Three suggestions for the New Year. OK, 4

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. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14 (emphasis added)

We began Tuesday considering how these verses provide a “nudge” regarding plans for a new year. I gave suggestions for planning for the New Year in three areas: spiritual, physical, and relational. I thought of a fourth—so here is a Bonus Suggestion. Ecclesiastical. That is a technical term for church related. I know that church is spiritual, but the first suggestion was spiritual on a personal level. This fourth suggestion is spiritual on a congregational level. More specifically, how you can get the most from your church?

1. Go to church every Sunday (unless you are sick or out of town). Simple, but some of us seem to have trouble doing this absolute, most basic church activity. And may I add these details: Come on time. Sit where you will be most engaged and least distracted. Participate by singing and praying (rather than just listening to others sing and pray).

2. Participate in prayer meetings. If you attend GBC, come to the monthly lunch prayer meeting (fourth Sunday right after church)—it is only once each month! Come to the preservice prayer meeting (9:45-10:15)—at least one Sunday per month.

3. If you are not a member, become a member. It is not enough to “date the church!” Make a commitment. What is required of GBC members in our church? Attend a minimum of 3/4 of the Sundays, serve in some way, and support the church by worshiping through giving (we never ask how much anyone gives!). To learn more about membership, ask me and let’s make this a reality in 2023.

4. Home Fellowships are a backbone of our church. Are you in one? Do you attend?—It is only one Sunday afternoon each month.

5. I believe Sunday mornings are basic—but not enough. Let me encourage you to attend Thursday evening worship service. No one is ever sorry they came.

6. And lastly, if you want to grow deeper, get into a Discipleship group. Not sure what that is? Ask. I’d love to answer your questions.

Maybe you can’t do everything, but you can do some things. Pray about it for your spiritual health and for the health of our church.

Three suggestions for the New Year, #3

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. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14 (emphasis added)

We began Tuesday considering how these verses provide a “nudge” regarding plans for a new year. Though there is nothing spiritual about New Year’s Day, each new year affords us an opportunity to do some things of spiritual value. We considered doing something of spiritual value, and something of physical value. Today let’s think of somethings of relational value.

God created us to be social creatures as evidenced by His words in Genesis 2:18: "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him."

The first God-ordained relationship was between husband and wife. No matter how this sinful world insists on redefining this, God’s one and only design for this relationship is marriage between one man and one woman, who become one flesh, for life. I will not suggest specifics, but I would challenge you who are married to read Ephesians 5:21-33. You might even want to read it aloud together and ask the Lord how He might want you to renew your commitments to holy matrimony this year.

The second most important relationship springs from the first. I speak of the relationship between parents and children. Reread the following verses and ask the Lord how you are doing with your parents and with your children. Are there things the Lord would have you do to be faithful to His Word with regard to these relationships?

Exodus 20:12 "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

Ephesians 6:1-4 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 "Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 "that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land." 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Lastly, we read about the Lord’s plan for relationships beyond family.

Mark 12:31 The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."

Neighbors include both friends and enemies. Among other things the Lord might want you to do, begin by asking yourself if there is animosity, unforgiveness, or bitterness with anyone (whether you are to blame or not), and if you can do anything to make this verse a reality:

Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

There are some relational matters that we might all need to give prayerful thought to in the coming New Year.

Three suggestions for the New Year, #2

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. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14 (emphasis added)

We began yesterday considering how these verses provide a “nudge” regarding plans for a new year. Though there is nothing spiritual about New Year’s Day, but each new year affords us an opportunity to do some things of spiritual value. Here are three. Yesterday was about doing something of spiritual value. Today let’s think of something of physical value.

It is common for many of us to reassess the stewardship of our physical health. Let me share a punch list of physical/health matters to consider.

Have you needed to see a doctor about anything but have been putting it off? Why not commit to making appointments whether there is something wrong in particular, or even if it is a routine check up that you’ve been stalling. Prevention that catches small matters before they become big matters is wisdom.

Then of course, there’s diet and exercise, especially if the holidays and brought with them a relaxed attitude regarding these things. I am not advocating making crazy commitments that we are liable to break inside of two weeks. Just make some reasonable commitments to eat more wisely and to do at least some exercise for a reasonable amount of time at least three days each week. More might be better, but what can be sustained is way better than what will be quickly scuttled! And if you know anyone who might be an accountability partner in the diet and exercise department, enlist help.

Paul counseled his young protégé, Timothy, to eat and drink wisely for his health:

No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities. 1 Timothy 5:23

and that there is value in bodily exercise:

For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 1 Timothy 4:8

Maybe the New Year is a good time to take Paul’s advice.

Next time: relational new beginnings.

Three suggestions for the New Year, #1

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. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14 (emphasis added)

These verses are a great “nudge” when as we conclude a year and enter another. There may not be anything spiritual about New Year’s Day, but the coming of a new year affords us a great opportunity to do somethings of spiritual value. Here are three—one spiritual, one physical, and one relational.

So, something spiritual in the coming new year. I can think of few things as spiritually impacting as following a Bible reading plan. Which of us would dare argue that reading the Bible is “unimportant”?!

That said, follow a plan because “if you aim at nothing you will hit it every time!” There are many plans. Let me suggest some options.

The “Four Year Plan.” This is a simple, not very demanding plan that will take you through the whole Bible in four years—at a less than strenuous pace. You’ll read some portions only once, while reading other portions numerous times. I love this plan! Read about it by Clicking Here.

Many other options. Ligonier Ministries has a page on their website with numerous suggestions. Unless one just doesn’t want to follow a reading plan, I’m confident that at least one of these plans will be doable for you. Click Here for more.

Devotional readings are never a replacement for reading the Bible itself. That said, devotional readings in addition to Bible reading can provide a great supplement. May I suggest reading this blog? It comes out nearly daily on the weekdays. These blog post are short enough that they take little time to read. With exceptions, the blog is almost always a verse by verse meditation through books of the Bible (currently in Acts). You can subscribe on the GBC Homepage.

One additional thought: If for any reason you get behind in whatever reading plan you choose to follow, do not quit! Either do what you can to catch up, or just skip ahead to where you would be had you not fallen behind! Do not allow reading God’s Word to become a guilt-inducing burden or a source of discouragement that causes you to give up!

Next time, a few thoughts on physical plans for the New Year.

Christmas Questions 2022, Pt. 3

One day last week Al Mohler answered some listeners’ questions about Christmas. That inspired me to do the same in these last three weekdays leading up to Christmas, this coming Sunday. I’ll include some of Dr. Mohler’s answers, as well as offer some of my own thoughts.

Question Number Four: Seeing that Christmas Day is on Sunday this year, should churches hold worship services on Christmas Day, or cancel them so people can celebrate Christmas with family?

The first place to begin to answer this question is to draw our attention to Jesus’ words in Matthew 15:6 & Mark 7:13:

Matthew 15:6 …Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition.

Mark 7:13 [You are] making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.

Celebrating Christmas is nowhere to be found in the Bible. I do not think it is wrong, but it is a tradition, though not biblical. In contrast, Christians gathering at least weekly, on the “Lord’s Day” (recognized by many believers as the Christian Sabbath) is biblical. I will not take the time here to argue that the Lord’s Day is a Christian Sabbath, except to say that I believe strongly that it is. As for believers gathering for corporate worship each Lord’s day, 1 Corinthians 16:1, refers to this practice as “a given” as well as a command.

Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of the week [the Lord’s Day] let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 (emphasis added)

So how on earth can we justify not gathering for corporate worship on the Lord’s Day (which is biblical) so that we can remain faithful to Christmas (which is only traditional)? My answer is obvious: We cannot.

We do not want to be self-righteous and “judgy” about Christians and churches who make this error. But let us humbly gather for corporate worship whenever Christmas falls on a Sunday—not because it is Christmas, but because it is the Lord’s Day.

Christmas Questions 2022, Pt. 2

One day last week Al Mohler answered some listeners’ questions about Christmas. That inspired me to do the same in these last three weekdays leading up to Christmas, this coming Sunday. I’ll include some of Dr. Mohler’s answers, as well as offer some of my own thoughts.

Question Number Three: How was Jesus conceived?

The first and easiest answer is we do not know, nor do we need to know the details. What the scripture says is all God intends for us to know, or else He would have said more. So what is said in Scripture? Two things.

Mary was told by the angel Gabriel in Luke 1:35 "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.” Note the phrases, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you,” and “the power of the Highest will overshadow you.” These tell us that Jesus was conceived by a miraculous work of the Holy Spirit of God. Yet they do not tell us how the Holy Spirit did this supernatural work. That is all the Lord revealed to Mary and it is enough for us to know as well.

Joseph was told in a dream by the angel in Matthew 1:20, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.” Again note the phrase, “that which is conceived in her [Mary] is of the Holy Spirit.” And again, if this was all Joseph needed to know, we need not know more.

That said, we know that contrary to the false teachings of some, there was no physical union between the Holy Spirit and Mary. Not only is the Holy Spirit a spirit, having no physical body, the very notion of such a physical union between God and Mary is nothing short of perverse.

I prefer to think that in a similar way, in which God created the universe by saying it was to be so (Genesis 1:3-ff), God said the Son was to be conceived in Mary and it was so. And note also in Genesis 1:2 that the initial chaos of creation was ordered as the Holy Spirit “hovered over the waters,” giving order. Similarly, the Holy Spirit “came upon” or “hovered over” Mary, and the eternal Son of God was conceived as a real human being inside the young virgin’s womb.

How God did this remains a mystery. And that is by God’s design. Had He wanted us to know how He created the universe or how Jesus was conceived, He could have told us. Since He did not tell us, we walk by faith in God based on what He has told us. We must not fret over what He has not told us.

Christmas Questions 2022, Pt. 1

One day last week Al Mohler answered some listeners’ questions about Christmas. That inspired me to do the same in these last three weekdays leading up to Christmas, this coming Sunday. I’ll include some of Dr. Mohler’s answers, as well as offer some of my own thoughts.

Question Number One: Where was Jesus before He became a human?

There are a few answers I’d like to give for this questions:

First, Jesus is God which means He is eternal. There was never a time when He did not exist. He has always been the eternally begotten Son of the Father. When Jesus became a human, He laid aside some of His glory, but He did not cease being God even for an instant. He took on humanity in addition to His eternal deity. He is the only Person ever to be both God and man.

So where was Jesus before He took on humanity? In John 17:5 Jesus prayed to His Father “glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.” This informs us that Jesus was with the Father (and with the Holy Spirit) in Heaven, in glory, before creation from eternity past.

As a wonderful footnote: Jesus is still, and ever will be, the one and only God-man who is now in Heaven where He ever lives to intercede for His people. And Jesus will continue to be the one and only God-man in Heaven for ever and ever.

Question Number Two: Did (and does) Jesus have Mary’s DNA?

While the Bible does not speak about the scientific details of Jesus’s DNA, It is safe to say that Jesus does have Mary’s DNA since she is His human mother. Remember, Jesus is not only truly God, He is also truly man. Therefore, He therefore has human DNA, and having only one human parent, His DNA must be like Mary’s DNA.

As a footnote to this answer, let us be reminded that having God as His Father, Jesus had no biologically human father. (Joseph was Jesus’ father by adoption.) This is an important detail of the doctrine of the virgin birth. Why? Because the sin nature is passed through fathers to their children (Romans 5:12-21), Jesus couldn’t have a human father. Why? Because if Jesus had a human father, He would be a sinner. Jesus not only was not and is not a sinner, He could not have been a sinner, or else He could not be our sinless Savior. Had Jesus been a sinner, His sinful blood could not atone for His people’s sins.

May we not proclaim an incomplete gospel!

To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles."
Acts 26:22-23

Note the following about Paul’s closing words:

Paul claimed no power or authority in and of himself, but gave all glory to God for having done what he had done.

That Paul claimed to have spoken of nothing but Christ and the gospel means that even in giving his testimony in court, Christ and the gospel were the main point.

Paul was careful to include not only Jesus’ death, but also His resurrection from the dead. This is essential, and sadly, often neglected. Giving our testimonies and even inviting people to church is not evangelism without Christ and the gospel. And Christ and the gospel must include the death and resurrection to be complete.

Lord, please fill our hearts and loosen our tongues to tell others about Christ and the gospel. And help us, Lord, not to leave out the most important aspects of the gospel: Jesus’ death and resurrection. Please save Your people as we proclaim Christ.

Religious zealots are often the most hostile to Christ and the gospel

"Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. Acts 26:19-21

Why would the Jewish religious leaders want to kill Paul for preaching the gospel? Here are two reasons:

The first is political. They had a power base they did not want to lose. As long as they were the ones everyone looked up to, respected, and even feared, they were happy. Christ and the gospel threatened that power base because it would mean that people had direct access to God through Christ, rendering those in power, powerless.

The second is spiritual/religious. If access to God is by faith in Christ and not by keeping the law and religious rituals, the guardians of the law and the administers of the rituals would not only be irrelevant, but wrong! This is why I believe the self-righteously religions will hate God on judgement day. They will be infuriated when they learn that their religion not only failed to help them, it actually hurt them. Why did it hurt them? Because they were trusting their works instead of in Christ!

This is why the religious zealots are often the most hostile to Christ and the gospel—and to Christ’s people who proclaim Him and His gospel.

Saving faith, repentance, and subsequent good works are a package deal

"Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. Acts 26:19-21

Another point of interest from these three verses is the fact that the call to believe is also a call to repentance and good works. This is not: faith + (repentance + good works) = salvation. Rather, from this we learn that saving faith includes and is validated by repentance and good works. The reason is that just as faith is a gift of God (Ephesians 2:8-9), repentance and the heart to do good works are also God’s gifts (Acts 5:31, 11:18, 2 Timothy 2:25). God’s gift of saving faith, repentance, and subsequent good works are a package deal, given by God to all who are born again.

This is what James argued for in James 2:14-26. He was not saying that salvation is the result of faith + repentance and good works, but that true saving faith will always be demonstrated and validated by repentance and good works, not for salvation but because of salvation. Or as James puts it, saving “faith without [accompanying] good works is dead [useless and not saving faith at all]” (James 2:20 & 26).

Though Jesus said we would know who is saved “by their fruits” Matthew 7:15-20), we should not busy ourselves looking for good works in other people’s lives. Instead, let us be ever mindful about the presence of fruit (good works) in our own lives.

Responding when God speaks

"Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. Acts 26:19-21

As Paul continued to give his testimony to King Agrippa II while explaining the charges against him, he relayed his response to meeting Christ on the road to Damascus. Note two things:

He was not disobedient to this encounter with Jesus. We do well to listen to how God is calling us to respond to what He communicates to us. He speaks through His Word, whether we are reading it or hearing it preached. And every time God speaks, a response is required. In some cases there are direct commands to be obeyed. At other times, even if His communication is encouragement and comfort, either way a response should follow. If a command has been issued, obedience is the only right response. When what His says to us is encouragement and comfort, let us respond by refusing to worry—and with thanksgiving and praise for His lovingkindness. When God speaks to us about our sin, let us respond quickly with confession and repentance—as God is eager to forgive!

He told others what God told him. While we are not commissioned to be Apostles as Paul was, a basic response to whatever God speaks to us is to share God’s Word with others. With those who have not trusted Christ, we need to declare the gospel, inviting people to trust in the Lord. With those who do trust in Christ, let us encourage fellow believers with the encouragement we have received from Christ.

Hearing from the Lord is good and comforting for us, but let us also encourage others as we have been encouraged.

More to being saved than forgiveness? Yes! (Part 4)

I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'
Acts 26:17-18

In this last of four installments about what the redeemed receive from God in addition to forgiveness of sins, note the last phrase: “those who are sanctified by faith in Me.” The redeemed are not only justified (declared righteous) when we first believe, but from that point forward in this life we embark on the process of sanctification. Sanctification is the process in which we grow in holiness until we go to be with the Lord and are glorified (actually become righteous in Heaven). How does this happen? Here are two simple answers:.

First, sanctification is a work of the Holy Spirit. It is by His power and grace. Let us trust in and depend on the Holy Spirit.

Second, it happens as we cooperate with the Holy Spirit by applying the ordinary means of grace by which we grow spiritually (e.g., the Word, prayer, the sacraments, and fellowship to name only a few). Let us diligently cooperate with the Holy Spirit. And let us be thankful to Him when we see spiritual growth in our lives.

Forgiveness of sin is followed by lives that progressively experience victory over sin.

More to being saved than forgiveness? Yes! (Part 3)

I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'
Acts 26:17-18

We have been considering the blessings of salvation in addition to the obvious one: forgiveness of sin. In this installment let’s think about the inheritance received by the redeemed.

We are heirs of God because the redeemed are children of God. The more heirs there are, the smaller the inheritance each receives because the estate is split more ways. That is not true for the heirs of God, however. Why? Because as Paul states in Romans 8:16-17:

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ…

As joint heirs with Christ, we all receive the same full portion that Jesus receives. This may seem that all (including Jesus) would get smaller shares, but for the fact that the riches of God are infinite. No matter how many times one splits what is infinite, every share is infinite! May our minds not freeze up trying to comprehend that.

God loves every one of His children infinitely and equally to His love for Jesus. Add that to the blessing of forgiveness!

More to being saved than forgiveness? Yes! (Part 2)

I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'
Acts 26:17-18

Last time we considered that there is more to being saved than just forgiveness of sin. That first bonus (yesterday’s blog) is that the saved have eyes to see what they could not see before they were born again.

In this second installment, we will consider that in addition to forgiveness, the redeemed are “turned from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God.” Stated differently, the redeemed no longer walk in spiritual darkness and are no longer under the spiritual sway of sin and Satan. Paul says it this way in Romans 6: Though we were slaves to sin, once we are saved we are free from that bondage (paraphrased).

But as Paul also states in Romans 6 that we are not free to sin. Instead, we are slaves to righteousness (v.16-22), rendering us free to obey the Lord. And with that freedom we are likewise empowered to live righteously in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit instead of languishing under the power of sin, our flesh, and Satan.

Forgiveness is great, but the freedom from bondage to sin makes salvation that much greater!

More to being saved than forgiveness? Yes! (Part 1)

I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'
Acts 26:17-18

Our salvation is more than mere forgiveness of sins.

Don’t get me wrong. Forgiveness of sins is HUGE! But what our Savior did for us is even more comprehensive.

Salvation opens our eyes (v.18). When we are born again, what we could not previously see or comprehend, becomes clear. The list of things we can see when we are saved is too lengthy for a single blog, so here are a few key items that come into focus when we are born again.

We see something of the holiness of God, without which we cannot see that we are sinners in need of forgiveness. I say “something” because the infinite holiness of God is not revealed all at once. Our understanding of God’s holiness grows as we grow in grace.

We see something of how sinful we are which prompts us to cry out to God in Christ for forgiveness. Again I say “something” because as we grow in grace, and in our understanding of God’s holiness, we grow in our understanding of our sinfulness.

We see something of the exclusivity and sufficiency of Christ. Again, I say “something” because as we grow in grace, we grow in our understanding that Jesus is not only the only way to the Father, but He is the all-sufficient way to the Father. Subsequently we grow in our love for Him!

The list could go on, so let me just list a few more. When we are born again our eyes are opened to the Word of God, the power of prayer, the necessity of fellowship, and the urgency of evangelism and missions.

And some think being saved is “only” forgiveness!

Paul's commission and ours

But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'
Acts 26:16-18

We understand from (v.15) that it was Jesus Himself who was speaking to Paul. Understand: This was a special circumstance during the transitional time of Acts, and Paul was being commissioned to be an Apostle. Why are these important facts to remember? Jesus does not appear to or speak audibly to people now. Not that He can’t but He doesn’t. The normal way God leads us today is through His written Word, the Bible.

Though the details of Paul’s commission is not the normal specific way the Lord leads us, there is an aspect of what Paul received from the Lord that is generally true for all believers. Paul’s was an Apostolic commission to be a witness for Christ urging others to believe in and follow the Lord (v.16-18). Though we are not commissioned to be Apostles in the formal sense, all believers are commissioned to be witnesses for Christ urging others to believe in and follow the Lord (Matthew 28:18-20).

In the next verse (v.19) Paul recounts that he “was not disobedient to the heavenly vision.” May we, like Paul, be obedient to the Great Commission we have all received, to make disciples. Let us do so by passing on what we know of the Lord, trusting that the Holy Spirit will open the eyes of the lost, turning them from darkness to light, and forgiving their sins even as He has graciously forgiven ours.

Persecuting Jesus Himself

…at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' So I said, 'Who are You, Lord?' And He said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Acts 26:13-15

Paul was a persecutor of Christians, but as Jesus told him during his conversion experience, Paul was actually persecuting Jesus Himself. Here are some truths to learn from this:

• Jesus loves and identifies with His people so intimately that when people abuse His people, they are abusing Him!

• When Christians are being persecuted, we must not take it personally. Their hateful abuse may be suffered by us, but it is Jesus they actually hate—even though they do not usually realize it!

• The just vengeance God will one day pour out on those who persecute His people will be no less severe than the vengeance He unleashes on those who crucified Jesus.

We can thank God that we have not yet suffered persecution the way so many of our brothers and sisters have and do. I say “not yet” because persecution of Christ’s Church is gaining momentum here in our nation. The laws and court decisions are leaning against any who hold to a biblical worldview. Disagree with same sex unions, “gender transitioning,” and any one of the other abominations that are being shoved down our throats by the insanity of “woke-ism,” and you will soon be labeled not only a hater to be cancelled, but a criminal to be prosecuted, and imprisoned—or worse!

Our only hope when being persecuted is to keep our eyes on Jesus, pray for a revival, and for the salvation of those who hate and persecute our Lord!

God so loves that He gives

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Today, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, has come to be called “Giving Tuesday.” Every non-profit seems to have their hands out today.

First, I am not writing to find fault with this.

But second, may I point you to 1 Corinthians 16:1-3 to remind us all that if believers are giving as prescribed in these verses, the need for special giving drives would be seldom, if ever. Giving regularly, proportionately, and generously to/through organizations that one trusts (2 Corinthians 7-8) is not only God’s will, but makes the special requests virtually unnecessary.

Third, let us be reminded that giving is an essential way of following God’s example, as found in John 3:16.

Lastly, may our giving always be an act of worship in response to what God has given us!

Black Friday and Good Friday

"It is good for nothing," cries the buyer; But when he has gone his way, then he boasts.
Proverbs 20:14

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8

I write this blog post on “Black Friday,” the day after Thanksgiving when buyers shop for incredible deals.

I thought about the best deal ever which was purchased for us on “Good Friday,” the day when Christ Jesus was crucified to pay for His people’s sins. Good Friday was followed, of course, by Easter Sunday when Jesus rose from the dead, sealing the Good Friday deal.

If you are shopping today, I pray you get good deals. If you want the best deal of all time and eternity, however, seize the deal Jesus purchased for His people. Instead of paying less money for more stuff (as in Black Friday deals), the Good Friday deal is when the redeemed give up our sin and receive everlasting and abundant life in Christ! And it is available 365 days of every year!

Be sure to tell other people about this greatest of all deals!

A Thanksgiving devotional for you and yours

How sad to live without being thankful since we are all blessed in so many ways.  But it is sadder still to simply be happy about life being good while not knowing who our blessings come from or who to give thanks.

James 1:17 tells us Who gives us the good gifts we enjoy:

James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…

 Let us acknowledge that our blessings come from God!

Psalm 103 reminds us that we can know God who gives us all good gifts:

Psalm 100:1-3
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into His presence with singing!
Know that the LORD, He is God!
It is He who made us, and we are His;
we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

 Let us know that the LORD is God who made us!

Psalm 103  also reminds us that we can know God Who gives us all good gifts:

Psalm 100:4-5
Enter His gates with thanksgiving,
and His courts with praise!
Give thanks to Him; bless His name!
For the LORD is good;
His steadfast love endures forever,
and His faithfulness to all generations.

 Let us give God thanks and praise because the LORD is good!

Psalm 136  reminds us again to give thanks to God because His is good and because His love is everlasting:

Psalm 136:1–3
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good,
for His steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods,
for His steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
for His steadfast love endures forever

 Let us  give thanks to God because His is good and His love is everlasting!

1 Thessalonians teaches us to give God thanks and praise no matter what, even when life is difficult:

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

 Let us give God thanks and praise to God, no matter what!

Colossians 3:15–17 teaches us that whatever we do, we are to give thanks in everything:

Colossians 3:15–17
…be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

 Let us give God thanks and praise to God in the name of the Lord, at all times, no matter what we are doing!

 Pray

Sing the Doxology:
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.
Praise Him all creatures her below.
Praise Him above ye heavenly host.
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!
Amen.