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In the apostle Paul’s previous life he was a successful man. A Pharisee of the Pharisees, his zeal for the law commended him to the Jewish leadership. He was a Roman citizen, a student of the respected rabbi Gamaliel, and of the tribe of Benjamin. Among the Jews, these attributes  brought him a great deal of respect.

And then, everything changed. The Lord appeared to him while traveling to Damascus (Acts 9), and Saul was confronted by a new reality. The Christians he actively persecuted turned out to be right! Their claim that Jesus was the Christ from God was absolutely true.  Saul of Tarsus was actively persecuting the Messiah and his followers.

So Saul changed. This was an indication of his personal integrity. His willingness to acknowledge fault and change direction is perhaps the most laudable thing about the man.  As he put it in Philippians 3:7-9, “But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him…”

From Saul the Persecutor to Paul the apostle, he showed himself an honest man, acting with integrity. As such, he earns our respect, and we should seek to emulate him. As Paul wrote, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

In Peter’s second letter, knowing his time on earth was short, he sought to “stir up by reminding” his readers of the Lord, and His revelation. He wrote, “Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.” (1:12-15). What Peter wanted to share again was not a fable or story. Peter and others were eyewitnesses to the “majesty” of Jesus and His redemptive work. He was one who actually heard the words of God on the mount of transfiguration saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (1:16-18).

These events Peter witnessed were revealed by the prophets, and he appealed to his readers to heed those prophecies “as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (1:19). This is such a beautiful phrase to describe the illuminating nature of God’s revelation. Just as the dawn signifies light chasing away the darkness, God’s word brings light into the dark recesses of man’s mind.  Doubts are dissipated, lessons become visible, and our perspective is changed completely. The Psalmist wrote, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalms 119:105).

The “morning star” or “day star” refers to the planet Venus. When the Greeks witnessed the planet shining just before dawn, they referred to it as phosporous, the bearer of light. In this way, the Lord Jesus and His will bring light into the world of darkness. They illuminate with a message Peter knew to be of eternal importance. “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life’” (John 8:12).

The apostle Paul was thankful for God’s mercy shown to him. It is because of that mercy that God both brought him to salvation, and enabled him in the work of an apostle. He said as much in 2 Corinthians 4:1, “Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.”

Looking at the text, there are a couple of things to note. First, the idea of mercy indicates a compassion toward another that leads one to show pity, and help. This, God did in sending His Son to save us. Paul did not deserve salvation, and neither do we. But, God showed pity and sent His Son, “that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Second is Paul’s reaction to this mercy. Because it was received, and he was chosen to serve as an apostle, “we do not lose heart.” There are several translations of “we do not lose heart” that are found. For example: “we faint not” (KJV); “we never give up” (NLT); “we do not become discouraged” (NET). The term can refer to a weariness that leads one to fail to do what is righteous. It is also possible that such weariness leads one to succumb to temptation, and do evil.

Regardless, what Paul did was what our response to God’s mercy should be. Knowing what God has done for us, and the love He has shown, “we do not lose heart”!

One of the easiest ways to improve your spiritual health in the New Year is to begin a daily Bible reading. Remember, this is different from Bible study, but reading your Bible daily is very important and beneficial to you.

It is easy because all you need is a Bible and a book mark.  At its base, just start reading each day, and read for as long as you have time for, as long as you are retaining what you read.  If your mind begins to wander, it is time to put your Bible down for a while, and pick it up later.

If, however, you want some structure or some goal to attain here are a couple of suggestions you may want to try…

• Divide the total number of pages in your New Testament by 30, and read that many pages per day. This is a fairly large commitment, but it is a wonderful accomplishment to read the New Testament through in a month.  If you do that every month for a year, it will do wonders for your familiarity with the New Covenant.
• Read the Bible through in a year, using a different translation than the one you presently use. Might I suggestion the ESV, NASB, or one of the trusted oldies, like the KJV, ASV or RSV?
• Use a Bible reading schedule that breaks up the readings in the Old and New Testaments. There are plenty you can choose from, just a google search away. Or, if you wish, take the schedule in the back that has been printed out for your convenience!

Bring in the New Year with God’s Word!

The book of Psalms often refer to the victory of God over either His own enemies, or the enemies of His people, the Israelites.

As Christians today are God’s people, an understanding of God’s power and ability both to protect us, and to punish the wicked, brings us comfort and hope.

In Psalm 68, the singer extolls God’s power over His enemies.  He has the ability to scatter them, causing them to flee “As smoke is driven way” (2).  He writes, “As wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God” (2).

As a contrast we have joy as we abide in God’s favor.  “But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice exceedingly. Sing to God, sing praises to His name; extol Him who rides on the clouds, by His name Yah, and rejoice before Him” (3-4).

Our God is wonderful to the righteous, those who depend upon Him.  He is “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows” (5).  “Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our Salvation!” (19).

As such, He is worthy of our praise. “Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth; Oh, sing praises to the Lord. To Him who risdes on the heaven of heavens, which were of old! Indeed, He sends out His voice, a mighty voice. Ascribe strength to God; His excellence is over Israel, and His strength is in the clouds… Blessed be God!” (32-35).

As I write this, a storm has just passed through our little town. As the storm continues through the metroplex, other towns and cities are in danger. The storm has strong wind, heavy rain and lightning. The town emergency siren was activated, and a tornado was spotted above the town, though it seems it did not touch down. The schools all had their children in the hallways, to protect them from the potential of the storm.

The danger brought to mind the descriptions given of God’s judgment in the Old Testament.  For example, in Jeremiah 30:23-24 as God promised the restoration of His people, He described the judgment that would come to His enemies. “Behold, the whirlwind of the Lord goes forth with fury, a continuing whirlwind; it will fall violently on the head of the wicked. The fierce anger of the Lord will not return until He has done it, and until He has performed the intents of His heart. In the latter days you will consider it.”

Like a tornado, when God’s wrath is visited upon the wicked, nothing can be done to withstand it. Destruction is inevitable because of the power of His purpose. Until He determines to finish, danger will remain.

It is for this reason that we seek to please Him.  As Jesus told His disciples, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).

Our God brings the whirlwind to the wicked, but tranquility to the just. We would do well to consider this truth.

In the 10th Psalm, the writer asks a question that many of us can relate to:  “Why do You stand afar off, O Lord? Why do You hide in times of trouble?” (1).  His question is raised because of the wickedness in the world, and because wicked men “are always prospering” (5).

This does seem to be the case, doesn’t it?  The wicked seem to have their way in the world, and the righteous are often oppressed by their duplicitous and evil ways. Take time to read the Psalm. The descriptions of the wicked man will seem familiar to you, and are well summarized by the following observations: “He has said in his heart, ‘God has forgotten; He hides His face; He will never see’” (11); and, “Why do the wicked renounce God? He has said in his heart, ‘You will not require an account’” (13).

Of course, this is not true. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). The thing is, ultimately all scores are settled in judgment.  While for a time the wicked may have their way, in the end the righteous will rise up victorious.  This is God’s promise to us. “Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, ⁷ and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels” (2 Thessalonians 1:6-7).

The Psalmist knew this… “But You have seen, for You observe trouble and grief, to repay it by Your hand.” (14)

In a recent Bible study our group was discussing Acts 14. The chapter covers the efforts of Paul and Barnabas on Paul’s first missionary journey. It relates the experiences of the men in Antioch of Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe.

In Iconium, certain Jews and Gentiles in the city joined together, and threatened to stone them (5). So, Paul and Barnabas fled to Lystra. The problem is, the Jews who opposed Paul’s preaching in both Antioch of Pisidia, and Iconium followed Paul and Barnabas to Lystra. They incited a multitude, and managed on this occasion to stone Paul (they thought to his death!) (19). But, Paul rose up and again left, this time to Derbe. Their preaching was successful there, as they “made many disciples” (21).

Finally, they went back to the places where they were persecuted… Lystra, Iconium and Antioch. Why would Paul do such a thing? First, to strengthen “the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith” (22). Second, to appoint “elders in every church” (23). It was important to Paul to minister to his brethren, no matter the danger.

At the end of the study, one man remarked, “Paul was a very brave man!” Yes, he was. Paul’s recognition of the importance of the work emboldened him in the work he did. (And, of course, we can say the same of Barnabas, and Philip, and Stephen, and all of the apostles). Too, Paul knew the promise of His Lord. “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer… Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).

Another sign that society is deteriorating is the continuing legalization of marijuana use in various states. One big indication that you have crossed the border from Texas into Oklahoma is the proliferation of “head shops” where the drug can be purchased in various forms.

In Proverbs 20:1, the wise man wrote, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray is not wise.”

Whether alcohol or marijuana, or any other drug which alters the mind and looses the natural inhibitions that govern sober decisions, it is foolish to imbibe.

It is disheartening for Christians to defend intoxicants as relatively innocuous. The reality is far different. They destroy families, scar society, and have ruined the lives and health of untold millions. No one denies this is true, but many foolishly think they are immune to the dangers, and that such warnings as Proverbs 20:1 is not needed for them. I wonder the percentage of those who social drink, but who have never gotten drunk? I imagine it is very small.

Consider carefully the words of Peter, “For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries” (1 Peter 4:3).

The Christian walk is one of sobriety and holiness. When we stoop to the moral practices of the ungodly, we compromise our ability to walk the path of righteousness as God requires.

In Acts 13 & 14, the Holy Spirit records the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas. The men traveled to Cyprus, and the established churches in Galatia before returning to Antioch in Syria to give a report of their efforts.

The journey was momentous. The response to the preaching of the gospel was interesting to say the least. Paul and Barnabas were very successful in converting souls, both Jew and Gentile, to the Lord. For example, on the isle of Cyprus even the proconsul Sergius Paulus was converted (13:12). In Antioch of Pisidia (13:48), Iconium (14:1), Lystra (14:21-22), and Derbe (21), many souls were saved.

However, the journey was characterized by extreme and inappropriate responses to their efforts as well. Consider the following: Elymas the sorcerer interfered in their efforts to share the gospel with Sergius Paulus in Cyprus (13:8). Some Jews in Antioch of Pisidia spoke blasphemies against them, and persecuted them (13:45,50). An attempt was made to stone them in Iconium (14:5), and they actually did stone Paul in Lystra (14:19).

At the other extreme, in Lystra the city began to worship Paul and Barnabas as gods! This seemed to upset the men even more than the persecutions. “But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes… saying, ‘Men and brethren why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you…” (14:14-15).

The only appropriate response to the gospel is to believe! Any other response is extreme and wrong.

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A superstitious population in Lystra sought, with the blessing of a pagan priest, to worship Paul and Barnabas. Paul had healed a man who was crippled from the womb. As a result, the people began to call Barnabas, Zeus, and Paul, Hermes “because he was the chief speaker” (Acts 14:12).

Paul and Barnabas’ response is enlightening. They tore their clothes, ran to stop the worship, and said, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them” (Acts 14:15).

What was meant by the words, “men with the same nature as you”? Simply that they weren’t different. This is important. All men are the same, in the eyes of God. Each are equally guilty because of the sins they have committed (Romans 3:23). All are equally dependent upon God’s grace for salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). All have been granted access to “repentance to life” by God (Acts 11:18). All who come to Christ are considered of equal value (Galatians 3:28). All who practice ungodliness will suffer the same fate (Romans 1:28-32).

With that known, no man is worthy of worship. No man is to be respected and feared above God Himself (Matthew 10:28). Instead, as Paul and Barnabas exhorted those in Lystra, we must all turn “to the living God” (Acts 14:15).

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Ananias, the preacher whose message brought Saul to obedience exhibited great faith to go to Damascus to share the gospel with him.

Saul of Tarsus quickly established his name as a chief persecutor of Christians. He was present at the stoning of Stephen. We are told that he “made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison” (Acts 8:3). In Acts 9, shortly before Ananias met him, we are told that Saul was “still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord” (Acts 9:1) as he came to the city of Damascus.

And now, a disciple in Damascus was told to go to where Saul was staying to preach to him.

We might think, well of course he would go, this was a vision from the Lord. However, there are examples in the past where men either questioned and equivocated (Moses) or even disobeyed (Jonah) such a message from God.

Not Ananias. He told the Lord that he was aware of Saul’s reputation, and even his purpose in Damascus (Acts 9:13-14). But, at the Lord’s insistence, “Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, ’Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you cam, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit’” (Acts 9:17).

We rightly champion Saul who became a great apostle. But, Ananias deserves our praise and thanksgiving as well.

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“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me” (John 15:18-21).

Hate is such a strong word. Most would deny being guilty of hating anyone. Few revel in receiving hatred from others. The Greek word as used by Jesus: “is used especially, (a) of malicious and unjustifiable feelings towards others” (Vines).

As difficult as it is to come to grips with the possibility we will be hated for our faith, it is something each one of us must accept. The dichotomy that has existed throughout the ages, (good vs evil, light vs darkness, Christ vs Belial), is unchanging and unchangeable.

The world hates the Lord. It seeks darkness rather than light. If we are His, we will inevitably be painted with the same brush by Christ’s enemies. “A servant is not greater than his master.” It is a part of the cost we pay as we take up our cross to follow Him. It is the choice we make. Though hard, it is best choice, and infinitely rewarding.

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“For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (2 Corinthians 10:12).

Why is it not wise to compare ourselves to other people? The answer is simple, other people are not the standard! This is a very subjective standard that serves to make people feel a bit better about themselves, but in no ways gives insight as to whether they are approved by God!

Take, as an example the Pharisee in Luke 18 who prayed, “God, I thank You that I am not like other men — extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector” (11). Setting aside the numerous problems with the man (he was proud, dismissive, and certainly ignorant of the relative righteousness of the man to whom he compared himself), his relative worth in relation to others had no bearing on whether he was accepted by God!

Our Lord clearly said that the Pharisee was not justified. Which shows another problem with such comparisons, it tends to come from a place of pride. “I am not like other men — extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess” (11-12).

Like Paul, we must recognize the foolishness of such comparisons. Instead, compare ourselves with God’s words, which shall judge us in the last day! (cf. John 12:48).

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Paul’s admonition to the churches of Galatia was centered in their departure from the gospel of Christ into doctrinal error. They had turned away “to another gospel, which is not an other; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ” (Galatians 1:7).

There is only one gospel. Only one good news with the capability of saving the souls of man. This is why the altering of it through error brings the curse of God upon those who would “pervert the gospel of Christ” (7).

In John 14:6 Jesus said to Thomas, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” It is astounding that so many would take the singular gospel of Christ, and seek to alter it in any way. It alone is the “power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek” (Romans 1:16).

And yet they do. It is significant that the perversion of the gospel introduced by the Judaizers was an addition to the gospel. They taught that the Gentile had to become a Jewish proselyte to be saved. “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved” (Acts 15:1). Others today do the same. They may add to the gospel (pray the sinners prayer) or subtract from the gospel (saved by faith only). Some may deny the resurrection of the Christ, or His virgin birth, and yet claim discipleship. Others ignore his call to unity in faith. By this all rob the gospel of that which makes it God’s power to salvation.

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