Rhetorical Suicide

Proverbs 18:20-21 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

The Bible has much to say about our words, and I have long considered familiar with its teaching. But in today's reading I happened across Proverbs 18:20, which states, "A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled." Specifically, this verse may be understood to teach that our words have a direct impact on whether or not we eat. As the man said, "T'was a revelation to me."

I have long appreciated the power of words. They are the revealers of the heart, and poorly chosen words are extremely destructive. But the Scriptures go even farther. Is it possible that our words are keeping us from experiencing success and fulfillment? Apparently so.

Think of the people you know who are struggling to find their way in life. Nothing seems to work for them. They fight and scrap to pay the bills, frequently relying on others for their very bread. Now consider their conversation. Are they talking themselves into a hole? Read their Facebook postings. Are they ungrateful, critical, judgmental, harsh?  If so, they are living illustrations of the truth of Proverbs 18:20.

And as if verse 20 were not enough, God chose to reinforce the thought in verse 21. "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." I always considered this verse to be talking about the effects of our words on others. Now I understand that is not the case, but it rather concerns the effects of our words on ourselves.

The Marks of the Lord Jesus Christ

Galatians 6:17

I recently had the privilege of attending the Our Generation Summit in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The theme for this year's conference was "Equip for Battle". As part of the decor, the Our Generation team had included a piece of a U.S. Army dress uniform, a jacket. Although the jacket really didn't figure in the program, as a former G.I. it caught my attention. After looking it over for a while, I turned to my wife and told her, "The guy that owns that coat is a man!"

You see, that coat belonged to a soldier. You knew it was a soldier because of the way it was arranged. A civilian would never have gotten the all that stuff right. It took a soldier to put everything in its proper place, and believe me, everything was in its proper place.

Not only was everything in place, the things that were on that coat told you a great deal about the man. First, he was a staff sergeant. That alone is significant. Soldiers don't make staff sergeant on their first enlistment. This guy had been around a little while. Given the opportunity to opt out, having served his time, he chose to go around again, at least one more time and maybe more. The hash marks on his sleeve indicated he had been a soldier for at least twelve years. A man that would re-up in wartime is a man that can be counted on when it gets hard, the kind of guy I want beside me, a man.

Next, the blue cord wrapped around his shoulder and the crossed rifles on the collar belonged to an infantryman. Combat arms, ground pounder, line doggie. The most inglorious position in the whole army, and the most indispensable. No matter how many planes, artillery pieces or tanks you've got, eventually an infantryman is going to have to take the ground. Theirs is the dirty work, house to house and room to room, face to face with an enemy that knows it's kill or be killed, live or die. They call them grunts in derision, but you can't fight a war without them. By the way, our staff sergeant was not only a grunt, he was a good one. On his left pocket he wore an expert marksman badge along with one showing he had finished air assault school.

Our staff sergeant was also a decorated soldier. I've been out too long to recognize all the ribbons, and some of them were unit citations. But not all. On one sleeve, the hash marks witnessed to at least three combat tours. Our boy had certainly seen enough combat to earn a Combat Infantry Badge along with the other ribbons. They give those to soldiers who have served in wartime. This man knows what it means to dodge bullets.

I could go on, but I think you get the picture. I could see enough on the uniform to know I would have been proud to meet this man and shake his hand. His qualifications were written all over him. He was a soldier. In 2 Timothy 2:3-4, the Bible talks of the Christian as chosen to be a soldier. The Holy Spirit wrote those words through the Apostle Paul, one who knew what it meant to be a soldier of Jesus Christ. And it was Paul, the combat weary infantryman, who wrote the words at the beginning of this text, "From henceforth let no man trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus Christ (Gal. 6:17)." Anyone who met Paul could tell he had served his time. The marks on his body, like the uniform on that soldier, told the tale.

Christian friend of mine, do you bear the marks of the Lord Jesus Christ? Is the impact of living for Him clearly recognizable in your life? The thought brings to mind a dear pastor friend who has labored long and hard in the battle for the Lord. He carries his testimony everywhere, a patient and gentle warrior, truly humble, quick to tears. It doesn't require much time in his presence to see that he is a soldier who has spent much in the service of His Lord Jesus. One day, I hope it will be just as evident in me and you.

Just a servant,

Bro. Tom

Worthy is the Lamb

Revelation 4-5

In chapters four and five of the Book of Revelation, the Holy Spirit gives some insight into conditions in heaven. In 4:1, the Bible says “a door was opened in heaven”. What a fascinating and revealing glimpse we receive of heavenly places! First, there is a throne, around which are 24 seats with 24 elders, in white raiment with golden crowns. Then there are the four flying beasts which surround the throne, never resting. As they fly, they cry out “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” As they worship, the 24 elders fall down before the throne, cast their crowns before it and say, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: For thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”

Chapter five describes the search for one who was worthy to open the seven-sealed book. A search of heaven and earth finds no one who is able to open the book or to read what is written in it. John begins to despair, until “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David”, is able to loose the seals and open the book. At this point, the song of the 24 elders becomes, “Thou are worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation: And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on earth.”

Then, as John watched, the voices of “ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands” of the angels were added to the elders, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.”

Imagine the scene as the angels of heaven praise the Lamb! Hear the thunder! And then, to this incredible, glorious spectacle, the Bible says, “And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.”

Take a moment to picture this scene, every created being everywhere simultaneously praising the Creator! The heavens and the earth will be shaking with voices praising God. For that moment, every eye will be on Him, every voice devoted to His glory.
It will happen because God says it will, and it will happen because He is worthy. The Lamb, our Saviour, our King, is worthy of all the praise and attention of every creature. Christian friend of mine, He will not only be worthy then, He is worthy now. He is worthy of everything we can give. Not just our praise, but our lives. We who know Him, who are washed in his blood, can bring Him glory today by our worship and our service on His behalf.

I am confident I will be among those gathered around the throne in heaven. His blood assures me of that. But then I’ll be one among billions. I want to give Him glory today, when there are fewer voices, and mine will be clear and recognizable. O precious Lamb, Brother Tom, bought by your blood and sealed by your Spirit. I am yours. Be glorified in every part of my life today, for you are worthy!

Just a servant,

Bro.Tom

Living in a Sinful Society

Isaiah 59

The first fourteen verses of Isaiah 59 describe a society saturated with sin. In verse 1, God begins by saying His hand is not shortened that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy that it cannot hear. Then in verse 2, the awful conjunction, “But....your iniquities have separated between you and God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that He will not hear.”

Verses 3-14 give a graphic description of the sins of the nation. What a list! God describes this society as bloodthirsty liars who have perverted their ways. They are deceitful and venomous leaches who run to wickedness like a moth to a flame. They dream of their sin, shed innocent blood, and destroy all in their paths. They have no peace, there is no justice, and they walk in darkness. They are blind to the path they walk, they roar and suffer. They have sinned, rejecting God, living lives of rebellion and disobedience. Verse 14 gives the results of their awful condition, “And judgement is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.”

Then, in verse 15, the subject changes from the wicked to “he that departeth from evil.” Even in such a pervasively wicked society, there were a few righteous. The Lord always has his remnant. But they, too, were paying a price for their decadence and sin. They became the prey of the wicked, and there was no one who would defend them or give them justice. The Lord saw there was no intercessor, and so He became their defender. Verses 16-17 say it this way, “therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.”

Christian, no matter how bad the world becomes, or how much it seems as though God has forgotten, He is aware of His people. He knows those who are His, and He will be their defense in time of trouble. Don’t let being in the minority cause you to falter in your walk with God. You can never be more secure that when you are in His care, though all hell rage around you.

Just a servant,

Bro. Tom

A Day Late and a Dollar Short

TEXT: Hebrews 4:1-11

The letter to the Hebrews is, in its essence, an appeal to saving faith. The author exhorts his Jewish brethren to recognize that Jesus is the Christ, the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecy, and that faith in Him is the only road to the Father.

In Hebrews 4:1-2, the author warns them not to stop short of saving faith. He begins, “Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” These folks had the knowledge of the gospel, but not the faith that saves, therefore the word was of no profit to them. The Bible goes on to state that “we which have believed do enter into rest (v. 3). ”

This idea of rest is a great aid to our understanding of what exactly constitutes saving faith. In explaining what is meant by rest, the author uses a series of illustrations. First, there is the example of the Jewish nation wandering in the wilderness, their refusal to enter into the land because they lacked the faith to trust the God who brought them out of Egypt (v. 3, see Psalm 95:11). Then creation is the example, when God worked for six days and rested on the seventh. Next, the Jewish audience is encouraged to heed the warning of David in Psalm 95:7-8 to not harden their hearts, but rather to enter into the rest that Jesus gives (v. 5-8).

Verses 9-11 provide the summary and the punch line. There is a rest for the people of God (v. 9). We enter into rest when we cease from our own works (v. 10). True saving faith means we no longer rely on our own works or righteousness to save us, but trust totally and completely in the Lord Jesus Christ. Failure to do this is to abide in unbelief (v. 11).

Many, many people, professed Christians, are guilty of the same error as these Jews. We know about Jesus, we believe about Jesus, but we cannot bring ourselves to trust absolutely in his grace. So...we keep working, striving to be found worthy of God’s favor. And when we fail, as we inevitably do (1 John 1:8), we experience terrible guilt and remorse. We can relax, my brothers and sisters. Our salvation is secure in Christ, and our righteousness is strictly the imputed righteousness that comes by grace through faith. And when we fail, let us come boldly to the throne of grace, realizing that He has not only promised forgiveness and cleansing, He has also done everything necessary to secure it.

Shalom, y’all.

Bro. Tom

Run to Him

Read: 1 Samuel 30

In 1 Samuel 30, David and his men, having been rejected in their bid to fight with Achish for the Philistines, return to Ziklag. Upon arrival they discover the city has been taken by the Amalekites and burned. Their wives and children had been taken captive and all of their possessions looted. In verse 4, the Bible says they lifted up their voices and wept until they had no more power to weep.

It didn’t take long for their grief to become rage. They became angry, not at the Amalekites, but at David their leader, and even began to speak of stoning him. In verse 6, we see that David was greatly distressed by the attitude of the people toward him, and by their grief for their lost loved ones.

But verse 6 also shows us why David was a leader. Facing the same grief they did, and more, David turned to the Lord. He sought comfort from God, encouraging himself in the one who had always preserved and protected him. He then sought the Lord’s will concerning the next step. God instructed David to follow after the Amalekites and recover the lost family members and goods. David did so, and God blessed, enabling them to snatch victory from the jaws of an apparently crushing defeat.

No matter your station, there is a lesson to be learned. God allows trials and difficulties into our lives not to destroy us, but to strengthen us. David faced difficulties from without and within, yet he did not abandon himself to despair. He turned to the only true source of strength, comfort and wisdom. As a result, David learned again his dependence on God, a dependence that would serve him well as King of Israel.

For everyone, troubles, trials, burdens and problems are part of life. For the Christian, they are like huge neon signs flashing out a single message, “PRAY, PRAY, PRAY”.

Just a servant,

Bro. Tom

Before You Were in the Womb, I Knew You...

March 24

Read: Judges 13

It is interesting to reflect on the various birth records recorded in the Bible. Given the number of such accounts in Scripture, one would be forced to conclude children, even infants, are very important to God. In fact, many times God gives specifics about a child before he or she is even conceived.

Judges 13 is one such instance. The angel of the Lord appears to a previously barren woman (her name is never mentioned), tells her she will bear a son and gives instructions concerning his raising. Her husband, Manoah, requests confirmation of the message and details concerning the raising, which the Lord graciously provides. The son is to be a Nazirite from the womb and a special servant of God. The young man in question was Samson; a judge of Israel.

One can easily call to mind other such instances such as Isaac, the son of Abraham’s old age and Hannah’s son Samuel. In the New Testament, there are John the Baptist and Jesus. God told Jeremiah directly that he was specially chosen of God. In Jeremiah 1:5 the Bible records God’s words: “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”

In each of the cases above, God not only had a specific plan and purpose for each life, He revealed it prior to conception. Every one of these children had a place in the plan and mind of God before they were ever conceived. Every child has a place in the plan and mind of God! David wrote in Psalm 22:10, “I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother's belly.” He who knows the beginning from the end and who created all things for his glory has a purpose for every life. Wow. Just think of it. Red, yellow, black, white, wanted, unwanted, loved, unloved, rich, poor, whole or sick, every one of us has a place in God’s plan.

Are you in your place? If not, why not?

Just a servant,

Bro. Tom

Savior of All

March 12

Read: 1 Timothy 2

There seems to be a comeback recently of reformed or covenant theology. You may recall the patron saint of such theology, John Calvin, or the oft used acronym TULIP. The third point of the TULIP is the concept of a limited atonement. Limited atonement, briefly stated, declares that Christ died only for the elect. The sacrificial death and atoning blood were given only for those chosen of God and foreordained to salvation (unconditional election).

Funny how often we careen from one ditch to another. Denying that men have a choice in salvation really doesn’t abrogate the sovereignty of God. But if we stand convinced only the elect are saved, and they have no choice in the matter, then the idea of a limited atonement is almost a logical necessity.

But...the Scripture really doesn’t support either. At the risk of opening up a thousand year-old argument (which neither side can win), one must simply read 1 Timothy 2 to see the difference. In verse 4, speaking of God, it says that He “will have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” This is consistent with John 3:16, which says clearly that God loved the world”. That’s everybody, as near as I can tell. Then, in 1 Timothy 2:6 the Scriptures say that Jesus, “gave himself a ransom for all...” Again this is consistent with John 3:16, which says “whosoever believeth on him.” Whosoever does not sound limiting at all, granting to us the option of either believing or not believing.

Dearly beloved, Jesus died for every man (Hebrews 2:9). And He is the only mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5), the exclusive path to God (John 14:6). And in order to come to God, one must hear of Jesus (Romans 10:13-15). And in order to hear, someone must tell. And that someone is us.

Give someone the gift of eternity today. Share Jesus.

Just a servant,

Bro. Tom

In Flaming Fire

March 11

Read: 2 Thessalonians 1

The church at Thessalonica was a persecuted church. This is clear from in verses 4-6 where the church is described as enduring persecutions and tribulations, suffering, and troubled. The exact source of the trouble is not described, but clearly all was not well in Mudville (or Thessalonica).

Paul chooses to comfort the church by reminding them God would ultimately bring those who troubled them to an accounting. He says, “It is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you.” He then tells them of when the final judgement will occur, saying in verses 7-9:

“And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;”

The Thessalonian believers are to draw comfort and patience from the knowledge that God will judge their persecutors. And what a judgement! Jesus will come with His angels in flaming fire to judge those that do not know God and have rejected the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are to be banished from the Lord’s presence and glory into a place of eternal destruction.

Jesus also mentioned this place while he ministered on earth. In fact, he mentioned it many times. In Mark 9 he referred to a place called hell, where “the fire is not quenched.” Matthew 25:41 tells of a place described as “everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” The parable of Lazarus and the rich man in Luke 16 tells that the rich man “died, and was buried, and in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torments.”

Paul intended for the Thessalonian believers to draw comfort from the fact God was going to judge their tormentors by sentencing them to hell. Hell and its punishment are facts, facts that not only comfort but send terror into our hearts as well. Did you notice who was destined for hell? It is a place for those who “know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Anyone who has not come to Christ in repentance and faith, who has not trusted him for forgiveness of sins, is going to spend eternity in the fires of hell.

Christian friend, do you know anyone who is destined for hell? Of course you do. And you hold the key that can unlock the door to heaven. The precious story of the sinless life, substitutionary death, atoning blood, and glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the gospel that is the power of God unto salvation, and you have it, and they will go to hell without it. C’mon, folks, let’s share.

Just a servant,

Bro. Tom

Love 'em or Leave 'em

March 6

Read: Philippians 3

There are two references in Paul's epistles to people whose "god is their bellies". One of them is here in Philippians 3:19 and the other in Romans 16:18, where the Bible records, "For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple." Neither reference is complimentary toward the parties being discussed. In Philippians, they are described as "enemies of the cross of Christ, having destruction as their end, who glory in their shame, and who mind earthly things."

It's not too hard to find contemporary parallels. Every church has their share of the unregenerate and carnal. They baffle born-again believers by their apparent obstinate refusal to allow the Word and the Spirit to make any impact on their lives. They may be in the church every time the door is open, but you really have to wonder why they bother. Every word our of their mouths, every attitude they evince is further evidence of selfishness and self-centeredness. Its not hard for anyone indwelt by the Spirit of God to see the very same things that Paul saw, that these are indeed the enemies of the cross of Christ, worshippers of their own bellies.

But if that's all we see here we have missed something important. Look at Paul's attitude. In verse 18 he says of these, "For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping..." Although Paul was quick to warn the Philippian believers concerning these folks, he shed tears as he did it. Paul was grieved over the condition of these people, even though he recognized them as serious problems for true believers. He was saddened to the point of weeping. I can see him sobbing as he prays over them, asking God again and again how they could remain in this condition.

Beloved, is this our attitude toward those whose "god is their bellies"? Are we grieved by the hardness of their hearts and burdened because of their ultimate end? Are we lifting them up to God, pleading with Him to do a work in their hearts only He can do? Or are we harsh, hard and judgmental, having given them up to the enemy?

Jude 22-23 describes a special group of believers with these words, "And of some have compassion, making a difference: and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh." Let's determine we will be part of that group.

Just a servant,

Bro. Tom

Glory in the Lord

March 2

Read: 2 Corinthians 10

In a world of more and more extremes, the use of superlatives has become so common as to render them virtually meaningless. One of my favorite contemporary examples is an explosion of Chinese restaurants called, “Number 1 Chinese Restaurant” or “Best Buffet”. The owners have obviously picked up on the tendency of diners to gravitate to award winning establishments. In order to attract paying customers, they just went ahead and awarded themselves the title of “best” or “number one” from the outset.

Believers can easily fall victim to the same mind set. Paul describes this in 2 Corinthians 10:12. He writes, “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” It seems there were a number of believers who spent much of their time comparing individual walks with God. This judgement relies on a number of purely superficial indicators, such as how often I go to church, whether I say “amen” in the service, how I dress, whether I read my Bible, and other similar. This is not to say that any of these are not important for the believer. Every Christian should attend services regularly, pay attention to the preaching of the Word, dress in a way that would please the Father, study the Word, and pray. But its possible to do all these things and have a heart as wicked as the devil himself. I can’t judge what’s on the inside of you, and that’s where the most important work is done.

These folks were looking at these externals in others, comparing them to the same externals in themselves, and deciding how “spiritual” they were. They were measuring themselves by themselves. Paul says simply that in doing so they are not wise. He talks briefly of his own ministry in verses 13-16, then sums up the whole discussion in verses 17-18. “But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.”

Beloved, let’s be careful not to evaluate our own spirituality in terms of others. Each and every Christian is a particular and specific work of the Holy Spirit whose goal is to make each like Christ. We all come to the process with a unique set of weaknesses and strengths, talents and handicaps. When we compare ourselves with others we can almost always find an area in which the other has a weakness, thereby accentuating our strength. The ultimate result is spiritual pride.
The standard to which we attain is not our neighbor, but Christ. He alone is a model worth emulating. He alone is perfection in every aspect of his being. If you must have a goal, make it Jesus.

Also, we should always remember the limitations that exist in our ability to judge. Just as God told Samuel, “Man looks on the outside, but God looks on the heart”. Verse 18 tells us clearly that what we say (or think) or ourselves is not nearly as important as what God thinks of us. The key to living a successful Christian life is not “Am I better than John?” but “Am I pleasing to God?”

Just a servant,

Bro. Tom

How Far Will You Go?

March 1

Read: 2 Corinthians 11:16-33

In 2 Corinthians 11 the apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, began to list some of his qualifications for ministry. It is interesting to note the progression here, as he begins by giving his Jewish heritage in verse 22. He then goes on to list as his qualifications some of the obstacles he had overcome in the course of his ministry for Christ. Winding through a long list of imprisonments, stonings, beatings, shipwrecks, and physical discomforts, he displays them as credentials for ministry. In effect, he tells them how far he was willing to go in the service of their faith.

The restatement of his personal qualifications had been required because questions had arisen in Corinth concerning Paul’s apostleship. Even though he had been used of God to bring the gospel to Corinth and had doubtless been instrumental in building the church there, there were some who began to chafe under Paul’s authority and teaching and desired to follow a different path. They began to question his qualifications for ministry in hopes of undermining that authority.

Paul’s response was simple. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he simply described the lengths he had gone to minister to them. The unasked question then became, “Can you really doubt the ministry and love of a man who has gone this far for your sake?” Paul went far, far beyond everyone else, and as a result he could point to a ministry in which the power of God was clearly visible even in Corinth.

If someone asks us to describe our qualifications for ministry, how would we answer? Would we point to our Bible college or seminary degree, or our twenty-plus years on the church roll, or maybe to our children who are faithfully serving God? Or could we, like Paul, simply point back to a life given over in sacrifice for the good of others? Would we fall back on theological arguments, such as the sufficiency of Christ or the work of the Holy Spirit in every believer, or would we point to the changed lives of our family, friends, neighbors and others?

How far will we go on behalf of Christ and others? Are we willing to sacrifice our standard of living to send the gospel to the world? Or is our giving simply out of our abundance (leftovers after the bass boat and the vacation in Disneyworld)? Can we give ten minutes out of our day to share Christ with the store clerk? Are we willing to drop late night television for the sake of leading our family in daily devotions? Is my neighbor’s spiritual welfare important to me at all?

We in the church talk a good game. We come to church, partake of the activities (as long as they aren’t too spiritual), and go home feeling good about ourselves. But for many, many, many of us that is as far as we will go. Any discussion of going to the mission field, getting involved in discipleship or using my gifts for the service of others falls on deaf ears. There is a line drawn which we will not cross.

Christian, Jesus intended for each generation to reach each generation. Even the most casual observer would be forced to conclude this generation is not getting it done. Our commitment to Christ and to the lost simply doesn’t go far enough.

Just a servant,

Bro. Tom

Angel of Light

February 28

Read: 2 Corinthians 11:1-15

Not all that glitters is gold. Similarly, not everyone that claims to be a follower of Christ is what he claims to be. We are frequently warned in Scripture to beware of the counterfeit, the false and the apostate. Jesus mentioned the deceivers in Matthew 24:4-5. Peter covers the same ground in 2 Peter 2:1 and John in 1 John 4:1 says “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 warns of deceitful workers who transform themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for the devil himself is transformed into an angel of light. It follows that his servants would present themselves as ministers of righteousness. We must be constantly on guard to ensure we are not deceived by the powers of darkness posing as preachers and teachers of righteousness.

Whenever I am reminded of that I think of the Old Testament prophet in 1 Kings 13. The prophet was sent by God with a message for Jereboam the king. Delivering the message, God authenticated it with special signs. Jereboam invited the prophet to go home with him, but the prophet informed him that God had instructed him neither to eat nor drink while on his mission and to return home via a different route.

The Bible continues to tell of an old prophet in Bethel whose son told him of the man of God who visited Jeremiah. The prophet of Bethel followed after him and invited him to come aside and sup. The man repeated God’s instructions, that he must neither eat nor drink until he had returned home, but the prophet from Bethel told him, in 1 Kings 13:18, “...I am a prophet also as thou art; and an angel spoke unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied unto him.” The first prophet believed him and went with him, not discerning that the message was not from God, but from his enemies. Because of his disobedience, the prophet was killed by a lion on the way home.

The old prophet from Bethel was a lion in sheep’s clothing, or a devil cast as an angel of light. He had the right look, he said the right things, but he was a liar. Through deceit, he diverted the prophet of God from his appointed path to a road that ultimately destroyed him.

In spiritual warfare, there is an enemy and there are casualties. Day after day, lives are destroyed, ministries ruined and souls condemned to a Christless eternity through the efforts of the master of deceit. Today, brethren, let’s be alert to the enemy and his devices. Keep your life pure. Let your spiritual senses be honed sharp by the Word of God and amplified by the work of the Spirit in your life. As is so succinctly written, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

Just a servant,

Bro. Tom

A Plea for Holiness

February 27

Read:2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1

2 Corinthians 6:14 is a verse often quoted which has been applied to everything from marriage to business partnerships (rightfully so, I believe). The Holy Spirit directs us to avoid an unequal yoke with an unbeliever, then proceeds to give a number of analogies to demonstrate why this is unhealthy or unnatural. Why, He asks, would you mix unrighteousness with righteousness (v. 14), or light with darkness (v. 14), or Christ with Belial (v. 15), or an infidel with a believer (v. 15), or even the temple of God with an idol (v. 16)? He continues that because God dwells in us, we are the temple of God (v. 16).

Given all of these obvious truths, we are to separate ourselves from things unholy or unclean (v. 17). If we do so, God has promised to receive us, to be our Father, and to make us His sons and daughters (v. 17-18). Chapter 7:1 then puts the conclusion on the passage, “Having therefore these promises (v. 17-18 above), dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

The New Testament, in removing us from under the curse and demands of the law, never permits us to slack off in the area of personal holiness. Time and again the New Testament believer is called to strive for the holiness of God. We are given the New Testament as our guide, the Holy Spirit as interpreter, and Jesus Himself as our standard. Moment by moment, day by day, year by year, we are to be conformed to the image of Christ. It is an image not only of a loving Savior but of a holy God. We who are His followers must strive to be like Him in all aspects of His character. To strive to love our neighbor as ourselves, yet to dabble in the sins of the flesh, is to have a unbalanced view of God the Son.

The Bible tells us that Jesus, “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” His holiness was perfect, ours will never be this side of heaven. Yet we must be always aware of our deficiencies and working toward change. Like most of God’s work, there is His part, and there is our part. His part is expressed in Philippians 1:6, “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Our part is expressed in 2 Corinthians 7:1, where the Bible says, “...let us cleanse ourselves...”

Today, let’s make an extra effort to be clean and holy, as He is clean and holy.

Just a servant,

Bro. Tom

Created Anew

February 26

Read: 1 Corinthians 5

If one considers the history of man’s relationship with his Creator, it’s easy to recognize a handful of events that are absolutely crucial both to the race as a whole and to every individual. The book of Genesis records a number of these beginning with creation and proceeding through God’s adoption of Abram. But even among this amazing sequence, there is one event that stands above them all in terms of significance. That event is the one we know as “the fall”.

Because of the disobedience of Adam and Eve, the universe as God created it was drastically and dramatically altered. All of creation was cast under the curse of sin. Sickness and death entered in, and mankind began a conflict, internal as well as external, that continues to this day. Man’s link to his Creator was broken, and mankind entered into a life of rebellion and disobedience. His spirit was fatally wounded and he fell, surrendering himself to the control of the world, the flesh and the devil. Man, and mankind, died.

For thousands of years, sin and death ruled over God’s creation and creatures. There were promises of redemption to come, but no solution, not even a partial, for many years. Then, on a hill outside Jerusalem, the second pivotal event in history occurred. On a Roman cross, Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God, shed His blood for the sins of mankind. That sacrifice, its efficacy confirmed by His resurrection, driven by the love and grace of Creator God, bought us another chance.

Thus came to mankind the very best of news. Jesus, having died on the cross, shed His blood as payment for our sins, raised from the dead and received by faith, can make us whole again. That which was broken in the garden can be recreated by the Father thanks to the work of His Son Jesus.

1 Corinthians 5:17 tells us if any man be in Christ he is a new creature. He is freed from the penalty and bondage of sin. He is finally able to live a life in unison with His Creator. Old things are passed away. All is become new. What was hopelessly dead and beyond the capability of man to repair, God has made wonderfully fresh and alive. Truly, through faith in Christ, man is born again.

Brothers and sisters, that’s the good news. Today, let’s be thankful for our redemption. But let’s not stop there. Someone we will encounter also needs to hear of Christ and His work on the cross. Let’s go and tell them.

Just a servant,

Bro. Tom

Changed into His Image

February 25

Read: 2 Corinthians 3

The apostle Paul, inspired scribe of the Holy Spirit, gives us a truly beautiful picture in 2 Corinthians 3:18. “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

In the verses prior, Paul references the veil Moses placed over his face after descending from Mount Sinai. He had been with God, and his face shone with the reflection of God’s glory. The image was so striking and disconcerting to the Israelites Moses had to cover his face when he spoke with them. Later, when he spoke with God, the veil was removed.

In 2 Corinthians, Paul compares the law administered by Moses with grace administered by the Spirit. The law given on Sinai condemns us. The Bible refers to it as the “ministration of death”. And yet, in spite of its function, it was a glorious law given by a glorious God. Even though the covenant of law was temporary, to be superceded by grace, Paul affirms its glory, so much that the Israelites could not bear to look on even the reflection of it on Moses’ face.

By comparison, consider the covenant of grace and the work of the Spirit. In verse 9 we read, “For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, how much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory?” He goes on to write that when we come to Christ in grace and forgiveness, the veil is done away, and we behold the glory of the Lord face to face.

But wait, there’s more. In verse 18, we are told not only do we see the Lord as if looking in a mirror, but that the Spirit of God is changing us to look just like Him. Moses was a mere reflection of the glory of God. We, the children of God by faith in Christ, are destined to be not a reflection, but a true manifestation of His wonderful glory. Day by day as we look upon Him the precious Holy Spirit is remaking us into His image, and the glory He has possessed from eternity past is given to us. What an exciting thought, to realize that as I am recreated to be like Him, His glory in me shines brighter and brighter. It is precisely as Solomon wrote in Proverbs 4:18, “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”

Just a servant,

Bro. Tom

1 Corinthians 15:49 “And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.”

The Most Important Thing

February 24

Read: 1 Corinthians 13

Even though I speak a hundred languages, and converse with the angels, if I don’t have love, I am no better than a blaring horn or clanging cymbal. And if I have incredible revelation from God, and understand every nuance of Scripture, and can reveal mysteries heretofore unknown from the beginning of the world, without love it is meaningless. And although my faith is sufficient to cause a mountain to jump into the sea, if I don’t love, I am nothing at all. Or if I happen to be a great philanthropist and give all I own to care for the poor, or sacrifice my very life for the sake of others, if I do not love I gain nothing from it.

Love suffers interminable injury and insult, and remains kind. Love doesn’t envy the accomplishments, possessions or gifts of others. Love doesn’t blow its own horn. Love is not proud. Love does not behave unruly or uncaringly. Love is more interested in others than in itself. Love is not easily insulted or offended or angered. Love thinks the best of others. Love bears every burden, is trusting, always hopes for and expects the best, and is patient no matter the circumstances.

Love never fails. Prophecy fails, tongues cease, and knowledge vanishes away. When all is said and done, the best we can know and the best we can preach is still insufficient and imperfect. But one day perfection will come, and all our inadequacies will be past.

When I was a child, I saw and understood things as a child. But as I matured, I began to change my childish opinions. As disciples of Christ, we are similar to children. Our understanding is still cloudy and uncertain. But there is coming a day when I will be all grown up, and then shall I understand and be understood.

In the meantime, and for this time, faith, hope and love are important. But even of these three, love is the most important.

Just a servant,

Bro. Tom

The Limit of Liberty

February 23

Read: 1 Corinthians 10:23-33

1 Corinthians 10:23 contains the amazing statement, “all things are lawful for me” along with the qualifier, “but all things are not expedient.” Previously, we looked at 1 Corinthians 6:12 and we considered at length the matters of expedience and edification as limits on our liberty. Although all things are lawful, our own conscience places limits on the things we allow into our lives.

In chapter 10, verse 24, we encounter a second limit on our liberty. The limit this time is not our own conscience, but our brother’s. Paul gives the example of meat offered to idols. If there is a brother present who would be grieved by our eating, then we do not eat. It is not a matter of lawfulness, as all things are lawful. But if my brother would be offended by my liberty, then I must limit myself for his sake. To continue to indulge in behavior offensive to my brother, that would cast a stumbling block in his path, is not liberty but abuse. In fact, it’s even worse than that. 1 Corinthians 8:12 tells us that to cause my brother to stumble by exercising my liberty at his expense is not only a sin against him; it is a sin against Christ.

For a contemporary example of this principle, consider for a moment the use of music in the worship service. For many, contemporary music is tasteful and edifying. The use of snare drums and electric instruments is not a hindrance to their worship; in fact, they are convinced it is highly beneficial. For others, the mere mention of such music borders on blasphemy, and would result in their spirits being extremely grieved were it allowed in the service. According to the first principle above, we have liberty to use any type of music we find edifying in our worship service. The second principle, however, requires that we defer to our brother who would be offended, and that we find music edifying to us all.

Paul summarizes the attitude we must cultivate in 1 Corinthians 10:32-33. “Give none offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, no seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they might be saved.”

Just a servant,

Bro. Tom

Add Thou Not...

February 22

Read: Deuteronomy 4:1-10

The last act of Moses prior to Israel’s entrance into Canaan was to preach his way through the law. This sermon is recorded as the book of Deuteronomy. In the midst of all the rules and regulations and exhortations to remember and obey, there is one statement which should not be overlooked. Deuteronomy 4:2 says, “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.”

The Jews have historically had trouble with the first part of this command. In their zeal to follow God, they drew lines which God never gave. Much of their disagreement with Jesus was over His refusal to honor the traditions of the elders. These traditions, written to “enhance” the law, ultimately overthrew it. Even today, the Jews give as much credence to their traditions and the teachings of the elders as to the Word of God itself.
The Mishnah and the Talmud are written collections of interpretations, case studies, commentaries and sermons that are frequently used as guidelines for interpreting the Law, or Torah. To the extent they provide additional understanding, they stand in the same place as expository sermons. When they begin to have authority over the revealed Word of God, they have gone too far.

Modern fundamentalists frequently fall victim to the same process. In our desire to be separate and holy (not an unworthy goal), we add things to the Word of God. Every church has its little list of do’s and don’ts equivalent to the old saying “I don’t drink, smoke or chew nor go with girls who do.” When pushed on the biblical relevance of one of these issues, we will invariably end up exactly where the Pharisees did, “But it’s our tradition.” And also like the Pharisees, we are susceptible to falling into the ditch of tradition.

Proverbs 30:6 has a similar warning, “Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” God’s word is pure. It will be vindicated. It will pass through the fire. Our word has no such guarantee. Let’s be careful not to add our own spin to the Scriptures. They are sufficient. If they don’t say it, it doesn’t need to be said. If they do say it, we should proclaim it from the housetops.

Just a servant,

Bro. Tom

All Things

February 21

Read:1 Corinthians 6

A wise pastor once told me the two most difficult things about living the Christian life are keeping your balance and waiting on God (I would add to that list maintaining a consistent, disciplined prayer life). The longer I live as a child of God, the more convinced I am of the truth of his statement.

It’s so easy to get out of balance. It’s much like driving a car down the road; there’s a ditch on either side. For example, we must always keep God’s love balanced by His holiness and justice. To go too far on the love side takes us to a place where all will be saved, regardless of what they believe. To go too far on the holiness side results in pharisaical legalism. Both are heresy. Both are ditches waiting to trap the unwary Christian.

In 1 Corinthians 6:12, Paul, inspired of the Holy Spirit, writes an incredible thing. To the Corinthian believers he says, “All things are lawful unto me.” In one sentence Paul has effectively destroyed the law of commandments and ordinances by which the Jews literally ordered their lives. With one sentence, shrimp came back on the menu, Gentile was no longer synonymous with leper and it was okay to make your bed on the Sabbath. Can’t you hear the Judaizers screaming? You can’t say that! They will never live holy lives! You are making a mockery of God!

If Paul had stopped writing there they probably would have been right. But he didn’t, and they weren’t. The balance is placed in the remainder of the verse. “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” Sure, Paul says, all things are lawful. But friends and neighbors, all things are not helpful. All things are not edifying. All things will not strengthen my walk with Christ. And yes, all things are lawful, but none of those things should be allowed to control our lives. It would be tempting to limit this to things that are addictive, but the meaning is much broader. All things are lawful, but I will allow nothing to control me other than the sweet Spirit of God.

Talk about balance. Paul gives us the recipe for life apart from the law with the Holy Spirit in residence. Let Him guide. Limit yourself to those things that are edifying. You will find yourself in a life more abundant and more powerful than the law could ever give. Enjoy the things God has given you, and let the Holy Spirit, and your own Christian walk, be your guides.

Just a servant,

Bro. Tom