Speaking With Sincerity

Have you ever been in a situation where you know that you are surrounded by those who have not placed their faith in Jesus Christ? Have you ever had to share the gospel but was unsure if it fell on deaf ears? Or have you ever been able to encourage a believer but also noticed a chill from those who are not saved? Sharing the gospel can cause a multitude of reactions depending on the audience, an issue that Paul saw throughout his time ministering. When reading Paul’s letters, we can see the vast difference in responses. Paul encouraged, corrected, and guided a vast number of believers; however, he also was imprisoned, stoned, and beaten. So what should we keep in mind when we share the gospel? Paul provides us an answer.

“14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us reveals the fragrance of the knowledge of Him in every place. 15 For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing: 16 to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things? 17 For we are not like the many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God.”

2 Corinthians 2:14-17

Verse fourteen points out a very important aspect for a Christian. When we are following God’s will and allowing Him to lead us, He will always lead us triumphantly. Through our actions, we show those around us God’s love and so the knowledge of Him will spread. Verse fourteen always reminds me of Isaiah 55:11, “11 So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the purpose for which I sent it.” When we share God’s word, we may not see the end result but we need to remember that the word will not be shared meaninglessly. It will accomplish what God desires for it.

Next Paul states that we are a fragrance among people. During this time, the Roman’s would often light incense to celebrate a victory. For the Roman’s it was a sweet smell but for those who were captured, the smell meant doom. This is how Paul is describing those of us who are born-again believers. Around other believers we are a sweet smell because we remind them of God and His love. For those who have not placed their faith in Christ, or worse yet those who have outright denied Him, we are a reminder of what they do not have.

Finally, Paul offers a reminder to those who are preaching the word of God. And that is to reflect on their purpose for sharing it. We are not to be like those who share the gospel for their own benefit and therefore cheapen it. I am sure we can all think of someone who speaks eloquently but when you reflect on what they are actually saying, you realize that the gospel they are sharing is not based on faith in Jesus Christ alone. Instead Paul says that we need to be like the few who speak with sincerity wishing to guide others to Christ.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

Learning Techniques III

I want to finish this small series regarding something powerful, something hidden from most believers. This hidden truth is not something hidden by God but by our (believers) willful ignorance to not dive deep into God’s Word. God promises in Proverbs 25:2 “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.” This observation reveals to the reader that God has given mysteries and it is for our benefit to search them out. Ironically, this observation is not just talking about in God’s Word, but also the natural observable world. This is why the famous astronomer Johnathan Kepler said, “God wanted us to recognize natural laws and that God made this possible by creating us after His own image so that we could share in His own thoughts.” Robert Boyle hypothesized that the end reason for the Sabbath was in part to create time and leisure for scientific consideration of God’s works of creation. That the study of nature in order to understand God was in fact an act of worship of God.

However, as unique and exciting as it would be to dive into a study about Proverbs 25:2 in regards to a natural stand point, today we are examining this observation in regards to God’s Word. When we read God’s Word and are not praying and focused on it, we cannot search out the matters hidden by God. We need to be diving deep for the love of Christ, not a check mark off our schedule. Proverbs 10:4 “Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, But the hand of the diligent makes rich.” When we study with a diligent hand and seek out God’s matters, we find that His scripture comes to life! It is vibrant, detailed, and applicable for us. This applicability makes us rich! Makes us have the most valuable item found in the cosmos, God’s matters. This knowledge allows us to understand what we need to do in life, but also to help others as well, Proverbs 10:17 “He is on the path of life who heeds instruction, But he who ignores reproof goes astray.” This is why the best thing a non-believer can do is talk to a believer. Unfortunately, not all believers are digging into God’s Word. We neglect to see the King for who He is to those of us who are saved. He is more than salvation! He is our intimate confidant, He is our guide, He is our coach, He is our shepherd. This is why we need to dig deep into God’s Word. Examine everything, put down the Bible study “self-help books” the commentaries, videos, podcasts and other noises, and search out what God wants us to know in His word. We need to go into each Bible study recognizing that God wants us looking for what He has hidden. In doing so, we grow in our faith. We learn things we were not planning on learning and are shaped and molded into the people we were meant to be.

Our Bible studies are designed for us to be spending time with God so that He can do a good work in us. Simple but powerful! This is why we start our Bible studies in prayer, stay focused, and finally go deep with the understanding that He has something for us to learn. When we do this, we can realize just how powerful the relationship with Christ really is. The unsaved do not have this promise, the unsaved has only one declaration from God which is to repent and recognize who Jesus is and have Him come into their life. As for the saved, we have so much more. We have a relationship with Christ that He has designed specifically for how He made you and I. So let us end this small study with the understanding that our Bible studies need to be a serious time to in God’s Word and in His presence. If you ever have questions or concerns please feel free to reach out to us here and we would love to answer Bible questions for you and help you come to have a relationship or fuller relationship with Christ. Until next week!

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

The conclusion of our warnings series! Read it HERE

Be Grateful

Today I want to write a quick reminder to my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s something that may seem common sense, but I am sure we all fail to do this at times. This reminder comes from Luke 17:11-19.

“While He was on the way to Jerusalem, He was passing between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as He entered a village, ten men with leprosy who stood at a distance met Him; 13 and they raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 When He saw them, He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they were going, they were cleansed. 15 Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice, 16 and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him. And he was a Samaritan. 17 But Jesus responded and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine—where are they? 18 Was no one found who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner?” 19 And He said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has made you well.”

At times in our Christian walk, we will go through valleys. It will seem that everything that can go wrong will, it takes turning to God and pleading for His help to turn things around. Much like the ten individuals in the events that take place in Luke 17. These men were living as outcasts from the community because of their illness, they were not even able to approach Jesus but had to stay at a distance. This did not stop them from crying out to Him though, and He tells them to show themselves to the priests. Now I believe that Jesus told them to go to the priests because they had been healed and needed to make an offering as was required by the law. Another example of this can be found in Mark 1:40-44.

“And a man with leprosy *came to Jesus, imploring Him and kneeling down, and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” 41 Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out with His hand and touched him, and *said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” 42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed. 43 And He sternly warned him and immediately sent him away, 44 and He *said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

Jesus was telling the ten men to present themselves to the priests so that they may do what was required by the law as well as a testimony to His power. However, only one man once he saw that he had been healed returned to give glory to God. Today I want to implore you my fellow brothers and sister to not be like the nine who did not return to Christ. When the valley ends, when you have come to Christ asking Him to deal with whatever hardship you are facing and you find yourself through the issue, do not forget to acknowledge that it was Christ who brought you through. Remember to be grateful and acknowledge what Christ has done for you!

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

Learned Techniques II

Today we continue our look in the fundamentals of studying God’s word. Last week we reviewed how we need to recognize our need for prayer before we study. We need to ask for Him to teach us. It is why it is stated in Proverbs 32:8  “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” Our Heavenly Father cares for us and wishes that we seek Him. When we do our Bible study and pray asking for assistance, we are recognizing and practicing the importance of the role He has placed us in with Him in this unique relationship.

Now even though we are to seek the Lord and ask Him for His help, this does not mean He is not already aware of what we need. Matthew 6:7-8 “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8 “So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” For the believer our relationship with God is very real, this means when we study His word we can go confidently to Him and ask for His teaching. After asking we can go to the scripture and start to study.

Now this next part is important for us to recognize. When we read the very words of God, we should be focused. This means taking the distractions out of our path. We need to study God’s Word and recognize that there is information that is for us. Proverbs 25:2 “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.” How can we find what is hidden if we are not totally focused. Now there will be times that we are having to juggle multiple things from children, work, and life; but when at all possible we need to be eager to keep our attention solely on the Lord’s scripture. We are currently the most rewarded age in all of human history. We have the Bible in its completeness with the Holy Spirit to guide us. This is why Peter states to the Christian’s dispersed throughout Asia and Europe, 1 Peter 1:10-12  “As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, 11 seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven--things into which angels long to look.” With such a host of saints wanting what we have, we should recognize and be appreciative. Thus we need to be focused when we study God’s scripture.  Next week we will close our series and see what God provides us as we study His scripture. But until next week remember to pray and ask for God to help you understand His word, and take the time to take His scripture serious and be focused in His word and where He might lead you.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

Join us as we see what is instructed for future believers! Read it HERE!

How Can This Be?

Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted something so badly or felt that God was calling you to a task, but no matter how you looked at it, you simply could not see how it would be accomplished? I think this is one of the challenges in a Christian’s walk. Knowing that God can complete tasks according to His will, and yet our minds cannot understand how it can be done. How wonderful it is though, that we are not alone in our questioning. Take a look at Peter in Luke 5:3-9.

“And He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little distance from the land. And He sat down and continued teaching the crowds from the boat. 4 Now when He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 Simon responded and said, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets.” 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great quantity of fish, and their nets began to tear; 7 so they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both of the boats, to the point that they were sinking.8 But when Simon Peter saw this, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” 9 For amazement had seized him and all his companions because of the catch of fish which they had taken;”

Jesus was in the boats preaching the word of God to a crowd that held the first of His disciples. The man whose boat He was in was already tired from working all the night before, this man (Peter) knew there were no fish nearby and points this out to Jesus. Essentially Peter was telling Jesus that he knew there was nothing to catch where they were at, but because of his willingness to follow Jesus’s direction he would obey. I am sure the men in that boat were astounded once they started to feel the fish getting caught in their nets and we see this with Peter’s reaction in verse eight.

Many point to this verse to describe how Peter and the sons of Zebedee became Jesus’s disciples, but I think there is another aspect to this situation. Peter would not have known that his nets would be filled, in fact I am sure he expected to pull up an empty net or maybe just one or two fish that happened to be caught in it. And yet, the amount of fish he pulled up nearly sank his boat! Peter had no way of knowing the reason for Jesus to tell him to lower the net, but he did it anyway. He was so willing to follow Jesus’s command even though Peter already believed he knew what the outcome would be. And this is the trait that we need to have in our walk with God. What seems to be impossible for us, or a situation that we believe we already know the outcome of, can be changed simply because it is what God needs to complete His will. If we are faced with something that we know God is calling us to do but to us seems hopeless or foolish, we should not hesitate. We should respond as Peter did, admit that we don’t understand but be willing to follow. When we do this, we will be just as surprised by the outcome!

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

Learned Techniques

Today I wanted to write a post, not necessarily on a specific Bible passage but rather a strategy when studying the Bible. Over the next three weeks I want to provide three different study techniques that I have learned from those who are much farther in their walk with the Lord. These techniques have Biblical backing and have helped me and I hope they help you.

Today we will be discussing the first technique; prayer should be first in our Bible study and we should ask for Jesus to teach us something. When we take a moment before we study and ask the Lord to be with us and teach us, we recognize who is the real teacher. No Bible study is self taught. There will always be two, the student and God.

Psalms 32:8-8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.”

Proverbs 3:11-12 “11 My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD Or loathe His reproof, 12 For whom the LORD loves He reproves, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.”

Asking the Lord to teach us at that moment only brings to focus the real relationship a believer has with the Lord. When non-believers read the Bible, they do not have the Lord guiding them and so it will be futile. The Word of God is the gift given by God for the believer and declaration of God’s judgement on the world. So take time to pray before your Bible study and ask Him to teach you. God loves you, this is why Jesus states in Matthew 7:7-11 “7 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 “Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? 10 “Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? 11 “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” You will be surprised how quickly He answers when we ask Him at the start of our Bible study, “Lord please let me learn something today from you in the study.” God does not neglect those who are looking for Him, why would He neglect those who want to learn from Him as well? So as for the first technique, we should pray and ask Him to be in our study right then and there.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

Jl

Re-post Friday

Are you drifting? Read what can be learned on this HERE!

Good Repute

Being an ambassador for Christ in this current world, is not an easy one. The majority of the world would call us born-again believers as being in the way of progress. And so it is of no surprise that to the world, it is easy to cast a side-eye towards someone who has recognized their need for a Savior. So how are we to respond? The answer is found in Proverbs 3:3-4.

“3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart.4 So you will find favor and a good reputation
In the sight of God and man.”

The word kindness here is the same word for mercy. So this verse should read as “Do not let mercy and truth leave you”. So everyday our actions should show mercy, and the only way that we can understand mercy is by understanding that God has shown us mercy. We are all born sinners and yet, when we come to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, God not only forgives us but forgets our transactions against Him. “12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our wrongdoings from us.” Psalm 103:12. That means we should have this same mentality to the world.

That is not to say that we allow the world to walk over us, to enforce their ideals unchecked. That is why we are also advised to not let truth leave you. The only truth that is in this world is “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16. God loves us and wants us to be reconciled to Him. This is the truth that we must continue to present to this world. These two characteristics should be bound around our neck. This means they are visible, our actions should always be presented as merciful but truthful. This is the only way that we will find favor and a good reputation not only in the sight of the world, but most importantly in the sight of God.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A Time For Action VII

Today is our last post regarding the series on the actions of the saints in the early church. I thought I would give you a little inside look at my own walk when it came to studying for this series. I know we didn't even get an opportunity to talk about 99% of what the early church did and that was on purpose. Ironically, what the early church did is important, but not as important as the fundamental truth that they gave us through God’s Word. Their first actions were always to seek Him first. Because of this, their actions after were able to be unique in character with precision and intensity that could only be brought together in the will of God. Today many believers think we need to clean ourselves before we come to God; or we need to be about helping those in society or even doing what needs to be done around the church. Now these things are all good on their own, but only after God is given the rightful place and time He deserves. I take Jiu Jitsu, which is a specialized fighting curriculum for hand to hand combat on the ground, as an example of this. One of my teachers told me that, “Being still is not the same as doing nothing.” Patience, and preparing yourself for the moment to act is as important as the action itself. When I was told this, I immediately thought of God’s Word in Psalms 46:10-11 which states, “10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” 11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah”

I hope this series as helped you understand the first action as believers needs to be Christ centered. That is, not helping others but rather being first with Christ in saved, and in relationship, only after our actions being done uniquely as called but still Christ centered. Believers can only truly help others when we are acting out our faith, this is why James states in James 2:18 “But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” The early church recognized the need for action, yet the early church also recognized the need for Christ to be centered. This is why all their actions were only after their time in the Word with the Lord. This is why our actions can only truly be what is needed in this world only after we have separated ourselves and sought after the Word of God first. Our actions need to be precisely what is needed at the exact moment in the form exactly required for the perfect answer in that exact scenario. Doesn’t that sound impossible? And yet Paul makes the declaration of how we can answer this impossible task with Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” The impossible challenge you will see before you is possible when you have Christ centered in your actions. Before we act, we seek His word, we seek Him. Now how do we do this? Proverbs gives us a resounding declaration of the mindset we need to have. Proverbs 2:1-12  “My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you, 2 Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding; 3 For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding; 4 If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures; 5 Then you will discern the fear of the LORD And discover the knowledge of God. 6 For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. 7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, 8 Guarding the paths of justice, And He preserves the way of His godly ones. 9 Then you will discern righteousness and justice And equity and every good course. 10 For wisdom will enter your heart And knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; 11 Discretion will guard you, Understanding will watch over you, 12 To deliver you from the way of evil, From the man who speaks perverse things.”  We need to ask ourselves, are we seeking the Lord first? Are we seeking Him like our ancestors in the early church did? I can tell you that when we act like the early church we will find results like the early church. So seek after Christ first and have Him be the source for all your actions and see what an amazing adventure this life can be.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

Jl

Re-Post Friday

When things are in chaos, where is your foundation? Read it HERE!

More to Learn

I am not sure why the book of Psalms is often overlooked. There are so many wonderful encouraging and enlightening verses all throughout the book. Some verses deal with characteristics of God, some encourage us to reflect upon our walk, some give insight into different aspects of history, and some encourage us to hold strong to our faith in God and His promises. Today, I want to share with you all some of my favorite verses that I have found in Psalm.

10 And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, Lord, have not abandoned those who seek You. Psalm 9:10

What I have alway liked about this verse is it is such an encouragement. When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, He will not abandon us. I often reflect on this post in times of stress or uncertainty where I don’t know what God is wanting me to do.

17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. Psalm 51:17

This is a great verse when I feel as if there is something that I need to do to earn my salvation. The major stumbling block when it comes to accepting Christ is that we are saved through His actions alone. Our human nature wants us to contribute something to our salvation, and this is something that we cannot do. That is why this verse is great to reflect on and remember that the only thing that God wants from us is acknowledging His sacrifice for our sins.

18 If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; Psalm 66:18

Recently we have discussed James chapter 4, in this chapter we saw that if we ask with wrong motives God will not answer us. Psalm 66:18 is a great reflection of that same concept. When we pray and ask God for something, we need to make sure that we do it with pure motives and not selfish desires.

8 The Lord is gracious and compassionate; Slow to anger and great in mercy. Psalm 145:8

This verse is a great reminder of God’s character. He is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and great in mercy. The world tries to paint a picture of what God is and fails. It is wonderful that we have His word and are able to see His characteristics throughout.

This is in no means an exhaustive list, after all the book of Psalm has 149 chapters in it. I would encourage you all to go through the book and find verses that encourage you! I would also encourage you to look for the main theme of each chapter. Find the ones that show God’s character, ones that are great when you want to worship God, ones that describe events found elsewhere in the Bible and write the theme at the top of the chapter. I am sure soon you do, you will see how much we can learn from this book!

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A Time For Acts VI

When the Church had first started, there was a man named Saul whose actions can be identified as antichrist in fashion. Saul, a devout religious man and strong supporter of the established religious order in Jerusalem, was known in the early church as an enemy. Saul actively persecuted believers of Jesus, and scholars believe he most likely was there at Jesus Christ’s illegal trial. Ironically, God reveals that in Himself all things are possible and He can turn the most wicked into something grand. Now this post is not about Saul’s conversion into Paul. But rather the actions taken after His recognition of Jesus as the Messiah of the Jews and Savior of the world. Like other posts in this series, we are examining the first accounts of the Church.

To bring context to the situation, we need to understand where Paul was at the time of the action we are going to discuss. Paul was in front of King Agrippa and is acting upon what Peter in 1 Peter 3:15 commands believers to be ready to do, “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” Saul was very active as an antichrist advocate. However, it can be stated rather firmly that after his recognition and acceptance of Jesus Christ as the Messiah, He was even more active in helping the cause of the Church for Christ. We can see his own examination of his actions in Acts chapter 26, with his discussion with King Agrippa.

Acts 26:19-23 states,  “19 So, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance. 21 “For this reason some Jews seized me in the temple and tried to put me to death. 22 “So, having obtained help from God, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, stating nothing but what the Prophets and Moses said was going to take place; 23 that the Christ was to suffer, and that by reason of His resurrection from the dead He would be the first to proclaim light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.”

We can see that Paul at the very start does what the believers after the ascension did. Like the early church, Paul wanted to obey Jesus Christ. However, to obey you must be listening, no one can obey something that they have not heard. So what was he doing? He was immediately seeking the Lord and being in His word. Paul’s relationship with Christ is the foundation for everything that happens next. Only after Paul was listening does God tell him to declare the gospel, which we can tell in verse twenty, “but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance.” Many believers today believe we need to wait before we can tell others about Christ. That we need to be more “mature.” I have found no area in scripture identifying that we should wait, but rather to quickly become ready.

Naturally, the world does not like believers, and when we declare God’s word we will naturally have opposition in the world. This is unfortunate, but a truth that Jesus has made perfectly clear in the gospels but also stated by the apostles. For Paul, telling people about the gospel caused him to become very unpopular with the very crowed that formerly supported him. “For this reason some Jews seized me in the temple and tried to put me to death.” Yet, because Paul sought Jesus first, Paul’s source of energy, life purpose, and direction was Heavenly designed, sustained, and guided.

Paul gives us further details regarding how he proclaimed the gospel message. He used the scripture; specifically, he used the Old Testament, “22 “So, having obtained help from God, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, stating nothing but what the Prophets and Moses said was going to take place; 23 that the Christ was to suffer, and that by reason of His resurrection from the dead He would be the first to proclaim light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.”

What does this mean for us? Paul’s first actions were to seek after God. It actually wasn’t to go help the poor, feed the sick, or even help the widow (all things that we are commanded to do) but he sought to listen to what God had to say. Ironically, this seems much like the church in the first hours after Christ ascended into heaven. Believers should recognize who is the source of their strength and act upon it. This means following with a laser focus of Jesus Christ’s actions, words, and intentions for our lives. Only after this does Paul start to preach the gospel. As believers in Jesus, we need to keep our first love, so that we are not uprooted by the trials and tribulations of this world. The devil can keep you from Christ by keeping you busy with church aid. I am always reminded of this truth when I am on an airplane. When they do the security checklist and they remind everyone on the flight that in case of emergency to place their own mask on before the people around them. This is to ensure you can continue to help those around you, while being sustained with life needing air. As believers if we are not first involved in Christ, how are we to help others accurately, effectively, and with the power of God behind us? The answer is, we can’t. This is why our actions first need to be centered on Christ. This is why this pattern in the early church is so important for us today. This is why Christ must be first above all things in our life. We cannot be the loving, supporting people we are commanded to be unless we have the root and source of this love and support in our lives. So take a note from the early church and recognize the importance of what we should always do first before we take any other action.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

Join us as we review the third warning in the book of Hebrews! Read it HERE!

Written For The Future

There are many out there who would claim that the Bible has some good teachings but is ultimately out of date and irrelevant for today. These individuals believe that the Bible was written for believers in the past but does not hold much for them now. How could a book written thousands of years ago be written for individuals today? Well, allow me to show you just two examples that proves that God had us future believers in mind even all those years ago.

First, probably the most well known verse of the two that I am going to discuss. John 19:26-27.

“26 So when Jesus saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!”27 Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own household.”

So here we have Jesus, nailed to the cross and in pain; and yet His instinct is to ensure that His mother is provided for. You see, at this time Mary was a widower and her other children did not come to acknowledge that Jesus Christ was the Messiah until after His death. So Jesus took measures to ensure that she would be provided for in the future, by telling John to bring her into his household and treat her as his own mother. Even accomplishing the will of the Father, Jesus took steps to ensure that His mother would be taken care of in the future. If this was the actions of Jesus on the cross, what makes you think that He does not have the desire to care for those who believe in Him now?

Second, I ask that you look at the beginning of the book of Galatians.

“3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.“

Galatians 1:3-5

Galatians is a wonderful book filled with encouragement to believers to stay true to the faith, however, did you notice one thing? It is such a simple word that it is often overlooked in the message that Jesus gave Himself for our sins. The word that I am talking about is “present”. Look at verse 4 again, “4 who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,”. This book which discusses topics such as believing the true gospel, that we are justified by faith, shows what the fruit of the Spirit is, and how to restore someone who has walked away from the faith; was written with the present age in mind! Paul, through the Holy Spirit, wrote this book not only for the believers in Galatia but also for those living today and those who will come. The book of Galatians was written to show believers that we are free in Christ, not by our own works, but by the work that He did on the cross!

So the next time you feel as if the Bible only offers advice, or simply holds no relevance to current times, I ask that you remember this. Remember that before Jesus said that His work was completed, He ensured that his mother would be provided for. Remember that the Bible was written for the present age, and so it is under no time constraint. God cared for His children then and He cares for His children now.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A Time For Acts V

When studying the church original acts, it is easy for us to forget that the book of Acts is not the only source of information we have. The letters to the churches help us understand the actions of the early church as well. Today, I want to cross examine two separate groups of saints and see how, even though they are in different locations and people groups, their actions were centered on Jesus Christ.

The Thessalonians and Colossians were two groups of believers whose actions can be defined as monumental. Let us see what Paul states regarding their actions. Ironically, the similarities are subtle at first glance, but glaring once you see it.

First, we will start with the Thessalonians.

1 Thessalonians 1:2-10 “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8 For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. 9 For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.”

There are three characteristics that I want to point out. First, is they became imitators of the Lord, “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit.” Second, their actions were centered on understanding who Christ was and implementing Him to others. They turned from the world, “and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.” Finally, they allowed God to use them, “so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8 For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.”

The Thessalonians allowed their love and actions which were centered on imitating Christ and following only Him to be utilized to help strengthen other believers.

Now let us examine the Colossians.

Colossians 1:3-8 “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing--as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.”

Once again we have the saints becoming imitators of God, for their actions are centered on faith in Christ which has developed into actions of love towards others. This is a fruit of imitation that Christ first exemplified with the washing of the feet and later on with dying on the cross, “since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints.” The first action quickly follows into the second with implementing their understanding of Christ with others. It is why their actions could be defined as not only “love” but love that was defined as a Christian love, “love in the Spirit.”  Third and finally, like the Thessalonians, the Colossians allowed God to use them; they were willing to follow. This willful obedience is identified when you see their study of Jesus Christ. Let us go a little deeper and see exactly what I am talking about. In verse 6 we read, “which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing--as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth.” The word, “understood” helps us identify something rather unique about the Colossians. They studied God so that they could discern what He wanted to use them for in action. The word “understood” is the key. The Greek word is, “epegnote” which means “to perceive, discern, recognize and find out.” They sought knowledge of Christ, and by doing so allowed His Spirit to transform them so that their actions were identifiable as being Christian love!

You see, something that the early church and even today can be found with saints that are Christ centered, is their actions will undoubtedly declare Jesus Christ! It is why I have found this study so rewarding, it helps us understand our own history and see how God used amazing brothers and sisters in Christ for amazing work. He is still doing that work today, in fact over the past couple months I have had fortunate moments to see Christ work in marvelous ways. Sometimes through other brothers and sisters in Christ, and other moments through His Word in moments of personal reflection. No matter what, Christ is still acting through His saints. What a blessing for us. So if you ever want to examine your walk and see if you are Christ centered, ask yourself three simple questions. First, am I imitating Christ? Second, do I desire to understand Christ and what He wants me to do? And third, am I allowing God to use me? If you can answer those three like the Thessalonians and Colossians than keep up the good work and continue to strive for Christ.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

Continuing our study on the time that the church is in. Read it HERE!

On Judgement and Future Plans

Have you ever found yourself judging someone according to the law? Are you so obsessed with future plans that you aren’t focused on your present actions? This is what the last six verses of the fourth chapter of James discusses; and true to form, James causes us to reflect upon our own actions in light of what the Word of God describes.

Do not speak against one another, brothers and sisters. The one who speaks against a brother or sister, or judges his brother or sister, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you, judging your neighbor?

13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” 14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. For you are just a vapor that appears for a little while, and then vanishes away. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.” 16 But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. 17 So for one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, for him it is sin.

We have already seen in the previous sections of this chapter that James warns against lusting after what other Christians have, causing strife with other Christians, and seeking after the world. In verse eleven, we see that James is continuing to discuss actions of Christians towards other Christians. Here we see James turning to the topic of speaking against fellow believers as well as judging them. James makes it clear that we should not speak against one another, this I believe connects back to James 4:1-2a, “What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is the source not your pleasures that wage war in your body’s parts? 2 You lust and do not have, so you commit murder. And you are envious and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel.” James has already established that the source of conflict comes from our own desires and so when we speak against another Christian, James he points out that we do so to again fulfill our own desires. We need to keep in mind what James states about the tongue, that the smallest part of the body directs our ways. Our words needs to reflect Christ.

James is pointing out here that we should not be speaking against or judging another believer who does not follow the “law”. I placed the law in quotations on purpose and that is because many believers will judge another based on their own interpretation of how a Christian should behave. And so we see James pointing out that those who judge a believer based on their own interpretations of how a Christian should act, are not doers of the law but judges. James continues to point out that there is only One who is able to Judge. Jesus Christ. When we judge others, Christians based on our own interpretation of how they should behave, we place ourselves as the ultimate judge.

This is not to say that we should not inspect a person’s fruit. After all, it is by a person’s actions that we will know if they are a born-again believer. “You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they? 17 So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.” Matthew 7:16-18. What James is discussing, is that we should not be based on our own ideals but rather through what the Scriptures, the Words of the true judge, states.

James then ends this chapter with a remark towards the future. Often times, we believe that we have all the time in the world to complete tasks that we want to do. We forget that our lives are ultimately fleeting. I think the final verse of James chapter four is the ultimate key for when we think of the future. “17 So for one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, for him it is sin.” If we know that God is calling us to do something, following what His scripture states, and we do not do it then we are resulting back to what is discussed in James 4:4. “You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”. We have the Word of God as our ultimate authority, if we ignore what the Word states then we are practicing sin. We must continually reflect upon the scriptures and our actions to ensure that we are following the authority of the One who has the right to judge us all!

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A Time For Acts IV

It had been exactly fifty days since Jesus Christ had laid down His life in the crucifixion and picked up His life in the resurrection. His ascension completed, the Holy Spirit had brought God’s power in a new marvelous way to man which had never been seen before. Yet now Peter and John are once again in the cross roads of acting in a manner that many in the Church today have forgotten. Peter had just healed a lame man, Acts 3:3-10 “Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.” As amazing as this is, this is not the focus of today’s post! Peter’s real act to examine comes in the following verses.

Peter directs the star struck crowed towards the true source! Acts 3:11-12 “While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s. 12 And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk?” Peter is directing the people to who they really should be focused on, he is taking them to scripture, he is taking them to Jesus. No more was Peter afraid to address the crowds, no more was he focused on his own self ambitions; but rather focused on having people understand who Christ was. Ironically, he does this in what many “number seeking pastors” today would argue against, he tells them they have sinned! He tells them they have made a huge mistake leaving the true God of their Fathers. Acts 3:13-18 “13 The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. 14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. 16 And his name--by faith in his name--has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all. 17 “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled.”

Yet, this action of Peter is not done, he recognizes what the Jewish community had already started to reject, that their Messiah was in fact murdered. Jesus Christ was the expected King of the Jews, and yet He was killed. The majority of nation had left the way and had turned to their own religious idolatry. This is why Peter tells them in verse 19 “come back.” Some English translations say “convert” but this does not fit with the Greek meaning as much as “turn back”, Peter is exporting them to turn back to the true way Judaism was designed to be, Acts 3:19-20 “19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus.” Peter is recognizing the Jewish cultural foundation that is Christianity. People today see them as two different religious ideas. However, the following of Jesus Christ has been the same since the beginning. Nothing has changed, even God’s plan with Israel in the end times has not changed. Daniel the prophet spoke of those days, and other prophets spoke of what Christ would do. This is why Peter identifies the Old Testament as important as the coming New Testament. Acts 3:21-26 “whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. 22 Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. 23 And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’ 24 And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. 25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’ 26 God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.” 

So what can we take from this incredible action? Three huge take always. First, that our actions should always be centered on Jesus Christ. No matter what God does through us, we bring the glory, honor and praise back to Jesus Christ. Second, we articulate our words to help those around us see their sin is not cleanable by themselves. They need Jesus Christ. Third, direct them to scripture. Allow them to see how God’s Word is truth and life. Nothing made by mankind is capable of being identified in the same category as the 66 books of the Bible. Peter’s actions would bring five thousand men not counting women and children to the Lord that day. And yet, all he did was act on his faith and lean on Christ for what was needed. I would ask you, can you and I do that today? Can we stand in front of a crowed who is eagerly wanting to listen to us and point them back to Christ? Take some time and see what the Lord is calling you to do. You might be surprised that maybe Christ is calling you to your own small crowd or even an individual and declare to them what Peter declared in Acts chapter 3.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

Jl