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  • John T. Polk II 11:35 pm on June 17, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: "show of humility", , , , , , , Pharisees, , , salvation,   

    God and “The Pope” Agree! 

              According to the “Living faith” section C of The Huntsville Times, Friday, June 14, 2013, the article on Religion & Church News carried an item titled, “NO, I did not want to be Pope.” It was an interview from McClatchy-Tribune that quoted the 3-month-in-office “Pope” of the Roman Catholic Church, Francis, as saying: “’No, I didn’t want to be pope. A person who wants to be pope does not love himself,’ the pontiff added, in a trademark show of humility.’”  Based upon his comments, God would agree that:

    1. Since “Pope” is a Latin term for “father,” and since Jesus Christ forbade anyone using the term “father” as a term for a spiritual leader (Matthew 23:9), then God would agree that Francis should not be “pope!”

    2. Francis “didn’t want to be pope,” a position which is supposed to be the head of the Roman Catholic Church. But the Apostle Paul claimed that “the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ephesians 3:9-11). Since God’s “mighty power” raised Jesus from the dead and “put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Ephesians 1:22-23), then God placed Jesus Christ over His church, not a “pope!” Thus, God would agree that He didn’t want Francis to be “pope” over the church!”

    3. Francis said, “A person who wants to be pope does not love himself.” God’s Word has said that, after “the falling away,” “and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God” (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4), but whose followers would be “among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved” (2 Thessalonians 2:10), then Francis must not “love himself” for taking the position of apostasy that God condemns! God would agree that any man who takes such a position “does not love himself” or the truth, either!

    4. Contrary to the article cited above, there is no “trademark show of humility” in anyone who opposes God, sits in God’s temple, or claims to forgive sins which only God can do (Matthew 9:1-8)! Jesus Christ condemned public displays of the Pharisees, which are remarkably like that of a “pope:” “all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues” (Matthew 23:5-6). No “pope” has ever manifested a “trademark show of humility,” while claiming to be equal with God! The real head of the church of Christ, “humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8). No “pope” has ever humbled himself to die on a cross for the church of Christ! God would agree that there is no “trademark show of humility” in this, or any other “pope.”

    It’s too bad the “pope” refuses to tell his followers what Jesus said would give salvation in Mark 16:16: “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Will this “pope” agree with God?

     

  • Eugene Adkins 6:18 am on June 14, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , is being good enough to make it to heaven, obedience to the gospel, , salvation,   

    Good Article About “Good People in all Churches?” 

    Here’s a short article that’s well put when it comes to the topic of distinguishing between “good people” and being saved. It could ruffle some feathers but if it’s used to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)…well, I guess it’d still ruffle some feathers. The article came from the church in Wise, Virginia.

    “Good People in all Churches?”

    The statement that “there are good people in all churches” is usually made as a defense of the existence of the many different conflicting denominations. Certainly there are good people in all the churches. There are good people OUT of churches. There are good people who are infidels. But the question is not are they good, but are they saved people?

    It is good to be good but it is not good enough. One cannot save himself by just being good. He must obey the gospel of Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9) to be saved. Cornelius was a good man but he was a lost man! (Acts 10:1-6; 11:14). The good people in human churches are lost people, not because they are not good moral people, but because they have not obeyed the gospel of God. This is why we appeal to good people to leave their human churches and obey the gospel. There is no other hope for these good people. – Earl Fly

    Related Article:

     

    • Loy Pressley 6:57 am on June 14, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Good article!!! If the Lord is willing, it will be in our bulletin this coming Lord’s Day. Thank you!!!

      • Eugene Adkins 7:15 am on June 14, 2013 Permalink | Reply

        Glad you found it useful, Loy. It’s in our bulletin for this coming week too.

    • Scott Shifferd Jr. 1:40 pm on June 14, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Good words. He is right.

      People who are truly good and are seeking Christ will find Him (Acts 17:26-27, Matt. 7:7). That is the pattern throughout the New Testament.

    • J. Randal Matheny 5:31 pm on June 14, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Well put and succinctly.

  • Eugene Adkins 6:33 am on June 4, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , salvation, Skin in the Game, , Vested Interest   

    “Skin in the Game” 

    The phrase “skin in the game” is a reference concerning a personal interest that one has in something of great consequence. Often times the phrase is made in connection to a financial investment made with one’s own resources. Consider that description and it becomes easier to imagine how the phrase could be used to describe other situations of personal interest.

    When it comes to the salvation of our soul, Jesus put his ”skin in the game” both metaphorically and literally! He humbled himself by leaving the glories of Heaven, exchanging them for a life contained inside the skin and bones of the human body (John 1:14, Philippians 2:5-7). He made his body available to receive the pain-filled smacks, punches, whips, thorns and nails that ultimately lead to him experiencing a physical death so he could be our atoning sacrifice and compassionate high priest (Philippians 2:8-11, Hebrews 2:6-18, 10:1-10).

    Jesus’ critics can accuse him of a lot of things, but they can never accuse him of not having any “skin in the game” for without his “skin” the “game” would be over for them and us!

    “Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:4-5)

    “Pilate answered and said to them again, “What then do you want me to do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?” So they cried out again, “Crucify Him!” Then Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, “Crucify Him!” So Pilate, wanting to gratify the crowd, released Barabbas to them; and he delivered Jesus, after he had scourged Him, to be crucified.” (Mark 15:12-15)

     

  • TFRStaff 4:18 am on May 19, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , salvation,   

    Don’t put off Christ 

    We’ve baptized people in hospital tubs. We’ve covered medical ports with plastic and tape, and sought permission from medical professionals to baptize patients. We’ve brought frail ones in wheelchairs, and carried some on folding chairs. We once used a hydraulic lift in the nursing home.

    Isn’t that a bit extreme?

    Not to someone who believes what the Bible teaches.

    Baptism is a command of the Lord Jesus Christ, and a pre-requisite to salvation. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16; read also, Acts 2:38; 8:35-40; Rom. 6:3,4; Gal. 3:26-29; Col. 2:12; 1 Pet. 3:21-22).

    There is not a single case of conversion in which baptism is not seen as an urgent matter. Why would we act any differently?

    —Rick Kelley, Prestonsburg KY congregational bulletin

     

    • Michael Summers 2:33 pm on May 19, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      I’ve been amazed in recent years to read in bulletins or on Facebook of a baptism that will take place in a few days. I’ve wondered, “What happened to ‘the same hour of the night?’”

    • Loy Pressley 9:49 am on June 5, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Thank you for your articles; especially this one and those like it.

      I help teach Bible through the IBTM (International Bible Teaching Ministries), http://www.ibtministries.org/pagevw.php?pgid=bcc.htm. Way over 95% of the students completing the Introductory Lesson say that they have been saved BEFORE they were baptized. Granted, most were not scripturally baptized even when they said that they were baptized, but such an answer does give an indication of how widespread Satan’s lie that one can be saved without being baptized has become. We in the church of Jesus Christ need to do all we can possibly do to combat the false teachers and the false teachings of Satan!!!

      Loy

  • TFRStaff 4:05 am on May 15, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: calling, salvation   

    The Call of God 

    Many people today believe that God calls them to do something. This is true, for God indeed calls us. However the question is how does He call us? Does our Father call us individually through visions or dreams? Does He talk to us directly as He did with Moses? The Bible is clear as to how this call from God comes.

    Not surprisingly God calls to each of us the same way, through His written word. Notice what Peter says in Acts: “For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (2:39). God’s call to salvation is to every person. Acts 2:41 tells us that those who “gladly received his word were baptized”. Then in verse 47 we read that “the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved”. God called everyone by His word through the apostle Peter.

    The call of God is the call of salvation and is what Jude calls the “common salvation” (vs. 3) meaning it is the same for every person. God indeed calls to us, not through visions or dreams but by His word, the Bible.

    In Christ, Steve Preston

    Sign up for BibleTalk, short messages from

    God’s word, by sending an email to

    bibletalk-subscribe@freegroups.net

    or on the web at

    http://www.freegroups.net/groups/bibletalk.

     

  • Eugene Adkins 6:36 am on May 10, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , salvation,   

    Tools of the Trade 

    Crown of Thorns

    Crown of Thorns (Doug1021)

    A scourge, striking rods, a crown of thorns, a hammer, some nails and a couple of pieces of rough and scarred wood! What did these things build? Our salvation!

    What a stumbling block. What a moment of confusion. What a time of rejection. What a time of reconciliation.

    To the world then, and to the world today, a crucified savior is a crux, a contradictory statement and a conclusion that just doesn’t add up. It’s good that Nazareth’s carpenter didn’t use the world’s math while building what had been drawn up.

    A few days afterward, an empty tomb would put the pins in the door that had been hung at Calvary and all those who were willing to place their faith in Jesus as the Son of God would have access to the kingdom of God through the very tools of the trade that had tried to destroy it.

    “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God…but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God…But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—” (1 Corinthians 1:18, 23-24, 30)

     

    • J. Randal Matheny 6:39 am on May 10, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Pins in the door. The finished product.

      • Eugene Adkins 6:47 pm on May 10, 2013 Permalink | Reply

        “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.” (Revelation 3:8)

        Finished indeed!

  • John T. Polk II 4:00 am on May 8, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , , , salvation, ,   

    Psalm 147 Jehovah is God – And We’re NOT! 

    These last 5 Psalms (146-150) are called “Hallelujah Psalms” because they begin and end with that expression: “Praise – Jehovah,” or “Hallelujah.” The author, date, and setting of each Psalm are undetermined, but their acceptance is unquestioned.

    Verse 1 calls for praise;

    Verses 2-6 give Israelite outcasts reasons to praise God;

    Verse 7 calls for praise;

    Verses 8-11 give those who fear Him reasons to praise God;

    Verse 12 calls for Israelites to praise God;

    Verses 13-18 call attention to God’s absolute Power;

    Verses 19-20 call Israelites’ attention to God’s special Word to them.

    Verse 1: Sing “Hallelujah” because it is “good,” “pleasant,” “beautiful.”

    Verses 2-6: Jehovah “builds up Jerusalem” by making sure the “outcasts” are included. These are people who might be rejected by the religious snobs and overlooked for blessings. Verses 2-3 describe the work of Jesus Christ when He came (Jeremiah 30:10-17; Luke 4:16-20). God can account for all of Israel’s “outcasts” because only He knows the number, but also the name, of the stars. With all of today’s technologies, humans haven’t even seen all of the stars, yet! Although God is “great,” “mighty in power,” infinite in “understanding,” He compassionately “lifts up the humble,” but does not do the same for “the wicked.”

    Verse 7: Praise should be sung, and the instruments of David left behind, for the only instrument that should accompany worship singing today is “your heart” (Ephesians 5:19).

    Verses 8-11: The Earth follows God’s physical rules, as those who “fear Him” follow His spiritual rules: from cloud coverings come rain; from rain comes grass on mountains; from grass (greenery) comes food for beasts and ravens asking. God’s pleasure is not in the strength of horses or men’s legs, but “in those who hope in His mercy.”

    Verse 12: Israel, whose capital of Jerusalem, was also its’ worship center, Zion, is alerted to “praise your God.”

    Verses 13-18: A God-blessed nation has: 1) strong “bars” of its “gates.” Aren’t we talking about keeping out illegal immigrants, outsiders who corrupt, and disguised terrorists? A godless society has no limits! 2) blessed “children,” and this is not discussing their toys, games, sports, or other distractions, but genuine faith. 3) internal “peace,” and this is not with martial law, or a police state, but citizens with faithful obedience to God’s moral Law; 4) abundant harvest, because God has made the land cooperate and bless (Acts 14:14-17). It is by God’s Command that the Earth is blessed with: “snow,” “frost,” “hail,” “cold,” “melting,” blowing wind, and flowing water!

    Verses 19-20: God gave the Israelites (including Jews!) the advantage of “His Word,” including His “statutes” and “judgments.” That Word should have lead them all the way to Jesus Christ (Deuteronomy 4:5; Leviticus 26:40-46; Malachi 4:4; Galatians 3:7-29). No other nation ever had that advantage of specific written revelation through prophets, and yet when Jesus came, “although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him” (John 12:37). Paul asked the question: “What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God. For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar” (Romans 3:1-4). God had given the Jews the advantage of having His Word first. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek” (Romans 1:16). Having God’s Word, knowing it, and obeying it is our advantage, today. Jesus said: “For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother” (Mark 3:35).

    “Praise the LORD” or “Hallelujah!”

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:01 am on May 7, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , salvation,   

    Psalm 146 What Has God Done For Me, Lately? 

    These last 5 Psalms are called “Hallelujah Psalms” because they begin and end with that expression: “Praise – Jehovah,” or “Hallelujah.” The author, date, and setting of each Psalm is undetermined, but their acceptance is unquestioned.

    Verses 1-4 urge when God should be praised;

    Verses 5-10 explain why God should be praised.

    Verses 1-4: Praise should be given to God “while I live.” Duh! This is a statement of the obvious. The Word of God nowhere encourages anyone to not praise God until after death. Trust should not be transferred from God to “princes” (government leaders) or “a son of man” (humans in general), for deliverance. The middle verse of the entire Word of God says this: “It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in man” (Psalm 118:8). Humans die when the spirit goes back to God and the body is left on earth (Ecclesiastes 12:7), so that “in that very day his plans perish.”

    Verses 5-10: “Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, because He:

    1. Is The God over History (verse 5), Jacob’s name was changed to “Israel” (Genesis 32:24-30), and God watched over those people (Isaiah 48) through the coming of Jesus Christ in the New Testament (Galatians 3:5-29);

    2. Is The God over Creation (verse 6), which shows absolute, total wisdom in its very existence and orderliness (Proverbs 8:12, 22-31). All scientific factual discoveries, whether in Physics, Biology, or Chemistry are simply the uncovering of God’s Wisdom behind this World’s constitution;

    3. Is The God over Justice (verse 7), evening the suppression or oppression of the hungry and imprisoned (Luke 4:16-41);

    4. Is The God over Perfecting the Needy (verse 8), with physical healing through Jesus Christ (Matthew 15:30; Luke 13:11-13), then spiritually through His Word (Acts 26:12-19). God loves the righteous, those who do His will (1 Peter 3:8-12);

    5. Is The God over Benevolence (verse 9), for He has always made rules for His people to help strangers, orphans, and widows (Exodus 22:21; Hebrews 13:2; Psalm 68:4-5; James 1:27);

    6. Is The God over Eternity (verse 10, a quotation of Exodus 15:18), Who is timeless (Isaiah 57:15; Acts 15:18).  

    “Praise the LORD.”   

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version,  unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:18 am on May 6, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , gracious, mighty acts, near, , , , salvation, , sons of men,   

    Psalm 145 The God Who Cannot Be Hidden 

    This Psalm of David is the last of the “alphabetical” Psalms that is written in acrostic style. Each verse begins with the next letter in the 22-letter Hebrew alphabet, except for the letter nun. Thus, instead of 22 verses, it only has 21. It easily divides into thirds, each a 7-letter section.

    Verses 1-7 emphasize that God is Awesome;

    Verses 8-14 emphasize that God is Gracious;

    Verses 15-21 emphasize that God is For All.

    Verses 1-7: People who know God have reason to “praise His name,” “forever and ever,” for “His greatness is unsearchable.” Passing praise for God from one generation to another is a most effective way to influence the future. Godly Fathers, Mothers, Grandparents who “meditate on” God’s “majesty” and “wondrous works” make the best teachers. Moses taught Israel: “Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren” (Deuteronomy 4:9). Timothy had “genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also” (2 Timothy 1:4-5). If the truth about God skips even one generation, “the memory of Your great goodness” can be lost.

    Verses 8-15: Among God’s perfection in characteristics, He is “good to all.” He truly “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Indeed, His works speak for themselves, and when discussed His saints bless Him and make them know to “the sons of men,” an expression that refers to those who are not yet “saints.” Living in a country whose government does everything in its power to ban mention of God in its schools, agencies, and workers, we can see that Psalm 145:10-13 are a clarion call for all “saints” to get busy “making known” to “the sons of men” God’s “mighty acts!” If we do not, NO ONE WILL! To a world of skeptics, agnostics, and atheists, “The LORD upholds all who fall” should be our marquee. God not only IS, but CARES, and HELPS in our salvation.

    Verses 16-21: People hopefully expect God to provide, which He does, “in due season.” It is from His “opened Hand” blessings come. The LORD is “righteous” (upright, principled) “in all His ways,” “gracious” (thoughtful, helpful) “in all His works,” and “near” (not distant, aloof) “to all who call upon Him.” Paul’s appeal to idolaters said this in Acts 17:25-28. God is bountiful in His care for “those who fear Him” and promises to “destroy” “all the wicked.” The amazing thing about the Gospel of Jesus Christ is that it enables “the wicked” to become “saints” when they “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).

    Because God treats everyone right, why wouldn’t our mouths “speak the praise of the LORD,” and “all flesh” “bless His holy name” “forever and ever?”

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:00 am on May 3, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , fortress, , , , , , , , , , refuge, Rock, salvation, , unhappiness,   

    Psalm 144 How To Live In A Happy State 

     This Psalm of David shows why God saw David as “a man after My own heart, who will do all My will” (Acts 13:22). This Psalm is from a heart that knows what God’s grace and mercy is all about!

    Verses 1-2 acknowledge who is with David on his throne over Israel;

    Verses 3-4 recognize how short the rule of a man is compared to God’s reign;

    Verses 5-10 show who really deserves praise for victory over enemies;

    Verses 11-15 summarize where a nation’s blessings and strengths come from.

    Verses 1-2: “The LORD” was David’s “Rock” not a castle. God guided David’s conquests; God showed what “lovingkindness” was like in between battles; David’s “fortress” (protective dwelling), “high tower” (lofty position above the enemy), “shield” (protection against soldiers’ attacks) and “refuge” (safe haven), were all in God. Thus if David’s “people” didn’t obey God, David wouldn’t be king of a nation! Would that Governments recognized this today (John 19:10-11)!

    Verses 3-4: “What is man” is the question David asks that shows great humility (Psalm 8:4). What makes us think we are so important that God would notice us? We are important not because of what we have done, but what God has done (Hebrews 2:17-18)! We do not live long enough to be impressive (James 4:13-15).

    Verses 5-10: God, however, is so impressive that He can “come down” over the Earth; make mountains smoke; use lightning strikes; all as weapons of war “from above.” It is God “from above” who “rescues” the righteous from a flood of “foreigners” hurling “lying words” and lying handshakes.  Those who serve God cannot expect those who do not to be following the same rules in the same way! Christian behavior is not universal, but should be (Ephesians 5:1-17)! It is God who deserves praise for our salvation and daily life. The “harp of ten strings” was an instrument of David (1 Chronicles 23:5) which appealed to the spiritually lazy (Amos 6:3-7) and was condemned. No man-made musical instrument was authorized by Moses’ Law.

    Verses 11-15: It would be by God’s rescue that the Nation of Israel would have: sturdy “sons” and “daughters;” plentiful “produce” and “sheep” and “oxen;” and no external raids nor internal struggles. A nation of people who respect God, will have “sons” who mature like plants and know their work to be done; “daughters” who accept their role of “pillars” as wife and mother; “produce” for people who know how to save for the next crop; fertile “sheep;” “oxen” useful for burdens; peaceful living without disruptiveness. Truly such a nation is “happy,” for “Happy are the people whose God is the LORD!” The plague of America is unhappiness, and it has become pandemic because people do not have the LORD God. “Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:1-3). “And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son” (1 John 5:11). “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). DO YOU KNOW GOD?

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:02 am on April 30, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , , , , , salvation, , snares, traps, , ,   

    Psalm 141 Shut My Mouth 

    This Psalm of David could have originated at one of several times in his life, so the historical background is not definitely set, but it clearly is similar to other of his Psalms.

    Verses 1-2 appeal to God to hear this prayer;

    Verses 3-4 concerned with one’s words;

    Verse 5-concerned with one’s thoughts;

    Verses 5c-7 concerned with one’s bones;

    Verses 8-10 concerned with one’s eyes.

    Verses 1-2: To “cry out” expresses immediate need(s). For prayer to be “set before” God “as incense” (Exodus 30:1-10), helps us see that when Moses’ Law was taken out of the way by the cross of Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:14-16), Christian prayers ascend before God instead of incense (Revelation 5:8).

    Verses 3-4: It is not asking for God to choose our words, but knowing we have called attention to the problem we have with wrong words should keep us more keenly aware (Matthew 12:34-37). “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless” (James 1:26). “For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body” (James 3:2). In fact, David realizes, to avoid sin, we must not lean toward “any evil thing,” “practice wicked works,” associate with evil workers, or commonly associate with sinners. This progression into sin is similar to Psalm 1.

    Verse 5: If we find ourselves heading in the wrong direction, the rebuke of a righteous person should bring us back to spirituality. “Open rebuke is better Than love carefully concealed” (Proverbs 27:5). “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1).

    Verses 5c-7: Our prayers should be not only for us to be strong, but for the wicked to be blunted and weakened. “Judges” are their leaders, but “sweet” “words” of a prayerful appeal to God can see them taken down. Their damage, however, may break up God’s people as if physical bodies had been plowed under!

    Verses 8-10: “Eyes,” rightly focused on the goal, must not be misled. Once a person has been buried in the water of baptism into Jesus’ death (and not before), and raised to a new life with Him (Romans 6:3-5), they are saved (1 Peter 3:21). “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:1-3). By obeying God and following Jesus Christ, God will “keep” (avoid sin, 1 John 3:6) a Christian from the “snares” and “traps” the wicked continually provide. It was the partial obedience of the Israelites in cleaning the wicked nations out of the Promised Land, that God warned they would become “snares and traps to you, and scourges on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land which the LORD your God has given you” (Joshua 23:13). “Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; He who guards his soul will be far from them” (Proverbs 22:5). David did not pray out of vengeance or hatred, but simply that God let “the wicked fall into their own nets” and he be allowed to “escape.” When the wicked are treated with their own wickedness is not only just, it is fair for the righteous. “Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, And he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him” (Proverbs 26:27). A rolling stone may not gather moss, but often it punishes the ones who started it rolling!

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:54 am on April 16, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , contentment, , , , haughty, , , , salvation, , weaned child   

    Psalm 131 What It Means To “Grow Up” 

    There is uncertainty regarding the author, time, or circumstances of these Psalms, but it is apparent Psalms 120-134 work together, and are called the “Songs of Degrees,” and sometimes “Songs of Ascension.” This Psalm is attributed to David, but also could have been written about David, for it seems to express his child-like humility before God.

    Verse 1 defines humility;

    Verse 2 describes contentment;

    Verse 3 distributes this among his countrymen.

    Verse 1: “LORD, my heart is not haughty.” Humility is not downgrading oneself, but accepting oneself in view of God. “Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility” (Proverbs 18:12). “By humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches and honor and life” (Proverbs 22:4).

    “Nor my eyes lofty.” The way up is down, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Paul taught Christians “to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men” (Titus 3:2). Moses was humble (Numbers 12:3), but God can: “Exalt the humble, and humble the exalted” (Ezekiel 21:26). Every person is a “creature” needing the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16).

    “Neither do I concern myself with great matters…Nor with things too profound for me.” “Great matters” are out of my control, and “profound” things are above my head. In other words, everything in this world doesn’t need everybody’s opinion! Facebook or Tweet that! This is not a “head-in-the-sand” approach to life, but a realization that all matters may not be our personal concern. Probably this verse is in the Law of Jesus Christ in Romans 12:16: “Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.”

    Verse 2: “A weaned child” has made the transition from suckling to satisfied.  Comfort in the mother’s breast is no longer also the child’s sustaining food. “A weaned child” has learned that life is no longer dependent upon mother alone. The process of maturing has progressed. To be a Christian, one must be “converted and become as little children, [or else] you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). Then spiritual progress in the faith is expressed by Peter: “Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious” (1 Peter 2:1-3). Many who do not become Christians have refused the humility of repentance and baptism “in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). Many of those who have become Christians have refused to be “weaned” from the “milk” of the Word of God. “For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:13-14). Spiritual growth is stunted without study.

    Verse 3: “O Israel, hope in the LORD From this time forth and forever.” This is a challenge for David’s brethren to move forward in their faith. The church of Christ is thus challenged: “We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel” (Colossians 1:3-5).

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:17 am on April 15, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , , salvation,   

    Psalm 130 Are We “In” Too Deep? 

    There is uncertainty regarding the author, time, or circumstances of these Psalms, but it is apparent Psalms 120-134 work together, and are called the “Songs of Degrees,” and sometimes “Songs of Ascension.”

    Verses 1-2 give a personal appeal to God;

    Verses 3-4 give a personal trust in God;

    Verses 5-6 give a personal patience in God;

    Verses 7-8 give a national call upon God.

    Verses 1-2: (Verse 1) From deep places come the greatest devotions. Some people must plumb the depths of sin before they become alarmed at their condition, and repent. No one can be so deep in sin but that their cry to the LORD cannot be heard. “The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, Searching all the inner depths of his heart” (Proverbs 20:27). Some MAY be so committed to sin that THEY REFUSE to cry out for help from the LORD (Ephesians 4:17-20)! (Verse 2) The change from “LORD” (Jehovah) to “Lord” (Authority) sets the tone to approach Him with “supplication” (request), and not commands! The Jewish request, “From my mouth to God’s ears” is expressed in this verse.

    Verses 3-4: (Verse 3) God’s “data bank” is greater than any Government ever envisioned, for every thought (Hebrews 4:12), sight (Matthew 5:28), word (Matthew 12:37), and deed (2 Corinthians 5:10), is recorded by God – in the other book compared with “the book of life” (Revelation 20:12). (Verse 4) If it was not for God’s promise to forgive sin, no one would survive! This forgiveness is only offered through Jesus Christ (Acts 5:30-31), and only given to those who obey Him (Matthew 7:21-27; Mark 16:15-16).

    Verses 5-6: The hopeful expectation of morning light illustrates the soul’s “hope.” It is because of God’s laws that we hope for each morning, and it is in God’s Word that a soul “hopes” to find a new day of salvation.

    Verses 7-8: (Verse 7) The Nation of Israel, individually, should turn back to God in “hope” (anticipation) of receiving His “mercy” and “abundant redemption” (ransom required to be re-possessed). (Verse 8) The absolute promise of God is that “He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.”

    Thought: That this was true for those living under Moses’ Law, now that Jesus’ Law is in force, His blood has purchased the church of Christ (Acts 20:28) and God adds those saved by the Gospel to His church (Acts 2:38, 41, 47).

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • Eugene Adkins 6:52 am on April 12, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , Falling from Grace, , , salvation,   

    Is A Christian’s Salvation Ever On The Table? 

    For those who still care about little things like sound doctrine, the topic of apostasy, once-saved-always-saved and falling from God’s grace is still a vital subject to consider from time to time…we are talking about Heaven, Hell and eternity after all!

    There are two opposite extremes when it comes to the issue, both of which have done great spiritual harm to many souls.

    The first extreme is that a Christian can never so sin that it leads to he or she losing the reward of their salvation – hence the term “once-saved-always-saved.” This doctrine has managed to convince untold numbers of people that the numerous admonitions of God’s word concerning repentance, sin setting up shop in a believer’s heart and the importance of learning from the major errors of God’s people in the past are actually only hollow warnings for God’s “true” child will never fall into these traps. Unfortunately the very mentality that says there are no traps has become a trap (Jeremiah 16:10).

    The second extreme is that a Christian must walk on eggshells and live in constant anxiety concerning one’s judgment and the punishment of Hell. This doctrine has managed to convince untold numbers of people that the numerous scriptures of comfort concerning the assurance that one can have with God and his or her salvation are only hollow promises. Unfortunately the mentality that revolves around this doctrine ends up robbing people of the blessing that relies upon God for his or her perfection and exchanges it with a worrisome and burdensome and impossible task of making one’s self perfect.

    The truth of God concerning the doctrine of one’s salvation and the peril of sin lies in between the two extremes found above. Any sin can send a person to Hell – no denying that (Romans 6:23). But God’s grace is also a huge concept – a concept that’s large enough through the blood of Jesus to capture sins that we don’t even realize we’ve committed. Do we need to confess our sins to be forgiven? Absolutely! But must all of our sins be confessed in ”numerical” order? Who could ever honestly do such a thing like that every time? The simple truth is that if a person strives to avoid a lifestyle of darkness, strives to walk in God’s essential light lit path, strives to have a willingness that confesses sin of the known and unknown nature, and strives to avoid a self-righteous, I’m above sin, I don’t sin mentality that relies upon the justification and cleansing power of Jesus’ blood then that individual’s salvation is secure in God. Want to lose your security? Then do the opposite! (1 John 1:4-10)

    Is a Christian’s salvation ever on the table? Sure it is! But only when we put it on the table and give it up for the world, for the gift of God’s salvation is something that no man can take from us if we keep our heart set on Heaven.

    “Let your desire be for peace with all men, and to be made holy, without which no man may see the Lord; Looking with care to see that no man among you in his behaviour comes short of the grace of God; for fear that some bitter root may come up to be a trouble to you, and that some of you may be made unclean by it; And that there may not be any evil liver, or any man without respect for God, like Esau, who let his birthright go for a plate of food. For you have knowledge that even long after, when he was desiring the blessing for his heritage, he was turned away, though he made his request frequently and with weeping; because the past might not be changed…But you have come to the mountain of Zion, to the place of the living God, to the Jerusalem which is in heaven, and to an army of angels which may not be numbered, to the great meeting and church of the first of those who are named in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of good men made complete, And to Jesus by whom the new agreement has been made between God and man, and to the sign of the blood which says better things than Abel’s blood.” (Hebrews 12:14-17, 22-24 - BBE)

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:38 am on April 5, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , hindsight, , salvation,   

    Psalm 124 What If? 

    There is uncertainty regarding the author, time, or circumstances of these Psalms, but it is apparent Psalms 120-134 work together, and are called the “Songs of Degrees,” and sometimes “Songs of Ascension.” This one is attributed to David.

    Verses 1-5 answer the question: “What would have happened without God?”

    Verses 6-8 praise what God did do to help.

    Verses 1-5: (Verse 1) God is on the “side” of those who do His will (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 18:9-11).  Surely in David’s life, we can see how narrowly he and Israel escaped from much worse than actually did happen. History and our individual lives hinge on a moment, an event, a time in our lives when we made decisions that decided our present life. Hindsight is always 20/20, and looking back is a sure way to “see God” in our lives. David is raising the issue of hindsight for his people. (Verse 2) Could they not see what God had done “when men rose up against us?” (Verse 3) Israelites would have had no victories but been “swallowed” “alive” and suffered “wrath” “kindled against us.” (Verse 4) It would have been overwhelming losses like a tidal wave, to the loss of their “soul.” They, as a people, would have been exterminated, had not God intervened on their behalf. (Verse 5) “Then,” whenever these incidents had occurred, the sheer force of wrathful people against them would have removed them from history.

    Verses 6-8: (Verse 6) Praise God who stopped the crushing mouths of the attackers. (Verse 7) This deliverance is akin to a “bird” caught in the “snare of the fowlers,” that is, Israel had been trapped, but God broke the snare and they could escape. (Verse 8) The God who “made heaven and earth” (Creator) is the LORD (Jehovah) with whom the promise of Abraham and the Law through Moses were being honored by the God who gave both.

    Thought: God’s promise to Abraham included “I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you” (Genesis 12:3), which He still follows today. Christians are those whose faith had led them to saving baptism (Galatians 3:26-29; 1 Peter 3:21), and they are “Abraham’s seed,” not the physical Jewish people. Paul wrote to some and said: “For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans, who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and are contrary to all men, forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost” (1 Thessalonians 2:14-16). All who persecute Christians will know the wrath of God upon them: “After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, ‘Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God! For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her.’” (Revelation 19:1-2)

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:47 am on April 2, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , keeper, keeps, , salvation, , slumber,   

    Psalm 121 Who Is Our “Keeper?” 

    There is uncertainty regarding the author, time, or circumstances of these Psalms, but it is apparent Psalms 120-134 work together, and are called the “Songs of Degrees,” and sometimes “Songs of Ascension.”

    Verses 1-2 raise a cardinal point of faith;

    Verses 3-8 reassure the believer that God is the Keeper.

    Verses 1-2: (Verse 1) The Temple in Jerusalem was on “the hills,” so it would be natural for an Israelite to look that way for help. So commonly was this believed,even the Syrians said: “The LORD is God of the hills, but He is not God of the valleys” (1 Kings 20:28). Then the question is asked: “From whence comes my help?” (Verse 2) The believer knew then (as now) that “my help” is “from the LORD” and no one else! “LORD” represents the Hebrew name “Jehovah” who identified Himself to Moses (Exodus 3:11-15), and also was the Creator of “heaven and earth” (Genesis 1:1). The belief that the Creator and the Israelite God are different is a false belief.

    Verses 3-8: (Verse 3) God doesn’t allow the foot to slip back into continuous sin as the believer obeys His Word (1 John 3:6). That God provides for believers to falter from time to time is evident from 1 John 1:6-2:5. (Verse 4) The Keeper of Israel (under Moses’ Law) will not “slumber” nor “sleep,” there being little, if any, difference in the two. God is clearly not a sluggard (Proverbs 6:9-11)! (Verses 5-6) God is the cooling “shade,” protecting from harsh rays of the sun and dangers that come under the “moon.” God works 24/7 on behalf of His people. Today He calls His people “Christians” (Acts 11:26) who have been baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:26-29). (Verse 7) God “keeps” His people from “evil.” This is not a promise to protect them from what evil-doers may do to them, but keep them from regular evil desires and practices. By their obedience to His Word, He keeps their “souls” from being lost (today is through Jesus’ death, Romans 6:1-14). (Verse 8) God “keeps” the way the obedient will go free for coming and going (daily life) “from this time forth.” Jesus echoed this promise of security in the incident in Luke 11:27-28: “And it happened, as He spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, ‘Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts which nursed You!’ But He said, ‘More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!’” (Luke 11:27-28)

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version,  unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:15 am on April 1, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , deceit, , , , , , salvation, , ,   

    Psalm 120 God Hears When the World is Saying Wrong Things 

    There is uncertainty regarding the author, time, or circumstances of these Psalms, but it is apparent Psalms 120-134 work together, and are called the “Songs of Degrees,” and sometimes “Songs of Ascension.”

    Verses 1-4 contrast God’s listening to help, and our having to listen to others;

    Verses 5-7 state how hard it is to live among war-mongers.

    Verses 1-4: (Verse 1) God hears our cries from distress. Jacob said God had done so (Genesis 35:3); David said God had (2 Samuel 22:7); Paul said distress cannot “separate us from the love of Christ” (Romans 8:35). (Verse 2) Integrity, trust, faith, dependability all are ruined by “lying lips” and a “deceitful tongue.” “Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal truthfully are His delight” (Proverbs 12:22). Having a “deceitful tongue” is responsible for destroying the credibility of gossips, talebearers, editorial writers, propaganda press, factory fables, and many others. (Verse 3) There will be a judgment against a “false tongue.” “All liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8). (Verse 4) Whoever said “words can never hurt me” wasn’t familiar with this verse. Words can pierce like “sharp arrows of the warrior,” and burn like “coals of the broom tree.” “For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:2-8).

    Verses 5-7: (Verse 5) Little is certain of these places, “Meshech” (slave traders, Ezekiel 27:13) and “Kedar” (wanderers, Isaiah 21:16-17), but they represent the hostile environment many people experience, even today. (Verses 6-7) Patience and longsuffering can wear us down or wear us out when we are mis-matched with polar opposites on a subject like “war” and “peace.” There is “a time of war, And a time of peace” (Ecclesiastes 3:8), however “wisdom is better than weapons of war; But one sinner destroys much good” (Ecclesiastes 9:18). The wise can avoid war, but the foolish advocate it and their foreign policies depend upon it! Christians are not waging carnal war against their enemies (2 Corinthians 10:2-6). “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Proverbs 16:7).

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:24 am on March 29, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , , lost sheep, , , salvation, , , , ,   

    Psalm 119:169-176 Tau Speaking to God – Hearing His Word 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

    Psalm 119:169-176  Tau                       Speaking to God – Hearing His Word

    Verses 169-172 give the connection from my mouth to God’s ear;

    Verses 173-176 summarize God’s blessings from the Word.

    Verses 169-172: (Verse 169) The only concern expressed is that the believer will be heard; the only thing asked for with this “cry” is for “understanding,” is this not what Solomon later will do? (1 Kings 3:5-14) (Verse 170) “Supplication” is presenting sincere needs and asking that something be done; “deliverance” is the blessing asked for that is described in God’s Word. (Verse 171) Coming from “my lips” indicates a heart full of lessons from God’s “statutes” (words marking out the right way). Jesus later would say: “Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things” (Matthew 12:34-35). (Verse 172) Just as a healthy tree bursts forth with signs of life; a bird sings when it shares its life; a flower shares its color and fragrance; a believer full of the “righteousness” of God’s “commands” cannot be silent. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:16-17).

    Verses 173-176: (Verse 173) Choosing God’s “precepts” (words that superintend our way) will cause a believer to reach out for God’s leadership. (Verse 174) “Longing” (continuing desire) for God’s “salvation,” means the method of obtaining it is a “delight.” Wanting to be saved is not enough, a person must enjoy obeying God to reach for it. “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:21-22). Since baptism into Christ is the moment of salvation (1 Peter 3:21), it is a delightful response for one who longs to be saved. (Verse 175) Knowing how perfect God’s “judgments” have always been, the soul blessed by God with physical and spiritual life “praises” God for all of these. (Verse 176) All of us can, and probably will, “go astray” by wandering off “like a lost sheep.” Most of us sin without intending to violate God’s Will, but by simply becoming too focused upon what we are doing at the time, and not paying attention to what should be important. God “seeks” “servants,” in other words, those who seek Him. “The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him” (Lamentations 3:25). “Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:6-7).

    Thought: By using different words to convey facets of God’s Word, its brilliance is better than any gemstone, diamond, or other precious jewelry. Psalm 119 shows that the Word of God is not a “dead book,” but bursting with life that brings to life any soul that has been numbed, deadened, or abused by the world. God’s Word brings from us a zest for life, enjoyment of life, and praise for the Giver of life!

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

    • preachercarter 10:34 am on March 30, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Your closing statement rings very true. God’s Word is not dead rather His Word (that is the personification of God) lives in all that choose to honour His, well, Word.

    • John T. Polk II 11:39 am on March 30, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Thank you for your agreement. Truly, Jesus Christ is the Word of God in the flesh Who has shown all men what it means to follow Him (Titus 2:11-12; Mark 16:15-16). Feel free to visit our church website for further Bible studies. Please contact me if you have any questions or comments.

  • John T. Polk II 4:22 am on March 27, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , , , , , persecutors, salvation, , ,   

    Psalm 119:153-160 Resh “Considerate Faith” 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

    Psalm 119:153-160  Resh                              “Considerate Faith”

    Verses 153-155 appeal for God to consider a believers’ personal effort;

    Verses 156-158 appeal for God to recognize a believer’s personal devotion;

    Verses 159-160 appeal for God to see a believer’s personal heart.

    Verses 153-155: (Verse 153) God is considerate (Nehemiah 9:32-33). “Deliver those who are drawn toward death, And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, ‘Surely we did not know this,’ Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not  render to each man according to his deeds?” (Proverbs 24:11-12) God “considers” both the obedient and the disobedient. God considers the “affliction” of one who does “not forget” His “law” (words pointing the straight path), and “delivers.” (Verse 154) Believers who sin (1 John 1:6-2:3) must have representation before God, Who will “redeem” (apply the price for) and “revive” (refresh, renew the effort) them. (Verse 155) “Statutes” (words tracing out right) keep clear who is “wicked,” because they do not seek them, but the “righteous” are mindful of them. “Salvation” is kept far from “the wicked” (Mark 16:15-16).

    Verses 156-158: (Verse 156) God is the Father of “mercies” (2 Corinthians 1:3) which motivate Christians to become living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). His “mercies” (plural) are both “Great” (in forgiving the penitent) and “tender” (in helping the penitent), and Christians should imbed these (Colossians 4:12). (Verse 157) Christians cannot expect the same from “the wicked,” who become “persecutors” (with verbal taunting, physical abuse, or social ostracizing) and “enemies” (adversaries like Satan). “For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles–when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead” (1 Peter 4:3-5). (Verse 158) Those who “do not keep” God’s Word become “treacherous” (and should be avoided, Ephesians 5:11-13) and are “disgusted” (abhorred, loathed, like Lot, 2 Peter 2:7-8) by the faithful.

    Verses 159-160: (Verse 159) While God is “considering” wicked hearts, His “precepts” (words that highlight what’s right) also “revive” a loving heart with His “lovingkindness.” “Thus says the LORD: ‘Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,’ says the LORD” (Jeremiah 9:23-24). (Verse 160) Total confidence in God is produced by studying “the entirety” of God’s Word, for it is always “truth” and “every one” of His “judgments” are right, “forever.”

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

    • J. Randal Matheny 6:11 am on March 27, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Jer 9.23-24 is one of my favorite passages and makes a great commentary here on this section of Psa 119.

      V. 156 is fascinating in NET: “Your compassion is great, O Lord. Revive me, as you typically do!” (See the site for the reason behind the translation choice; what is often translation “laws” here is apparently “customs.”) The rendering is not only a testimony to our frequent need, but to God’s faithful and loving work, which must often be repeated in us.

      • John T. Polk II 10:00 am on March 27, 2013 Permalink | Reply

        Several “standard” translations use the word “law” for this Hebrew word, so I based my comments upon this English word, which includes “requirement” in its intent. “Custom” can include the idea of an “option, or choice” and weakens the force of the original.

        • J. Randal Matheny 10:19 am on March 27, 2013 Permalink

          I went looking some more. It’s the Hebrew word mishpat, often translated “justice,” but with a wide semantic field, sometimes “mode of life,” “practice” or “procedure” in NASB. So one could go either way, I reckon.

    • John T. Polk II 3:23 pm on March 27, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Randal,
      My reply was based upon Psalm 119:153, not the verse 156 you were dealing with. I apologize for not catching this with another “proofing.” I was dealing with “torah” you were commenting on “mishpat,” and there is a distinction. Thanks for your review and observation.

  • John T. Polk II 4:26 am on March 26, 2013 Permalink | Reply
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    Psalm 119:145-152 Qoph Whose Prayers Are Heard 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

    Psalm 119:145-152  Qoph                              Whose Prayers Are Heard

    Verses 145-148 tell who is praying;

    Verses 149-152 tell what to expect.

    Verses 145-148: (Verse 145) To “cry” out indicates the sincerity from a “whole heart.” Answered prayer comes from those who “keep” His “statutes” (words marking out the right way). God knows whether His people approached Him with their “whole heart” or “in pretense” (Jeremiah 3:10), and planned for them to return to Him “with their whole heart” (Jeremiah 24:7). The first and greatest commandment under Moses and Jesus Christ is to love God “with all your heart” (Deuteronomy 6:5; Mark 12:30; Acts 8:37). (Verse 146) The appeal for God to “hear” is followed by “save me” for the purpose of keeping His “testimonies” (words showing God’s character in dealing with people). (Verses 147-148) Because “hope” (anticipation, expectation of faith) springs from God’s “word,” prayer begins before sunrise and can extend throughout the night. Not one long prayer, but continually, as Jesus “spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart” (John 18:1). Paul taught: “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2). It is the “meditation” (a lost capability in this electronic age!) upon His “word” that helps one approach God with boldness. It takes time and concentration to “meditate,” not distraction, illusion, fantasy. Prayer is approaching God when one has approached God’s Word.

    Verses 149-152: (Verse 149) When God “hears” (gives attention to), it is because of His “lovingkindness” (used 22 times in Psalms). “I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm” (Jonah 4:2). “Loving” and “kindness” go hand-in-hand, whether in dating, marriage, or devotion! Knowing God’s “justice” (Deuteronomy 10:17-20), we are “revived” (ready for another effort). (Verse 150) Through God’s Word, we know He recognizes people who “are far from” His “law” are following “wickedness.” “The righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked, Overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness” (Proverbs 21:12). (Verse 151) The “wicked” are far from God’s Word, but the faithful find God “near” because they regard “all” His “commandments” as “truth.” NO commandment of God is “burdensome” (1 John 5:3). (Verse 152) God’s “testimonies” have always proved to be accurate throughout every person’s lifetime. Those who have the privilege of knowing the Holy Scriptures “from childhood” will have little difficulty accepting them as having been “given by inspiration of God” and making one “complete” (2 Timothy 3:14-17).

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version,  unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 5:48 am on March 21, 2013 Permalink | Reply
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    Psalm 119:121-128 Ayin Justice In The Word 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

    Psalm 119:121-128  Ayin                               Justice In The Word           

    Verses 121-123 describe a righteous person before God;

    Verses 124-125 make a request of God;

    Verse 126 asks God to help with the godless;

    Verses 127-128 mention good things God’s Word does for the obedient.

    Verses 121-123: (Verse 121) Keeping covenant with God, man’s part is not a statement from pride (Luke 18:9-14), but from a clear conscience (1 John 3:21), and asks God to keep His part: not to abandon the obedient among “oppressors;” (Verse 122) guarantee His “servant’s” goodness; relief from the oppression of the “proud.” (Verse 123) Mention is made of a servant’s diligence with tired eyes searching God’s “righteous word” (statements which make clear what God expects).

    Verse 124-125: (Verse 124) Obedience to God justly brings the hope of “mercy” in one willing to be taught God’s “statutes” (words that trace around to make clear). (Verse 125) A “servant” of God will be given “understanding” (insight, comprehension) “to know” God’s “testimonies” (proof of His good character). “Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things” (2 Timothy 2:7). “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life” (1 John 5:20).

    Verse 126: (Verse 126) The “proud” are those who think God’s “law” (words that make a straight path) is empty of force. Maybe God will choose to do something promptly that turns the godless back to the Bible.

    Verses 127-128: (Verse 127) Because of the straight path, clear law, hopeful promises, and God’s character, His “commandments” (words authorizing or forbidding conduct) deserve: our greatest bond (“love”), our highest esteem (“more than fine gold”), and (Verse 128) our purest judgment (“all Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right”). We, therefore, accept God’s justice and “hate every false way.” God’s command to “Hate evil, love good” (Amos 5:15) is repeated for Christians in Romans 12:9: “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.” Thanks to God and His Word, there is no confusion as to which is which!

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:47 am on March 20, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , double-minded, , , , , , , salvation, , ,   

    Psalm 119:113-120 Samek The Certainty of the Word 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

    Psalm 119:113-120  Samek                  The Certainty of the Word

    Verses 113-114 tell why God is our choice;

    Verse 115 tells which direction we are going;

    Verses 116-117 describe how God helps;

    Verses 118-119 show how certain God is of the outcome;

    Verse 120 describes how this certainty should affect us.

    Verses 113-114: (Verse 113) “The double-minded” are people who are torn between two opinions, skeptical of truth, and can’t decide which to follow. Elijah, the prophet, called for people to make up their minds: “And Elijah came to all the people, and said, ‘How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him.’ But the people answered him not a word” (1 Kings 18:21). Faith is to be “with no doubting,” or else we are “a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (James 1:5-8). To love God’s “law” (words that make straight) means we have made a definite decision. (Verse 114) God’s “word” (what God actually has said) keeps our “hope” alive, so that we know God is our “hiding place” and our “shield.”

    Verse 115: Once we have decided whose “commandments” (authoritative orders) we “will keep,” it is easier to reject the “evil doers.” Jesus will, on the Judgment Day, say these very words (Matthew 7:21-23).

    Verses 116-117: (Verse 116) We need to be upheld (propped up) by God’s “word,” “that I may live” (the believer knows life begins with faith) without “shame” (timidity). “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3). (Verse 117) We need for God to “hold [us] up” (above evil) that we may be “safe.” But this requires “observing” God’s “statutes” (words marking out proper conduct) “continually” (cannot dismiss it from thought).

    Verses 118-119: (Verse 118) God has made His decision, not about individual names, but of whoever follows “deceit” and “falsehood.” They have made a definite decision to “stray” from God’s “statutes,” and God has decided He will “reject” them “all.” (Verse 119) God definitely will “put away all the wicked of the earth” (which He has before, in Noah’s day, Genesis 6:5-7), as if they were “dross” (rejected impurities of melted metal, Ezekiel 22:18-22). The obedient believer decides to “love” God’s “testimonies” (words proving God’s character to be true) because His decision is final.

    Verse 120: This verse glimpses into the Judgment Day, as described by the Apostle Paul: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences” (2 Corinthians 5:10-11).

    Thought: Every believer should be certain in knowing what way to go, and what way God will reject. “Have I not written to you excellent things Of counsels and knowledge, That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth, That you may answer words of truth To those who send to you?” (Proverbs 22:20-21)

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version,  unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:39 am on March 19, 2013 Permalink | Reply
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    Psalm 119:105-112 Nun The Light In The Tunnel 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

     Psalm 119:105-112  Nun                      The Light In The Tunnel    

    Verse 105 shows what God’s Word provides;

    Verses 106-112 show how God’s Word helps.

    Verse 105: God’s “word” (message of instruction) provides “a lamp” for “my feet” (which represents specific action). Lamps usually provide illumination in dark situations. “A light” (usually associated with day) to “my path” (which represents constant course of conduct).

    Verses 106-112: GOD’S WORD HELPS US: (Verse 106) KEEP OUR PROMISES. With the respect as in a court of law, God’s “righteous judgments” (always right decisions) prevail, and people must swear and confirm to keep them. “For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute” (Hebrews 6:16), but God accepts a person’s oath seriously: “Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few” (Ecclesiastes 5:2). (Verse 107) RENEW EFFORTS IN AFFLICTION. When “affliction” (stress, depression, strife, conflict, pain) grows in effect to “very much,” we need to be “revived” (by reconsidering our responsibility before God). (Verse 108) GIVE FERVENT WORSHIP. “Freewill offerings of my mouth” are our prayers, songs, and teaching centered upon God and His Will for us. If worship is begrudging, forced, intimidated, or coerced, it is NOT “freewill.” “Therefore by Him [Jesus] let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Hebrews 13:15-16). (Verse 109) MAKE GOD’S WILL MY WILL. No plainer statement is ever made about the freewill nature of humans than: “My life is continually in my hand.” That means no one makes us do anything we do not choose to do, for our decisions come from within our hearts (Proverbs 4:3; Matthew 5:8; Mark 7:20-23). Since God’s “law” (words showing the straight path) must always govern our way, we must never “forget” it. (Verse 110) STAY ON COURSE. The “wicked” are all who “have laid a snare for me,” but the faithful are those who “have not strayed from” God’s “precepts” (words highlighting what is pure). “Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; For the LORD will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught” (Proverbs 3:25-26). (Verse 111) ENJOY GOD’S CHARACTER. “Testimonies” about God are His dealings with mankind from His Word, and the promise of Heaven is “a heritage forever.” In Christ, we are “giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light” (Ephesians 1:12). We are “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). (Verse 112) KEEP LOOKING UP. An “incline” is designed to go upward, so God’s “statutes” (words marking out our limits) lift us heavenward if we “perform” them. “Forever, to the very end” shows we should leave this life actively serving God. Eternity is determined, not by the height of the pile of good works or absolute purity we have attained, but the direction we are going when we die! “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me” (Philippians 3:12).

     All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:00 am on March 14, 2013 Permalink | Reply
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    Psalm 119:81-88 Kaph “Finding Strength In Weakness” 

    It is fitting that the greatest tribute to the Word of God is IN the Word of God, itself, and is in the longest chapter of the Word of God! This Psalm has no author’s name, historical incident, or other distraction from its theme. It is divided into 22 sections (one for every letter in the Hebrew alphabet), each consisting of 8 lines, each line beginning with the alphabet letter of that section (aleph is the first letter of each line under the aleph section, for instance). The chapter uses some 8-10 different words to describe the Word of God, each bringing something extra to the total picture of the Word of Truth. In order to savor the depth and richness of teaching in this Psalm, we will examine each portion as if it were its own chapter.

    Psalm 119:81-88 Kaph                          “Finding Strength In Weakness”

    Verses 81-83 describe our weakened condition;

    Verses 84-87 show how much worse it gets;

    Verse 88 make an appeal for strength.

    Verses 81-83: (Verse 81) A soul may “faint” (grow weaker, dims) waiting for God’s salvation, but nothing else will do, for “hope” (anticipation) is still in God’s “word” (actual statements). (Verse 82) Eyes “fail” (strain, ache) from constant peering into God’s “word,” searching for God’s answer to: “When will You comfort me?” Under stress, strain, duress, distress, pain, or anguish, we can only tolerate so much. We ask God, not whether or not He will help, but “When.” (Verse 83) “A wineskin in smoke” dries out, becomes brittle, and useless as a liquid container. Before we become useless, we continue to remember God’s “statutes” (words defining proper conduct, lines marking out what we must do).

    Verses 84-87: (Verse 84) We ask, “how long will we live,” and “when will God payback our persecutors?” The souls of those who died in the Jewish persecution of the churches of Christ (Acts 8:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16) asked the same question: “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” (Revelation 6:9-10). That answer came back in Revelation 19:1-2. (Verse 85) “The proud” (those lifted in their own minds above God and His word) create pitfalls (or problems) for those who serve God. “The proud” are mentioned 5 times just in this Psalm (verses 51, 69, 78, 85, 122) as representing all who disobey God’s “law” (words that guide in a straight path). (Verse 86) Dangers are not caused by God’s “commandments” (words that tell us what we should and should not do), all of which are “faithful” (producing faith), but are caused by “wrongful persecution” (undeserved, unprovoked, uncaused). “Help me!” is our appeal to our God who cares, can help, and considers our immediate plight. Christians may “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). The help we need always comes from the Lord, and His way to help is revealed in His word. (Verse 87) Though oppressed near death, we should never “forsake” (give up, quit) on God’s “precepts” (words that highlight or point out what is important).

    Verse 88: With fainting soul, strained eyes, strength drying up, problems caused by “the proud,” we ask to be “revived” (have our spirit refreshed, renewed vigor, restored ability) that we may finish our task of keeping His “testimony” (words of His character and will), not that God would take over and finish what we are capable of doing. Paul said of Philemon, “For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother” (Philemon 7).

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • Eugene Adkins 7:18 am on February 27, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , Grace only, , Obeying the gospel, salvation   

    It’s “Funny” Which “Works” Earn Salvation and Which “Works” Do Not In The Eyes of Some People 

    “Baptism isn’t needed for salvation because baptism is a work and if salvation is by works then it’s not by grace!”

    Ah, the old broken record that continuously repeats itself upon the same grove. It’s amazing what some people consider to be “works that earn salvation” while considering other “works that aren’t works” essential when it comes to being saved.

    For example:

    Grace. We all need it. It’s been shown to all, but all don’t want to see it. And all aren’t going to see it in the judgment. It’s the whole “blind before seeing” thing we sing about. Now, if a person wants to receive the gift of God’s grace they’re going to have to do something because if not, then everyone would be going to Heaven and there would be no need for a place called Hell. Simple enough to follow right? But no one wants to call this process “works” because they’re afraid it’ll stain the whole “saved by grace alone” theory. So which is it? Does a person have to respond to God’s grace to be saved or not? Of course they do! An individual person must willingly make a decision to follow God and accept the gift He offers through their own volition through Jesus, not be forced to accept it through something called irresistible grace. Responding to God’s grace is something we must do – responding is a work, an action needed on our behalf per say – but it no way earns the offer of God’s gift.

    Faith. We all need it…to be saved anyways. But everyone doesn’t have it because everyone doesn’t want it. Now some teach that we’re saved by grace alone through faith alone (amazing how you can two “alones” isn’t it???) and that anything else done is a work that makes a person earn his or her salvation. No works people proclaim – only grace and only faith, for works have no place in salvation. But here’s the secret that many people who proclaim this don’t want to hear – having, showing and responding to God’s gift of grace through Jesus is a work! It’s a work we’re responsible for, and it’s a work Jesus discussed with people in the past: “Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” (John 6:28-29). Jesus didn’t say anything about, “Oh, there’s nothing you must do, just simply believe and leave it up to grace because anything else would cause you to earn what I’m going to do.” No, Jesus said we have a responsibility to do something. We have a responsibility to follow God’s will and God’s commands and doing these things in no way places God in our debt and it no way earns the salvation that God offers.

    Repentance. Repent is a command. Repentance is action. Salvation will not be enjoyed without repentance. A change of mind seen through a change of actions. Both of which is something we’re responsible for doing. Repentance is not a work done on us or to us. Not one verse in the Bible teaches this, but many verses teach that repentance is something we must do – a work, an action – or we’ll perish in Hell. “…but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3) Jesus didn’t say, “Well, I would tell you to repent but that would mean you’re earning your salvation, so….” That’s not what Jesus said. Jesus said we, as individuals, are responsible for following God’s command and repenting of our sins if we want to find the forgiveness of our sins. This in no way places God in our debt because it’s something that God requires us to do. He’s not offering wages if we repent – He’s offering His gift of salvation. But we must want to be saved – we must repent.

    Confessing Jesus. We should have a willingness to do so, but everyone doesn’t. Confessing Jesus is a must. It’s something we must do. It’s vital to salvation! It’s an action. It’s a work that we’re required to do. No, you say? I say…rather, I ask, have you not read the Bible? The Bible says, “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10). I know many, many people who claim that a person is saved by grace alone through faith alone but for some reason they still teach that a person must confess Jesus to be saved…what happened to that just believing thing? Belief and confession are two separate things! Read Romans 10 again. The very verses used to teach grace alone by faith alone contradicts them both by saying confession on our behalf is essential! Confession is an action required by God on our behalf. It is something – a work – we must do. Confessing Jesus does not earn a person’s salvation because it submits to the offer of salvation made by God through Jesus.

    Baptism. “Now preacher, it’s true that we must have faith, that we must repent and that we must confess Jesus, but even though those are something we must do they’re not “works” that earn our salvation, but that baptism stuff…that’s where the line is drawn!” I hear it all the time. Who drew that line??? I’ll tell you where the line is – there’s a line between listening to God’s will and rejecting God’s will. There’s a line between being saved and being lost. There’s a line between the works of men and women and the work of God. It’s a line drawn in the waters of baptism where the blood of Jesus washes our sins away (Acts 22:16, Revelation 1:5). It’s a line where the old person is buried in the water and the new, born again person is raised out of the water (2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 6:1-4). And until a person submits to God’s work that takes place during baptism then a person is defiantly relying upon their own works, their own system of salvation through faith, repentance and confession that balks at baptism of God instead of walking down in the water submissively and allowing God to remove sin from their heart and replace it with the Spirit of God. A person doesn’t have the Son without being baptized, and if they don’t have the Son they don’t have the Father or His promise of salvation (Galatians 3:26-29). Submitting to God’s will in baptism doesn’t earn a man or woman his or her salvation. Baptism for the remission of sins came from God. He designed it. He ordered it. He requires it. And to say that a person is saved before baptism on this side of the cross of Jesus because baptism is a “work of man” is to say that one does not have to do the works of God to be saved.

    There are works that earn, works that spurn and works that yearn, and no one can show how responding to God’s will and God’s commands to be saved causes God to be indebted to us; that’s because it doesn’t. Following the will of God never has, and never will place God in a person’s debt when it comes to being saved, but if we want to get rid of the debt of sin we need to respond to the offer of His gift. A gift that’s found through God’s will/grace, our faith, our willingness to repent, our willingness to confess Jesus, our willingness to be baptized and our willingness to live faithfully allowing the blood of Jesus to do what it was meant to do when it comes to the will of God – and that’s get us to Heaven.

    It’s “funny” how faith, repentance and confession (all things – works – we must do) doesn’t earn a person his or her salvation but baptism does??? Yeah, if you believe that you might want to stop working on that and start submitting to God’s will.

     

    • Morris 10:14 am on February 27, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Looks like it may be the works they want to do that works.

      Another amazing thing is this: If you ask the works people what you can do to go to Heaven, they will give you a list – ask them if I do all these things can I know I am going to Heaven – and almost without fail they don’t know.

      Since Jesus paid it all we can rest assured that a person can go to Heaven by trusting His death and resurrection for their sins.

  • Eugene Adkins 6:51 am on February 25, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , Damascus, , , , salvation, Sinner's Prayer,   

    Damascus or Straight – They Don’t Lead To The Same Place 

    There are many in the religious world who claim that Paul was “saved” on the road to Damascus. Then using the ole’ Damascus road example they teach that all a person has to do to be saved is believe in Jesus and say a prayer and then their salvation is secure. Anybody can stake a claim, but the deed of truth can be something entirely different.

    Now, it’s definitely true that Paul met his Savior on the ole’ Damascus road but it’s not true that he received the gift of salvation from Jesus at that point. Paul was told by the Lord to keep traveling on the ole’ Damascus road and head on into the city and wait for instructions…he hadn’t arrived at his destination yet!

    The man who couldn’t wait to get to Damascus was now going to have simmer there for a time while waiting for Ananias’ instructions, and Ananias wasn’t out there on the ole’ Damascus road – he would later meet a multi-day blind, fasting and praying Paul in a house on the street called Straight. It was there, on the street called Straight, that Paul would receive the heavenly instructions on what to do to begin his walk in Jesus as a Christian (Acts 9:18, 22:16).

    If we want to reach our destination when it comes to the salvation found in Jesus we need to look to the street called Straight and not the broad way of the Damascus road. The street called Straight may be a little more difficult to find, but the scriptures make it clear that it’ll be worth the effort.

    “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

     

    • Morris 7:05 am on February 25, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Works for salvation is completely foreign to salvation in the Age of Grace.

      In your opinion, how is a person saved today?

      • Eugene Adkins 8:23 pm on February 25, 2013 Permalink | Reply

        How is a person saved today? By God’s grace my friend. The same way any person is going to make it to Heaven whether they lived under the Old Testament or New Testament.

        But what you’re going to have to prove is that one is not saved by God’s grace when they do what God asks/tells them to do. For that is exactly where baptism for the remission of sins comes from – from God.

        Until you’re able to show that following/submitting to God’s commands earns any person his or her salvation then your accusation is sorely lacking any biblical truth.

    • Clarence Honnold 9:55 am on February 25, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Yet, when Paul referred to his conversion, he always pointed to “the ole’ Damascus road,” never to his baptism. I once attended a baptism where the one baptizing said that the lady’s sins who was being baptized were now at the bottom of the swimming poor they had used as a baptistry. I’m afraid I’d didn’t appreciate the gravity of the time. My immediate thought was, “Boy, I don’ want to go into THAT water!”

      • Eugene Adkins 8:16 pm on February 25, 2013 Permalink | Reply

        Never to his baptism my friend? Baptism is mentioned 2 of the 3 times that the account is given. The point about the Damascus road is that it only began what was finished on the street called Straight as far as Paul’s salvation is concerned.

        The reason it starts on the road to Damascus is because Paul used that encounter to tell others why he was doing what he was doing when it came to preaching Jesus. So I don’t really see what baptism never being the beginning of his conversion account has to do with the post.

        At the end of the day, people today don’t need to stop on the road into town when it comes to becoming a Christian, they need to keep traveling and visit the street in town if they want to learn about the way that Paul received the remission of his sins…because it was not on the ole’ Damascus road as the rest of the scriptures plainly show.

    • Morris 4:26 am on February 26, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      I agree with you that a person is saved by Grace and that Grace is given because of what Christ accomplished through His death and resurrection, not because we walk a straight road. When we add works to Grace it is no longer Grace.

      Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

      It is not about us, it is about Christ and His sacrifice on Calvary and His glorious resurrection. If it was about us then we would have reason to boast.

      Ephesians 2:8-9
      8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
      9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

      • Eugene Adkins 6:14 am on February 26, 2013 Permalink | Reply

        So we agree that a person is saved by grace, that’s good. But are you saying salvation is by grace alone? If, and again I say if you are saying that it is by grace alone please read Ephesians 2:8 again. Salvation is not by grace alone. Grace is the only thing that’s opened the door to salvation, but grace won’t force a person to come into Christ to receive His gift – or else it wouldn’t be a gift.

        Grace is unmerited favor, but my friend don’t confuse unmerited favor with unconditional salvation. There is nothing a person could ever do to put God in his or her debt when it comes to earning salvation; there is nothing a person could ever do to have earned the right of God sending Jesus to die for our sins. But to say that walking the straight road has nothing to do with an individual’s salvation is to completely ignore what Jesus Himself said in Matthew 7:14: “For narrow is the door and hard the road to life, and only a small number make discovery of it.” (BBE) Right there Jesus simply, but clearly said that if a person isn’t interested in salvation they’re not going to find salvation despite the fact that salvation is by God’s grace. To ignore this is to walk the wide and open way of “salvation” that in reality leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13).

        Again, according to what you have said, what you must do is show how listening to God’s command about baptism (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38, 41, 8:36-38, 10:47, 18:8, 19:3-5, 22:16; Romans 6:1-4; Galatians 3:26-27; Ephesians 5:26; Colossians 2:11-12; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 3:21) makes a person put God in his or her debt. All of those cited verses show that baptism is a command and work of God to be followed according to His will; not a work designed by man that earns a person’s salvation. So if a person submits to God’s will in baptism how can one be told that they are earning his or her salvation by works?

        Please do not confuse “works” that place God in our debt with “works” that respond to His grace through faith. These two are not the same, hence a person needs to do what the Bible says they need to do when it comes to Paul’s example: Don’t stop on the road to Damascus and expect to be saved by simply “believing in your heart” or “saying a prayer” as some teach – do as the Bible says and go on into town and follow Paul’s example and be baptized to have your sins washed away, calling on the name of the Lord (Acts 22:16, Revelation 1:5).

    • Morris 6:01 pm on February 26, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
      Yes, I believe it is by grace alone through faith alone.
      Not sure why you think that someone is forced as that is not the case and I have stated no such.
      As Jesus said the road to life was a hard road, but He took the hard out when He took our place on Calvary. Hard to be saved, no, hard to live as we should as Christians, yes.
      Today and let me stress the word today, baptism has nothing to do with our salvation.
      The Gospel by which we are saved today is stated in

      1 Corinthians 15:1-4

      1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
      2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
      3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
      4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

      V1 Paul is about to state the Gospel which had been received
      V2 It is the Gospel by which we are saved – the vain belief being anything other than what he is about to state
      V3 The first part of the saving Gospel: Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures
      V4 The second and third part of the Gospel – Christ was buried, and Christ rose again the third day
      No baptism – So if baptism is not required for salvation – why do we do it? As a testimony to what has happened to us – we are not baptized to be saved – we are baptized because we are saved for a testimony

      Paul said it himself:

      1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

      We are saved by believing that Christ died for our sins, and rose again the third day – this is a gift of God and cannot be earned.

      Don’t confuse the message to Israel with the message to the Church – you can’t cash a check written to someone else without getting into trouble.

      • Eugene Adkins 6:48 pm on February 26, 2013 Permalink | Reply

        Hello again, Morris,

        I’ll be fairly quick with this.

        1) You added the words alone to Ephesians 2:8. It’s not there in the Greek or in the English or in the Spanish or in the Latin or in the Russian, etc. Don’t know what translation you’re using to get that, but I’ve never seen one that says what you’re saying.

        2) A person obeys the gospel and receives the gift of God’s salvation when they die to sin through repentance (there’s the crucifixion), when they are buried in water (there’s the burial in the tomb), and when they are raised out of the water to walk in the newness of life that they did not have before (there’s the resurrection). All of this is very plainly taught in Romans 6 and it matches 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 perfectly so your point isn’t really a point at all.

        3) You’re trying to say that salvation is conditionally unconditional because you sorely misunderstand what it means for a person to believe. The saving faith the scriptures speak of is not faith alone. Faith alone never has and it never will save a person. It won’t work for the demons and it won’t work for people (James 2:17-24). No where does the Bible say that a person is saved faith alone. If you believe it does then provide the scripture verbatim and not what you think it says.

        4) Paul preached the gospel first because unless a person believes it’s a little silly to baptize people. That’s what the Catholics and others do to babies who don’t believe. It’s sad, it’s unscriptural and it has nothing to do with the baptism that a believer in the gospel of Christ is supposed to submit to. Hence the instructions of Jesus Himself for His followers to preach the gospel and then to baptize those who believe so they can have their sins remitted through His blood (Mark 16:15-16, Acts 2:38, 22:16, Revelation 1:5).

        5) You have failed again to show how a person earns his or her salvation by simply obeying the will of God. Simply because you call something a work of man does not make it so. I gave you multiple scripture references that show baptism to be a command and a work of God and not man, so please, if you would like to continue the discussion answer this one question: How does a person submitting to God’s command to be baptized cause someone to earn his or her salvation? I don’t mean to sound rude, but if you’re not willing to answer this question that gets back to the original post and your original comment then there isn’t going to be any reason to continue the discussion. Thanks for your time and cooperation.

        • Eugene Adkins 8:27 pm on February 26, 2013 Permalink

          Morris failed to even acknowledge the question again for the third time so unfortunately the conversation had to end.

  • Ron Thomas 7:00 am on February 21, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , salvation,   

    Outwardly Operative But Inwardly Dead 

         In his commentary on James, Douglas Moo commented on the “dead faith” that James mentions in James 2. “James, in other words, is arguing that the kind of faith he has just described [James 2:14-16] is ‘not merely outwardly inoperative but inwardly dead’” (p. 126). It is clear from the context of James 2 this kind of faith is a dead faith and that kind of faith is not pleasing to the Lord.

         I would like to take the phrase he used and rework it for a particular application: outwardly operative, but inwardly dead.

    There are a great many people who demonstrate a kind, affectionate heart that results in good deeds. We can’t help but to notice that a great many people volunteer at Habitat for Humanity, get involved in civic clubs for the express purpose of helping the community, contribute to food banks, become involved in Scouting, etc., etc. It is easy to see that such things result in many good works getting accomplished.

    It is unfortunate, however, that those involved in these many good things actually try to use these “good things as entry tickets into the heavenly realm. That which they have done to benefit the community or individual is used as works of righteousness offered to God in order to enter the “pearly gates.”

    A study of James 2, on the other hand, helps one to understand two components in one’s salvation: works and faith. The kind of works that James speaks about is that which corresponds to Ephesians 2:10. The kind of faith in view is more than a mental assent to God’s existence and “don’t do wrong by anybody.” This kind of faith is a dead faith; it is not faith that comes from God (Romans 10:17; 2 Corinthians 5:7), but a faith that has its origin in one’s thinking.

    On the other hand, if one wants to be justified by the works he does (James 2:24), then let us first be justified by our faith (Hebrews 11:6, 1). That kind of faith is an obedient faith (cf. Luke 6:46), and the works to be justified by are the works (commands) of God (1 John 5:3). Those who come to God must believe that He is and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. Do you seek that kind of faith? RT

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:11 am on February 18, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , salvation, , works of the LORD   

    Psalm 111 

    Vs. 1 gives praise to “the LORD;”

    Vs. 2-9 point to His works as evidence;

    Vs.10 gives the conclusion for those who praise Him.

    This Psalm seems to call to mind why Israelites, particularly, should “praise the LORD.” Another reminder of God’s works for them appeals to their gratitude. There is a corresponding reminder for Christians today in these words, also.

    Verse 1: “Praise the LORD” (or Hallelujah) with the “whole heart” (nothing held back), in the “assembly” (small gathering), and “congregation” (larger, more public gathering).

    Verses 2-9: “The works of the LORD” are: (verse 2) “great” (impressive), “studied” (sought out), by those who serve the LORD wanting to know more (Judges 2:7); (verse 3) “honorable and glorious” (His perfection) “righteous” (always the right thing to do); (verse 4) designed “to be remembered” (Ecclesiastes 3:14), even His grace and compassion (bringing Israel out of Egypt, Exodus 6-14, or saving sinners through Jesus’ cross, Hebrews 2:1-4); (verse 5) God provides for those who “fear Him” (having gone through the wilderness, Deuteronomy 8:1-9; or becoming a member of the kingdom of Christ, Matthew 6:25-33; 1 Timothy 6:6-8), always true to His “covenant” (to preserve Abraham’s descendants until Jesus Christ, Exodus 2:24-25; or fulfill His covenant with salvation through Jesus Acts 3:24-26); (verse 6) God gave “His people” their Promised Land taken from “the nations” in Canaan (Joshua 21:43-45; or Christians making disciples “of all the nations,” Matthew 28:18-19); (verse 7) all God does is based upon “verity” (truth) and “judgment” (justice) and are “sure” (never needing to be appealed); (verse 8) God’s plans, purposes, and precepts “stand fast forever” (are above any failure or “shadow of turning,” James 1:17); (verse 9) He has given “redemption” to His people (Israelites, Exodus 15:11-13, Christians, Colossians 1:13-14), hence “His name” is in a category to itself (at the burning bush for Israel’s deliverance, Exodus 3:1-15, for sinners today, Acts 8:12-17).

    Verse 10: Respect for God (“fear of the LORD,” Proverbs 1:7; 14:27; 22:4) is “the beginning of wisdom.” Little wonder, therefore, how unintelligent people become who keep God out of their classrooms, governments, businesses, or homes (Ephesians 4:17-20). Everyone who searches the works of the LORD finds praising God easily done!

    Thought: In the King James Version, Psalm 111:9 used a Latin word “reverend,” the only time that word is used of God. Actually, the word, which is translated “awesome” in the New King James Version is used many other times in the Scriptures, but still mostly only of God and His works. Just as the word “reverend” has been profaned by false teachers in religion, so the word “awesome” has now become commonly used for mundane things. It is a never-ending struggle to keep some word, or words, reserved for God, alone, but wholly worth it! Christians must “sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15).

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • Ron Thomas 12:27 pm on February 17, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , salvation   

    What I must do to be saved 

    Though I have already violated the “summary” approach in this post - I thought I would offer this which I preached anyway. The outline is not exactly how I preached it; in fact, I don’t think it is that close, but it is what I intended and it preached even better.

    Acts 16:31-33

    1. Every now and again there is an appropriateness to review what the Bible says regarding salvation. It is an important question and one that is not to be minimized at all. To begin, we need to start with Abraham (Romans 4:1-8, 16-22). The kind of faith one finds in this reading is a faith that is much more than an acknowledgement of one’s belief in God’s existence.  It is a conviction and a response (Hebrews 11:6, 1). Because of such a response to God, because of such an understanding that God is the very essence of love, man responds (1 John 4:15-19). Man responds by obeying from the heart that teaching (form of doctrine) that delivers us from sin (ROMANS 6:16-18). Of course, this implies that one has a clear understanding of what sin is and how damning it actually is.
    2. It is likely that you (as an individual) try to do that which is right. You have been raised that way, and you understand its value. When you do what is right you believe there is a reward in such an approach to life. What is that reward? That you believe there is is obvious because you are currently doing it – even if you don’t KNOW what the reward is. You hope it is heaven, but you don’t actually know whether it is or not. The idea of judgment in an eternal hell is as disagreeable to you as it is to any thoughtful person. The Lord has made it clear to each who seeks to understand that doing what one thinks is right in life is inadequate (Acts 23:1).
    3. What the Lord teaches is that man’s ability to KNOW and do what is right must have an origin that is higher than himself (Jeremiah 10:23; Romans 3:23 and 6:23). This is the message of the Lord, His apostles, and each generation of preachers that have since followed. It is a message that is consistent, but one that a great many people refuse to hear. Thus, when the Lord spoke as He did in Matthew 7:13-14, He warned man of the seriousness of the matter.
    4. What must I do to be saved? This brings us to an application of LOVE. Love is that which seeks what is best. We often use it in the context of another, but in this context, we want to understand it in relation to ourselves. Do you love yourself? It is not likely that you even considered the question, much less the answer to the question. That it is true, however, is evident because you will seek that which is best for you in life – we all do it! Well, the Lord has told us about the temporary nature of life and He has made known His love toward us in Christ (John 3:16). The Philippians jailor understood death and salvation. When he dropped down in front of Paul and Silas, he understood enough about that which resided in their heart to inquire of them, especially given what had just taken place. You can be sure that Paul and Silas helped the rough-cut man understand love as seen and lived in Christ.
    5. A person who does understand sin, a person who does understand love will ask the same question the jailor asked. He will ask the question because he knows better than anyone that life with all of its joys has much that is painful, and that pain that is brought about demands a greater explanation than what many give. He can’t seem to DO enough to be saved, to give him some adequate answer that is more than current life. To ask the question, then, is to understand what it means to be saved. Paul told the jailor he must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. This response is similar to Abraham’s response; it is more than an acknowledgment, it is a life-changing response. Peter told those who were present on Pentecost they needed to “repent and be baptized.” This life-changing response is now “not my will be done, but thine be done.”
    6. SALVATION is found only in Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). If you would be saved, then you will submit to His authority, His love, and His commands. If you think He will accept you into the eternal realm without submitting to His authority, you are right. His acceptance, however, will be a pointing to His left (Matthew 25:33, 46).
     

    • J. Randal Matheny 5:55 pm on February 17, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Though no summary, it works great for me. Thanks!

    • sacredstruggler 5:42 pm on February 18, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      What of those who understand love and right, but do not know Jesus? Do you think that all morals come from belief in Jesus? That one can only sin if one knows of the Law? Just curious.

    • Ron Thomas 6:22 pm on February 18, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      A person chooses to live by a particular moral code. Thus, in your case, you choose to be moral with regard to “love” and “right.” The foundation of one’s moral code, however, is a different discussion. Morality has its basis in man or not-man. If the former, then all morality is based on the “I think” of the individual man. If not-man, then what is the source? Since man came into being, the source of that being is God.

  • Eugene Adkins 6:43 am on February 7, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , salvation   

    Head Knowledge VS Heart Feelings? 

    To justify their beliefs people try to make the mind and the heart get into a spiritual fight. You begin to talk to them about what the word of God teaches concerning salvation and other issues but when they don’t like what they hear or see, they quickly turn and say, “You are teaching that God’s word is written only in biblical text and can only be known through reading of that text” or something else to that effect. They attempt to say that one’s heart (which can be thoroughly confused) knows better than what one plainly reads with the eyes (which can be rightly divided through study – 2 Timothy 2:15).

    Now I will be first to say that God’s word simply memorized does an individual no good! The devil quoted scripture to Jesus after all. And Jesus quoted previously recorded scripture when He condemned those who were near to God with words on the lip but far away in the heart in Mark 7:6-8. So, God’s word must be planted within our heart just as the parable of the sower teaches in Luke 8. But what people who rely upon the “heart overruling the mind” miss in that parable (and the rest of God’s word) is that it is the word of God that stirs/begins the growth process in the heart. The heart can have good soil, which is essential, but good soil doesn’t produce seed or a crop by itself - it allows the seed to grow to produce the crop. In Mark 7 it was the emotions of the people in their hard hearts that steered them away from keeping God’s word in their heart. If we want to please God we must do so by allowing His word to get our hearts and minds on the same page.

    People who rely solely upon emotions for a right relationship with God are trusting the weight of their soul to an undependable structure. Paul said in Romans 10:1-3, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.” (emphasis mine). The Jewish people had a heart for God, but their heart lacked a proper knowledge of God! Now how were they missing God’s righteousness? They were missing God’s righteousness because they rejected the knowledge of Jesus and His Gospel. In the same letter to the church at Rome, Paul said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:16-17 – emphasis mine). If you, through faith, desire to do God’s righteousness in the heart, it will be because you have been exposed to it through His word (Romans 10:17).

    Topics like this are frustrating because when a person reads about God putting His law into our hearts (Hebrews 8:10) they try to use that as a justification to avoid what the word teaches and that just simply is not true. God desires that we allow His law to grow continually in our hearts, but sadly, what people miss is that before that can happen we must learn what the law says to begin with! That’s why the very next verse (8:11) in Hebrews says, “And there will be no need at all for each one to teach his countryman or each one to teach his brother saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ since they will all know me, from the least to the greatest” meaning that, unlike the previous covenant that people were a part of simply by being born (Hebrews 8:9), God’s law and covenant with the church is entered into when a person is born again into it through the new birth that comes from hearing the gospel, believing the gospel and obeying the gospel (John 3:3-5, Acts 18:8, 1 Corinthians 15:1-2).

    When one rejects the knowledge of God’s word for the “knowledge/emotions” of one’s own heart they are following the same path that God warned His people about in Hosea 4:6 when He said, ”My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you, that you shall be no priest to me: seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.”

    Head knowledge and heart feelings are not meant to be enemies when it comes to God’s word. There is no way to be saved other than by believing the gospel with our heart (Romans 10:9-10), but our heart must be taught what to believe (Romans 10:14-15). Salvation isn’t about a fight between our heart and mind, it’s about stopping our fight against God and submitting to His revealed will so we can reveal His will in us (Romans 12:1-2).

    “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength: this is the first commandment.” (Mark 12:30)       

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:55 am on February 6, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , salvation   

    Psalm 103 

    Vs. 1-5 describe what individual attention God provides;

    Vs. 6-14 describe what national attention God gave Israel;

    Vs. 15-18 describe human frailty, and therefore, need for God;

    Vs. 19-22 show the place and work of angels.

    This Psalm is written in the style of other Psalms written by David; for those under Moses’ Law (verse 7), which “was appointed through angels” (verses 19-21; Acts 7:52-53; Galatians 3:19); and illustrates what God still does for Christians (verse 19). Thus, this Psalm is most popular among Christians. The work of “angels” is described in Psalm 103:21, and used in Hebrews 1:14. “Bless the LORD” occurs some 6 times in this Psalm, but because it is not the 7 times which often speaks of God’s perfection, indicates we cannot perfectly “Bless the LORD.”

    Verses 1-5: “Bless the LORD, O my soul” (verses 1-2) indicates how personal one’s relationship with Jehovah should be: “all that is within me,” “forget not all His benefits.” He is identified as the God Who: “forgives all your iniquities” (verse 3); “heals all your diseases;” “redeems your life” (verse 4); “crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies;” “satisfies your mouth with good” (verse 5); “renewed” “like the eagle” when molting, produces new feathers with which to fly. All of God’s blessings for individuals are designed for renewal of the soul (2 Corinthians 4:16; Ephesians 4:20-24).

    Verses 6-14: Collectively, as a nation, Moses’ Law described what God did for them: “righteousness” and “justice” for their oppression (verse 6); (verse 7) encompasses Exodus-Malachi; “merciful,” “gracious,” “slow to anger,” “abounding in mercy” (verse 8; Joel 2:12-14; Jonah 4:2); however, there is a limit to His patience (verse 9); there is unlimited mercy for the sins of “those who fear Him” (verse 10-11); complete in His forgiveness (verse 12; Hebrews 8:6-13); parental in “pity” (verse 13; Proverbs 3:12); thorough in his understanding “that we are dust” (verse 14; Genesis 3:19; 1 Corinthians 15:47-50).

    Verses 15-18: Regarding human frailty, life is like “grass:” limited in length of days (verse 15), and easily blown away (verse 16). God, however, may always be counted upon for “mercy” (verse 17) “on those who fear Him;” and guide toward righteousness for generations to come those who (verse 18): “keep His covenant,” and “remember His commandments to do them.”

    Verses 19-22: Since the LORD’s “throne” is “in heaven” (verse 19), and His “kingdom rules over all,” then the work of “angels” is to bridge the chasm between God and men. “Angels” compared to humans are: stronger (verse 20); more obedient; “bless the LORD” by complete obedience (verse 21); “bless the LORD” completely (verse 22).

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John Henson 12:34 pm on February 4, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , salvation,   

    Thanks for tuning in readers and welcome to… 

    Thanks for tuning in readers, and welcome to another episode of “What Requires Immediate Attention?”

    Here’s how we play: you will be given two scenarios and will choose the one that requires immediate, correct action. Right choices can lead to eternal bliss, while wrong ones may provide some earthly relief, but promise little eternal happiness.

    Okay. Here we go…

    Our first two scenarios are (choose only one): balance the bank account or obey the gospel? DING! Time’s up! What was your answer? If you chose balancing the old bank balance, you probably will avoid overdrafts, but your action probably won’t save your soul.

    Of course, what requires immediate attention is to obey the gospel. Matthew 6:33 is instructive here. Jesus said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” All the things Jesus mentions are those things we need to live in this world. There’s always plenty of time to balance the bank account, but there may not be all the time in the world to obey the gospel, right? None of us are guaranteed existence in this world tomorrow. Best obey the gospel NOW!

    All right. Hope your answer was the right one! Your soul depended on it!

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:18 am on February 1, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , salvation,   

    Psalm 100 

    Vs. 1-5 make an open invitation for all to approach God.

    This Psalm describes God’s accessibility for all who will hear and obey. Though not directly “Messianic,” that is, pointing specifically to Jesus Christ, this invitation can be fully appreciated today because we have Jesus Christ in the New Testament.

    Verse 1: A “joyful shout” speaks of the happiness in the heart of one who obeys God. When the children of Israel returned to their Promised Land after 70 years of exile, “they kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy; for the LORD made them joyful” (Ezra 6:21-22). Jesus said; “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). Paul wrote: “I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith” (Philippians 1:25). Christians hope to hear, “Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matthew 25:21, 23). In Psalm 100:1, the expression “all you lands” reaches beyond the Israelites who were limited to their land.

    Verse 2: “Serve” with “gladness” shows the satisfaction one has in knowing that God is pleased. One of God’s witnesses to all people is that: “He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17). King Hezekiah and the priests offered their sacrifice and “sang praises with gladness” (2 Chronicles 29:27-30). When people obeyed the Gospel of Christ for the first time by repenting and being baptized “in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,” they “they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart” (Acts 2:38, 46). To “Come before” God “with singing” shows  values in congregational song: God is praised, and the people are taught (Ephesians 5:19-20). Israelites could “come before the LORD on the appointed feast days” (Ezekiel 46:9), thus to “come before the LORD” showed congregational worship.  Job rightly said, “a hypocrite could not come before Him” (Job 13:16).

    Verse 3: “Know” acknowledges certainty of faith: (1) “The LORD, He is God” and no one else can be. At no time can a human claim to be or become “God.” (2) God decides who are, or are not, His people. Humans do not make this decision with their prejudice, membership rolls, or creeds, rather “he who glories, let him glory in the LORD. For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends” (2 Corinthians 10:17-18). (3) God is the Shepherd of the Israelite sheep, a role Jesus Christ claimed for His Christians (John 10:1-5, 11-18; Hebrews 13:20-21).

    Verse 4: “Enter” with “thanksgiving” and “praise” is the word of an open door to all who will come with appreciation for God. Jesus said we must “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city” (Revelation 22:14).

    Verse 5: Because the LORD has provided the way, this offer stands, for God’s “goodness,” “mercy,” and “truth” never changes or passes away. Jesus’ invitation still stands: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:02 am on January 30, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , salvation,   

    Psalm 98 

    Vs. 1-3 point to Whom we should give praise;

    Vs. 4-6 mention how thoroughly we should give praise;

    Vs. 7-9 show how widespread this praise should be shared.

    There is no indication of time, place, or author for this Psalm, although it easily matches some of David’s Psalms of praise to God. For those who desire positive messages, this is THE Psalm! There is no description of enemies, destruction, death, sorrows, punishments, or afflictions. It speaks of salvation, which only completely comes through Jesus Christ. All animal sacrifices before Jesus Christ were reminders that the worshipers were not completely forgiven. “But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins” (Hebrews 10:3-4). “And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified” (Hebrews 10:11-14). Psalm 98 emphasizes a “salvation” so complete and universal that it could only be describing that found in Jesus Christ.

    Verses 1-3: “Sing to the LORD,” (verse 1) says how, “a new song” is what, and is the same song before God’s throne in Heaven about the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Revelation 5:6-10). This Psalm is pointing to the future forgiveness through Jesus’ blood (Hebrews 9:15). God’s “marvelous things” are all He did to deliver Israel from Egypt (Acts 7:35-36), and ultimately through Jesus Christ (Matthew 8:23-27; 9:1-8, 32-33). “From His right hand Came a fiery law for them” (Deuteronomy 33:2), “and His holy arm” redeemed Israel from Assyria so that they might offer animal sacrifices under Moses’ Law (Isaiah 52:9-10). God’s plan of salvation (verse 2), “now has been made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures has been made known to all nations” (Romans 16:25-27). God’s “faithfulness to the house of Israel” (verse 3) was to offer salvation through Jesus to “the ends of the earth.”

    Verses 4-6: Those who understand and accept this wonderful salvation cannot contain it. They will: “Shout joyfully to the LORD” (verse 4), “Break forth in song,” “Sing to the LORD” (verse 5a). Interestingly, the instruments are listed in addition to, and not included in the “singing” (verse 5b-6): “with the harp,” “With trumpets,” and to “Shout joyfully.” As they were introduced into Mosaic worship as “instruments of David” (2 Chronicles 29:26), this Psalm may well have been written in his time.

    Verses 7-9: The universal extent in God’s plan of salvation (verses 7-8) is seen by the use of terms beyond the Jewish “Promised Land:” “the sea” “and all its fullness,” “world and those who dwell in it,” “rivers,” “the hills.”  The universal responsibility to obey is worded in Jesus’ Second Coming: “With righteousness He shall judge the world” (verse 9). This latter thought is found in Acts 17:30-31: “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:30-31). Truly, complete salvation is now offered “to every creature,” for Jesus said, “”He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:17 am on January 28, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , salvation,   

    Psalm 96 

    Vs. 1-3 all the earth should sing praise to God’s glory;

    Vs. 4-6 show that no nation has a god to compare with God;

    Vs. 7-9 show that giving to God comes from His might;

    Vs. 10-13 show God is over all the earth and will judge.

    This Psalm is given by David as recorded in 1 Chronicles 16:7, 23-33. There is no manuscript evidence to the contrary, as some commentators are wont to imagine.

    Psalm 96 appeals to “Gentiles” to worship the God of Creation, which proves beyond all doubt, that God’s eternal plan was never to have the physical Israelites (including Jews!) only, as His people. He has revealed in the New Testament that “the mystery of Christ” (Ephesians 3:4) is “that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel” (Ephesians 3:6). That the Bible is inspired of God shows in passages like this one, which, if left to uninspired Jews, would never have been included and protected as it has been.

    Verses 1-3: The “new song” (verse 1) is to declare God’s glory “among the Gentiles” (“nations”). That people should “sing” (verses 1-2) shows pure worship without artificial instruments; and the message of God’s offer of salvation should be proclaimed daily (verse 2b), His glory and miracles declared (verse 3) among “all the earth,” “the Gentiles,” “all peoples.” Truly, He is not just a “Jewish” God!

    Verses 4-6: What other “god” is: “great,” “greatly to be praised,” “feared above all gods” (verse 4). Other nations’ “gods” are “idols” contrasted with “the LORD” who created “the heavens” (verse 5). The terms for the LORD describe His true greatness: “Honor,” “majesty,” “Strength,” and “beauty” are “in His sanctuary” (verse 6). His sanctuary under Moses, was on the ark of the covenant and under the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8), but in the New Testament, Jesus Christ is “a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man” (Hebrews 8:2). “Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation” (Hebrews 9:11).

    Verses 7-9: The living God requires giving as a part of “worship,” for “the LORD” should be given “glory and strength” to “His name” (verses 7-8a). “Bring an offering” (verse 8b) uses a term for bloodless sacrifices that surely showed God’s plan would later, through Jesus Christ, include Gentiles (and Jews!) as “living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). God is to be worshipped by Gentiles in “the beauty of holiness” (verse 9), that is, clothed by clean living: “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).

    Verses 10-13: That Gentiles should worship God shows He is universal and that He “reigns” and “shall judge” everyone “righteously” (verse 10). His Creation (and all who live upon it) gladly point to His righteousness (verses 10-12), for “the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:17). “He is coming to judge the earth” (verse 13) is a warning to Gentiles (and Jews!), and “He shall judge the world with righteousness” is applied to Jesus Christ (Acts 17:30-31; Psalm 9:8).

    Thought: Since God will judge the world by Jesus Christ, then there is nothing in the plan of God that will excuse the workers of iniquity without obedience to Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:21-23). God’s world declares a Creator (Romans 1:20), God’s Word declares which god is God (1 Corinthians 1:21), God’s Christ declares how we should live (2 Peter 1:2-11), and the invitation is for “every creature” (Mark 16:15-16).

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:27 am on January 25, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , , salvation   

    Psalm 95 

    Vs. 1-7a describe the God Whom we should serve;

    Vs. 7b-11 emphasize that He means business!

    When Psalm 95:7-11 is quoted in Hebrews 3:7-11, the author is “the Holy Spirit” who wrote through David (Hebrews 4:7-8). The Holy Spirit inspired the writing of all Scripture (1 Peter 1:10-12; 2 Timothy 3:16-17) by revealing the message (Galatians 1:11-12), controlling the words to be used (Acts 2:1-4), then guiding the pen on the page (Luke 24:44-49; Revelation 1:3). Hence, whether it was a Prophet, Apostle, or Christians copying Apostolic letters (Colossians 4:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:27), it came from “the Holy Spirit.” He completed His work, for we are “to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). Psalm 95 teaches “The Lesson of the 40-year Israelite Wilderness Wandering” (noted in the Book of Numbers). This is a must-read for the churches of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:1-12; Hebrews 3:1-19).

    Verses 1-7a: This is a call to worship God, because worshipping God helps to drive away unbelief. This is why the Devil discourages attending worship services with statements like: “This is boring;” “You’re just as much a Christian as church-goers;” “You don’t believe in ‘corporate religion;” “Only hypocrites attend church;” “Worshipping God is a waste of time when you have more important things to do,” ad nauseum. If you have accepted any of these for yourself, you better read on!

    The call is for “us” to “come before His presence,” not the other way around! We come to Him to: “sing,” “shout joyfully” (verse 1), offer “thanksgiving,” “shout joyfully to Him with psalms” (verse 2). In the churches of Christ, Psalms are to be sung, not played (Ephesians 5:19; James 5:13). The Bible God is “the great God,” “the great King,” “above all gods” (verse 3). There is no other (Deuteronomy 4:39; 1 Corinthians 8:4). He, alone, owns the Earth by right of Creation (verse 4-5; Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 40:18-26; Colossians 1:12-20).  “Worship and bow down,” “kneel” are physical postures that signify humility of heart (verse 6), for “God” is over us, who are like “sheep” in “His pasture” (verse 7a; Psalm 23:1-3; 100:3).

    Verses 7b-11: The Israelites have always been “a rebellious people” (Deuteronomy 32:19-39; Psalm 78:8; Isaiah 40:9-17). God lead them out of Egyptian bondage but they complained about food (Exodus 16:1-36), they complained about water (Exodus 17:1-7), while He was giving them His Law they worshipped idols (Exodus 32:1-14), then they refused to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 13:1-14:38)! When Jesus was tempted of the Devil, He quoted Deuteronomy 6:16, which placed hard-hearted Israelites on the same side as the Devil: “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God’” (Matthew 4:7). “Today” (Psalm 95:7b) is the time to “hear His voice” (Hebrews 3:12-15) before our heart is hardened (verse 8) like those Israelites (verse 9), who grieved God 40 years with willful ignorance of His “ways” (verse 10), prompting Him to swear “in His wrath” (verse 11; Hebrews 3:10-11) they would not enter the Land they had refused (Numbers 14:26-35). God has said who will be saved in Heaven, all others will be lost (Matthew 7:21-27; Mark 16:15-16; Romans 1:16-32; 1 Corinthians 5:9-13; 6:9-11; Galatians 5:19-21).

    Thought: Those who refuse to learn from the lessons of history, are doomed to repeat them. That physical destruction in the Wilderness is a lesson which can keep souls from the Hell of eternity. Did they die in vain?

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • James M. 5:27 pm on January 22, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: eternal destiny, , , salvation   

    What reasons for urgency in becoming a Christian? 

    Besides the return of Christ and the possibility of death, both of which will seal our eternal destiny before the judgment of God, what reasons would you give someone to obey the Lord as soon as possible?

    I thought of a couple close to home: one, our parents (and other relatives, uncles and aunts, etc.) are getting older, and if we want to reach them before they’re gone, we must obey ourselves; and, two, our children are growing up, so it’s urgent we obey and teach them the Way as well.

    I’m anxious to hear from you on this question.

     

    • Ron Thomas 5:38 pm on January 22, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      I always bring up the fragile nature of life and how quickly it goes. Does it work? Mostly not, but since it works with me, I share it with others.

      • J. Randal Matheny 5:42 pm on January 22, 2013 Permalink | Reply

        Hey, Ron, yup, that’s what I tried to say when I wrote about the possibility of death. Satan has a great lie that there’s always tomorrow. Thanks!

    • Eugene Adkins 7:01 pm on January 22, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Great question. One reason for responding quickly that I have witnessed so much in my short Christian life is the hearer’s likelihood of apathy/numbness to God’s Spirit working on their heart through His word. I can think of several people right off hand who’s delay for a day has turned into a delay of years.

      The idea can be plainly seen in the song, “O Why Not Tonight” (by Elizabeth Reed and J. Calvin Bushey). The first stanza soberly proclaims, “O do not let the word depart, And close thine eyes against the light; Poor sinner, harden not thy heart: Be saved, O tonight.” The 2nd stanza addresses the point you and Ron discussed.

      Of course the best evidence for such dangers are seen in scriptures like Luke 8:12. Also Hebrews 3 says a great deal about not hardening our hearts, although the direct context deals with current believers the principle can easily be applied to non-believers who put off/delay doing the will of God with our hearts.

      I know the scriptures warn believers about quenching the Spirit, but surely one can see the danger of non-believers resisting the Spirit…think of the people Jesus dealt with during His ministry and how they resisted His word to their own peril.

      Hope this helps.

      • J. Randal Matheny 4:57 am on January 23, 2013 Permalink | Reply

        Eugene, that’s a good reason I didn’t come up with, that Satan will be working in the heart to keep the person from responding to the gospel. Some good texts there you shared on that. Thanks.

  • John T. Polk II 4:08 am on January 21, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , , salvation, , ,   

    Psalm 91 

    Vs. 1-2 specify exactly Who it is that gives a believer security;

    Vs. 3-8 describe what kind of security can be expected;

    Vs. 9-16 designate what is expected of the believer.

    There is no definite author or history to explain this Psalm, but there is also no reason to question its place in this Book. It may well have been written by Moses, as was the previous Psalm. Let us emphasize, rather, the terms for God: (1) “Most High” (Hebrew El Elyon), because there is none equal to Him (Isaiah 45:20-23; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6), therefore “the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands” (Acts 7:48; 17:24-25). The virgin Mary was told her son “will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David” (Luke 1:32). (2) “Almighty” (Hebrew, El Shaddai), because He is the source of all blessings, therefore He could deliver on His promise to Abram (Genesis 12:1-3; 17:1-6). To the church of Christ in Corinth, God promised, “I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty”(2 Corinthians 6:18), who “has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). (3) “LORD” (Hebrew Jehovah), the name God revealed to Moses that neither Abraham, Isaac, nor Jacob knew (Exodus 6:2-8). This name is associated with the covenant God made with Israelites only, that brought us to Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:13-29)!   (4) “God” (Hebrew Elohim), means “Strength, Power,” and “In the beginning” would be the only “power” present who could create and organize “the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 33:6-9). There is only one God of Heaven and Earth.

    Verses 1-2: The four figures of speech denote security for someone who keeps close to God: “secret place;” “shadow;” “refuge” and “fortress;” “trust.”

    Verses 3-8: Rather than speculate as to specific distresses, these figures of speech, some applied to Satan, should help God’s obedient people visualize His protection by staying close: (verse 3) “snare of the fowler” (2 Timothy 2:26); “perilous pestilence” (2 Timothy 3:1); (verse 4) wing cover and feathers (Matthew 23:37); “shield and buckler” (Ephesians 6:16). Things God’s people should fear not: (verse 5) “terror” by night (John 12:35); arrow by day (Ephesians 6:16); (verse 6) “pestilence” in darkness (John 3:19-20); “destruction” at noon (Matthew 27:45-46); (verse 7) thousands dying on each side; (verse 8) “the reward of the wicked” will not mistakenly come upon the righteous.

    Verses 9-16: As a consequence of living closely with “the LORD” (verse 9), the obedient can expect: protection from “evil” or “plague” (verse 10); angelic help (verses 11-12); (verse 13) to walk over the “lion,” “cobra,” “young lion,” “serpent” (representations of the Devil, 1 Peter 5:8; Matthew 12:34; Ezekiel 19:1-9; Revelation 12:9). This is to be done for one who has: (verse 14) “set his love upon Me,” “known My name,” (verse 15) desire to “call upon Me.” “Long life,” and “salvation” will go to the faithful (verse 16).

    The Devil tempted Jesus Christ to sin by misquoting Psalm 91:11-12 (Matthew 4:5-7; Luke 4:9-12). The Devil omitted the phrase “to keep you in all your ways,” leaving the impression that God had promised to save any obedient person from being injured altogether. God’s protection promise was not that, but that “angels” were “charged” with encouraging after temptation, as in the case of Jesus, Himself (Matthew 4:11; Mark 1:13). The Devil’s “guardian angel” doctrine was designed to give a false sense of security, thus minimizing the strengthening of one’s faith by perseverance. “You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord–that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful” (James 5:11).

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:39 am on January 7, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , salvation,   

    Psalm 81 

    Vs. 1-5 give a call for rejoicing;

    Vs. 6-16 give a reminder of why rejoice.

    There isn’t much to indicate either the time, place, or event in which this Psalm was written, but it seems typical of many Psalms, in that God is to be praised for His past help of the Israelites. God did not have to repeat His miracles in delivering His people from Egyptian slavery, for their faith had to be in His inspired, written account of those events (Exodus 9-17).

    Verses 1-5: God is to be praised by those who: (verse 1) “sing aloud,” “make a joyful shout,” (verse 2) “raise a song.” Music before God, clearly, should be vocal and come from the heart (Ephesians 5:19). Mention of the addition of instruments of music to accompany such singing (“timbrel,” “harp,” “lute”) show they are that, additions. That they were not authorized by God is noticed by: (1) nothing is ever said by Moses that God authorized them (Exodus-Deuteronomy); (2) they are labeled, “the instruments of David” (2 Chronicles 29:25-26) because David “made” them (1 Chronicles 23:5); (3) they were condemned in Amos 6:5. Instrumental accompaniment of the singing praise for God has never been authorized by God for His pleasure! God is: “God our strength,” (verse 1) and “God of Jacob,” who delivered up Jesus for us to be saved (Acts 3:13). In verse 3, the trumpet blast signified that God had something to say (Numbers 29:1-6; Exodus 19:16-20; Leviticus 25:9), as a “statute” and a “law” (verse 4) for “Israel,” “Jacob,” “Joseph,” all terms used to represent God’s covenant people under Moses’ Law (Deuteronomy 5:1-3; Exodus 19:3-6; Genesis 50:24-25). Israelites were delivered from Egypt as a “mixed multitude” speaking “a language I did not understand” (verse 5), simply meaning their sinful attitudes were like a foreign language to God, as Jesus will one day say (Matthew 7:21-23).

    Verses 6-16: God gives Scriptural reminders: verse 6 that God delivered them while they were being used for slave labor (Exodus 1:8-14); verse 7 that God heard their pleas (Exodus 2:23), lead them out of Egypt with pillars of cloud or fire over the most holy place (Exodus 13:21), tested them with Meribah waters (Exodus 17:1-7). In verse 8 the people were admonished to “hear” and “listen,” or notice “how” to listen (Luke 8:18). In verses 9-10, God starts over with the basic of how to recover their place with God: no other gods (Exodus 20:3-5); for only one God could and did lead them out of Egypt. They had been punished (verses 11-12) by God backing away and leaving them to their own devices: “not heed,” “their own stubborn heart,” “to walk in their own counsels.” They quit listening to God, so He left them alone to their own laws and practices (Acts 7:42), which God even does today (Romans 1:28-32). If, and whenever, God’s people, then or now, turn, listen to God, and walk in His ways (verse 13), then: (verse 14) He would protect them from their enemies; (verse 15) He would forever deal with “haters of the LORD;” (verse 16) fed them with wheat and honey. The fact that these blessings don’t happen should cause God’s people to examine themselves as to why not!

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:01 am on January 4, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , salvation,   

    Psalm 80 

    Vs. 1-7 laments over the broken condition of God’s People;

    Vs. 8-16 illustrate the problem with a metaphor of a vine;

    Vs.17-19 finish with another appeal for God to change their plight.

    There is little information to place this within a particular historical event, although it appears to fit into the Babylonian conquest of the Southern Kingdom of Judah (2 Chronicles 36:11-21). Just as in Psalm 79, God permitted them to be severely punished because “they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against His people, till there was no remedy” (2 Chronicles 36:16). This had been, not occasional sin, but an abandonment of God’s Law!

    Verses 1-7: This Psalm concerns those in verse 1 who are represented by Joseph, who had saved his brothers, and father, Israel (Genesis 47:11-17), therefore his name stood for all of the Israelites. God’s presence was represented over the Ark of the Covenant between angels’ wings (Exodus 25:10-22). Jacob’s (name changed to Israel, Genesis 17:5) beloved wife, Rachel bore the sons, Joseph and Benjamin (Genesis 35:24). Joseph is represented in the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, in the Northern Kingdom, but Joseph’s brother, Benjamin’s tribe in the Southern Kingdom. Joseph’s tribes and his brother’s tribe stood for all of God’s People in these happenings (verse 2). Only God can change His disfavor (verse 3), or change His anger (verse 4), stop His People’s tears (verse 5), or reverse the ridicule from outsiders (verse 6). It is left up to God to deal differently with them (verse 7). What is missing from this appeal is the humility and repentance of His People! Their anguished cry asks the question “How long will You be angry?” (verse 4)

    Verses 8-16: The Nation of Israel is the “vine” God brought out of Egypt (verse 8); planted, grown, and expanded it in the Promised Land from the Mediterranean Sea to the Euphrates River (verses 9-11); but now had been destroyed by enemies, described as a “boar” and “a wild beast” (verses 12-13). God is asked to reconsider this “vine,” “vineyard,” and “branch” (verses 14-15), for it presently had been “burned with fire” and “cut down” (verse 16).

    Verses 17-19: God is reminded (verse 17) that to recover Israel would continue the promise to Abraham, “the man of Your right hand,” which the New Testament reveals was Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:13-18). Following Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, “after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God” (Mark 16:19). If God restores the Nation of Israel, they promise never to abandon God again (verse 18). Only God can save His People (verse 19). He did, and they were!

    Every prophecy in the Old Testament to restore God’s People to the Promised Land was fulfilled in the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah. There is no Old Testament prophecy that places physical Israel in a physical land after the earthly life of Jesus Christ. Jesus taught that “true worship” of God would no longer be “in Jerusalem” (John 4:21-24); that His sacrifice was to be remembered in the Lord’s Supper “in the kingdom of God” (Mark 14:22-25); and it would take a “new birth” to be in His kingdom (John 3:3-7). No one can prove from the Bible of God’s promises where the physical Israelites (1) are God’s People today; (2) are promised a land on earth; (3) should ever keep Moses’ Law after Jesus’ cross.

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

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