“It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.” 1 Tim.1:15 nasb
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What makes a statement trustworthy? Well, for one thing, consider the source. Our modern-day news sources have us searching across the internet to a verify a breaking news story. When news outlets are trustworthy, this is unnecessary. It would nice to have the assurance the news we consume every day is trustworthy.
Having accurate information is important in our day-to-day lives- but crucially important for our souls after this life. The church in Ephesus had trustworthy statements they could count on through previous teaching from Paul establishing sound doctrine. These statements were common knowledge to the people if they had paid attention to the apostle’s teaching. Paul uses the term, ‘a trustworthy statement’ in his letter to Timothy. In fact Paul uses it five times in his Pastoral Epistles, and it is found in no other place in the New Testament.
The trustworthy statement is, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” (1Tim.1:15 nasb) Just eight simple words to explain the most vital life-or-death breaking news story ever, and we can count on it. It comes from the most reliable trusted news source in history, the Holy Spirit speaking through the apostle Paul. No need to fact check or search other sources. The Lord God can be trusted.
So, what have you done with this breaking news? Don’t put it off another day. This news story will not be updated. It will not change. Don’t look for an updated version of this news. You have all the information you need to make your decision. So, what will it be? It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance.
“Later, as Jesus left the town, he saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at his tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me and be my disciple,’ Jesus said to him. So Levi got up, left everything, and followed him.” Luke 5:27-28 NLT
Cell phones are a target for every scammer looking to deceive and make a quick dollar. The block call list on our phones grows with the amount of scam calls or pesky fundraiser calls we receive daily. For clarification, I’m not against fundraising, it’s just those repeated pesky calls. It is only natural we secure our phones and block certain numbers from potential scam artists. A typical reaction when seeing an unwelcomed call is, ‘Oh no, not again’ and we quickly delete and block it. But there may be some calls that are annoying that you should answer, in fact you need to answer.
Levi, a tax collector in Jesus’ day, answered such a call. Tax collectors were the most hated people in first century Palestine. They scammed people by charging an excess amount over what was owed to the Roman government and put the money in their own pockets. What made it worse was a fellow Jew sitting in the tax booth. Levi, no doubt, heard of Jesus. He may have been one who had said, ‘Oh no, here He comes again!’ Levi may have blocked Jesus out of his mind, but there He was again around his tax booth. One day Jesus called him, and Levi answered the call.
Now Scripture doesn’t inform us how many times Levi was in the vicinity of Jesus’ teaching. Levi may have just heard of Jesus, but he was beginning to take it in, and when the call came he answered it. You could be in a similar situation. You have heard about Jesus through various resources. You may have friends who shared the gospel with you. However, you say, ‘Oh no, not again,’ and you’re about to block them once again, but there’s a hesitation in doing so. It’s the Holy Spirit who is working in you and wants you to answer the call. So, answer the call. It’s not a scam!
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Zechariah 9:9 ESV
Are you at peace? Whatever your situation in life might be at this moment, are you at peace? It is hard to be at peace in certain situations such as in the loss of a loved one or caring for a loved one with a terminal disease or going through a severe illness yourself. Perhaps you are going though marital problems, family instability, or a financial crisis. Name your own crisis at this time of your life. It doesn’t matter what it is. It is in these times that our faith in the Lord is tested if we’re trusting Him that His peace, which surpasses all understanding, is still there. It is. I know at times it may not feel like it is not there, but it is.
Every Easter season on Palm Sunday we celebrate Jesus’ Triumphant entry into Jerusalem, at the beginning of Passion week. Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem was prophesied by Zechariah in his Old Testament prophetic book. “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zech.9:9 esv) There is a very important point we do not want to miss here. Jesus rode into Jerusalem ‘mounted on a donkey.’ A donkey is a lowly animal of peace. Jesus came in peace, to provide peace, peace which surpasses all understanding.
Since Jesus came in peace to give us everlasting peace by saving us from our sins and guaranteeing eternal life, there are no gaps in His peace towards us once we have been saved and are born again to new life. Jesus’ peace is always with us. He is always with us. Trust Him in your time of crisis to show you His peace. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil.4:7 esv)
“O LORD, rescue me from evil people. Protect me from those who are violent, those who plot evil in their hearts and stir up trouble all day long. Their tongues sting like a snake; the venom of a viper drips from their lips.” (Ps.140:1-3 nlt)
The above verses are a prayer of every Christian in the world today, especially those of us in America. There are evil people committing violent acts. They plan this evil for weeks, months, maybe a year. Their rhetoric reveals what is in their heart, only evil, and it is against Jesus Christ and His followers. Although they will say otherwise. The violent slander that protrudes from their lips is the venom of a conniving snake to destroy the innocent to advance their agenda. Their agenda; to rid the world from those standing in the way of a global society. The justification for this hatred towards Christians is ‘we are the cause of all the evil in the world.’
Our prayer continues, “O LORD, keep me out of the hands of the wicked. Protect me from those who are violent, for they are plotting against me. The proud have set a trap to catch me; they have stretched out a net; they have placed traps all along the way.” (Ps.140:4-5 nlt) We Christians have a target on our backs. Evil is always scouring the landscape of Christianity to find a weak spot to infiltrate and bring us down. Sadly, we have succumbed to that all to often. We do have a gracious and merciful God who will forgive us, but sometimes the damage is already done and we have lost our influence. Beware of the traps that have been set up in our daily lives. They are there and are not going away.
Our Lord God will listen to our prayers, “I said to the LORD, ‘You are my God!’ Listen, O LORD, to my cries for mercy! O Sovereign LORD, the strong one who rescued me, you protected me on the day of battle. LORD, do not let evil people have their way. Do not let their evil schemes succeed, or they will become proud.” (Ps.140:6-8 nlt) When evil people have their way and their schemes succeed, as in the assassination of Charlie Kirk, they do become proud. Celebrating the death of an innocent man for simply speaking what they disagree with is pure evil. But this shouldn’t surprise Christians. I was reminded of this fact this past Sunday of the celebration that will take place by the world at the death of the two witnesses sent by God in the end times. (Rev.11) A must read!
This prayer from the book of Psalms was first spoken by David, king of Israel, who had enemies all around him. Conspiracies and slandering were frequent in his life. David was God’s chosen king of the Jewish people. The surrounding nations hated the Jewish people and their God, therefore the constant threat towards him and Israel. Christians today are God’s chosen people, therefore the threats and slander towards us. The world hates us, because they hate Christ. Oh, they may not say it, but they do.
Let us remember Jesus’ words, “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” (Jn.15:18-19 nlt)
And let us also remember Jesus said, “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Mt.28:20 nlt)
“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!
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!
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.
Word for the Soul 