“Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” Galatians 5:24-24 NASB
Photo AI Generated
A sad reality for many Christians is the failure to know that the Holy Spirit is living inside of us. At conversion when one accepts Christ by the nudging of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit that led you to salvation is now with you and will never leave you. I think most of us find it hard to accept that that the creator of the heavens and the earth, Almighty God is living inside of us in the Holy Spirit, but that is what the Bible teaches.
Paul encouraged the churches in Galatia by declaring, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” (Gal.2:20 nasb) Paul is saying Christ lives in him through the Holy Spirit. The same is true for every believer. Christians had that old self crucified with Christ, we are new creatures, the old has pass away, the new has come. (2 Cor.5:17) Later Paul says if that is the case then we should all be walking by the Spirit.
We must admit it is challenging to walk by the Spirit in our current day, but it is not impossible. The Holy Spirit, the creator God, is living within us to help us walk as believers in Christ. Once a true knowledge and understanding of the Holy Spirit is realized that walk goes much easier. We rely on Him and His presence with the daily temptations that prevent from walking as we should. Remember we have crucified the flesh. What is dead cannot be brought to life, and it won’t be if we walk by the Spirit.
“I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.” Galatians 2:21 NLT
Photo AI Generated
Have you done your good deed for the day yet? Depending on when you are reading this, the beginning of your day or ending it or perhaps on your lunch break, there is still time to complete that good deed. When and if you do a good deed, does it count towards your entrance into heaven? How many good deeds you have stacked up at the gate so far? What’s the magic number you need for the gate to open? How do you know if your reached it? Do your good deeds outweigh your bad deeds? You hope they do. But you can never be sure. Trying to work your way into heaven is a fruitless effort. It will never be achieved no matter how hard you try. So, why don’t you quit trying to be good enough to become right with God, because you can’t, and count on Jesus’ righteousness through accepting Him for salvation.
The apostle Paul was telling the churches in Galatia that following the law would never make them right with God. If that where the case, then there was no reason for Jesus to die for our sins, seeing we could handle it ourselves through obeying the law and doing good deeds. The truth is there is nothing we can do to stand righteous before God. It is only through Jesus’ righteousness applied to us as we accept Him as our savior. That is why Jesus came. He needed to come to be the perfect sacrifice for sin which we could never be. Isaiah wrote, “We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind.” (Is.64:6 nlt) Even our good deeds are as filthy rags. They certainly won’t get us into heaven. They won’t make us right with God. But faith through grace will get us both right with God and into heaven.
Don’t give up doing good deeds. But know they are not what gets you into heaven. Accept Jesus Christ as your savior, having His righteousness applied to you, and your good deeds will be done in the name of Jesus showing others you are a child of God.
Valuables are kept protected, usually under lock and key. Every major bank in the world has a secure vault to store tangible assets away from would be criminals. Access into that valuable space is only through having the key or security code to enter. Your own personal valuables are kept secured by whatever means you choose to protect them. Entrance into your assets again is only possible by the one who holds the key. Can you imagine having the most valuable possession known to man not under lock and key, but having free access to it, no key needed?
Jesus says, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” (Jn.10:9 esv) Most doors have locks on them. The more value behind the door the bigger and stronger the lock, at least that is how it works in our fallen world. Jesus says He is the door to salvation, eternal life after our live on earth is over. He also provides for us in this world finding pasture. Is there anything of more value than that. I think not! Yet, there is no mention of a key needed to open the door of salvation. No security codes or secret passwords are needed to enter through the door.
Salvation, as valuable as it is, is a free gift. Jesus paid it all on the cross of calvary. Our sin debt is paid. All we sinners need to do is to repent and accept Christ as our savior for payment of our sins. Jesus unlocked the door by His death and resurrection for all who believe in Him. No key needed.
“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” John 10:28-30 NLT
Believe it or not, there are approximately 4,000 religions in the world. Common sense tells us they all can’t be right. Although there are many religions there are five that are the most prominent. Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism share roughly 80% of the world’s total religions. Again, they all can’t be right. Adhering to anyone of these in total faith and commitment cancels out all the others. You cannot be accepting to all these for the same reason. It doesn’t work. You may think it is inclusion and right for this world, but what about the next one when this life is over. You may be familiar with the ‘coexist’ image. ‘Coexist’ is meant to bring people together through the major religions that we may live in peace in this world. We all know it is not working. ‘Coexist’ is not the way to peace and salvation in this world and certainly not in eternity.
The Hebrew God said in Isaiah, ‘“But you are my witnesses, O Israel!’ says the LORD. ‘You are my servant. You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God—there never has been, and there never will be.’” (Is.43:10 nlt) This same Hebrew God sent His Son Jesus Christ as the Messiah to be the savior of the world both to the Jews and to all who accept Christ in repentance for their sins. Jesus Himself said, “The Father and I are one.” (Jn.10:30 nlt) God the Father says, “I, yes I, am the LORD, and there is no other Savior.” (Is.43:11 nlt) Coexist does not exist, it’s One God, One Savior.
“Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20:30-31 NIV
Have you ever wondered why the Bible has stood the test of time over thousands of years? It is still in print today and available in a multitude of languages. The full Bible has been translated in over 700 languages and the New Testament in over 1,500. Approximately 15.7 million Bibles were sold in the United States alone in the first ten months of 2024. It is available in book or digital form and if you have a smart phone you have one available to you free of charge. So, why is it such a bestseller?
I image there are countless reasons why so many people desire a Bible or access to one. Some people like the look of a Bible on a shelf or coffee table. Some record special occasions in it such as births, marriages, and the passing of a loved one. Others read it for its historical content or literature artistic value. Then there are those who study it for its religious content as they would other works from the major world religions There are many more reasons why one desires a Bible, but the number one reason to have a Bible should be to know the God of the Bible and His love and salvation plan for mankind.
This brings us to the purpose the Bible was written. Every major work of literature has a main purpose, and the Bible is no different. The gospel writer John summed up the purpose of his book, which could be used as a summary for the entire Bible by saying, “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (Jn.20:31 niv) The Old Testament spoke of the coming Messiah. The New Testament revealed His coming and the way of salvation. If you are going to read the Bible, I suggest you read it for its main purpose, to believe what is written and by believing you may have life in His name.
“For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.” 1 Peter 1:23 NLT
Some Christians struggle with the possibility that they could lose their salvation and eternal life. The Bible has several verses that can ease those unfriendly thoughts. In Peter’s letter to Gentile and Jewish believers he quotes from Isaiah to illustrate the power of the Word of God to renew souls unto the Lord, the Word that lasts forever. ‘“But the word of the Lord remains forever.’ And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.” (1Pt.1:25 nlt)
A person is saved as they are drawn by God through the Holy Spirit to Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself said, “For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me.” (Jn.6:44 nlt) And Paul writes in Titus, “ he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.” (Titus 3:5 nlt) Peter is expressing in 1 Peter the importance of the Word of God in salvation. The Bible points us to look at ourselves as sinners in need of repentance and belief in Christ. He is leading us to the Word of God, which contains the good news of the gospel.
Peter says in our text verse those who are born again now have a life that will last forever. The Holy Spirit uses the eternal living Word of God to convict us of our need of salvation. The ‘forever’ Word of God clearly defines the good news of salvation through Jesus. We can be sure as the Word of God will last forever, our salvation in the Lord will last forever. No worries.
The historic Jesus did not begin at His birth 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem. Scholars note the period of time Jesus was on the earth as history for our time, which is correct, therefore the term ‘the historic Jesus.’ True, the history of Jesus’ life and ministry on earth started on the night He was born, but the Biblical Jesus has a history that never began, yet it is still history. (I don’t understand it, either) Jesus never had a beginning, that is why He was able to claim to the Jews, ‘before Abraham was even born, I AM!’ (Jn.8:58 nlt)
The people knew what He meant because they picked up stones to stone Him for blasphemy. Jesus claimed to be God. The apostle John wrote concerning the deity of Jesus, “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God.” (Jn.1:1-2 nlt) John is, with certainty, equating the ‘Word’ with Jesus. They are one and the same. John later writes in chapter 1, “So the Word became human and made his home among us.” (Jn.1:14 nlt) No doubt, John is referring to Jesus Christ. The Word is Jesus. The Word is God.
So, what does this have to do with us today. Our belief in Christ is to be more than doing the good deeds Jesus did and commanded us to do. Do them, yes, but also understand who He truly is and why He came. He gave up heaven’s glories to be born into this world to save those who will believe on Him. He paid an awful price, which was our debt, but he did it willingly. The historic Jesus is the one and only Jesus, God the Son, from eternity past who had one mission in which all His commandments flow. “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mk.10:45 nlt)
You may be thinking this is a ‘Christmas in July’ devotion, well almost, but not quite. My church is having Vacation Bible School this week with the theme ‘Wonder Junction’ a curriculum from ‘Answers in Genesis’. (1) It’s a week of wondering about Jesus and what better way to start than with His birth. Since we really don’t know exactly when Jesus was born, it could have been in July, so we may not be that far off. The main thing is Jesus did come down from heaven to be born of a virgin. Jesus, Immanuel is God with us.
The birth of Christ doesn’t cover a lot of pages in the Bible. In fact, there are only four chapters in Scripture that tell us the story. They are the first two chapters in each of the New Testaments books of Matthew and Luke. We have many references to Jesus the Messiah coming into the world scattered throughout the Old Testament. Our text verse notes that a virgin will give birth to Him who is called Immanuel, ‘God with us’. Of all the verses the predict Jesus’ birth, the most significant ones are those declaring His deity as God the Son. The prophet Isaiah also wrote this of the coming Messiah, “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Is.9:6 nlt)
It is vital for our salvation that Jesus is indeed God the Son. A perfect sacrifice was needed to pay the debt owed to God the Father for our sins. We could never pay it, but Jesus could, because He was the sinless Son of God, perfect in every way and willing to sacrifice His life for our salvation. Yes, let us remember Christmas is all about ‘God with us’ whether we celebrate it in July or on December 25th.
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 NLT
FreeBibleimages.org
This week Jesus is making His final approach to the city of Jerusalem were He will fulfill His mission of serving others by giving His life as a ransom for many. This final trip with His disciples started in Ephraim going through Galilee, south to Jericho, and on to Jerusalem. The Scripture says they were going up to Jerusalem even though they are traveling in a southernly direction. Jerusalem is actually 2,500 ft above sea level. Their trip will take them down through the Jordan Valley, below sea level, then upward to Jerusalem in the south. Jesus was walking ahead of them which was rare for Him to do. “They were now on the way up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were filled with awe, and the people following behind were overwhelmed with fear.” (Mk.10:32 nlt) Many followers were frightened due to the threats upon Jesus coming from Jerusalem. Yet, they were amazed at His courage as He led them on the road.
Jesus reveals for a third time His upcoming death, this time in much more detail. Jesus confirms this is the trip in which it will all take place. He will be betrayed and handed over to the Jewish religious rulers who will sentence Him to die handing Him over to the Romans. “They will mock him, spit on him, flog him with a whip, and kill him, but after three days he will rise again.” (Mk.10:34 nlt) Despite the fact this is the third time Jesus spoke these words to His disciples they still failed to register it in their thought process. What happens next reveals what their thoughts were.
After Jesus informed His disciples what would soon take place when they arrive in Jerusalem, James and John ask Jesus for a favor, “When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.” (Mk.10:37 nlt) They clearly didn’t get it. It is as if James and John didn’t hear a word Jesus said. They were concerned about their own position in the future kingdom, which they still thought would be happening in the here and now. They were so focused on their view of the kingdom they failed to hear what the King said about the establishment of His kingdom. Christians today fall into the same trap of rewriting Scripture to reshape the kingdom as to what we think it should represent and how one is to come into the kingdom.
Jesus firmly answered James and John telling them they did not know what they are asking for. In the parallel scene of the disciples arguing who would be the greatest (Mk.9:33-37) Jesus taught the disciples what is true greatest. Here, He teaches them about humble, loving service. Drinking a bitter cup of suffering and being a servant to all is a humble, loving service shown as true greatest. The other disciples were indignant at what just occurred, but perhaps they were anticipating those positions for themselves. Jesus again teaches them all an important lesson.
Jesus noted how the rulers in the world ‘lord it’ over the people. They brag about their power and positions. Jesus then reverses the world’s value structure by saying, “But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else.” (Mk.10:43-44 nlt) The disciples were to be different. We’re called to be different. Christians are to lead by serving. The disciples were to learn to lead by serving. And Jesus gave us both the greatest example, Himself, when He said, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mk.10:45 nlt)
The reason Jesus came to this earth was not for recognition or to lord it over people, but to provide salvation for all who accept His sacrifice for sins. This is the ultimate act of serving lost sinners. We cannot achieve entrance into heaven on our own. We needed someone who is ready, willing, and able to serve us in this fashion, and Jesus came to serve us in our most important need. He did not come to be served, but to serve.
As chapter 10 closes, Jesus performs His last healing miracle outside the city of Jericho. This the first and last recorded visit of Jesus in the city of Jericho, a rebuilt city under Herod the Great, 1 mile south of the ancient Old Testament Jericho. “A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’” (Mk.10:46-47 nlt) Bartimaeus was sitting just outside the city on the main road to Jerusalem. Being in his condition he would sit there asking for donations of those passing by on their way to Jerusalem. When he heard Jesus was passing through he shouted out to Jesus to have mercy on him. Two very important truths are noticed through the blind man’s words. He called Jesus, ‘Son of David’ meaning he must have believed Jesus was the Messiah, and he asked Jesus for mercy. Bartimaeus did not think God owed him anything but begged for mercy from Jesus the Messiah. We live in a world where at times people assume that God owes us something. He doesn’t, but He will bestow mercy on all who call on Him.
FreeBibleimages.org
When Jesus heard the man, he stopped. Jesus always stopped when those in need called out to Him, and this time was no different. He called for the man, and Bartimaeus quickly threw off his coat, jumped up and headed towards Jesus. The moment he had waited for many years had arrived; he would not be late. ‘“What do you want me to do for you?’ Jesus asked. ‘My rabbi,’ the blind man said, ‘I want to see!’” (Mk.10:51 nlt) Bartimaeus was healed immediately. Both his physical and spiritual eyes were opened, and he followed Jesus down the road.
Jesus continues His trip up to Jerusalem with His disciples and those who have been traveling with Him, along with the people heading to Jerusalem for the Passover, and now Bartimaeus is tagging along with them. We pick it up next week………
Everything has a beginning; your life, a relationship, a new year, a new school year, a semester, a job, an idea leading to a new consumer product, even this essay. Everything has a beginning to point to. Unfortunately, everything also has an ending, after all, nothing last forever, but ‘not quite.’
The most recognizable quote of ‘in the beginning’ is in the Scriptures of the Holy Bible. Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” The earth and all of the universe had a beginning. There was a time when the universe did not exist but then came into being. This is not a debate as to the origins of the planets and the universe, this view is to be understood God created in the beginning, in the beginning of our time.
What exactly is ‘our time?’ NASA’s explanation of the universe is as follows, “The universe is everything. It includes all of space, and all the matter and energy that space contains. It even includes time itself and, of course, it includes you.” (1) Our time began when God created the universe, when He created all of space, matter, and energy. Our time began when God created man in His image, “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (Gen.1:27 nkjv) We had a beginning.
While we had a beginning, our creator had no beginning. There is no time in which God did not exist. The prophet Isaiah wrote, “Who has done such mighty deeds, summoning each new generation from the beginning of time? It is I, the LORD, the First and the Last. I alone am he.” (Is.41:4 nlt) Identifying Himself as the ‘First and the Last’ constitutes God existed before the universe began and will be around after it is gone. Jesus, God the Son, also identifies as the ‘First and the Last’ in the book of Revelation for He said “I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last.” (Rev.1:11 nlt)
While we contemplate our lives having a beginning and an end, it is often hard, if not impossible, to understand God who never had a beginning and will never have an end. Don’t even try, it can’t be done. It is accepted only through faith in the God of the Bible. Once we have accepted God, His true Word, and Jesus Christ His Son for salvation it becomes clear that God is from eternity past and future, although we still can’t understand it. But this should also be a great comfort to us for He has all things under control and knows our deepest needs both now and in the future. He was there in our beginning and will be there in our end and this is where the ‘not quite’ comes in.
Everything will certainly come to an end one day, except for a couple of things; the triune God, His Word, and the souls of people. We may have had a beginning in this life, but we were created with a body and a soul. The body will come to an end due to our sin nature, but our soul lives on into eternity. Those who have confessed and repented of their sin accepting Christ as Savior will spend eternity in the new heaven and the new earth, those who have rejected Christ will spend eternity in the lake of fire with Satan and his demons. “Then the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever……And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Rev.20:10, 15 nlt)
When you were born, you were born for eternity. Your body will die, but your soul will live on. You are living in the beginning of eternity. Where will you be living when your earthly life has ended? Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (Jn.14:6 nlt) The time is now to make the choice where you will spend eternity while you are still living ‘in the beginning.’
Word for the Soul 