Loring Schultz

SOLA GRATIA (Grace Alone)

January 14, 2024January 13, 2024 Loring Schultz

“But no man can be thoroughly humbled until he knows that his salvation is utterly beyond his own powers, devices, endeavors, will, and works, and depends entirely on the choice, will, and work of another, namely, of God alone.” Martin Luther

The third of the Five Solas to be recognized during the Reformation period was ‘sola gratia’ or (grace alone). In the early sixteenth century there was an emphasis on church teaching of salvation by works of merit and indulgences. Scripture says we are saved by grace alone as Paul writes in the book of Ephesians, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” (Eph. 2:8 ESV) The first reformer of the sixteenth century was Martin Luther and he had said, “Our salvation depends entirely on the choice, will, and work of another, namely, of God alone.” We cannot take any credit leading to our salvation, God has done it all.

Yes, ‘for by grace we been saved through faith,’ but the reality is God gives us the faith to believe in His Son through the Holy Spirit as He draws us to Himself. Our regeneration proceeds our faith. It is by His grace that He grants us the faith to believe in Jesus for we would never do this on our accord. Paul, the apostle, quoted from the Old Testament in the book of Romans, “as it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.’” (3:10-12 ESV) God’s saving grace towards sinners is His granting unmerited favor upon us. When God’s saving grace is applied to us it cannot fail to accomplish the purpose for which it was given.

The saving grace that God bestows on His chosen cannot be understood or appreciated until we have a full knowledge of what we have been saved from. There is not one of us who has a right to eternal life, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Ro. 3:23 ESV) We are all sinners in Adam, “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.” (Ro. 5:12 ESV) And the punishment for sin is death, physical death and spiritual death being eternally being separated from God in the lake of fire. “And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Rev. 20:15 ESV)

As we come to accept that there is nothing we could ever do to find favor with God to enter into His presence, we should find ourselves in continued praise and worship for what He has done for us through His grace. God has chosen to love us in Christ, underserving sinners that we are. As Paul writes again in Romans, “For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.” (Ro. 5:17 ESV) May we chose to live for Him as He chose us to live with Him.

Devotionals

Are you growing where God planted you?

January 13, 2024May 6, 2024 Loring Schultz

‘“Consider the lilies of the field…’ (Mt. 6:28). They grow where they are planted. Many of us refuse to grow where God plants us. Therefore, we don’t take root anywhere.” Oswald Chambers (1)

We live in a transit society. Countless people do not stay long enough in one area to establish any roots. Most employments are only for a season of time pulling up stakes to the next job. Growing families move quite frequently due to changing needs within the household. Others move to enjoy a more seasonable climate, live in a safer community, or avoid an increasing tax scale. And then there are circumstances beyond our control that precipitate a change in our lives that is unexpected. The company you work for is going out of business, you lost your home due to a fire or flooding, or a family member has need of assisted living are necessary reasons for you to uproot and replant yourself. But do you realize God is the one who is doing the planting? And wherever God plants us, He expects us to grow.

If you are like me, you have had your share replants in your life. Looking back and pondering over each move in my life it is clear the Lord directed my steps and planted me in my new environment. As I reviewed my time in each season of my life there were periods of tremendous growth, but sadly, there were periods of stagnation. There were times, as Oswald Chambers said, when I didn’t take root anywhere. Perhaps I didn’t like where God had planted me, or even worst didn’t realize it was Him who placed me there. Advancing in years provides many opportunities for do-overs and learning from your mistakes and I have taken advantage of all of them.

So, the question is, are you taking advantage of the season you are in and growing where God has planted you? Make no mistake you are indeed where God wants you to be. God planted you in the field of His choice-your occupation, your city or town, your church, your neighbors, your high school, your college or university, your family, are all God’s choice. You were planted to grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savoir Jesus Christ. You were planted to grow spiritually in your relationship with the Lord your God. You were planted to grow and bear fruit for all to see leading others to salvation. It’s time to grow wherever you are, taking root and bearing fruit for we do not know when the Lord will uproot us replanting us in another location.

(1) Chambers, Oswald Utmost Classic Readings and Prayers. Discovery House: Grand Rapids, 2012. Page 22

Devotionals

Hope for Restoration

January 12, 2024January 11, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy! Say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.’” Isaiah 35:1-2a, 4 NLT

There is an abundant need for restoration in our world today. Relationships in broken families need to be restored. Broken marriages need healing returning to health, strength, and stability. Incarcerated individuals need restoration while in prison and when released back into society. Those who have fallen into addiction of drugs, alcohol, pornography, or gambling are in dire need of restoration. Most governments around the globe have fallen far from the original intent of the law. Societal ills are the major cause of broken relationships, crime, addictions, and corrupt governments. And sin is the cause of all our societal ills including each of us who are estranged from God. But there is hope, hope for restoration.

The prophet Isaiah writes about a future day of restoration for the nation of Israel and the world during the Millennium period when Christ will rule on the earth. There will be no societal ills to worry about-no addictions, broken families, or corrupt governments. “Say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.’” (Is. 35:4 NLT) It is a comfort to know all will be restored in the future, but what about now you may say, where is my hope for restoration?

Our hope for restoration in the here and now begins with the forgiveness of sins as we confessed them to God. “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” (1 Jn. 1:9 NLT) Paul writes in 2 Corinthians, “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (5:17 NLT) As a new person in Christ the Holy Spirit comes upon you to assist in your struggles within your family, your temptations, and your addictions. (1 Cor. 6:19)

God is in the business of restoration, so there is your hope for restoration. “Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy!” (Is. 35:1-2a NLT)

Read Isaiah 35, Hope for Restoration: Isaiah 35 NLT – Hope for Restoration – Even the – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Depending on God to Hear and Answer Our Prayer

January 11, 2024January 10, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Then he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer.’” Daniel 10:12 NLT

Do you have the assurance you can depend on God both to hear and to answer your prayer? If you are struggling with prayers that haven’t been answered yet, or perhaps not answered in a way you find favorable, you might begin to doubt if God has even heard your request. Be assured that He has. However, we succumb to suspicion amid a long delay. Our tendency is to pray more feverously along with fasting pouring our heart out to God, which certainly is a good practice, but if we are doing this to ensure He has heard us or persuade His answer our way these prayers are fruitless.

The Lord certainly desires us to be persistent in our prayers and we should be, but He also wants us to have a loving relationship with Him without all the requests. I remember my mother saying to me many years ago you only need to tell the Lord your request once, He will not forget and will answer in His timing and according to His will. You may have had an experience where God answered a prayer from long ago you forgot that request was made. I have been there many times. God does hear, He doesn’t forget, and He does answer.

The prophet Daniel mourned and fasted for three weeks praying for an understanding of the visions he had seen. An angel, most likely Gabriel, came in answer to his prayer. The first thing he said after calming Daniel’s fears was God heard his prayer the first day Daniel prayed. His request was heard, and Gabriel came in answer to it. We can rest assured God will indeed do the same for us today. He does hear our prayers and is ready to answer in His time. Our requests are in the most secure safe deposit box with no chance of being lost or forgotten. We can depend on God to hear and answer our prayer.

Devotionals

A Long Look with the Wrong Motives

January 10, 2024January 9, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley in the direction of Zoar. The whole area was well watered everywhere…. and Lot moved his tents to a place near Sodom and settled among the cities of the plain.” Genesis 13:10a, 12b NLT

Careful and thorough examination is important when deciding upon major issues in life. Looking for a new car would entail what is affordable, safe, meets your needs and gets good gas mileage, along with how many charging stations are available if going all electric. These factors would be considered as proper having the right motives. Basing your decision on proper motives most likely will provide a good experience for you now and in the future. Wrong motives will produce just the opposite. Having a selfish attitude could lead you to make a purchase over your financial capability to make the monthly payment. You may find out there isn’t enough room as you thought and it is a gas guzzler, or you are stranded somewhere between Chicago and Minneapolis with no charging station in sight. You may have looked long and hard among your options for your new vehicle, but you had set your sights with the wrong motives.

The first book of the Bible records the story of a man who made a major decision with the wrong motives. In Genesis chapter 13 we have a story of Abram and his nephew Lot who was travelling with him. Both had abundant and increasing livestock which made it impossible for them to live together. Abram allowed Lot to choose where he preferred to go with Abram going in the opposite direction. The Bible says, “Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley.” (Gen. 13:10a NLT) He saw fertile well irrigated land, even in Bible days, and out of selfishness and greed Lot chose it for himself. It made have been in today’s terms a wise calculated business move, but Lot could not see past his selfishness. He failed to calculate what it might cost him in the future.

Scripture informs us of Lot’s long look and his move to the cities near Sodom, the well-known Sodom and Gomorrah. “But the people of this area were extremely wicked and constantly sinned against the LORD.” (Gen. 13:13 NLT) Life and business may have been good for Lot, but it turned for the worst when he eventually begins to live in Sodom. (Gen. 14 & Gen 19) Lot’s greed and selfishness brought him in needless conflict with the sins of the people around him affecting himself and his family. A long look is advisable and necessary, but with the wrong motives becomes a disaster.

For further study:

Read Genesis 14:8-16: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+14%3A8-16&version=NLT

Read Genesis 19 Sodom and Gomorrah Destroyed: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+19&version=NLT

Devotionals

With Authority

January 9, 2024January 6, 2024 Loring Schultz

“When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law.” Matthew 7:28, 29 NLT

Authority is power based on the right to command. Those in positions of authority have the right to command those who are under their authority. Countless are the positions of authority in the world. Anyone in charge of anything is in authority. Most notable are those in governing positions from presidents, prime ministers, members of legislatures and parliaments down to local assemblies. Outside of governing, there are others with authority such as school teachers and administrators, a foreman over a group of workers, coaches and team captains, any managerial position in the vast businesses such as retail management where I have spent most of life, and the list continues. For all who hold positions of authority, do we realized that we do not have any real authority at all? Authority is power based on the right to command in which none of us have that right. The right to command belongs to God alone.

Paul, writing to the Romans, said the following, “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.” (Ro. 13:1 NLT) Again, those of us who are in authority, do we realize that we have been placed there by God?

When Jesus completed His teaching to the disciples in the Sermon on the Mount, those who witnessed and heard Jesus’ words were astonished. It was described as teaching with real authority. The people in the crowd often heard the teaching of the scribes. The scribes referred to tradition and quoting noteworthy rabbis. They presented nothing as coming from their own authority. A. B. Bruce is explained it simply, “The scribes spoke by authority, while Jesus spoke with authority.”

As Christians we have the authority to claim and preach the word of God as truth. Authority given to us by the one with the authority to do so, God the Father. Jesus spoke with authority as He is God the Son. He summed up His message on the mountain with an example of two builders. If one will obey the words Jesus spoke, he will be like a wise builder who built his house on a firm foundation, but the one who does not obey Jesus’s teaching will be like a foolish builder who builds his house on sand. Needless to say, one will stand and one will not. These words from the one who spoke ‘with authority.’

Devotionals

The LORD himself watches over you!

January 8, 2024January 3, 2024 Loring Schultz

“The LORD himself watches over you!” Psalm 121:5a NLT

We are already a couple of days into the New Year and there is not a whole lot of optimism for prosperous, healthy, and safe 2024. News media outlets along with social media have been looking towards this coming year as a pivotal year with great anticipation. Politically the U.S. Presidential election is this year (‘the most important election of our lifetime,’ where have we heard that before). There are currently two wars being fought overseas, one in the land of Israel, the other in Eastern Europe, and tensions are rising among nations with each other and mainly against the United States. And here in the United States we have enough tension and division among us to start our own war between ourselves.

Living in a broken world it is easy to see the results of the sinful actions of pride, lust, hate, the craving of money, recognition, control, and power. It is also easy to see the rejection of the God of the Bible that fuels the evil and chaos in the world today. As Christians we understand the only true hope for this world is in Jesus Christ. When people of all ages, ethnicity, male and female from every country on earth come to trust in Him for salvation this world becomes a better place. We also know that one day Jesus will reign on the earth as the King of kings, but until that time, which may be soon, we have 2024 in front of us.

As we contemplate about 2024 it is true there have been many signs and warnings over the last few years if not taken seriously could cause an eruption of chaos in the United States and around the world, not to mention God’s judgment on those who have turned their back on Him. So I suppose some turmoil in the world would not come as a surprise. As Christians we need to pray for changed lives and hearts towards the only true God, asking for His grace and mercy in our time of need.

Although we are in unsettling times we have a God who has never failed to keep a watch over us. Psalm 121 is a psalm that speaks of God’s protection and help throughout our lives and in times of trouble. The psalmist writes our help comes from the Lord. (v. 2) He will not allow us to stumble. The Lord doesn’t stumble, slumber or sleep. (vv.3-4) He is always there to protect us. “The LORD will keep you from all evil.” (v. 7 ESV) Whatever the New Year has in store for us you can be sure that God is already there to protect His children. The signs of the times, as we say, may be prevalent for 2024, but “The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade,” (v. 5) nothing will be able to harm us. The Lord will keep watch over us as we come and go in ’24 and forever more!

Read Psalm 121: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20121&version=NLT

Bible Studies

SOLUS CHRISTUS (Christ Alone)

January 7, 2024January 6, 2024 Loring Schultz

Last week we looked at the first of the Five Solas of the Reformation, ‘Sola Scriptura’ or scripture alone. The Bible being sufficient for all we need in the way of Salvation records the truth of Jesus’s own words in the gospel of John, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’ (Jn.14:6) The second solas is ‘Solus Christus’ which states that salvation is only through Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ alone. There is no other way to get to the Father except through Jesus and He doesn’t need any of our help to get us there. He is totally sufficient.

During the Reformation period, the church’s greatest need was to regain its focus on Christ as the head of the church. With that accomplished through Luther and the rest of the Reformers, the next step was to ensure the teaching of Scripture that Christ alone through faith was the only necessary means of salvation. Scripture confirms that Jesus is fully God and fully man making it possible for Him to be the only bridge between God and man. It was important for the Reformers to establish the Divine nature of Christ and His Human nature. The Reformers affirmed “The statement of faith made by the Council of Chalcedon (451). It reaffirms the Christological definitions of Nicaea and Constantinople and formally repudiates the errors of Nestorius and Eutyches. It declares Christ to be one Person in two natures, the Divine of the same substance as the Father, the human of the same substance as us; these are united unconfusedly, unchangeably, indivisibly, and inseparably.” (1)

Jesus as the only Savior, and the only way to God is the predicted Messiah in the Old Testament who was to come. The Hebrew word for Messiah is ‘mashiach,’ which means ‘anointed one.’ ‘Mashiach’ translated into Greek as ‘christos” translated into English as ‘Christ.’ Therefore Jesus Christ is the ‘Anointed One, Jesus the Messiah, the Savior.’

Note some verses from Scripture stating ‘Christ alone’ in Salvation. Jesus says to Thomas, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (Jn. 14:6 NLT) And Jesus speaking to Nathanael after He called him to be His disciple said to him, “I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth.” (Jn. 1:51 NLT) Jesus is referring to the book of Genesis and Jacob’s dream of a ladder descending from heaven. Jesus, the Messiah, is the ladder for access between God and man.

All of us are lost in our sin estranged from God with no help of reconciliation on our own. The prophet Isaiah wrote, “All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all.” (Is. 53:6 NLT) The Reformers witnessed the church falsely instructing people to secure their Salvation through indulgences and human works. Salvation is only available when full payment for our sin is paid for by the only one able to do so, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the sinless Son of God. And by faith in Christ (the ladder) and His death and resurrection, we have forgiveness of our sin and eternal life. ‘Solus Christus’ Christ alone in all sufficient for our Salvation.

(1) https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095600808

A Christian Perspective

Silent Protest

January 6, 2024January 5, 2024 Loring Schultz

One of the many rights enjoyed by every citizen in the United States is the right to protest. In fact it is the very first amendment to the constitution. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” It is worthy to note that it states the right to ‘peaceably assemble.’ I am sure we can all relate to what has been demonstrated as peaceful protest over the years as not being very peaceful. That is not to say there have not been peaceful demonstrations or protests, there have been, and that is the way it should be, especially among Christians.

Living in the first quarter of the 21^st century has certainly brought about many issues to protest, both as citizens of the United States and members of the Christian church. Christians have an obligation to present the truth to those who don’t know the truth. Here in the United States we are afforded the freedom to do so in a peaceable manner. Christians are also to live honorable lives before the general public and governing authorities to dispute any false accusations that may be brought against us.

Whether we gather with others to protest an injustice on biblical grounds or stand our ground individually by not engaging in the sins of the world we are protesting, let it be done by way of a ‘silent protest,’ peaceably and by living a life honorable to Christ. Peter encourages us it is God’s will that our honorable lives will silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against us. (1Peter 2:15) Let us as citizens of heaven be humble and obedient citizens here on earth bringing honor and glory to God so all may believe in Him and His Son, Jesus Christ.

“It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil.” 1 Peter 2:15-16 NLT

Read 1 Peter 2:13-17, Respecting people in authority: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+2%3A13-17&version=NLT

Devotionals

Are you a minister of the gospel?

January 5, 2024January 4, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart……..But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” 2 Corinthians 4:1, 7 ESV

How often do you think of yourself as a minister of the gospel? We think of ministers being fully trained in seminaries, going through the process of ordination, pastoring a church by presenting a sermon in formal religious attire, visiting the sick, and helping the poor in the community. These are accurate descriptions of ministers serving in local churches with some variations in seminary training, ordination, and the manner in which the worship service is conducted either formal by tradition or more a contemporary style. But overall we think of the minster as the one who does the preaching and we do the listening, and that also is accurate. But when the service is over, the ministerial duties are passed on to us.

The word ‘minister’ in its verb form is defined as ‘to give help,’ ‘to tend to the needs of someone.’ As our needs are attended to by the minister during the sermon we are to go out and tend to the needs of others as we have been encouraged and fed the good news of Jesus Christ. We may feel unqualified, even unworthy, but those who know Christ as their savior have been saved by God’s grace and mercy through faith in Christ. It is God’s undeserved gift to us, yes we are unworthy, but again it is through God’s love, grace and mercy He extends the salvation message to all and uses us to minister to those in need of salvation.

The apostle Paul writing to the church in Corinth says, “Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.” (2 Cor. 4:1 ESV) This ministry is the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ given to us. Paul further writes, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” (2 Cor. 4:7 ESV) Paul uses the illustration of ‘this treasure in jars of clay’ to encourage us that God has entrusted us with the gospel message for it will show God’s power and not ours in sharing the gospel. Jars of clay are of little value, fragile, easily broken, and replaceable, yet God has stored this valuable treasure in us. So we are not to lose heart for God will grant us the necessary means for us to carry out the work of ministry. So are you a minister of the gospel?