What is the possession that you would consider the most valuable thing that you own? For most people it is their home, as purchasing a home is considered a life decision, and is usually the most expensive thing that a person will ever purchase.

But what about your life? How much is life worth to you? You cannot put a price on it, can you? I would say that you could consider a life to be priceless, and that this really is the most valuable thing that anyone can own on this Earth. But there is something even more valuable that can be obtained, though not at this exact moment in time. Yes, it is the gift of eternal life. Not something that can be bought with money or gold, but can be “exchanged” for the life that you currently have. What am I talking about? I am talking about giving the life that each of us has been given and using our time to live for the Lord.

We all have decisions that we make during the course of our lifetime, but if there is one decision that you do not want to forget to make then make the decision to give your all to Christ Jesus. Give Him your life, spend the years that you have left in the service of Him. We all know that everyone dies, it is just a fact. So why not make the decision to trade those short remaining years for an unlimited time spent in Heaven?

Mark 10:23-31  “And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!

It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?

And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.

And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s,

But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.”

Let me put it in perspective this way. Would you give up one hundred dollars today if you had the assurance that you would receive one million dollars later in the future? Would you make that decision? 

As valuable as your home is to you, would you be able to give it up in order to obtain something far greater in the future? Could you give the control of your life to God, denying yourself the sinful desires and lusts that are present in our carnal bodies, in order to obtain a life that never ends?

Money, food, clothes, cars, gold, property- you can amass a great array of different possessions, but the length of time that you actually own those things is limited by the length of your life, and then you are gone. 

Luke 21:1-4  “And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.

And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.

And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:

For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.”

Even though this poor widow had so little, she gave everything that she had as an offering to God. It may not have been as much money in total as the other rich men had given, but she gave all of the little that she had, while they gave out of their abundance. 

Can you do this, but with your life? Would you trade one life for a lifetime of lives?

In Christ

Andrew

Goodmorning and welcome in everyone.  Today, we are going to take a look at a passage of scripture, but before we do that, I wanted to ask you something.

Have you ever had somebody stop by your house, because they needed to get pulled out of the ditch in the winter time?  You got some warm clothes on, grabbed a few tow straps from the garage and fired up your truck to go help them.  A few years later you did the same thing and slid into the ditch.  But when you called them up for assistance, they refused to help.

This reminds me of the Christian Life.

Can you imagine being merciful and forgiving with others, but in your time of need, they refused to be merciful with you?  How would that make you feel?  Those who ask God for forgiveness, and refuse to show forgiveness to others, stir up God’s wrath.  Because of their bitter and unmerciful heart, they will receive no mercy from Him, and will receive to themselves damnation.

James 2:12-13  So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.  For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

Forgiveness is one of the most integral parts of the Christian Life.  We are taught that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins, and this is the same way that we want to treat one another in the church.  We must be good stewards of the riches of God’s grace.  When someone sins against you and confesses fault, we must extend mercy and forgiveness to them so that reconciliation can take place.  

Luke 17:3-4  Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.  And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

Notice that this is a commandment of the Lord.  He commands “thou shalt forgive”.  Genuine forgiveness will completely forget about wrongs that have been committed against you.  This is the way that God treats us, because our sins and iniquities He remembers no more.  This will result in immediate reconciliation with others. If someone refuses to forgive a confessor, it is because their heart has become defiled, unloving, cold and bitter.  When they treat others in this manner, they are shutting themselves off from receiving God’s grace. This activity stirs up God’s wrath, because He showed them mercy in their time of need, but they won’t show mercy to others who request it from them.  Those who partake of Holy Communion and refuse to forgive a confessor, drink damnation unto themselves because they reject everything that communion stands for, remission of sins.

Matthew 6:14-15  For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Oh, I am sure that there will be many people who will really believe that they are going to be in paradise, but will be turned away from God because of iniquity.  Their iniquity is that they refused to forgive and reconcile with others while they had the opportunity to do so here upon the Earth.  Because of their cold and unforgiving heart, God will treat them the same way.

Matthew 18:21-35  Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?  Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.  And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.  But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.  The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.  Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.  And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.  And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.  So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.  Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:  Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?  And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.  So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Forgiving sin, as illustrated in this parable, is to completely cancel a debt that is owed.  When we sin against God or others we accrue a sin debt.  When people apologize and confess fault, we need to cancel their debt against us.

Matthew 6:12  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

Someone who is unforgiving is cruel, heartless, pitiless and remorseless. They aren’t the servant of Christ, they are the servant of wickedness. The unforgivable sin is a refusal to forgive a confessor.  If you have already apologized, there is really nothing else that you can do in the matter.  If they refuse to forgive you, and to rejoin the relationship that they had with you in the past, the sin is on them, an unforgivable sin.  As I’ve said many times before, if you apologize and they refuse to forgive you, the burden is off of your shoulders.  The one that they are actually condemning is themselves.   Only the merciful will receive mercy from God. If there is only one thing that we learn from the gospel, it is that we need to be forgiving with each other as God is with us.  Those who deny that, deny everything that the Christian life stands for.  Unforgiveness and non-reconciliation is caused by pride and arrogance.

 Matthew 5:7  Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Colossians 3:12-13  Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

The only way that you can show mercy to someone else, is if they apologize and confess fault.  The only way that we can receive mercy with God, is to confess our sins to him.  Once you confess fault to somebody that you have sinned against, they must forgive and reconcile with you.  This is commanded in scripture, otherwise they will lose forgiveness with God and miss out on eternal life.  To show mercy, is to extend compassion and forgiveness towards somebody, whom it is within one’s power to punish or to harm.  God wants reconciliation before you bring a gift to the church.  

Matthew 5:23-24  Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;  Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

There’s no way that you can forgive somebody from your heart, and not be reconciled to them.  True forgiveness from the heart wants to be with the other person once again. That’s called charity.  Those who cannot forgive and reconcile are completely void of love, which in the sight of God is completely…

……Unforgiveable

Let’s think about these things for today, and Lord willing, we will talk with you some more tomorrow.  Till then, bye bye everybody. ❤️

tlkjbc.wordpress.com

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Exodus 20:3  “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”

Do you know what a “god” is? A “god” (lowercase g) is “a representation of a deity, especially a statue or statuette. Something or someone particularly revered, worshipped, idealized, admired and/or followed.”

In the normal usage of the word, a god for some people often takes the form of a piece of metal, stone, or wood idol which they worship, but really just about anything could become a person’s “god.” Whatever it is that a person worships or serves could become their “god.”

But as a Christian there is only One God which we worship. The One true, living God is not made out of the works of man’s hand. Statues of stone cannot hear prayers being said. They cannot bestow blessings upon people. Blind, deaf, dumb- an idol is the creation of man’s rejection of the real living God.

There are also many people who want others to worship them as though they are a “god.” They want others to serve and idolize them, instead of the God of the Bible, just as the devil tried to do in Matthew 4. 

Matthew 4:8-10  Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”

We are only to serve the Lord because He is God. It is He to Whom we direct our love and devotion, and although the devil may try to get people to worship him, there is only one God.

A person’s god can become their money or possessions, as they can draw a person’s love and affection away from Christ. Someone may desire to obtain money so much that they completely skip and ignore God’s word, skip their daily communication with God, and focus all of their energy on trying to obtain more and more wealth. But as the Bible says, you cannot serve God and mammon(money.) Either a person can love their money or they love God, but they cannot do both. That is how to tell what a person’s “god” to them is, by seeing what they hold in a higher place of importance. What are the things that they love the most?

The Apostle Peter did not have any doubt in his mind of Who was his God. 

John 21:15-17  “So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.”

So we see here that Peter’s love for the Lord was greater than for anyone else. His love was directed towards his God, and doing His will for him.

That is the calling of a Christian, to serve Christ. Not to serve ourselves, or to worship our possessions, but to serve Christ. 

There is only one God. There is only one Savior that deserves our love and affection. See that He gets it.

In Christ

Andrew

There is something that is called word association. Meaning that when you hear or think of a certain word there is another word that you immediately think of as well. For an example here are few words. When you hear the word thunder, what is often associated with it? Lightning, because thunder comes after lightning. Someone may ask for a pen and what? A piece of paper. These things just go together, like peanut butter and jelly. 

Likewise, when a person says that they have faith in Jesus, if it is truly faith they will have some kind of an action or a work that shows their faith. 

James 2:14-26  “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”

We probably all know what faith is but I will define it anyways. Faith is “knowing, without direct observation, based on indirect evidence and experience, that something is true, real, or will happen: belief, confidence, trust, conviction.” It is the belief in something unseen.

While a “work” is effort expended on a particular task. Something on which effort is expended.

Faith and works will always be together if it is truly faith. If you truly believe in your heart that Jesus is the Son of God then that belief will cause you to want to do things for Him. 

It will cause you to preach the gospel. It will cause you to love others. You will want to spend time in prayer to God to show Him your love. You will shun the sinful ways of the world, walking on the narrow path of Christ instead of the wide road of sin that the world travels on.

Faith if it is really faith will have works to go along with it. You will be able to see some kind of a reaction, like pouring baking soda into vinegar. As soon as you mix those two ingredients they will begin to foam like crazy.

Countless examples of the faith of men of God are told in the Bible, and they all have something in common in that their faith was visible by the actions and works that they did. Noah was warned of a flood that was going to destroy the Earth, and he was instructed to construct an ark to save himself, his family, and numerous animals from the destruction of that flood. Year after year Noah spent building that ark, and year after year his faith was shown by his actions. He didn’t witness the flood coming at the time, but his faith in the words from God was shown by what? His works.

The faith of a young David was shown when he went to go and fight Goliath. Even when experienced soldiers refused to go and fight the Philistine because of his great size, David was not afraid. Even refusing to wear armor, because David knew that the Lord would protect him. He had faith, and it showed. 

So how is your faith in Jesus shown? What are your works that go with your faith?

In Christ

Andrew

Goodmorning and welcome in everyone.  Today, we are going to take a look at a passage of scripture, but before we do that, I wanted to ask you something.

Would you find fault with somebody because they didn’t wear matching socks?  Would you find fault with somebody because they didn’t vacuum their living room everyday?  Would you find fault with somebody because they didn’t wash their hands before they ate supper?  Would you find fault with somebody, because they didn’t spend time cleaning house this week?

This reminds me of the Christian Life.

The afore mentioned items have nothing to do with the inner character of someone’s heart.  Many people thrive on finding any kind of tidbit of information about someone, simply to find fault with them.  These activities are lead by the sinful nature.  Within the church, the brothers needed to be capable of exhorting and rebuking each other in time of need.  These things needed to to be done out of love for others, motivated by a desire to see them repent and believe the truth.  Corrections using doctrinal truth is commanded in scripture, but fault finding is something completely different.  A faultfinder is a person who criticizes someone or something in a petty manner.  It’s completely unfair, unreasonable, and uncalled for.  A faultfinder doesn’t want to help others, they want to hurt them.  Faultfinders focus on digging up dirt on others, based on things that are completely unimportant and not even worth giving attention to.  A lot of people would consider their actions as childish and irrelevant.

Think about a very kind and pleasant girl from school.  She’s always nice, but everybody hates her and tries to purposely find something wrong with her life.  She is hated because of her goodness, and others just want to bring her down in the mud with them.  So what a faultfinder will do, is purposely make the attempt to find minor imperfections or errors, that are completely unimportant, in an attempt to impune their reputation.  This is nothing new, because the devil has been doing it for thousands of years.  The Lord Jesus who created everything, was treated in the same manner.  They were constantly trying to find fault with him, because they hated Him and were jealous of His abilities. The pharisees were so focused on finding petty external things wrong with the Lord, that they were blinded by their own religious hypocrisy.  On the inside of their hearts, it was they, who were filled with wickedness and disobedience.

Luke 11:37-40, 53-54  And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat.  And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.  And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.  Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?  And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things:  Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.

The Pharisees only wanted to hear Jesus say something, so they could accuse Him, and deliver Him to the authorities.  This kind of activity is very malicious and motivated by hatred.  They wanted to find fault with Him so much, that they sent out spies to infiltrate the groups that He was preaching to.

 Luke 20:19-26  And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.  And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.  

And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:  Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no? But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?  Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar’s. And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s.  And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.

They found fault with both John the Baptist and Jesus, over food and drink.  They even referred to our precious Lord Jesus as a drunk.

Matthew 11:18-19  For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.  The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.

Some people feel that if they find fault with you, that they will be elevated in the eyes of others.  The religious leaders were very worried about the fame of Christ, and wanted to do anything they could to bring him down.  They wanted to prevent His popularity from continuing.

John 7:45-48  Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?  The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.  Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?  Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?

Remember that rebukes and correction from God’s Word is required in the church, but faultfinding is maliciously trying to bring somebody else down in the eyes of others.  They found fault with Jesus for healing a woman on the Sabbath.

Luke 13:10-17  And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.

And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.   And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.

And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.  And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.

The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?  And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?  And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.

Faultfinders are on their own little mission, to try to find some kind of fault with you so as to bring you down in the eyes of others.  I really hope that they find something better to do with their time, because I’m sure that for a lot of us, its been a week since any of us were involved…..

… Cleaning House.

Let’s think about these things for today, and Lord willing, we will talk with you some more tomorrow.  Till then, bye bye everybody. ❤️

tlkjbc.wordpress.com

Please take note that we have absolutely no affiliation with any advertisement you might find on our posts. Thanks!

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Growing up probably one of my most favorite flowers was a small flower commonly known as a “forget-me-not.” A small, blue flower with five petals and a yellow center, I would go and pick several of them and give them to my family. I didn’t really stop and think about it at the time what the name “forget-me-not” meant as a flower’s name, but looking up the meaning all of these years later, the forget-me-not flower symbolises true love and respect, and the giving of these flowers from one person to another is generally representative of a promise that you will always remember them and that you will keep them in your thoughts.

Reading this reminded me of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the promises that He left us, one of which can be found in John 14. 

John 14:15-20  “If ye love me, keep my commandments.

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.”

In this chapter Jesus was teaching His disciples about how He would eventually leave this Earth to go back to be with His Father in Heaven, but He wouldn’t forget about them and leave them comfortless. He would send His Holy Spirit to dwell inside of them, and give them wisdom. 

We obviously cannot see our Lord right now because He is still in Heaven until the day that He returns to gather His faithful followers to take back with Him. However, we have the knowledge that after His ascension into Heaven Jesus’ promises still stand, and He will keep His promise to return someday.

In a way, the Holy Spirit that Christ leaves us is kind of like those forget-me-nots. Obviously a flower is just a flower, while the Holy Spirit is a priceless gift from the Lord, but I think you can see what I am trying to illustrate. Jesus loves us very, very, very much and He will never forget to come for us. He will always keep His promises. In this we can have peace in our minds.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17  “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.”

Like a teddy bear that a dad may give to his young child to comfort them while he is away, the Holy Spirit is our Comforter. It is a thing which we can always have with us as a reminder of Christ’s promise. To guide us. To comfort us. To remind us. So that we may always remember the love of Christ, and never forget.

Never forget His promises.

In Christ,

Andrew.

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Goodmorning and welcome in everyone.  Today, we are going to take a look at a passage of scripture, but before we do that, I wanted to ask you something.

Would you go to a baker to learn how to fix the transmission on your pick-up? Would you go to a civics teacher to learn how to weld aluminum?  Would you go to a piano instructor to learn how to fix your computer?  Obviously, in most instances you’re not going to do that, because we learn things from others who are experienced and have a good grasp in a certain field of knowledge.

This reminds me of the Christian Life.

Likewise, in order to learn the doctrines and teachings of the Christian faith, you need to go to somebody who is Spiritual, someone like the Apostle Paul or His faithful son Timothy, both of whom were called by God to preach His Word.

2 Timothy 4:2-4  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Certainly, there is no lack of things that are taught in society today.  It seems like there is an unending river of worldly knowledge.  People teach philosophy, self-help ideology, relationship bonding, evolution, science based religion, financial success, humanism, just to mention a mere few.  But, out of the tens of thousands of different teachings that one might find in this world, there is only one branch of knowledge that is going to matter in regards to our eternal salvation.  It’s the only information that can save your soul.  It’s the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 3:18  But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Preaching God’s Word is by far the most needful thing in this world, but not many people are doing it. The laborers are few and far between. Jesus called out to numerous men to preach, but many of them weren’t interested in spiritual things, and unwilling to make the time to do so.  Scripture must be preached, so that people can become converted to God’s will, and correct themselves from the error of their way.  God’s Word is provided to us for this very reason.

2 Timothy 3:16-17  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Preaching means to publicly teach.  Jesus and the disciples were preaching the gospel of repentance. Repentance is having sincere regret and remorse for wrongdoing, insomuch that it causes you to return to God and do His will.  Repentance is so important that without it, you will perish.

Luke 13:5  I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Matthew 4:17  From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

The disciples of Christ went out and preached the same message.

Mark 6:12  And they went out, and preached that men should repent.

God wants all men to come to a place of repentance, but this transformation happens through belief of the truth.  In order for men to have the opportunity to believe the truth, someone must be preaching the truth and educating them in the will of God.

2 Thessalonians 2:13  But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

The preaching of God’s Word is very urgent, and needs to be done right now, and without further delay. We must exhort each other every day.  Timothy was commanded to correct things in the church by using scriptural doctrine, warning them about activities that were displeasing to God. 

1 Thessalonians 5:14  Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly……

At certain times, a rebuke may be required.  A rebuke is a harsh criticism.  Some synonyms are reproof, reprimand and scold.  If you care about your own children, you will rebuke them and correct them as necessary.  Its because you love them.  When you are on the receiving end of a reprimand it doesn’t feel very good, but it is meant to produce a change.  

Titus 1:13  This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;

1 Timothy 5:20  Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

Some people don’t like rebukes or correction, because of which they simply don’t last in the Christian Life. A true man of God doesn’t rebuke just for the sake of rebuking.  Rebukes are used in situations where people are manifesting grave sin.  Rebukes are reserved for people who are impenitently walking outside the will of God.  True love for the soul of someone else will rebuke them if needed.

Revelation 3:19  As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

The Apostle warned Timothy that some people would simply not last in the Christian Life.  Even though they know what the Bible teaches, even though somebody warns them about the error otf their way, they refuse to listen, and close up their hearts and minds to the truth.  They don’t want to accept the truth because they love their sins more.  Even today, many people who profess to be Christian completely reject certain doctrines of our faith. God’s Word is provided to us so that we can correct the error of our way, but some are going to turn away from it, just as Judas turned away from Christ.  They don’t want to repent and go through the change that’s required to obtain eternal life.  They want to believe that they are on their way to heaven, but without repentance, they are simply believing a lie.

1 Timothy 4:1-2  Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;  Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

Some people are only going to last for a season.  The Christian walk that they joyfully began, becomes too difficult for them to maintain, because of an unwillingness to convert to the truth.  

Romans 3:18  There is no fear of God before their eyes.

They contentiously fight against the truth of God’s Word, but they will only receive God’s indignation and wrath for this behavior.

Romans 2:5-8  But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

Who will render to every man according to his deeds:To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,

To eventually obtain the reward of eternal life, we must obediently endure, continuing each day in the things that we have been taught.  To endure means to continue in the same state.  It means to last, remaining firm even under suffering or misfortune, without yielding.

Mark 4:16-17  And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;  And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.

The Lord’s promise of eternal life is awarded to those who overcome temptations in this world.  It certainly is a gift, because without His grace, we never would have have the opportunity to become a new creature. 

James 1:12  Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Some people simply are not going to make it.  Some people are going to turn away from the truth, to fiction.  We need to prove ourselves to God that we are not like unto them. We want to show the Lord our obedience, loyalty and unending commitment to performing His perfect will.  We need to show Him that we will stand by Him through thick and thin, through persecutions or sufferings, and rise up to our feet and…..

……Preach His Word  

Let’s think about these things for right now, and Lord willing, we will talk with you some more tomorrow.  Till then, bye bye everybody. ❤️

tlkjbc.wordpress.com

Please take note that we have absolutely no affiliation with any advertisement you might find on our posts. Thanks!

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Would you dial 911 and call the police station and ask to have an officer come over to your house to come and pour you a bowl of cereal? This would be a rather ridiculous situation, wouldn’t it? Such a simple task, yet you had to go and make a phone call in an attempt to try to have someone else do it for you. Couldn’t you have done that yourself?

What about this: After you left your house and got into your car in the driveway, would you yell out your window to your next door neighbor and ask him to turn the key and start the vehicle? Why would someone do something like that, when the only thing that they need to do is move their hand about a foot, grasp that key and turn it. Couldn’t someone just have done that themselves?

This is kind of like a situation which Paul addressed in 1 Corinthians, but dealing with the issue of judgment between each other in the church.

1 Corinthians 6:1-8  “Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?

Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.

I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?

But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.

Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?

Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.”

In the church if two people have some kind of a disagreement or grievance between each other, Paul taught that the matter needed to be taken before the church to settle, and not the earthly courts in the world. The reason why is that the world doesn’t judge according to the teachings that are found in the Bible. Those who are not Christians do not base their decisions on what Christ taught, so why bring your matters before the unjust for them to judge? 

Shouldn’t we as Christians know what is right and what is wrong according to the word of God? Shouldn’t we be able to judge matters between people based on the teachings found in the Bible?

Any issues in the church can be settled in the church, without going to a courtroom where the judge may be an unbeliever in the teachings of Christ. That is what Paul was teaching. If we cannot manage to judge a few small matters in the church, how will we be able to judge the world someday? Because that is what we read from the Bible that will happen someday.

Daniel 7:22  “Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.”

The Bible is the only thing that we need to look to to be able to judge what is right from what is wrong. We shouldn’t have to go to an earthly courtroom to resolve an issue. On top of that, if we are one of the wronged, we should just let it happen. Just as Christ suffered at the hands of others and just allowed it to happen to Him, we should do the same. Suffering at the hands of others is a part of the life of a Christian. They persecuted Jesus, and if we are following Him we can expect to receive the same. So if you are wronged by someone else, just let it happen. Allow yourself to go through that suffering. Allow yourself to take that wrong. 

But once again, any problems or issues that happen in the church need to be taken care of in the church. Not in the world’s courts.

In Christ

Andrew

Goodmorning and welcome in everyone.  Today, we are going to take a look at a passage of scripture, but before we do that, I wanted to ask you something..

How many of you have gone for a walk through the woods, to do a little bird watching?  In order to see them more closely, you might have taken a pair of binoculars along with you.  Whenever I have used binoculars, I’ve noticed that you really can’t focus on two objects clearly at one time.  You can either adjust the lens for things that are far off in the distance, or the things that are up close, but not both.

This reminds me of the Christian life.

Each of us need to adjust the binoculars of our hearts.  The temporal things of this world can take our eyes off of what we need more than anything, a close relationship with God.  We need to make sure that we fine tune our hearts, keeping Spiritual things… in focus.

Luke 16:13-14  No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.  And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.

Just like binoculars, you really can’t focus completely on two things at once. Mammon is defined as property, riches, and earthly possessions.  The first commandment is to love God with all of our heart, but becoming focused on the attainment of these Earthly things, can cause our love for Him to be diminished.  We are supposed to be devoted to possessing things of the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 14:39  Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy…….

We are not supposed to covet after worldly possessions.

Luke 12:13-15  And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

Covet means that you want to have something very much.  When you covet, you are not really happy in your current situation.  You are discontented, insomuch that you go and seek after the things of this world to satisfy the rapacious hunger of the carnal nature.  To overcome these desires, we must learn how to be content with what we already have.

1 Timothy 6:6-10  But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.  But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.  For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

The apostle teaches that godliness with contentment is great gain.  Contentment is a state of happiness and satisfaction because you have everything that you really need.  It is being pleased with your current situation, and not hoping for change or improvement:  It is happiness which consists in being satisfied with present conditions and possessing a quiet, uncomplaining mind. Whether Paul had money or whether he didn’t, whether he had certain possessions or whether he didn’t, he was content with wherever he was at.  When you are content, you really don’t feel like it’s necessary to go seeking after the things of this world.  Because of this, we can focus more of our attention on what matters the most, the Spiritual riches of God.

Philippians 4:11-13  Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.  I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Seeking after Earthly things becomes an obstacle to a God seeking heart.  We must redirect our minds from the attainment of carnal and temporary things of this place, to a closer relationship with God. Obviously, the less concerned we are about worldly things, the more time we have available for Spiritual ones!  One day, Martha was so busy serving that she couldn’t focus on what was most needful for her, God’s Word.

Luke 10:38-42  Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.  And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. .But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:  But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Instead of focusing on the Earth, we need to focus on what’s above.

Colossians 3:1-2  If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.  Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Whatever the mind is placed upon, there the heart will be also.

Romans 8:5  For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

Moses was a man who who was completely focused on spiritual things, giving up all of his earthly inheritance for Christ.

Hebrews 11:24-27  By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;  Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

When we truly are content, we understand what is really important in our lives.  

Hebrews 13:5  Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

So the next time you look through a set of binoculars, think about what you focus your heart upon.  Are you seeking more Earthy things, or are you seeking heavenly ones?  If you have your food and your clothes, what else do you really need to get by in this life?  The love of money is the root of all evil, and is extremely deceitful, because the thing that you think will bring you happiness, will only bring you misery in the end.  The pleasures that it brings are short lived and temporary, unlike the true riches that come through the knowledge of Jesus Christ and His Word.  

Our salvation depends on what we are looking at through the binoculars.  Each of us need to fine tune our hearts, keeping our life with God,…

…… In Focus.

Let’s think about these things for right now, and Lord willing, we will talk with you some more tomorrow.  Till then, bye bye everybody. ❤️

tlkjbc.wordpress.com

Please take note that we have absolutely no affiliation with any advertisement you might find on our posts. Thanks!

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Have you ever tried making a piñata? One of the simplest, easiest ways to make a piñata is to take a regular balloon, blow it up full and tie it off. Next, taking strips of old newspaper you can then dip those strips into a mixture of flour and water, and then begin to cover the outside of the balloon with a first layer of your wet paper. Now you could stop right after you complete your first layer on the balloon, but it won’t be very strong. It will be kind of flimsy because it is so thin. You need to put several layers on, and once you have several layers and it dries it will be nice and strong.

It is kind of like putting on your clothes to go outside in the winter. Sure you could step outside in the freezing cold weather in your normal t-shirt and pants, but very quickly you will realize that you are not properly dressed. So what can you do? You can go back and throw on a sweater, maybe some thermal underwear underneath your pants, and then put on your heavy winter coat, snow pants, and boots. Piece by piece you can add pieces of clothing to keep you warmer. Just like armor that a knight would put on, the chainmail, the helmet, greaves, chestplate etc, we need to armor ourselves so that we remain strengthened in our faith in Christ. We can do this by putting on our spiritual armor that Paul spoke of in Ephesians 6.

Ephesians 6:10-17  “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”

Piece by piece we need to put on that armor of God. When we do it is like adding another layer to that piñata. Adding another piece of that winter clothing. Because as we put on that armor we become stronger in the faith. We will be able to withstand temptation and overcome it, just as Christ did. We will know the truth from lies and all be able to discern what is right and what is wrong. When we are persecuted for our belief in Jesus we will not falter, knowing that Jesus is pleased with us.

1 John 2:14  “I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.”

When we are strong in the faith we will be unmovable and unshakeable in the teachings of God’s word. When we hear others teaching things that do not agree with the words found in the Bible we will fully reject those false teachings, because we know what God’s word says.

Ephesians 3:16-19  “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”

The word of God is our sword and shield. It is our defense against the wiles of the devil, so keep it close. Put on that armor and never take it off.

In Christ,

Andrew