Salvation – Page 25 – Word for the Soul

Ring The Bell

December 13, 2023December 12, 2023 Loring Schultz

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 ESV

The familiar sounds of the Christmas season are many. From the Christmas music, to the holiday greetings, to the sounds of traffic in the streets, to children’s eager anticipation of coming the event on the 24^th of December; the sounds of the season constantly remind us that Christmas Day is approaching.

Among these sounds are the bells of the Salvation Army Bell Ringers. A tradition that started in 1891 in the city of San Francisco, California. Stationed in shopping malls and other retail outlets as well as on street corners, the bell ringers remind people of the need of others during the Christmas season. The sound of the bell is to draw our attention away from ourselves and our task at hand and reflect on those unfortunate in our neighborhoods and around the world.

The physical and material needs of the countless people in our midst cannot be denied. Christians (the church) should be at the forefront of meeting this need. As the church rings the bell of awareness and participates in meeting the material needs of the downtrodden among us, it also has the responsibility to be a bell ringer for the eternal Salvation of others. Jesus said, speaking of Himself, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Lk. 19:10 ESV) The spiritual need is great and it needs to be met.

Our Lord instructs us to be witnesses, Bell Ringers, for Him. This Christmas season as you hear the bell ring and drop money into that Red Kettle, pick up your spiritual bell and ring it for all the world to hear the need of Salvation and spread the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

A Christian Perspective

A Call to Prayer for the Nation

December 2, 2023December 1, 2023 Loring Schultz

For the Christian “A Call to Prayer” should never need to be called for. The sad fact is for some Christians it needs to be, and also the church. We’ve become all too complacent with our lives. We are either too busy, or think we have got it covered, or God knows all our needs and He will take care of it. Some Christians call on God only when a real disaster strikes them in their family, or when a major crisis occurs in our country or somewhere around the world. We are then ready and feel the need to pray either by ourselves, or with our families, or with the church family.

Such a need has been felt in the United States since January 6, 2021. The nation’s capital, the beacon of democracy and freedom, had been overrun by insurgents with violence causing destruction, desecration, injuries, and loss of life. The political aftermath the last three years has added more confusion, frustration, and division among the people. We would be wise to remember it is God who has the ultimate authority and who established the rule of law. This same God, the creator of all things, has given this authority to men and women to govern and to rule maintaining law and order where they serve.

The terrorist attack on Israel led by Hamas has also heighten divisions between supporters of the Jews and supporters of the Palestinian people here in the United States. This country has been in deep division since the year 2000 and is growing deeper. Sadly we are at a point where it doesn’t take a major crisis or a war to add fuel to the burning house of division in the nation.

So, as Christians we are to pray as Paul instructs us in 1 Timothy, “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people.” Paul’s concern, as ours should be, is that all would come to know the true God, helping them understand His Word, interceding for them, and thanking God for them. We are to also pray for those who rule over us that they may also come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and as Paul says, “so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”

Christians call to prayer is always to be for the Salvation of all people, including those who rule over us whether we agree with them of not. Nero, the ruler in Paul’s day, was a great blasphemer and persecuted the Christians, yet Paul said to pray for him. What will heal the division today in the United States than our leaders leading in a way, “so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” Let all Christians heed the call to prayer, individually, in our homes, and in the church.

Devotionals

Live Life to the Fullest

November 22, 2023November 21, 2023 Loring Schultz

“Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Psalm 34:11-14 NIV

I haven’t come across many people who do not desire the good things in life. The good things of life may differ between individuals and between cultures, what is good for you may not be good for me and vice versa. But each of us desires to live life to the fullest in our cultural surroundings wherever they may be. Struggling to get the most out of life; good health, financial success, close friends, family, satisfying employment, plenty of leisure time, and other deeming qualities of a good life come up short many times. But does coming up short disqualify us from the good things in life? Is there anything we can do to prevent missing out on these good things?

King David gives us a couple of suggestions in helping us live the good life. His advice is based on having the right character qualities. One whose character is free from slander, speaking falsely, participating in shady things, or causing trouble goes a long way in having a good life. David writes, “Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” (Ps. 34:12-14 NIV)

We think we are not that bad saying, ‘I don’t tell any white lies or make up stories to hurt someone, and I certainly don’t gossip!’ We also say, ‘I am not an evil person’ and that may be true in comparison with others, but God looks at all sin as evil. And when we say we should all live in peace and love one another, are we truly pursing it as we pursue trying to live our lives to the fullest?

None of us is able to live life to the fullest on our own. God has given us His Word to show us how to live a fulfilled life by obeying it. And more importantly, God sent His Son to save us and reconcile us to God. Therefore it is impossible to live a totally fulfilled life without Christ. Jesus says, “….. I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (Jn. 10:10b NIV)

Devotionals

Something to be thankful for

November 21, 2023November 20, 2023 Loring Schultz

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 KJV

During the Thanksgiving season local and national news outlets will asked people what they are thankful for. You will hear a variety of responses of family, good health, employment and meaningful accomplishments throughout the year. There will also be those who respond with a destitute spirit, not having much to be thankful for and not seeing any bright hope for the future.

But there is one thing every person can be thankful for; God sending His Son Jesus into the world to take away our sins by dying on the cross. “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) This is not universalism as taught by some teachers today (don’t worry about it, it’s all good, everyone gets into heaven.) You must personally come to God, acknowledge and confess your sin, ask for forgiveness and accept Jesus’s sacrifice as the full payment for your sin.

If you simply put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ for Salvation you will be saved and not perish having everlasting life. Now that’s something to be thankful for.

Devotionals

The Road to Nowhere

November 13, 2023November 12, 2023 Loring Schultz

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’” John 14:6 NASB

Where I currently reside (Berks County, Pennsylvania) there is a stretch of highway fondly named “The Road to Nowhere” due to the slow construction process which resulted in its incompletion. Today it is complete. You may have heard some say that “All roads lead to God, to Heaven and to eternal life.” But if that is the case, we need to carefully consider why Jesus said “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”

If there are other roads to God and eternal life, how could Jesus make such a statement? He could make such a statement my friend because it is true. He was not mistaken, He was not lying to attract followers, nor was He out of His mind. He is God the Son who completed the road to Salvation by travelling the road to Calvary’s Cross, Dying and Rising again on the third day.

Jesus’s words on the cross were, “It is finished.” Any other road is “A Road to nowhere.”

Devotionals

How deep are your roots?

November 9, 2023November 8, 2023 Loring Schultz

“The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word.” Matthew 13:20-21 NLT

Deep strong roots are vital to a tree’s survival in storms with heavy winds. The deep seeded roots prevent the tree from falling over and at the same time are growing stronger by the wind during a storm by pulling and stretching. Throughout the life of a tree, the roots are working its way downward in search of water and nutrients. For a tree to flourish and survive its roots must continue to grow stronger by absorbing what is necessary; fertile soil with the proper nutrients and just enough wind to keep them stretching from the swaying of the tree.

In Jesus’ Parable of the Soils, He gives us four examples of different types of soil the farmer incurs as he is planting seed. Some seed fell by the wayside, or foot paths along the border of a field. Some seed fell on rocky places or shallow soil. Others fell among thorns and still others on fertile soil. The seed represents the Word of God (the gospel) that is planted in the hearts of people. There are many who hear the gospel in various forms. Some take to it enthusiastically as soon as they hear it representing the shallow soil. Then there are those who hear it but do not understand for the seed never penetrated into their hearts, and still others hear the word, but also hear the word of worries of this life and accumulating wealth crowding out the truth of the gospel. Then there are those who truly hear and understand the gospel representing the good soil.

As Christians, we are to live our lives in a manner that will draw individuals to Jesus Christ. We are to take advantage of every opportunity to share the gospel message. Jesus’ Parable of the Soils informs us of the possible reactions of each one who hears the Word. Not all will respond in the same way, and some not at all. We are only called to be faithful in presenting the gospel and allow the Holy Spirit to do the work.

The seed falling on rocky and shallow soil can be taken a step further for Christians who have already accepted the salvation of the Lord. How deep are your roots? Believers today need strong deep roots to carry on God’s plan for them. Just as a tree planted in fertile soil needs water, nutrients, and winds to develop deep roots, Christians need to drink from the well of living water, feast on the nutrients of God’s Word, join in prayer with other believers, and receive with joy the winds of change in their lives which help develop Deep Roots.

A Christian Perspective

The Christian Counter-Culture

November 4, 2023November 3, 2023 Loring Schultz

“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6 NLT

“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 NLT

Think of the following statements. “Going against the grain,” “swimming against the tide,” “going against the flow.” What comes to your mind as to their meaning? A summary of their meanings are as follows; “different from what is normal or usual. It takes courage to go against the grain and stand up for what you believe in” (1) “to not followwhat everyone else is doing” (2) “to do things that do not agree with what most other people are doing.” (3) The opposite statement would be “going along with the crowd.” It may be popular with your friends, peers, and society at large, but it has the potential of being extremely dangerous. The majority is not always right. Jesus confirms this in His Sermon on the Mount concerning life in the Kingdom of God.

Speaking to His disciples, Jesus says, “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way.” (Mt. 7:13) Jesus also said to His disciples on another occasion during the Last Supper, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me,” (Jn. 14:6) and Luke writes in Acts chapter 4, “There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) If we as faithful Christians adhere to Jesus’ sayings and Luke’s words through the Holy Spirit, then we are going against the grain, the flow, and against the tide. We are going against the culture. We are the Christian Counter-Culture.

Our current culture, as with previous historical cultures, expounds many ways to enter God’s kingdom. It is careful not to be labeled non-inclusive, but advocating all roads lead to Heaven. Our Lord Jesus is the ultimate example of one who is counter-cultural. He doesn’t hold back, but explains concisely the truth, His truth. “But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” (Mt. 7:14)

The world culture provides a wide gate for all to enter and be included among the many with different beliefs leading to so-called peace in this life and a heavenly destiny in the next. Christians today need to follow Jesus’ example and speak lovingly right to the point as He did and show the world He is the only way, and be The Christian Counter-Culture.

Devotionals

Practicing your religion

October 31, 2023October 30, 2023 Loring Schultz

“But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!” Mt. 5:20 NLT

You may have heard the term, ‘practice makes perfect.’ You may have used it yourself while encouraging others to continue their practice sessions. Whether learning to play a musical instrument or being coached up to throw a curve ball, run a deep route on the football field, or raise the percentage of free throws from the foul line, practice is needed. But does practice really make perfect? We are all able to testify that practice does make us better, but it does not make us perfect. That is not to say that one cannot bowl a perfect 300 game, a pitcher not throw a perfect 27 out baseball game, or a student studying for an exam is not able to ace it. Outside of those accomplishments, which are few, practice does make us better, but certainly not perfect.

The religious leaders of Jesus’s day were all about practicing religion. They had calculated 248 commandments and 365 prohibitions in God’s law. They strived to keep them all. No doubt, they practiced their religion by obeying or trying to obey each of 613 total commandments and prohibitions. As much as they practiced their religion and attempted to keep all the laws, they weren’t able to keep them. They did claimed, however, to have a righteousness that surpassed everyone else. Their religion was an outward show of righteous deeds. No matter how much they practiced the righteous deeds of the law they were not perfect.

Jesus said to His disciples in the Sermon on the Mount in reference to this, “But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!” (Mt. 5:20) The teachers of the law and the Pharisees were considered to be the most righteous individuals due to their observances of God’s laws. But Jesus tells the disciples their righteousness must exceed that of the righteous leaders or they will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Practicing or observing religion is not the answer.

One is made righteous in the sight of God by accepting Christ as their Savior. There are no works we can perform, or any amount of practicing that will earn us a place in Heaven with Christ. “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” (Eph. 2: 8-9 NLT) Do not practice your religion, put your religion into practice.

A Christian Perspective

Understanding What Divides Us

October 14, 2023October 13, 2023 Loring Schultz

“For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.” Philippians 3:18-19 NIV

Our world is divided between countries. Countries are divided within themselves. Political parties divide the government landscape. Groups of people divide themselves by race, ethnicity and religion, country of origin and even by where they reside in the country, state, or providence they hail from.

What divides us is more than where we live, where we were born, or the color of our skin. It is more than what our political beliefs are, what our economic status is, or how we view history. Understanding what divides us is crucial for any hope of bringing us together. The irony is; that what divides us also unites us. It is the Cross of Jesus Christ.

The cross of Christ is more divisive than any other symbol, political movement, government rulings, or any opposing points of view. This has been true since the crucifixion of Christ two thousand years ago. Scripture says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn. 3:16 NIV) “Whoever” means “whoever!” All have equal access to accept Christ, because all need to accept Christ and all are in the same boat of sin and sinking fast. No one is exempt.

Understanding the divide is pictured clearly on Calvary’s hill that horrible day of crucifixion. Jesus was crucified between two others, both guilty of crimes, both deserving punishment, and both in need of repenting of their sin and accepting Christ. One of them mocked Jesus and wanted release immediately saying to Him, “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” (Lk. 23:39) The other, understanding his just punishment and his need beyond this world, said “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Lk. 23:42)

Today we have those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and those who continuingly mock Him. They have refused to acknowledge their sin and their need to be rescued out of that sinking boat. What divides us is a spiritual divide. It is those who have the Spirit of God who realize this world is not all there is, and it is those who cannot see beyond this world for they are spiritually blinded. Paul writes to the early church in Corinth, “But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.” (1 Cor. 2:14 NLT) What the apostle wrote centuries ago is just as true today.

The cross of Jesus Christ which is the way of salvation for those who believe in Christ as their savior is the same cross that is foolishness to those who do not believe. This is what still divides us today, but can unite us in Christ if those unbelievers would forsake their foolishness and accept Jesus Christ the Lord.

The world needs to understand what divides us is a spiritual divide. It is a divide between those who believe in the God of the Bible and His plan of Salvation through Jesus Christ, God the Son, and those who do not. May we as Christians understand where the true division starts and where it ends, and may we work to lead those in need of Christ to salvation.

Bible Studies

“Rahab: An Unlikely Ally” Conquering New Territory: The Book of Joshua (….through faith, courage, obedience, and devotion to the Word of God)

October 8, 2023October 7, 2023 Loring Schultz

“For the LORD your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below.” Joshua 2:11b NLT

Conquering new territory in your life is not something you try to achieve on your own, although many have tried and failed. For Christians, we are to trust God and follow His leading wherever it leads us, and to whomever He assigns to help us. The nation of Israel had an unlikely ally in helping them secure sensitive information about the city of Jericho and its surrounding territory. Joshua sent out two men on a covert operation to spy out the land they were about to conquer with their first stop the city of Jericho. Jericho was the key city of the entire southern Jordan valley. Their mission was to survey the scope of the land, food and water resources, and the military strength of Jericho.

When the two men entered Jericho they went to house of Rahab, a prostitute, and spent the night there. An overnight visit to a prostitute would not incur suspicion concerning their mission. Rahab’s house was also on the wall providing an easy escape if found out. The two spies realized early on how the Lord led them to Rahab’s house. The king of Jericho found out that spies from Israel had come into Jericho. Rahab hid the spies in her home and protected them from capture as she was questioned as to their whereabouts. God had used the most unlikely person in the carrying out of His will by protecting the spies, Rahab the prostitute.

Some may question and rightly so, didn’t Rahab sin by lying to the king’s servants by admitting they were there but now gone. (Jos. 2:3-5) Yes, lying is a sin, but note, Rahab was not commended for her sin, but for her faith. (Heb.11:31) Also in the Oriental custom of that day, guarding a guest in your home was held as one of the highest virtues of hospitality.

Rahab had come to know the true God. Her confession to the spies leaves no doubt saying to them, “For the LORD your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below.” (Jos. 2:11b) She had made known to them how all her people heard of God’s miraculous works in bringing Israel out of Egypt and that they were destined to inhabit their land. Fear and terror had succumb to every individual in the land. While all her people feared Israel and the Lord God, Rahab had faith in God and His mercy having the courage to protect the spies from the authorities of her city.

So certain was Rahab that God is the supreme God capable of giving Israel their land, she asked for safety of herself and her entire family when Israel came to take over Jericho. The spies agreed to protect her and her family providing she would not betray them. She let down by a scarlet rope along the outside wall of her house for their escape instructing them to hide in the hill country for three days until the pursuers give up the search. God’s providence in protecting the spies is seen all through Joshua chapter 2. The hiding place the Lord provided for the spies was in a mountainous region with limestone cliffs 1,500 feet high with many caves. These were actually the caves where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered centuries later.

The scarlet rope has significant meaning both for Rahab and for us today. The scarlet (red) rope hanging from the outside of Rahab’s window symbolizes the lambs blood sprinkled on the doorposts providing safety and protection of the first born of Israel. We see it today as the atoning blood shed by Christ on the cross of Calvary for our sins. Both needing protection from the consequences of our sin by the sacrifice of the perfect Lamb of God.

The Lord God used Rahab, an unlikely ally, to be used by God in helping His people in conquering their new territory. Don’t dismiss those in your life God may using in aiding you through the tough terrain.

Read Joshua 2, Rahab: An Unlikely Ally: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+2&version=NLT