BibleTrekToday.com

Year: 2010

  • Heirs of Hope!

    Scripture reading for December 10th: Titus 1-3

    “Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of truth that leads to godliness–a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, and at His appointed season He brought His word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior,” (Titus 1:1-3)

    Paul wanted to encourage Titus that true faith based on the truth of Jesus Christ always leads to godliness.  True faith rests on the hope of eternal life.  This “hope” is not some distant and ephemeral dream or an imagination of man’s creation, but a solid promise of God about our future.  God doesn’t lie, He is the Truth!  He originally promised eternal life to Adam and Eve in the Garden.  They could eat of any fruit in the Garden of Eden (delights!) except the tree of knowledge of good and evil.  Satan lied to them and they believed a lie and death kept them from eternal delight and life!

    Because of sin, God removed Adam and Eve from the Garden so that they would not eat of the tree of Life.  (Genesis 3:22-24)  He did give them a promise of a deliverer who would come from their offspring and who would crush the head of the serpent. This “offspring” was none other than Jesus Christ, who defeated Satan and death by offering Himself on our behalf!  This message was given to the followers of Jesus to bring faith leading to godliness because of the hope of eternal life.  This hope causes us to purify ourselves to be ready for Christ’s return!  (Titus 2:11-15)

    “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.  It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are eager to do what is good.” (Titus 2:11-14)  As heirs of the hope of eternal life, we live like it!  Test your walk, would others know that you are expecting Jesus to come for you today?

  • The Crown of Righteousness!

    Scripture reading for December 9th: 2nd Timothy 1-4

    God calls His servants to live a righteous and holy life.  Good character is the first requirement for church leadership.  It is more about who you are than what gifts and talents you possess.  In this last letter to his son in the faith, Paul encourages Timothy to live boldly and to live holy!

    “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.  So do not be ashamed of me his prisoner.  But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life–not because of anything we have done, but because of His own purpose and grace.” (2nd Timothy 1:7-9)  Timothy was a young man who sometimes suffered with fear and insecurity.  Paul always encouraged him to live boldly through the Holy Spirit.  Life as a pastor was a life of serving and also a life of suffering for the gospel.  Not everyone would love the preacher.  Paul was, at that time,  suffering for preaching the gospel, but he was confident that God would guard what he had committed to Him for the day of Christ’s return.  (2nd Timothy 1:12)

    Again in this letter, Paul warned Timothy about terrible times in the last days.  (2nd Timothy 3:1-5)  People would lack self control and be lovers of pleasure, rather than lovers of God.  Paul describe them as having a “form of godliness but denying its power.” False believers and false teachers are deceived and lead others astray.  They appear to be godly, but the power of the Holy Spirit to enable them to live a holy life is missing from their everyday attitudes and actions.  Paul warned Timothy (and us) to have nothing to do with such people.

    Paul shared that all who live a godly life in Christ Jesus would be persecuted.  (2nd Timothy 3:12)  Timothy’s best defense was to study and hold fast to the Holy Scriptures.  These would equip him for every good work!  Timothy must preach this word with great patience and instruction.  Paul’s life was nearly over and he was looking to the reward: the crown of life that would be given to him and all who loved Christ’s appearing!  Paul encouraged Timothy to live boldly and to live holy to share in that reward!  What are you living for?

  • Fight the Good Fight!

    Scripture reading for December 8th: 1st Timothy 4-6

    Leadership in the church is not an easy task!  Choosing wise deacons and elders is imperative to having a strong church.  Leaders and strong workers are often in short supply because many are not qualified or have not matured by applying the word to their daily living. Much thought and prayer are necessary in filling the offices of leadership.

    Leaders will face increasingly difficult times in the last days.  (1st Timothy 4:1-8)  Many will abandon the faith and run after deceiving  spirits and follow teachers who are using doctrines of demons.  Leaders must be discerning and able to confront false doctrine.   They must unfailingly teach the truth and stay true to sound doctrine.  They must avoid myths and old wives tales but strive to live godly in the midst of the apostasy.

    “Command and teach these things.  Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.  Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.  Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.” (1st Timothy 4:11-14)  Youth and maturity are often two different things.  Those who are anointed to lead and have been called by Christ and affirmed by the elders must confidently lead by preaching and teaching God’s word.  We lead by example first, then by our teaching!  God will work with us through the gift bestowed through prayer and by the Holy Spirit.

    “Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them so that everyone may see your progress.  Watch your life and your doctrine closely.  Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1st Timothy 4:15-16)  Preachers must stay sharp on doctrine and stay true to sound doctrine!  Moving away from it is dangerous for the preacher and his flock.  Bad doctrine is often played out in daily living.  We must examine our daily life and thought patterns and make sure that lines up with what we believe and teach.  If we believe that Jesus is coming back soon to judge the sinner and save the righteous, we ought to be about saving sinners and living the gospel!

  • Christ Came to Save Sinners!

    Scripture reading for December 7th: 1st Timothy 1-3

    Young ministers usually have lots of zeal for Christ and the work of the ministry.  Many go to several years of Bible training and graduate to go into the ministry.  Others may grow in maturity by serving in the church or in a ministry family.  Often, they have lots of head knowledge, but the real training is yet to come.  Older and wiser men and women in the faith wisely instruct and model ministry for them.  They help them to stay on track and keep them from being swallowed up by the culture or satanic oppression that attacks frequently.  The pastoral epistles of Timothy and Titus are aimed at young ministers and we all get to listen in!

    Timothy was Paul’s true son in the faith!  (1st Timothy 1:2)  Timothy is named as co-author of six of Paul’s letters, as well as being the subject of two of them.  Timothy was a young man whose mother was a Jewess and father was  a Greek.  He was a traveling companion of Paul’s and had a pastor’s heart.  Paul wrote this letter to his son in the faith from prison in Rome to instruct him in proper pastoral leadership which requires courage and faith.

    Paul began by warning Timothy to deal with certain men who were teaching false doctrine.  They were teaching myths and genealogies and were stirring up controversies.  (1st Timothy 1:3-7)  Some had wandered away from the faith and were involved in meaningless talk.  They must be dealt with by church leadership.  Some were reintroducing the law and mixing it with grace.  Paul emphasized the purpose of the law to Timothy.  The law was to be used to bring conviction on lawbreakers and drive them to Christ for grace.  The glorious gospel promoted freedom from the law through faith in Christ.

    Paul shared with Timothy God’s incredible mercy toward his own life.  Paul had been a blasphemer and persecutor of Christians, even putting some to death!  God knew that Paul was acting in ignorance and revealed Christ and His mercy to him.  He then appointed Paul to the privilege of preaching the gospel.  “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance:  Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst!” (1st Timothy 1:15)  What  incredible truth for each minister to acknowledge–saved by His grace, our serving is a privilege!

  • Live a Life Worthy of His Calling!

    Scripture reading for December 6th: 2nd Thessalonians 1-3

    As Christians, we are called by God to become sons of God Father through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.  This calling is to eternal life in heaven and to be faithful witnesses of His love and grace in our time here on earth.  Paul commended the Thessalonian church for their love that was growing and faith that was increasing.  They were going through trials and persecution and suffering at the hands of wicked men. This was troubling them.

    “God is just:  He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well.  This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with His powerful angels.  He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.  They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of His power on the day He comes to be glorified in His holy people and to be marveled at among all who believed.” (2nd Thessalonians 1:6-10a)

    We are not to be concerned about getting even.  Our job is to preach the gospel and live holy lives.  Jesus can return at any time and there will only be two possible outcomes for each person.  He will punish those who do not know Him or obey His gospel with everlasting destruction.  This means the lake of fire!  (Revelation 20:14)  Or He will be glorified in His holy people and they will marvel at His glorious presence!  This will happen very suddenly and come with flashing glory and great awe and power.  No man will be able to control or change his circumstances at that moment in time that will soon arrive!

    These simple truths motivated Paul to pray for the Thessalonians.   He prayed that they would be found or counted by God as worthy of His calling.  He prayed that by Christ’s power, they would fulfill their purpose and act in faith daily.  The hope of Paul, the pastor and apostle, was that Christ would be glorified in them and they in Him!  Take time today to pray for yourself along these same lines.  Are you living a life worthy of Christ’s high calling into His Glory?

  • Active Waiting!

    Scripture reading for December 5th: 1st Thessalonians 1-5

    Dear Friends,

    Another day of rest is here!  We are all waiting for Jesus Christ to return and celebrate His resurrection with each Sunday!  In order to finish our journey on the last day of December, we must again read on Sunday.  Please  join with a body of believers today and worship!  Don’t forsake the assembling of yourselves, as you see the end approaching! (No pun intended!)

    The letter to Thessalonians is unique in that each chapter contains a reference to the second coming of Christ!  The believers in Thessalonica were really excited about this event.  Paul had to write to them to help them out of some wrong thinking concerning how to prepare and wait for Christ’s return.  As we read this, let’s check our thinking to be sure we are on the right track!

    Paul greeted this church, thanking God for their work produced by their faith in Jesus Christ.   This church worked to help others know the Lord.  They had great hope in Jesus Christ’s return which inspired endurance.  (1st Thessalonians 1:2-3)  Paul knew their background of idolatry and how they responded to the Gospel by truly turning to the living and  to God and to wait for Jesus Christ from heaven.  (1st Thessalonians 1:9-10)

    Paul recounted how he and the other brothers had worked among them sharing the gospel.  They had been very gentle and shared their lives as well as the message because of the love they had for these dear people.  They also set a holy and pure example of what being a Christian looked like and worked hard so as not to be a burden on these new believers.  The Thessalonians had received the word and had become imitators of God’s churches.  (1st Thessalonians 2:7-12, 19-20)  These believers would be the apostles joy, hope and crown when Christ appeared!

    Paul encouraged these believers to wait for Christ actively.  They must live holy lives by avoiding sexual immorality.  They must love each other and respect each person.  They must also work and mind their own business.  Christ is coming back suddenly for those who are waiting actively.  (1st Thessalonians 4:1-12)  Jesus will come Himself, with a trumpet call and loud command.  The dead in Christ will rise first, followed by those who are alive and ready to meet Jesus in the clouds!  Take care of any unfinished business today!

    In His Love,  Pastor John

  • Christ Will Appear!

    Scripture reading for December 4th: Colossians 1-4

    Our theme this year has been “Jesus is coming”!  Isn’t it interesting how many of the devotions have a theme about Christ’s return or the end times.  Paul, again writing from prison in Rome, encouraged the Colossian church to be prepared for Christ’s appearing.  I can imagine Paul’s conversion experience made a deep impression on him.  Christ appeared to him suddenly in a bright light on the Damascus road and spoke to him.  Now as his life was approaching an end, his heart was to encourage each believer in the churches to be ready to see Jesus Christ!

    Paul thanked God for the faith of the Colossian believers and their love for all the saints.  Paul recognized that the faith and love came from their hope of eternal life with Jesus Christ who was in heaven.  (Colossians 1:3-5)  Faith, hope, and love are spiritual virtues that flow from a relationship with Jesus Christ.  The Colossians were introduced to Christ when they heard the gospel message.

    Paul prayed that God would fill these saints with God’s will.  When believers are cognizant of God’s will, they can live a fruitful life and accomplish God’s purposes.  (Colossians 1:9-14)  Paul prayed that they would be filled with power by the Holy Spirit.  This power would be necessary to endure patiently the trials that would come and enable them to share in the inheritance awaiting all believers in the heavenly kingdom.

    Paul warned these believers about false teachers and deception.  They must continue in Christ and beware of deception.  Some would try to set dietary rules and special days aside, enticing people to leave the simplicity of devotion to Christ.  Some would appear spiritual because of angelic visitations or visions that their fleshly minds had seen.  These deceivers would appear to be humble and sincere, harshly treating their bodies. Believers must be discerning and stay true to Christ and His word.

    “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:2-4)  The positive antidote is to place our minds on the things of the Spirit.  Our true life is hidden with Christ in God.  Christ is going to appear suddenly!  You will appear with Him in Glory!

  • Heavenly Citizenship

    Scripture reading for December 3rd: Philippians 1-4

    Paul is in prison for preaching the Gospel.  He writes to the church in Philippi, thanking God for them and encouraging them!  Paul is confident that the God who began a good work in them will see it through to the day of Christ’s return.  (Philippians 1:6)  Paul prayed for these believers to grow in love for God as they grew in personal knowledge and insight of what was pleasing to God.  Paul prayed that they would be found blameless and pure when Christ appeared. (Philippians 1:9-11)

    Paul’s view of life was different after his conversion experience.  He counted all of his old life as rubbish for the sake of Christ.  (Philippians 3:7-14)  Paul’s sole desire was to be found in Christ and be clothed with Christ’s righteousness which came by faith, not by keeping the law.  He wanted to attain to the resurrection of the dead and pressed on to take hold of eternal life by obeying Christ.  He focused on what was ahead, making it his goal to win the prize.  He knew that he was not there yet, but must keep on moving toward Christ.

    Paul explained this in yet another way.  “But our citizenship is in heaven.   And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body.” (Philippians 3:20-21)  Although Paul had appealed to Rome because of Roman citizenship, he viewed heaven as his true home now.    Citizens have rights and privileges, as well as responsibilities.  A responsibility of a citizen of Heaven is to be watching for his heavenly King to come!   When He comes, there will be an instant transformation of our lowly bodies!  We will put off this earthly body and receive a glorious body, like our Savior’s !  We will also receive rewards for living a life of faith.

    Christ had the power to lay His life down and the power to take it back up again.  He rose again, defeating death!  In His victory, we are promised victory!  He has given us His promise and power in the person of the Holy Spirit living in us.  He enables us to focus on the goal and prize–eternity in Christ’s heavenly presence!   Lift up your head, Redemption is drawing near!

  • The Church: Bride of Christ!

    Scripture reading for December 2nd: Ephesians 1-6

    Ephesians is one of the most encouraging epistles of Paul.  Written from prison, Paul shares the mystery of the church as the bride of Christ with all who read this letter.  The letter is written , “To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 1:1)   All who believe in Jesus Christ are considered “saints”, those set apart for the master’s use.  Each saint was chosen by Jesus and blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms through relationship with Him.  (Ephesians 1:3-14)  Believers have been lavished with God’s grace through forgiveness of sins and adoption as sons.  They have had the mystery of His will revealed to them.  They have a down payment of future blessedness, the promised Holy Spirit!

    Paul prays two beautiful prayers for the saints recorded in Ephesians 1:15-19 and 3:14-21.  These prayers are models for our praying for spiritual insight into who we are in Christ and what He has given us.  Christ’s love for those He has chosen is so high and long and wide and deep that only by personal revelation can it be fathomed!  Paul bowed his knees before the Father in prayer and worship, praying from the depth of his heart.  What encouragement for us to know that we have been prayed for in this manner!  To consider that God can do “immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine, according to the power at work in us,” (Ephesians 3:20) is exciting and opens up a new world for us.

    Paul deals with practical matters of human relationships, including husbands and wives.  Mutual submission to each other out of respect for Christ is a great foundation for marriage.  (Ephesians 5:21)  Wives should submit to their husbands as to Christ.  Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church and laid His life down for her.  Paul states that these thoughts are a profound mystery!  (Ephesians 5:32)  Christ is the husband of His bride, the church and loves her as His own body!  He is one with the church as a husband is one with his wife.  Christ must be submitted to and reverenced by the church as the wife is to submit to and reverence her husband.

    May we ponder this mystery today and apply the truths to our daily lives.  Marriages are to be visual aides to understand Christ and the Church.