] And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father.
[7] Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.
[8] And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.
[9] And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice,
[10] And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded.
[11] Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant.
[12] Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father's sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son.
[13] Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen.

041603rjs

April 17th

Unbelief & Bitterness
Hebrews 12:15-17

      There is a link between unbelief, apostasy and bitterness. The evil that surrounds us can make us bitter if we are not careful. I don't believe that anyone goes through this life without being touched by evil in a significant way. We all have a common experience in this life. People who turn from God in unbelief, blame God for the evil. The more a person focuses on himself, the more bitter he will become. The sense of personal violation will consume him.

      It would seem from our text that Esau might have given way to this process. It would also seem that there is a solid link between unbelief, bitterness and immorality. Earlier we noted that there is no turning back from apostasy. It is a one way street. This is the experience here regarding Esau. He was able to cry about things, but he was not able to repent and believe. It is a dangerous thing to turn from the work of God on our hearts and allow our hearts to be hardened in sin. The apostate has a faith of sorts. He has a faith that will seek God, he has a faith that will seek blessing, but he does not know or trust God and consequently does not love God. If we know God, we will love and trust Him.

      Because of this link between bitterness and unbelief and apostasy, we are warned about the danger of bitterness. Furthermore, we are warned about the way bitterness is able to spread. Hurting people have a way of hurting other people. Hurting people who give way to bitterness and hurt others help develop bitterness in the lives of others.

      It is impossible in the present order to understand fully the ways of God. If we could, there would be no reason for faith. The day is coming when all creation will understand the goodness and greatness of God. When this day comes, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God. However, in the present order, with a sinful nature, it is easy to rebel against God, pursue the path of sin, and become hardened in sin. This is what reprobation is all about. However, if reprobation is our lot, we must be the author of it, and bitterness will play an important role in this process. Therefore, if saving faith is present, we must be able to be at peace in the midst of evil. This is faith.

Hebrews 12:15-17 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;
[16] Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
[17] 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.

041703dw

April 18th

Those Who Abideth Not, Get Cast Out and Burned
John 15:1-11 verse 6

      More and more, we see professing people, good people, religious people who claim to be Christians, who sadly bear no spiritual fruit. That is the whole thrust of this passage of the vine and the branches in John 15. We cannot read and study this passage without coming to the spiritual conclusion that there are many people who claim to know Christ and yet they are not true believers; maybe even people that we know, or even closer to home, ourselves.

      Jesus specifically identifies Himself as the True Vine and God the Father as the Vine-dresser. The vine has two types of branches. Branches that bear fruit and branches that do not. The branches that bear fruit are genuine believers. The branches that do not bear fruit are those who profess to believe, but their lack of fruit indicates genuine salvation has never taken place and they have no life from the vine. Verse 2 gives us a clear picture of the Apostate Christian who never genuinely believed and will be taken away and burned in judgment. God prunes the true believer and removes all things in the believer's life that would hinder fruit-bearing; He chastises them to cut away sin and hindrances that would drain spiritual life, just like the farmer who cares for his crops.

      As True believers, we are to abide in Jesus Christ and His Word as this gives clear evidence of salvation. True believers obey the Lord's commands and submit to His Word. They are devoted to His will and so their prayers are fruitful, which brings glory to God. This obedience also brings true joy! Sadly, the exact opposite is true for those who only profess to know Christ. They have no spiritual fruit; they are not obedient to God's commands, religious as they may be, and they are being gathered and will be thrown into the eternal fires of judgment and Hell. Evaluation time! What kind of branch are you? Is there clear evidence of your profession? Do others see that evidence? If we are true disciples of Jesus Christ, others will see that evidence and God's handiwork will be on display!

      Precious Jesus, our Savior, how we thank You for Your great salvation! Help us to abide in You and Your words to abide in us. May there be clear evidence to others that You have saved us eternally. Amen.

John 15:1-11 verse 6 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
[2] Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
[3] Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
[4] Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
[5] I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
[6] If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
[7] If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
[8] Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
[9] As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
[10] If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
[11] These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

041803dm

April 19th

The Chosen Nation Under Condemnation
Isaiah 65:1-25 and Romans 10:20-21 and 11:1-36

      Isaiah's heart is broken with sorrow because of Israel's rebellion. For centuries God had reached out to Israel in His long suffering and com-passion. They were His chosen people, not because they were a great nation, but because He loved them with an everlasting love. At this time in their history they were guilty of the following: Rebellious thoughts and actions. Walking in the ways of the flesh. Provoking God's anger. Worshipping the dead in cemeteries. Burning incense on brick walls rather than in the Temple. Eating swine's flesh. Practicing all manner of idolatry and satisfying the flesh in immorality. We could go on and on, but I think you get the picture. Israel was about to be carried away in the captivity and their beloved land destroyed. The Apostle Paul makes reference to these things in the above chapters in Romans. Paul remembers that God is not through with Israel, but there will be a time of restitution and blessings for them in the future.

      Isaiah 65:8-12 promises that there will be a few grapes left in the vineyard and that there is still life in the vine. A remnant will return to the land and we have been seeing that fulfilled in the past 54 years. Since May of 1948, almost 5 million Jews have returned to Israel. Unfortunately they are, for the most part, returning in unbelief. God still has a plan for His chosen people.

      The picture changes and the curtain is pulled back for all to see the future of God's chosen people. In verses 17-25, we are given a short description of the Millennium and their blessings during that time. The 1000 years of the millennium will be a drop in the bucket compared to the next picture where we see the new heavens and the new earth. This sin sick world will be replaced with a New World that is without sin.

      Lastly, we see Israel in the land and under the blessing of God. Isaiah 4:3-4 And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem. When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning. RJS

Isa.65
[1] I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name.
[2] I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts;
[3] A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick;
[4] Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels;
[5] Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.
[6] Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, even recompense into their bosom,
[7] Your iniquities, and the iniquities of your fathers together, saith the LORD, which have burned incense upon the mountains, and blasphemed me upon the hills: therefore will I measure their former work into their bosom.
[8] Thus saith the LORD, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants' sakes, that I may not destroy them all.
[9] And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there.
[10] And Sharon shall be a fold of flocks, and the valley of Achor a place for the herds to lie down in, for my people that have sought me.
[11] But ye are they that forsake the LORD, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number.
[12] Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not.
[13] Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed:
[14] Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit.
[15] And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name:
[16] That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.
[17] For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.
[18] But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.
[19] And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.
[20] There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.
[21] And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.
[22] They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
[23] They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them.
[24] And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
[25] The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.

Romans 10:20-21But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.
[21] But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

Romans 11:1-36 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
[2] God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,
[3] Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.
[4] But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.
[5] Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
[6] And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
[7] What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
[8] (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.
[9] And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling block, and a recompence unto them:
[10] Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.
[11] I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
[12] Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?
[13] For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
[14] If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.
[15] For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?
[16] For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.
[17] And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;
[18] Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.
[19] Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.
[20] Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
[21] For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
[22] Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
[23] And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.
[24] For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?
[25] For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
[26] And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
[27] For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
[28] As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
[29] For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
[30] For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
[31] Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
[32] For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
[33] O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
[34] For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counseller?
[35] Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
[36] For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

April 20th

God's Message to Us
Hebrews 12:18-29

      Under the old covenant, God spoke to the people from Mt. Sinai. A number of very impressive things took place as God spoke from Mt. Sinai. We read in Hebrews 12:18-20 18 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, 19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: 20 (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart This picture makes in clear that God's people understood how serious it was for God to speak to them.

      Yet, according to these verses, our access to God through the Spirit is even more serious. This is interesting. It would seem that God speaks to the hearts of apostates. As we consider men like Judas and Baalam, we ought to be able to see this. In other words, the experience of apostates is even more real than that which was experienced by the people at Sinai. We need to appreciate that common grace allows for a mighty working of the Holy Spirit. In common grace, God allows the rain to fall on both the just and the unjust. In common grace, God spoke to some of the people at Sinai, and in common grace, God speaks to the hearts of people by the Holy Spirit.

      People who seek God apart from faith and repentance can and do receive grace from God. When King Ahab sought grace from God apart from repentance, God extended him grace. It should not surprise us then, that apostates can and do tap into an amazing amount of grace. Yet, apart from genuine faith and repentance there can be no salvation.

      From this text, it would seem that apostates do not respond to God in obedience. In other words, if we believe, when God speaks, we will obey. This is the result of faith. On the other hand, the apostate does not respond because he does not believe. The lives of those who believe and those who do not believe are much different. It is as we read in the book of James, our faith is demonstrated by the choices that we make, as well as the things we do.

Hebrews 12:18-29 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,
[19] And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:
[20] (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:
[21] And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)
[22] But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
[23] To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
[24] And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
[25] See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:
[26] Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.
[27] And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
[28] Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
[29] For our God is a consuming fire.

042003dw

April 21st

Let No Man Deceive You
2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

      Many times we think of deceivers as those who are somewhere else and somehow show up at our door with their wares and we would be able to spot them a mile off. The truth of the matter is that the deceivers could end up being someone we know quite well, and even some of the "Christian" folks whom we have known for a long time as good friends. This is the warning given here in our text today. We are to let "No Man" deceive us. Not One! Sadly enough it happens more often than not and a lot of innocent people get spiritually hurt, but we can take heart, as there is a way to protect ourselves and wholeheartedly continue obediently in the faith, if we will only pay attention to what God's Word teaches us.

      First we realize that the "day of the Lord" (the coming of Jesus at the end of the tribulation) cannot take place until the falling away. This is the deliberate abandonment of a formerly professed position, such as the profession of many people claiming to be Christians. That is exactly what Paul says in vrs. 3-4. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. In verse 7, what is restraining the mystery of lawlessness? Everywhere we turn, people are doing what is right in their own eyes, rather than what God would have them to do. Apostasy is abounding in every corner and in many families and churches too. What is restraining the total unleashing of the embodiment of evil? The simple answer is this! It is the power of God unto Salvation to those who will believe! To those who will repent of sin and to those who will turn from sin towards Christ. God is all-powerful and it is He that controls everything, including Satan and his minions. God desires that none should perish but that all should come to repentance. Today, where do you stand before God? Obedient or apostate. Take Heed, let No Man Deceive you!

      Dear Lord, we know the end is near as sin abounds more and more. Many good people are falling away from their profession of Christianity. O God, help us to be faithful and to endure to the end! Amen.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
[1] Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
[2] That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
[3] Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
[4] Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
[5] Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
[6] And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
[7] For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
[8] And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
[9] Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
[10] And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
[11] And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
[12] That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

042103dm

April 22nd

There is a Sin unto Death
Numbers 20:7-13

      1 John 5:16-17 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. There are many Christians who think any writings from the Old Testament do not apply to us today. Nothing could be further from the truth. Moses, in anger with the rebellious Israelites, disobeyed God and struck the rock the second time, according to Num. 20.

      In Genesis 19:23-29, there is another illustration; the destruction of Sodom and the death of Lot's wife. Her problem was love for the city life and rejecting God's command, "Not to look back."

      In Philippians 3:13-14, Paul tells us to forget the past and look to the future. There is nothing you can do about the past, but you certainly can do better in the future with the help of the Holy Spirit.

      Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5, lied to the Holy Spirit and they died. I believe we will see them in heaven. They foolishly thought they could keep up with others who had given to the church by selling a piece of land and intimating they were giving all the proceeds to the Lord. It is recorded that great fear came upon the church. The Apostle Paul consigned the fornicator in the Corinthian church to Satan for the destruction of the flesh (I Cor. 5:5) that the church might be purified and the spirit of the sinner saved. However, the sinning man put away his sins and repented. Later, Paul admonished the church to forgive him and restore him to the fellowship (2 Cor. 2:6-7).

      In 1 Timothy 1:19-20, the Apostle Paul speaks of two men, Hymenaeus and Alexander, who had sinned against the Church with blaspheme and causing other believers in the faith to become shipwreck. These were consigned unto to Satan for their sins. Hymenaeus and Philetus are mentioned in 2 Timothy 2:17-18, as teaching that the resurrection is past and there is no hope for the living, which have been left behind. This abominable teaching was against everything that Paul was teaching to the churches. Don't be misled by false teachers and doctrines!

Numbers 20:7-13 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
[8] Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.
[9] And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him.
[10] And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?
[11] And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.
[12] And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.
[13] This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the LORD, and he was sanctified in them.

042203rjs

April 23rd

The End of the Age
I Timothy 4:1-12

      The natural man tends to think in terms of progress. Therefore, those peoples of this world who are uneducated and live like animals, they call primitives. What they do not understand is that all of us got out of the ark at the same time. We are all descendents of Noah. When people live like animals, it is not a matter of opportunity as much as apostasy. People who live apart from the grace of God, degenerate. They soon live like animals.

      Yet, as we see here, this degradation is not as much a matter of decay as deliberate sabotage. Now I believe that if we neglect to open our hearts to the grace of God, things will deteriorate. Yet, apostasy is more than mere natural decay. It is the work of the forces of darkness. This work is described as deceit and teachings by demons. We find in the Bible that God created angels, as well as, man. I believe that demons are angels that fell into sin following the fall of Lucifer.

      I think it is important to remember that God made angels on a higher order than man, but God did not make them in His image. God only chose to make man in His image. According to Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28, Satan fell because of pride and envy. These are related. Satan wanted to be like God. Envy always involves hatred. Thus, in his ambition to be like God, he came to hate God. His hatred for man then, is an extension of his hatred for God.

      An important part of this work is to corrupt people. Now we don't hear demons or evil angels speak directly. We hear them speak through people who have given themselves to evil. What are these people like? In verse 2 of our text, we read that they speak lies in hypocrisy. In other words, they do not follow their own teachings. We need to realize that the enemy works through people who counterfeit the real. We read in 2Corinthians 11:3,4 where the apostle Paul writes, I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted It is Jesus, but another Jesus. People will need discernment relative to apostasy at the end of the age.

I Timothy 4:1-12
[1] Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
[2] Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
[3] Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
[4] For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
[5] For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
[6] If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
[7] But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
[8] For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
[9] This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
[10] For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
[11] These things command and teach.
[12] Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

042303dw

April 24th

Subjection or Castaway?
1 Cor. 9:19-27

      Have you ever considered the fact that you could become eternally disqualified? In other words, you find out too late, that your profession of Salvation was not genuine? The Apostle Paul considered this! He realized that in his own body, it takes discipline and subjection to keep from becoming disqualified. This Biblical Truth flies in the face of society and many so-called Christians today! They say that a person can become religious, make a profession of faith, claim to be "Christian", show up for church on a somewhat regular basis, be good people, and somehow be acceptable to God. But this could not be farther from the truth! Let us see what we can glean today about physical and spiritual discipline and subjection, and ask God to help us apply these truths.

      As a True Christian, Paul said that he was free from all men, but that he made himself a servant of all. The reason is, he had an obedient heart to win the lost to Christ. He realized that many are eternally dying and are going to Hell. The responsibility of proclaiming the Gospel has been given to those who profess Christ as Savior. Everything about Paul's life he gave for one purpose and that purpose was to serve the Lord obediently in proclaiming the gospel to everyone who would listen to him. Paul even used the description of a race to describe that purpose. Many people run in the race but only one person wins. Paul is describing what we are to be about as professing Christians. We are to run the race of life as if we were the only one left to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. It takes spiritual self-control! We are to run the race to win! We are to run the race to obtain the eternal prize! The prize, of course, is the rewards that God has in store for those who will live obediently for Him. If we do not run the race in such a way, Paul says we are in great danger! Literally in danger of not only losing the prize, but in becoming disqualified. Folks, is there any thing that is keeping you from running the race as God would have you to run? If so, bring your life into subjection; discipline your body so that you can be assured that you would not become disqualified from the life that God wants for you!

      Dear Lord and Savior, please forgive us for not running the race as we ought. Help us to discipline ourselves for faithful service to You. Amen.

1 Cor. 9:19-27 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
[20] And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
[21] To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
[22] To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
[23] And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
[24] Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
[25] And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
[26] I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
[27] But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

042403dm

April 25th

Aaron's Apostasy and the People's Sin
Exodus 31:12-18

      This chapter is filled with a chain of events that lead us to believe that God is truly long suffering. Moses received the Ten Commandments from the hand of Almighty God. They were written by the finger of God on stones and given to Moses to set the standards for worship, morality and relationship to their fellowmen. No words have ever been written in any of the world's religions that are comparable with the standards of these stones.

      Aaron had already been anointed with the oil and appointed the first High Priest. Moses had been up in the mountain with Joshua and now as they were coming down the mountain there was an unexpected noise in the camp. Joshua thought it was the noise of battle, but Moses knew it was the sound of singing. Because of Moses' long absence, the people grew restless and pleaded with Aaron to make them a god they could worship. Aaron's real blasphemy was that he made an image of one of the many gods of Egypt. Cows have been sacred in the Middle East and Far East since time immemorial. For Aaron to degrade the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to a foul four-footed beast is the height of absurdity. Exodus 32:21-24 And Moses said unto Aaron, What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them? And Aaron said, Let not the anger of my lord wax hot: thou knowest the people, that they are set on mischief. For they said unto me, Make us gods, which shall go before us: for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him. And I said unto them, Whosoever hath any gold, let them break it off. So they gave it me: then I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf.

      Aaron not only committed the sin of listening to popular demand, but lied to Moses according to the last phrase in the above text. Moses made intercession for Aaron and the people. If he had not prayed for them, God would have destroyed them all and started anew with the seed of Moses. However, Moses was the first to break the Ten Commandments after God had given them. In righteous indignation Moses slammed down the tablets and later he went before God and received the commandments the second time, Ex. 34.

Exodus 31:12-18 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
[13] Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.
[14] Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.
[15] Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.
[16] Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.
[17] It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.
[18] And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.

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April 26th

The Form of Godliness
II Timothy 3:1-9

      I heard someone say one time, I would rather be more than I appear to be that to appear to be more than I really am. This is a wise statement. It is wise because apostates always appear to be what they are not. In this text, they are described as having a form of godliness The form of godliness is appearance. Evil always seeks to appear good.

      Our text mentions several things that demonstrate that not all is godly. Note in our text, we read that the apostasy of the last days will include disobedience to parents. In other words, there will be a breakdown in the home. We read similar indications from the Old Testament prophets. We read in Malachi 4:6, about one who will turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. I can't think of anything which is any more troubling than this. God designed the home to be a great source of blessing, and here we see strife and hatred.

      This is not all. In our text, we also read that people will be, ever learning and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. Try it for yourself. Try to make a definite statement of truth in some crowds today. You will find that there will be those that will oppose. You may define yourself very carefully do your best not to offend and some will oppose. In other words, people don't like authority either in person or precept. Thus, a word like Jesus becomes an empty jar that one can put any meaning in that they choose. They don't want to throw out the vocabulary. They want to throw out the dictionary.

      From time to time, I hear people express concern that we are losing the language. This is true. If we cannot identify truth and speak of truth, words have no real meaning. Words themselves are a means of identifying things and distinguishing them from other things. There is knowledge in truth and power in truth. Therefore, it should not surprise us that when spiritual things become fuzzy and undefined, there is no power. This is evidence that there is no faith. Where there is faith there is an object of faith, certainty and power. If we don't stand for something, we will fall for anything. God help us to know and hang on to important truth.

II Timothy 3:1-9 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
[2] For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
[3] Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
[4] Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
[5] Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
[6] For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
[7] Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
[8] Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
[9] But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

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April 27th

An Ominous Warning against Willful Sin
Hebrews 10:26-31

      Hebrews 10:26, For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins. The warnings of Scripture are ominous and get right to the point. This warning passage speaks of the sin of apostasy, which is an intentional falling away, or a defection. Apostates are those who move toward Christ, hear and understand His gospel, and are on the verge of saving belief, but then rebel and turn away. This warning against apostasy is one of the most serious warnings in all of Scripture. Not all people will respond to the gentle invitation of the gospel message because some are already beyond response.

      The term "sin willfully" carries the idea of deliberate intention that is habitual; the sin of rejecting Christ deliberately. These amazingly, are not isolated acts. According to the Law of Moses, these acts of deliberate, premeditated sin required exclusion from the congregation and from its worship. The phrase in verse 26, received the knowledge of the truth, speaks of the knowledge that was not defective or incomplete, but the application of it was what was wrong. Judas Iscariot is a good example of a disciple who had no lack of knowledge, but lacked obedient faith and became the arch-apostate. This is the one who is beyond salvation because he has rejected the only sacrifice that can cleanse him from sin and bring him into God's presence. There is no hope for this kind of person. Their eternal end (Hell) has been determined.

      Folks, this warning is for each and every one of us today. We have a tendency to put it off on someone else, or not to personally consider the urgency of the warning, but the truth is, we need to consider this warning as a personal one and evaluate where we individually stand before God. If we are not living for the Lord as we ought, we may be guilty of having trampled the Son of God underfoot and then we are in danger of insulting the Spirit of Grace. Verse 31 culminates the warning! It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

      Gracious and Merciful God, please forgive us of our lack of service and obedience to Your clear commands. Help us to walk with fear and trembling, living circumspectly according to Your Holy Word! Amen.

Hebrews 10:26-31
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
[27] But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
[28] He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
[29] 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?
[30] 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.
[31] It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

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April 28th

A Sister's Rebellion
Number 12:1-15

      When God lays His hand upon a chosen vessel, those who rebel against that servant of God are in trouble. David said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD, 1 Samuel 24:6. This is but one of several times David could have captured or killed King Saul, but he remembered that regardless of what Saul did to him, he would not touch the Lord's anointed.

      Moses was God's chosen leader to deliver Israel to the Promised Land after their generations of slavery. Miriam, Moses' older sister, had stood by the Nile River and watched over her little brother when he was floating in a basket on the river of death. She watched as the daughter of Pharaoh took the little baby into her arms and claimed him for herself. Young Miriam had volunteered to the Daughter of Pharaoh, that she knew a woman who could nurse the babe for her. She had watched him grow in the family until he was about five years old. Moses was under the curse of death because he was a Hebrew boy. His mother, as was the custom in that day, nursed Moses until he was weaned at about five years then he was given to Pharaoh's daughter to educate in the schools of Egypt.

      Miriam knew Moses was chosen of God, but she became jealous and wanted some of the glory. After all, she was older, therefore she should get some recognition. Numbers 12:1-3 And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it. (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.) God saw what was going on and Miriam had to learn a lesson. She was struck with leprosy from head to toe. She was as good as dead and they put her out of the camp. She was untouchable. Moses made intercession and God responded and healed her. Moses harbored no ill will against Miriam. The lesson for us is that God will balance the accounts.

Number 12:1-15 And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.
[2] And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it.
[3] (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)
[4] And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out.
[5] And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.
[6] And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.
[7] My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.
[8] With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?
[9] And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed.
[10] And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.
[11] And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned.
[12] Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother's womb.
[13] And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee.
[14] And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again.
[15] And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.

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April 29th

The Itching Ear
2 Timothy 4:3, 4

      This text warns us that at the end of the age, many people will not want to hear the truth. They will reject the historic Christian faith, the faith of our fathers. I think it is important that we hang on to historic Christian doctrine. In his book, The Religion of Yesterday Today and Tomorrow, Harvard professor Kirsop Lake wrote, fundamentalism was once universally held by all Christians. The Bible and the "corpus theologicum" of the Church is on the fundamentalist side. He did not agree with fundamentalism, but admitted that in this last century there was a departure from historic doctrine.

      What folk who don't want to hear the truth don't realize is that they are turning not just from the traditions of the past, but God. It is always easy to look at the past and find problems. It is easy to reject the good with the bad. In our text, people like this don't want to turn from instruction and the forms of faith. They just cannot stand the truth. The apostle Paul knowing this is coming, challenges Timothy to preach the Word.

      This challenge is timely. There are those today who tell us that we need to find out what people want and give it to them. Put that in context of these verses. We find people whose ears itch. The truth involves reproving and rebuking. Rather than being open to truth and correction at the end of the age, people will demand validation in sin. Rejection of God, will not allow for repentance from sin. Therefore, preaching on sin and repentance will be dropped for all kinds of foolishness.

      It ought to be clear that we are living in those days. People today in unprecedented numbers are identifying with the outward form of truth. Yet, it ought to be clear that for the most part, lives are not being lived according to the principles of truth and righteousness. This is not revival. Rather it is merely the work of deceitful spirits and teaching of demons that must come in order to prepare the way for the apostate church of Antichrist. We need to be sure that there is solid substance to our faith, if we would be sure of heaven.

2 Timothy 4:3- 4 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;
[4] And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

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April 30th

False Prophets and Pretending People Among Us
2 Peter 2:1-22

      Peter was a man who loved Jesus Christ more than life itself. He went through a lot of spiritual hard knocks to learn many important spiritual truths, but when he finally learned them, his life was impacted and changed forever. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Peter wrote these words for us so that we have the opportunity of not having to go through all the hard knocks that he went through.

      Peter is giving us a warning in our text today about false prophets and pretenders; false teachers. He comes out and says clearly that these false prophets and false teachers will come from among us. These are people who claim to know Jesus Christ as Savior and yet secretly bring in damnable heresies and deceptive words. Many people are being exploited, following these false and destructive ways, mainly because most people are not grounded in the Word of God. Isaiah puts it very plainly. All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned everyone to his own way, and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

      Folks, as true believers we need to take heed! We need to pay attention! The enemy is very real! He is out to defeat whomever he can. Peter even encourages true believers in chapter 3, verse 1, Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful Yes Beloved, we need to take heed, we need to be mindful of the spiritual dangers that are right in front of us. Beware of complacency and slackness to spiritual obedience. Watch out for those who would lead you astray from God's Word, by knowing what it says yourself. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth Can we honestly say that we obediently and daily study God's Holy Word? Will we be able to say to God that we have studied His Word as we should have? Are we workmen who diligently live for the Lord daily, rightly dividing the Word of God, confessing sin, and unashamedly proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ? If so, Praise the Lord! If not, the warning is clear!

Dear Lord God, thank You for the warnings that You have given to us so that we can live victoriously, in the fierce spiritual battles that we face!

2 Peter 2:1-22But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
[2] And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
[3] And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
[4] For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
[5] And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
[6] And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
[7] And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
[8] (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
[9] The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
[10] But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
[11] Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
[12] But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
[13] And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
[14] Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
[15] Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
[16] But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
[17] These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
[18] For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
[19] While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
[20] For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
[21] For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
[22] But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

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