Word for the Soul

The most notable sermon of all time undoubtedly is Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount. It is where we find the Beatitudes recorded for us in the gospel of Matthew. Jesus begins by saying, ‘Blessed are the poor in Spirit’ which the first of the often recited Beatitudes by many followers of Jesus. But how many of you knew there are seven beatitudes mentioned in the book of Revelation. Full disclosure; I’m sure I read them many times, but never considered them as a collection of Beatitudes (blessings) ,after all they are in the apocalyptic book of Revelation. But then again, what could be more of a blessing than the Lord’s return.

The book of Revelation actually begins with a blessing. Beatitude #1 is; “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” (Rev. 1:3 ESV) The apostle John was instructed to write to the seven churches in Asia Minor, which is modern day Turkey. This letter was to be read aloud. The one who reads it is blessed, and those who hear, pay attention, and obey it will also be blessed. Most likely, John wanted the book to read upon arrival for the time is near. It would serve as an encouragement for the church. The time is still very near, as the return of Jesus is the next great event to come. All other prophecy presented in Scripture before Christ’s coming has been fulfilled. Blessed are we when we heed with what is in this prophecy of the next event.

Beatitude #2 comes along in chapter 14; “And I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Blessed indeed,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!’” (Rev. 14:13 ESV) The believer in Christ has assurance of eternal life after this life is over in contrast to those who die rejecting Jesus Christ as Savior.

Revelation 16 is where we find Beatitude #3; “Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!” (Rev. 16:15 ESV) We are blessed when we are ready and expecting Christ’s return at any moment. A thief anticipating to break into your home is not going to announce ahead of time when to expect his arrival. Jesus encourages us to be ready as a watchful homeowner and a solider standing guard. A guard caught napping would be stripped of his clothes leaving him naked causing embarrassment. May this not be us, but let us be on guard in anticipation.

Beatitude #4; “And the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’” (Rev. 19:9a ESV) The invitees are all believers saved before Pentecost, all tribulation believers, and those believers alive during the Millennium. John MacArthur notes, ‘this is not the bride of Christ (the church), but the guests. The bride doesn’t get invited, she invites.’ All are glorified and will reign with Christ in His Kingdom.

A view of The Millennium Kingdom ushers in Beatitude #5, “Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.” (Rev. 20:6 ESV) All who die in Christ will inherent eternal life. Their souls are in Heaven with Him. At the Lord’s return their bodies will be resurrected and they we reign with Him for a thousand years on the earth in their new glorified physical bodies. There will be no second spiritual death; eternal separation from God in the lake of fire.

Beatitude #6 and #1 are verily similar in this respect, to keep the words written in this book. “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” (Rev. 22:7 ESV) This blessing also includes another admonition of Jesus’s soon return. Yes, he is coming soon for the time is near.

It is only fitting the last chapter in the book of the Bible provides the last Beatitude. Beatitude #7 says, “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.” (Rev. 22:14 ESV) Perhaps the best blessing saved for last. Those who have confessed and repented of their sin having trusted in Jesus Christ have been forgiven and had their sin stained robes washed and cleaned and now have access to the tree of life in the Heavenly city.

Now that we have reviewed the ‘Seven Beatitudes’ found in the book of Revelation, may we be able to say with John the Revelator, “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev. 22:20 ESV) What a Blessing!

A Christian Perspective

AI, ChatGPT, and the Gift of Speaking

September 23, 2023September 22, 2023 Loring Schultz

“Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.” 1 Peter 4:11 NLT

Living in the 21^st century certainly has its advantages. The advances I have seen in my lifetime could never have been imagined as coming into being. Most advances are aimed at making everything easier and more efficient. This is especially true in the area of technological advancement. Who would have thought a program could be invented to assist in writing an essay or term paper for you, along with helping you through the most difficult math exam. I could have used that in my college days for my Math of Finance exams. These advancements come under the auspices of what is known as AI, (Artificial Intelligence), and the creation of ChatGPT. It almost sounds futuristic, but it is not, it is now.

How should a Christian view AI and all its components such as ChatGPT with its learning, reasoning, language, and problem solving through “the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings.” (1) As Christians we should always take advantage of every opportunity to spread the gospel. It started back in the 15^th century when Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press. Radio airwaves were introduced in the early 20^th century and television broadcasts followed in the mid to late 20^th century. Before the turn into the 21^st century we had the establishment of the internet taking place and now we have advanced to the point in possessing technology in the palm of hands to listen to, watch, or read anything we choose.

We should use all the avenues and vehicles available to us in advancing the message gospel, but we need to be careful that our message is the truth of Scripture through our words and not words artificially generated. Ours words that are spoken or written are to be our words. Basic rules in writing apply to cite any references made that are not your own. Quote and document with accuracy statements and writings from other authors giving them credit. This may seem elementary but if words, phases, sentences, and even projected thoughts are extracted from ChatGPT are they yours, and if not, you can’t claim them. This is not to say we cannot edit our work to ensure proper grammar, punctuation, etc. with proper sources. But our work needs to be ours.

The apostle Peter gives us good advice, although I’m sure he never anticipated AI or ChatGPT in his day. He writes in 1 Peter “Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you…….…. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ.” (4:11) Our responsibility as Christians is to be truthful and honest in all we do, especially in presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ bringing glory to God.

(1) https://www.britannica.com/technology/artificial-intelligence

Devotionals

Tell the truth

September 22, 2023September 21, 2023 Loring Schultz

“But Paul said, ‘I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I utter words of sober truth.’” Acts 26:25 NASB

When I was a young boy there were certain times I was afraid to tell the truth. These occasions were associated with something I had said or done wrong and telling the truth would have dire consequences for me in the form of punishment. Making up a good story was not an option; my parents would never buy it. They would know I wasn’t telling the truth. So out came the truth with the consequences of punishment along with it.

Today, many years later, telling the truth can still have consequences for me although not due to the same circumstances. The apostle Paul in his defense of the gospel said, “I am not out of my mind…….but I utter words of sober truth.” Today if we preach Jesus Christ, the true gospel message, even using His words we are sometimes accused of being irrational or “out of our minds.” We are accused of being insensitive, offensive, and narrow minded.

One very important point to remember is that we are not making up a good story, we are telling a good story, the Greatest Story ever to be told. And we are commanded by Jesus Himself to tell the story (Mt.28:19-20.) Yes, there may be consequences, but Jesus promised never to leave us or forsake us (Heb.13:5.) Let us not be afraid of the consequences, Let us not be afraid to ‘Tell the Truth!’

Devotionals

Repentance: Something to shout about

September 21, 2023September 20, 2023 Loring Schultz

“Repent of your sins and turn to God” Matthew 3:2 NLT

Those who need to make a valid point will, with emphasis, shout in delivering their message bringing home the main point. John the Baptist, known as the forerunner of Jesus the Messiah, had a message to bring to the people of his day. “His message was, Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” (Mt. 3:1b, 2) His ministry and message was predicted in the Old Testament book of Isaiah, “Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, ‘Clear the way through the wilderness for the LORD! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!’” (Is. 40:3) The call is to repentance, preparing oneself by radically changing their life to live morally and spiritually in the sight of God.

John the Baptist shouted his message of repentance in the wilderness of Judea. Located a full day’s journey from Jerusalem along the western shore of the Dead Sea didn’t prevent those from coming to him to be baptized repenting of their sins. So many people were coming to him from the entire region that it prompted an investigation from the Pharisees and Sadducees. The religious leaders of the Jews had it figured they had no need of repentance due to their heritage as the children of Abraham. But, this repentance was of a personal nature which needed to be dealt with.

That message was something to shout about in John’s day as the Jewish people looked forward to the coming Messiah and the Heavenly Kingdom. There was a great need to get right with God and leave the traditions of men. That same message is something to shout in our day, “Repent of your sins and turn to God.” Some are following their own path which will lead to destruction. Many others are still following the traditions of men, feeling secure in their church attendance or membership. Our family heritage or church affiliation will not get us into the Kingdom of Heaven.

“Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” Read the text: Matthew 3:1-12 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+3%3A1-12&version=NLT

Devotionals

Guard your smartphone

September 20, 2023September 19, 2023 Loring Schultz

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4:23 NLT

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 NLT

Dr. Erwin Lutzer in his book ‘The Church in Babylon’ wrote the following, “Maintaining mental and spiritual purity while surrounded by the temptations of technology thrusts us into a new level of satanic warfare…….Satan has marked technology as his territory. He says, ‘This is mine; here I rule.’” Living in the 21^st century without the use of technology is, for all practical purposes, impossible. So what’s a Christian to do?

Centuries ago King Solomon gave us the answer in one of his many proverbs. “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” (Pr. 4:23) But how is one to guard their heart when even the prophet Jeremiah said, “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” (Jer. 17:9) On our own we cannot accomplish this, but through Jesus Christ and His Spirit within us, all things are possible. All things have become new for the Christian, but we still have the sin nature. Our sin nature will continually try to draw us away from mental and spiritual purity if we let our guard down.

Keeping our guard up involves being aware of everything that is able to distract us by keeping us away from the things of God. Today’s technology in all its forms is most likely the biggest culprit with our smartphones at the top of the list. For most of us, myself included, our smartphones have become our hearts (determining the course of our life). How well do we guard our smartphones? Are we using them as the necessity of life in our modern times or are we allowing them to become a distraction to all that is important? Are we using them for God’s glory or our own pleasure? Are we aware of the tendencies of Satan prowling around the internet and social media looking to devour us?

May we continue to look to God thanking Him for the usefulness in the gains of technology to better our lives and promote the gospel, and may we continue to ask Him to help us guard our hearts by guarding our smartphones.

Devotionals

My good deed for the day

September 19, 2023September 16, 2023 Loring Schultz

“The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.” Proverbs 15:8 NIV

One of the many traits of humans made in the image of God (Gen. 1:27) is the sense of kindness. On our own with are sinful nature we would never show kindness to anyone except ourselves. We all have been born with a sin nature, but our first parents, Adam and Eve, were created perfect in the image of God. The fall of Adam and Eve created a sin nature in all humanity going forward, but the characteristics of being made in the image of God; love, righteous anger, a sense of right and wrong, and emotions including kindness are still part of our DNA of God’s image.

The ability to show kindness is solely God given. Scouting programs inspire young children to serve others doing good deeds in their community and helping those in need. The Boy Scouts slogan is, ‘Do a Good Turn Daily.’ But even the image of God as the source and the example of kindness administrated by the scouts, our sin nature gives us the ability to do a good deed with the wrong motives. How many times have you heard or said it yourself, ‘I’ve done my good deed for the day.’ This attitude equates doing a good deed as a service to God pleasing Him. In other words, ‘I’m good for the day.’ But God wants much more from us than that.

One of the many proverbs of Solomon addresses, in direct terms, is the attitude of trying to please God by doing a good deed. “The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.” (15:8) The Lord God sees our heart and knowns our attitude in the good deed we are doing. The deed itself may be good, but trying to score points with God is not what pleases Him. God is pleased as we engage with Him in prayer. He desires a growing relationship with the ones who were made in His image to do good deeds. Make your first good deed for the day be talking with God and he will give you more good deeds than you can handle, and God will be pleased, and many people will be blessed.

Devotionals

Only one road that leads to heaven

September 18, 2023September 16, 2023 Loring Schultz

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” Proverbs 14:12 ESV

“The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” Psalm 14:1 ESV

A familiar saying throughout the years has been, “All roads lead to heaven” or “All roads lead to God.” Many times this statement goes unchallenged, but those who adhere to this logic are an example of Solomon’s proverb, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” What seems right based on feelings, philosophy, astronomy, good works towards mankind, or being a follower of one of the many religions in our world today is a false hope. God has laid out His plan of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ in the written scriptures, His book to us, the Holy Bible.

By rejecting what is clearly spelled out for us in the Bible, one is actually portraying what Solomon’s father, King David wrote, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” As the masses flock to the false religions of the world or try to fend for themselves with good works, they are saying the God of the Bible does not exist. They imply He misspoke and has given us an incomplete Word, but God’s Word stands complete and it stands true. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Jn. 14:6)

So how about you? Which road are you on? Are you on one of many religious roads throughout history? Are you relying on your good works, your kindness, and your love for others? Are you on the road of trusting what feels right and reasoning through science and philosophy? “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” Jesus says there is only One Road that leads to heaven.

Bible Studies

Parable of the Unmerciful Servant

September 17, 2023September 16, 2023 Loring Schultz

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 NIV

The apostle Paul writing in the New Testament book of Ephesians lays out the pattern believers in Christ are to follow. As members of Christ’s church we are to adhere to the new requirements of every child of God. Paul writes we are to walk in unity, each of us is to administer their gift God has given for the building up of the saints. We are not to grieve the Holy Spirit by walking in our former worldly conduct, and we are to have compassion for one another, willing to forgive as God, in Christ, forgave us. Paul most likely had Matthew’s account of Jesus’s instruction about forgiveness in mind. It is possible Paul was familiar with Matthew’s writing as Ephesians was written some ten years after the gospel of Matthew.

Jesus had been teaching His disciples that forgiveness should be always be granted to those who repent. Peter questioned Jesus by asking if there were any limits to forgiveness. Jesus simply answered forgiveness was limitless and then went on to explain why a follower of Jesus would always forgive over and over again.

Jesus used the illustration of an earthly king who began settling accounts with governors who owed the king money through taxation. A certain governor owed a tremendous about of money he would never be able to pay back in a lifetime. The king demanded he be sold along with his wife and children, and all he possessed to make payment. The debtor begged for mercy and the king had compassion and forgave him his debt. It is an example of Jesus, the king, forgiving each of us our debt of sin which we could never pay. Being released from so great a debt should encourage every Christian to forgive others, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Painting entitled ‘il Mantovano’ by Domenico Fetti

Unfortunately the forgiven debtor did not show the same mercy and compassion afforded him when he demanded payment from one who owed him money, a very small amount at that. When the king discovered the forgiven debtor’s actions he was angry and handed him over to the jailers. Although his debt was already paid, the king put him in the hands of the jailers to suffer severe discipline until he was willing to forgive others.

Jesus paid the ultimate price for our salvation. When we, as Christians, consider the forgiveness shown to us by our Lord, how is it possible that we find it hard to forgive others? Let not our ingratitude come to the surface by not forgiving fellow believers for the little debt against us in relation to our great debt we have been forgiven by the Lord. Let us forgive each other as God forgave us.

Read the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2018%3A21-35&version=NIV

A Christian Perspective

God’s Justice, Mercy, Compassion, and Social Justice

September 16, 2023September 15, 2023 Loring Schultz

“This is what the LORD Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.’” Zechariah 7:9-10 NIV

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 NIV

Are you an advocate for the administering of true justice with mercy and compassion? Where do you find the source for true justice, mercy, and compassion? There can only be one source, the Word of God. The prophet Micah confirms this by saying ‘He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.’ (Mic. 6:8a) Therefore by following the principles and guidelines found in Scripture we have a solid foundation to build upon in administering justice with mercy and compassion.

Every Christian is to be outspoken with the injustices committed in our society. Whether it is the neglect of the poor and homeless, or discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, or religion, Christians should be out front not only with calls for justice, but with the actions to back it up. The New Testament book of 1 John tells us, “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (3:17, 18)

The key word in in I John 3:18 is ‘truth.’ Our advocacy must be based on truth. The truth of God’s Word. There is a problem today for many Christians and it has made its way into many Christian churches. God’s justice (Biblical justice) is being intermingled with the world’s term of ‘social justice.’ They are not one and the same. It is true caring for the poor, the homeless, and standing in the face of discrimination are some tenets of ‘social justice’, but not all the tenets of ‘social justice’ are tenets of ‘God’s justice.’

As Christians we are to be wise and discerning in what constitutes ‘social justice’ of our day. The cries of each injustice are to be examined in the light of Scripture to test and prove it is a Biblical principle that has been violated. It is to be understood that it also does not contradict any other of God’s principles in Scripture. If it passes the test then we are to be an advocate for the injustice by following Micah’s exhortation, “And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (6:8b)

Devotionals

The Life Sustaining Sun

September 15, 2023September 14, 2023 Loring Schultz

“Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars! Let them praise the name of the LORD! For he commanded and they were created.” Psalm 148: 3, 5 ESV

On August 23, 2023, India successfully landed a spacecraft near the south pole of the moon. It was a major step forward for India’s space program as they are the first to explore this area of the moon beating out Russia by only days as its spacecraft crashed upon descent after losing communication. A week later, India launched spacecraft ‘Aditya-L1’ on a 930,000 mile four month journey to explore the sun. The distance is only about 1% to the surface of the sun, but sufficient to pull the craft into an orbit around the sun. According to the Indian Space Research Organization, the mission is to study the sun’s corona, chromosphere, photosphere and solar wind.

The sun is the center of our solar system and is 93 million miles from earth. It is a known fact through science that life would not exist without the energy of the sun, a star of hot glowing gases with a surface temperature of 10,000 degrees and 27 million degrees at its core. The earth is positioned perfectly to sustain life in our solar system. Further away and the earth would be a frozen rock, and any closer the earth be a scorched rock.

It is especially difficult for me to imagine the size of the sun as compared to earth and the great distance between us of 93 million miles, and still be able to burn us if we are not careful. It is truly amazing and a testament to how great God is in His creation of the sun. India’s Aditya-L1 spacecraft is named for the Hindu Sun deity in their mission of the exploration of the sun. The palmist writes in Psalm 148, “Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars! Let them praise the name of the LORD! For he commanded and they were created.” The God of the Bible is the creator of the sun, the moon and all the stars of the universe. He is the true and only God over all creation, for He created everything. He created you and me for a relationship with Him. Do you know Him and His Son Jesus? The ‘sun’ of our solar system sustains life on the earth, Jesus, the Son of God sustains eternal life in heaven for all who trust Him as Savior. Have you accepted the ‘Son’ as your Savior?