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In Jude’s epistle, he wrote of God’s interaction with Israel. “But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe” (5). He also noted the rebellion of some angels, “the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day” (6).

A “cause and effect” relationship is evident in these words. God’s pleasure and acceptance (the effect) are predicated upon the obedience of His created beings (the cause). Conversely, the rejection of His subjects (the effect) comes about because of their rebellion (the cause).

Put simply, our actions have consequences. Good actions (as defined by Him) result in good consequences. Disobedience brings ruin.

“But if a wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die” (Ezekiel 18:21).

“But when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and does according to all the abominations that the wicked man does, shall he live? All the righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; because of the unfaithfulness of which he is guilty and the sin which he has committed, because of them he shall die” (Ezekiel 18:24).

Something to think about…

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In Mark 10, Jesus spoke with a young man who had many possessions. The man was obedient to the law, but his material goods held too much sway in his heart. Jesus promised the young man treasure in heaven in exchange for his giving up all he owned. It seems hard to believe, but the man chose to keep what he had rather than take what Jesus offered. Mark reveals that he “went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions” (22).

There are a few things peculiar things here. First, the man was dedicated to serving the Lord, but he wasn’t willing to serve Him with all his heart, soul and mind. Second, his specific question was, “what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” When he was told what it would take, his interest waned, despite the value of the prize.

The question is, “Why?”

Perhaps he didn’t understand that the soul was of more value than his possessions (cf. Matthew 16:26). Perhaps he didn’t have the spiritual maturity to keep his eye on the prize (cf. 2 Peter 1:9). Regardless, his choice was unwise and shortsighted.

Actually, his choice is the same choice that the majority make today. While all theoretically like the idea of inheriting eternal life, when it comes down to a choice between now and eternity, now too often wins out!

May we all heed the words of Peter, “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:10-11).

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The United Church of Canada has been in the news of late, as the institution is trying to figure out what to do with one of its pastors. Gretta Vosper was ordained by that church in 1993. She has been, for a number of years, an avowed atheist! She has declared that it is time for the Christian church to give up on “the idolatry of a theistic god.” While some in the denomination wish for her to remain a pastor, others are not so sure. I wonder if anyone ever thought to consult the Bible to find out what God thinks?

“The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none who does good” (Psalm 14:1).

Continue reading “Have You Ever Asked, “What Does God Think?”” →

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin” (Psalm 51:1-2).

This text from David’s psalm shows his truly penitent spirit following his adultery with Bathsheba. Though it took a direct admonition from Nathan to bring him to his senses, there is no doubt that David felt remorse for his sin.

He said, “I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me” (3). This confession, accompanied with his godly sorrow provoked God’s tender mercies.

The Christian too, if he is truly sorrowful for the sins he commits, can receive forgiveness from God. He must acknowledge his sins, repent, and pray God’s forgiveness.

May each of us remember, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
a broken and a contrite heart — These, O God, You will not despise” (17).

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In the 29th Psalm, we have a beautiful description of the power of the voice of the Lord. Consider the following sentiments:

The Voice of the Lord

• “is over the waters” (3)
• “is powerful” (4)
• “is full of majesty” (4)
• “breaks the cedars” (5)
• “splinters the cedars of Lebanon” (5)
• “divides the flames of fire” (7)
• “shakes the wilderness” (8)
• “makes the deer give birth” (9)
• “strips the forests bare” (9)

This description is given within the context of a call to worship Him. “Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness” (2). Because of who God is, because of His character, wisdom, power and position, He is due (or worthy) honor.

He requires His worshippers to be holy. “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:15-16). May each “purify your hearts” (James 4:8), and “Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.”

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In Acts 10 we have the record of Peter’s sermon in Cornelius’ house. In verse 38 Peter related how, “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”

A major point of Peter’s statement was the power given to Jesus. This power to perform such miracles identifies Him as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

However, you might also note that He went about doing good. Jesus is not only our Master, He is a righteous Master! In this, He serves as our example. We are to do good, because we are to strive to be like Him! “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master…” (Matthew 10:24-25).

Jesus went about doing good! Are you?

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In 1 Corinthians 1:18, Paul wrote, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

The “message of the cross.” What is that message? It is the unique message of redemption for mankind. “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).

Victory in death is a message the world certainly does not understand. It is a “stumbling block” and “foolishness” to the unbeliever (1 Corinthians 1:23).

Regardless, it is true! “Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:8-9).

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Little is known about the man Epaphras. He was a Christian in Colosse describe by Paul as “a faithful minister of Christ” (Colossians 1:7). He also is mentioned in chapter 4, and Philemon 23. Colossians 4:12-13 states:

“Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis” (4:12-13).

The terms “servant”, “minister”, “bondservant”, and “fellow prisoner” are used to describe the man. Also, words such as “dear”, “faithful”, “laboring”, “fervently”, and “great zeal” indicate his desire to serve the Lord.

Finally, the phrases “on your behalf” and “for you”, “one of you”, indicate that his labors in the Lord were personally beneficial to his brethren.

One of the most important benefits of serving Jesus is the blessings such labor brings to our brethren and others. May we all be so giving, humble, and concerned about the welfare of all men. This is a true indication of a diligent servant of Jesus Christ.

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Though there is a present trend toward more “casual” weddings, it has long been the practice of the betrothed to dress up on their special day. A groom may not have ever seen a cummerbund before, but on his wedding day he straps one on, asking friends and family if the pleats go up or down.

The bride typically wears white, a long dress with lots of lace, and a long flowing train. The veil, hair and jewelry combine to make for a special and beautiful bride, and a wonderful celebration.

These things are not unique to the west or to the present. Consider the special nature of such an occasion, and the wonderful metaphor it supplies for the salvation of mankind. Isaiah wrote:

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a brid adorns herself with her jewels” (Isaiah 61:10).

What a glorious picture of the sublime salvation we enjoy as God’s children!

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I am personally appalled and discouraged by the attacks upon the police in the past couple of weeks. While I acknowledge that corruption and abuse of power may exist in certain circumstances, the anti-police sentiment that has led to inflammatory rhetoric, physical assaults and murder of police officers is indefensible.

There is a simple, logical statement from the pen of the Apostle Paul that is appropriate here:

“For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil” (Romans 13:3-4).

Violence and disregard for law in our land is rampant. Evildoers will always exist, but it seems in our time that their destructive efforts are enabled by the ineffectual and misguided efforts of some of our country’s leaders. National leaders need to step up, support and enable the police to maintain peace and protect our communities. Those who threaten the safety of law enforcement officers should be dealt with swiftly and decisively.

As the wise man wrote, “Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil” (Ecclesiastes 8:11).

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There are so many different philosophies of life, with different values and priorities, it seems it would be difficult to determine the most important attribute an individual might have. In fact, the Holy Spirit has revealed that attribute in a very interesting way in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.”

Love is most important. If love is not present, inspiration, knowledge, faith and sacrifice are all vain. That is not to say that such are not important, or even necessary. It is to simply say that they are not supreme. As Paul concluded the chapter, “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love“ (vs. 13).

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“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever” (Psalm 111:10).

The world equates wisdom with the accumulation of technological insight, and the continual progression of moral change. People today are smarter, and less encumbered by outmoded superstitions and prejudices – so they say.

Oh really? Are we to equate political corruption, amoral lifestyle, extreme self-indulgence and a rejection of absolute values to some modern version of deep thought? If so, I choose to remain out of style and out of step.

As Paul wrote, “…the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25).

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“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” (Psalm 61:10)

The Psalmist proclaims a beautiful image of the salvation we receive through God’s mercy. We are clothed by God. The vestments are of the greatest quality and value. The ornamentation and jewelry far surpass the earthly baubles we might secure. Praise be to God that the value of our salvation is far greater than any possession we might obtain here on earth.

“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.” (Matthew 16:26-27)

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“How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light” (Psalm 36:7-9).

The favor of God, described in such poetic language in the text above, is expressed to those who are “upright in heart” (10). The “workers of iniquity” strive against God, and are defeated by Him (12).

And so we, as the Psalmist, pray to Him, “Oh, continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You, And Your righteousness to the upright in heart” (10).

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In scripture there are a number of type/antitypes found that accurately show the superiority of Christ and His covenant with man. An example is found in Colossians 2:16-17, “So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.”

The law (vs. 14) and the things that surrounded it are referred to as a “shadow of things to come.” That is another way of describing “type.” Paul wrote, “but the substance is of Christ.” That is equivalent to “antitype.”

So, Paul’s comparison of shadow and substance rightly describes the type/antitype relationship. Type is to antitype as shadow is to substance.

With that in mind, we place our faith in Jesus Christ. It is in Him that the substantive fulfillment of God’s scheme of redemption for man can be found!

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