Tag: Salvation

Bible Studies

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

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

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            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.

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            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

A Christian Perspective

Is this heaven? No, It’s Iowa!

Loring Schultz

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared.” Revelation 21:1 NLT 

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Baseball enthusiasts and movie goers alike share a common interest in the 1989 motion picture release “Field of Dreams.” For the baseball fan, especially those who would consider themselves a traditionalist, a historian and lover of the game, it brought out everything that is good about the game. Baseball has the ability to unite people of all races and generations through a game played on grass and dirt with a wooden bat, ball, and glove. Its legends and heroes have managed to survive the test of time and will continue to do so. For the movie goer and causal baseball fan, the movie brings about an escape from the day to day drama in our lives and in the world. It also affirms the yearning of all of us for something much bigger than ourselves is possible, if only in a dream, a field of dreams.

The sentimental attachment to a movie produced thirty-five years ago has not faded. It has become a national treasure in America with tours of the set where it was filmed on location in Dyersville, Iowa.  It prompted Major League baseball in 2021 and 2022 to schedule two regular season games to be played next to the already historic site. As game week unfolded in both years there was much enthusiasm as to the upcoming events. People from all walks of life were anticipating the game, the nostalgia, and asking the question from that famous line in the movie, ‘Is this heaven?’ The answer of course is ‘No, it’s Iowa.’  

Many people are looking for a heaven here on earth. They dream of a place if even for a moment that will absolved their tears and frustrations of life. But even in that moment as Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) answered truthfully in that iconic movie, ‘No, It’s Iowa.’ There was no claim that it was heaven, but a field of dreams.

The good news is, there is such a place as heaven. It is real and not a dream. God, the creator of the heavens and the earth, has made such a place. It is reserved for those who trust in His Son Jesus Christ for salvation. Yes, it is possible to enjoy a little heaven on earth through the blessings God has bestowed on us such as baseball and the movies. But the ultimate enjoyment will be in eternity with our Lord Jesus. Have you made that commitment to trust in Him? You will not need to ask is this heaven when you arrive, you will know. It’s not Iowa, this is heaven.

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Devotionals

Home for the Lonely

Loring Schultz

“God makes a home for the lonely.” Psalm 68:6a NASB

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“Nearly one in four people worldwide — which translates into more than a billion people — feel very or fairly lonely, according to a recent Meta-Gallup survey of more than 140 countries. Although many calls to reduce loneliness are focused on older adults, majorities of those aged 45 and older do not feel lonely at all, while less than half of those younger than 45 say the same.” (1)

Loneliness affects people of all ages, but as seen above surprisingly the younger generation experience loneliness at a higher percentage than older adults. I will try to stay off my soapbox here, but it is amazing to me with all the technology and social media to facilitate communication that younger people would be lonelier. Perhaps, that is part of the problem. A recent google search reveals, “63% of people on social media report being lonely, 40% of people on social media report feeling anxious or depressed after using it, 61% of younger people in the U.S. say they are chronically lonely.” The bottom line is that people were created to be relational.

We are created in the image of a relational God. We were created to be relational with our fellow human beings, in person and part of society and not living in isolation. Sin has left a void, a large gap of loneliness, between us and our creator. That void needs to be filled first and foremost. A major cause of loneliness in the world today is the feeling of not belonging to anyone. You have no home that satisfies you to call your own. Well, God is calling you home. “(He) makes a home for the lonely.” (Ps.68:6a nasb)

The Lord God has made it possible through Jesus Christ His Son for you to have a sense of belonging and for your home to be in the kingdom of heaven. By accepting Christ as your savior, confessing your sin, and trusting Him for salvation the void is filled, and you are at home. You now have family members who long to see you to encourage you and for you to encourage them. Living life together with other Christians of like faith in a local church prevents you from slipping again into loneliness, it is a home for the lonely, both for the young and the old.

(1) https://news.gallup.com/opinion/gallup/512618/almost-quarter-world-feels-lonely.aspx

Devotionals

Carved in Stone

Loring Schultz

“…… (Jesus) said to his disciples, ‘As you know, Passover begins in two days, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.’” Matthew 26:1b-2 NLT

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An idiom most of us have heard is ‘carved in stone’ meaning something is permanent and cannot change. It has been used to get a point across in accepting new rules or policies that have been adopted, which I admit I have used during my retail career. Some people view it as the opposite, believing things will always stay as they are, ‘carved in stone’ when that is not the case, I have used that as well. Point taken, when something is said to be ‘carved in stone’, it is nearly impossible to change, except by the original creator should they decide to change it.

God the Father had His plan for salvation ‘carved in stone’ from eternity past and nothing would be able to change it, not even an attempt to delay it. The Religious rulers of Jesus’ day, the leading priests and elders, were plotting to have Jesus killed. But they were afraid to attempt it during Passover in fear the people who supported Jesus might cause a riot. So, they decided to wait a week until after Passover. (Mt.26:3-5) They may have thought their plan was ‘carved in stone’, but God’s plan was also ‘carved in stone’ and it would not change.

Jesus predicted His death would occur at Passover. “…. he said to his disciples, ‘As you know, Passover begins in two days, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.’” (Mt.26:1b-2 nlt) It was not the plan of the plotters, but God’s plan and it could not be overruled. Jesus is the perfect lamb of God without blemish that would be sacrificed at Passover. His death would do more than cover our sins but take them away permanently for those who trust in Him for salvation. (Jn.1:29) God’s plan, ‘carved in stone’!

Bible Studies

“Clever Christianity” The Parable of the Shrewd Manager: Parables of Jesus

Loring Schultz

 “The rich man had to admire the dishonest rascal for being so shrewd. And it is true that the children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with the world around them than are the children of the light.” Luke 16:8 NLT

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            This week’s parable comes directly from life itself, an earthly story where all the characters are unjust and corrupt. How can we derive a heavenly meaning with such deception? With our sinful minds this is not possible, but Jesus is telling the story.

            A rich business owner had a manager working for him who ran the operation. The manager had authority over the business as granted by the owner. He was trusted in all areas of the business including financial terms, acting as an agent for the owner. It was reported to the owner that his manager was wasting his money. Jesus doesn’t give us the exact details of the mismanagement only that he was wasteful to the point the owner demanded an accounting. “So the employer called him in and said, ‘What’s this I hear about you? Get your report in order, because you are going to be fired.’” (Lk.16:2 nlt) The manager, realizing his position was about to come to an end, worked his status as a trusted agent to his advantage one more time.

            As Jesus describes, the manager acted shrewdly. He had a plan and said, “Ah, I know how to ensure that I’ll have plenty of friends who will give me a home when I am fired.” (Lk.16:4 nlt) He secured his future with the means he had afforded to him although unjustly. The manager arranged a meeting with his boss’s clients and adjusted their bills to a lower amount which he had the authority to do. They would be grateful for the reduced payment and most likely will remember him when he was unemployed. Not unlike how business is done in 2024, people acting shrewdly to line their own pockets taking care of number one, themselves.

            The owner, though outsmarted, revealed his character by commending his manager for his wittiness. “The rich man had to admire the dishonest rascal for being so shrewd.” (Lk.16:8a nlt) And this is where Jesus turns this earthy story of dishonest rascals into a heavenly meaning. Jesus says, “And it is true that the children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with the world around them than are the children of the light.” (Lk.16:8b nlt) Jesus makes the comparison between non-Christians and Christians on how they use earthly resources for the future and to gain friends. The unbelievers of this world do a better job. Jesus now gives us the lesson, “Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your earthly possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home.” (Lk.16:9 nlt)

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            Jesus noted that the unjust and corrupt of this world are smart enough to use their resources to make friends and plan for the future benefiting themselves. Christians today should do the same, but to benefit others. Clever Christianity is using our earthly resources for more than earthly matters but also heavenly ones. We are to use our resources honestly and wisely to help others, to gain friends, to lead others to Christ populating heaven so when we arrive, they will welcome us. And the Lord will commend all clever Christians for using what He has given us to serve Him.

Read: Luke 16:1-9 NLT – Parable of the Shrewd Manager – Jesus – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Sheep and Goats-Faith and Works    

Loring Schultz

“He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.” Matthew 25:33 NLT

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Misinformation is a term that has received much recognition in recent years. Media outlets are quick to point out certain news stories are false or misleading to the public. News organizations are pitted against each other with the backing of their fact checkers to debunk a news story. There is plenty of misinformation in the news outlets of our day. But the most tragic source of misinformation are certain religious organizations, even some Christian churches, who insists your good works will get you into heaven and there is no hell to fear.

Matthew’s gospel is all about presenting Jesus as King to the Jewish people of his day. It is also relevant to all people in our day for Jesus is Lord and King. Jesus’ disciples questioned Him when the kingdom would come about. They were expecting it would be in their lifetime. Jesus’ answer to their question about His coming kingdom concludes the Olivet Discourse.

If anyone has doubts that Jesus is King, Jesus Himself makes clear His royalty and authority by saying, “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence.” (Mt.25:31-32a nlt) Jesus always referred to Himself as the Son of Man, and this Son of Man will sit upon His throne and all the nations will be called before Him, therefore Jesus is indeed the King. And there will be a great separation of those who believed in Jesus and those who have not. “He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.’ Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.’” (Mt.25:33-34, 41 nlt)

Jesus’ reference to the sheep and goats in His answer to the disciples compares those who have treated His brothers and sisters with kindness and those who have not as if they were doing it to Him. This passage of Jesus’ words is often mistaken as the acceptance of good works for entrance into heaven. Jesus stated earlier, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.” (Mt.25:34 nlt) Salvation is a gift of God, not something to be earned through merited deeds. It is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. (Eph.2:8-9) Those who know the Savior will indeed do good works as verification of a changed life in Christ. “I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” (Ja.2:18b nlt)

We all struggle understanding Scripture and some passages are hard sayings, but it is all God’s Word to us. Some passages we would rather ignore for what it contains, but it is all truth. For us, are we among the sheep or the goats, are we people of faith or people of works?

Read: Matthew 25:31-46 NLT – The Final Judgment – “But when the – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Your Will or God’s Will Be Done?

Loring Schultz

“‘Abba, Father,’ he cried out, ‘everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.’” Mark 14:36 NLT

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Yesterday our devotional study focused on the two-step process in how to make God’s desires our desires. Today’s devotion falls along those same lines but with a twist. God promises our hearts will be filled with our desires when they match God’s desires for us. How well then do you handle God’s desires and His will for you when it brings pain and suffering into your life?  

Jesus, the God-man, faced the reality of following His Father’s will in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before His crucifixion. He knew of God’s plan of salvation for each of us before the world began and He followed every detail. The time had come for the payment of sin to be completed. The sacrifice for sin would be made in a few short hours. Jesus was about to experience the most excruciating pain and suffering imaginable as the sins of the world would be laid upon Him. His Father would turn His back on Him causing Jesus to call “out with a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?’ which means ‘My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?’” (Mk.15:34 nlt)

In the garden that night Jesus knew His Father was capable of an alternative plan if it was His will to do so. Jesus prayed for this to be so. “‘Abba, Father,’ he cried out, ‘everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me.” (Mk.14:36a nlt) The physical pain in the ‘cup of suffering’ will be accompanied by the spiritual separation from His Father that was forthcoming. Jesus asked that it be taken away, but then said, “Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (Mk.14:36b nlt)

Whatever your pain and suffering may be, it is understandable to ask the Lord to remove it and He will not fault you for that. There are times when He will remove it completely or partially, and times when He does not. Knowing that God desires your heart to be filled with His desires and for His will to be done wouldn’t you rather God’s will than your own will? May we all be able to say with the Lord Jesus, “Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (Mk.14:36 nlt)

Read: Mark 14:32-42 NLT – Jesus Prays in Gethsemane – They went – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

Don’t Be Locked Out! The Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids: Parables of Jesus

Loring Schultz

“But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked.” Matthew 25:10 NLT

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The experience of being locked out of something creates feelings of loneliness and abandonment. This may even occur when you lock yourself out of your home, automobile, or your private office. The good news is that these lockouts are not permanent, and outside of some embarrassment you’ll be back in. But there are some permanent lockouts in life, such as being denied access to where you lost that privilege due to your own actions. And there is a greater future denial of access that is due to not acting while we have the time before the door is locked keeping us out.

Preparedness for the Lord’s return is the heavenly meaning of Jesus’ story of the ten bridesmaids. And yes again, the kingdom of heaven is in view. Jesus starts by saying, “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.” (Mt.25:1 nlt) The bridesmaids were to wait in anticipation for the bridegroom to come and receive his bride beginning the wedding ceremonies. They were to be ready to meet him and be in the procession to the bridegroom’s home. But as we will see, not all of them were ready. They didn’t make it inside the reception hall.

Jesus told this parable about a future lockout as part of His Olivet Discourse in the gospel of Matthew. Among the ten bridesmaids “Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.” (Mt.25:2 nlt) In Jewish weddings of Jesus’ day, the bridegroom would go to his bride’s home being met by the bridesmaids for religious ceremonies before taking his bride to his home for continuation of the festivities. The bridesmaids were to be ready and watching for the coming of the bridegroom. “The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil.” (Mt.25:3-4 nlt) But the bridegroom was delayed in this parable and falling asleep the bridesmaids were suddenly awakened with the announcement of his arrival.

At midnight the announcement was made the bridegroom was on his way.” All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps.” (Mt.25:7 nlt) Light was needed to make their through the darkness to the bridegroom’s home. The foolish ones realized they did not have enough oil to make their way into the procession. They “asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’” (Mt.25:8 nlt)

This is a picture of us in the world today. The bridegroom represents Jesus Christ and His return. People today are the bridesmaids, both the foolish ones, and the wise ones. The foolish ones brought no oil for their lamps to light the way to the bridegroom, the wise ones did. Oil being symbolic in the Bible as the Holy Spirit is what the foolish ones did not bring with them. Tragically this represents all who make a profession of being a Christian (bridesmaid) only to find out they never accepted Christ as their savior. They don’t have the His Spirit in them, the oil for the lamp to light the way to the kingdom of heaven.

The five foolish bridesmaids tried to buy oil for their lamps at the midnight hour, but all the stores were closed, it was too late. Upon returning to the bride’s home, the door was shut and locked. They requested entrance but the bridegroom responded, “Believe me, I don’t know you!” And then he added a warning for us today, “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.” (Mt.25:12-13 nlt) Jesus is going to return one day suddenly and unexpectedly and if you haven’t had your lamp filled with the presence of Christ by accepting Him for salvation, it will be too late. Fill your lamp today and don’t be locked out!

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Read: Matthew 25:1-13 NLT – Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

A Little Straight Talk

Loring Schultz

“After they gathered again in Galilee, Jesus told them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. He will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised from the dead.’ And the disciples were filled with grief.’” Matthew 17:22-23 NLT

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There comes a time in everyone’s life when a little straight talk is needed. The best way to handle this is to give it to them straight. Important matters needing attention should not be dismissed due to not wanting to hurt or offend someone. When one is mature enough to handle the truth, an honest conversation from one who is trustworthy will be beneficial helping them to go forward in life.

Jesus’ disciples needed a little straight talk. It is not that Jesus was not forthright in speaking to them. In manners they were able to understand, Jesus explained everything to them plainly. Jesus didn’t ignore His disciples’ questions answering them in their ability to comprehend. When Jesus spoke in parables to the people, He then privately explained them to the disciples. But when the disciples began to realize that Jesus was truly the Messiah, the time had come for some straight talk. Jesus was about to tell them of His betrayal, His death, and His resurrection; His mission.

It was difficult for the disciples for accept this especially Peter who ‘took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things.’ (Mt. 16:22 nlt) Sometimes straight talk is hard to handle but it is necessary. In Peter’s case and in ours as hard as it is to accept, Jesus’ mission on earth was to live a perfect life and to lay it down by being betrayed, crucified, and rising from the dead so that we may have eternal life with Him. It has been said, ‘a little straight talk never hurt anyone’, and in fact this straight talk saves everyone who believes.

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn. 3:16 nlt)

Devotionals

Sealed for Freshness

Loring Schultz

“When you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14 ESV

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An assortment of food products come in a vacuum sealed package to ensure freshness. Instructions are marked on the package to keep sealed after opening to maintain freshness as long as possible. But once it is opened, it will never go back to its original state of freshness. And eventually the product will lose all its nutritional value and taste around the expiration date. Most packages also contain a warning not to be used if the seal is compromised in any way. The contents cannot be trusted to be authentic and may be spoiled or tampered with. When the time comes to consume the product, we want to be sure it is as fresh as when it was first sealed.

Paul says believing the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ for salvation results in being sealed by the Holy Spirit. This occurs immediately upon our conversion. Our inheritance of eternal life is secure by the promise of the Holy Spirit. We cannot lose our salvation, and it will be as fresh and new as in the day we first accepted Christ as we enter the glories of heaven. We are sealed as a security mark is put over an enclosed envelope. The seal represents possession, security, and authenticity. The Holy Spirit also serves as a Christian identification mark. We are in Christ. Our salvation is secure.

Perhaps you struggle with the security of your salvation thinking you have done or could do something that would forfeit your place in heaven. It is true we all still sin even after we are saved, but God is faithful and just to forgive us of those sins. (1 Jn.1:9) And it is vital for you to know that you were sealed by the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of your salvation. It is real and will last for eternity. You do not need to worry about the seal coming off the secure envelope or the freshness seal being broken on the package. You can never lose your salvation by being contaminated by a broken seal or unsealed envelope. You are sealed for freshness.

Read: Ephesians 1:3-14 ESV – Spiritual Blessings in Christ – Blessed – Bible Gateway