BibleTrekToday.com

Year: 2010

  • Truth and Love!

    Scripture reading for December 21st:  2nd John

    John wrote two shorter letters to those in the church that he loved.  In this second letter, John writes to the elder, a chosen lady and her children.  He writes to encourage them to walk in love and in the truth.   John had written in his Gospel that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life.  (John 14:6)  As the truth, Jesus embodied all truth and everything that was righteous.  Satan was a liar, with no truth in him!  (John 8:44)   John also wrote that God is love and that He so loved the world that He gave His Son Jesus Christ to bring salvation to whoever would believe on Him.  (John 3:16)

    There is a balance between love and truth that believers must be aware of.  God wants all His children to walk in love and to love each other.  This does not mean that our love just naively accepts anyone who believes or teaches what is contrary to the truth.  Our love must be tempered by truth.  False teachers were trying to seduce some of the members of the early church that John had labored to build.

    “Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world.  Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.  Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.  . . .If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him.  Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work.” (2nd John 7-8,10-11)

    The false teachers were gnostics, people who did not believe that Jesus Christ came in the flesh.  The were secretly introducing heresy into the church.  Although God’s people are loving, we love in truth and cannot welcome those who are false teachers into our fellowship.  This is a loving thing to do to protect the church and our own souls!  John taught that when we welcome the false teacher or false apostle into our homes, we share in his or her wicked work and lose our own reward!  That is serious teaching that should make us all cry out for discernment!  The last days are marked by deception and false teaching!   Check your own love and truth balance today as you re-read this short epistle!

  • Unashamed at His Coming!

    Scripture reading for December 20th: 1st John 1-5

    I find it interesting that so many of the Apostles who walked with Jesus wrote so often about Jesus’ return.  They evidently heard something from the heart of Jesus that made a deep impression.  They were willing to suffer and die, many of them martyred for preaching the Gospel.  John the Apostle is another of Jesus’ inner circle who wrote about Jesus’ return and encouraged the church to be ready!

    “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God!  And that is what we are!  The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.  Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known.  But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.  Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1st John 3:1-3)

    John is the apostle of love.  He is always talking about the love of God and how God has lavished His love on us as human beings.  Through Jesus Christ, we are now adopted into God’s family and have the privilege of being called His children.  To the world, we look no different than anyone else.  The people of the world don’t recognize us as children of God because they do not know Jesus.

    But when Jesus returns, things will change in an instant.  We will be instantly made to be like Him in His glorified body.  We will see Him in all His glory and be transformed.  Those who have faith in Christ, have this hope in their hearts and it causes a change in behavior and attitude.  We separate ourselves from the sins of the world and the flesh and live a pure life by faith in Christ.  We prepare for Christ’s sudden return and our transformation!

    John stresses that those born of God will not continue to sin because God’s seed (sperm–the living word of God) dwells in him.  (1st John 3:9-10)  We who are born again love others and choose to do what is right according to God’s word. There are only two types of people in the world: those born of God and those who are children of the devil.  Are you ready for His coming?

  • God’s Patience!

    Scripture reading for December 19th: 2nd Peter 1-3

    In the last days, people will mock and scoff at God, accusing Him of not being there at all.  “God is dead” was popular some time back among the scoffers in America.  Others claim to be agnostics, not sure if there is a God at all and skeptical that man can even know Him.  Others, having the desire to completely eliminate God from their thinking, ignore history and the Bible and degrade anyone who would believe in the Creator and the prophetic warnings of coming judgment on those who refuse to believe.

    “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years , and a thousand years are like a day.  The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2nd Peter 3:8-9)  God’s not hung up on time like we humans are.  He has always been and will always be.  Time for Him is not limited, but limitless!  God is not slow in keeping His promise to come back for us, but He is patient with all mankind.  He wants all to have opportunity to be saved.  He knows that all who fail to repent will perish in the Lake of Fire.  (Revelation 20:14-15)

    God has great patience, even with those who are mocking Him and scoffing at His word.  He is working out His plans, which are established forever.  He has told mankind of His plans through the prophets of Old Testament time and in these last days through His own Son, Jesus Christ.  We can trust the word of God  and should be living as if what God has said will come to pass!

    “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.  The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.  Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people out you to be?  You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.” (2nd Peter 3:10-12)  God’s patience will eventually give way to fulfillment of His promises.  Will you be found ready and living for Him or among the scoffers?

  • Called to Eternal Glory!

    Scripture reading for December 18th: 1st Peter 1-5

    Peter was the leader of the band of apostles.  He boasted of his faithfulness to the Lord and ended up denying Him three times.  As he ended his life, he wrote about suffering and glory and how Christ would come again.  He always encouraged believers to stay faithful.  He was aware of suffering that came with following Christ but always kept his eyes on the goal of seeing Christ when  He came again!

    “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.  If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and God rests on you.” (1st Peter 4:12-14)  Suffering is a part of living for Jesus Christ.  Just as Jesus Christ Himself suffered persecution, we are promised persecution because of the name of Jesus that we bear.  We should not be surprised at this, but rejoice!  An attitude of joy is the choice we are to make.   Peter taught us that the Holy Spirit would rest on us and bring glory to God through our faithful and joyful endurance.

    Peter had been an eyewitness of the sufferings and glory of Jesus Christ.  He was there at the transfiguration as well as the crucifixion and then the resurrection.  He was given a charge by Jesus to care for the lambs and feed His sheep.  (John 21:15-19)  In this light, Peter instructed the elders of the church to set a good example for the others in the church.  They should not lord their authority over others, but serve willingly as shepherds of the flock of God.  (1st Peter 5:1-4)  The Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ, would soon appear and those who served faithfully would receive a crown of glory which would never fade away!

    “And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.  To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.” (1st Peter 5:10-11)  The call to share Christ’s glory is foremost in Peter’s mind!  Let this word bring joy and encouragement today in your suffering or pain!

  • The Judge is At the Door!

    Scripture reading for December 17th: James 1-5

    James was the half-brother of Jesus and the pastor at the church in Jerusalem.  He was known as a man of prayer and this short letter shows his wisdom.   James is the “Proverbs” of the New Testament with its many wise insights and words of instruction.  James wrote to the Jewish believers of his day to encourage them to stand fast during the trials that they were facing because of false teachers and persecution from embracing Christ as Messiah.

    Patience and perseverance are major themes of this book.  “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)  Trials are something that Christians can embrace and walk through with faith.  God wastes nothing, and He is building patience into us as we experience trials.  In fact, we learn by experiencing trials that God supplies all of our needs and we lack nothing.

    “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12)  James says that God is not the author of trials, but uses them to help us.  When we develop perseverance, we become mature.  At the conclusion, we receive a crown of life!  Eternal life is a great reward worth waiting for.  God has promised this to those who love and obey Him.  (John 3:16)

    “Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming.  See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains.  You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.  Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged.  The Judge is standing at the door!” (James 5:7-9)  James kept up on the theme of patience.  He felt strongly that Jesus Christ was coming soon.  He knew that complaining and criticism would be judged and impatient people often use their mouths rashly.  James warned them not to grumble but to remember Jesus the coming Judge!  Instead, they should pray about their troubles and confess their sins.  Good advice for us today as the Judge is closer than ever!

  • Final Instructions!

    Scripture reading for December 16th:  Hebrews 11-13

    We who have faith are part of a long line of men and women who put their trust in God.  Hebrews 11 is known as the hall of fame for those having faith. Faith begins with trusting that  God created the the world out of things that did not exist.  (Hebrews 11:1-6)  Faith is the major requirement for pleasing God on our journey through this life.  We are promised a reward if we earnestly seek the Lord and hold onto our faith in Him.

    It is interesting that our culture currently is trying to destroy a belief in God as Creator.  Instead, time and chance are honored instead of God. “Science” is used to support the theory of evolution and discredit creationism.  The knowledge of God as Creator is being suppressed in unrighteousness.  When men do this, God gives them over to deluding influences that take men into great darkness and wickedness.  (Romans 1:18-26)  People who believe the truth of Scripture are ridiculed as “unscientific” and fools!  Buying into these lies will bring deception and darkness that ends in eternal damnation.

    “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)  We are in a race of faith authored by Jesus Christ, Himself.  He focused on a goal as He went to the cross.  He saw by faith all who would believe in Him free from the fear of death, living in God’s presence forever.  This joy drove Him onward and should inspire us as well!

    We should put off every weight and sin, and focus on Jesus Christ!  We should live  pure and holy lives, avoiding sexual immorality and worldliness as we wait for Jesus to return.  We must live by faith in the grace of God to inherit the promises.  These were the final instructions left for us and all who by faith believe!  It is time to pay close attention and fix our eyes on the goal!

  • He Will Appear a Second Time!

    Scripture reading for December 15th: Hebrews 8-10

    The Jewish believers being addressed by the writer of Hebrews needed help understanding the work of Jesus Christ in bringing atonement for their sins.   They were under the Old Testament law and knew that the High Priest went into the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement.  He went in to offer the blood sacrifice for the sins of the people and even for his own sins.  This High Priest could only come from the line of Aaron or he would not be qualified to be a priest.  (Hebrews 9:6-7)

    Their questions about this came from the fact that Jesus Christ was from the tribe of Judah, rather than from Levi and Aaron.  Jesus did not offer an animal sacrifice in the earthly temple like the Aaronic priests.  Jesus offered His own blood in the heavenly tabernacle.  The shed blood made forgiveness of sins possible for all who would put their faith in Him.  (Hebrews 9:21-26)  Jesus also offered this sacrifice of His own blood just once and then He sat down because His work was finished.  The writer of Hebrews had previously shown that Jesus was of the priesthood of Melchizedek.  This was because of the resurrection from the dead and the power of an endless life!

    “But now He has appeared once for all to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself.  Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are awaiting for Him.” (Hebrews 9:26-28)

    Jesus Christ came the first time to take away sin and destroy it’s power to bring eternal death to mankind.  He offered His sacrifice of His own blood in Heaven itself before God’s throne.  But Jesus Christ is coming again!  This next time it will not be to bear our sins, but to bring the fullness of salvation to all those who have put their trust in Him.  Those who are waiting for Him gather together regularly to encourage each other to love each other and do good deeds.  (Hebrews 10:23-25)  Are you eagerly waiting and regularly gathering with God’s people?  The time is near!

  • Perfected by Suffering!

    Scripture reading for December 14th: Hebrews 5-7

    It is a wonderful comfort to know that we have a perfect Savior who has been tempted and tested in the same manner that we are.  Jesus Christ was truly a human as well as God.  His suffering was part of the process that God used to help us to become all we need to be through faith.  Today’s readings help us to understand a little better what Jesus went through on our behalf.

    “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of his reverent submission.  Although He was a son, He learned obedience from what he suffered and , once made perfect, be became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 5:7-10)

    Jesus prayed passionately because He faced trials and temptations that buffeted His soul.  The last great wave of temptation was to save Himself from the cross in the Garden of Gethsemane.  (Matthew 26:36-44)  According to Luke, Jesus’ sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground and an angel came and strengthened him.  (Luke 22:42-44)  While Jesus wrestled passionately in prayer, the disciples were sleeping and deserted him in the night watch.  Jesus desired to have the cup of suffering removed from him, but reverently submitted to the Father’s will that He taste death for all sinners.

    He was made perfect through suffering.  His suffering brought Jesus to perfect obedience and humble submission to the Father’s will.  He was then able to become the source of eternal salvation for all who would humbly look to Him in faith.  Because of Jesus’ submission, God designated Jesus a high priest of the order of Melchizedek!  Melchizedek had no recorded genealogy and appeared to live eternally.  His priesthood was of a different order than Aaron’s and came before Aaron’s.  It was based on the power of an endless life!

    We can fully trust Jesus Christ as our high priest.  He is a man who is now alive forever in God’s presence.  God declared Him a high priest forever!  He was tempted in every way like us, but was without sin.  His blood is the perfect sacrifice for sin.  We owe Him our reverent submission!

  • The Living Word!

    Scripture reading for December 13th: Hebrews 3-4

    “For the word of God is living and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.  Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:12-13)

    Jesus Christ is God’s living Word!  Jesus is alive and active today, having risen from the dead and now seated at God’s right hand to intercede as our High Priest.  God has always used His Word to accomplish His purposes.  In Isaiah, the Word was likened to rain that came to water the earth, making it bud and sprout.  (Isaiah 55:10-12)  God sent His Word, Jesus Christ, to earth to accomplish restoration for fallen man and to bring him back into God’s family again.  He came to bring peace between sinful man and Holy God and remove the curse of sin.

    As the living Word, Jesus is active today in the hearts of men and women around the earth.  The Word preached by His church is likened to a sword that is sharp on both edges.  It can cut going in and cut going out.  The Word can penetrate where no metal sword is sharp enough to enter–the soul and spirit!  It can divide the thoughts and intents of the heart, revealing truth to the inner man by revelation.  This “Sword” sees us as if by x-ray.  We are naked and bare before Him and He knows just where to cut to bring healing and deliverance.

    Since Jesus Christ has gone through the heavens, we must hold firmly to the faith we possess that came from hearing the Word.  (Romans 10:17)  Jesus is a faithful priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses.  He can help us when we are tempted and we can come boldly before His throne now without fear.  (Hebrews 4:15-16)  One day we must give an account before Jesus at the judgment seat of Christ, where we will receive reward for our deeds done in our bodies.  (2nd Corinthians 5:10)  This will be a time of reward, not of condemnation, for those who know the Lord.  The living Word intercedes for us, guides us, and guards us, taking us safely to our eternal home!  What a comfort and joy Jesus is!

  • No More Fear of Death!

    Scripture reading for December 12th: Hebrews 1-2

    “We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.  For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?” (Hebrews 2:1-3a)   The letter to the Hebrews was written to Jews who had been saved and became followers of Jesus Christ.  They suffered intense persecution,  some had their own families disown them, and some were being put to death.  The persecution caused some to begin to question their salvation and relationship with Jesus Christ.  The writer encouraged these Jews to pay careful attention to the word of God and the truth that had been preached to them.  Careful attention would keep them on the narrow path of life.

    The writer of Hebrews reminded these believers that the the Son of God had brought the message of salvation to the Jews first.  He confirmed it with signs and wonders and miracles.  (Hebrews 2:3-4)  Jesus was raised to a position of glory and honor after suffering death for everyone.  God made the author of their salvation perfect through suffering and He is in the process of perfecting those who follow Jesus as well.

    “Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death–that is, the devil– and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” (Hebrews 2:14-15)  As Christians, we now have no more fear of death.  Christ has freed us from that fear by conquering death and the grave.  He destroyed the devil and took the keys of death and hell away from him.  (Revelation 1:18)

    All men have been held by the fear of death because all have sinned and know that death is the penalty for sin.  The second death is the real fear because it is appointed to men once to die and then comes the judgment. (Hebrews 9:27)  Christ took our sins and paid the penalty of death for all who believe on Him.  He can help us now because He is our faithful high priest,  having offered His own blood for our sins!  (Hebrews 2:17-18)  What a blessing to be freed from this enslaving fear!