Category: Reflections Articles

(1 John 2:1-2), “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.”

The problem is, and always has been sin.  “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23). God determined to solve the problem of sin by sending His only begotten Son as a sufficient sacrifice. “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.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17).  “Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.  For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh,  how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (Hebrews 9:12-14).  Of course, this was in the mind of God since before the creation of the worlds (cf. Ephesians 1:4). Continue reading “The Advocate” →

People today do not understand the nature of God. They take issue with the clear Bible teaching that God is unchanging in His nature. This is a central aspect of our Christian faith, as it promises a consistency we depend upon to assure our eternal reward as He has promised. They declare Him to be inconsistent, and take issue with such passages as James 1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning”;  and  Malachi 3:6, “For I am the Lord, I do not change…” What these passages and others actually indicate is that you can depend upon God. It doesn’t mean that He can’t change His mind depending upon circumstances (cf. Exodus 32:14; Jonah 3:10), or that a change in covenant indicates a change in character or any wavering in His dealing with mankind. Continue reading “I Thought God Doesn’t Change?” →

There is an interesting text in 1 Thessalonians 3, where the apostle Paul expressed his concern for the spiritual welfare of the brethren in Thessalonica. He referred to a personal agony that he could not continue to endure, as he had no knowledge of how they were reacting to a present distress among them due to persecution. While in the city of Athens, he sent Timothy to them “our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ”  (3:2). While it left him alone, it supplied them support and encouragement that Paul could not provide in his absence.

Paul had previously warned them that they would “suffer tribulation” (4) and it had happened as he said. There was no reason for them to be surprised. However, there was the possibility they might be “shaken by these afflictions” (3) and it was possible “the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain” (5). Continue reading ““All The Joy With Which We Rejoice For Your Sake”” →

The second chapter of 2 Kings relates the departure of the prophet Elijah from the earth.  There is much about the chapter that is peculiar, but it clearly demonstrates both the power of God, and the significance of this man of God who did so much during his life.

We are all familiar with portions of Elijah’s life.  Although his youth and entrance as a prophet are shrouded in mystery, his actions during his time as a representative of the Almighty were glorious. Continue reading “Elijah’s Life and Departure to Heaven” →

An important discussion of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Ephesians is summarized in Ephesians 2:8-9. This passage is familiar to all:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

So often Christians have to discuss what the text is not saying, so as to protect against the doctrine of “Salvation by Faith Only.” This is laudable, and not to be criticized. But, it is good to simply express the truths that are established by this passage. Continue reading “Salvation by Grace Through Faith” →

In the book of Proverbs 11, verses 1, 3, 4-6, the writer emphasizes the importance of honesty in our dealings with others.

“Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight” (1).

“The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them” (3).

“Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright, but the wicked will fall by his own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, but the unfaithful will be caught by their lust” (4-6).

For any who are unfamiliar, scales have long been used to weigh out portions of a product. Known weights are put on one side of the scale, and the product is added to the other side until the scale “balances.” If the weights used are not accurate, modified to profit the merchant by giving false readings, they are “dishonest scales” and are an abomination to God. Continue reading “Dishonest Scales” →

The last paragraph of 1 Kings relates the general tenor of King Ahaziah and his reign over Israel.  He only reigned two years, and like his father Ahab before him, “He did evil in the sight of the Lord” (1 Kings 22:52). He like his father was one who worshiped the idol Baal and “provoked the Lord God of Israel to anger, according to all that his father had done.” Near the end of Jehoshaphat’s reign in Judah, the text of 2 Chronicles 20:35 refers to Ahaziah as a wicked king who Jehoshaphat foolishly allied himself with, thus tarnishing his reign in his final days.

The end of Ahaziah is interesting, and takes up the first chapter of 2 Kings. The chapter reveals how God judged Ahaziah for his idolatry, and took his life.  The account also refers to the prophet Elijah, who was such a thorn in the side of King Ahab. Continue reading “Elijah and Ahaziah” →

Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7). God called us in holiness.  This is the big picture that explains why Christians are to live as they do.

This is a sentiment that is expressed throughout the Bible.  For example, the apostle Peter quoted from the book of Leviticus when he wrote, “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 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 1:13-16). Continue reading “The Call to Holiness” →

Webster defines preeminence as the quality or state of being preeminent. Preeminent is defined: having paramount rank, dignity, or importance : OUTSTANDING, SUPREME, (emphasis, Webster). When we consider Jesus Christ, whether in character, dignity, importance, or rank, it is obvious that He has preeminence in both the physical universe and spiritually as well.

This truth is stated very clearly in Colossians 1:13-18:

“He [God] has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence” (Colossians 1:13-18).

In looking at this text, let’s consider the truths contained therein as they pertain to Jesus Christ’s rank and significance in contrast to all others. Continue reading “Christ, the Preeminent One” →

In Matthew 21 we are told that Jesus came upon a fig tree while hungry, only to see that it contained no figs, only leaves.  In response, Jesus said to the tree, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again” (19), leading the tree to wither away completely.

The disciples were amazed, and wondered how it happened. Well, Jesus did not directly answer them, but it is obvious. As the Creator of the universe, Jesus certainly had power over every aspect of it. The fig tree withered because He willed it. Not in vengeance toward the unfruitful tree, but to teach His disciples a lesson. Continue reading “The Withered Fig Tree” →

The heading found in my Bible (NKJV) in 1 Corinthians 3 is “Sectarianism is Carnal.” Now, the headings are not inspired, it is simply the translator trying to give a very quick and concise summary of the paragraph’s content.  But, in this instance, it seems to be well considered.  This is certainly true.

Let’s first talk definitions.  Sectarianism — excessive attachment to a particular sect or party, especially in religion (Oxford Languages).  The word is not found in the New Testament writings, but the concept surely is.  In chapter 1 of the text, Paul admonished the Corinthians for following after different men, “Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:12-13). Continue reading “Mere Men” →

Sometimes Christians don’t get it, but the Bible very clearly reveals that our walk with the Lord pleases Him only if it is characterized by total commitment. This truth was made very clear by the Lord in Luke 18, where Jesus admonished the young ruler. The young man was diligent is keeping the 10 commandments, revealed in Exodus 20.  He said, “All these things I have kept from my youth” (21).

Jesus wanted more from the man.  He was very rich, and apparently liked his riches.  Jesus knew they were too important to him, so he said, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me” (22). Continue reading “Total Commitment” →

There is much we can learn from the life of Paul. His previous life, his apostleship and his writings contain much to encourage, teach and admonish us in our own lives.

While our examination of his epistles supply us with much of the doctrine that accords with Christ, there is likewise much to be taken from Luke’s account of his life and ministry. Here we wish to consider his final address to the Ephesian elders in Miletus before going on to Jerusalem. He had spent much time in Ephesus (cf. Acts 19), and no doubt had a close relationship with these men to whom he spoke in Acts 20:18-35. Continue reading “Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesians Elders” →

What makes God happy?  This is an important question, and one that most people do not understand.  In fact, such misunderstanding has been used as an argument against either God’s existence, or at the least His goodness.  Such arguments are shallow, and do not accord  with what we understand and apply to other parts of our society.  Regardless, a proper discussion of the matter is important to establish some important truths. Continue reading “The Pleasure of God” →

The apostle Paul was always quick to acknowledge from where he came. He was a Pharisee, and one who sought to do violence to those who followed Jesus. He serves as a significant witness of the Christ, as one who formerly fought against Jesus, who became His Savior.

Paul knew that his position as one of the redeemed came despite the evil he did as a young man. One of the places where he made this clear is in his first letter to Timothy. In the first chapter, he wrote the following: Continue reading “Abundant Grace” →