The Ministry of the Saints
July 29, 2017

"Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's" (1 Corinthians 1:2).

This salutation to those "called saints" at Corinth (the words "to be" are not in the original) makes it clear that all who "in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord" are the saints of God. The word "saint" means "one who is sanctified" or "set apart," having been called to serve the Lord.

That service is varied, and many striking figures of speech are used in the Bible to describe it. In the first place, the saints are "witnesses unto me" (Acts 1:8 ) and, therefore, "ambassadors for Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:20). The words and deeds of believers are to serve as an actual Bible to those who may not read God's Word. "Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart" (2 Corinthians 3:3).

Christ applied the figure of candlesticks to the churches addressed in Revelation, with Himself in the midst (Revelation 1:12-13). Similarly, we are enjoined to "shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life" (Philippians 2:15-16). This light is not merely the light of a godly life, but the light of God's revealed truth, for we constitute "the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth" (1 Timothy 3:15).

In relation to Christ, we constitute "the body of Christ, and members in particular" (1 Corinthians 12:27) and have been presented "as a chaste virgin to Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:2). One day we shall reign with Him as "kings and priests unto God" (Revelation 1:6). HMM

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The Word of His Grace
July 30, 2017

"And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified" (Acts 20:32).

Many beautiful descriptors are used in the New Testament to illustrate the powers of the Word of God, both spoken and written. For example, the Lord Jesus is called "the Word of life" in 1 John 1:1, and Paul, speaking of the Scriptures, reminded the Philippian Christians that they should be "holding forth the word of life" (Philippians 2:16).

Jesus called the Scriptures, which were to be spread through the world like seed sown in a field, "the word of the kingdom" (Matthew 13:19). The apostle Paul called them "the word of faith, which we preach" (Romans 10:8 ). Quoting a particular Scripture, he spoke of it as "the word of promise" (Romans 9:9).

As His witnesses and ambassadors, it is to us that He "hath committed . . . the word of reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5:19), wherewith we are to beseech men to be reconciled to God. Paul also said that "the word of truth" was nothing less than "the gospel of your salvation" (Ephesians 1:13).

The writer of Hebrews called it "the word of exhortation" (Hebrews 13:22). In writing through John to the faithful church at Philadelphia, the Lord Jesus commended them because they had "kept the word of my patience" (Revelation 3:10).

But undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and meaningful of such metaphors of God's Word is the one found in our text (and also in Acts 14:3), that is, "the word of his grace."

There is no grander theme in the Bible than the unmerited, abundant, inexhaustible, saving grace of God in Christ, and it is fitting that God's eternal Word be known as "the word of His grace." The book, in fact, ends on this very note. "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen" (Revelation 22:21). HMM

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Offended at Him
July 31, 2017

"Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him" (Mark 6:3).

There is many an individual who has by God's grace found the Lord and has had a fruitful ministry in a place far from his hometown where he once lived a lifestyle of which he has now repented. Going home is difficult, for his former companions in sin will be there to oppose and tempt and disbelieve.

In the course of His travels, Jesus returned to His birthplace (v. 1), and although He had lived a sinless life in His early years, He was still only one of the local citizens, and this resulted in their prideful opposition and disbelief.

"And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?" (v. 2). As in our text, His local roots brought scorn and pride and offense.

Their unbelief (v. 6) seemed to limit His ability to work miracles (“and he could there do no mighty work,” v. 5), but such is not the case. There is no limit to the power of the omnipotent Creator! He is not limited by our feeble faith, but evidently He chose to limit His work as a way of reproof of their pride and unbelief.

Yet, note Mark's casual mention of the healing of "a few sick folk" (v. 5). Such healings were in fact a mighty display of God's power, a fact that Mark's readers (primarily Romans and other Gentiles very impressed with power) would have recognized.

Let us not allow our modern-day familiarity with Christ and His power limit the honour and obedience that we return to Him (v. 4). JDM

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Jostling Chariots and Judgment
August 1, 2017

"The chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall justle one against another in the broad ways: they shall seem like torches, they shall run like the lightnings" (Nahum 2:4).

This strange prophecy, found in the midst of the small book of Nahum, could almost be seen as a description of 21st-century freeway traffic! In context, however, the entire book of Nahum deals with the coming destruction of Assyria and, especially, its great capital, Nineveh. One of the most viciously aggressive and cruel empires in all history, bitterly opposed to God and His rule as Creator in the affairs of men, the Assyrians had been allowed by God to punish the 10 northern tribes of Israel, carrying them into captivity. But their own time of judgment was coming!

Under the preaching of Jonah, Nineveh had experienced a great revival, sparing the city its judgment for over a century. However, it soon became incurably apostate, worse than before, and its most vicious crimes were committed in this later period. Finally, God called Nahum the prophet to announce its coming doom. It was still another century before Nahum's prophecies were fulfilled, but they were eventually accomplished at the hands of the Chaldeans and the Medes.

There is a possibility that, as is true with many other Old Testament passages, some of Nahum's prophecies have a near and far fulfillment; the first in the ruin of Nineveh, the second in the great judgments of the last days. Some of the predictions (e.g., Nahum 1:5, 8 ) seem more appropriate for the end-times, unless they are simply poetic exaggeration, as many think. In any case, whether the jostling chariots fought only in ancient Nineveh or also prefigure lethal attack vehicles of the last days, the burning message of Nahum is that apostasy, violence, and cruelty eventually bring terrible judgment and utter destruction. HMM

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In Heavenly Places
August 2, 2017

"Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 1:20).

This fascinating phrase (actually, the Greek simply says “in the heavenlies”) is found only in the Ephesian epistle, where it occurs five times. That it does mean heavenly places, rather than "heavenly things," is evident from our text. Christ in His physical resurrection body is now in a particular place, and that place is where He is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

In principle now—and ultimately in actuality—we also have been made to "sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (2:6). In the meantime, however, we must also struggle with the demonic powers who still, like Satan, have access to God's presence to accuse us of sin when we yield to their inducements. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places [actually the same phrase, 'heavenly places']" (6:12).

And when, by the grace of God and the indwelling presence of God's Holy Spirit, we are victorious in this conflict, it becomes a glorious demonstration throughout heaven, to fallen and unfallen angels alike, that Christ's salvation is genuine and truly works in our lives. All of this is "to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God" (3:10).

No wonder, with all these glorious events taking place in heaven, the apostle Paul introduces this epistle with a doxology! "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ" (1:3). HMM

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Paul's Missionary Journey
August 3, 2017

"Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ" (Ephesians 3:8.).

The apostle Paul was undoubtedly the greatest missionary of all time. It is well to take note of his missionary strategy, for it was designed to reach the greatest number with the highest efficiency. In the first place, although he by no means neglected his Jewish countrymen, his calling was to all peoples of the world.

As much as possible, he tried to "preach the gospel in the regions beyond" where it had never gone before (2 Corinthians 10:16), "not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation" (Romans 15:20).

He especially concentrated on great cities, particularly the major seaports. He had come from the large city of Tarsus himself, and he preached in the great capital, Rome, and in Athens, the world's cultural centre. Philippi was the "chief city" of Macedonia (Acts 16:12), as was Corinth in Achaia and Ephesus in Asia Minor. Antioch, Troas, Thessalonica—all were great seaport cities. Establishing solid churches in such cities would provide centres for carrying the gospel throughout the world.

In considerable measure, his ministry in these cities seemed to reach people of special ability or opportunity to teach and influence others, such as the philosophers at Athens, the proconsul Sergius Paulus at Paphos, the honourable women of Berea, the school of Tyrannus at Ephesus, and others of like significance.

Most important of all were his writings. Paul wrote half the epistles of the New Testament. He travelled at least 15,000 miles and preached to many thousands of people, but his written words have been read by countless millions over 1,900 years. HMM

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The Watchman Held Accountable
August 4, 2017

"Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: . . . When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning . . . the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand" (Ezekiel 3:17-18).

Our text comprises part of Ezekiel's commission as prophet to Judah. His function was compared to a watchman on the city walls whose duty was to warn the city of impending danger. Ezekiel was to warn the apostate people of Jerusalem of the coming invasion by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar. God warned Ezekiel that if he refused to pass on whatever messages he received from God, he himself would be held accountable.

On the other hand, Ezekiel was not accountable for the response of the hearer. "Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness . . . he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul" (v. 19). He would also be requested to give similar injunctions and warnings to righteous men who had fallen into sin, but again he was not held accountable for their response (vv. 20-21).

A corresponding teaching is found in the New Testament. "Obey them that have rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account" (Hebrews 13:17). Church leaders, we are told, will give an account before the Lord someday as to how those in their flock have fared. They will not be accountable for the response of others but are required to see to it that each person in their care clearly and lovingly understands the truth and the consequences of disobedience. This is a heavy responsibility!

Let each of us respond properly to the truth as presented by our church leaders, that they may minister with joy and not with grief. JDM

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The Lord Jesus Christ
August 5, 2017

"Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians 1:1).

It is significant that in this first verse of what may have been Paul's first inspired epistle, he twice identified the Son of God as "the Lord Jesus Christ," thus giving Him the honour and recognition to which He is entitled.

Paul used this "full name" of Christ at least 19 times in the brief Thessalonian epistles, as he often did in his other epistles. Likewise James called himself "a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" (James 1:1). Jude warned against any who would deny "the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ" (Jude 1:4). Peter began his first epistle with "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:3). John closed the last book of the Bible with the benediction "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen" (Revelation 22:21).

In the New Testament epistles, He was also frequently called Jesus Christ, Christ Jesus, the Lord Jesus, the Lord, or simply Christ. Once He was called "the Lord Christ" (Colossians 3:24). It is significant, however, that He was never called merely by His human name "Jesus" except when the writer was referring strictly to His human incarnation. In the gospels, the name Jesus was used very often in relating His words and deeds, but never did His followers address Him as Jesus. Always when speaking to Him they addressed Him as "Lord" or "Master" (note John 13:13).

Perhaps modern Christians are too careless when they speak or sing of Him or pray to Him using only His human name. As Peter said, "God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:36). He is now our risen and glorified Lord Jesus Christ! HMM

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The Finished Work
August 6, 2017

"They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this" (Psalm 22:31).

This is the last verse of Psalm 22, the marvelous prophecy that describes so graphically the sufferings of Christ on the cross, a thousand years before the fulfillment. The preceding verse promises that this great event will, literally, "be told about the Lord in every generation." Fathers would tell it to their children, teachers to their students, generation after generation declaring His righteousness. "One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts" (Psalm 145:4).

This prophecy has been wonderfully fulfilled for almost 2,000 years as each generation of Christians tells the next generation the old, old story of "the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow" (1 Peter 1:11), both of which are graphically foretold here in the 22nd Psalm.

But this final verse especially stresses the fact that the work has been completed. Its last word, "this," is not in the original Hebrew, so the final statement actually should read "He hath finished!" The most glorious aspect of the gospel message is that He has accomplished all that was needed to assure eternal salvation to every one who would "remember and turn unto the LORD" (Psalm 22:27).

This last great prophecy was fulfilled when He cried out as He was dying on the cross, "It is finished!" (John 19:30). Just as He had, long ago, pronounced that "the heavens and the earth were finished" (Genesis 2:1), completing His great work of creation, so on the cross He had finished the still greater work of redemption. What is left for us to do? Nothing, for He has finished it all! There is nothing we can do, either to create the world or to save our souls. We can only receive, in thanksgiving, what He has done. HMM

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The True Riches
August 7, 2017

"Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy" (1 Timothy 6:17).

Christians have so many true riches to enjoy that it is sad when many try hard to accumulate the uncertain riches of this world. "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth," said Jesus (Matthew 6:19).

For example, Paul speaks of "the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering" (Romans 2:4) that have led Him to provide our eternal salvation. For those who have been saved, he writes of "the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory" (9:23). Then, in contemplating the great plan of God for both Jews and Gentiles, he exclaimed, "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!" (11:33). In Him, in fact, are “hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3).

When he wrote to the Ephesian Christians, Paul reminded them that Christ had redeemed them through His blood and forgiven their sins "according to the riches of his grace," in hope that they would understand "the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints." He told them that "God, who is rich in mercy," had saved them in order "that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 1:7, 18; 2:4, 7).

Finally, summarizing all these true riches—mercy, glory, grace, goodness, wisdom, knowledge—Paul spoke of "the unsearchable riches of Christ" (Ephesians 3:8 ). "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him" (1 Corinthians 2:9). HMM

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Witnesses of the Resurrection
August 8, 2017

"Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, . . . Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection" (Acts 1:21-22).

The most important event since creation was the resurrection of Christ, and it was vital that the witness of His chosen apostles focus especially on this great event. They must believe with confidence in His bodily resurrection, having been with Him throughout His ministry, heard His predictions of the resurrection, then seen the infallible proofs thereof, especially the empty tomb and His post-resurrection appearances. Both the original 11 and Matthias, chosen to replace Judas, satisfied these requirements.

Then after the coming of God's Holy Spirit at Pentecost, "with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection . . . and great grace was upon them all" (4:33). The resurrection proved that Christ was the Creator and Saviour, for only the Creator of life could defeat death.

Paul also saw the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, and thus he also could be an apostle. "Am I not an apostle? . . . have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord?" he could say (1 Corinthians 9:1). Only those who had seen the risen Lord and been specifically chosen by Him could be true apostles, for they must be credible witnesses of His resurrection.

And that they were! Peter could say, "We are witnesses of all things which he did . . . whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up" (Acts 10:39-40). And Paul could say, "God raised him from the dead: And he was seen many days of them . . . who are his witnesses" (13:30-31).

Yes, the apostles were true witnesses of Christ's resurrection, and multitudes have received eternal salvation because they were! HMM

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Abiding Fruit
August 9, 2017

"Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you" (John 15:16).

Every true Christian desires to be a fruit-bearing Christian, not one who is "barren" and "unfruitful" (2 Peter 1:8 ). He or she also earnestly desires that the fruit—whether that of a godly character (Galatians 5:22-23) or that of others won to Christ (Romans 1:13)—will not wither but remain strong and healthy before the Lord.

The promise of Christ in our text is that our fruit will remain, if He has chosen us and we go forth praying in His name and seeking sincerely to bear fruit for His name's sake. It is significant that the Greek word translated "remain" (that is, meno) is also commonly translated "abide," as well as "continue." In fact, it occurs no less than 12 times in John 15:4-16, the last being in our text verse above.

To "abide in Christ" does not mean to be continually aware of His presence or perpetually thinking only of Him, but it does mean to continue believing His Word and serving Him. "Continue ye in my love," He commands (v. 9). To do that, He says that "if ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love" (v. 10).

He also has said, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed" (John 8:31). "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you" (John 15:7).

Note the progression. He says, "Abide in me, and I in you" (v. 4). This means He says that "my words abide in you," and also we are to "continue in my love," which implies that "ye keep my commandments." It follows, then, that as we "continue" in His Word, we shall "bring forth fruit" that will "remain"! HMM

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What Shall We Do?
August 10, 2017

"Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?" (John 6:28).

This question is often asked by people who try to work their way into heaven. It was also asked in various ways by men in the New Testament, and it is vitally important to get the correct answer to such questions there and nowhere else.

For example, a rich young ruler once asked Jesus, "What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" Jesus answered, "Go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor . . . and come, take up the cross, and follow me" (Mark 10:17, 21). That is, there is nothing of his own that one can bring to Christ to earn salvation; one must simply be willing to yield himself fully to Christ.

A lawyer had asked Jesus the same question, "tempting him." This time, His answer was, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself" (Luke 10:27). But this standard is humanly unattainable by any child of Adam, so in effect, the lawyer was told it was impossible for him to do anything himself to inherit eternal life.

When the crowd asked Peter on the day of Pentecost, "pricked in their heart" because they had crucified Christ, "What shall we do?" Peter answered, "Repent, and be baptized . . . in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:37-38). What they had to "do" was an inward act of repentance and faith toward Christ and an outward public testimony demonstrating the reality of that inward change of heart and mind.

Years later at Philippi, a jailer asked Paul the apostle one night, "What must I do to be saved?" The answer was simply, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:30-31). HMM

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All the Fountains of the Deep
August 11, 2017

"In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened." (Genesis 7:11).

Our text describes the primary physical causes for the Flood of Noah's day, as well as the primary sources for the vast waters which covered the earth. The first source is very interesting from a geological point of view, and to grasp some semblance of its meaning is necessary if we would understand the Flood.

As the "deep" in Scripture usually refers to the ocean (i.e., Genesis 1:2), so the "great deep" that was "broken up" evidently speaks of great subterranean reservoirs or chambers deep inside the earth, all of which spewed forth their contents at the same time. This breakup continued all over the earth for 150 days (see Genesis 7:11; 7:24; 8:2).

The reference to "broken up" merits attention, for it implies a wrenching of the earth's crust, a great tectonic event. The same word is used in Numbers 16:30-33 to describe the supernatural opening up of a great pit into which the rebellious Korah and his followers and their families fell, thereby squelching their mutiny against Moses' leadership.

Any such breaching of the earth's crust results in earthquakes, and if occurring under water results in devastating tsunamis (sometimes called tidal waves) traveling through the water at speeds approaching the speed of sound. Continued pulsation of these fountains all over the earth for 150 days would totally restructure the surface of the earth, demonstrating God's hatred for the sin of the antediluvian world. Coupled with the other factors involved in the Flood, it is no wonder that "the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished" (2 Peter 3:6). JDM

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Christians and the World
August 12, 2017

"I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word" (John 17:6).

In the wonderful intercessory prayer of Christ for His disciples just before His death, there are several important references dealing with the relation of the Christian believer to the world around him. In the first place, according to our text, they have been called out of the world and thus are not really a part of its system any more once they belong to Christ.

Yet, they necessarily must still live in the world. "These are in the world. . . . I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil" (vv. 11, 15). They are not of the world, however, for they have been separated from the world and unto Christ, whom the world continues to crucify daily. "I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world" (v. 14). Like Christ, they are bound to be hated by the world.

Nevertheless, Christ has sent them into the world as His witnesses. "As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world . . . that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. . . . I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me" (vv. 18, 21, 23).

And the most wonderful thing about all these relationships to the world we live in is that God planned them even before He created the world! "Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world" (v. 24). HMM

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Position and Condition
August 13, 2017

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God" (Colossians 3:1).

Christians have a glorious position before God. As our text indicates, God has in effect already "raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:6). Yet, our actual spiritual condition here on Earth often seems to belie our exalted position in heaven, so we repeatedly need to be exhorted not only to believe the truth but also to live the truth. Theoretically, we are dead to the world, and our "life is hid with Christ in God," yet we must continually be exhorted to "mortify [that is, put to death] therefore your members which are upon the earth" (Colossians 3:3, 5). We "have put on the new man" but nevertheless must repeatedly be "renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him" (v. 10).

While in doctrine we are "complete in him," in practice we must "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18). "With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation," yet each believer is commanded to "follow after righteousness" and to "work out your own salvation" (Romans 10:10; 1 Timothy 6:11; Philippians 2:12). We are "all the children of light" (1 Thessalonians 5:5), and we are to "walk as children of light" (Ephesians 5:8 ). Paul prays that "Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith" (3:17), yet already we have "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27).

These truths are not contradictions, of course, but exhortations. "If" (and the Greek word actually means “since”) we are "risen with Christ," then by all means we ought to live as those that are alive unto God! HMM

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A Non-Citizen's Role in Society
August 14, 2017

"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God" (Ephesians 2:19).

Speaking primarily to new Gentile believers, Paul welcomes them into the body of Christ, made up of all true believers, either Jew or Gentile. Each new member enjoys full privileges and benefits given to all "saints," those "of the household of God." "For our conversation [literally 'citizenship,' same root word as in our text] is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:20).

Regarding our former state, Christ declared: "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do" (John 8:44). However, we have broken with this former alliance and transferred our allegiance to "God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:18). "Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (v. 17).

Our function as non-citizens still living to a degree in our prior realm is revealed, for "God . . . hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation" (v. 18). God is in the business of reconciling others who are now estranged back to Himself, and even though He could do it all Himself, without any help from His feeble creation, He has in His grace given us a part in this blessed work. The work will involve a struggle, for our warfare is against the ruler of this world and his henchmen, but we will, through God's enablement, be victorious (Ephesians 6:10-18).

"Now then [since] we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God" (2 Corinthians 5:20). Let us be about this blessed business. JDM

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Church Leadership
August 15, 2017

"The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed" (1 Peter 5:1).

The leaders of the early churches were critical not only to the ministry of each church but also to its survival. Correspondingly, numerous New Testament passages deal with their qualifications and function. In our text, Peter exhorts these men to proper leadership through service and informs them of a reward waiting for them.

First, we notice that Peter addresses a group of elders, not a single individual in sole authority. No example is given in the New Testament of any church that has grown past infancy that has not incorporated the wisdom of a group of spiritually mature men into its leadership, although there may need to be one who presides among this group.

The primary function of such godly leaders is to "feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof" (v. 2). Note especially that the flock they shepherd is God's flock among them, not their own flock. A true flock leader takes strong and careful "oversight" but does not usurp ownership.

These leaders are to serve "willingly," not under "constraint." Their motive should be "of a ready mind" and "not for filthy lucre," or financial gain (v. 2). Moreover, these leaders must not be "lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock" (v. 3). They should lead by serving, thereby establishing a mindset of service in the rest.

Finally, Peter reminds the leaders that faithful, sacrificial service will be rewarded, for "when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away" (v. 4). May God continue to grant willing, faithful, sacrificial servants to lead each local flock. JDM

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Unsearchable and Unspeakable
August 16, 2017

"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!" (Romans 11:33).

Scientists and philosophers have been able to learn many wonderful things about the universe when they have attempted reverently to think God's thoughts after Him, but His majesty and purposes are still far beyond human words and understanding—unspeakable and unsearchable. He "doeth great things and unsearchable; marvelous things without number" (Job 5:9).

Not only are His judgments unsearchable and His ways past finding out, but so are His resources. The apostle Paul spoke about "the unsearchable riches of Christ" (Ephesians 3:8 ), and he once had the unique experience of being caught up somehow into the very paradise of God, where he "heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter" (2 Corinthians 12:4).

We shall learn more, in the ages to come, of "the exceeding riches of his grace" (Ephesians 2:7), as well as the depth of "the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge" (3:19).

We can have a good measure of peace and joy right now in Christ, but there is much more yet to learn. In the new earth some day we shall really experience "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding" (Philippians 4:7) and be able to "rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory" (1 Peter 1:8.).

His great gift of salvation and eternal life we comprehend only faintly now, but we know it is indeed a gift of love and grace and peace and joy! Although we cannot begin to describe it now, we can simply say in gratitude, "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift" (2 Corinthians 9:15). HMM

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Now and Then
August 17, 2017

"For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known" (1 Corinthians 13:12).

There is a great contrast between now and then. We see only dimly now, but at least we see! We only know partially, but we do know! What we shall see and know in the future is already ours, but only in hope and promise. "For what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?" (Romans 8:24).

The Christian life knows many such paradoxes. We now "are the sons of God," and yet we are "waiting for the adoption" (vv. 14, 23). Us "he also glorified," but still "we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together" (vv. 30, 17). Right now in Christ, "we have redemption through his blood," but the Holy Spirit is "the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession" (Ephesians 1:7, 14). We only have "the firstfruits of the Spirit" while we are awaiting "the redemption of our body" (Romans 8:23), but by "the Holy Spirit of God" we "are sealed unto the day of redemption" (Ephesians 4:30), and therefore we already possess "redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:14). Similarly, the Father already "hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son" (v. 13), but "we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22).

Salvation has past, present, and future dimensions in all its aspects. "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life" (John 3:36) as a present possession on the basis of a transaction already accomplished; yet still we must be encouraged to "lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called" (1 Timothy 6:12). We know our Saviour by faith, but the day will come when we truly know Him as He knows us! HMM

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OLAADEGBU:
Now and Then
August 17, 2017

"For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known" (1 Corinthians 13:12).

There is a great contrast between now and then. We see only dimly now, but at least we see! We only know partially, but we do know! What we shall see and know in the future is already ours, but only in hope and promise. "For what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?" (Romans 8:24).

The Christian life knows many such paradoxes. We now "are the sons of God," and yet we are "waiting for the adoption" (vv. 14, 23). Us "he also glorified," but still "we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together" (vv. 30, 17). Right now in Christ, "we have redemption through his blood," but the Holy Spirit is "the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession" (Ephesians 1:7, 14). We only have "the firstfruits of the Spirit" while we are awaiting "the redemption of our body" (Romans 8:23), but by "the Holy Spirit of God" we "are sealed unto the day of redemption" (Ephesians 4:30), and therefore we already possess "redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:14). Similarly, the Father already "hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son" (v. 13), but "we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22).

Salvation has past, present, and future dimensions in all its aspects. "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life" (John 3:36) as a present possession on the basis of a transaction already accomplished; yet still we must be encouraged to "lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called" (1 Timothy 6:12). We know our Saviour by faith, but the day will come when we truly know Him as He knows us! HMM

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https://www.nairaland.com/3992671/tithing-truth-history-origin-catholic

Do you preach tithing, do enlighten me

I Charge You
August 18, 2017

"Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned" (1 Timothy 1:5).

The Greek noun parangelia and its corresponding verb paranello appear six times in the book of 1 Timothy, translated as either "charge" or "commandment." Paul was quite concerned for his young disciple Timothy and went to great effort to remind him of the truth and charge him to keep it and encourage its keeping in the lives of those in his care. Let us briefly look at these charges.

First, Paul wanted to charge Timothy to remain strong in his personal faith. "This charge I commit unto thee . . . that thou . . . mightest war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience" (1:18-19). "I give thee charge in the sight of God . . . . That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ" (6:13-14).

In a similar vein, Paul knew the dangers of false doctrine. "I besought thee . . . that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine" (1:3). Following a discussion of specific false teachings (4:1-10) and their refutations, Paul concludes, "These things command and teach" (4:11).

Even those who nominally adhere to proper teaching need direction. "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God" (6:17).

Living up to these charges (commandments) brings real benefit in this life as well as in eternity, as we see in our text a pure heart full of agape love, a conscience unfettered by sin and false doctrine, and a strong faith not weakened by hypocrisy. If we would be disciples, we should mind the charges given to Timothy. JDM

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Unanswered Prayer
August 19, 2017

"For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil" (1 Peter 3:12).

There are many wonderful promises of answered prayer in the Bible, some of which seem both unlimited and unconditional. On the other hand, there are also many warnings of unanswered prayer. This seeming anomaly merely cautions us again that every Scripture must be interpreted in context—both the immediate context and the broader context of all the Scriptures.

For example, Jesus said, "If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it." But in the same upper-room discourse, He also said, "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you" (John 14:14; 15:7). This is a very significant condition, attached to what—out of context—might have seemed an unconditional promise.

Our text indicates that overt sin in one's life will certainly hinder God in answering our prayers. So will selfish praying: "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts" (James 4:3). And so will unbelief: "When ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them" (Mark 11:24). Poor home relations also could be a factor. "Husbands . . . [give] honour unto the wife . . . that your prayers be not hindered" (1 Peter 3:7).

Even when we are confident that we are fully right with God, the desired answer must still be in His will. "If we ask any thing according to his will . . . we have the petitions that we desired of him" (1 John 5:14-15).

Finally, there is the question of timing. "Men ought always to pray, and not to faint" (Luke 18:1). Therefore, the believing prayer of a man righteous before God surely will be answered in God's time and way. HMM

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The Cleansing Blood
August 20, 2017

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin" (1 John 1:7).

There is a common cultic heresy to the effect that the blood of Christ has no cleansing efficacy of itself, even though this contradicts the plain statement of our text. John wrote the above words long after Christ's blood had all been spilled on the cross, but it was still miraculously cleansing sinners in His day, and is in ours as well.

It is true that Christ's blood supported His physical life, for "the life of the flesh is in the blood" (Leviticus 17:11). But His blood was not like the blood of other men, for it was "the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Peter 1:19), uncontaminated either by genetic defects due to accumulated generations of mutations (as in all other men and women) or inherent sin.

When His blood was shed, it did not simply disappear into the ground and decay into dust, any more than did His body in the tomb, for it had been an integral part of His perfect human body that was to be raised and glorified. As our great High Priest, He somehow took the atoning blood into the holy place in the heavenly tabernacle. Into the earthly tabernacle "went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people. . . . by his own blood he [Christ] entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us" (Hebrews 9:7, 12).

There in heaven, at the mercy seat, just as the ancient high priest "sprinkled with blood" both the book and the people, the tabernacle and its vessels, so have we been cleansed in God's sight by His own "blood of sprinkling" (Hebrews 9:19-21; 12:24; see also 1 Peter 1:2). Thus, His blood can (literally) "keep on cleansing us from all sin." HMM

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The Offended Brother
August 21, 2017

"It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak" (Romans 14:21).

Here is a sound biblical principle (not the only one, of course) given to Christians to help them evaluate whether or not to engage in certain practices that are neither explicitly endorsed nor prohibited in Scripture. The question is not whether the practice will hurt the strong Christian who engages in it but whether his example might offend, or mislead, or discourage a weaker brother.

This matter of giving offense is quite serious in God's sight. "Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God" (1 Corinthians 10:32).

The problem of eating meat purchased from temple markets, after it had been offered in sacrifice to idols, is not an issue for many Christians today, but it was a very real problem to new believers in the first century. The principle given by Paul for deciding that issue is still valid for other issues of today (type of clothing, recreational games, smoking, etc.). As Paul expressed it, "Take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. . . . when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend" (1 Corinthians 8:9, 12-13).

On the other side of the coin, the strong Christian should be careful not to take personal offense himself at something done by a fellow believer. "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them" (Psalm 119:165). The rule for a mature, sincere, concerned Christian is to seek diligently neither to give offense nor take offense on any personal issue, by God's grace. HMM

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Great Swelling Words
August 22, 2017

"These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage" (Jude 1:16).

This picturesque phrase, "great swelling words," is the King James Version translation of huperonkos, which literally means "super-massive," with the implied noun "words" added because of the context.

The word is used only one other time in the New Testament, in the parallel passage in 2 Peter 2:18: "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."

Both apostles, in context, are warning against false teachers who, after somehow obtaining positions of influence among the spiritually immature believers in the body, would then seek to lead them back into worldly ways of thinking and acting. Peter compares those who heed such words to washed sows going back to wallow in the mire (2 Peter 2:22).

Such teachers may appear very intellectual and charismatic, with their "feigned words" (2 Peter 2:3), promises of "liberty" (1 Peter 2:16), and flatteries (see text above), but it is a deadly mistake to follow them. Both Peter and Jude give various ways by which to recognize them. They may actually deny the redemptive work of Christ (2 Peter 2:1) or seek to undermine those whom God has placed in authority (2:10). Perhaps most commonly, they are interested in worldly gain or prestige for themselves (2 Peter 2:14; Jude 1:11). They also may practice and encourage carnal lifestyles (Jude 1:4).

Other characteristics of these deceptive teachers are given in these two key chapters and, by all means, young believers need to be alert to this danger, staying close to God's Word and obedient to His will. HMM

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The Whole Counsel of God
August 23, 2017

"For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God" (Acts 20:27).

Evangelical churches have preached the gospel message and have given attention to the return of Christ and our hope of heaven. Sometimes, it is good to step back and look at the "big picture"—the foundational perspective upon which the whole of Scripture is based.

Four foundational passages in the New Testament provide pillars for the whole counsel of God.

John 1:1-14—The Word (our Lord Jesus) was and is God; the Word made everything that was made; the Word was made flesh and dwelt among men.

Romans 11:36—All things are of Him, through Him, and to Him.

Colossians 1:16-20—By Him all heavenly and earthly powers were made; by Him all things are saved from destruction; by Him all things will be reconciled.

2 Peter 3:1-13—He destroyed the first world because of evil; He will destroy this present universe by fire; He will create a new heavens and new earth.

We can lose the reality of the forest because we are looking too closely at each tree. Sometimes it is helpful to back away from the technical aspects of theology or denominational policy and review the "whole counsel"—the overall sovereign purpose of our Creator, Lord, and King.

"Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure" (Isaiah 46:9-10). HMM III

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Knowledge of Eternal Life
August 24, 2017

"These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God" (1 John 5:13).

It is important that a believer have real assurance of eternal life, and our text indicates that this was John's very purpose in writing his epistle. It is dangerous, however, to use this verse as a "proof text" apart from the whole context of "these things" that John had written to give such assurance, because the question must be faced as to what constitutes real belief "on the name of the Son of God." Many professing Christians may well have a superficial assurance of salvation because of a superficial faith.

According to the apostle John, genuine belief in the Son of God can be tested by "these things" that he had written. Space here permits listing only a few of them, but all are important. "Whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him" (1 John 2:5). "Ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him" (2:29). "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren" (3:14). "And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us" (3:24). "We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not" (5:18).

Such words of assurance do not require that the believer be sinless (note 1 John 1:8-10), for the Greek tenses imply only that he does not sin habitually. Nevertheless, Christians who are comfortable in a nominal profession of faith, with little outward evidence of that faith, would do well to examine their faith in light of John's "tests of faith," whereby we may "know that [we] have eternal life." HMM

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So Send I You
August 25, 2017

"Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you" (John 20:21).

For approximately three years the disciples had followed Jesus in His travels, had listened to His teaching, and participated in His ministry. They had forsaken "all, and followed him" (Luke 5:11). They had seen Him ridiculed, opposed, oppressed, suffer deprivation, and be rejected by the religious leaders of the day, as well as by most of the common folk. They had watched while Judas, a trusted friend, had betrayed Him and then had fled when the Jewish leaders and a Roman guard arrested Him. This beloved leader, for whom they had had such great hopes and in whom they had placed such great trust, had then been scourged, beaten, spit upon, lied about, and nailed to a cruel cross to die in agony and abject loneliness, even abandoned by His loving heavenly Father.

A few days later, the disciples had "assembled for fear of the Jews" (John 20:19), for perhaps the Jewish leaders were trying to stamp out all semblance of His following, and they feared for their own lives now that Jesus was dead. But suddenly, Jesus stood in their midst and showed to them His hands and His side as proof of His death. Yet, He was alive. "Then were the disciples glad" (v. 20).

We are now prepared to fully appreciate the words of our text. It is as if Jesus said, as my Father has sent me, so I send you, and look what they've done to me. But even though suffering and hardship will follow, have no fear. My peace and my Holy Spirit will be with you to assure your ultimate victory (compare verses 21-22).

If we would be His disciples, sent out as He was sent out to accomplish His eternal work here on Earth in His physical absence, we must likewise expect persecution, peace, power, and victory. JDM

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Justification
August 26, 2017

"And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation" (Genesis 7:1).

This is the first mention of the great doctrine of justification in the Bible—that is, being seen as "righteous" by God. The same Hebrew word is translated "just" in Genesis 6:9: "Noah was a just man." The reason Noah was seen as righteous and therefore as just, or justified before God, was that "Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD" (Genesis 6:8.) This is the first mention of "grace" in the Bible. The first mention of "faith" or "belief" is also associated with justification: "[Abraham] believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness" (Genesis 15:6).

Thus, in the Old Testament and certainly in the New, justification is by grace through faith. "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" and also "being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 3:24; 5:1).

Justification—that is, being seen and proclaimed as perfectly righteous, even in spite of past sins—must of course be authorized by God the Creator. "It is God that justifieth" (Romans 8:33). That God can indeed be both "just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus" (Romans 3:26) is based entirely on the substitutionary death and bodily resurrection of Christ, who conquered death. "Being now justified by his blood," the Lord Jesus Christ "was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification" (Romans 5:9; 4:25).

Now, although we are freely justified by grace through faith, such justification inevitably generates good works also, for "by works a man is justified, and not by faith only" (James 2:24). HMM

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A Colony of Heaven
August 27, 2017

"For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:20).

The term "conversation" in this verse is from a Greek word (politeuma) used only this once in the New Testament. It is related to the word for "city" (polis) and has to do with the proper behaviour of a good citizen. Consequently, some translations render the word as "citizenship," stressing the fact that our true home is not in any earthly city but in heaven.

Since we are now stationed here in a foreign land, as it were, one particularly picturesque rendering calls us "a colony of heaven." We are pioneering settlers, attempting to establish a beachhead for our homeland in a distant, dangerous country. The Lord Jesus prayed to His Father, "As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world" (John 17:18). "Go ye into all the world" was His commission, "and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15).

A similar figure is used in 2 Corinthians 5:20: "We are ambassadors for Christ." As such, it is vitally important that our "conversation" (i.e., “lifestyle”) be one that honours the heavenly kingdom and our great King.

Then, when our colonizing efforts succeed and new citizens are added to the heavenly kingdom, they can testify with us: "[The Father] hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son" (Colossians 1:12-13).

As citizens, and colonists, and ambassadors from heaven, we are here only temporarily, of course. Our real home is with our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, and we are looking for Him to establish His eternal kingdom here on Earth as it is in heaven. HMM

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Can a Christian Not Sin?
August 28, 2017

"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" (1 John 2:1).

If the question is asked "Does a Christian not sin?" then the answer is no. "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. . . . If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us" (1 John 1:8, 10). Even the most godly Christian does sin occasionally—in thought if not in deed, in omission if not in commission. The God-given antidote is 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

But there is a danger if we use such verses as an excuse for sinning or for taking sin too lightly. If the question is asked "Can a Christian not sin?" then the answer is yes! God indeed, in Christ, has made every provision necessary for a believer never to commit sin, and we are without any legitimate excuse whenever we do.

This must be so for at least two reasons. In the first place, Jesus Christ in His humanity is our example, and He "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). He accomplished this, not because of His deity, but solely in His humanity.

Secondly, God has commanded us not to sin, and He would never command us to do the impossible. For every temptation, there is a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13), and we have no excuse if we fail to take it. Our only recourse is to repent and confess the sin.

Our text commands us to sin not! But then, it also reminds us that Christ is our great advocate before the Father. He is righteous and has already taken our sins away as our propitiatory sacrifice, so "the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). HMM

http://www.icr.org/articles/type/6/

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