Salvation – Word for the Soul

The Wisdom of the Wise

June 25, 2024June 22, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-27 NLT

The world has been blessed by those gifted with intelligence. Inventions throughout the centuries have enriched our way of life. Educators have instructed us to learn from the past and prepare for the future (if we chose to listen and learn.) Advances in modern day technology have simplified the complicated. The medical field along with the world of science have made life-changing discoveries in recent years. Truly we are blessed with such intelligence. Intelligence that comes from our creator, the Lord God.

Although for some intellectuals their intellect becomes their own demise. They rely totally on what is sound, reasonable, and trustworthy according to their own findings. Leaving out any possibility for God in the study of the earth, the universe, medical procedures, and human nature. Their scientific approach leaves them totally depended on their own minds. The results are based solely on man’s knowledge and ability. This is especially true when it comes to spiritual matters concerning the God of universe and His plan for salvation. There is no knowledge of God, or His love, His holy word, or His judgments. Heaven and hell is considered a myth, and there is no recognition of His continual work of sustaining the earth and the universe. It appears as foolishness to those who consider themselves wise or intelligent.

But notice what Paul writes to the Corinthian church, “God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.” (1Cor.1:27 nlt) Salvation is a gift of God by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. It most likely sounds unrealistic, childish, and yes even foolish to those who pride themselves as being ever informed and constantly seeking to better themselves and society at large. Assuredly it is neither unrealistic nor foolish, but it is the truth about God and His love for us.

“Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe.” (1Cor.1:21 nlt) If you are one of the wise who need the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ listen to the foolish preaching of those God has chosen. If you are one of the foolish and powerless, be encouraged that you are being used by God bringing the wise to salvation.

Read: 1 corinthians 1 NLT – Greetings from Paul – This letter is – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD: Jesus’ seven “I AM” statements – 4

June 23, 2024June 20, 2024 Loring Schultz

“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.” John 10:14-16 NLT

Jesus, in His fourth “I am” statement in the gospel of John said, ‘I am the good shepherd.’ ‘Good’ meaning ‘noble’, ‘worthy’ or a model of what a shepherd is to be. This indicates that not all shepherds were good. The responsibility of a shepherd is to care for the sheep, leading them, feeding them, and protecting them from danger even at the risk of their own lives, ultimately saving them from life-or-death situations.

Jesus says the noble, worthy shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. All of us are like sheep in a helpless life-or-death condition having no hope but to be rescued by Jesus, the ‘Good Shepherd.’ The Old Testament prophet Isaiah writes, “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) Jesus did just that by laying down His life, offering it as a sacrifice for our sins by dying on the cross, providing the way of Salvation for us.

Throughout history there have been many deceiving shepherds who have led people astray. Prophets from the many false religions in the world administer their deceptive teaching concerning the way of Salvation and eternal life. They may sound sincere and persuasive but, they are sincerely wrong, and it ends in eternal destruction. They strive to lead people into thinking there are other ways to God. But there is no one who has ever said that they laid down their life for the sheep, nor could they, nor did they. There is only one good shepherd. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Follow Jesus, the only Good Shepherd. He will not lead you astray, but into eternal life.

Devotionals

Judas Kiss

June 21, 2024June 18, 2024 Loring Schultz

“So Judas came straight to Jesus. ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ he exclaimed and gave him the kiss.” Matthew 26:49 NLT

The term ‘Judas Kiss’ is not a very flattery term. In fact, it is a term that has downright severe consequences. You do not want to be accused of planting a ‘Judas Kiss’ on someone. Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, has forever cemented that term in history by betraying Jesus turning Him over to His enemies for crucifixion and he did it with a kiss. Scores of individuals have been betrayed by those closest to them. Judas walked with Jesus for three years listening to His teaching and learning things of the kingdom of God along with the other disciples, and yet betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.

Judas betrayed Jesus in the worst way possible using an approach of affection for his Rabbi to identify Him to His captors. He wanted to make sure they got the right man so he, “had given them a prearranged signal: ‘You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss.’” (Mt.26:48 nlt) The ultimate definition of betrayal was demonstrated in the devious self-interest action by Judas, one of Jesus’ own. Jesus would be arrested and handed over for trial leading to His death on the cross. But we know that through His death and resurrection those who believe in Him are guaranteed eternal life. It was His heavenly Father’s plan.

Admittedly, the term today is frequently used in a much lighter tone, but the implications are the same. Betraying a friend or family member for self-gain or resentment hurts just the same. It is devastating to the recipient, breaks up relationships, and puts up a concrete wall between the two. Our Lord Jesus knows firsthand how it feels to be betrayed even though it was in God’s plan of salvation for us. Jesus knows the hurt feeling you are experiencing and can comfort you during this time of grief and betrayal. Jesus can also restore the broken relationships caused by the sin of betrayal. As both parties come together before the Lord in repentance and forgiveness, He will undo the ‘Judas Kiss’ bringing new life with ‘holy kiss.’

Read: Matthew 26:47-56 NLT – Jesus Is Betrayed and Arrested – And – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

I AM THE DOOR Jesus’ seven “I AM” statements – 3

June 16, 2024June 13, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep………. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:7, 9 ESV

We call our dwelling places home, whether an apartment, a dorm room, a house, or a recently purchased condo all of them have a main door for entrance. Upon going through the door and entering we find peace, security, and safety in the dwelling of our own home.

In Jesus’ day shepherds would lay across the entrance (or gate) of the sheep pen during the night to guard the sheep, protecting them from danger and unwanted visitors. Within the confines of the sheep pen, their home, the sheep had safety and security. The door was being guarded.

In Jesus’ third ‘I am’ statement of His salvation message Jesus says, ‘I am the door.’ He is the entrance or the gate we must go through to be assured of eternal life in heaven. Entrance to an eternal home in Heaven is only through Jesus Christ and no one else or any effort on our part. In 2024 many people may find this statement intolerant. But these are Jesus’ words, and He says to all of us, ‘If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.’ and only there.

Looking forward to arriving at our earthly homes and entering through the door, we find the comforts, peace and security we have anticipated. And we can be assured of another home we will have for a much longer time than our short stay here on earth, that time is eternity, which does not end. May we look with greater anticipation to arrive at that home. Perhaps you do not have the assurance you will have a home of peace, comfort and security after this life? Romans 10:13 says, “For ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.’” (nlt) There is no other way to eternal life in heaven with God the Father except going through Jesus Christ, the door.

Read: John 10:7-10 esv – So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

The Last Passover – The First Lord’s Supper

June 4, 2024May 30, 2024 Loring Schultz

“When it was evening, Jesus sat down at the table with the twelve disciples.” Matthew 26:20 NLT

The last meal Jesus had with His disciples on the night before His crucifixion is known to many as the Last Supper. We have all seen that painting of that historic event. Jesus is seated in the center with the disciples gathered around Him on both sides. He will proceed to break the bread passing it to His disciples, representing His body, and then passing the cup representing His shed blood. But that is not how the meal started.

The gospel of Matthew tells us, “On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Where do you want us to prepare the Passover meal for you?’” (Mt.26:17 nlt) Jesus was in the habit of celebrating the Passover along with the Jewish community remembering God’s deliverance of Israel from their bondage in Egypt. This was the yearly observance as instructed by the Lord and explained by Moses in the book of Deuteronomy. (Dt.16:1-8) Jesus participated in this Passover meal with His disciples in that upper room that evening. Luke 22:15 expresses Jesus’ anticipation in having this meal with them. “Jesus said, ‘I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins.’” (nlt) John MacArthur notes, “He wanted to prepare them for what was coming.”

Jesus would be crucified the next day as a sacrifice for sin. During the meal Jesus took bread and broke it into pieces giving it to His disciples saying, “Take this and eat it, for this is my body.” (Mt.26:26 nlt) He then took a cup of wine and gave it to His disciples telling them to drink from it explaining, “for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.” (Mt.26:28 nlt) Jesus carefully explained to them His time had come for His purpose was to lay down His life, His body being broken, and His blood shed for the remission of sin. (Heb.9:22)

The evening started with the Passover meal remembering God’s deliverance of the Jews as He saw the blood of the sacrificial lamb on the doorposts. It was symbolic of Jesus’ soon to be shed blood on the cross of Calvary for our sin. Jesus finished the meal by instituting a new covenant through His blood and a new observance for all those who believe in His name, the Lord’s Supper. Jesus said, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1Cor.11:26 esv) May we always remember our Lord’s death each time we gather for Worship.

Read: Matthew 26:17-29 NLT – The Last Supper – On the first day of – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE: Jesus’ seven “I AM” statements- 1

June 2, 2024May 30, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Jesus replied, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’” John 6:35 NLT

Each of the four gospel writers in the New Testament portray Jesus in a manner to stress a certain characteristic of the Son of God. The gospels together create a perfect portrait of Jesus. Matthew’s main focus is on Jesus as the Jewish Messiah and King. Mark, writing to a mostly a Roman Gentile audience focuses on Jesus the servant. Luke with a much broader Gentile audience portrays Jesus as the Son of Man, focusing on His humanity. The apostle John writes to prove the deity of Jesus so that all may believe Jesus is the Son of God, and that believing they may have life in His name. Included in John’s gospel is the seven ‘I Am’ statements Jesus made. We will look at these statements over the next seven weeks.

Bread is a staple food item that sustains nourishment to our physical bodies. Other staple food products would include; milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables, fish, poultry and other various meat products. But bread seems to have cornered the market (pun intended) on what foods are necessary to stock up on before an approaching snowstorm in my part of the Untied States along with milk and eggs.

Physical hunger has been satisfied, physical bodies were nourished, and lives sustained for thousands of years by the bread provided for us through the baking process. Our bodies need food to survive. Many people who were in the crowd when Jesus fed the five thousand followed after Him the next day and Jesus rebuked them saying “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. (Jn.6:26 nlt)

The followers were only thinking of the physical, the here and now, much like we do today. Jesus then proceeded to tell them to believe in Him. He was the bread of God which came down from heaven and gives life to the world, in which they responded “always give us this bread.” (Jn.6:33-34) Again, only thinking in physical terms, the same is true today.

Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life.” Those who accept Jesus (the bread of life) for Salvation will receive the nourishment needed to sustain eternal life. This is the first of seven “I AM” statements that Jesus made in the Gospel of John concerning His deity and the message of Salvation. Have you received “Jesus the bread of life?”

Read: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%206%3A22-51&version=NLT

A Christian Perspective

Why the Rainbow?

June 1, 2024May 30, 2024 Loring Schultz

“I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth.” Genesis 9:13 NLT

How often have you had the opportunity to see a rainbow in the sky during or after a summer afternoon thunderstorm? It is a marvelous spectacle and one of many of God’s creations. The first mention of a rainbow appears in Genesis chapter 9. Although theologians differ on when God created the rainbow either ‘in the beginning’ or after the worldwide flood, we know for sure the meaning and significance of the rainbow was put in place after the flood.

God, creator of the universe and the earth, has a unique purpose for each of His creations. The purpose of most of God’s creations are not revealed to us, but several are. Each of His creations point us to God’s almighty power, His infinite knowledge, His Holiness, and His love, grace and mercy. When we see a rainbow in the sky, it is more than magnificent splendor, it is a reminder to the specific purpose as to why it is there. It is the sign of God’s promise to each of us on the earth that He will never again destroy the entire earth by a worldwide flood.

God has kept His promise and will continue to keep His promise. The rainbow is a sign of God’s covenant with us. It is a sign of His faithfulness to us even though we are anything but faithful to Him. He forever remains faithful.

As we find comfort in the assurance of God’s faithfulness, may we not forgot what brought along the destructive flood. “Now God saw that the earth had become corrupt and was filled with violence. God observed all this corruption in the world, for everyone on earth was corrupt.” (Gen.6:11-12 nlt) We find ourselves in the same place today, sins of corruption and violence in all walks of life before a Holy God, and still God is keeping His promise.

But that does not protect the world from future judgement. The Lord is going to return one day. Jesus explaining to His disciples said, “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days, the people enjoyed banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat and the flood came and destroyed them all.” (Lk.17:26-27 nlt)

The rainbow was put in place, to remind us that God is faithful and “…. He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” (2Pt.3:9b) That is ‘why the rainbow’!

Read: Genesis 9:8-17 NLT – Then God told Noah and his sons, “I – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

Do Not Be Afraid; the Lord watches over those who are His

May 30, 2024May 30, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Isaiah 43:1b-2 NLT

There is a misconception that when one decides to follow Jesus and trust Him for salvation all their problems go away. In our present-day vernacular, we would call that misinformation. What does go away is our destiny to a Christless eternity replaced by our assurance of an eternal life with Him in heaven. Certainly, to go through this life with Christ by our side is better than trying to do it without Him, but they are not without the problems that are common to everyone. The Lord will bestow a generous portion of His grace to those who are His just as he gives common grace to all mankind in the troubles of this world. But an extra level of grace and protection is needed for all who are His, because the truth is things are going to get heated and messy.

Christians can take comfort that the Lord knows us by name. Jesus ransomed us by His death on the cross. We are bought and paid for, we are his and He knows our names. The prophet Isaiah encouraged Israel that God knew them by name for they were His chosen people even though they were unfaithful to the point they would go into captivity. But the Lord would bring them out and continue to watch over them through the centuries up to and including our present day. When Christ rules on the earth during the Millenium Kingdom all the land God has promised Israel will be completed. (Ez.47:13-20) And He will be watching over them until that time comes.

As Isaiah encouraged the Jews of God’s protection, the same encouragement applies to Christians who have been ransomed by the blood of Christ. We are assured of His continual watchfulness throughout our lives. When the rivers of difficulties come our way God is there to help us maneuver through the currents. As we struggle in deep waters, perhaps because of our doing, He throws us life raft and pulls us out. The most difficult struggles that are sure to come is the blowback Christians face for being obedient to the Lord and standing up for the truth of the gospel. It is the fire of oppression Isaiah refers to. But our God sees all that comes our way. The fire may hurt, but the flames will not consume us. The Lord tells us not to be afraid, but to remember we are His and He knows us by name.

A Christian Perspective

DECORATION DAY

May 27, 2024May 20, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 KJV

In the United States, Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May. The day is set aside to remember and honor those who have given all in the service of their country. It was known as “Decoration Day” in its beginning shortly after the American Civil War. Fellow soldiers would decorate the graves of their fallen comrades with flags, flowers and wreathes. The tradition continues to this day. These decorated graves signify that each individual is not forgotten, but remembered and honored for their sacrifice in the protection and maintaining the freedom of their fellow citizens.

Many people visit the grave-sites of their departed loved ones and heroes year after year honoring their memory. But there is one particular grave-site that is visited by thousands of people year after year, and yet they do not come to decorate for remembrance. That is due to the fact that the grave is empty. It is known as the garden tomb in Jerusalem, where Jesus was laid after His death on the cross. They come to wonder in amazement and worship the Lord Jesus Christ who rose from the dead and is alive today in Heaven and seated at the right hand of God the Father.

As we remember those who have given their lives, by paying the ultimate sacrifice for freedom; let us also be reminded of the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His death provided freedom from the bondage of sin, and because He lives, all those who call upon His name will also live.

Bible Studies

“The Parables of the Lost and Found” Parables of Jesus

May 26, 2024May 25, 2024 Loring Schultz

“In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.” Luke 15:10 NLT

We have come to the last week of Jesus’ parables with three more all concerning the lost and found. These parables are all aimed at the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law. They despised the tax collectors and the sinners who always gathered around Jesus to hear Him teach and to eat with Him, but they despised Jesus even more. In telling these stories Jesus would contrast the Pharisees exclusiveness with His love and compassion for all including the outcasts of society. These parables relate to every person who has ever walked this earth and those who will walk it in the future. It is about the lost and found.

“So Jesus told them this story: ‘If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it?’” (Lk.15:3-4 nlt) A familiar painting comes to mind which most of us seen with Jesus carrying a lost sheep over His shoulders. That one lost sheep represents you and I lost in our sin before we came to Christ. He calls and looks for each of us individually. It’s not a group thing, it’s you by yourself and it’s me by myself. Jesus says, “…. there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!” (Lk.15:7 nlt) It’s about you and me, the lost and found.

In the next parable, Jesus speaks of a woman who lost one of her ten silver coins. There were many women who followed Jesus, and this would be of considerable interest to them. A silver coin in those days was a day’s wages and she lost it somewhere in her house. She lights a lamp in the dark one room dwelling and sweeps until she finds it. When she finds the coin, she calls her friends to rejoice with her for finding what was lost. Jesus’ heavenly meaning in this earthly story is, “In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.” (Lk.15:10 nlt) Again there is rejoicing in heaven over one individual who has come to Christ.

Jesus is not yet finished on this subject and to drive the point home, He tells a third parable. “…. Jesus told them this story: A man had two sons. The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons.” (Lk.15:11-12 nlt) This parable, known as the ‘Parable of the Prodigal Son’, is the most familiar of all Jesus’ parables. It also has more than one heavenly meaning. The younger son was greedy and impatient wanting his share of his father’s estate while he was still alive. This would have been extremely rare but not unheard of. The father would need to sell off part of his property up to a third, which was the portion allotted to a younger son. The father had done that, perhaps unwisely, and his son took the money and ran. “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living.” (Lk.15:13 nlt)

The younger son blinded by greed and selfishness failed to remember a few important things about life. Good times don’t last forever. A party life will eventually lead to ruin. Money disappears quickly when spent frivolously. And, of course, everything comes to an end. His end came sooner than expected and during the worst possible time, a serve famine. It is often during these times prodigals of all ages, both men and women, hear from the Lord and come to their senses. The fun-loving partying son finally came to his senses and started his way back home. Upon his return he would confess his foolishness to his father and ask to take a position as one of his father’s hired servants. But the father had other plans. And our heavenly Father has other plans for us when we foolishly run away from Him. “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.” (Lk.15:20 nlt) This parable is sometimes referred to as the ‘Parable of the Father’s Love’, and we can see why.

The father demands a celebration be held in honor of his son’s return. All were enjoying the celebration with music and dancing. But there was one who did not celebrate by refusing to join the party. The older brother was furious at his father’s actions that he would welcome his brother back and with a party after what he had done. He looked at his brother as unworthy of such a celebration and forgiveness. A lesson directed right back at the Pharisees who thought those tax collectors and sinners were unworthy to eat with Jesus.

These three parables of the lost and found show the Lord’s love for each one of us. We are all lost in our sin, and He and all of heaven rejoices when we turn to Him for salvation and for forgiveness when we go astray. As the father in the parable explained to his other son, “We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found” (Lk.15:32 nlt)

Read: Luke 15 NLT – Parable of the Lost Sheep – Tax – Bible Gateway