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Spiritual Blessings

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ (Eph 1:1-3 NAS95). Every spiritual blessing belongs to us, specifically those who have been saved by the blood of Christ and who are faithful in the Lord Jesus Christ. The most important thing to realize is that our blessings are in Christ. Temporal blessings we may or may not have, but our spiritual blessings are always because of our relationship with Christ. Paul blesses the Father for blessing us in Christ. This should be our attitude. Let thankfulness pour from your lips. Our victory is won in Christ. We must indeed suffer through the trial of this earthly life, but there is laid up in heaven an inheritance that will not fade away (1Pe 1:3-5 NAS95)...

FAITH PROCLAIMED

FAITH PROCLAIMED First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world (Rom 1:8 NAS95) . I wonder if Paul, seeing our situation, would be able to thank God because our faith is being proclaimed throughout the world? There are two ways one might interpret Paul’s comment. One could understand that the Romans’ faithfulness was spreading far and wide. The other could be that the Romans’ Gospel message was being proclaimed far and wide. My guess is both are true. Are you not thankful that the grace of God is still active and bearing fruit? Don't you wish others could express their gratitude for your faith? Let us pray that God would pour out a blessing on our churches; that He would turn our hearts heavenward. Let us seek the Kingdom of God first. Many things are competing for our attention. Work, school, church, and family, to name a few. Sometimes we are just busy with life. You fill in the blanks. Contemplati...

God’s Love Declared

God’s Love Declared Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name's sake, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 1:1-7 NAS95). Paul was set apart to preach the Gospel of God to the Gentiles. While his specific ministry focused on Gentiles, his letter to the Romans is beneficial to all who would seek to know God, Jew or Gentile. The Gospel to which Paul refers is not some new thin...

Sow Bountifully

Sow Bountifully Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; as it is written, "HE SCATTERED ABROAD, HE GAVE TO THE POOR, HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER." Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedi...

A Throne of Grace

A Throne of Grace Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Heb 4:14-16 KJV). Do you believe that your old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth you should not serve sin? (Rom 6:6 KJV). Do you profess that you are dead to the law, that you might live unto God? (Gal 2:19 KJV). Do you reckon yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord? (Rom 6:11 KJV). If you do, then hold fast to what you believe. The Bible tells us, As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him (Col 2:6 KJV). How did you receive Him? If y...

Expect Difficulties Sharing the Gospel

Expect Difficulties Sharing the Gospel Do not think it a strange thing if your Gospel message is met with contempt. As the Scriptures say: A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise (Pro 15:12 KJV). A scorner will not listen as he refuses to consider his own faults. Instead of listening, he will often seek to punish the reprover. As it is written: He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot (Pro 9:7 KJV). So why do it? Well, there are at least two reasons. First, so that he doesn’t imagine he is right because he has not been challenged. Second, so that those hearing will not be deceived. The Scriptures say we are to answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit (Pro 26:5 KJV). Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him (Pro 26:12 KJV). Therefore, the only hope he has is the Gospel--that which he sco...

What Does it Mean to Abide in Christ?

What Does it Mean to Abide in Christ? Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me (Joh 15:4 KJV). Jesus used a simple comparison to illustrate how a believer may be fruitful: just as a fruit grows by the nourishment supplied through the vine, so a believer grows through the nourishment of Christ. If you break a branch off from the main vine, the fruit will soon wither. This is also true for a believer who disconnects from the means of grace available to them. Two really important means of grace should not be ignored: the study of God’s Word and prayer. Imagine your heart and mind as a warehouse in which you store God’s Word. If the warehouse is full, then the Holy Spirit has ample supply to feed your soul for every situation. However, if the warehouse is empty, you will find yourself ill-prepared to ward off the darts of the enemy. Temptations may not be recognized, dryness will set in, ...

Seeking the Lost

Seeking the Lost Do you long to see souls saved? Surely, this is the desire of every Christian. However, many Christians squash this desire and rarely witness. Is this not a weakness we should strive to overcome? Read what Jesus said to the disciples. And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels (Mar 8:34-38 KJV). Did you catch the part about losing your life? Whosoever sha...

The Deceitfulness of Sin

The Deceitfulness of Sin Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin (Heb 3:12-13 KJV). Do you ever find yourself making excuses or minimizing your sin? Do you sometimes compare your sins against the sins of others, saying, “I am not as bad as that person.” If you do, you need to understand sin more clearly. Sin appears fair, but is vile; it appears pleasant, but is destructive; it promises much, but performs nothing. The deceitfulness of sin hardens the soul; one sin allowed makes way for another, and every act of sin confirms the habit (Matthew Henry). As believers, we should make no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lust (Rom 13:14). The priority in this battle is filling your heart with God’s Word (Ps 119:11). Keep a short accounting of sin. Make it a daily practice to confess your sins. Do...

Commit Your Spirit to God

Commit Your Spirit to God Has your life taken a turn for the worse? Do you sometimes feel trapped by your circumstances? Are your foes more clever and sinister than you ever thought possible? David felt that pressure when he penned this Psalm. In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; Let me never be ashamed; In Your righteousness deliver me. Incline Your ear to me, rescue me quickly; Be to me a rock of strength, A stronghold to save me. For You are my rock and my fortress; For Your name's sake, You will lead me and guide me. You will pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, for You are my strength. Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have ransomed me, O LORD, God of truth (Psa 31:1-5 NAS95). David declares that he is taking refuge in God. David’s plea for help likely made him vulnerable to mockery from his oppressors should God not deliver him. Therefore, he asked that he may never be ashamed. He appeals to God’s righteousness, knowing God is just. He als...

His Kingdom Come

His Kingdom Come James reminds us that we are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away (James 4:14b). While this image helps express the brevity of our time on earth, it can hardly capture the fleeting nature of life in relation to eternity. However, God's kingdom will last forever. The Book of Daniel records for us: I kept looking in the night visions, And behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man was coming, And He came up to the Ancient of Days And was presented before Him. And to Him was given dominion, Glory and a kingdom, That all the peoples, nations and men of every language Might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion Which will not pass away; And His kingdom is one Which will not be destroyed (Daniel 7:13-14). Wow, we are part of an eternal kingdom that is now and will soon be fully realized. Eternity is a concept that goes beyond human comprehension—it is like infinity. When I was a boy, I remember discussing space ...

VENGEANCE IS MINE

VENGEANCE IS MINE It seemed good to Darius to appoint 120 satraps over the kingdom, that they would be in charge of the whole kingdom, and over them three commissioners (of whom Daniel was one), that these satraps might be accountable to them, and that the king might not suffer loss. Then this Daniel began distinguishing himself among the commissioners and satraps because he possessed an extraordinary spirit, and the king planned to appoint him over the entire kingdom. Then the commissioners and satraps began trying to find a ground of accusation against Daniel in regard to government affairs; but they could find no ground of accusation or evidence of corruption, inasmuch as he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption was to be found in him (Daniel 6:1-4). The devil and his demons hate seeing God’s servants advance. When they do, they are reminded of their defeated position. Is it not curious that, knowing they are defeated, they still seek to wreak havoc on believers? So, ...

Avoid Pride

Avoid Pride A man's pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor (Proverbs 29:23). There is a clear picture of this in King Nebuchadnezzar's life. Twelve months later [After Daniel had interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s dream], he [Nebuchadnezzar] was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon. The king reflected and said, “Is this not Babylon the great, which I myself have built as a royal residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?” While the word was in the king's mouth, a voice came from heaven, saying, 'King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is declared: sovereignty has been removed from you, and you will be driven away from mankind, and your dwelling place will be with the beasts of the field. You will be given grass to eat like cattle, and seven periods of time will pass over you until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes.' Immediately, the word concern...

Daniel and the King's Dream

Daniel and the King's Dream King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream, and he wanted his wise men to interpret the dream for him. Of course, this was an impossible task for the king’s wise men. So, the wise men plead their case, arguing that no one could do what the king wanted because the king wanted the wise men not only to interpret the dream, but also to do so without the king telling them what he had dreamed. When the wise men told the king no one could do what he asked, the king became furious. Then the king ordered all the wise men to be destroyed. However, when they came for Daniel, Daniel asked why they were to be destroyed. Armed with this new information, Daniel requests time to interpret the dream. Then Daniel went to his house and informed his friends, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, about the matter, so that they might request compassion from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his friends would not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon....

Make Up Your Mind

Make Up Your Mind But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king's choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself (Daniel 1:8). Although Daniel was in a hostile environment, he made up his mind not to defile himself. It would have been easy to rationalize partaking of the king's food and wine. After all, he was taken captive and placed under guard. He had no way to overcome his situation except by appeal. So, that is what he did. Now God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the commander of the officials (Daniel 1:9). What an example of trusting God and seeing Him work. We live in a hostile environment, too. Jesus said, If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the wor...

Faith in Prayer

Faith in Prayer Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Heb 11:1). We say that we have faith, yet we pray all the while wringing our hands. The passage says, faith is the assurance of things hoped for. If you are assured or convinced, why fret over those things you place in God’s hand? The Scriptures command us to “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Php 4:6-7). The verb in this passage is in the present imperative form, meaning we are continually instructed not to be anxious but to pray. Furthermore, the verb represented by the phrase “be made known” is also a present imperative. Meaning you are commanded to keep making your request known to God. This is where we often fail. Instead of continually asking God for help, we ask, the...

Blessings Abound

Blessings Abound Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love (Ephesians 1:3-4 NAS95). When my flesh seems to be winning the battle for my heart, I can identify with Paul, who said, “The Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin” (Romans 7:14b NAS95). It is during these dark struggles that I find comfort in the passage above. Have you realized, dear Christian, that you have spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ? You have not some spiritual blessings, but every spiritual blessing. These blessings are not predicated upon your performance. They are yours because of your position in Christ. You ask, " When did you get these blessings?” You were blessed before the foundation of the world. Don’t think this gives you a license to sin. Are we...

Can You See His Glory?

Can You See His Glory? And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14 NAS95). Nicodemus was told, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3b). That is, you must have your spiritual blinders removed by regeneration. This is true because the Gospel is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God (2 Corinthians 4:3b-4). Is this not what John is referring to when he says “full of grace and truth”? John was indeed present at the Mount of Transfiguration. However, the glory John speaks of is more than the brilliance seen on that glorious occasion. It is the grace and truth of the Father manifested in Christ. This seems to bear true as Isaiah testifies, For He...