“For the law was not intended for people who do what is right. It is for people who are lawless and rebellious, who are ungodly and sinful, who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy.” 1 Timothy 1:9 NLT
We have heard others say, ‘I have kept the Ten Commandments.’ Really? I will not go into how this is an utterly ridiculous statement except to say there is no one who has ever kept all Ten Commandments. If you find that hard to believe, just look in the mirror. Sorry! There are many laws spread out throughout the Old Testament the Jewish people were to observe. The leading Jewish rulers counted 613 of them. If people have a hard time obeying 10, I think it is safe to say that 613 is out of reach for even the noblest people.
Since none of us are able to keep the Law then what is the purpose for the Law? The Law was meant to show us just that point. None of us are capable of obeying it. The Law was meant to show us our sin and make us realize we need a savior. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Ro.3:23) As Chuck Swindoll says, ‘the Law is intended for the lawless.’*
Christ Jesus came not to abolish the Law or the teaching of the prophets but to fulfill it. (Mt.5:17) He is the only one capable of obeying the entire Law. By Christ’s death on the cross for our sins, rising up and defeating death, He accomplished what was needed for our salvation. “We know that the law is good when used correctly.” (1Tim.1:8 nlt) but it won’t save us, because we can’t keep it, and that is why Christ came to save sinners.
“Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ.” Philippians 3:8 NLT
The apostle Paul in his letter to the church at Philippi was expressing the value of knowing Christ in chapter 3. Paul noted all of his accomplishments starting with his pedigree as a true Jew. “I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one!” (Phil.3:5 nlt) He then went on to declare his membership as a Pharisee, those who knew and kept the strictest of Jewish Laws. Paul was on top of the Pharisaical ladder and so zealous for the Law that he persecuted all who went against it, especially Christians. But Paul gave it all up for the sake of knowing Christ, by stating, “I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done.” (Phil.3:7 nlt)
This passage deals with those, as Paul, who thought self-righteousness, doing good deeds, obeying manmade laws in religion is the way to God. Paul realized it wasn’t the way. He needed to get rid of all his self-made rules, his piousness, and his self-accomplishments which he now considers worthless. Paul needed to discard all the garbage he was counting on for salvation. Christ Jesus has done it all for him and all Paul needed to do was to accept this by faith. “I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.” (Phil.3:9 nlt)
So, how about you? What are you counting on to get you to heaven? It’s time to discard those fruitless efforts and rely on the only true way to heaven, faith in Jesus. Paul calls them garbage, and so they are. Time to take out the garbage!
“In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’” Luke 16:23-24 NIV
In presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ some advocate not mentioning ‘hell’ in fear of turning away people. Unfortunately even pastors in some of our most prominent churches will not preach on hell for the same reason. They would rather preach on the love of Jesus and for us to follow Jesus’ teaching on love, and well we should, but Jesus also taught about ‘hell.’ Jesus talked about hell to warn us the consequences of rejecting Him and the sacrifice He made for us on the cross of calvary.
Jesus tells a story found in the New Testament book of Luke about a rich man and the poor man, Lazarus. Most scholars consider this story one of Jesus’ parables, but if it is a parable, it is the only one He tells with an actual name of an individual. In any case, Jesus is clearly referring to hell in this story.
The rich man had all the comforts life could offer. He was rich, had fine clothing, and plenty of food, life was good. Lazarus was a poor beggar with sores covering his body. He would crave to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. One living in luxury and the other in dire poverty. Jesus says, “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.” (Lk.16:22-23 niv) Lazarus and the rich man both died physically, but their souls live on. Lazarus is in comfort at Abraham’s side while the rich man is suffering in torment.
Don’t miss the point here. The rich man isn’t in hell because he was rich, but because he rejected God and His plan for salvation. Lazarus isn’t alongside Abraham because he was poor in life, but because he accepted God’s plan of salvation. Jesus is confirming there are two destinations for each one of us when we die, heaven or hell. Jesus came to save us from the torments of hell if we put our trust in Him for salvation. Jesus felt it was important enough and something to talk about. We should too!
“The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it. When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.” Psalm 145:15-16 NLT
Have you ever thought about the ways God provides food for animals in the wild and living creatures in the sea? It is amazing to witness their instant as they prey upon their victims, their food source. We may find it hard to watch, but it is by God’s design and the victim had their own fill before that dreadful moment. The bottom line is God has a plan to provide food for every living being and that includes us as human beings.
The psalmist writes the eyes of all look to God in hope and are given food from above when needed. Animals do not possess the nature of sensing God but they have the instinct given by God that directs them in what they need to survive. When they are hungry they know where to go to find food. God does provide for them. “When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.” (Ps.145:16 nlt) And that includes every animal and every fish of the sea.
Most importantly that includes every one of us. It is hard to comprehend this when we see so much starvation in the world, but that doesn’t negate God’s providential care for us. He has provided us with rich resources and the ability to feed the world. The problem lies in that the world is sinful, turning our backs on God, and going our own selfish way. This creates the current chaotic times we live in which includes undernourished people across the world. But Jesus’ hands and feet are on the earth in those who know Him. God will use us in His providential care for every person who needs help in their daily supplies. May we be willing participates in God’s providential care for every living thing.
The last two weeks in the United States have been a challenge for Christians defending their faith since the assassination of Charlie Kirk. But that hasn’t stopped them, nor should it. We are to continue to preach the gospel and be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks us about our hope in Christ.
Peter in addressing Christians scattered throughout the world suffering severe persecution wrote, “But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.” (1Pt.3:14-15 nlt) Especially when they were suffering for doing good, Peter instructed them to always be ready to explain to those who asked about their Christian hope. Peter knew most definitely that some would be asked when people observed their demeaner during insults and ridicule. (1Pt.3:9-11)
Christ followers have always suffered ridicule and persecution. Christians today are being murdered at a faster rate as any time in history. Still, we are told to always be ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within us. You can be certain when those outside of Christ see Jesus’ light in you pursuing peace and working to maintain it during ridicule and persecution they will ask, where do you get this hope that is in you?
You can respond with Peter’s words in 1 Peter 3:18, “Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.” (nlt) And you can conclude with ‘I am safely brought home and have eternal life.’ So, be ready!
“But when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.” Mark 13:14 NASB
Jesus is the middle of His Olivet Discourse (the end times) with His disciples. They had asked Him when these things would take place and what signs they should look for. Last week in our study Jesus warned them and us of upcoming persecution for those who believe in Him. This persecution will come from governing officials, zealous religious leaders (Mk13:9), and our own families (Mk.13:12). Jesus summed it up by saying, “And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Mk.13:13 nlt)
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Jesus now begins His teaching on the tribulation period and His return at the end of the age. He starts out with this, “The day is coming when you will see the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing where he should not be.” (Reader, pay attention!) “Then those in Judea must flee to the hills.” (Mk.13:14 nlt) It must first be noted that there are differences of opinion in the events of the last days and Jesus’ return. FYI, I am coming from a dispensational premillennial point of view.
Jesus refers to the abomination of desolation (sacrilegious object of desecration in the NLT) as a coming day in the future. Among the Jews, abomination was used to depict idolatry or sacrilege. Jesus was speaking of a future act profaning the Temple. This will occur during the tribulation period. The prophet Daniel wrote about this as the angel explained Daniel’s vision to him, “The ruler will make a treaty with the people for a period of one set of seven, but after half this time, he will put an end to the sacrifices and offerings. And as a climax to all his terrible deeds, he will set up a sacrilegious object that causes desecration, until the fate decreed for this defiler is finally poured out on him.” (Dan.9:27 nlt) This is a reference to the antichrist setting an image of himself to be worshiped in the Temple during the tribulation. Which, if we understand this correctly, means the Jewish Temple will be rebuilt. Something we should be looking to.
There is an event in Jewish history that foreshadows Jesus’ teaching here on the ‘abomination of desolation’ which the disciples would have been aware of. The king of Syria, Antiochus Epiphanes, invaded Jerusalem in 168 B.C. and built an altar to Zeus, a pagan god, on the Temple’s altar and sacrificed a pig on it. Surely an abomination. Another abomination of desolation will occur in the end times.
Jesus goes on to say, “(Reader, pay attention!) Then those in Judea must flee to the hills” (Mk.13:14 nlt) There will be those who will come to know the Lord during the tribulation period. These are believers who are to be prepared to when they see these things and flee to safety. This will happen at the midway point of the tribulation as prophesied by Daniel.
The urgency of the matter is stressed by Jesus. “A person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack. A person out in the field must not return even to get a coat. How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. And pray that your flight will not be in winter.” (Mk.13:15-18 nlt) There is no time to retrieve clothing or pack a tote bag. The example of pregnant women and nursing mothers refer to the difficult circumstances one will be under trying to escape. If occurring in winter during the heavy rains, it would be impossible to cross the streams due to the rising waters.
This is indeed the great tribulation. Jesus declares there will be greater anguish in this time that any other time in world history and will never be again. Unless that time is shorten, Jesus says no one will survive. “ But for the sake of his chosen ones he has shortened those days.” (Mk.13:20 nlt) His chosen ones, the elect, those who are saved during the tribulation. Warning is given to beware of false messiahs rising up to deceive those fleeing to refuge. “For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones.” (Mk.13:22 nlt) They are warned of the danger of these false messiahs and prophets. A warning for Christians today. There are plenty of false prophets in the world. False teachers flood the airwaves, social media, and churches. Witchcraft, tarot card reading, and fortune telling are prevalent today. All, believe it or not, capable of ‘performing signs and wonders’ as Jesus said to deceive us. This, of course, is from the evil one and his demons. That is why Christians are to stay far from them.
Jesus finishes His warnings with a final thrust, “Watch out! I have warned you about this ahead of time!” (Mk.13:23 nlt) As we have been learning Jesus’ warning signs of the coming days of tribulation, it is a time no one would want to go through. Christians today will not go through the tribulation as the Lord will return for His church before then. But will you be one caught up on that day or be left behind? You can make sure today by accepting Christ as your savior. We don’t know when that day will come. With that said…..
As we continue next week, Jesus continues His teaching with the closing days of the tribulation and says this, “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.” (Mk.13:32 nlt) Until next week…….
“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.’” Matthew 11:28-30 NLT
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Tomorrow Sunday September 21st is ‘National Back to Church Sunday.’ Recognized on the third Sunday in September, it is a drive to invite people back to church, and if one has never attended church, now is a good time. It is community, and where you will find peace, but it is so much more than that. A Bible believing, preaching church will introduce you to Jesus Christ, God the Son. He is where true peace comes from. Peace in this world and assurance of life eternal. There is the ultimate community with brothers and sisters in Christ which the world cannot match. No matter where you reside in this world, find a Bible believing church in your area and attend this Sunday. See you there!
Can you count how many meaningless discussions you have had in your lifetime? I’m not sure I can because there have been many. All meaningless discussions have one thing in common; they lead to nowhere. Another factor is one or both parties do not know what they are talking about, but they pursue in making the point that they do. This may seem like a little deal in most trivial discussions, but when it comes to the Word of God and the teachings of the church, it’s a big deal.
Paul, the apostle, needed to move on from the church in Ephesus he founded years before. While visiting Timothy, his child in the faith, Paul noticed the decline of sound doctrine in the church. False teaching had crept in and mostly by those who were elders in the church. This needed to stop. Paul instructed Timothy to stay behind in Ephesus to teach sound doctrine and prevent the spread of any more false teaching. Paul writes, “The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.” (1Tim.1:5 nlt) This would not be possible if the congregation was in confusion by teaching that focused on speculation and allegorical or fictious interpretations of the Word of God. They would be in meaningless discussions among themselves and with the so-called teachers of the word. Paul goes on to say these false teachers have missed the whole point by turning away from the Word.
Those of us sitting in the pews of our churches today need to have our ears perk up and our eyes kept on Scripture to see if these things are so. If we find ourselves having meaningless discussions and are confused, something is wrong. May we follow Paul’s instructions to Timothy and if need be, stop the false teaching.
John Winthrop, the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, coined the phrase ‘A City on a Hill’ while aboard the flagship Arabella upon arriving on the shores of present-day New England. An English Puritan lawyer, Winthrop was in pursuit of religious freedom along with many others in early 17th century England. His encouraging words to his shipmates set the tone for the work ahead of them lasting for centuries to come, “We must always consider that we shall be as a ‘city upon a hill’—the eyes of all people are upon us.” His sentiments have been repeated countless times throughout the years in the United States of America as a mode of encouragement most famously used by both President John F. Kennedy and President Ronald Reagan.
Jesus told His disciples they were the light of the world and a city on a hill. The landscape of America includes several cities that are elevated on mountainous terrain visible for all to see. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither can anyone who has accepted Christ as Savior be hidden from the world. Jesus’s words to His disciples apply to every Christian today. Christians are the light of the world and cities on a hill that can be seen by all. With such great amount of exposure, are we taking advantage of our opportunity to represent Christ, or are we allowing the clouds and fog of indifference to settle in?
People today are looking for light in a dark world. Christians possess the light of Christ and are placed on a hill of God’s choosing to bring the light of the gospel to others and to bring glory to God. Jesus said, “…..let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Mt. 5:16b esv)
The Puritan settlers knew that future generations would look to them as a city on a hill. Christians today need to follow their example and live up to John Winthrop’s words, “We must always consider that we shall be as a ‘city upon a hill’—the eyes of all people are upon us.” For all eyes are upon us, the city on a hill.
Have you ever noticed a reed, a tall slender blade of grass, blowing in the wind? It blows whichever way the wind is blowing. It is weak in that it is easily swayed.
Jesus asks those in the crowd, who have been following Him, and who apparently had followed John the Baptist, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?” John the Baptist, obviously wasn’t a man easily swayed by public opinion. He didn’t sugar coat his message to the people. He was a true prophet of God. (Luke 7:26-28)
Are you a reed shaken by the wind? I need to ask myself the same question, am I a reed shaken by the wind of this world that prevents me from speaking the truth? The truth about the sinful condition of mankind, the wrath of God, and the judgment to come. One cannot read through the entire Holy Scriptures, The Bible, and not see it. The truth is those without Christ will die in their sins into eternal damnation. But, the truth is also that Jesus came to pay the penalty for sin and those who put their faith and trust in Him will escape the eternal punishment and received eternal life in Heaven with Him.
Are you proclaiming the whole truth of God’s Word, the Bible, or is your reed (your message) being shaken by the wind?
Word for the Soul 