For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; (25) not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another——(26) He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages. He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. (27) And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, (28) so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

The author of Hebrews is unknown but the epistle was written to Christian Jews who were tempted to revert to Judaism to escape persecution and the first readers of Hebrews were having a hard time letting go of the physical temple and sacrifices. The author is repeating the major themes of the truth of the superiority, supremacy and all sufficiency of Jesus Christ and His sacrificial death for our sins – and the impossibility of salvation by human works or worth. This was a once and for all sacrifice unlike the annual and temporary sacrifice of the Jewish High Priest. Man can do nothing to earn salvation: no penance, personal determination, self denial, good deeds. The Old Testament sacrificial system cannot erase sin. We are to put our trust in Christ.

In verse 27 we are told that we are appointed to die once, then judgment. Death is not a natural process. It is a reality because man sinned and God ordained the penalty for sin is death. It is God’s curse on our sins. God sovereignly appoints our days on earth – it is never an accident when we die. Death is final and we don’t get a second chance to receive Christ. What happens when we die depends on what happens before we die. For when the saved die they go directly into the presence of the Lord. Christ died once to bear our sins but is coming again to finalize our salvation. This second coming will NOT be in reference to sin for the faithful since that issue was completely resolved at His first coming.

At the second coming we will be given our resurrected bodies which never wear out, never suffer injury, never grow old, never get sick and never die. The faithful are going from the land of dying to the land of the living. The background of our verses is the ceremony of the Day of Atonement for the children of Israel. They didn’t have a final forgiveness but one that every year had to be renewed. Religion does not put away sin. Ritual does not save. Liturgy does not save, does not put away sin. Only Christ Jesus has put away sin by sacrificing Himself.

Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. (24) But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. (25) Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him; since He always lives to make intercession for them. (26) For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefined, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; (27) who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. (28) For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.

The author of Hebrews is unknown but it is written to Hebrew Christians to avert the danger of their returning to Judaism under the threat of persecution. In our verses today, the author wants us to see the superiority of Jesus as our High Priest. Jesus is a priest forever. In contrast to the Levitical priests, Jesus offered no sacrifice for Himself as He was sinless and only sacrificed for the people. (The Old Testament priest had to offer a sacrifice for his own sins before he could offer one for the sins of others.) The sacrifice of Christ completely satisfied God. Jesus did not offer that sacrifice annually but once and for all. The sacrifice He offered was not of animals but of Himself; perfect, sinless and anointed with all power and authority in heaven and on earth. Jesus remains our High priest forever. The earthly Levitical priesthood was temporary but Christ’s priesthood is eternal and superior. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, not mere man. What we cannot do for ourselves God has done for us in Christ. No other sacrifice is necessary. None will be accepted. None is possible.

Someone who needs salvation is lost, incapacitated and in immediate danger of perishing; he/she cannot save themselves. Spiritually, every person needs to be saved from God’s wrath and eternal judgment. We are born spiritually dead. We cannot see the light of the gospel nor do we want to. In this condition we don’t even want to be saved. We are hopeless, helpless and lost. But God, while we were dead in sin made us alive in Christ. What man cannot do Jesus is able to do. We are saved totally the instant we trust in Christ. What God begins at this moment He promises to bring to completion. We are easily tempted to turn away from Christ when trials or disappointments hit – to turn to the world that offers techniques for coping. Or, we salve our pain by pursuing material comforts of worldly pleasures. Jesus is able to save – salvation is not a joint project between God and man. God saves us through faith – we are responsible to believe in Jesus Christ but we are unable to believe the gospel unless God grants faith to us as His precious gift.

We cannot save ourselves. God has done it for us. The work of salvation has been completed in Christ. Nothing can be added to the value of what Jesus has done.

For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. (2) He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness. (3) Because of this he is required as for the people, so also for himself, to offer sacrifices for sins. (4) And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was. (5) So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: “You are My Son, Today I have begotten you.” (6) As He also says in another place: “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek”;

The author of Hebrews is unknown. Our verses today begin the main section of Hebrews on Jesus as our High Priest. The Old Testament provides us, on the one hand, with the sense of the sovereignty, majesty and power of God. On the other hand it confronts us with the reality of human failure and needs. In light of these points the importance of sacrifices and priests emerges. We need to understand who God is and who we are. The only way to approach God was through His ordained mediator and the fact that all the Old Testament priests were themselves sinners points to the Inadequacy of the Old Covenant priests and the need for the perfect and forever High Priest, Christ Jesus, who provides us in His completed work with access to God.

In the Old Testament priests alone were designated to make offerings to God on behalf of the people. In due time Jesus Christ offered Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice for our sins. The gospel has to do with our fundamental alienation from God because of sin and the gracious provision God has made in His Son. Christ was designated by God as our perfect priest forever. The author’s point is that Christ jesus, in His prayers and obedience through His suffering, shows He can sympathize with us in our suffering. He is the perfect and forever High Priest who is the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. Eternal salvation in Christ is here contrasted with the temporary nature of Old Testament sacrifices.

Any system of salvation by good works makes Christ’s death unnecessary. We are saved by faith alone, in Christ alone, apart from works, but the kind of faith that saves necessarily results in good works. The High Priesthood of Christ and its ramifications is the primary subject of the epistle to the Hebrews.

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. (15) For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. (16) Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

The author of Hebrews is unknown. In our verses today the great theme of the priesthood of Christ Jesus is introduced. The first readers of this epistle were Jewish Christians who were tempted to abandon the Christian faith and return to Judaism because of persecution. But Jesus is not just another high priest. He has passed through the heavens (ascension) into the very presence of God and sits at God’s right hand (rather than stands) because His work is finished. Once and for all He made atonement for our sins. If He had not been fully human He could not have atoned for our sin. But He is also fully God. Jesus was tempted in all things but was never tempted by indwelling sin – He was like Adam and Eve before the fall; for Jesus temptation had to come from without, not from within.

Since sin involves the whole person, in this sense Jesus could not have sinned or He would have ceased to be God. Jesus met every temptation to sin not by His divine power but by His human nature relying on the Father and the Spirit. His divine nature could not be tempted or sin but His human nature could..This is difficult to understand but Scripture tells us Jesus truly was tempted and He never sinned. He is our sympathetic and sinless high priest. In contrast, once a year on the Day of Atonement, the Jewish High Priest alone would enter into the Holy of Holies to make amendment for all the sins of that nation. When he came out alive it meant to the people that God had accepted the sacrifice for their sins fo another year.

The author of Hebrews is addressing every believer – we do not have to go through any human priest to draw hear to God. We could not come in on our own merit or righteousness but the faithful come with confidence because Jesus, our high priest, has gained us access. We can expect mercy and grace to help. We are engaged in spiritual warfare and mercy is the remission of deserved judgment while grace is the supply of undeserved blessing. Our great high priest, Jesus, will not leave, nor forsake, nor fail His saints.

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than a two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (13) And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

The author of the letter to the Hebrews is unknown. Some Hebrew Christians were seriously thinking of renouncing their faith in Christ and turning back to Judaism but apart from Christ there is no salvation and the only thing that keeps Christians from experiencing God’s rest is unbelief. In our verses it is not the present rest found in Christ in faith being explained but the “rest of God” which is future – the rest of coming glory, an eternal rest which believers enter at Christ’s coming again. Then righteousness will reign and “groaning” creation is delivered and all the promised glory will be accomplished. The perfect complete rest of God is the new heaven and earth, when God dwells among men and sin and death are forever gone – this is God’s rest for His people

It is God’s Word that brings to light and judges the unbelief and workings of the heart. – judges everything in the heart which is not of Him. In this context the Word of God refers to all of God’s spoken revelation, including that which came through His Son, recorded in written form in Scripture. The Word is living since God is the living God. It imparts new life to dead sinners; both the Wordfrom God and the Word about God. It is our only source of knowing specific truth about God and when we see God as He is, we also see ourselves as we are. God’s Word is sharp and piercing and cuts to the very core of our being, the purpose of which is to bring healing, not to leave us wounded. God sees everything – we are naked and helpless before God, not just outwardly but on a heart level.

Man has this deficient historical perspective and the author of Hebrews has the clue to history: Jesus Christ has come and He will come again. In the meantime we wait patiently for God’s rest to come. The Lord God has to cause us to realize through the Spirit that we are lost and cannot get to heaven on the basis of what we do but that salvation is a gift. We have no claim on God whatsoever. We learn in God’s Word that we rest in what Christ Jesus has done. That is the first rest. The second rest discussed here is God’s rest – enjoying all the blessings that God has promised that faithful believers will experience in heaven.

But we see Jesus who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. (10) For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. (11) For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren.

The author of Hebrews is unknown. The primary group addressed were Hebrew Christians who suffered rejection and persecution by fellow Jews. The letter was written to give them encouragement and confidence in Christ, their Messiah and High-Priest. Judaism had a very difficult time with a suffering Messiah so we can understand how the author of Hebrews, dealing with professing Jewish believers who are in danger of rejecting Christ would underline the necessity of the sufferings of the Lord. Christ is spoken of as a captain (author) of the many and He will bring them to glory. As originator of their salvation he had to suffer and die. His person is perfect but He had to be perfected through suffering as a Savior. Jesus is the Son of God, in incarnation taking the form of a man, making purification for sin. He is constituted the heir of all things as He created all things. He makes the invisible God visible

Capital punishment serves justice and warns that those who may consider a similar crime that they might be executed: but consider how it could be fitting that a good man die. That is precisely what the author of Hebrews says about the death of Jesus Christ. Jewish Christians were struggling with the offense of the cross. They were tempted by unbelieving Jews who rejected Jesus as Messiah because He died – not as conqueror or hero but as a common criminal, the most shameful death on a Roman cross. The author of Hebrews is showing why Jesus’ death did not disqualify Him as Messiah and Savior. In fact, Jesus’ death was God’s means not only to glorify Jesus but to also bring many sons to glory. It was part of God’s eternal plan – the cross did not thwart this plan but fulfilled it. Jesus death was fitting because it displays God’s perfect attributes – justice demanded that the penalty for sin be paid. His death was fitting because it confirms His perfect humanity. Jesus is perfect in His attributes and perfect in moral obedience. To be our perfect substitute He had to be without sin Himself but had to experience life as a human in this fallen world. To be our perfect sympathetic High Priest, He had to be tempted in all things, as we are, yet without sin. His suffering and death confirmed His perfect humanity and qualified Him as author of our salvation.

Trust in the death of Jesus as the only acceptable payment for sin. It is not a stumbling block or foolishness to you but rather the power and wisdom of God. Jesus Christ is God’s final word to man.

Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! (2) Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. (3) Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. (4) Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. (5) You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. (6) You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you.

Our verses today were written to the unbelieving rich oppressors by James, the half brother of Jesus and the head of the ancient church in Jerusalem. James turns his full attention to their foolishness in amassing wealth in the face of the coming of the Lord in judgment and addresses particular sins they have committed. The reason for writing to unbelievers is both to comfort the Christian who has suffered at their hands and also to warn the believers of the true condition of many of the wealthy. Weep and howl are the response of the rich when judgment falls on them; words such as rotten, moth-eaten and rusted reveal the real worthlessness of the wealth these people have accumulated. To be rich without God is to be short sighted. Wealth of this world is temporary – eternity is ahead. Man may pursue wealth to neglect pursuing God; or to trust wealth as a solution to our deepest need – both are folly. The things some trust for comfort now will result in final ruin.

There is nothing wrong with living comfortably but these things become a problem when they begin to control us instead of us controlling them. To be rich without God provides short term advantages but long term loss – nobody escapes God’s judgment. Be careful not to use wealth in an ungodly manner; hoarding, cheating people out of money, living in luxury while disregarding needs of others, hurting people for the sake of gain. A small sin always exposes us to worse sin. And no man can be certain that his wealth will abide – it may be swept away in a most unexpected manner. James rebukes selfish pleasure lovers who have been wanton and whose doom is certain in the coming day of the Lord.

The spirit the rich manifested in heaping treasures together, oppressing the poor and needy, robbing them and living in pleasure is the same which condemned and killed the just one, the Lord Jesus Christ, who did not resist. Wealth can be a good tool if we are careful to use it as stewards for the Lord – or a dangerous trap if we adopt a worldly perspective towards it.

For where envy and self seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. (17) But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. (18) Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (4:1) Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? (2) You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. (3) Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

James, the half brother of Jesus and the head of the church in Jerusalem, wrote this letter to churches of that ancient world which were experiencing conflict and not dealing with just hypothetical situations. James was showing how God’s wisdom will lead to harmonious relationships in contrast with “worldly” wisdom which inevitably leads to conflict. James writes that the source of God’s wisdom is from above and we will only attain it by seeking God and the truth of His word. God’s wisdom is pure, unanalyzed untainted, free from any jealousy or selfish ambition. Seekers of this wisdom must be motivated always to glorify God and to build up the person to whom we are speaking. God’s wisdom is peaceable in all relationships. We should never compromise doctrinal purity or essential truth, neither should we fight over minor matters where godly people differ. Godly wisdom is gentle and a man/woman with this quality knows how to forgive when strict justice gives him/her the right to condemn. That God’s wisdom is reasonable does not mean men are gullible but are willing to defer to another as long as a core doctrine or moral principle is not at stake.

God is merciful to us in spite of the fact that our problems usually stem from our own sin and rebellion. Godly wisdom is not theoretical but practical. It is unwavering and we cannot be a friend of the world and God at the same time. Worldly wisdom produces conflict and is rooted in bitter jealousy and selfish ambition, both dealing with hidden motives of our hearts. It is arrogant, prideful, earthly, natural and demonic. (The word natural in the Bible is always used negatively as opposed to spiritual things.)

James advised judging our selfish motives to resolve conflicts – we will not resolve conflict until we correctly identify the source of it. Our prayer life – or lack thereof reveals the focus of our hearts. The focus of the person who does not pray is toward self, not God.

What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? (15) If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, (16) and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? (17) Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (18) But someone will say, “you have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

The verses we study today were written by James, the half brother of Jesus and the head of the church in Jerusalem. These verses seem to be James contradicting the apostle Paul who taught that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ, apart from works. James seems to be saying we must have faith plus works to be saved. At the heart of this dispute is the question, “What is genuine saving faith?” And, “What is false faith that does not save?” James wrote these verses to confront the problem of those who profess to believe in Christ but do not have any behavior to show for it.

We are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. James does not dispute this but is dealing with the question of what is true saving faith. James shows that a new birth (saving faith) is not due to anything in us and thus it is by grace. It comes to us by the exercise of God’s will. Both James and Paul teach that genuine faith results in good works. IBut there is such a thing as false faith which does not save; that is the false idea that someone works many good deeds apart from faith in Christ will be saved. Or if faith is merely intellectual and doesn’t affect one’s daily life this is not true faith. Paul also spoke of false faith – those who profess to know God but by their deeds they deny Him. Their profession of faith is false and does not save. The faith that does not save is a mere profession of faith that does not result in a life of good deeds.

Good deeds are not tacked on to salvation by faith but are inherent in saving faith. When God imparts new life to us we are changed from within – a fundamental change from death to life that is associated with genuine faith. Because of its very nature this new life will result in good works. Those who merely say that they have saving faith but live for themselves are deceived.

My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. (2) For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, (3) and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes, and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,” (4) have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? (5) Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?

Our verses today were written by James, the half brother of Jesus and the head of the early Christian church in Jerusalem. The verses focus on partiality and why it was/is wrong. James is giving us a negative example of public behavior and challenges us: if we show favoritism toward some and bias toward others it is a denial of faith and the gospel. The Christian faith is utterly incompatible with favoritism. His words apply to all prejudice based on economics, status, race etc. This sin stems from pride and plagues every generation. The sin of partiality persists especially where specialized churches are aimed at a homogeneous congregation unit, not New Testament churches where there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, slave and freeman.

Partiality usurps God’s sovereignity. It is faith in Christ that brings us all to salvation, whatever our backgrounds, in God’s family. Partiality puts man as a judge in the place of Jesus Christ. When we exalt men on account of their wealth or power or status we rob glory from Jesus Christ who gives us everything we are and have. When we make distinctions among people based on outward factors we set ourselves up as judges – we do not see the hearts of men as God does. God’s choice of those He elects for salvation is completely based on God’s choice and purpose and they are saved apart from any merit or qualifications on the part of those chosen. So in the outreach of churches petty favoritism and shallow prejudices are shown to be incompatible with the Christian faith. This does not mean it’s wrong to make appropriate distinctions.

Partiality here is self serving discrimination that is based on shallow externals which is a generational failing. I was made aware of partiality when I went to art school and there were no clues visible as to the background and status of others. We were all dressed in rather poor clothes with little or no jewelry, covered in paint. With no externals we learned to look at others as fellow travelers with no partiality or bias. We are here to walk each other home.

(17) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. (18) Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. (21) Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. (22)But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (27) Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

The letter was written by James, the half brother of Jesus and the head of the church in Jerusalem in those ancient days of the early church. James lines up with all of Scripture when he says that it is the doer of the Word that will be blessed in what he does – hearing the Word without doing it leads to self deception and is the default mode of our fallen hearts. This problem is of forgetting God – it is not a memory problem but a priority problem. If we hear the Word but do not put it into practice we delude ourselves. From God comes every good and perfect gift. The greatest gift from God is the gift of His only begotten Son and those who believe this are born again by the word of truth. Salvation springs from the God’s deliberate initiative.

Religion can be a matter of pride and outward and worthless performance but to live the Word leads to blessings. It takes time and care to apply the Word not just to outward behavior but to the heart – All sin stems from the heart. The blessed hearer however applies the Word so that it changes our conduct and character in the sight of God. Our focus is shifted from self to others. All emphasis throughout the Bible is NOT on human will in salvation but rather on God’s will in our salvation. God was/is the only reason we responded in faith. His will brought us from death in sin to life in faith in Christ. God saved us for His purpose. Since salvation is totally from God’s will and power He will care for us through every trial.

Since God saves us for His purpose, He will care for us through every trial. We are to be in this world but not of it. We are not to embrace the world’s goals, priorities and temporal values. We are to behave as we believe.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for her, (26) that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, (27) that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. (28) So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. (29) For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. (30) For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. (31) “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh”. (32) This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul writes that God originated sex/marriage and tells us how God designed it and how we must live in marriage. All Christians are under authority – husbands are not an authority unto themselves but under God who ordains all authority. Christian marriage is an earthly picture of Christ and the church; husband and wife are equal as persons before God, sharing in the grace of salvation. Married love has an exclusive relationship between husband and wife. It has a purifying purpose, a sanctifying purpose.

Paul roots his instruction to husbands in the theology of the cross. Love for wife should be sacrificial, not selfish; should be purposeful, not aimless, with the ultimate aim to glorify the Lord. Love is realistic, not blind; love is an act of the will. Authority is not the priority but love is – it is commanded by God and not culturally determined but a command to love is given to all Christians husbands. This was a radical perspective in those ancient days and perhaps no less radical today in our corrupt culture.

The real cause for failure in a marriage is always self; the husband’s duty is love – seeking the highest good for another person. The obligation of husband’s obligation to his wife goes far beyond sexual fidelity – Paul is not here focussed on the rights of husbands and wives or providing financial incentives in marriage but he presents the sacrifice of Christ on the cross as a model for the relationship between husband and wife. C.s.lewis wrote in Mere Christianity that “love as distinct from ‘being in love’ – is not merely a feeling. It is a deep unity, maintained by the will and deliberately strengthen by habit; reinforced by (in Christian marriages) the grace which both partners ask, and receive, from God…….’Being in love’ first moved them to promise fidelity: this quieter love enables them to keep the promise; it is on this love that the engine of marriage is run: being in love was the explosion that started it.”

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, (16) redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (17) Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.. (18) And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, (19) speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, (20) giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Christian’s are warned to walk carefully in an evil day – in a morally and spiritually dark world. There are stumbling blocks in a Christian life. Many faithful saunter through the world’s minefields with no awareness of danger. We must use our brief time here wisely; understand the will of the Lord and be filled with our guide, the indwelling Spirit. We are to walk carefully with steady progress toward a definite goal, amd live in a godly manner.

We receive the Spirit at the moment of faith – the baptism of the Spirit. Paul is saying we are to serve one another in love; to fight the good fight; to keep the faith and walk wisely as children of light. This world is under the dominion of the Prince of darkness. Temptation is a loaded gun and it is dangerous to get used to evil living; Christians are not to live for temporal fulfillment and pleasure but to take advantage of the opportunities God gives us; to look at the unseen with a view to eternity in Christ. The Christian life is not difficult; it is impossible apart from the indwelling Spirit. It is an ongoing process, not an irrational emotional experience. The saved person must confess and forsake all sin and acknowledge without God we are empty and yield every area of our life to His purpose.

Paul tells us we are to stop grumbling before we become a grumble. We are to recognize that God is the ultimate source of every blessing and be thankful and mindful that we are under the Spirit’s control. C.s.Lewis writes that “No man knows how bad he is till he has tried very hard to be good…….A man who gives in to temptation after five minutes simply does not know what it would have been like an hour later……that is why bad people, in one sense, know very little about badness – they have lived a sheltered life by always giving in. We never find out the strength of evil impulse inside us until we try to fight it: and Christ, because He was the only man who never yielded to temptation, is also the only man who knows to the full what temptation means – the only complete realist.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (31) Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away for you, with all malice. (32) And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another; even as God in Christ forgave you. (5:1) Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. (2) And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

The letter to the Ephesians was writtten by the apostle Paul. He has been showing what it means to live as Christians in this world. We are to put off our old life and be renewed in our minds and hearts by the indwelling Spirit. The faithful are to put off all bitterness and anger and to be kind and forgive one another. Behavioral changes have as a supreme motive for not sinning which is to not grieve the Spirit who is the pledge of God’s final redemption of Christians. Paul exhorts us to get rid of bitterness which harbors resentment from which flows rage, anger, and chaos in living. The model for our forgiveness and love should be Christ’s love for us to the extent of dying for us.

In a fallen world forgiveness is essential to maintain close relationships. This is not an easy task, especially on an emotional level, but to a Christian seeking and granting forgiveness it is not optional. As c.s. Lewis observed, we are forgiven precisely as we forgive. When guilty sinners repent of sin and lay hold of Christ in faith, God promises NOT to remember those sins. When we forgive someone we are to let the matter drop, refuse to think about the offense and seek to restore a broken relationship. Forgiveness of others gets rid of bitterness which eats at our souls. Bitter people keep score and it hurts them more than the guilty people who hurt them. We cannot afford bitterness. Outbursts of anger have no place among believers.

We are first to make sure we have received God’s forgiveness through faith in Christ alone. We are not to let angry thoughts fester and to ask the Spirit to control (guide) our minds and emotions. Lasting joy is only found in true lasting holiness – sin brings us temporary pleasure but long term pain. Christians are to practice kindness and forgiveness to replace bitterness and anger. We are to remember foremost how God in Christ has forgiven us and that forgiveness is through Christ alone.

This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind,…….(20) But you have not so learned Christ, (21) if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: (22) that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, (23) and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, (24) and that you put on the new man which was created, according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul tells us the faithful are called to no longer live as unbelievers live; in the futility of their mind. They are darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God – ignorant of God in their hardness of heart. An unsaved man/woman lives contrary to every divine direction until he/she loses the capacity to feel shame or embarrassment. Sound doctrine about God, man, sin, salvation and every area of life is the foundation for spiritual understanding and light. We are not to be what we once were. We are told to put off our old nature; our corrupt sinful life, alienated and separated from the life of God and His truth with no fear of consequences. “The old man” refers to the unregenerated nature of man – the spirit of delusion. The blindness of themselves and their souls is a gradual sinking into spiritual decay which must become spiritual death. We are called to put off the “old man” and the works of darkness. We are to put in the new man, the Lord Jesus Christ. We are to be changed and not merely just our acts.

In Christ, we are to live in the righteousness and holiness of a new person, renewed in the spirit of our mind and righteous in our behavior toward others. The Christian life begins when we receive eternal life from God through faith in Christ Jesus. We are taught from the standpoint of this new relationship with Christ. Saved in Jesus means saved not by a philosophy of redemption but saved by an historic person, Jesus of Nazareth, Son of God. The truth of the gospel is rooted in history. True biblical change must not bypass the mind; decisions based in emotion will not last. Noteworthy is Paul’s emphasis on the intellectual factor in everybody’s way of life. Scripture is the testimony of the power of ignorance and error to corrupt, and the power of the truth to liberate.

We are to behave as we believe. We are not to live as an unbeliever – our walk is our way of life.
Don’t live as if God did not exist. Don’t live as if Christ hadn’t died for your sins. Don’t live as if there were no judgment or no heaven or hell. Don’t live in the futility of your mind.

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, (2) with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, (3) endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (4) There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; (5) one Lord, one faith, one baptism; (6) one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul – he has been writing about doctrine and belief earlier in Ephesians and now, in our verses, he turns his attention to duty, practice and behavior. In our calling we are to live differently in faith in Christ, and we are to walk in unity. The Son redeemed us with His own blood and the Spirit seals us for all eternity. We are a diverse people – physical differences, intellectual differences, economic differences and spiritual differences all compete against unity. But it is the call of the gospel that saved us, not according to our works but according to His own purpose and grace.

We do not have anything to do with preserving the unity of the body of Christ – God is looking after that. The body of Christ is NOT composed of all the different sects and denominations – that would contain a great many people who are in the body of Christ but would also include a great many who are not. The body of Christ (the church) consists of those who are regenerated and born again by the Spirit in faith in Christ. We are all baptized into one body; both Jew and Gentile are all made one in the Spirit of God. All believers have one blessed hope; one day beholding the face of Christ and being transformed into His image. God’s relationship to the entire creation means God is the creator of all men. He is the living transcendent God over all, directing all things and pervading everything. The Spirit is not only the seal of regeneration but also the promise of future perfection and hope of our calling. In spite of all natural and spiritual qualities and our division and strife upon earth, Christians are still actually one. Peace brings us together and Jesus is our peace.

In our verses the point is, in our calling, that we were aliens, helpless and miserable but now in faith, in Christ we are united in one body. The unity of the indwelling Spirit is something we cannot create. It is a gift from God. In Christ we return from the diversity of function to the singleness of one object; Christ Jesus. C.s.Lewis wrote:”There have been times when I think we do not desire heaven but more often I find myself wondering whether, in our heart of hearts, we have ever desired anything else.”

Our verses tell us that we were

But now in Christ Jesus you who once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (14) For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, (15) having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, (16) and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. (17) And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. (18) For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul. The church in Ephesus had the invaluable characteristic of peace and our verses today tell us that Christ Himself is this peace – with God and with one another and with themselves. The dividing wall between Jew and Gentile has been destroyed forever. In faith, in Christ all men are now one. The barrier between Jew and Gentile was really the Jewish commandments and regulations. Our Lord did not end the demands of God’s moral law, but all the ceremonies of the Old Testament were to be fulfilled in Christ – now the Jewish law is no longer needed. Peace with God is the foundation for peace with others.

Peace is Paul’s theme in our verses. The radical nature of Paul’s proclamation, that apart from the cross there is deep alienation between those from different backgrounds. At the root of hostilities was religion and ethnic pride on the part of the Jews – cultural and social differences between people. Christ Himself is the only source of peace between those who have been hostile toward each other. Christ reconciled us all to one another and to God by abolishing the Old Covenant law. The law condemned Jew and Gentile because it clearly proves we have all sinned against God.but God has intervened and abolished the law and reconciled both to God by the cross. We Gentiles, alienated from God by wicked works, enemies in our minds, have now, by putting our trust in Christ, been brought to a place of nearness the law never gave even to the Jews. And the Jew who believes in Christ has been brought to the same blessed place. The sin question has been fully settled

Christ was the end of the law and therefore it ceased to bind the people of God. We are no longer under the law but under grace. Christ abolished the law as a covenant of works by fulfilling its conditions. Christianity is not a religion of rituals but personal relationship with the Father through Jesus Christ. As I write this I think of Martin Luther King – “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, (4) just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, (5) having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, (6) to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. (7) In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace (8) which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, (9) having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, (10) that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth – in Him

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul. Central to the apostle’s thinking in our verses, is that before the creation of the world, God chose us and predestined us to His amazing blessings. The Bible is clear that God decreed beforehand what will happen in history. God is sovereign, yet at the same time God is not the author of evil. He does not determine His plan based on anything outside of Himself. God did not make up His plan after He saw who would choose Him. He did not base His choice on any merit or worthiness He foresaw in us. Paul here is laying the theological foundation of what God ultimately plans to do – to reunite in Christ everything alienated through sin. If we are saved because of any merit on our part we are on shaky ground because we never know if we have enough of whatever it is to qualify us for salvation.

”Predestination” does not imply impersonal deterministic fate but refers to God’s plan for the ages and the power to carry it out. The kind intention and good pleasure of God means that God chose us and predestined us to be His children apart from any cause in us but rather because it pleased Him. And we know that God has elected us by our believing in Jesus Christ. Our salvation is entirely due to GOD’s extravagant grace in Christ. Man is unable – with our sinful nature in Adam – to come to Christ by themselves. No one is able to come to the Lord unless it is granted by the Father. “He chose us” is not ambiguous – all of the spiritual blessings we receive center in Christ. Paul is distinguishing those on whom God set His purpose to save from the rest of humanity and we are to be holy and blameless before Him in faith in Christ. Paul does not debate the matter of election or tip toe around it. When we are entirely willing that God should be God, election is no longer a problem. It is God who purposed salvation this way. When we consider God’s electing grace and predestinating love we should remember Isaiah’s words, chapter 55: 8-9, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither your ways My ways, saith the Lord.” Before sin came in, God chose us in Christ. Sin did not alter God’s purpose.

If men are lost, they are lost because they do not come to Christ. Those who do come to Christ learn that God has known that from all eternity. It was settled before the world came into existence. If you trust in Christ, you are chosen by God. God’s determination to create men/women who would choose to give Him loyal obedience necessitated the creation of man/women to turn away from God if they wanted to. God has every right to show mercy to whomever He chooses. If we accept Christ with our free will then God guarantees we will be secure. We don’t know why God chose us – not our merit or good works – but because He loved us. This is a watershed teaching, that we will be in heaven because God chose us.

And lest I should be exhalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. (8) Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. (9) And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (10) Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

The second letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. Our verses today tell us that Paul had a vision which he was by God unable to describe – he was caught up to the third heaven (paradise) where he heard unspeakable words. Paul had a foretaste of the joys and blessings of the redeemed. There was danger of pride of heart after such a vision and God allowed Satan to give Paul a thorn in his flesh. What was it? We don’t know but it appears to have been some affliction in his body. Paul went to the Lord three times to ask for God to remove this “thorn in his flesh”. God answered Paul’s prayer and said no but Paul heard something better; the assurance of the suffiency of divine grace was to comfort his heart in the affliction. The power of God needed his weakness for its display and allowed him not only to bear the infirmity for Christ’s sake, but to take pleasure in it – to teach the apostle dependency on God and the sufficiency of His Grace. This is an important lesson every believer must learn: both natural weakness and supernatural power are constantly at work in us. The greater we sense our weakness the more we will sense God’s power. Our success does not depend on our natural abilities but on God working in and through us – to depend more on God and less on oneself.

The causes of suffering are many and mysterious. We suffer often when we are foolish and disobedient to the Lord. Also God desires at times to chasten us. In His Grace God forgives us our sins but in His government He permits us to reap what we sow. Physical affliction does not keep us from Christian service and Paul’s ministry did not deteriorate because of his experience of revelation. Often human beings become arrogant, super spiritual visionaries claiming God has especially ministered to them and upon no provable or credible grounds whatsoever. What Paul’s experience was intended to do was to expand the glory, grace and power of the Lord.

The ultimate cause of Paul’s experience is the sovereign God – in fact, that’s the ultimate cause of everything in this universe. God’s unmerited grace is never withdrawn from a believer until he/she is in the presence of the Lord and when we appreciate what God has done, we complete what He intended to do which is to manifest His power, His grace. The entire range of Paul’s apostleship is seen against this – his weaknesses, his trials, his calling, his conversion all fall into place when Paul understands God’s grace is sufficient for him.

But as you abound in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us – see that you abound in this grace also. (9) For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich…..(13) For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; (14) but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack – that their abundance may also supply your lack – that there may be equality. (15) As it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.”

The second letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses Paul has written an encouragement, not a command, regarding Christian contributions to the poor.The recipients of money Paul collected for the poor in Jerusalem were Hebrew Christians who suffered for many reasons: conversion to Christianity resulted in social and economic ostracism , there was overpopulation in Jerusalem; increasing numbers of widows to care for, disinheritance, and persecution. Communal sharing of goods did not solve their economic problems as all of Palestine suffered from lack of food due to famine. There was opportunity for fellow Christian’s to show their true fellowship as the faithful are to minister to each other. This collection for needy Christians was a primary motivation for Paul while providing a visual demonstration of equality.

The objective of giving was not to make Jewish Christians rich and the Corinthian Christians poor – it was that there should be more equality than existed. We have a responsibility to care for each other. Also, the duty of the poor was self support to the extent of their ability. Paul did not legislate equality, he appealed for it – our responsibility here is clear. Paul counseled in matters concerning the use and expenditures of funds and material blessings. The message is Grace giving. This was not a tithe which belonged to the Mosaic law – not a legal requirement. Grace giving is a gift, not a debt. It is giving out if gratitude and not because we feel a duty to give. Christian giving is dedicated giving in faith. The example Paul used was the gift of Manna in the desert. By example this simply means when fellow believers have physical needs it is our responsibility to help them. It’s about fellow believers with legitimate needs. So Grace giving is faith giving and is itself a gift from God.

Human accounting judges generosity on the basis of the amount given. Divine accounting judges on the basis of the sacrifice. Generosity looks at giving as a privilege more than an obligation. Equality and mutuality are legitimate goals of generosity. The two governing principles in our verses are equality should govern our giving to those in need – the second principle is that of reciprocity; the economic shoe may some day be on the other foot when we may have a time of need.

For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; (15) and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. (16) Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. (17) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

The second letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. He brings before us in a clear, definite way the reason for the death of our Lord; bearing the judgment that sinners deserve in order that they may be delivered from judgment and that the believers may be a new creation. Mankind as a whole was under the sentence of death that came in with the fall of the first man. Adam deliberately disobeyed the command of God and fell under the sentence of death – as all men were represented in him, so all mankind then were in the place of death. If Christ died for all, then all were dead. Those who put their trust in Him were/are possessors of eternal life through faith. As new creations we now look at the world through different eyes from those we used when we belonged to it. In this new creation “old things have passed away and behold, all things become new.”

There is a great deal of evil in this universe but it all belongs to the old creation – in the new creation all things are of God. In Christ all our sins are forgiven – God looks upon us as though we had never sinned at all. Christ did not come to charge man’s sins against him but to pay man’s debt. The old creature is under the curse and the new creature is such as God can approve. The change must be in the hearts and lives of the believer. The old creation was a child of Satan and in faith in Christ the new creation is a child of God. Formerly, in spiritual death, man lived for this world alone, but now he/she, in faith, has God and looks at things not seen but things that are eternal – not just mended but new made. Christ did die for the sins of the whole world, not just the elect, but that doesn’t mean every man ever born is going to receive Him. Believers are set free from the power of the old selfish life. In Christ the old man is gone.

Regeneration is a change of our entire nature from top to bottom and the renewal by the Holy Spirit of all our senses and in all respects. If all had not been guilty and spiritually dead, there would have been no need for Christ’s sacrificial death. As always there is a perfect quote from c.s.Lewis: Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true , of Infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”

And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak, (14) knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. (15) For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. (16) Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. (17) For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, (18) while we do not look at the things which are seen but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (5:1) For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

The second letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. He was fully convinced of the truth of the Christian religion and that the deliverance of the faithful is from God in Christ – that as the body of Christ was raised from the dead by the power of the Father, so shall our bodies be raised from the dead. The spirit of faith is the human spirit in fellowship with the divine.

The outward man/the physical man is perishable – how well we know that. The inward man is the spirit, the soul, the real man reborn by the power of the Spirit. As the physical man diminishes, the inward man increases. Paul contrasts affliction as “light affliction” but of the glory to come as a “weight of glory” – the overwhelming nature of future glory. Things that are seen are all the incidents and circumstances of this present life. Things that are not seen are objects of faith; immortality, eternal life – these things are not subject to time limits and we are urged to give our minds to things which are eternal. Look at things not seen; things which are seen are temporary but those things not seen are the real things.

c.s.Lewis delivered a beautiful sermon at Oxford College in 1941 – the war years in England. “It is written that we shall “stand before”Him, shall appear, shall be Inspected. The promise of glory is the promise, almost incredible and only possible by the work of Christ, that some of us, that any of us who really chooses, shall actually survive that examination, shall find approval, shall please God. To please God…….to be a real ingredient in the divine happiness…..to be loved by God, not merely pitied, but delighted in as an artist delights in his work or a son – it seems impossible, a weight or burden of glory which our thoughts can hardly sustain. But so it is.”

nature of future glo

But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. (12) Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood. He entered the most holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. (13) For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, , sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, (14)how much more shall the blood of Christ , who through the eternal Spirit offered offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (15) And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

The author of the letter to the Hebrews is unknown. Our verses today are addressed to Jewish Christians who were experiencing social and physical persecutions from both Jews and Gentiles. They needed renewal of conscience and exhortation to persevere in their Christian faith. Their reluctance in the face of persecution to sever their last ties with a religion that was ineffectual but was protected by Roman law was potentially spiritually fatal. The Old Covenant sacrificial system was temporary and an imperfect way of pointing to Christ. The old system provided limited access to God with limited and external regulations for the body; temporary because it had to be repeated annually. The Old Covenant had a sanctuary and a ritual – a defective ritual.

The author then goes on to prepare us for the significance of a new sacrifice. All find their completion in the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible declares that God has provided a remedy for guilt and sin in the redemptive work of Christ Jesus. Christ provides complete access to God and redemption /salvation through the voluntary shedding of His blood. He secured our redemption on the cross once for all. The author is showing the complete supremacy and finality of the blood of Christ over the old system. The penalty for sin has been paid and there is nothing that can be added to what Christ did. Our Lord has come through the heavenly tabernacle and has become the High Priest of good things that have come. He was in His slaying the sacrifice of God, voluntarily accomplished by Him once and for all having obtained eternal redemption for us. He represents the ones who believe in Him – for His elect people. This is the center of the Divine plan, the purchase by sacrifice,

Israel’s redemption was a yearly redemption. The sacrifices of the of the Old Covenant were ineffectual. The old system provided limited access to God. In strong contrast Christ made an offering that secures a redemption for the faithful, valid for all eternity and with complete access to God.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15) For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out , “Abba, Father”. (16) The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, (17) and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul to the Christians in Rome. Our verses today address the assurance of salvation. Some think they are saved when in reality they are not – no one who is living according to the flesh (world) kills his/her sin on a heart level; meaning they control sin so they can look good to others but do so out of pride, not to please God. If the believer’s faith is genuine then they are reborn in Christ and new life always manifests itself in changed thinking and behavior. God has changed their hearts. It is the indwelling Spirit’s activity that is the cause of the believer’s activity which is evidence that they are children of God. The faithful have been adopted into God’s family as his chosen heirs. There is in the faithful a similarity of disposition, character or nature because believers reflect the character of their Father because they share His nature and have, in Christ, access to His presence.

The Spirit is leading and guiding our lives in faith in Christ. The Spirit confirms the gospel promises to the faithful through His inner witness – our inner witness that we are God’s child. Believers are God’s children and His heirs by adoption. The adopted individual was regarded as a new person beginning a new life. God’s children enjoy security and intimacy with Him. (Abba was the familiar expression of intimacy used by Jewish children to address their fathers.) In the first verse of Romans chapter 8 – “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh , but according to the Spirit.” They are free from the law of sin and death, not just a freedom from divine condemnation. The mind of the flesh is death but the mind of the Spirit is peace and life. As many as are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. The Spirit we have received in faith is not the spirit of bondage to fear and doubt but is the gracious Spirit of adoption. How to live in and by the Spirit is the single most important lesson a believer can ever learn. For many people the view of Christian life is just a list of dos and don’ts. God has given us something better than rules, better than a formula, better than experience. God has given us the Holy Spirit and that is the secret of living the Christian life.

My favorite, C.s. Lewis wrote “It is quite right that you should feel that ‘something terrific’ has happened to you (it has) and be all ‘all glowy.’ Accept these sensations with thankfulness as birthday cards from God, but remember that they are only greetings, not the real gift. I mean, it is not the sensations that are the real thing. The real thing is the gift of the Holy Spirit which can’t usually be – perhaps not ever – experienced as a sensation or emotion. The sensations are merely the response of your nervous system. Don’t depend on them. Otherwise when they go and you are once more emotionally flat (as you certainly will be quite soon), you might think the real thing had gone too. But it won’t. It will be there when you can’t feel it. May even be most operative when you can feel it least.”

For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. (23) Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. (24) For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? (25) But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. (26) Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (27) Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

The towering letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. He wants us to understand two certainties and a practical conclusion; the present time is marked by suffering because of man’s fall into sin. And the future will be glory for believers as God fulfills all His promises to us. If we keep our eyes on the future promised glory, then we can endure present sufferings with perseverance and hope. Paul’s “suffering of the present time” refers to the entire present age. The whole history of creation since the fall is marked by suffering. Paul personifies creation as groaning as it awaits the culmination of salvation for God’s people – that will trigger the release from corruption to which all creation has been subject since Adam and Eve fell into sin. This judgment on Adam included a judgment on creation including the botanical world but also the animal world came under this curse.

Paul’s intent in these verses is clear – he wants to encourage us because the Holy Spirit is praying for us. A sense of our own weakness will drive us to pray – we do not pray as frequently as we should. As we know not how to pray the Spirit teaches us – we don’t know what to pray for and cannot tell what is really best for us so the Spirit gives our desires a language heard and understood of God. It is encouraging in our verses that God does not confront or condemn us for being weak but He sends His Spirit to help us which extends to our prayer life. We do not know how to pray as we should – here Paul is not talking about the method of prayer, but the content. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us in our weakness on an emotional level and helps us by interceding for us according to the will of God.

The groanings Paul writes of are groanings of the children of God – those who believe. Now is the day of salvation. Now is the accepted time you may embrace the cross of Christ who offered the atoning sacrifice by which we may have eternal life. May God help us to come to Christ. May you know Him now.

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,(2) with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, (3) endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (4) There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; (5) one Lord, one faith, one baptism; (6) one God and Father of all who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (7) But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. ……..(11) And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, (12) for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, (13) till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God to be a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul, while he was in chains in Rome for preaching the gospel. In our verses today the apostle exhorts readers to walk worthy of their vocation, characterized by humility meekness, long suffering, and zeal to promote spiritual unity and peace. This unity is consistent with great diversity of gifts – various classes of ministers, evangelists and pastors who are teachers for the edification of the church and to bring all its members unity of faith and knowledge (doctrine). But often those churches that promote unity do so with scant concern with sound doctrine. There are forces urging us to set aside doctrinal differences. For Christian unity we must make sure we all are founded on the biblical basis – biblical unity built in the trust that there is one Spirit. The Spirit is the agent of regeneration or new birth

The church is one because it has one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father who is through and in all its members. There is no doctrine of Scripture more plainly revealed than the Spirit of God who dwells in all believers and that His presence is the ultimate ground of unity as the body of Christ. One body is not an exhortation but a declaration; all believers are in Christ. There is one Spirit which is the life of the body and dwells in all members. It is demanded of us that we love our brethren and live at peace with them.

The universal church is that body of individuals – all believers – bound together in unity. C.S. Lewis writes in ‘Mere Christianity’ that we can assert that it is required for “The Big Idea” to have a concise, ultimate list of the essentials of the Christian faith. This quote could lead us to say that the essential of essentials is “that there is one God and that Jesus Christ is His only Son.”

Beloved, let us love one other; for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. (8) He who does not love does not know God for God is love. (9) In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. (10) In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

1 John was written by the apostle John – he was the last of the apostles to die. In our verses John emphasized the imperative of love. He wanted to make sure we understand love is not an optional virtue for the believer and may be the distinguishing mark of the Christian church in this world. Basically he says that if we do not love others we do not know God. It is the inevitable result of being born again of God, not the automatic result and there is always room for growth. We are to exercise wise discernment – some minor doctrinal differences are not essential to gospel and we need to love those who differ from us in these matters. But some doctrine is important to live a Christian life. Some issues fall in the gray zone where salvation may not be at stake but to embrace a particular view will have enormous consequences. But there is doctrine where believing or rejecting makes the difference of heaven or hell. In these matters there is no compromise. To deny the substitutionary atonement of Christ by grace through faith in Christ apart from our works would be to deny the gospel.

We should love one another because God is love. The supreme illustration of love in the world is the Father sending His Son to die for our sins. The biblical definition of love shows itself in seeking the highest good of the one loved. This love, the nature of God, is in those who are born again – God’s love is perfected in us. He/she that loves not knows not God. Love is the very essence of our new nature and must be manifested toward all who are the objects of the love of God

John exhorts us to love an authentic love which is the issue of Christian love and obligation. Love is of God. Everyone who loves God has the source of that love in God. Sometimes we confuse human love with divine love as we are not reliable interpreters of the spiritual experience of others. This May (today in fact) is the month of my natural birth and this May is also the month of my sobriety date; 37 years sober. Since we are speaking of love I’m quoting the first 3 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Half measures availed us nothing. We stood at the turning point. We asked His protection and care with complete abandon.
1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol – that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understand Him.

My little children, let us not love in word or tongue, but in deed and in truth. (19) And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. (20) For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. (21) Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. (22) And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. (23) And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. (24) Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.

1 John was written by the apostle John, who also wrote one of the gospels. Our verses give us guidelines to watch for false teachers who adopt Christian terminology but they are not Christian. They begin subtly to veer from truth to justify their sin and deny Scripture. They may love the acclaim of being popular or may seek financial reward. There has never been a perfect church – even the early church had gone through the damage of false teachers. John warns his readers to beware of anyone who breaks from the true church to form a new group with new theology; those who abandon core Christian truth or deviate from orthodox Christian doctrine on major issues.

We need to think biblically on some issues. John was more concerned about purity of doctrine than he was about church growth or unity. We are not to measure a church’s success by the number who attend but rather by its faithfulness to the truth of the gospel. The faithful have been anointed with the indwelling Spirit. Sound doctrine and spiritual knowledge is not restricted to some elite inner circle but is inextricably linked with a personal relationship with God. A major theme throughout the New Testament is that God’s people need to develop discernment so they can avoid spiritual deception. We should beware of any that leave the church with new theology or offer new truth that others have missed. We should also be discerning of doctrine – to avoid spiritual deception by abiding in the Word (Bible) and by the guidance of the Spirit.

The point of our verses is the gospel is NOT the result of philosophic speculation or mystical revelation. It is the witness to Jesus Christ Himself written in the New Testament by men who had seen the risen Lord. The gospel introduces us to a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Learning to listen with discernment means you begin to recognize the voice of God so well that other voices sound unfamiliar..

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. (2) Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him for we shall see Him as He is.

1 John is a pastoral letter and the overall theme is the fundamentals of faith. It deals with certainties, not opinions or conjectures as he expresses the absolute character of Christianity. God’s love is not earned or deserved but purely a gift. God is under no obligation to save us. The fact that God’s great love is a gift means we can’t do anything to deserve His love. In faith He imparts new life to us and we are raised from spiritual death (because of the fall) to spiritual life. This means becoming a Christian is not a matter of human will power but rather God’s power. We are saved by faith alone. Because we have been born of God the world does not understand – does not know us because it did not know Christ. Christians do not have to give up the world for Jesus’ sake but the things of the world will grow strangely dim

Divine life cannot be divorced from moral excellence which is a direct reference to the second coming of Christ and the future of our Christian life. Our verses today are a summary of chronological stages of such a life. Believers were given eternal life in faith (reborn). We shall no longer see through a glass darkly. The Bible tells us little positive about heaven but does tell us a few negative things about what heaven is NOT. No more tears, no more sorrow, no night, no death, no separation, no sickness, no pain. The positive truth of heaven is that is where Christ is complete; total and final fellowship, occupation and communion with Christ.

The apostle writes of the greatness of God’s children and their future glory. We do not fully understand what lies ahead. A constantly sanctifying influence goes on in the life of every child of God until finally the conformation being complete we see Him as He is. Without holiness no man shall see the Lord. C.s.Lewis described his experience of rebirth in ‘Surprised by Joy’: I know very well when, but hardly how, the final step was taken. I was driven into Whipsnade one sunny morning. When we set out I did not believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and when we reached the zoo I did. And yet I had not exactly spent the journey in thought. Nor in great emotion, “Emotional” is perhaps the last word we can apply to some of the most important events. It was more like when a man, after long sleep, still lying motionless in bed, becomes aware that he is now awake. And it was, like that moment on top of the bus.

Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begat also loves Him and who is begotten of Him. (2) By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. (3) For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. (4) For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith. (5) Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

First John was written by John the apostle, brother of James who were known as the sons of Zebedee. John lived a long life and when he wrote this letter was the sole remaining apostolic survivor who had intimate eyewitness association with Jesus throughout His ministry, death, resurrection and ascension. . He wrote 3 epistles and the fourth gospel and the book of Revelation – his testimony was highly authoritative among the churches. John writes of new life, its source annd issue. As a result of the sin of the first Adam, man is spiritually dead and unable to turn to God. So, the work of salvation must begin with God – a divine operation that will enable him/her to believe. This is regeneration – communication of divine life. The salvation of God begins with God.

If we love God, we love the children of God also. Our mothers, fathers and siblings are those who have faith in that Jesus is the Christ and all who trust in Him enter into this relationship. There is no use talking about loving the Father if we do not love the father’s children. In our verses today, the apostle John subscribed to moral tests for true spiritual life. All true spiritual experiences is evident to men or at the very least to God alone. But rebirth is always evidenced, with the stress on holiness of life, humility, obedience to the principles of the word of God. Testing our claim to spiritual life is simple and direct ; we must know the Lord God and keep His commandments. There were those unfortunates who thought they could know God by intellectual argument but God is known by divine revelation. And faith. And grace. Jesus warned that there will be many who call Him Lord but don’t have saving faith – at judgment He will say, “ I never knew you, depart from me , you who practice lawlessness “.
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When truth, love, righteousness show up in a Christian it authenticates this person as a true Christian. Our verses today are a clear statement in Scripture of what a person has to do to be saved. They have to believe that Jesus is the Christ (the anointed One) whom God promised to provide as a substitute sacrifice for the sins of the world. Faith, not good works define the Christian. Genuine love for God will result in obedience to His commandments. With rebirth comes power and grace from God and no one can overcome the world unless he/she believes Jesus is the Son of God. Let’s go to c.s.lewis and Mere Christianity to close: “ And now we begin to see what it is that the New Testament is always talking about. It talks about Christians “being born again”, it talks about them “putting on Christ”, about Christ “being formed in us”, about our coming to “have the mind of Christ”……… They mean that a real person, Christ, here and now, in that very room where you are saying your prayers is doing things to you. It is not a question of a good man who died two thousand years ago. It is a living Man, still as much a man as you are, and still as much God as He was when He created the world, really coming and interfering with your very self, killing the old natural self in you and replacing it with the kind of self He has. At first only for moments . Then for longer periods. Finally, if all goes well, turning you permanently into a different sort of thing, into a new little Christ, a being which, in its own small way, has the same kind of life as God; which shares in His power, joy, knowledge and eternity. “

Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. (33) And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. (34) Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, (35) and laid them at the apostles’ feet, and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

The Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke, physician, historian and sometime travel companion to Paul. In our verses today we are given a glimpse of the early church and how it operated in that ancient world – and how it stood out from its culture. The apostles stood in the middle of community life with the collections and disbursements OF possessions and goods – donated voluntarily by the faithful to care for the physical needs of their “brothers and sisters”. Early believers shared a common passage and mentality. There was a diversity of people but unity of spirit and self interest was put aside. This was Christian stewardship where everything the faithful had belonged to the Lord – there was no demand or expectation of receiving anything in return.

The hearts and souls of the ancient believer were as one as they pursued lives of equality and brothership. Property rights were not abolished but the action of owners made themselves subservient to the law of love. They thought of themselves not as possessors but as stewards. Jesus had left this world with two great commandments: Love God and love one another selflessly and fulfill the Great Commission which is to proclaim the gospel to the lost. The Bible clearly affirms the absolute sovereignty of God – the point of our verses is that believers were not focussed on themselves but rather on what God wanted them to do to extend His kingdom through their witness.

I’m going to end with c.s. Lewis from ‘Mere Christianity: “What we have been told is how we men can be drawn into Christ – can become part of that wonderful present which the young Prince of the universe wants to offer His Father – that present which is Himself and therefore us in Him. It is the only thing we were made for. And there are strange exciting hints in the Bible that when men are drawn in a great many other things in Nature will begin to come right. The bad dream will be over: it will be morning.

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. (2) Set your minds on things above, not on things on the earth. (3) For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (4) When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

The letter to the Colossians was written by the apostle Paul when he was a prisoner in Rome for preaching the gospel. What are verses are saying is we do not stand before God on the ground of responsibility; responsible man failed – there is nothing for him/her but condemnation. But Christ Jesus has borne that condemnation: Christ voluntarily took the place of the sinner and bore his judgment on the cross. In Adam we are separated from God in sin. In Christ we have received, in faith in Christ, new life. The resurrection of Christ has freed the believer from all necessity to be subject to sin in the flesh. We are called upon to seek those things which are above – our real life is there. The kingdom of this world shall become the kingdom of our God and His Christ and His one time pilgrim people shall reign with Him in heaven.

The believer is risen with Christ – such is his/her position. The believer’s life on earth is led by the indwelling Spirit to seek the things that are above and their minds will not act on things which are on earth. The more we do this the more things above will be attractive and things on earth will lose their charm; things like legalism, ritualistic ceremony, ordinances of man as well as earthly ambitions, honors, pleasures and achievements. This is the way of sanctification.

The world cannot understand and cannot see the hidden life of Christ in the believer. They could not see it in Jesus Himself nor could they understand Him when He came into the world and rejected Him and crucified Him. There is to be a glory, an honor, a splendor, a revelation of God in Christ that final day when the Lord Himself shall appear in all the light and glory of heaven. If He is glorified, we shall be glorified. If He is raised we are raised. If He never dies we shall never die. If He is in heaven, the believer shall be in heaven.

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, (6) who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, (7) but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. (8) And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. (9) Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, (10) that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, (11) and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The letter to the Philippians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul affirmed that Jesus eternally has been and is God. He did not cease to be God in any sense but added to His divine nature a true human nature. Jesus was without sin although His human body was subject to the results of the fall such as aging and death – in every visible way Jesus was completely human. Any teaching which diminishes or denies the deity of Jesus goes against the prophets and apostolic witness. Jesus Christ did not give up any of His divine attributes but limited them while on earth. To honor Jesus is to honor the Father. Because Jesus is God. God’s glory is the aim of His eternal purpose in Christ and if people are not willing to give glory to God in this life they will do so against their will for all eternity.

Christ laid aside His outward glory all for our sake. He completely submitted Himself to the will of the Father and the direction of the Spirit. . He redeemed us by His blood and called us to fellowship – His way is to become our way as Christians. We are to follow Him in the path of true humility and self denial and true obedience. The self is at the heart of relationship problems – we don’t need to build our self esteem but to grow in humility with Christ as our pattern. Christ was highly exalted: God raised Him from the dead and gave Him great glory to show acceptance of His death as satisfaction of the penalty for our sins. In Him the faithful also have obtained an inheritance. We shall see Him as He is and shall be like Him.

The crucified, risen and ascended Christ Jesus is in the place of supremacy over all creation. Ultimately the entire intelligent universe is called to acknowledge and worship Jesus Christ as Lord. This includes angels in heaven, spirits of the redeemed, obedient believers on earth, disobedient rebels on earth, demons and lost humanity in hell. Willingly and blessedly, unwillingly and painfully, all must bow and confess Christ Jesus as Lord. This passage does not teach that all the lost will be saved.

So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (9) But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of Gods dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. (10) And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. (11) But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. Earlier in chapter 8, Paul explains the unbelieving mind which is hostile toward God – not capable of pleasing God – spiritually incapable of even trusting in Christ for salvation. For God’s salvation, His Spirit must raise them from spiritual death to life. In our verses today, Paul now turns to those who live in faith in Christ as reborn. The bodies of the faithful will die but the indwelling Spirit gives believers life because we are righteous in Christ. So Paul divides all people into two categories; those “in the flesh” and “those in the Spirit.” Being a Christian is not a matter of going to church, or believing certain doctrines of Christian faith, or trying to live by certain moral standards but the vital thing is to be born again in faith in Christ. At that moment the Spirit imparts new life to the faithful and dwells in us. It’s a matter of spiritual life or death.

There are consequences of the unbelieving mind governed by flesh – a corrupt nature not remedied by Christ’s sacrifice. They are objects of the wrath of God. Those in Christ are subject to life and peace. He/she who has the Son has the Father also. The body is infected with the principle of decay which renders dissolution inevitable but the soul in which the Spirit dwells is possessed of a principle which secures its immortality and blessed existence. The very possession of the Spirit, which is the source of life, is the pledge and security that our bodies will rise again and the resurrection of Christ secures the resurrection of those that are His. Our bodies are to die but are not to continue under the power of death.

The standing of a believer before God is always in Christ – our failures and shortcomings can never affect our standing before God in Christ. C.S.Lewis writes “Look for yourself and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin and decay. But look for Christ and you will find Him, and with Him everything else thrown in.” “Human history is the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.”

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, (5) even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), (6) and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, (7) that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. (8) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, (9) not of works, lest anyone should boast. (10) For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. He has just finished describing the natural state of men as alienated by sin from God and now unfolds the manner in which those to whom he writes will be delivered from that terrible condition. Believers are saved by God’s grace alone when He made us alive together with Christ. God and nothing else is the cause of salvation; the believers are totally identified with Christ. Christ, who knew no sin, made full atonement on the cross for us. God has made all who believe on Him sharers of His life and nature. We are saved by grace through faith.

The spiritual death from which the Christian is delivered includes condemnation (judicial death), pollution, misery. The state of man was one of helplessness in spiritual death. Man neither deserved to be saved nor could men redeem themselves. God and not man was the author of change. This rebirth in faith in Christ is not because of any good in natural man but is all of the Lord. Believers are translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God’s dear Son. They are freed from condemnation of the law, the dominion of Satan, from lethargy and the pollution of spiritual death. In Christ they are reconciled with God, made partakers of His Spirit and as a principle of everlasting life they are adopted in Christ in God’s family.

Justification is by faith, not by works – The simple act of accepting Christ justifies the believer. Now as a result of the Word of God in the gospel believers are made new creatures in Christ. In an AA meeting I attended last week it was said that in our faith what we are doing is walking each other home.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, (2) through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God…….(5) Now hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (6) For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (7) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet for a good man someone would even dare to die. (8) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul is discussing the blessings of justification. In Adam we were spiritually dead; our hopeless spiritual condition outside of Christ. We were unable to save ourselves; we were unable to see the light of the gospel; were unable to understand or feel spiritual truth. We were not seeking God and were not able to submit to God’s law. We were totally unable and/or unwilling to do anything about reconciling with God. But God’s love took the initiative to save us when there was nothing about us that was lovable. God love sent Christ to us at a time when it fitted God’s eternal purpose – Christ’s substitutionary death resulted in so many blessings because believers were at peace with God. This peace is not a state of mind but a real relation and access to God. Because of Christ true believers have hope that is certain and will never disappoint.

The love of God is not an external revelation of divine love but it is in our hearts and minds. There is an inward persuasion that we are the objects of God’s love produced by the inward dwelling of the Holy Spirit. Christ, the Son of God, died for us and is represented in Scripture as the highest proof of God’s love for us. Far too often it is taken in a subjective sense and apart from justification that has been done for us through Christ Jesus there is no peace between God and man. Mankind is always quite ready to forget that and bypass Jesus Christ, seeing no need for Him. They seem to believe they can go directly to God without mentioning Christ and all His work.

When man/woman have a true grasp of doctrine of justification in faith in Christ alone, he/she no longer has a fear of death – no longer a fear if judgment, having been justified by faith. This means the “supreme thing” has been done once and for all because God has imputed Christ’s righteousness to believers. He has already punished our sins in Christ. God pronounces believers to be just once and forever.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (32) He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? (33) Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. (34) Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses, Paul raises the question of “so what” with reference to the truths he just unfolded in verses 28-30. “What shall we say to these things” – and the answer is we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God. The reason for this is from first to last our salvation is of the Lord. If God’s purpose is to glorify the Son then our salvation is secure. In Christ in faith God is for us. God has done the greatest thing for us by sending His own Son which means He will supply believers with all we need for godliness and life. Christ’s death was substitutionary – a divinely ordained solution to our sin and guilt. To make God be for us we must make sure our hope for escaping God’s wrath and judgment does not lie in our good works but only in Christ’s death on our behalf.

Paul considered all things as loss in light of the surpassing value of knowing Christ as our Lord – all Paul’s arguments for the security of believers trace back to the great source of certain hope and security in the unchanging and unmerited love of God for the faithful in Christ Jesus. The benefit secured by a sacrifice is secured by substitution and God will certainly give us the Holy Spirit to render that gift effectual. The security of believers is provided for by the plan of redemption. There is nothing to be dreaded but sin. If our sins be pardoned and remembered no more there is nothing left to fear. By the death of Christ as atonement for our sins all grounds of condemnation are removed in faith. We know that those who love God and are called to His purpose will be justified in Christ. Scripture states that God will have all men to be saved but not all are saved because they believe not.

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Romans, 8:1. – “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, (19) by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, (20) who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is eight souls, were saved through water. (21) There is also an anti type which now saves us – baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, (22) who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.

Our verses today are taken from the first letter of the apostle Peter. He writes that Christ is our main example of unjust suffering – He entered time and space, true God and true man, to give his life as a ransom for many. This epistle is written for all believers who are called to suffer wrongfully and take it patiently. We are to follow the example of Jesus who knew no sin but suffered – more than that, He did not sin and all the suffering and shame of the cross was on account of OUR sin. Peter’s testimony was to strengthen his brethren in faith; to encourage and comfort those who were suffering persecution and passing through many trials. Our justification is not having obeyed an ordinance but by what Christ has done and Peter is teaching the entire conformity of the believer to the Lord. We are looking at the subject of holiness.

The application of holiness means we are set apart – separated unto God in Christ by faith. Holiness is an attitude of the heart which clashes with modern culture in which we are supposed to be independent but here Peter means that we belong to the Lord; not just submitting the mind without submitting the life, the heart and the will. Holiness here is more than keeping rules. We have not been redeemed by perishable things but with the precious blood of Christ. A life without God is a thoughtless life. Christians live this life in faith in Christ. A holy life means Jesus is now our authority – a life of freedom under His authority.

Baptism is a public confession of faith and here Peter is concerned what baptism signifies – baptism testifies to our faith in Christ’s substitutionary death. Baptism cannot save anyone but it is a step of obedience to Christ publicly to identify ourselves with Him in His death and resurrection. We bear witness to God’s eternal plan of salvation through holy living in this world.

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (32) Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, (33) just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. (11:1) Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. Our verses are connected with the three chapters that go before – Paul is preaching the gospel and – in matters of indifference – he adapts himself to all men that they might find salvation. He is teaching that there is no part of our lives and actions so minute that it might not be directed to the glory of God. The second point of our verses is a regard for our neighbor that we may, if possible, gain them for Christ. Paul accommodated himself to men only in things indifferent and things lawful in themselves always with the end that is observed – that they may be saved. So, our conduct should have the glory of God and the good of man for its object. Paul laid aside all self will and self importance and recommends the example of Christ. He prescribes nothing to others he had not first practiced himself – he directs himself and others to Christ as the only pattern of right acting. Paul’s doctrine here is not a mistaken imitation to copy what men see done by people of great influence. Christians are to follow men provided they take Christ as their model.

The plan of salvation rests on the same reasons and principles whether in the days of the Exodus or in our own lives. To all men/women living in a world of the senses it is difficult to live by faith in the unseen. In this life we are never beyond the reach of temptation and our suppositions regarding ourselves are often untrue. We are at ease and complacent when we ought not to be. We think we are secure when we are at the point of failing

The freedom Paul speaks of does have limitations. If my doing something – again in indifferent things – is going to offend fellow Christian’s I must not do it. It is conditional religious freedom. We are not to be a stumbling block to others. One of the ways we preach the gospel is by what we say and do. All our life is a life that is lived for God wherever we are, whatever we are doing at whatever the time: all done for the glory of God

For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! (17) For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship. (18) What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel. (19) For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; (22) to the weak I become as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. (23) Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be a caretaker of it with you.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today, we are told he did not preach from personal pride but under divine compulsion – Paul was God’s chosen instrument. Paul had no part in God’s call/sovereign choice. His reward was the privilege of preaching the gospel within the limits of God’s Word and his Christian conscience – he would become culturally and socially all things to all men when witnessing. He stooped to make the gospel clear at the lower level of comprehension within the bounds of God’s word. he would condescend in ways that could lead to salvation. He realized what it’s like to be fully delivered from the Mosaic law. In matters of indifference Paul was the most adaptable of men.

Paul had the right to be supported by the church but renounced this right. (Almost all the apostles were volunteers.) He is the supreme example of a person who was willing to sacrifice some privileges for others as our Lord’s own minister. It was important to Paul that he received no payment as a minister so there was no grounds of boasting for him. His preaching was a matter of obligation but doing it without remuneration was optional. His self denial and accommodation of himself to the weaknesses and prejudices of others was not confined to the point of which he had been speaking. Pauls motive was that he ‘might win the more’ meaning to win over more to the gospel. The weak were those who had no power to comprehend and appreciate the gospel. He was conciliatory to all classes and as to all matters of indifference that he might at all events save some.

Paul lived for the gospel and that meant to be a partaker of the gospel – partaker of its benefits which is the subject of the redemption which it announces. No one was more yielding in matters of indifference and no one was more unyielding in matters of principle than the apostle Paul.

But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for things of the Lord – how he may please the Lord. (33) But he who is married cares about the things of the world – how he may please his wife. (34) There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world – how she may please her husband. (35) And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. Christians in Corinth had written to Paul seeking advice in reference to the state of things in their church. One of the subjects they sought direction on was marriage. Paul’s response was not to be considered more than advice – what, under the circumstances was expedient; everyone must act according to the grace given to him/her. The object of the apostle was to urge single life, which in times of trials and persecution was to their advantage, not to restrain their liberty. Paul’s basic marriage principle is summarized in two words: well and better. The person who marries does well but one who doesn’t marry does better – it allows him/her opportunities married people do not have. Marriage is a temporary covenant but our relation to the Lord is an eternal relationship.

Singles have more freedom and flexibility and less distraction in difficult times – in times of religious persecution which often ended in imprisonment or death. Paul does not say the unmarried man/woman is a holier person but is saying serving the Lord without distraction “is good for the present distress”. He chose to remain unmarried for the gospel’s sake. Life is fleeting in this world and everything will disappear but in Christ the faithful will have that which satisfies the soul when everything else has gone. If God is not at the center of your life and your mate is, marriage will create more problems than it solves. With God at the center marriage brings together two self centered people expecting the other person to meet his/her needs. That doesn’t work. Don’t bring your hopes for fulfillment in a family. Hope is in the Lord.

A wonderful example of well and better is found in the story of Mary and Martha: Mary sat at the Lords feet and listened and Martha was distracted with serving. Jesus said Mary chose the better part. Paul wanted his readers to appreciate the realities of married and single states – celibacy is preferred merely on the basis of expediency not on the grounds of its being a higher state of virtue. Paul counseled, not commanded, the faithful to live life in view of present distress and shortened times as we consider our options.

But this I say, brethren, the time is short, so that from now on even those who have wives should be as though they had none, (30) those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they did not possess, (31) and those who use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. Our verses today are the beginning of a solemn and affectionate warning for all the faithful should live as ever expecting the return of the Lord – not to live carelessly and to ever be on the watch, as our time on earth is short. The outward form of this world is passing away. The occasion of Paul’s advice were the peculiar circumstances of trials and difficulties in which Christians of that day (and in that city of cultural sensuality) were placed – Paul wanted his readers to be free from concerns of this present life and is advocating the single life. It was the single life he chose in which to serve the Lord, without any temporal relationships or any human occupation to hinder his fellowship with God.

When people are converted all their past sin is wiped out by the blood of Christ. They have been called by God and are saved in the condition He found them – married or single. In Christ the faithful are raised to a level where all earthly distinctions are insignificant. It’s a matter of being guided by the Lord under existing conditions. The basic principal of our verses is if one avoids marriage it allows one opportunities that married people do not have. In Paul’s mind this is the finest kind of life. Notice this is not a command nor a legal restriction – the central thought is celibacy is desirable. Marriage is a temporary covenant but relation to the Lord is permanent. Paul wants men to be without care – unmarried cares for things of the Lord and married cares about things of the world. He draws his argument from the shortness of human life. We should live as if every moment we are about to depart from this life.

In my research for todays blog I read a stunning analogy: it is as if this world has NOT an existence but is only a show and mere appearance similar to a theatrical representation in which the curtain goes up and a new experience is presented and the things which should hold the interest of spectators are withdrawn from view. The theatrical experience is presented as temporary and short lived – the world is not our home.

Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. (14) And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power. (15) Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? Certainly not! (16) Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For “the two” He says, “shall become one flesh.” (17) But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. (18) Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. (19) Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? (20) For you were bought at a price, therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. Our verses today address thsexual sin of fornication and Paul writes that believers must recognize sexual purity as a salvation issue. Fornication refers to any type of sexual activities outside of marriage. Paul makes the point by comparing the eating of meats offered to idols which is an indifferent thing and is guided by religious liberty – but fornication is not an indifferent matter. . Fornication is an unlawful matter and it affects the man/woman as he/she is not designed for this indulgence. Implicit in our verses is the truth that the gospel ultimately transforms a person’s life and he/she cannot, according to scripture, continue in the kind of life led in sin. The fundamental fact of salvation in Christ means we are delivered from living as sinners. It does not mean we may not fall into sin but we, in faith, are delivered from bondage to sin.

The body is not meant for sexual immorality and here this specifically refers to fornication. He who commits fortification sins against his/her own body. Those who belong to Christ and have the Spirit living in them cannot be content if they are yielding to sexual sin. It is never profitable and hurts the sinner – it damages our relationship with Christ and also hurts the person you sin with. It enslaves those who yield to it. Paul points out the spiritual nature of sexual union – God designed sexual relations to be restricted within the boundaries of marriage. Sexual sin corrupts and shatters spiritual relationships both human and divine. We are advised to flee – a very powerful command – all sin begins in thought level and we need to defeat it on that level.

C.s. Lewis writes in the Screwtape letters that “Everytime a man and woman enter into a sexual relationship a spiritual bond is established between them which must be eternally enjoyed or eternally endured.” Sexual sin is always a violation of God’s purpose for our bodies: the body is a permanent organism, designed to be the dwelling place for the Spirit of God. The sin in question is absolutely incompatible and destructive with our relationship between our bodies and Christ.

If indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, (3) how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, (4) by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), (5) which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: (6) that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome for preaching the gospel. The dispensation of the grace of God given to Paul was the commission of his office as apostle to the Gentiles. This office was an inward grace, including infallible and plenary knowledge. Apostolic knowledge must be direct and not founded by hearsay – the mystery of which he writes in our verses is the union of the Jews and the Gentiles. This is something undiscoverable by human reason and an indication of Paul’s knowledge of the whole plan of salvation.

The apostles and the prophets were the only recipients of direct revelation – the apostles were permanent agents and the prophets were occasional organs of the Spirit. In chapter 2 of Ephesians Paul outlined the unprecedented blessings God has now poured out on the Gentiles. The Old Testament predicted the calling of the Gentiles and led to the general impression that they were to partake of the blessings of the Messiah by becoming Jews – the continuation of a theocracy thought to remain. It seems never to have entered the human mind that the old theocracy itself was to be abolished and a new form of religion, introduced and adapted equally for all mankind and under which distinction between Jew and Gentile was to be done away.

The Gentiles are now partakers of God’s promises – the only essential and indispensible condition of participation in redemption is union with Christ. Redemption is brought about by the gospel; not by birth nor by outward rite nor by union with any external body but by the gospel received and the union affected by faith. No one has ever come to Christ by his/her own intelligence, will power or good works.

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; (13) bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you must also do. (14) But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. (15) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which you were also called in one body; and be thankful. (16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (17) And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

The letter to the Colossians was written by the apostle Paul. Written primarily to refute heresy, our verses teach key areas of theology: deity of Christ; reconciliation and redemption in Christ – election, forgiveness and the nature of the church. The elect of God – those set apart by God, are new men and women in faith who owe everything to the will of God; His will, his choice. The faithful are to put on the qualities of Christ; to live and behave in love and let the peace of God rule in our hearts and be thankful for undeserved salvation. We are to forgive precisely as we are forgiven.

The emphasis in our verses is the understanding of our responsibilities as a Christian. We are not just to stop inappropriate behaviors but to adopt qualities of our new life in faith. The basic principle as opposed to a set of specific rules is this – we should live and think and act all deeds in harmony with the revelation of Jesus Christ – under His authority and as His followers – and to do all with thanksgiving to God. This approach is vastly different from a legal one that provides a specific command for every situation. This contrast shows the basic difference between the New Testament and the Old Covenant.

Christianity is not just theology nor simply a system of ethics but union with Christ – a decisive modification in duty. It is creed followed by conduct or more simply, we are to behave as we believe. c.S.Lewis write in ‘Mere Christianity’ that “The real problem of the Christian life comes where people do not usually look for it. It comes the very moment you wake up each morning. All your wishes and hopes for this day rise at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning consists simply in shoving them all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in. And so on, all day. Standing back from all your natural fussing and fretting; coming in out of the wind.”

Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelations of the mystery kept secret since the world began (26) but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith – (27) to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. In verses 25 to 27 Paul links his unfolding of the gospel with that mystery which was his special duty to make known among the Gentiles. This mystery was a sacred secret hidden in God until such time He chose to manifest it; not until Israel had been given every opportunity to receive Christ both in the incarnation and resurrection. When they refused Christ, God made known what had been in His heart – that from all nations, Jews and Gentiles, He would redeem and take out an elect company who would be formed into one body to be associated with Christ. The gospel is not a system of human philosophy or the result of human investigation but the revelation of the purpose of God. Paul often calls his gospel the “wisdom of God” in contrast to the wisdom of men.

The gospel is a mystery; a system of truth beyond the power of the human mind to discover, which God has revealed for our faith and obedience. It is formed from eternity in the divine mind, revealed by the prophets and the apostles and the preaching of Jesus Christ. By the command of God it is to be made known to all nations. The gospel is ultimately not about us/our happiness, but the goal is the glory of God through Jesus Christ. To glorify God we need to be established in the gospel – to believe in the gospel and our faith must translate into a lifestyle so that others will see the greatness of God through us. We must believe the gospel, be turned from our sin, trust in Christ and His death in the cross as the only payment for our sin – not trusting in our good works to contribute to our salvation. There is a sense in which we see clearly in the Old Testament – in this side of Christ – that a Savior is promised.

The gospel leads to an obedience of faith which means genuine saving faith always results in a life of obedience to Jesus Christ. Its purpose is to glorify God. To glorify God we must proclaim the gospel in our lives, our actions, our words. We may be the only gospel some ever know. The message of Romans regarding the gospel is true – we can stake our lives and eternal destiny on it.

Rejoice always, (17) pray without ceasing, (18) in everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ for you. (19) Do not quench the Spirit. (20) Do not despise prophecies. (21) Test all things; hold fast what is good. (22) Abstain from every form of evil. (23) Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (24) He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

The first letter to the Thessalonians was written by the apostle Paul. Our verses today contain distinct exhortations for Christian behavior, written by Paul to new believers many of whom were suffering persecution because of their faith.

Paul commands us to rejoice always; not with that which the world gives, not that which nature inspires but that joy which comes from God that nothing can overcome or destroy. Rejoicing is intentional – a conscious attitude of contentment, hope and happiness. If God’s joy disappears or we cannot pray we can be sure something is wrong and we are out of fellowship from God.
We are told to pray without ceasing. Keep asking, seeking and knocking.
A grateful heart pleases God in sad days as well as glad. Gratitude and holiness go together. We develop a habit of rejoicing by a daily focus on the riches of God in Christ; walk in the spirit, not the flesh.
The unsaved may resist the Spirit but it’s only in the believer that the Spirit is quenched because it is only in the believer that the Spirit dwells. We quench the Spirit when we trust in our rituals and routines rather than the Holy Spirit. We hinder the working of the Spirit when we tolerate any known sin.
We are not to dismiss the prophets but to be ready to recognize messages based on the word of God.
We are to test or evaluate different teachings and accept that which agrees with Scripture – and to reject all else. And we are to abstain from all appearance of evil.

Justification is absolutely complete from the moment we believe. Christ is our sanctification and we are complete in Him. To sanctify means to set apart from worldly things and we should always be aware that we cannot do life on our own. Holy living will be our habit when trusting in God is our habit.

But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. (9) The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (10) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. (11) Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, (12) looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? (13) Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. (14) Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless

2nd Peter was written by the apostle Peter to the faithful to refute the claims of false teachers who denied that Christ is coming again to judge the world. They claimed that nothing had changed and there was no indication that the world would end. But all of time is equally present with God; past present and future, while man has a finite perspective. Fallen man’s will is not free because we are born corrupt in Adam’s sin – born spiritually dead in sin but as God’s elect we are regenerated in faith in Christ. There is no reincarnation, no purgatory; we have an appointment to die and after this judgment. But also is coming the Day of the Lord when Christ is returning. There will be no second chance – Christ’s return will be unexpected and disasterous for those who have not repented of their sin. This world and all its treasure are going to burn and for the faithful God will recreate new heavens and a new earth in which only righteousness will dwell.

Peter stresses the testimony of the prophets and apostles to counter the scoffers who claimed the second coming of Christ was ridiculous. But the old and New Testament tell us the end will come suddenly and without warning. Peter speaks of the Day of God in contrast with the trust of unbelievers in the stability of creation. They were scoffers at the delay of the prophesies. Peter put time in context and tells us that God delays as He is unwilling that any should perish. But the “any” addresses only the elect/faithful that God wills to save.

Our verses today are a powerful attack on apostasy which is both doctrinal and moral. Believers are urged to live in hope and holiness. From the standpoint of Scripture we know God is going to accomplish a catastrophic destruction of the universe as we know it. Christian hope is not apathy, despair, not hedonism but godliness. We are to be found without soot or stain, blameless in the Lord. The longsuffering (delay) of the Lord is the salvation of the faithful.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (4) I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, (5) that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, (6) even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, (7) so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, (8) who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. (9) God is faithful by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. The apostle founded the church in Corinth which was a metropolis of the ancient world; Corinth was not only the political capital of Greece but the seat of its commercial and intellectual life. Paul wrote to correct various disorders which had arisen there after his departure and to counter the false teachers who inevitably followed him. Paul begins his letter with the assurance of his divine commission, then the usual salutation followed by the general introduction of this epistle both commendatory and conciliatory in tone and intention. Paul gives precious assurance to those who are called according to God’s purpose. God is faithful and His eternal purpose will not be thwarted; His people shall be blameless in that coming day of Christ Jesus. That day is when Christ returns to call His own – the day we stand before the judgment seat. The faithful are kept by the power of God and stand in the atoning work of Christ Jesus.

All believers are set apart to God in Christ – justified by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and saved by unmerited grace. Paul is not talking saving Grace here as the sin question is already settled, but Grace to sustain us in the trials of the way; things that keep us anxious. Paul assures the Corinthians they have been given gifts of the Spirit equal with any other church. He cautions them to not become occupied with the gift and not the Giver; to never mix up natural talent with spiritual gifts. The fellowship of the Spirit is not a natural thing but is produced by the Spirit who does not dwell in unsaved people. The gifts of the Sporit are a foretaste and pledge of the fullness the faithful will receive at the Day of the Lord.

The faithful are called into holiness. They have been chosen by God which means dependence on God’s grace, not on man’s excellence. God alone sanctifies those who by nature were corrupt. Paul told the Corinthians what he thought of them and now is telling them what future hope he has of them. God has started a good work in them that will be completed. We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ where the faithful in Christ will be found blameless. This is the end and purpose of our calling. This is the design of the gospel. The doctrine of election demands we trust God with our deepest fears and leave our sins – especially our darling sins – behind.

But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. (21) For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection from the dead. (22) For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. (23) But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. (24) Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. (25) For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. (26) The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. (27) For “He has put all things under His feet.” But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted.(28) Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. In this chapter Paul first proves the fact of Christ’s resurrection and moves to the certainty of the resurrection of His people. False teachers in Corinth denied this doctrine which was a primary principle of the gospel which Paul preached and in which their salvation depended. To deny the resurrection of the dead is to deny the resurrection of Christ and to make the apostles false. Man’s union with the first Adam is the cause of death. From Adam we derive a corrupt and enfeebled nature. Union with Christ (believers) is the cause of life and the future of the body and soul. Paul writes that “in Christ” the faithful all shall be made alive – the universal resurrection of believers.

Our verses unfold successive stages of God’s purposes: the resurrection of Christ, then after the purpose of the present age is accomplished, His Second Coming. Then the resurrection of those who belong to Christ who will overthrow all His enemies and establish His glorious rule over the earth and ultimately His delivering up the Kingdom to God that God may be all in all. Christ has not yet subdued His enemies – the last enemy is death and it will be destroyed.

What is peculiar to Christianity is the message of salvation. Some hope it is how we live that counts. Some philosophers contend that souls are immortal; but as for resurrection of the body, it never entered into the minds of any. Our hope is forgiveness of sin because of Christ who suffered and redeemed man and was raised from the dead. Christ came that He might restore everything that had been ruined in Adam. Christ is the firstfruit of resurrection and the guarantor that those in Him will be raised. His resurrection is a sample of ours.

But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. (2) For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. (3) For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. (4) But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. (5) You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness. (6) Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.

The first letter to the Thessalonians was written by the apostle Paul. He has just dealt with the question of what will happen to the faithful on the Day of the Lord – they will be delivered from the coming wrath of God. They will already have been resurrected before the wrath begins. The faithful are “sons of light and sons of the day” and Paul makes a direct contrast between the situation of unbelievers and that of believers.

The concept of the Day of the Lord refers to God’s intervention in history for judgment or for deliverance and blessing of God’s people. The Day of the Lord is certainly coming and will be sudden, unexpected and inescapable for those in spiritual darkness. Our focus should not be on fixing dates but on the spreading of the gospel to those who will face God’s judgment if they do not repent. This Day will come like a thief in the night. We are given a picture that people will be enjoying peace and prosperity and they will not feel the need to get right with God. The destruction will be sudden; there are no alternatives other than life with the Lord or eternal loss – one or the other is inevitable. Believers will not be surprised at the Day of the Lord because we will expect it but unbelievers are oblivious to physical or spiritual danger. Believers should live each day alert and ready for the Lord.

We are living in serious times. As Christians our citizenship is in heaven and the Day of the Lord is for us the day of salvation. The faithful will have no part in the day of wrath; the time of still future fulfillment when God’s wrath is poured out on unbelievers. It will be a time of judgment and a time of salvation. This will be the ultimate fulfillment of prophecy concerning events at the end of history when Gods punishes evil and fulfills all His promises.

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. (14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. (15) For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. (16) For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. (17) Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. (18) Therefore comfort one another with these words.

The first letter to the Thessalonians was written by the apostle Paul to the faithful in that city, (and to us). Paul taught them the Lord Jesus was going to come again and take them to be with Him. Some of the new believers died before this Second Coming and in our verses Paul is writing to correct any misunderstandings about this. Whether we are awake (alive) or asleep believers will live together with Him. Death is only temporary for our bodies but our souls go to be with the Lord the instant we die. The departed faithful souls are with the Lord now and He will bring them with Him when He returns. Paul is assuring the living faithful that their deceased loved ones would be resurrected before those believers still living – the second coming of Christ gives us real hope and comfort in the midst of life’s trials and losses. This is the day when the grace of God is being proclaimed.

At death the Spirit goes to the Lord and the body is left. The bodies fall asleep, not the souls. The spirit is alive in the truest sense for it is in the presence of the Lord. The Bible does not teach soul sleep but body sleep and sleep suggests awakening of the body which is the resurrection of the body. Paul tells them when the Lord comes for His own, He will raise the dead and change the living and they will be caught up together….to meet the Lord in the air and that those alive will not precede the faithful dead.

Unbelievers have no hope and face final destruction but believers know that with death they may at last be gathered into the kingdom of God. The order of resurrection at the second coming will begin with those faithful who have previously died – the believers who are alive and remain shall be caught up with them and the dead are not going to lose out in any way. The promise of the Second Coming brings certain hope and sure comfort. Whether we are awake or asleep the faithful will live together with Him. We do not know the day or the time – this is the age of gathering together and election; when God does speak again according to Scripture He will be speaking in judgment.

But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. (8) So affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. (9) For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil, for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached the gospel of God.…….(13) For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.

The letter to the Thessalonians was written by the apostle Paul. In our text Paul continues to spell out some of the reasons he knew God chose Thessalonians for salvation. They pleased God through embracing doctrine which leads to spiritual health. They pleased God through moral integrity and how they lived their regenerated lives. They turned to God from idols (an idol is anything that usurps the rightful place of God in our lives) and waited for Jesus to return in certain hope. The gospel is not a message of how Jesus can help us succeed in life but rather how He can rescue us from the wrath to come. God gives salvation from His judgment to all who believe in Jesus.

The Thessalonians did not just add Jesus as a new idol. They trashed their idols and turned to the living God alone – a clear decisive break from the old way of life. In the fullest sense the gospel is truth and of God, not a device of man. Paul was not motivated by impure motives or greed. Paul as rabbi was entitled to claim financial support from the church as those who preach the gospel should live by the gospel. In all things Paul was a servant to whom he preached and kept back no part of himself but financially supported himself in his daily toil as a tent maker, his toil by night as preacher.

Paul was God’s choice – entrusted with the gospel which as a servant of Christ he has to give to a lost world. He looked on the Thessalonian believers as his own children in faith. In our verses Paul reminded them of his affection for them and his labor on their behalf – that In faith, in Christ, they were born again. This truth led them to take a stand for Christ. Those who were Jewish by birth had to turn from loved ones, turn from friends and endure persecution. Those from heathen backgrounds suffered at the hands of heathen relatives, former friends just as Christian Jews in Judea suffered at the hands of Jewish friends and relatives.

For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. (6) And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, (7) so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. (8) For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. (9) For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God (10) and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

The letter to the Thessalonians was written by the apostle Paul. The theme of our verses is genuine Christianity and the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ – the second coming is referred to in some way in every chapter of this letter and Paul is giving clear instruction regarding this. The gospel – “our gospel” – called such because Paul’s own experience of conversion, must be reflected clearly in our lives and words. The Spirit becomes indwelling at the moment of conversion and there is a deep persuasion of the truth of the gospel. We don’t all have the dramatic conversion of Paul but our eyes have been opened, repentance worked in our hearts; our new lives back up the gospel message and we become faithful witnesses that spread the gospel to others.

Paul now moves to spell out reasons he knew God chose the Thessalonians believers for salvation; for the effects their faith had in lives of believers who turned from idols to the living God – to those converted and in turn converting others, to those living the gospel through actions and words, and to those awaiting the second coming of Christ. Paul knew God opened hearts to the gospel or he would be preaching in vain. Our good deeds cannot pay the penalty of sin and only Christ is sufficient – either our sin is on Jesus or it’s on us. Paul preached the good news of full and free salvation. Believing in Jesus is the beginning point of Christian life. Idols could not/cannot placate God’s wrath. At the root of all idolatry is anything that takes the place of the living God in our lives – the god of self.

The Spirit worked in the hearts and souls of the faithful Thessalonians and great changes took place as they passed from death to life in Christ. They became imitators of the apostles who were imitators of the Lord and then the Thessalonians became patterns to all who believed in the gospel. They waited for God’s Son, Christ Jesus, whom God had raised from the dead according to Christ’s own promise to come bodily again. Christ has delivered/will deliver the faithful from the wrath to come – before the wrath Christ will take His own into His presence.

Paul, Silvanus and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (2) We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, (3) remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of God and Father, (4) knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. (5) For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

The letter to the Thessalonians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul omits his identification as an apostle, apparently not feeling the need to remind the young church of his apostolic authority which says a lot about the faith of the believers there. He continues in his introduction to give thanks to God rather than commending the Thessalonians because God chose them as believers of salvation apart from any human qualification they possessed. In verse 5, salvation through the gospel was identified as due to the power of the (indwelling at moment of faith) Spirit.

The doctrine of election is a frequent theme in Scripture. It’s God’s choice of us not our choice of Jesus; God’s elect, chosen by God. You know you are elect of God if He has powerfully changed your heart through your reception of the gospel. Election does not negate prayer but encourages it since salvation is God’s doing – Paul refers to his repeated prayers. Scripture shows how God always accomplishes God’s purpose – God sent Jesus to save his people and doesn’t leave that up to sinful human will. God ordains the means as well as the end. Because election is God’s purpose which cannot fail, it results in changed lives. Paul could see the results of election stemming from faith. We are saved by faith apart from merit on our part and apart from works; but real faith always results in works which are all of the good deeds we are called to do as believers. The doctrine of election in verse 4 is mentioned to remind the Thessalonians that in the midst of trials there is security in God.

The results seen in the Thessalonians were not just from the gospel but also from the power of the indwelling Spirit. So great was the change in the Thessalonians lives – real conversion – that others noticed it too. Ask God to give you a teachable heart – you know you are elect if God has powerfully changed your life through your reception of the gospel.

I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. (13) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (14) Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress………(19) And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (20) Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen

The letter to the Philippians was written by the apostle Paul while imprisoned in Rome facing possible execution over false charges – he tells us how to find contentment. It is not self sufficiency, not complacency but an inner sense of rest or peace that comes from being right with God and knowing He is in control. It is a steady assurance that God is for us and will not forsake us. Contentment can be an elusive pursuit reflected in consumer debt, high rate of mobility, seeking a better job, life style, the high divorce rate where the same problems reoccur – we never quite get there. Paul learned to be content in all conditions – it didn’t come naturally but is a process. The key to understanding and learning everything is under God’s sovereignty. Our attitude in trials and deliberate submission to sovereignty is crucial. We are not in desperate situations by chance. A small crisis or a major life threatening crisis calls for us to submit to and trust God and contentment will come from Him.

Our text today concerns freedom from anxiety and contentment in our soul. This includes growing in personal holiness; the all sufficient indwelling Christ was Paul’s source of strength and contentment. The believer needs to learn not only how to get along in times of need but also how to live in abundance – we need a trusting and thankful heart. All things for Paul means he can do everything God has called him to do and God will give him power to do it. There is a balance between Gods part and our part – taking too much emphasis on human responsibility or conversely, being passive. Vital personal union with Christ provides for the believers every need to become an emotionally stable person. He is the believers life and the believer must follow Him as their pattern and look to Him as their goal.

The biblical meaning of contentment is a state of satisfaction anchored to our confidence in God and resulting in a joyful celebration of life. Contentment is not natural, not “just doing” something to be content. We need a new perspective, a new attitude, a deepened faith, not anchored to the circumstances of life. We brought nothing into this world and take nothing out of it. It’s about living with satisfaction one day after another. Don’t let our appetites get us to compromise our principles to get what we think will make us happy or dictate our values. Discontentment inevitably leads us away from God.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; (7) and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your heart and minds through Christ Jesus. (8) Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things. (9) The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

The letter to the Philippians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses Paul writes that Christian thought life forms the basis for our behavior and not just our outward behavior. The gospel does not just add to our life, it is a new life where we are changed at the core through faith in Christ. God opens the minds of the believers. Paul exhorts the Philippians to pray about their circumstances instead of worrying about them – to commit them to God in prayer, trusting He will provide deliverance. Anxiety is the most common mental disorder; anxiety over health, finances, children etc, and Paul advises us to pray with thankfulness about every concern. Anxiety comes from a lack of faith and the wrong focus on things of this world. Paul wants Christians to have God’s joy in every situation. Prayer is the procedure and peace is the result.

Our verses are a wonderful promise in connection with prayer – the Lord warned against anxious thoughts. When we are in the midst of trouble nothing is gained by worrying and trouble only seems more exaggerated when we try to carry our own burdens. The Spirit of God points the way out and wants to bring everything – great and little perplexing conditions and trying circumstances – into the presence of God and leave them there. We are to make our requests to God and God will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus with the peace that passes all understanding. We cannot obtain this peace for ourselves. We are in a relationship with God; in all things He is our refuge. Our prayers may not always be answered as we want to have them answered. God alone knows what is best. We put our cares before God and He puts His peace into our hearts; Gods hears the faithful.

Prayer needs to replace worry in the Christian life. It is the recipe for conflict resolution. Prayer realigns us and restores peace – peace that comes from God, not peace with God and this is the promise of our verses. Anxiety brings no peace but praying does. In chapter 5 of the book Alcoholics Anonymous, the introduction to how it works, millions of suffering alcoholics are told “Without help it is too much for us. But there is one who has all power – that One is God. May you find Him now! Half measures availed us nothing. We stood at the turning point. We asked for His protection and care with complete abandon.” Rejoice in Christ always, be forbearing with all people, pray about difficult situations, think about wholesome subjects and practice apostolic teaching.

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, (2) fulfill my joy by being likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (3) Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. (4) Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (5) Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus

The joyful letter to the Philippians was written by the apostle Paul while he was in prison in Rome facing potential execution for preaching the gospel. Paul had a deep emotional bond with the Christian Philippians – he wrote them to thank them for “gifts” and to rejoice in them while he was in his fraught circumstance. Paul encouraged the church in Phillipi to be selfless and united and preached Christ as the ultimate example for believers to follow. There is the world’s way of conflict resolution and God’s way. All we have is due to God’s grace and the Christians are to do nothing from pride or selfishness – we are to think about others and not just from our perspective.

The believing Philippians manifested humility and lowliness of mind among themselves and to Paul. They were only able to walk in such a manner made possible in those born again in faith in Christ Jesus. Natural man is not capable of following Paul’s advice. True lasting joy is found in Christ regardless of circumstance – love likes to be a servant but selfishness likes to be served. The principle in our verses is putting ourselves aside to regard others more highly. To live to self is the root of all sin, and leads to a loveless life. We are told to examine our motives and actions and to look first to our faults. We have the all sufficient promise of Christ never to leave us. We have the comfort of Christ and His example that our love doesn’t depend of the response of the other person. We have the indwelling Spirit and the affection and compassion of Christ shown to us and we must show to others even though they might not deserve it.

The consideration of the needs of others is the theme of our verses and the basis of Christian humility. The reason for submission is to fulfill God’s purposes. This life style will result in fellowship, humility, tenderness and sympathy. The Spirit of God works lasting communion with and among the Christians. The doctrine of our Lord’s self emptying himself of divine prerogatives is simply presented as the supreme illustration of lowliness of mind that should characterize all who profess to be followers of Christ. Oh, and yes, living this way will focus our minds and bring us joy.

For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, (20) according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or death. (21) For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. (22) But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. (23) For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. (24) Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you

The letter to the Philippians was written by the apostle Paul. He wrote this letter from prison after being arrested in Jerusalem for preaching the gospel. Paul was a Roman citizen and he appealed to Caesar for a trial as was his right – and he awaited his trial in Rome. Paul’s circumstance was not focused on his release from prison but on exalting Christ. He acknowledged that he may well be executed – his desire was to depart and be with Christ (to die is gain) but realized the Philippians and others needed his ministry (to live is Christ).

We think of death as a loss, not a gain, and avoid thinking or talking about death. But for Paul to live for Christ was to glorify God by everything he was and did. But a person is not ready to live unless he/she is ready to die. We must live purposefully always in view of the certainty of death and the uncertainty of when it will occur. At death a Christian goes immediately to be with Christ and this doctrine exposes the errors of soul sleep, annihilation, reincarnation and purgatory which contradict Scriptural teaching on the finished and acceptable work of Christ; of His sufficient atonement for sins and salvation by grace alone through faith alone.

What are we living for? The answer will determine the direction of our lives – if our purpose is wrong, our direction will be wrong. We have the ability to choose our attitude in any set of circumstances. Living for things of this earth which will perish is in vain. A Christian’s death frees him/her from earthly trials, labor and temptations. Paul viewed life as a progressive joy in Christ and death as an even greater joy because he would see Christ face to face. The Christian has the best of both worlds in Christ.

For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself.(8) For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. (9) For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul who writes in our verses that all believers are under the Lordship of Jesus Christ – as Lord of all He will be judge of all and to whom each of us will give an account. Paul is not condemning all judgment of others by the faithful but here is dealing with the subject of judging others on non essential matters where the Bible gives no commands – non essential areas do not affect one’s salvation.

There are scrupulous Christians whose conscience is weak and they are to be kindly received and not condemned particularly in matters not essential. Christian Liberty is not to be given up or denied – we are not to make sinful things which are in themselves indifferent. Our liberty is to be asserted but exercised in such a way for us not to injure others. No Christian considers himself as his/her own master, or at liberty to regulate his own conduct according to his own will or for his own ends but to live according to Christ’s will and for His glory; not live according to our own will or for our own pleasure. Some things are always wrong – fornication and adultery – but not the doubtful thing or morally indifferent things about which Scripture does not specifically speak. Paul is clear that we are not under the Mosaic Law as a system of relating to God and he counsels mutual forbearance. But on moral issues when the Bible gives clear commands, or in essential doctrinal truth we would be wrong NOT to judge others.

The truth in regard to nonessential matters is based on the the fact that the whole life of a Christian belongs not only to himself/herself but to the Lord. So, the all determining significance for Christian conduct is our relation to Christ. Again closing with c.s.Lewis: “Scruples are always a bad thing, if only because they usually distract us from real duties.”

Owe no one anything except to love another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. (9) For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “ You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (10) Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today the apostle is dealing mainly with our relationships to other Christians and then dealing with relationships to people who are outside of the church. Paul had just written of our obligations within the state progressing to the responsibilities to God which supersedes all other responsibilities. There is ordinarily no conflict but when there is we must obey God – and suffer the consequences. The obligation of love we always owe – it fulfills the law of Moses, the essentially legal character of it. The new law, the law of Christ, commands we love our neighbors as ourselves.

A biblical emphasis on love is the distinguishing mark of the Christian. One debt we will always have is the debt of love which includes ALL people and even to strangers in need. There are two great commandments; love God and love your neighbor. We all love ourselves quite well and Paul is saying we are to extend the same love to other faulty sinners that extended to ourselves as a faulty sinner. This debt of love requires self sacrifice and self denial – thought and effort. It involves not just our feelings but also our actions; a commitment, a sacrifice of ourselves to seek the higher good of the one loved. Paul cites 4 of 10 commandments to show what love does NOT do – they are all based on self love, not love of God or others.

We are responsible for the life we have lived – no one will stand for us, we stand alone. The responsibilities to God supersede all other responsibilities. There is ordinarily no conflict but when there is we must obey God. The Spirit rules in the church and the moral law rules in the world. Kingdoms come and kingdoms go but the kingdom of God will come and it is permanent. Today is the only day in which we have the opportunity to serve the Lord.

I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is a reasonable service. (2) And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (3) For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

The letter to the Romans was written to the faithful in Rome by the apostle Paul. In our verses today, the doctrinal part of the epistle is over and Paul now gives practical lessons. The sum of all Paul has written is the doctrine of justification, sanctification and salvation of men; these results are not attributed in any way to human merit. The mercy of God delivered us from sin and misery. Mercy means the faithful are delivered from the condemnation we deserve and grace is blessings we do not deserve. In Christ’s sacrifice it is reasonable to consecrate ourselves to God; there must be a corresponding holiness of life. Our verses deal with the Christian’s most important relationship – our relationship to God which is foundational and governs all our conduct. God in His mercy redeemed men and they should devote themselves to Him.

In faith, in Christ, we are reborn – our hearts and minds have been changed from hostility to God to loving God. Renewal is change from within. We are not just to use God to get out of problems – “foxhole conversion” – but to live out of gratitude for God’s mercy which is a heartfelt desire to please God. Reference to this evil age is in contrast to the coming eternal age. We are not to be wrapped up in temporal things, to think within a frame of reference bounded by the limits of our life on earth but to think of our destiny as the redeemed and chosen children of God. All sin and all obedience begin in the mind. Commitment to God is an act of will and is progressive as living sacrifices have a way of crawling off the altar.

Pride is the root of every sin we commit. Humility comes from our recognition of our absolute dependence on our Creator – it is the root of all virtue. Humility is focussed on God, not self. As c.s.Lewis wrote “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.”

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! (34) “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor? Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to Him?” (38) For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. Our verses begin with an outburst of praise to God (called doxology) for His wisdom, His judgment and His ways. What prompted these views? The most natural consideration is this praise refers to all the apostle refers to in chapter 11. Paul has finished the plan of redemption: he clearly presented the doctrines of justification, sanctification, the certain salvation to all believers, election, the calling of the Gentiles, the present rejection and final restoration of the Jews. Paul is overcome with the idea that God is all and man is nothing. God is infinitely exalted above his creatures.

Man can do nothing to place God under obligation. We are justified not in our own merit but the merit of Christ. The faithful are sanctified by the Spirit of God – chosen to salvation not on grounds of anything in them but according to God’s purpose. Man has neither merit or power but rests on God’s sovereign mercy alone. God is the source, the means and the end. By Him are all things directed and governed. God’s plan for salvation extends beyond human ability to comprehend and is so complex that humans cannot discover it without the aid of divine revelation. God’s purposes and His accomplishment of them are especially revealed in the cross of Christ which is foolishness to the so called “wise” of this world. God knows all things that will happen, knows all things that have happened, and judges people on that basis. We can hide nothing from God. God’s knowledge and judgment are beyond comprehension.

The point of our verse today is to humble us before God – to see what God has done for us in Christ. God is the source from which all things come, by which all things happen and the goal toward which all things move. In my research for today I came across a story about Mohammad Ali who was on a plane and refusing to fasten his safety belt. He told the stewardess that “Superman don’t need no belt”. The stewardess relied that “Superman don’t need no plane.” Ali fastened his safety belt as should we.

For I speak to you Gentiles inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, (14) if by any means I may provoke to jealously those who are my flesh and save some of them.(15) For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?….(29) For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. (30) For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, (31) even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. (32) For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. He devotes chapter 11 to deal with the matter of the future of the Jews in light of God’s promises to that nation. Relatively few Jews believed in Jesus Christ as savior while many Gentiles were believing and coming into the kingdom. This is the dilemma in our verses today – God made many promises to Israel and could God’s promises fail? Paul writes that Israel’s rejection is temporary, not permanent. And God used their present rejection of Christ to spread the gospel among Gentiles. Then He will use the Gentiles reception of the gospel to bring the Jews to faith.

Israel was given special privileges as gifts from God and He will not withdraw them. Even while Israel resists God’s plan centered in the Messiah, the Lord is at work bringing the Gentiles to salvation. This salvation of the Gentiles not only magnifies the grace of God but will also provoke Israel to jealousy and lead that nation ultimately to return to the Lord. Paul makes the point that Israel’s rejection is partial, not total; there is a remnant of believing Jews, Paul being among them. Israel’s rejection is temporary, not permanent. The Jews said no to Christ so the gospel was offered to the Gentiles and many gladly accepted. God has designed and guided history to display the reliability of His promises – He controls how things turn out to accomplish His purposes.

The themes in our verses are disobedience (disbelief) and mercy. Paul is NOT saying God will save every one but is addressing the Gentiles and Jews as nations, not individuals. It is God’s great plan of redemption – God’s sovereign choice to save whom He chooses and not up to man’s free will. Looking at history and God’s dealings with Gentiles and Jews as groups we see both groups cut off from God’s mercy because of disobedience but both groups will experience His mercy as history unfolds. The gospel came from the Jews to the Gentiles and so it is to return from the Gentiles to the Jews.

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I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, (2) that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. (3) For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh, (4) who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God and the promises, (5) of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen.

The letter to the Romans was written to the faithful in Rome by the apostle Paul. Our verses today follow Paul’s statement that nothing could separate him/the faithful from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. In chapter 9 he immediately turns to those without Christ – his kinsmen. What some saw as an attack on the Jews was not that at all; he spoke truth so that they might see the need for the righteousness of Christ Jesus – he goes to great lengths to convince the Jews of what he was saying. Paul was speaking hypothetically trying to convey how deeply he was burdened for the salvation of the Jews. But he knew such a prayer was not permissible and would not result in the salvation of the Jews. It meant nothing more than he was willing to suffer the utmost misery for the sake of his brethren. Paul wanted to assure them of his love and respect.

The nation of Israel had unique spiritual privileges but were lost – great privilege will not save any one unless they respond to them. They were adopted by God as His chosen people; they were under the light and protection of God. Israel had the prophets, the promises, the service of God, the priesthood, the temple. Israel would not only be saved but the Gentiles also through God’s promise to Abraham. They read the messianic promises – the great promise of redemption which would climax in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. But the Jews rejected Christ. They trusted in their religious privilege, their heritage, not in the Messiah. They were exposed to the truth but rejected it. Israel’s failure was due to pride and self sufficiency – they sought to be saved by works rather than grace. Scripture makes it clear that salvation is a work of grace and the eternal life of the Bible is a free gift.

The gospel preached by Paul is to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah revealed by Scripture, who is eternal God in human flesh; Who became sacrifice for sin in our stead, Who was raised bodily from the dead and is Lord over all. He is our refuge. Lean on the cross and the blood and have assurance of everlasting life, the resurrection of the body, a heavenly home and the indwelling Spirit.

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For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. (17) For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (18) And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. (19) And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;

2 Peter is written by the apostle Peter, written when he knows he is about to be executed. It is his witness centering in the person of Jesus Christ, Son of God. Peter links his epistle with his great experience on the Mount of Transfiguration. The Transfiguration was a glimpse of the glory of God where he beheld the Lord as He will be when He returns – the veil was lifted and the intrinsic glory of Christ Jesus that he shared with the Father was revealed and affirmed the unique, majestic, glorious Son of God.

In our verses today Peter gives us two elements of the foundation of faith: the apostolic witness to Jesus Christ and the written prophetic revelation of God in Scripture. Peter explicitly denies making up tales about Jesus but accuses false teachers of doing so. The apostles – Peter, James and John were present at the Transfiguration and proclaimed what they saw and heard. This was not a subjective vision or dream. Peter tells his audience to pay attention to the Word as a lamp shining in the dark until Christ returns – when the morning star rises in our hearts. He compares the day dawn which is preceded by the rising of the morning star to the Lord who will appear as the morning start for the faithful.

Jesus Christ is coming again – He will return bodily in power and glory to judge the wicked and to bring final redemption and eternal glory to His people. C.s.Lewis always puts it better than I can: “Some day (and what if this present were the world’s last night,?) an absolutely correct verdict – if you like, a perfect critique – will be passed on what each of us is.”

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (29) For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. (30). Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called , these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today we study election ; God has chosen His saints according to His good pleasure – not according to the faith He foresees, not according to their works but according to His good pleasure. The man/woman who loves God is the individual who has been brought to faith by God. Apart from God’s initiative none seek Him as we are born spiritually dead in the sin of Adam and do not want God. The general call of the gospel goes out to all people but it is not effectual for some because of their hardened hearts. God’s call cannot fail by our sinful will. Simply put, God chose to set His love on some and predestined these to salvation – this is not primarily about us or our happiness but so that Christ “might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

Our salvation is all about the supremacy of Jesus Christ. This is Gods eternal purpose and for the faithful it is secure. God is working all the trials in our lives – great or small – together for our ultimate good. Our happiness isn’t the final goal but to glorify Christ for all eternity. God did not make up His eternal purpose based on what sinners would do as this would make man sovereign, not God. He determines beforehand what He will do and how He will do it. All things don’t just “happen” to work out for good on their own. Romans 8:28 does not promise all things work together for ALL people but God’s promise is good only for His elect. The faithful come willingly because He has made them willing by His free grace. We are not to look at life from the human side but from the divine standpoint. The doctrine of sovereign election is intensely practical especially when we face trials which teach us to submit to God and trust in Him.

There is great comfort in knowing and accepting that sovereign God is working all things together for the good of His people. God’s purpose means there are no accidents. God’s call always accomplishes His purpose of giving life to the spiritually dead so that they will respond. Salvation is always of the Lord.

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered. (27) Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

The letter to the Romans was written to the faithful in Rome by the apostle Paul. The Holy Spirit has been the main focus of chapter 8 and today’s verses are not introducing a new subject. The Spirit of God is indwelling in every believer and is the primary agent in our sanctification, our spiritual journey. The Spirit, like hope, sustains and supports the believer for He teaches us how to pray. We don’t know what to pray for as we don’t know what’s best for us. The Spirit gives our desires a language heard and understood by God; He intercedes for us and acts as our advocate. In the indwelling Spirit the believer enjoys some of what they are to receive hereafter.

The Spirit teaches us how to pray and guides us in what to pray for; gives us appropriate desires and works within us to awaken certain desires and feelings in our hearts. It is a joint agency of divine and human, more especially in those emotions and aspirations which we are unable to put into words. Some emotions are too big for words. The desires produced by the Spirit are agreeable to the will of God and Paul is teaching here about the release of the soul from the body in which the sin principle dwells – the release from those attitudes and dispositions that turn us from God – the seeking after desires of flesh and mind; seeking to be great in this world. The Spirit makes intercession for us when we don’t know what or how to pray.

The point of our verses today is we should pray according to God’s will as best we can but if God’s decreed will differs from our prayers, the Spirit will correct our requests. This is exactly in line with step 11 of the 12 steps of Acoholics Anonymous: “Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understand Him, praying only for the knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry it out.”

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (19) For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. (20) For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; (21) because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. (20) For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now, (23) Not only that, but we also have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly awaiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul to the faithful in Rome addressing the certainty of God’s eternal plan of redemption. All of history since the fall is marked by suffering – violence and death are not natural but the result of the curse of man’s sin – this text assumes God is the creator of all that is and it is not by chance or random. Suffering is the result of sin – the whole human race sinned in Adam and the curse of God fell on man- the subjection of corruption was by the voluntary act of man’s divinely constituted head and representative but it was not final and hopeless because in Christ man will be delivered into the glorious redemption – delivered from present misery and desire of future good. Our verses give a wide perspective of God’s great plan of redemption which is at the heart of Paul’s theology. In faith, in Christ, we have been saved and in this power we live. We are sustained in suffering, which is relatively insignificant to eternal life, is Paul’s doctrine of grace. We walk by faith, not by sight.

Paul broadened his view of glorification to include all of creation. Because of the fall God subjected the whole of creation to futility so it never reached the perfection He originally intended it to receive. The whole of rational and irrational creation, animate and inanimate – the whole human race – is under the curse of God because of sin. Paul is thinking about release from this body in which the sin principle dwells. The Holy Spirit who dwells in us at the moment of faith in ways that are not the ways of articulate speech and intercedes for the faithful. There are 2 sets of sons on this earth: the sons of God who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and the sons of disobedience. For the latter the future is not glory but the future is wrath. They shall have a resurrection but it will be to judgment and damnation. The faithful shall have a resurrection into life. By God’s command the Israelites were to offer to God the first fruits of their harvest, confident the rest of the harvest will follow. Just so, Christ is called the first fruit of resurrection meaning there are others who are going to be resurrected; that is you and I.

The day will come for the renewal of creation, both man and the renewal of the earth, when the curse of Genesis 3 will be removed. Future glory includes full renewal of creation to its original perfection and purpose. There will be freedom from sin and its corruption including the full redemption of our bodies. Now we are able NOT to sin but in glory we will NOT BE ABLE to sin. From c.s.lewis in his book The Great Divorce (my favorite) he writes “Son, ‘he said, ‘ye cannot in your present state understand eternity…….That is what mortals misunderstand. They say of some temporal suffering, “No future bliss can make up for it,” not knowing that Heaven once attained, will work backward and turn even that agony into a glory. And of some sinful pleasure they say “Let me have but this and I’ll take the consequences”: little dreaming how damnation will spread back and back into their past and contaminate the pleasure of the sin. Both processes begin even before death.”

But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. ….(11) But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. (12) Therefore, brethren, we are debtors – not to the flesh. (13) For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. He has just finished with God’s plan of salvation – we are justified in faith in Jesus Christ without the works of the law – and now moves in chapter 8 to the theme of security of believers. He begins with my favorite verse of Romans: 8:1, a statement that required no qualifying clause, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” God sees the believer in Christ Jesus and thus seen, he is free from all condemnation. All question of judgment is settled. We are reminded that two exactly opposite principles are involved. We either live after the flesh as natural man and unsaved/alienated from God or we live after the Spirit, in faith in Christ, reborn of the word and Spirit of God. There are only two ways to live with only two outcomes – to live according to the flesh ends in eternal death; to live according to the Spirit ends with eternal life. Our flesh is our old nature that we were born with and to live according to its desires is self centered and opposed to God.

Sin always destroys lives , always dangles the promise of happiness, fulfillment and satisfaction but that is only bait to lure the victim into a trap which leads to eternal death. We rationalize our behavior, excuse it, tolerate it as normal or even a good thing. Here we also have Paul’s assurance of the continuing struggle that goes on in a believer’s life – sanctification is a process. Since God has claimed the believer we owe nothing to the flesh and are not debtors to its service. The body is for the Lord – Paul is talking here about the body of the living believer who has new life in a body subject to physical death. Because God raised up Christ there is ground to believe He would raise up His people also – the redemption of Christ extends to the bodies as well as the souls of His people.

There is no profit, no holiness, no happiness for those who are out of Christ. The necessity of holiness is absolute while the destruction of sin is a slow and painful process. We are to behave as we believe.

Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? (4) Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we should walk in the newness of life……(8) knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. (10) For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all: but the life that He lives, He lives to God. (11) Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead, indeed to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. In today’s verses, Paul teaches the most common and yet unfounded objection to the doctrine of faith is it allows men to live in sin so that grace may more abound and this notion comes from ignorance of the doctrine of sanctification. Such is the nature of the believer’s union in Christ that this living in sin is not merely inconsistent but a contradiction in terms. Union with Christ as the only source of holiness cannot be the source of sin – this is unfounded and absurd. To share His benefits we must be conformed to His life. We are not delivered from sin in order to live in it.

Paul is teaching/ proving that our union, in Jesus Christ is completely opposed to a life of continuing sin. But he knows we are prone to forget our new position in Christ which is the foundation for holy living. In faith in Christ we would live in victory over sin – Christ paid the penalty for us but also provides the power we need to overcome sin on a daily basis. The faithful don’t live in sin as they used to do, now baptized in Christ, because they aren’t the same person. Before we were in Adam and now we are in Christ. In Adam we were dead in sin. In Faith we are dead TO sin and alive in Christ. Paul is talking about what God has revealed, not the knowledge that we gain by personal experiences. Some view salvation as a deliverance only from the consequences of sin and it’s penalty rather than deliverance from its power as well. When we trusted in Christ we were united with Him – a past action with ongoing results. We are not now dead physically but joined to Him in spiritual benefits of His death. Our unregenerate life is over so we do not need to obey our old nature. Knowing who we are in Christ is the foundation of how we are to live in Christ.

Some evidently think that to go on happily in sin – now saying in effect that once we have believed in Jesus Christ we may be rather loose in our Christian life – free from the moral law of God. Being a believer and living in sin is contrary to biblical teaching. If our new life is characterized by sin it’s not the life of salvation. The point is, in faith it is impossible to go on living in sin. But our nature might reason in a contrary way and tell the believer that as long as he/she is under grace and not the law, it matters little how we behave. That the believer is free to sin since his/her works have nothing to do with salvation. BUT as reborn the faithful do not want the liberty to sin. Sin is in one respect a faithful master. It’s payday is sure. It’s wages are death. Scripture clearly tells of divine judgment after sin’s wages have been paid. On the other hand eternal life is a free gift, the gift of God. None can earn it. It is given to all who believe the gospel.

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and this death spread to all men, because all sinned – (13) (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. (14) Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. (15)But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. Today’s verses are difficult text but the idea is fairly clear; Paul is teaching the doctrine of imputed righteousness in Christ Jesus as opposed to imputed physical and spiritual death through the one act of Adam. God withdrew from us as He did from Adam. As the representative head of the human race, in Adam’s sin we are condemned through no fault of our own individually but ALSO we are justified/accepted by God individually in Jesus Christ through no merit of our own. Death is a necessary consequence of sin; death passes through/reaches to all because in Adam all sinned. Death is universal because sin is universal. The only way to escape the effects of the fall of the human race is through Christ’s righteous act, imputed to us by grace through faith.

We have a sin nature that is given to us when we are born and Paul is drawing an analogy between justification and condemnation. Paul contrasts our old identity in Adam with our new identity in Christ. God’s gracious gift of righteousness in Christ is far greater than the devastation of sin that resulted from Adam’s disobedience. The tree was a test of man’s dependence on God and sin is ultimately unbelief. Through Adam sin entered the human race – it had existed previously as the serpent came in to the garden with sin so what Adam did was not the origin of sin but just sin in man. It had also existed in the angelic sphere evidently long before the sin in the garden. The spiritual death Adam died the moment he took the fruit is lived out ultimately in physical death. The remedy for spiritual death is eternal life in faith in Christ. The remedy for physical death is the resurrection of the body. But there is no there is no remedy for eternal death when there is no response to the revelation of God.

C.S. Lewis writes in Mere Christianity “The moment you have a self at all, there is a possibility of putting yourself first – wanting to be at the center – wanting to be God, in fact. That was the sin of Satan: and that was the sin he taught the human race……..what Satan put into the heads of our remote ancestors was the idea that they ‘could be like Gods’ – could set up on their own as if they had created themselves – be their own masters – invent some sort of happiness for themselves outside God, apart from God.”

For when we were without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (7) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. (8) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us. (9) Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. (10) For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. (11) And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. In chapter 5 he has one main idea – that the ground of sinner’s acceptance with God is not in himself but by the merit of Christ Jesus. We were/are not able to recognize spiritual truth nor, in sin, did we want to. In sin we were alienated with God and rejected Him. But He came to us in Christ’s perfect atoning death – we were helpless without strength when God in grace gave His Son who died for ungodly sinners in whom no merit could be found. Peace was made by the blood of Christ’s cross and is the abiding state into which every believer enters. It is a settled thing – He accomplished it, not we. Much more then, the faithful are cleared of every charge and by the blood of the Son of God we are forever beyond the reach of divine vengeance against sin. .

But we must still walk through the desert and there are tribulations. The first thing affected is the breaking down of our wills. God must be sovereign and in faith man should find opportunities for acceptance but instead often finds bewilderment and perplexity. We are forced to let God be God. Man is troubled by efforts to gain peace through his own activities. – he cannot be justified by penance, seeking merit, favor of God by one’s works. Paul means here the peace when entering the greatest of all relationships – relationship with the Lord God. In faith we have a change of will, change of disposition so that the thing we did not want we came to want. Brought to us is the conviction of the saving work of the Lord Jesus. The gift of Christ to die on our behalf is everywhere in Scripture represented as the highest possible proof of the love of God to sinners. Christ died for the ungodly – all of us. Not that we loved God but that He loved us.

Christ’s death put man in a savable condition but people still need to experience full reconciliation with God by believing in His Son. Redemption is not by truth or moral influence but by blood. All we have or hope for we owe to Jesus Christ, secured through faith, and by Christ Jesus and not by our own works or merits.

The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? (17) For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. Our verses today teach a spiritual and not a corporal participation of the blessings of Christ’s body and blood. All it asserts is the fact of participation – the nature of participation must be determined by other sources.

The cup of blessing is a reference to the common Jewish expression for the last cup of wine drunk at many meals. The faithful bless the cup – give thanks to God for the cup because of what it symbolizes, namely, our sharing in the benefits of Christ’s shed blood – the blood of Christ by which we have justification by faith in the atonement that our Lord has accomplished. Likewise the bread used at the Christian feast, the Lord’s Supper, is symbolic of believers participation in the effects of Christ’s slain body. The term one bread stands for unity – solidarity – of our relationship as a redeemed community in Christ. When wine as wine is not the symbol of Christ’s blood but only when it is consecrated for that purpose. It is set aside from a common to a sacred use. It is not Christ’s literal blood and body.

There is a lot of division in our understanding of Holy Communion whether it is transubstantiation or symbolic or other. C.S. Lewis notes that Holy Communion is the only rite we know of the Lord himself instituted. He writes that he finds “no difficulty in believing that the veil between the worlds nowhere else (for me) so opaque to the intellect, is nowhere else so thin and permeable to divine operation. Here a hand from the hidden country touches not only my soul but my body. Here the prig, the don, the modern in me have no privilege over the savage or the child. Here is big medicine and strong magic…..The commandment, after all, was Take, eat: not Take, understand.”

Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. (12) Greet one another with a holy kiss. (13) All the saints greet you.

The second letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. Paul founded the church there, stayed for a year and a half and departed to Ephesus where he was warned by Christians from Corinth of certain abuses there. He then wrote 1st Corinthians which was delivered by Timothy. Then Paul himself made a quick and discouraging trip back to that city where his gospel and authority as an apostle was questioned. He returned to Ephesus where he wrote what is called the “sorrowful” letter which has not been preserved. Perhaps because of the sorrowful letter Paul later received a good report on reform on Corinth from Titus which led to the letter we study today, 2nd Corinthians.

Thr church was struggling with divisions and quarrels; claims of spirituality superiority over one another, suing one another in public courts, abusing the communal meal and sexual misbehavior. But it appears that problems had been solved by time 2nd Corinthians was written. Many repented and came back to unity with one another under the leadership of Paul.

In our verses today Paul concludes 2 Corinthian with cheerful words after reproofs. He calls them to be of one mind – which simply means NOT that we agree on everything which we never could. Basically Paul write a lesson in unity where we NOT agree on non essentials but we ARE to be in unity in the essentials. He call for a holy kiss was cultural where the men kiss the men and the women kiss the women. The grace of the Lord will shower them – meaning grace that comes from Jesus Christ, ( the redeeming grace that flows from Christ Jesus), not grace shown to Christ, just as also love of God doesn’t mean our love for God but God’s love for us.

For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. (23) Not only that, but we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. (24) For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? (25) But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. (26) Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession focus with groaning which cannot he uttered. (27) Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul writes of the believer’s journey from bondage of corruption to the glorious liberty of the children of God. The faithful are sons and daughters through faith in Christ Jesus – their spirit is redeemed now in faith but their bodies will be redeemed as well. Before this glory there is a period of suffering or a period of groaning as our outward body perishes. Groanings are the source of hope because they testify that the best is yet to be. When man fell his creation was cursed by God. All of human tragedy is part of groaning until Christ came to redeem us. Paul is saying creation not only groans in reference to the past and sin but now, in faith, a new birth and new creation is to be the result. So not only are there death pangs but birth pangs; human yearnings for deliverance from pains and sorrows of an obviously incomplete and imperfect existence. Groaning continues as long as we are here on earth.

Paul is talking about not the manner but the content of prayer. We are to pray that God’s will be done. Paul personifies creation groaning as it waits for the culmination for God’s people that will trigger the release from judgment to which all people have been subject since Adam and Eve sinned – but also God’s judgment on creation, not only the botanical world but the animal come under the curse. Violence, decay and death are part of the result of the curse. But the fact of suffering does not undermine that fact that God has a plan and He will accomplish this plan. God’s pledge is that He will complete the promise of salvation of the faithful.

I thought of C.S.Lewis (writing in Mere Christianity) when I read today’s verses: “Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to be making any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of – throwing out a new wing here, putting an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself. “

The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, (2) until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, (3) to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them and speaking of things pertaining to the kingdom of God. (4) And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, “which”, He said, “you have heard from Me, (5) for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (6) Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” (7) And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. (8) But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (9) Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. (10) And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, (11) who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

The book of the Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke, physician, historian and the only Gentile author of the Bible. The first verses link Acts with the introduction of Luke’s gospel – he wanted to show the accounts were based on eyewitness testimony given by credible men in the face of strong opposition and even death. Luke also intended to explain how the gospel spread from Jerusalem to Rome; to both Jews and Gentiles with God’s purpose. Acts shows us the transition that lasted from the death of Jesus to the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Acts records many miraculous signs with the main message centered on the resurrection of Christ Jesus from the dead. It authenticates Jesus as the Messiah and the offering of forgiveness of sin in His name. The apostles were given unusual miraculous powers authenticating them as witnesses of the Christ and His resurrection from the dead.

Luke speaks of instruction by Jesus between His resurrection and ascension by the resurrected man. For 40 days He instructed them for the months and years to follow, and then was taken up in His physical body. This is the teaching of the Word of God. This is the Christ, a real man, the mediator between God and man who gave Himself as ransom for all. And His intercession before His Heavenly Father makes our salvation a certainty. Before the Lord was taken up He gave commandments to the apostles He had chosen. He announces the great commission that they were to evangelize ALL nations – but first they must receive the power from the coming Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. These men, in the Spirit, laid the foundation of the church. They lived and died for the gospel. Christ’s work was to continue through His obedient church; the Great Commission men were merely the instruments of the Lord who was at work through them. Salvation is God at work – God who saves men when they cannot save themselves.

Christianity is a faith rooted in history. Christianity is God’s revelation of Himself in the person of Jesus Chrisr. God is at work in history through every Christian who has received the Holy Spirit at the moment of faith and walks in the Spirit.

Then Phillip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. (6) And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Phillip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. (7) For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. (8) And there was great joy in that city……..(14) Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, (15) who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. (16) For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (17) Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

The Book, Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke, writer of the gospel, historian and physician. Without Acts a significant historical gap would exist between the events of the gospel and the writing of the New Testament epistles. To understand our verses today we need to understand the history of Samaria which had been the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, which fell to the Assyrians in the eighth century B.C. They resettled many of the Jewish population and relocated Gentiles from other areas into the region resulting in a mix of Jews and Gentiles. This was anathema to the remaining kingdom of Judah. Jesus was of the tribe of Judah. Now, the gospel was soon to be sent to the Gentiles and Phillip (not the apostle but a newly appointed deacon of the church) went to Samaria and was the messenger and witness of God.

After the martyrdom of Stephen – another deacon – the first persecution of the church began. This was a continued rejection of Christ by the Jews and the faithful were scattered abroad and the message of the gospel went everywhere they went. Phillip want to Samaria where he proclaimed the good news of Christ Jesus and many believed. The clear teaching of Acts that all believers receive the Holy Spirit through faith at the moment of salvation was not true only in Samaria where the faithful had to be subject to the authority of the apostles. John and Peter were sent to confirm Phillips’s work – the apostles were commissioned by Christ as teachers to all nations – they laid hands on the believing Samaritans, signifying apostolic approval which was necessary because of the animosity between the two groups. The laying on of hands identified the church in Samaria with the work in Jerusalem.

Prayer precedes nearly every significant event in Acts. Acts presents flawed saints through whom a sovereign God worked. God wants to reach all people – there are cultural differences but the message doesn’t change. All have sinned and all need a Savior. The gospels recorded the end of the beginning of salvation through Christ Jesus and in Acts we are told beginning of the end of salvation history.

Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. (2) Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “it is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. (3) Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; (4) but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word. “(5) And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Phillip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicholas, a proselyte from Antioch, (6) whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

The Book of Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke, gospel writer, physician and historian. Our verses today describe problem solving in the early Church – which had gone from the Church alone in the upper room to the Church in the world. The scene is being set for for the stoning of the first martyr, Stephen, and the scattering of the church. The point in our verses is for balance – if there are inward problems not solved, eventually these problems will result in discord. The early mission of the apostles was the task of taking the gospel to the world. The Hellenistic (Greek) Jewish Christians – those who lived outside of Palestine – felt their widows and orphans were being neglected. The solution of the 12 was to have the church pick men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom to serve while they continued their true work of prayer and ministry.

The apostles met about the problem and called together the whole congregation – they explained their philosophy of ministry, laid out guidelines, tasked the congregation to find seven qualified men as remedy. They recognized and implemented the division of labor on the basis of spiritual gifts. The apostolic spiritual leaders must maintain the focus on prayer and the ministry of God’s Word and the newly appointed (similar to today’s deacons) j leaders at every level must be spiritually qualified and full of the Spirit. This process was a blend between apostolic direction and congregational participation.

The apostles put prayer first – there is no effectual ministry unless preceded by prayer which is the expression of dependence on God. Seven men were chosen; all their names are Greek indicating they were from the dissident group. The laying on of hands is first mentioned here in the New Testament. This goes back to Leviticus where it meant identification of the Israelites with the offering itself. The apostles identified themselves and the assembly with them in the work for which they had been chosen. The result was the work of God increased with great energy from the Spirit and the number of disciples increased greatly. They preached the time for sacrifice has passed away and the Law and ritual of the Temple was about to vanish.

But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words…….(36) “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” (37) Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (38) Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (39) For the promise is to you and your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” (40) And with many other words he testified and exhorted them saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” (41) Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.

The book Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke, physician, historian, beloved of the apostle Paul. This book begins with the ascension of Christ Jesus and chronicles the spread of the gospel and the growth of the church in its first three decades. Our verses today record the speech of Peter on that first Pentecost Day – the same day as the Jews celebrated the Feast of Weeks which was the second of the three solemn feasts in the Jewish calendar. It occurred 50 days after Passover and required that it be celebrated in Jerusalem by able bodied Jewish men. In just 50 days after the crucifixion Peter and the disciples in Jerusalem had gone from frightened, bewildered people to bold and convinced – ALL of the disciples were implacable in their conviction -that Christ Jesus was/is the Messiah and Lord. On Pentecost day the promises of God to send the empowering and indwelling Holy Spirit were fulfilled. The church was born and the explosion of Christianity in that ancient world began.

Luke’s account tells us of phenomena of that Pentecost Day. There was a tremendous wind that drew a crowd in Jerusalem. There were “tongues” of fire over the heads of the disciples and the gift of tongues was evident. Peter went out to address the crowds who heard Peter in their many different native languages. Peter’s speech was to show the crowd just who Jesus Christ truly is – Lord and Messiah – and who they truly were – sinners in spiritual death who had rejected Christ. Peter’s first sermon set forth the life, death and resurrection of Christ Jesus. Peter also proclaims God’s promise that they will receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit – and this extended to those far off and far away; to the dispersed Jews, the Gentiles and their believing heirs. The crowd responded with conviction of sin – they repented and were baptized. Peter preached boldly, God worked inwardly and the church was launched.

The Spirit came on Pentecost Sunday in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. In this first apostolic speech Peter linked the prophecy of Joel to the coming of the Spirit – I love the haunting beautiful words of Joel 2: 28-29. “And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophecy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. “

And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; (18) knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, (19) but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. (20) He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you (21) who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

Our verses today come from the first letter of Peter, apostle and eyewitness to the risen Lord – they tell us that In faith, in Christ, we have a special relationship to God by virtue of our calling from slaves dead to physical and spiritual life to new birth and life by the grace of God. In ancient times there were slaves, freemen and freed men. There were many reasons for slaves – war, bankruptcy, sale of themselves, by parents or by birth. The ransom price could be provided by someone else. The death of Christ was/is substitutionary and freed us from the spiritual bondage of sin. Peter emphasizes the freedom from previously sinful lifestyles to changed and holy lifestyles.

To live a holy lifestyle isn’t automatic; we are to love/live carefully, focused in purpose, fighting against the pull of the world. We should be holy because God is holy. He will know our lives and judge every motive of our hearts. For those not redeemed by Christ they are still in bondage to sin and death. The imagery goes back to the beginning of people on earth – warned by God if they sinned they would die. This would be physical and spiritual death and alienation from God. God knew from all eternity who was to be Messiah but the particular and personal declaration of Him was reserved until now, at the last times (times of the gospel). In Christ we are no longer alienated from God who judges our stay here on earth – earth is not the home of the faithful.

The Jews derived from the traditions of their elders by which they made the law of God of no effect with a variety of corrupt principles and practices. In like manner Gentiles derived their idolatry from the teaching and examples of their fathers. In sharp contrast, the Messiah was known from the foundation of the world but was manifest only in Christ. Christ Jesus was raised from the dead confirming doctrine, procuring for the faithful the indwelling Spirit and assuring us of our resurrection. Believers are reconciled to God through Christ.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (4) to an inheritance incorruptible and undefined and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, (5) who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (6) In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, (7) that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes,though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, (8) whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, (9) receiving the end of your faith – the salvation of your souls.

The apostle Peter wrote today’s letter – Peter was an eyewitness to the resurrected Christ. His audience was primarily Christian Jews and Peter, a Jewish man, wrote from a Jewish point of view. In faith in Christ, Peter has a new relationship with God – no longer the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob but the “God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Our verses today tell his readers that in faith they went from spiritually dead in sin to a state of definite expectation of the blessings before us; the moment of this expectation was the resurrection of Christ Jesus showing He is sufficient in all things salvation. We have no part in this; salvation does not rest on any ability or work of our own but on the abundant mercy of God assured by the resurrection of Christ Jesus.

Salvation is the living and certain hope of the Christian. This inheritance in Christ is preserved for the faithful – nothing can come between salvation and the faithful. In this blessed hope we are able to rejoice now, even in trials and present sorrows. Everything has changed in the resurrection; the remedy God provided for sin was accomplished by Christ Jesus on Calvary. Now in Christ we are reborn and the work is done in us by the Word and Spirit of God. This is not at all what the Jews expected – it is not an earthly kingdom but an incorruptible inheritance.

If we are not saved, we are lost – we need an eternal perspective. The mother of my best friend used to say “What does it matter in the light of eternity?” At age 18 we found this amusing but not so much now. There is a great change in the hearts of the faithful – a new life and nature which produces love unselfish and pure. Believing the gospel we become children of God and are responsible to walk in dependence on the Lord. We are to behave as we believe.

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. (2) Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. (3) For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (4) When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

The letter to the Colossians was written by the apostle Paul. The verses we study today sum up the main teaching of this epistle – the close personal relationship of all souls to God in Christ, the mediator between God and man. In His atoning death and resurrection the soul in faith passes into life from spiritual death – a new condition. Paul goes to the next stage of spiritual life, the process of sanctification – seeing all things in relation to God. In faith we are to set our sights on things above and the stress here is on the intentional. Life for the Christian is intended to be very different from that of the unbeliever; different in nature, outlook, interest and aim. Christianity is not living in the shadows of the Old Testament nor is it going through endless ritual and tradition, nor is it bound in conscience by religious legalism – not by keeping man made rules. It is by faith.

Secular life in the material, psychological and philosophical world is now opposed to spiritual life in faith. Christ is sufficient. There is no Jesus AND – no good works, rituals, ceremonies. There is nothing man can do to earn his salvation. It is always and everywhere of the Lord. We are to set our minds and hearts on things above and in true faith and regeneration we cannot do otherwise. The indwelling Spirit provides us grace to seek God as He commands. We have received a new life in Christ and are not on probation. Our real life is in Christ; our truest, best interests are in Him. Our source and sustainer of our lives is in His keeping. We are eternally one with Him and nothing can ever separate the Christian from the risen Christ.

We are strangers and pilgrims on this earth. C.S. Lewis writes in Mere Christianity “If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.”

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, (6) who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, (7) but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. (8) And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. (9) Therefore God has also highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, (10) that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, (11) and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The letter to the Philippians was written by the apostle Paul. Our verses teach the doctrine that Jesus added genuine humanity to His eternal deity. His deity was not diminished or laid aside but rather veiled during His earthly ministry; to save us from our sins. The main idea is always of our Lord Jesus Christ as mediator between man and God. Christ laid aside His outward glory – not His deity – He was God in a human body. Christ Jesus was voluntary in His incarnation. He assumed a sinless but finite humanity, being in the form of a man in the reality of His existence in this world while the true nature of God describes Christ’s essential and eternal nature as God. His voluntary fashion as of the true nature of man was the manifestation of Himself to the world in all the weakness of humanity. Outward fashion was all that men could see. His atoning death was the completion of the obedience of His life on the cross. Therefore God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name which is above every name.

In the name of Him who is at once God and man Paul tells his readers that “every knee is to bow” in direct worship to Him – and here denotes worship to Christ, not through Him. The word Lord here means worship paid is worship done to God. The acknowledgment of the glory of Christ is the acknowledgment of glory of the Father as source of deity manifested perfectly in Him. Proper exaltation was of His human nature though in conjunction with His divine nature. His name which is above every name will be confessed as Lord. The Kingdom of Christ reaches to the heavens and the earth – all creatures in each, angels as well as men, dead as well as living. Whatever honor and respect is paid to Christ resounds to the honor of the Father. In the ultimate reality of Christ’s exaltation and lordship believers bow willingly before Jesus. Unbelievers will bow against their wills but they will bow. Under the earth Satan and the demonic forces WILL bow. To honor Christ is to honor the Father because Jesus is God.

Ultimately we shall see Him as He is and the faithful shall be like Him. Every knee must bow at the name of Jesus – even infernal beings, yet this does not make them saved beings. This passage does not teach that all the lost will be saved.

So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (9) But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. (10) And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. (11) But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul and he is addressing the faithful in Rome. The faithful who believe in Christ Jesus belong to Him for time and eternity. They are those who do not walk according to the flesh (natural man) but according to the Spirit – they have been justified by faith in Christ and enjoy new life and peace with God. The unbelieving (those in the flesh or natural man) are hostile toward God and spiritually incapable of trusting Christ for salvation. This human inability is the fundamental fact of theology. Self ruin is possible but self recovery is not. Faith is contrary to the principle of good works.

In verse 9, Paul turns to the faithful who are not in the flesh but in the Spirit. The test of genuine Christianity is the indwelling Spirit; His presence is manifest in the christian behavior and a guarantee of deliverance. We walk in the Spirit but deliverance – sanctification – is a process. The Lord Christ Jesus has delivered believers from spiritual death; our physical body will die because of sin but one day our mortal body will be resurrected through the indwelling Spirit.

The vital thing about faith in Christ is the Spirit has caused us to be born again. The Spirit dwells in every believer and enables them/us to live a holy life (sanctification) and helps us to pray. We want/need to live a holy life which reminds me of Martin Luther who declared “Here I stand. I can do no other.” We strive to behave as we believe.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (9) (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), (10) finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. (11) And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. (12) For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. (13) But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. (14) Therefore He says: “Awake you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.”

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul tells us how we, as children of the light, should relate to a morally dark world – he is not giving specific directions but providing comprehensive guiding principles. As natural man we were in darkness, neither able or wanting to know God; living entirely for ourselves. Those who walk in darkness are said to be themselves darkness. Now in faith, we are children of the Light – the life of Christ is the light of man. If we are reborn of God we possess a new and divine nature to walk in goodness and righteousness and truth. Righteousness is simply doing what is right. Truth has to do with our own inner sincerity – we will be real, genuine in dealing with God and man.

The faithful are to have no sympathy of indulgence or excuse for the deeds of darkness. We are not to relate to the lost; to become so much like the world in it’s attitudes and behavior. We can minimize cultural differences but are warned to not compromise the gospel. Sin has no result but sin and the suffering of the lost. We are charged to expose evil by the light of Christ’s truth. To walk as children of the light we must BE children of the light – a profound change in our new birth in Christ in faith

Paul advises the his readers to wake up from lethargy and carelessness. Reprove the works of darkness by how we live in the light which is the very nature of God – in Him there is no darkness at all. Enjoy peace with God. Wake up. Put things right and then trust God for the rest.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, (2) through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. (5) Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (6) For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (7) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. (8) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. Paul has settled the question that justification is by faith and not man’s good works. All who are justified have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ by the blood of the cross. It is settled forever. We also have access to God by faith alone in Christ alone into the grace in which we stand. Peace here is not a state of mind or heart but a condition; sin had alienated God and man, a breach man could not mend. Our sins are not simply covered but removed in Christ – it is not a precarious state.

The hope of the believer certainly ends in salvation. At the moment of faith in Christ Jesus, the Spirit becomes indwelling – this benefit of justification is hope which will not disappoint. The love of God is in our hearts – given us by the Spirit despite the unworthiness of it’s objects as sinners, ungodly and enemies. We were not able to understand spiritual truth nor, in sin, did we want to. While we were alienated with God and rejected Him, He came to us in Christ’s atoning perfect death. Through the Spirit God worked in us a change of will. In justification the faithful are now children of God.

Our verses today do away with all works based salvation – it is not because of our loveliness but in the constancy of the love of God. Our hope of heaven is secure because it doesn’t have anything to do with us – it is rather in spite of us. It is all and only of grace – all through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, (9) who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, (10) but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

The second letter to Timothy was written by the apostle Paul to his beloved companion and son in Christ. Paul wrote this letter while imprisoned in the Mamertine prison in Rome awaiting execution. Paul was treated like a despised criminal in disgrace all for preaching the gospel and he writes this final letter to Timothy to warn him (and us) against being ashamed of the gospel or ashamed of Paul. The testimony of our Lord is a testimony of a crucified Savior.

The salvation of men was completed in the “shameful” death of Christ and cannot be sought anywhere but in Christ. Death on a cross was considered a curse by the Jews and ignominious to the Romans – so terrible that Roman citizens were legally not to suffer this death. Whoever shall revolt or shrink from the cross will always be afraid of the gospel – some have a crisis of faith, some run at criticism, ridicule, conflict, slander, false accusations. The Christian lives in enemy territory but God will give us strength and power so that we might turn away from present weakness or shame while the unbeliever remains in hardness of heart. The battle is between this world and our holy calling.

The subject of shame is a big one but our verses are confined to shame of testimony of the gospel. The Christian believes this world is passing away and the only shame that matters is from denial of Christ. C.s. Lewis writes in my favorite, ‘The Weight of Glory’ – “in the end that Face which is the delight or terror of the universe must be turned upon each of us with one expression or the other, either conferring glory inexpressible or inflicting shame that can never be cured or disguised. I read in a periodical the other day that the fundamental thing is how we think of God. By God Himself it is not! How God thinks of us is not only more important but infinitely more important.”

(12) Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned – (17) For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. (18) Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. (19) For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.

The great letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today a comparison is stated that by the offense of one (Adam) all are condemned, so by the righteousness of another (Christ) the faithful are justified and given eternal life. Paul is talking not just physical death but spiritual death in alienation from God. We are not sinners because we sin; we sin because we are sinners in our union with Adam who was the represented head of the human race and the proof that Adam’s sin affected all the human race is that death is universal. When Adam sinned all his descendants sinned. In like manner all of Christ’s descendants, born again spiritually through faith are identified with Him and counted righteous – not because of their own deeds but because of Christ’s deed.

Imputation is one of the great theological words that describes coming from another. In theological terms it means to make a real grant of righteousness to another on the grounds of the mediation of Jesus Christ. Another act of imputation is that of Adam’s sin to his posterity – to ALL of us. In Adam’s sin we stand under God’s condemnation BUT it is also the reason Christ Jesus came. Condemnation and death come by the first Adam – faith, righteousness, justification and life come by the last Adam, Christ Jesus. Evil existed before Adam sinned; the serpent was in the Garden with a sinful act and a sinful attitude. So Adam’s sin was not original but has to do with the origin of sin in the human race. The principle of collective judgment is found throughout the Bible.

We are condemned through no fault of our own but we are justified through Christ Jesus through NO merit of our own. We are saved by virtue of what Christ has done. What Adam has done affects our present lot but not our eternal lot. What Jesus Christ has done affects our eternal life. All who are in Adam are condemned. All who are in Christ are justified. The remedy for spiritual death is eternal life in Christ. The remedy for physical death is the resurrection of the body. There is no remedy for eternal death.

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (17) If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. (18) Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise (19) For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”, (20) and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” (21) Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours:(22) whether Paul or Apollo’s, or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come – all are yours. (23) And you are Christs’s and Christ’s is God’s.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. Our verses today concern the temple of God in the faithful where God and the Spirit of God dwell within us. Anything profane in the believer, every separate church and the church collectively is a direct offense to God. False doctrine is therefore sacrilege. The temple of God is Holy and cannot be violated with impunity. In this sense everything consecrated to God is Holy, especially any place or person in which He dwells.

Paul warns that no man deceive himself and mistakenly substitute the wisdom of God for the worthlessness of human wisdom. Human knowledge is inadequate to save man. To glory in any person or thing is to trust him/her – to regard ourselves as blessed because of our relationship to them. Ministers are mere servants, nothing in themselves – they are not the ground of the believer’s confidence, especially in Corinth with their cult of personalities. There they aligned themselves with charismatic men; of Apollos, of Paul, of Cephas. The ministry belongs to the church and is designed for it’s edification – the church does not being to the ministry. The church is subject to and belongs only to Christ.

These verses are a strong warning against taking the church lightly and destroying it with the world’s wisdom and division. Paul continues the subject of spiritual rather than natural wisdom – if his readers insist on taking a natural view of their teachers (worldly wisdom) to form cults of followers they limit God’s blessings in themselves. All things belong to the Christians because the Christian belongs to Christ and all things are His. In Him the faithful possess all things, BUT it is only in Him that we do. You are the temple of God. Take care that you are not in any way defiled. You are set apart because God dwells in you by His Spirit. No unclean place can be the home of God.

However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. (7) But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, (8) which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. (9) But as it is written “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (10) But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today the apostle is talking about the wisdom of God as opposed to the wisdom of this world. Paul thought of worldly wisdom as ostentatious display and manipulation – loved by those who love pomp, power and prestige. The “wise men” of his day/our day don’t have an understanding of the great principles of the word of God – about the NEED for divine redemption. Corinthians were inclined to dismiss Paul’s preaching as elementary but Paul is assuring them there is a wisdom of God, which is not wisdom of this age – nor of rulers of this age who are coming to nothing.

Paul is referencing divine illumination as an act of unveiling. God alone can put faith into our hearts. It is not sufficient just to preach the word of God; we are absolutely dependent on the illumination of the Spirit. Paul did not teach philosophy which cannot save men; not that which man derives from his reason which is the wisdom of this world. He teaches redemption. Paul writes of the contrast of the wisdom of this world and the wisdom of God; the contrast is not between rudimentary and higher doctrines of the gospel. There was no distinction between doctrine but modes of teaching.

c.s.lewis wrote “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world………I must take care on the one hand never to despise or be unthankful for, these earthly blessings, and on the other hand never to mistake them for the something else of which they are only a kind of copy, or echo, or mirage.”

And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. (2) For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. (3) I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. (4) And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, (5) that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. Paul had recently come to Corinth from Athens where he had preached an eloquent sermon on Mars Hill with meager results. He then went to preach in Corinth where he put aside everything that was merely human, in absolute dependence on the Spirit. He preached God’s purpose and preached Jesus Christ crucified – a personal saving Christ and the stumbling block for both the Jews and the Gentiles. The central fact of his teaching was uncompromising and the subject matter was the real form of his teaching. The truth of the gospel comes from the Spirit and power of God so there was no glory of a human teacher. Paul was simply a witness.

The truth of the gospel is undiscoverable by the wisdom of men; the revealer is the Holy Spirit because only He knows the secret purposes of God. Paul taught Jesus Christ crucified; not as a teacher of a perfect man which is philosophy but as the Christ dying for our sins. Paul did not use words of man’s wisdom to entice nor his skill in persuasion but taught in demonstration of the power of the Spirit. The success of the gospel does not depend on skills of the preacher – it is not reason or argument but God’s method. Philosophy cannot save men.

c.s.Lewis on faith: “The real thing is the gift of the Holy Spirit which can’t usually be – perhaps not ever – experienced as a sensation or emotion. The sensations are merely the response of your nervous system. Don’t depend on them. Otherwise when they go and you are once more emotionally flat (as you certainly will be quite soon), you might think the real thing had gone too. But it won’t. It will be there when you can’t feel it. May even be most operative when you can feel it least.”

For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise, according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. (27) But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; (28) and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, (29) that no flesh should glory in His presence. (30) But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God – and righteousness and sanctification and redemption – (31) that, as is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.”

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul is directing the Corinthians to look at the facts regarding their own call to Christianity; that most, (not all), called were not of high birth and education. Ancient Christians for the greater part were slaves and those of humble rank. By choosing the weak God had the greater opportunity to manifest His own power; all glory belongs to Him. Paul did not preach the wisdom of the world because God had determined to save men by Christ crucified. God acted as to take away all merit from human wisdom and power and glory – to put to shame the wise and noble. We are nothing previous to our being called even though we might be in the eyes of men; our reality is in the eyes of God.

Christ Jesus in His incarnation became to us God’s revelation of Himself which surpasses any wisdom we could have derived from nature. Men take pride in their philosophies and reasoning powers but no philosophy in the world would ever have reasoned the need for the cross – that in the death of Christ only could men be saved. Men try to work out a way of salvation through systems and rituals. The Spirit of God is far above the power of man to discover.

I’m going back to C.S.Lewis to close: “Reality, in fact, is usually something you couldn’t have guessed. That is one of the reasons I believe in Christianity. It is a religion you could not have guessed. If it offered us just the kind of universe we had always expected, I should feel we were making it up. But, in fact, it is not the sort of thing anyone would have made up. It has just that queer twist about it that real things have.”

Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother. (2) To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours. (3) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The apostle Paul wrote the first letter to the Corinthians. This was an occasional letter to the faithful, written because of problems in the church at Corinth and in in defense of his apostolic calling. Paul was an apostle by the will of God – An apostle was one who had seen the Lord and proclaimed His message and Paul had seen Christ on the road to Damascus. The Will of God had made him God’s chosen vessel. Also, The Corinthians would know the name of Sosthenes as he was the former powerful and respected head of the synagogue in Corinth who became a believer in Christ and had continued on with Paul when he left Corinth for Ephesus.

The church in Corinth was founded by Paul on his second missionary journey; his ministry there began in the synagogue where as a Rabbi he was invited to speak and preached the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises and prophesies in the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Most of the Jews resisted the gospel and Paul declared that he was parting from the Jews and the synagogue and would in the future be known as the apostle to the Gentiles. The time had come to give clear testimony.

Corinth was a pagan culture and many believers were unwilling to divorce themselves from their old selfish immoral ways. It became necessary for Paul to write to correct this. It is believed that there was an earlier corrective letter which has been lost. In 1st Corinthians Paul teaches on many doctrines that directly relate to matters of sin and righteousness. Wrong living stems from wrong beliefs. In the moment of trust in Jesus Christ, God separated the faithful and sets them/us unto Himself in Christ. That moment we were sanctified and that sanctification is a perfect one.

If indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given me for you, (3) how by that revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already),….(5) which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: (6) that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul. Paul received the office of apostleship by direct revelation from Jesus Christ (not by hearsay) concerning the purpose of redemption. It was not attainable by human reason. The special mystery was the union of Jews and Gentiles as joint partakers of the promise of redemption. This union was frequently predicted by the ancient prophets but was not revealed so fully or clearly as under the gospel.

The mystery of the new dispensation that Gentiles are fellow heirs with the Jews, formerly thought the calling of Gentiles in the Old Testament led to the general impression that they were to partake by becoming Jews merged into the old theocracy which was to remain in all its peculiarities. But in the Day of Pentecost it was revealed that the old theocracy itself was to be abolished and a new form introduced designed and adapted for all mankind. There was no more distinction between Jews and Gentiles who now have the same rights to inheritance – all benefits of the covenant of grace, knowledge of truth, justification, adoption, sanctification; indwelling of the Spirit and life everlasting.

Christ Himself is the great mystery of godliness – God manifested in the flesh. He is the revelation of the secret purpose of God which had been hid. The whole plan of salvation designated the mystery of Christ includes far more than the Gentiles were fellow citizens of saints. The only essential and indispensable condition of participation in the benefits of redemption is union with Christ. This union is brought about by the gospel ; not by birth, outward rite, union with an external body but the gospel received and appropriated by faith that we are united to Christ and thus made heirs of God. Wow.

But when fulness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, (5) to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive adoption as sons. (6) And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out “Abba, Father!” (8) Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

The letter to the Galatians was written by the apostle Paul. The Galatians had fallen back from a spiritual system to a material system; from faith in the promise to the law – from freedom to constraint. Freedom is treated directly in the first seven verses of chapter 4. At a time predetermined by God His Son was sent forth; Born of woman and born under the Law – true God and true man – born into a state where all was subject to the law and He was destined to put an end to the Law. He was born to redeem, at the price of His death, both Jew and Gentile from condemnation under the Law and also from bondage and constraint which it’s severe discipline involved that we might receive adoption as sons/daughters. As children of God we have access to God – it is not us who speaks but the Spirit in us by virtue of our adoption. By this redemption, adoption and gift of the Spirit the old state of servitude and minority is past. The Christian is admitted as an heir within – not by any merits of his/her own but by the redemption and adoption by God.

Christ did not come into the world for the purpose of teaching the law but His coming was the abolition of the Law, of sin and death. That God adopted us is due to the merit of Jesus Christ, Son of God, who redeemed us. Early on the visible outpourings of the Spirit were necessary as were miracles but spiritual renewal may not be conspicuous today but be seen by our better judgment and unashamed confession of Christ. The Gospel commands us to look away from our own good works to the promises of God in Christ for our salvation. We are not heirs by accomplishment but by virtue of new birth, in faith in Christ. We are mere recipients. Man cannot know God by his own efforts. God of His grace revealed Himself to man.

God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, (2)has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom He also made the worlds; (3) who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, (4) having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. (5) For to which of the angels did He ever say: “You are My Son, Today I have begotten You”? And again: “I will be to Him a Father And He shall be to Me a Son”? (6) But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all the angels of God worship Him”.

The author to the the Hebrews is unknown. It has a strongly Jewish character and was written to strengthen the faith of wavering believers. It is a book about the person of Jesus Christ – Son of God, Son of Man – who by His blood has brought us into God’s presence. Our verses pull together the teaching of the Old Testament and the New Testament. This letter has an abrupt beginning; no words of introduction or thanksgiving or praise. It begins with doctrinal foundation upon which all rests; the old ways not complete nor final but here God is the speaker of His Son the Messiah – as such is His relationship as eternally the Son of God taking on the form of man, making purification for our sins. Christ Jesus is the first begotten by His resurrection from the dead. He is the heir to all things as He created all things – all things in heaven and earth are His, by Him and for Him. Christ Jesus makes the invisible god visible.

From Adam to the incarnation God has been speaking to man. But now, in the fullness of God’s time God has spoken to us, not through human agency, but in the Person of the Son. The Son is one with the Father and with the Spirit. All are co-equal and co-eternal. When the Son became incarnated He had been from eternity but He took humanity into union with deity. Jesus was not a Jewish man, He is God Himself come into space and time – He came into the world in flesh reconciling the world to Himself. In Christianity alone do we learn God became Man and this for redemption. This is the message of Christmas.

it is easy to get caught up in matters not important in the light of eternity- procrastination can be eternally fatal. We are either drifting with regard to our salvation because of neglect or we are GROWING because of our deliberate effort or attention. Nobody grows by accident. Salvation is the one thing every person needs more than anything else. Outside of Christ Jesus every sinner (all of us) is under God’s condemnation. Salvation comes to us from the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. He is God’s final word to us.

Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God (2) which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, (3) concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, (4) and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. (5) Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, (6) among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ. (7) To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. Our verses today are the clearest statement of the gospel in the New Testament; Paul lays out God’s plan for saving sinner through justification by faith wholly apart from man’s works. The great doctrine of salvation is clear; trust Christ and Christ alone for salvation. All who have accepted Christ as Savior are justified, sanctified and accepted. In Christ we have peace with God.

The gospel was “good news” but not new news; it was foretold by the prophets in the Old Testament and proclaimed in the New Testament. Jesus Christ is our Savior and our Lord. He is the Messiah which is not a name but a title. Jesus is truly human and fully divine. He was born according to the flesh of a human genealogy – He was the linear descendant of the House of David. Jesus is an historical person and His name was given by divine revelation. Without being human He is unable to obey the Law for us and unable to die for us. Jesus never sinned which was Gods original plan for humans. We are less human when we sin .Jesus is more human when He doesn’t sin. He is the only Son of God and fully divine. Jesus Christ is the one about whom the Old Testament prophesied. If Jesus is not fully divine we are still in our sins. Our salvation is lost. But by His resurrection from the dead Jesus was marked as God’s Messianic Son.

The audience for Paul’s letter was the faithful in Rome but this letter was written for all of us. It is a reminder that salvation begins with God, not man. Our response determines our destiny.

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and the latter rain. (8) You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. (9) Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! (10) My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience.

The author of the epistle of James was the half brother of Jesus and the head of the church in Jerusalem. This practical letter teaches us to act as we believe, and specifically advises the faithful who suffer from no fault of their own to live in the light of eternity as God will ultimately judge us all – to respond rightly when wronged. James tells his readers it is wrong to take personal vengeance and we are to wait on the Lord remembering that we will also be judged. The faithful are not required to be passive doormats but to make sure our focus is on the second coming of the Lord and eternity. We are not to take judgment into our own hands – if we attempt revenge we also fall under condemnation. James illustrates his command of patience, steadfastness and endurance with the examples of the farmer waiting for the crop, the suffering and endurance of the prophets; to always remember that the Judge is standing at the door.

Christian patience is not calm resignation to God’s will in face of the inevitable but steady and determined perseverance, in spite of difficulties, toward the goal of God’s will for our lives. And no grumbling. If life is so uncertain; man so vulnerable; material things so perishable, then disaster could come at any moment. We are to put our trust in that which we cannot lose, which is God alone. We don’t need to practice patience when things are going well but there is always, for everyone, a time of testing.

C.S. Lewis addressed the dangers of complaining: “Hell begins with a grumbling mood, always complaining, always blaming others…….but you are still distinct from it. You may even criticize it in yourself and wish you could stop it. But there may come a day when you can no longer. Then there will be no you left to criticize the mood or even to enjoy it, but just the grumble itself going on forever like a machine. It is not a question of God “sending us” to hell. In each of us there is something growing, which will BE hell unless it is nipped in the bud.”

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. (5) Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be likeminded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, (6) that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (7) Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God. (8) Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, (9) and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written: “For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name,”

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. Our verses today address the ultimate ability of the faithful – the Christian Jews and the Gentiles, the strong and the weak, who may differ on non-essential issues – to pursue spiritual harmony in regard to matters in which the Bible is silent (issues of conscience). God was faithful to the Jews in fulfilling promises made to the patriarchs in the Old Testament, and God showed mercy to the Gentiles without any promises at all. The ministry of Christ Jesus did not end in Israel but the Gentiles share the blessing. There was not to be any unnecessary dissension among His people but a harmony of feeling, if not necessarily of opinion.

The motive for patience and forbearance is Christ who came to save man from his sins and the design of divine instruction is to sustain us in present trials. Our verses are not about receiving unbelievers here but are a recognition of those already in faith. Christ Jesus came as the minister to the Jews (circumcised) for the truth of God to confirm the covenental promises of the Old Testament. Though Israel as a nation rejected Him does not invalidate His ministry but opened the door of mercy to the Gentiles in a wider way, in full accord with Jewish scriptures. It was foreknown and predetermined that the Gentiles would hear the gospel and be given the same opportunity as the Jews enjoyed and is entirely consistent with what God had made known beforehand. The Old Testament was the only Bible the Jews knew. It was the Bible of Jesus, Paul and the apostles. My question here is how did the Jews misconstrue the message of hope for the Gentiles?

Our verses deal with right relations of the faithful; doctrine comes first, followed by exhortation, and deals with man’s response to God’s actions. We the faithful, are to receive (accept) one another as Jesus Christ has received us, as fellow members of the family of God. This is how we confirm our calling. It is inconsistent for a Christian to reject someone whom God has accepted. This is the message of Christmas.

And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. (12) The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put in the armor of light. (13) Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. (14) But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

The great letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul writes that the faithful live in the present in light of certain physical death. They are already justified – saved by free grace in Christ – not conformed to this fallen world. Our hearts and minds have changed and we should be distinct from those with a temporary view only. Unbelievers are in darkness in their understanding and such men love the dark. They do not know God as He reveals Himself. God has called the faithful out of darkness into His light which is contrary to the lure of the world. The world is in darkness about material wealth but more importantly about death and eternity. If Paul is speaking to unbelievers the question is; is salvation nearer,. or damnation, than when man first hear the gospel and rejected it

Ignorance of God is what Paul calls night and all who are ignorant act as people do in the night. Unbelievers are blind and insensible. Light is the revelation of divine truth in Christ. We are to awake to the fact that the kingdom is going to come and it will be permanent. Paul is speaking – to the faithful – of the ultimate salvation when we are saved not only from the penalty of sin and the power of sin in our daily lives, but saved even from the presence of sin into the presence of the Lord God. We need to get ready. He is basically telling us we need to put on the Lord; to be as He was with no provision for the flesh. We are not to indulge the desires of our corrupt natures.

I’m going to close with a paraphrase of chapter 5 in the big book of Alcoholics Anonymous- changing the word alcohol to sin: “Remember that we deal with sin, cunning, baffling, powerful! Without help,it is too much for us. But there is One who has all power – that one is God. May you find Him now. Half measures availed us nothing. We stood at the turning point. We asked for His protection and care with complete abandonment.” We are to awake- to be equipped and prepared to undertake services Christ requires from us. Renounce the things that are concealed in the night and put on the armor of the day.

Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. (13) He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, (14) in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. (15) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. (16) For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and Invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. (17) And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. (18) And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have preeminence. (19) For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, (20) and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

The letter to the Colossians was written by the apostle Paul while he was in prison in Rome. This letter was written in response to heresy in the Colossian church – it was a defense of the Christian faith. There was a large Jewish settlement in Colosse but the population was mostly Gentile, manifesting itself in the composition of the church and the heresy that arose contained elements of Jewish legalism and pagan mysticism: God is good but matter is evil; that Jesus Christ is less than God; that there existed a secret higher knowledge than Scripture that was necessary for salvation. There were also aspects of Jewish legalism; circumcision, rituals, dietary laws etc. Our verses address the key areas of theology including and especially the deity of Christ, reconciliation, redemption, forgiveness and the nature of the church

Paul writes that the Lord Jesus was the unique perfect likeness and manifestation of the invisible God. Christ is the firstborn refuting the heresy that there was a time when the Son was not for If all creatures were created by Him, He is not a creature. He is the eternal Son and creator of creatures – indeed of the whole universe. As far as human nature is concerned He did enter into existence at a particular time but is divine. Christ Jesus is sovereign over creation. All things were created for Him in the sense that the universe is designed ultimately to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ.

The summary of the gospel is a matter of thanksgiving for our salvation by Christ. The faithful were called out of darkness and spiritual death into the light in the Lord. Their/our hearts have been changed. All who are designed for heaven are prepared for heaven now. C.S. Lewis wrote that “Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is mildly important.”

For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; (8) nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, (9) not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. (10) For even when we were with you, we commanded you like this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. (11) For we hear there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. (12) Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread

The Second letter to the Thessalonians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today he had written them – not for the first time – that work is God given. There is a dignity in work and it’s a character issue here. They are to practice self discipline and self control and use their time wisely. Paul uses himself as an example; he had the apostolic right to maintenance – to not have to work outside of his ministry – but set that aside to provide an example to new believers. He became an example of financial integrity. Many of the Thessalonians did not work and they were spreading gossip and possibly false teaching and this caused tensions in the church and bore bad witness to outsiders/unbelievers.

Probably these Thessalonians had mistaken notions concerning the near approach of the second coming of the Lord, which served as a pretense to leave off work of his/her calling and live in idleness and gossip. The imminent second coming of Christ was not equated with “soon” and was a perversion of Paul’s teaching. We Christians must do the work of the day in the day that all may be ready when he comes. Perhaps the general charity of that day encouraged some of the poor brethren to live in idleness knowing the church would maintain them. Paul felt if men did not work – and were able to work – “neither should they eat.” Paul had the authority to rebuke and correct the idle – and if men acted irresponsibly there should be consequences; to enable them is not loving. We are not responsible to support the unruly brother who refuses to respond to correction with the caveat that we don’t stop helping those with legitimate needs.

When my husbands youngest son came to live with us and work at his new job I got a call from one of his friends. When I told him Fritz was working we said goodbye. The next day this same friend called and when I told him Fritz was at work his response was: “Again?” My thoughts go to genuine saving faith which is never alone. God changes our hearts which necessitates our change of behavior.

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Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, (17) comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work. (3:1) Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, (2) and that we may be delivered from unreasonable men; for not all have faith. (3) But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you from the evil one. (4) And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. (5) Now May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ

The second letter to the Thessalonians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today he contrasts the power of the Lord with the impotence of the Thessalonian Christians (and us) to stand firm in persecution on their own strength. In Christ, in grace, God gave us not only a consolation under present trials but a “good hope” in the future. They — and we – have been chosen for salvation. The doctrine of election is not mentioned here for a theological debate but rather to bring God’s comfort to suffering people. The faithful have good hope because it is certain based on God’s promises and Christ’s work not on our merits or performance.

Paul is telling the new converts to Christianity that such certainty doesn’t mean that we just coast into heaven – they (we) must stand firm in trials, holding to apostolic teachings – trials are not a one time thing. Tradition/apostolic teaching means that which is handed down or handed over and rests on facts of the life, resurrection and ascension of Christ Jesus. It is witness. But tradition does not supersede the Bible. Paul is not referring to the fact that his oral teachings and his writings originated with him but that he was passing down what he received directly from the Lord. The inspired word of God is our only source of spiritual truth.

if you have chosen God you know it is because He first chose you. The execution of the plan of salvation in time is of God. The apostles were but messengers and the message they brought was God’s. It is God’s voice which proclaims the coming judgment. It is God’s voice which tells of the redemption which is in Christ Jesus. It is too natural for us to put God as far away as we can out of our minds; to keep Him forever in the background. The question we should be always asking is what do present circumstances mean in the light of eternity?

Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, (12) that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (4:1) Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, (2) not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if it from us, as though the day of Christ had come.

The 2nd letter to the Thessalonians was written by the apostle Paul and our verses today are referring to the promised second coming of Christ. Paul was seeking to comfort readers by assuring them that on That ultimate Day they would experience relief from intense persecution from both Jews and Gentiles by entering their rest following Christ’s second coming. Others were telling the faithful that the day if the Lord had already begun. This seemed to be a possibility since Scripture defines that day as a time of tribulation as well as blessing. The idea was that Christ could come at any time, not that He would come; the doctrine of imminence was valid but their incorrect view involves date setting. The Thessalonians were being told that the end of the world was not really at hand – which was true – but that it was actually present which was not true.

Paul urged that the Thessalonians not be shaken from adherence to the truth Paul has taught them by what they were hearing from others -that the faithful remain steadfast. The Thessalonians were apparently shaken from their reason and a belief that that the Day of the Lord was already upon them causing some of them to think it not worthwhile to attend to things of a doomed world. This belief was confirmed by some by forgeries of letters from Paul and misrepresention of his oral teaching during his stay in Thessalonica; some pretended to direct inspiration or angelic visitations to impose on the brethren the advent of the second coming. Paul responded by urging them to hold fast to the traditions that were his. He also enforces in today’s letter warning against forgeries, saying that the fellowship of the faithful were to have nothing to do with any man/woman who did not obey the words of the epistle.

c.s.Lewis writes in the Case for Christianity: “But I wonder whether people who ask God to interfere openly and directly in our world quite realize what it will be like when He does. When that happens, it is the end of the world, when the author walks on to the stage the play is over. God is going to invade all right: but what good of saying you are on His side then, when you see the whole natural universe melting away like a dream and something else – something it never entered your head to conceive – comes crashing in; something so beautiful to some of us and so terrible to others that none of us will have any choice left?”

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. (7) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (8) Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing……… (16) At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. (17) But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. (18) And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!

The beautiful 2nd letter to Timothy was the last letter written by the apostle Paul and in this fourth chapter are his final words of faithfulness and assurance of a crown of righteousness. Paul was fitted for glory not by what he did or suffered but through grace alone, in faith alone, in Christ alone. He is a model to be studied for anybody can start something but very few can finish – or finish well. Paul writes from the Mamertine prison in Rome and he had no question that his death was imminent – he writes as if the execution was taking place – his life’s blood was being poured out similar to the drink offering of wine among the Jews which accompanied the sacrifice. Paul showed Timothy and Christians that death held no terror for him but he was facing his appointed passage. The moment of departure was at hand. Paul was looking behind death to what awaits him; the crown was the victory prize he had won which the Lord as the righteous Judge will award him at That day – the day when the Lord will come again in glory. Paul adds a gentle reminder to Timothy that he too, with any others in faith, might win the same glorious crown – specifically those who in this life long for the appearance of the Lord in judgment.

Paul now reviews his first trial in Rome where no one stood by him in that time of peril where to be a Christian advocate would be a service of great danger. But the Lord stood by him and Paul was given the chance to speak publicly “that all the Gentiles might hear.” Clearly this second trial for preaching the gospel ended in condemnation but Paul was allowed time to write this last letter of his farewell to Timothy and the church. In this whole epistle there is not one word of fear but there is expressed with the death facing him that the Lord Jesus would deliver him from all weariness and toil and bring him home safely to His heavenly kingdom. Death was not considered the cessation of existence but the separation of the soul from the body. Death is but an incident to the believer. For Paul, the battle is over, the victory is won and he is headed home.

Paul always guarded the truth of the gospel – the core doctrines of the Christian faith. You can’t keep a faith you are unclear about. You must know what you believe so you can behave as you believe. Just recently the widow of a faithful man told me his last words were “It’s all true. All the love.” My prayer is that we all fight the good fight, we all finish the race and we all keep the faith. It is everything.

But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, (15) and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (16) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, (17) that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (4,1) I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His Kingdom: (2) Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

The second letter to Timothy was written by the apostle Paul from his dungeon in the Mamertine prison, awaiting execution for preaching the gospel. Timothy had been left in Ephesus in charge of the church there. Nero, the Roman emperor, had stepped up persecution against Christians. Paul is writing here with few commendations but many admonitions against against false teachers corrupting the gospel. Timothy was reminded that he had learned Scripture as a child from his mother and grandmother – here Paul is strictly referring to the sacred writings of the Old Testament. All Scripture is inspired by God – the great truth is the Bible is the Word of God. God used the personalities and style of human authors who were active but not in control. The God of truth would not inspire error. Jesus Christ referred to the Scriptures as authority for His actions – He said all Scripture bore witness to Him. They are the word of God, not men.

The New Testament was not yet all written but the Jewish scriptures were canon. Paul expects Timothy to be a contrast to false teachers by keeping steadily to old teaching of doctrine. Timothy would know the authority of Paul and that great doctrine of Christians was strictly based on Old Testament writings. All of the Bible points to the Christ, the Messiah. In those early, violent days of the church the opposition to the gospel was intensifying and Paul is reminding Timothy that there was to be no development in foundational doctrine that Paul had received directly from the Holy Spirit. The Lord Himself had spoken to him. Timothy was to consider evidence of changed lives, growing churches and committed believers. He had seen the power of God at work in the life of Paul. And Paul refers to the Scriptures as absolute truth and trustworthy in every area of life. In Timothy’s time of terrible persecution, many were falling away from the Word of God and even denying the resurrection.

All Scripture is God breathed – this means God is the originator of the Bible. The Bible did not come from the best religious ideas of the apostles or prophets. It teaches our NEED for salvation. It commands our hearts as well as our actions.

Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead, according to my gospel, (9) for which I suffer as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. (10) Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. (13) This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him we shall also endure with Him. (12) If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He will also deny us. (13) If we are faithless, He also remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.

The second letter to Timothy was written by the apostle Paul. He wrote this letter of encouragement and warning while a prisoner in the Mamertine prison in Rome. He is soon to be executed for preaching the gospel but in this letter Paul is joyful, steadfast and certain in his faith – the point here is that we must have Paul’s faith to have his serenity. Trust is always quiet. Paul is bound in prison but the word of God is never bound – the Lord will continue through the agency of other men/women. He endured all suffering for the encouragement of Christians that they, like Paul, do not doubt they are children of God and that their salvation is in Christ Jesus. Every believer is a child of God; all men are God’s creatures but not His children by natural birth. We are saved by grace in faith, stand in grace and are to walk in grace. We are not called to fight/earn our way to heaven, (we cannot,) but in faith we are called to contend against every thing that impedes our progress.

Paul references Jesus as of the seed of David meaning He was true man who completed his work of redemption by His resurrection from the dead with divine acknowledgment and acceptance. Salvation is in Christ Jesus; earned by Him and grounded in Him. If we are faithful to the Lord we shall daily cause our nature in Adam to die and we shall become partakers of heaven in Christ. But if we deny the Lord, He will deny us. If we in word or deed are ashamed of Christ, He will be faithful to His threat of punishment, for God must be true to His essence. A faithless unreliable man the Lord cannot reward but with the “reward” of unfaithfulness. This is a challenge to the reality of this passing world. Mere profession of faith does not save. Our unbelief cannot change God’s plan or purpose nor alter his truth.

From the Problem of Pain by c.s. Lewis: “Some will not be redeemed. There is no doctrine which I would more willingly remove from Christianity than this, if it lay in my power. But it has the full support of Scripture and, specially, of our Lord’s own words; it has always been held by Christendom and it has the support of reason. If a game be played, it must be possible to lose it. If the happiness of a creature lies in self surrender, no one can make that surrender but himself (though many can help him make it) and he may refuse. I would pay any price to be able to say truthfully “All will be saved.” But my reason retorts, “Without their will, or with it?” If I say “Without their will ” I at once perceive a contradiction; how can the supreme voluntary act of self-surrender be involuntary? If I say “with their will,” my reason replies “How if they will not give in?”

Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. (7) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (8) Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,…..(13) Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. (14) That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

The second letter to Timothy was written by the apostle Paul. This letter was written from the Roman dungeon of the Mamertine prison where Paul was held under the sentence of death. It was his last letter and so beautiful and intimate. In our verses today Paul writes to his son in faith, Timothy. God had used Paul as the instrument for the gift of ministry to Timothy and it needed rekindling. The metaphor of fire already existing but in need of being stirred up is used here; rekindling is necessary for all our gifts – spiritual, athletic, artistic. The expression “use it or lose it” comes to mind. Timothy was given the Spirit of God which is love, power not just to endure but to remain steadfast in resisting temptation, and self control or a sound mind/judgment. Paul is not just addressing the power we get from God but the power God displayed toward us in our calling: if He called us we may be confident He will never leave us and bring us safely through trouble.

Paul cautions Timothy to hold fast to sound words and here he is not referring to certain creed constructed by man but the truth of God which is conveyed in the very words of God and this form must be maintained. (The Bible IS the word of God and does not just contain the word of God.). God has revealed Himself to man. Man on his own could never know God. Man is limited and no man can invent a religion for his own use and after his own mind but God has given us sound words/doctrine. Paul knew how many men were ready to fall or depart from pure doctrine and for that reason he cautions Timothy NOT to turn aside from that form of teaching which he had received.

Salvation is a free gift of God in Christ Jesus, not earned by anything man could do. At the moment of faith every Christian receives the indwelling Spirit of God – we are transformed and given power to live as we believe. Spiritual gifts are given to every believer. Paul reminds Timothy – and us – that we are responsible to discover and develop our gifts by serving, by recognition from others, by effectiveness and we are to evaluate these gifts and develop them. Paul is telling Timothy that what he lacks the Spirit will supply. Paul encourages Timothy to serve because he is saved; and when he serves he must be prepared to suffer. In the sight of the world man should be ashamed of the crucified Christ. But now, in faith Christ has become the power of God to the salvation of all who believe – it is a subject to exult in. Amen

But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. (12) Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (13) I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, (14) that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing (15) which He will manifest in His own time. He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of Kings and Lord of lords, (16) who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.

1 Timothy was written by the apostle Paul as a pastoral letter. Paul was Timothy’s primary mentor and probably the one who led him to personal faith in Christ. Timothy travelled extensively with Paul and at times served as his representive to the Christian churches Paul founded. . This letter was sent to him at Ephesus where he brought doctrinal and organizational stability and proceeded in the loving firm direction Paul would have given. It was intended to be read aloud to the Ephesians so it would serve as Paul’s written authorization for Timothy.

Paul writes of worldly corruption of riches and love of pleasure which would bring no true contentment. Paul emphasizes the excellence of godly contentment which is profitable to all things. Paul sought to arm Timothy against love of this world; it is not enough to flee love of this world, Christians must do what is contrary – to fight the good fight of faith – let no one take your crown from you. We enter this world with nothing and leave with nothing. Those who fall into the temptations of the world are in danger of destruction and perdition. The first of today’s verses advise men of God to flee these traps and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and meekness. The point here is not just to warn of the danger and eternal consequences of failure but to urge Timothy and Christians to rise above struggles for things perishable and useless but – reverting again to the metaphor of the Olympic Games – to lay hold of the REAL prize of eternal life. Paul writes further that Jesus Christ had already borne witness to the fact that He was Messiah. His was the model and bold confession (witness) of truth with a sentence of death before His eyes. Timothy was commanded to follow Christ without flaw; blameless, unrebukable. Timothy should live the life he preached.

The New Testament – and the Old – presents men and women of God with such reverence we forget they were but men exposed to temptation like us. We lose somewhat the reality of the apostolic story when in the saint we forget the man/woman. We are the audience of 1 Timothy. The more things change the more they stay the same.

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercession and giving of thanks be made for all men, (2) for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. (3) For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, (4) who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth, (5) For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, (6) who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, – (7) for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle – I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying – a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. (8) I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting

The first letter to Timothy was written by the apostle Paul – Paul had led Timothy to Christ and Timothy was Paul’s “son” in the faith. Paul had left Timothy in Ephesus and was writing counsel and guidance how he should conduct himself in leadership of that church. In our verses Paul is looking carefully at what place the Law of Moses has in Christian life and the object of this passage – as well as the entire chapter – is prayer. Prayer permits us to have peaceful and godly lives. It affects the community, reduces violence, opens up understanding and enables relationships to be developed. Paul tells us prayer becomes an instrument for salvation of all kinds of people meaning all kinds of men and women without distinction. Further, when men pray in public they must live in private what they pray.

Paul emphasizes the priority of the ministry of prayer; prayer for all men should pervade the church. This is God’s plan. Prayer consists of entreaties from a sense of need knowing we are not in charge. We are to petition – to converse freely – as we Christians have direct access to God in Christ. We are to pray prayers of thanksgiving. We have different needs at different times but at ALL times we need God. We have to pray to diffuse situations of anger. We are told to pray for authorities in government – called not to revolution but to prayer – so that we can live a quiet and peaceful life. The purpose is not to be comfortable and happy but to grow in godliness and dignity which will manifest Christian living. God’s procedure for reaching people is using people. The gospel of grace goes to all men so we are to pray for all men. The Jewish Law knew nothing of love toward all men; Gentiles and Gentiles kings were looked on as outside and not considered to be objects of divine love. There is one God and one Mediator between God and men: the man Jesus Christ. We were all in guilt of sin and needed a mediator to present ourselves in righteousness – “a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” But faith is necessary for the appropriation of this salvation. If those who do not accept Christ by personal faith they are not covered by Christ’s sacrifice. If they die in sin Christ’s great ransom cannot deliver them.

I’m going to close with c.s.Lewis who touches my heart. “If you have once accepted Christianity then some of its main doctrines shall be deliberately held before your mind every day. That is why daily prayers and religious reading and church going are necessary parts of the Christian life. We have to be continually reminded of what we believe. Neither this belief nor any other will automatically remain alive in the mind. It must be fed “

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, (13) although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. (14) And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. (15) This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came unto the world to save sinners of whom I am chief. (16) However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. (17) Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

The letter to Timothy was written by the apostle Paul. Today’s verses are Paul’s personal testimony and his charge to Timothy. He referred to his own conversion in these verses to encourage Timothy to be faithful in his ministry. If God chose to transform Paul – the worst of sinners – He can do this to anyone. Paul’s life was a before and after story. He went from a meticulous observer of the Law, who persecuted Christians in his zeal for the Law, to be God’s chosen vessel to preach Christ Jesus crucified. He viewed himself as a supreme example of Gods saving grace and this is his testimony , not making excuses but simply stating facts. Paul didn’t oppose Jesus Christ because he wanted to dishonor God but he believed he was serving God by persecuting Christians.

Our verses are not speculations or questions but the fullest assurance that Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners. Paul received mercy that he might be a pattern of God’s saving grace. He portrayed himself as the worst of the enemies of God who was transformed by God. Paul was the best and most powerful of witnesses that God’s grace abounds over sin and that the work of Christ Jesus was perfect and acceptable. Mercy is an act of God and not earned by Paul/man in any way. We need to understand the fundamental truth of the gospel. It is all of faith in Christ. Our sins are forgotten in Christ – we should remember how much we are forgiven.

In verse 17 Paul breaks out into a doxology – an expression of praise to God. This happened in many of his letters. He was overwhelmed and could not find words to express his gratitude to God and he felt overpowered by the vastness of the gospel. In Romans (11:33 ) he wrote: “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!”

Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, (9) yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you – being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ – (10) I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains, (11) who once was unprofitable to you but now is profitable to you and to me. (12) I am sending him back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart, (13) whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel. (14) But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary. (15) For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, (16) no longer as a slave but more that a slave – a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. (17) If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me.

The letter to Philemon was written by the apostle Paul. To put this story in context, all the characters lived in an honor/shame culture and one that allowed slavery under Roman law. We have the apostle Paul, former Rabbi, zealous Jew and former Pharisee, now a prisoner in Rome for preaching the gospel. He calls himself a slave for Jesus Christ. He is writing to Philomen, wealthy businessman and a leader of the church in Colosse, in the matter of Philomen’s runaway slave, Onesimus. ( The punishment for Onesimus could be death.) Onesimus somehow met up with Paul (in chains) in Rome and was converted and endeared himself to Paul.

Certainly Paul and Philomen knew of each other. Paul felt the obligation to return Onesimus to his master was more important than keeping the slave with him. In this letter Paul appealed to Philomen to voluntarily receive his runaway slave and forgive him. AND to accept him as a brother in faith in Christ. Paul makes it clear that he has the authority to command this action but did not do so. Paul wanted Philemon’s action to be testimony to the fact that believers should want to be useful in God’s service. Personal circumstances of the believer are not to be separated from the fellowship of believers. God changes every person He saves. He changes the believer’s character. The key to loving relationships is God is transforming our hearts by faith in Christ.

I love the sense of humor Paul showed when he writes that Onesimus – his name means useful or profitable – as Philomen’s runaway slave was not “useful”. But now as a Christian he was useful to both Philomen and Paul. The fact that Paul had this letter delivered by Onesimus himself to Philomen was a big bet. And that this letter was saved and shared indicates that Philomen did what Paul asked and was a powerful example of Christian living in those ancient days. From A Grief Observed c.s.Lewis writes : “Your bid – for God or no God, for a good God or the Cosmic Sadist, for eternal life or nonentity – will not be serious if nothing much is staked in it. “And you will never discover how serious it was until the stakes are raised horribly high, until you find that you are not playing not for counters or for sixpence but for every penny you have in the world. Nothing less will shake a man – or at any rate a man like me – out of his merely verbal thinking and his merely notional beliefs.” Philemon was all in.

For you have not come to the mountain that may not be touched and that burned with fire, and to the blackness and darkness and tempest, (19) and the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words, so that those who heard it begged that the word should not be spoken to them anymore……(22) But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, (23) to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, (24) to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of the sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.

The author of the letter to the Hebrews is unknown. The thrust of Hebrews is the warning of rejecting Jesus. Because of persecution Christian Jews were in danger of apostasy – they were in peril of rejecting God who continues to speak through His Son Jesus Christ. The grace of God has brought and is bringing believers to better things than those which characterized Judaism. If you don’t know what you have you disregard it or give it away; give away eternal blessings for instant gratification. Don’t do it.

In our verses today the author is using the imagery of contrasting and comparing living on two mountains; Mt. Sinai – Jewish life under the law – with Mt. Zion, representing the joy of new life under the new covenant. The road to Mt. Zion goes through Mt Sinai and here, Mt. Zion is synonymous for the heavenly Jerusalem which is the city of the living God. Mt. Sinai represents the the unapproachable God of the Old Testament. It is a symbol of all that has gone wrong and still goes wrong when we are severed from God. The other mountain is Mt. Zion – “the heavenly Jerusalem”. It is a place (a real place) but one we haven’t seen yet. It is a city filled with”all the firstborn” by virtue of their being in Christ who IS the firstborn, resurrected from the dead having finally and fully dealt with the sin of His people; Who has created open and free access to Himself for all time. It follows that when God’s blessings are rejected there is greater responsibility and culpability.

The Jewish story can be summed up as a long journey from Egypt to Jerusalem which symbolizes two opposite spiritual states. Our verses remind us the Old Covenant is obsolete – that on Mt. Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem – we are trusting in Christ who paid for our sins. This point is driven home in the musical, Fiddler on the Roof which ends with the cry “Next year, Jerusalem”. The world is not our home. We were made for better things. Next year, Jerusalem.

And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; (6) For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” (7) If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? (11) Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. (12) Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, (13) and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.

The author of the letter to the Hebrews is unknown. The writer’s goal was to stop harassed and persecuted Christian Jews from drifting away from Jesus which will incur the judgment of God. Discipline trains us in righteous behavior. We will, in this world, experience suffering and injury. There will be mental and physical hindrance but we are to finish the course God has set before us. Some physiological problems may lead to depression, discouragement, anger and we must learn to deal with that. What happens to us may also be for us. Pain can be our friend forcing a change of perspective and teaching us to deal with hardship as discipline. Suffering here is not meant as vindictive; not accidental, capricious or random. Persecution does not mean God has abandoned us. It means we are being trained, raised by our good Father. God’s rebuke and correction is aimed purposefully even if painful. What some see as harm God means for good. The writer of Hebrews wants readers to expect hardship as necessary and unavoidable in this world. It means we are loved by God.

There is a difference between wrath and discipline. Punishment stems from God’s wrath against sin. Discipline stems from God’s love for His children. In wrath God is our judge; in discipline God acts in love as a Father. Under punishment the sinner pays for his sin; under discipline Christ has already paid for our sins. In adversity we are fearful, alarmed and disquieted; tempted by impatience and our minds are noisy and restless. But chastened, we acknowledge with resigned minds how profitable adversity was to us in retrospect. Fear will constrain us and we turn from God’s way. There is always a struggle but our main aim should be to rest in God. Losing heart is a great spiritual danger. Discipline/suffering is designed by God ro drive us to Christ that we might mature in our Christian lives.

For the Christian life finishing well means everything. C.s.Lewis wrote “I suggest to you that it is because God loves us that He gives us the gift of suffering. Pain is God’s megaphone to rouse a deaf world. You see, we are like blocks of stone out of which the Sculptor carves the form of men. The blows of His chisel, which hurt us so much are what make us perfect.”

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (2)looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (3) For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. (4) You have not resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. (5) And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;

The author of the letter to the Hebrews is unknown. The author devotes Chapter 11 to the many examples of Old Testament saints who endured by faith and now, in our verses, continues the theme of perseverance in faith. The original readers of this letter were Christian Jews who were suffering socially but not yet unto bodily harm and were tempted to apostasy. Facing persecution, the Christian Hebrews were contemplating turning aside from Christ and returning to Jewish life before they became Christians. The author appeals to them to pay the price, to be faithful unto death – to look to Christ, the author and focus of our faith. He/she speaks of a great cloud of witnesses who have run the race before us as examples – a lifelong race we must all enter.

We should lay aside anything that impedes our running this race successfully – using the metaphor of running a marathon is illustrative of Christian life. Encumbrances and weights may not be sin but make perseverance difficult; love of this present life, lusts of the flesh, worldly cares, riches, honors. We are to wear this world lightly. Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of faith and trust – He is our North Star. He set the example. He endured the pain, humiliation and the disgrace of the cross. He alone is the source of hope and help in the time of need. This is the central theological and practical message of Hebrews.

Our race is won or lost on the training field to continue the metaphor of running a marathon. We are in constant training/discipline – one day at a time with our eyes on Jesus. Faith in Christ Jesus always proceeds discipline or or all will end in failure. Faith in Christ Jesus always involves work. Our course is set by God; we may stumble, break stride, or fall but do not give up. Not finishing this race has eternal consequences.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen. (2) For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. (8) By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. and he went out, not knowing where he was going. (9) By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise (10) for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. (11) By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. (12) Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude – innumerable as the sand is by the seashore.

We do not know the author of the letter to the Hebrews. It was written to Christian Jews who were in danger of renouncing Christ because of persecution and trials. The subject in our verses today is enduring faith. Chapter 11 is an explanation and illustration of faithfulness; a study of God’s promises and the reality of the unseen world. Verse 1 is not a definition of faith but a declaration of action and the power of faith – the assurance and settled conviction respecting things hoped for though unseen. What faith is NOT is; not positive thinking, not a hunch, not just hoping for the best. It is trusting God who has revealed Himself in Scripture.

The most important thing about faith is not faith itself BUT the object of faith. Sincere but misplaced faith leads to ruin. It must have as it’s object Jesus Christ. True faith endures and real faith perseveres – faith that does not persevere is not real faith. Spiritual truth and God’s promises are real whether we believe them or not. The spiritual world is more real than the passing physical world about us and we enter this world through faith. The Spirit of God shows us hidden things, the knowledge of which cannot reach our senses. The author writes of Old Testament characters to motivate Christian Jews; as patterns of faith to imitate to suffer for the indemonstrable. We are to follow the example of men of old – this is a direct warning to Hebrew Christians.

I first heard of c.s.Lewis from Stuart Briscoe who died this week after a long and faithful life. Lewis write “To have faith in Christ means, of course, trying to do all that He says. There would be no sense in saying you trusted a person if you would not take his advice. Thus if you really handed yourself over to Him, it must follow that you are trying to obey Him. But trying in a new way, a less worried way. Not doing these things in order to be saved, but because He has begun to save you already. Not hoping to get to Heaven as a reward for your actions, but inevitably wanting to act in a certain way because a first faint gleam of Heaven is already inside you.”

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. (2) Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. (3) For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (4) When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. (5) Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. (9) Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, (10) and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, (11) where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all in all.

The letter to the Colossians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul tells them (and us) what to stop doing and what we should do to be consistent with our new nature in Christ. The gospel was revolutionary and teaches us how to stop a life of pretense and keeps us from guilt – it’s called religious liberty. We are all sinners in need of grace and externals don’t matter. Our salvation is in Christ; we are all in the same predicament; the same problem of sin, the same means of salvation in Christ and for those responding, the same eternal destiny . All earthly distinctions are abolished. We live in a world where men compare, evaluate, rank, ridicule, dismiss, ignore. We need to remember where we come from and what the basis of salvation is. And refuse to be distracted. I had a wonder dog, Bob, who would never take his eyes from the tennis ball in my hand. No matter how I would try to fool him his eyes never left that ball. We should never lose sight of Christ as our eternal home.

Christians are seeking believers, seeking God. Our minds and wills should be set on things above. We do live in the body and in this world, but here the apostle is talking priorities – the things that are above are eternal values, eternal truth and eternal life. Do we need approval of men or of God? Because we have died as a new man/woman in faith in Christ, our lives have been hid in Christ. It is a covenantal union because He stands for the people of God. We are born twice; born physically and born again spiritually and our spiritual resurrection has already taken place in faith in Christ.

We are to behave as we believe and to become what we already are in Christ. Not just reason and knowledge but our will is involved. Old practices no longer fit and we are to put on a different lifestyle – there should be an outward manifestation that accompanies the reality of our new internal life. Step 11 of Alcoholics Anonymous is “Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.” This is not just a suggestion.

Buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. (13) And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, (14)having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way , having nailed it to the cross.

The letter to the Colossians was written by the apostle Paul challenging corrupting doctrine of the gospel which was gaining momentum in Colosse, with biblical truth which is: Christ is the source of salvation – Jesus Christ alone is sufficient. We are born spiritually dead in sin, separated from God and void of spiritual life. In faith, in Christ, we are born a new creature delivered from condemnation and alive in the Lord. Paul is not supporting regeneration in baptism but faith – baptism is an outward testimony of an inward change. Paul is saying we must be saved before we can be changed. We owed a debt we could not pay. Sin had to be atoned for and we could not do it – we were declared guilty. Christ bore our sin on the cross and the holiness of God was satisfied and atonement made. When we come to Christ by faith His righteousness is imputed to us. We are righteous through the Son of God; our sin and condemnation is nailed to the cross.

Union with Christ is key here. We are either of Adam or Christ. All fell by Adam and all in Christ are saved. Paul warns the Colossians – and us – don’t run after false teaching when we have everything necessary in the Lord Christ Jesus. In Christ we are forgiven all our sins; not just last and present, not just big and little, not repeated, hidden and public. Our sin is paid for us in Christ’s life and death.

In the c.s. Lewis essay ‘The World’s Last Night’ he addresses the end of life in this world either by death or the promised Second Coming of Christ. “What is important is not that we should always fear (or hope) about the End but that we should always remember, always take into account…….Now what death is to each man, the Second Coming is to the whole human race. We all believe, I suppose, that a man should “sit loose” to his own individual life, should remember how short, precarious, temporary, and provisional a thing it is; should never give all his heart to anything which will end when his life ends. What modern Christians find it harder to remember is that the whole life of humanity in this world is also precarious, temporary, provisional……All achievements and triumphs, in so far as they are merely this-worldly achievements and triumphs will come to nothing in the end.” BUT, in faith in the divinity of Christ and the truth of biblical revelation we are assured of eternal salvation. Lewis also wrote; “Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance.”

I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, (25) of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God, which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, (26) the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. (27) To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (28) Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

The letter to the Colossians was written by the apostle Paul. At the time he was writing this letter Paul was under arrest in Rome facing possible death for preaching the gospel. In our opening verses he first refers to the suffering of Christ for our redemption and then talks of his own suffering – with joy. He seems to be saying his suffering seems somehow to add/complete the suffering of Christ but NOTHING can be added to or taken away from the finished work of Christ on the cross despite the fact that some religions teaching (from this verse) that our good works are added to the atonement of Christ. Paul suffered what was aimed at Christ – he suffered for the church and knew that his example was noted. To some the honor of his apostleship might seem tainted but to most he encouraged the faithful not to be intimidated by persecution for the gospel. He rejoices that he does not suffer in vain but aids their faith. He teaches always that what Christ has endured for our salvation is sufficient.

The mystery Paul writes of is one specific area – something known by divine revelation; hidden from the Jews in the Old Testament and to all generations of Gentiles until Christ. A blessing never secret in the Old Testsment – God’s blessing of the Gentiles – but it was believed that this blessing would be through the Jews and subordinate to Jews. Paul here teaches Christian Gentiles are partakers in Israel’s promises and inheritors of Israel’s covenants with God. The special revelation was not given to the twelve but to Paul as apostle of the new dispensation. He was the chosen instrument of God. This mystery could never have been known by human reason. The middle wall of partition between Jew and Gentile is broken down.

The letter to the Colossians is a plea for continuance and loyalty to the apostolic gospel. Paul preached Christ, not a system. C.s.Lewis says in Mere Christianity that “The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.”

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. (16) For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. (17) And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. (18) And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. (19) For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, (20) and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things in earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

The letter to the Colossians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul underlines most of the distinctions of Christian faith; he instructs us of the unique Jesus. We live in a world of diversity and with this comes a variety of religious beliefs. Many respond to diversity by watering down the truth of the gospel, trying to become more inclusive minimizing areas of disagreement and emphasizing things held in common. This is actually a denial of the truth of Scripture.

In Colosse the church was being infiltrated by those who taught a distorted message – they focused on angels and gaining a special knowledge and blessing; they focused on man’s efforts and denied the full glory of Christ Jesus and even denied His absolute deity. Paul, in our verses, does not attack the heresy but emphasizes the truth – he instructs us of the unique Jesus. Christ is the first born – before all creation in time and over all creation in authority. He existed before all things and is the creator Himself – the first born cannot be part of creation if He created all things. The incarnate Jesus is the image of God in the sense that He possesses the nature and character of God. He is uniquely God in human form. By His resurrection He broke death’s hold on humanity. Without his resurrection there could be no resurrection for others. Christ is supreme in two realms; creation and salvation. Everything necessary for our redemption is accomplished through Christ’s work on our behalf.

Christ is the head of the church. Through the blood of the cross He fulfilled the design of ceremonial law thereby abolishing the obligations of the law. The walls between Jewish and Gentile were broken down. The sins of believing men were expiated and peace was made between God and man. These mysteries of a character are beyond the ability of the human mind to grasp. The truth of the gospel is to stir the soul to worship and thanksgiving, not for the exercise of the intellect in theological speculation.

But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (15) For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision not uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation. (16) And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. (17) From now on let no one trouble me for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. (18) Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

The letter to the Galatians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul is writing against false teachers – with some indignation – and defending his apostolic authority as well. He makes it clear that nothing external – circumcision or not – or good works – factor in salvation. His battered body from scourging, stoning, shipwreck, imprisonment, etc., testify to the truth/authenticity of his gospel message. Paul preached the gospel as revealed to him by Jesus Christ and if it is not accepted by unbelievers he asks they trouble him no more. Being a Jew or a Gentile does not prove any advantage when standing before God; the way to God is the cross of Christ.

The Bible is a theological treatise from beginning to end. In our verses Paul is talking about something he considers fundamental – the theological differences between the system of law and the system of grace – grace being the principle that leads to eternal life. He is talking about two different gospels, not two different interpretations. In the legalizers corruption of the gospel man stands before God based on human merit. In Paul’s gospel man stands before God in the realization that man can do nothing to satisfy God but can stand only on the merits of Jesus Christ – here the initial movement comes from the grace of the Spirit who makes the unwilling, willing. The way to God is the way of the cross of Christ. It is faith apart from works. This is rule by which we ought to live – that in faith in Christ, we shall enjoy the favor of God, the forgiveness of sin and peace of conscience. The mercy of God supports the faithful.

Paul’s farewell ends this letter as he begins by wishing the Galatians the grace of God; that by the guidance of the Spirit they remain in Christ, our Savior, who gave him (Paul) the strength and grace to explain this epistle and granted them the grace to hear it; that they (and we) are preserved and strengthened in faith until the day of redemption.

Stand fast therefore in the Liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. (13) For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (14) for all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (15) But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!

The letter to the Galatians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today we are told the believer possesses in Christ true liberty – not to walk in sin but to walk and serve in holiness. It is the liberty of our new nature in faith in Christ which gives the Christian power over sin in grace. False teachers followed Paul everywhere to corrupt the gospel. They preached to the Galatians that they had to still keep the law PLUS Jesus. But Christ has made the faithful free from the law – not civil liberty, not liberty to do as we please but because of our redeemer the Christian has freedom from the wrath of God. This is real liberty – that God will forever be merciful to the faithful for Christs’s sake. Because of Christ no law or sin or death may now accuse us and condemn us. Jesus Christ purchased this freedom with His own blood. Our liberty is founded on Christ and is sure as long as we are faithful. So stand fast indeed! Reason prefers the righteousness of the law to the righteousness of faith but the law CANNOT make man righteous before God. This is a matter of everlasting liberty or everlasting slavery.

We have gained liberty through Christ to not turn this liberty into licentiousness; to cater to desires of covetousness, pleasure, pride, envy or carnal living. The faithful have been justified but the flesh is still weak. Paul adds the caveat of mutual love and service. It is not easy to teach faith without works but still to advocate works – if we teach only works we shall lose faith. Our new standing in faith in Christ shall cause good works.

Christ has set the faithful free from the law; free from the dominion of sin; free from good works to gain approval from God; free from condemnation and free from eternal judgment. We are spiritually free in Christ. But Christians are not to use their freedom to indulge their/our sinful nature. Religious freedom is freedom from sin, not freedom to sin. The flesh is the sinful nature that every person, saved or unsaved, possesses. We are not free to sin but by the grace of God, are free not to sin.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, (2) through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (3) And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; (4) and perseverance, character; and character, Hope. (5) Now Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul has just proved the doctrine of free justification through faith in Christ Jesus and writes regarding the healing of many as righteous on account of one man. The consequence of reconciliation is peace with God; the faithful no longer have an unappeased conscience or dread of divine vengeance. It is the removal of the wrath of God by the death of His Son. This peace is not just forgiveness but justification and reconciliation founded on the atonement of Christ. He who relies on his/her own works has no justification. We find peace through faith in Jesus only – not through ourselves in any way – neither by our own merits nor our own efforts. NO FAITH is righteousness sought by works.

Paul moves on to tribulation – that the faithful should rejoice in future glory but in present tribulations also. Suffering is made the means of our own sanctification and preparation for our usefulness here – afflictions work patience, endurance, character and hope. Our relationship to God has changed us – the relationship of all things to us has changed. We do not glory in affliction but God is using trials to shape our character and our response is not automatic but requires deliberate focus. And Paul here is not denying the pain of suffering but maintains that perseverance produces proven character. We will pass the test with the help of free grace and the indwelling Spirit.

c.s.Lewis writes that “We can ignore pleasure. But pain insists on being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world…..no doubt pain as God’s megaphone is a terrible instrument; it may lead to final and unrepented rebellion, but it gives the only opportunity the bad man can have for amendment. It removes the veil, it plants the flag of truth within the fortress of the rebel soul.”

For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and said, “Take, eat, this is my body which is broken for you; do this in rememberance of Me.” (25) In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My Blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in rememberance of Me.” (26) For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul addresses disorders connected to the Lord’s Supper. In the early church it was the custom to connect that, in a strict sense, with an ordinary meal; it was connected to a commemoration of our Redeemer’s death but appears to have been a regular meal. Both Jewish and Greek festivals had been accustomed to unite their sacrifices with feasts of more or less public character. Persons brought their own provisions to be common stock but the rich brought plentiful food and drink and the poor brought little or nothing. The Christian feast was meant to be a communion and all guests were to be on terms of equality – but not so in Corinth. Their conduct was inconsistent with the nature of the service and Paul recounts the original institution of the Lord’s Supper – not an ordinary meal but a commemoration of the death of Christ. Paul says very clearly that he received the account of the original institution from the Lord Himself – and had delivered it to the Corinthians.

The same night Christ was betrayed the ordinance was instituted which gives peculiar solemnity to the Lord’s Supper. Having blessed and broken the bread and given it to His disciples was an act of consecration. The bread and wine offered by Christ were the symbols of His body and blood. The bread in Christ’s hand was impossible to be His literal body – as was the wine offered impossible to be the blood still flowing in His veins. What we receive is not our Lord’s body but His life giving power – in consecrated bread and wine is this presence of power.

The Lord’s Supper is a commemoration of Christ’s death as a sacrifice. Blood was shed for the specific object of remission of sin – in this sacrament He offers us , with the symbols of His broken body and shed blood, the benefits of His death. “This do in remembrance of Me” – that He may be remembered as He who died for your sins. This is the specific definite object of the Lord’s Supper. In this involvement we profess faith in Him, a sacrifice for our sins. We are brought into a real communion with Christ and all the believers of this ordinance. It is a memorial – the sacrament makes Christ very real to us and gives us a definite sense of His presence – the real presence of the Spirit, not actual body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: (2) You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. (3) Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. (4) There are diversities of gifts, but the same spirit. (5) There are differences of ministries but the same Lord. (6) And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. (7) But the manifestations of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all;………(12) For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. (13) For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free – and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. In chapter 12 Paul wants his readers to understand the origin and intent of the extraordinary manifestations of divine power and to be able to discern between true and false claimants to possession of the gifts of the Spirit. Each and every member of Christ’s church has a special gift appropriate for that individual – and the results of spiritual gifts are openly displayed for all to see. These gifts are to be expressed and exercised for the benefit of others in the church and to touch the lives of others around them. The spiritual gifts are not for the benefit of the individual alone – gifts are not given for show that man may attract attention to himself but for the blessing of others. All gifts are given that Christ may be exalted.

Paul is contrasting the former status of his readers with their present condition – they were Gentiles and are now Christians. They had worshipped dumb idols who could never have given spiritual gifts but now worship the living and true God whose Spirit is the source of all gifts. Paul then cuts off any who denied Jesus is Lord from all pretense to possess spiritual gifts. The general diffusion of gifts extended to all classes – male and female, young and old, regardless of race, ethnicity. Some were/are dissatisfied with their gifts; some were/are deluded imposters; some envious of others with more ostentatious powers – Paul is writing to correct these evils.

The Soirit dwells in all believers as the body of Christ manifests in one way in one person and another way in another person. Paul uses the separate parts of the body making a whole to illustrate this point. When the gifts of God – natural or supernatural – are perverted as a means of self exaltation it is a sin against their giver as well as against those for whose benefit they were intended; the spiritual gifts were/are not for benefit of the individual alone. The promises and prophecies of the Old Testament were literally fulfilled by the Spirit of God in believers – from the prophet Joel, one of my favorite passages in the Bible: “And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, And also on My menservants and on my maid servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.”

But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, (56) and said, “Look! I see the heavens open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” (57) Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; (58) and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. (59) And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” (60) Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

The Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke, historian, physician, writer of the gospel and frequent and beloved companion of the apostle Paul. Our verses today are about the first Christian martyr, Stephen, who was one of seven men chosen by the apostles so that they (the apostles) would be relieved of serving the “multitude” of early Christians in Jerusalem and leave them to prayer and ministry of the word. Luke, in Acts 7, tells us that Stephen, “full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.” Unable to prevail over Stephen in open debate his enemies conspired to have false witnesses accuse him of blasphemy – speaking against Moses and God, the temple and the Law – which by Jewish law was punishable by death.

Stephen was brought before the Sanhedrin to face his accusers; Stephen proceeded to show the Sanhedrin his view of God was absolutely orthodox. His was not a personal defense but an apologetic for a new way of worship that Jesus Christ taught and His followers embraced; it was not a recital of Jewish history only but a proclamation of the gospel. Stephen’s form of defense was common in that culture – using a history of Israel highlighting elements of that history in support – built mainly around outstanding personalities – endeavoring to show how the Christian message was fully consistent with and the culmination of Old Testament revelation. This marks the break between Judaism and Christianity. Luke recorded this speech to explain and defend this new way of worship fully.

The Sanhedrin, the elite ruling council of Israel, were “cut to the quick” by Stephen’s speech. The accused became the accuser of the nation of Israel; the one to be judged became the judge. The Sanhedrin reacted in a frenzy, stopped their ears and became a murderous mob. Luke tells us that Stephen stood in front of them in calmness and peace, looking steadfastly to heaven where he saw the glory of God and the resurrected Christ. All order was abandoned; in chaos, confusion with loud voices the Sanhedrin changed into a demon possessed mob. They dragged Stephen out of the city – as required by Jewish law – and stoned him. Murdered him. Christ Jesus is now fully rejected by Israel.

Verse 58 tells us Saul of Tarsus (who becomes Paul the apostle) was a prominent figure in this story. He certainly knew the witnesses against Stephen as they took off their upper garments to be free to strike hard with stones, and laid their clothing at his feet. The groundwork is laid and now comes Paul the apostle, who was God’s chosen vessel for the spread of the gospel.

And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” (2) Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question. …….(22) Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren. (23) They wrote this letter by them: ‘The apostles, the elders, and the brethren, To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings. (24) Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law” – to whom we gave no such commandment – (25) it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, (26)men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (27) We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth. (28) For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; (29) that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.

The Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke as a history of the early church. In our verses today we read of the first council of that church and the issue is the doctrine of salvation. (The same issue was addressed by the Catholic Church in the Council of Trent in the 16th century with a different outcome as doctrinal for Catholics.). The Jerusalem Council was held in the apostolic age and it is important to note that the eyewitnesses to the life and teaching of Christ Jesus were at that council, which was the first major defense of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The question considered was: is salvation by Jesus Christ and works and rituals – baptism, through the church or religious affiliation, through the sacraments – OR by the free and unmerited Grace frim God through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone.

False teachers had followed the apostle Paul to Antioch and were saying that unless Gentiles became Jews they cannot be saved. Paul preached that the believer in our Lord Jesus Christ lives in a sense of grace – justified through no merit on his/her part; justified on the grounds of the finished work of Christ, PLUS NOTHING ELSE. Legalistic minds thought it too good to be true that man can be saved by Grace alone and attempted to add something to the gospel. The question of salvation without the Law had been raised and now was to be considered and the Jerusalem Council ruled that Gentiles should be fellow heirs and of the same body and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel preached by Paul. There was no compromise on the doctrine of salvation.

The Catholic Church has not moved from statements made from the Council of Trent which condemned the doctrine of justification by God’s grace alone through faith alone in Christ Jesus alone. (This was their answer to Martin Luther.) Our verses today note that Paul and Barnabas didn’t answer the legalizers with ecumenical dialogue but with no small dissension and dispute as this was and is a question that undermines the gospel itself. The issue at Trent was still the doctrine of salvation by Gods grace alone – meaning undeserving favor; if we deserve it it’s not grace – not from any good works, personal merit, or religious activities on our part. We are all sinners and all need to be justified through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus. The Law was never meant to – nor was it able to – save sinners but to show their need for Gods grace. Faith in Christ Jesus is not the BEGINNING of the process; saving faith is the END of the process. Nothing needs to be added. Salvation is not Jesus AND.

And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, (22) strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” (23) So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. (24) And after they had passed through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. (25) Now when they preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. (26) From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed. (27) Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

The Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke and our verses today concern the first missionary journey taken by Paul, accompanied by Barnabas. The Spirit asked the church at Antioch to separate them and send them to preach the gospel to other lands. Paul and Barnabas went by sea and land; the gospel went out to Jews and Gentiles, all without distinction. Great signs and wonders were done by them and they were subject to much hostility and tribulation along the way. Not a few but great multitudes of Jews and Greeks (Gentiles) believed which stirred up the unbelieving Jews and those unbelievers who had no liking for Jews. But the messengers of the Lord could not be driven away until their testimony was completed.

In a way it was the gospel of polarization, certainly not of compromise; the preaching of which Paul considered a solemn privilege and responsibility. Those who rejected the gospel would perish and those who received it are saved into life. The clear and simple gospel given by Paul in the synagogue in Antioch Pisidia was the pattern of this first missionary journey – Acts of the Apostles is about beginnings and missionary endeavors. On Paul’s return journey he and Barnabas revisited churches they had founded, electing certain proven men to be elders who would act in the absence of the apostles. When they returned to Antioch Paul and Barnabus gave the first missionary conference which was not a record of what they had done by themselves but what God made them – how God opened the door of faith to the Jews and Gentiles and made way for teaching Christ crucified and risen – how they received the message and through faith in Christ their souls were saved.

We are born in sin and our lives are characterized by rebellion and rejection of the truth of God BUT believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ and you shall live now and forever more. The faithful responders to the gospel in the face of such hostility reminds me of c.s.Lewis: “When the whole world is running towards a cliff, he who is running in the opposite direction appears to have lost his mind.”

But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down. (43) Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. (44) On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. (45) But when the Jews saw the multitudes they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. (46) Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. (47) For so the Lord has commanded us: “I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, that you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.” (49) Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. (49 And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region. (50) But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their region. (51) But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium. (52) And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

The Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke as primarily a historical narrative which provides information on the first 3 decades of the existence and miraculous explosion of the early church. In our verses today the apostle Paul is front and center and as the apostle to the Gentiles the remainder of Acts is describing his activity. Paul and Barnabas are chosen by the Spirit to embark on their first missionary journey. When they reached Antioch of Pisidia they went to the synagogue there on the Sabbath – Jews and God fearing Gentiles were in attendance – and at the end of the ritual, the rulers of the synagogue asked them to speak. (Paul was a rabbi). Paul responded by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ from the prophets and the promises of the Old Testament. For the first time Paul is speaking the truth; he is preaching Jesus as Messiah and justification by faith in Christ. And he tells the Sabbath gathering that the Law of Moses could NOT justify them. The offer of the gospel had been made and our verses indicate that some had accepted it. The following week we are told that almost the entire city came together on the Sabbath – including large numbers of Gentiles – to hear the word. Once more Paul pronounces the word of condemnation for unbelief. The offer of salvation was refused by most of the Jews – although there were many Gentile disciples who did receive the truth – and Paul and Barnabas were expelled from the city by the envious and antagonistic Jews. Paul now announces that he is to be the apostle to the Gentiles although his manner was to continue of preaching first at the synagogue – first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles. Shaking the dust off their feet when they left Antioch of Pisidia was a graphic way the Jews historically illustrated their separation from unbelievers.

We don’t like controversy and conflict and taking a stand for Christ almost always encounters opposition. There is something inherently divisive about the Christian message; we see this in our text. Paul and Barnabas caused division where some believed and followed and others rejected their message and created strong opposition. In verse 49, Scripture is clear that appointment is based on God’s choice; our choice is to believe. The gospel is not why God elected us – God’s electing us is why we chose to believe the gospel. None seek after God of their own free will. We are born in corruption and can’t and won’t seek God. Salvation is always of the Lord.

God ordained that the means by which the elect are saved is the preaching of the gospel. In Romans 10:14 the apostle Paul writes “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” It is our duty as Christians to behave as we believe and to be bold and unafraid to live our faith.

And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, You have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!” (29) But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. (30) The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. (31) Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. (32) And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” (40)And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus and let them go. (41)So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.

The Acts of the Apostles, the historical record of the early church, was written by Luke, writer of the gospel, physician and beloved companion of the apostle Paul. In our verses today we learn that the apostles, warned earlier by the Sanhedrin – the rulers of Israel – not to preach Jesus as the Messiah, openly disregarded that command. (I should mention here that verse 40 refers to the words of Gamaliel, rabbi and teacher of the apostle Paul who advised the Sanhedrin to proceed with caution. The Sanhedrin agreed with him.) The apostles were arrested for a second time and were confronted by the high priest and the council and charged with disobeying their command. . Transformed by the Spirit and given a commission by Christ Jesus to carry the gospel to all the world, the apostles didn’t defend civil disobedience but simply and strongly stated their duty was to obey God rather than men – and specifically the Sanhedrin. The apostles thought of themselves not just as messengers of God but as eyewitnesses of that to which they testified. They were men of courage because they were men of conviction.

The apostles were in the midst of a magnificent movement – the Spirit was in them and God is giving testimony to their message through gifts of healing, both physical and spiritual. They were preaching with authority and power to largely Jewish people that the promises God made to ”the fathers” were being fulfilled to them; God is overthrowing the wisdom of the wise with the foolishness of the cross. And there was no compromise in what they preached. Peter spoke the principle that we must obey God rather than men which pertains to our personal life and to church life. We shall be judged by this.

The Bible commands us as Christians to be subject to governing authority but if commanded to do something disobedient to God we must obey God. And there are always consequences for compromise. I’m reminded of Martin Niemoller, German theologian and Lutheran pastor in Nazi Germany who ended up in a concentration camp: “First they came for the socialist and I did not speak out – I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionist and I did not speak out – because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews and I did not speak out – because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me – and there was no one left to speak for me.” There is no “take it or leave it” option in our verses today.

And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. (13) Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. (14) And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, (15) so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. (16) Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

Acts was written by Luke, historian of the early church, writer of the gospel, physician and dear companion to the apostle Paul. Today’s verses tell us of the remarkable growth of the early church – signs and wonders performed by the apostles by the power of God. The apostles had been arrested and brought before the the Jewish “rulers, elders and scribes, as well as Annaias the high priest, Caiaphas, John and Alexander, and as many as were the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.” The apostles were commanded by them “not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.” Then they were let go. The response of the apostles was to not only preach Christ but to do so publicly on Solomon’s porch which was surrounding the temple area. Clearly the early church was a supremely effective church with the ministry of healing at the forefront of church work. The power of God was evident to win others for the Lord. Many believers were added and here Luke no longer give us numbers – evidently there were so many – and he writes that multitudes were drawn, men and women.

The many miracles of healing had an increasingly powerful impact – the purpose for God granting those miracles was to confirm the gospel message and to authenticate the apostles as God’s messengers in the early church. One of the interesting things in that time was the opposition by the Jewish leaders to Jesus; even though they became more jealous and antagonistic the Jews chose to react with moderation as their quandary was that the miracles could not be denied even by those not believing. The gospel of Christ was about to explode to all the known world.

The reverence for the apostles was evident by those placing the sick so that the shadow of Peter might fall on them. There is no mention that cures were a result of this but this is an apt reminder of “shadow ministries”. We do not know how we influence people put in our paths. In our upside down world the shadow is reality and “reality” is ephemeral. We never know who or how we influence or touch in our path. Everything we do matters. In joy, everything we do, we should do for the Lord.

Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. (35) But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. (36) The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ – He is Lord of all- (37) that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: (38) how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. (39) And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. (40) Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, (41) not to all the people but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. (42) And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. (43) To Him all the prophets witness that through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins”.

The Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke, writer of the gospel, historian, physician and often the companion of the apostle Paul. Our verses today are part of the story of Peter, a Jewish man and an apostle of Christ, called by a vision to visit Cornelius, a Roman centurion and a Gentile. Cornelius, a God fearing and righteous man also had a vision telling him to call for Peter to come and explain the gospel. Peter obeyed his vision; journeyed to Caesarea and entered the house of Cornelius – something Jewish custom and tradition strictly prohibited.

Our verses today are words Peter spoke to Cornelius and his household. While Peter was still speaking(!), the Holy Spirit came upon the attending Gentiles and Peter and the Jews accompanying him “were astonished that the gifts of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles”. (Acts 10: 44-46). Peter had no idea that God was at work among the Gentiles.

This was the foundation for Peter’s understanding that the gospel should now go forth to the Gentiles – it was completely against Jewish thought that God DID NOT show partiality toward the Jews. There was now to be no exclusion based on national identity. Since Abraham salvation had been from the Jews and through the Jews. This was a radical change as the Gentiles were included and all who believe in Christ receive God’s salvation. This was not a new plan of God but was foretold by the Old Testament prophets but just not understood. Now the Gentiles could be directly brought into a relationship with God apart from becoming Jews. Christ is Lord of all. This insight would change the history of the world.

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, (6) who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, (7) but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. (8) And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. (9) Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, (10) that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, (11) and that every tongue should confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The letter to the Philippians was written by the apostle Paul. Our verses today are critically Christological – fundamental to the gospel. Christ Jesus was and is absolute deity; He never ceased to be God in any sense but added a human nature, without sin, and wholly voluntarily took on a body subject to results of the fall; subject to weariness, aging and death. In observable ways He was human. He was in all ways tempted but was obedient unto death on the cross. The crucified, risen and ascended Christ is now at the place of supremacy over all creation.

Christ Jesus as true God and true man without sin became the perfect sacrifice for man’s redemption in Gods eternal plan; He became sin. Because of this, His separation in human form from God in our place, we are reconciled with God. His extreme agony was not the physical suffering from crucifixion but as the sin offering He was separated from God. On the cross He knew He was forsaken by God and He knew in the Garden of Gethsemane that He would be forsaken by God – He saw this abyss before Him and sweated blood.

The crucified, risen and ascended Christ is now at the place of supremacy over all creation. He stands alone. No other name can be compared to His and the time will come when He will be acknowledged as Lord. This does not mean that all will be saved but the guilty and the lost will acknowledge His power and sovereignty.

Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish that I may gain Christ (9) and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; (10)that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being confirmed to His death, (11) if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. (12) Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. (13)Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. (15) I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

The letter to the Philippians was written by the apostle Paul – he writes of joy from a Roman prison, saying that the believer in whatever earthly circumstances should manifest the joy in knowing the Lord. On the road to Damascus Paul personally experienced Jesus Christ and his life dramatically changed. Paul knew Christ; he knew he was in Christ’s hands and the goal of salvation was ever before him. He counted his past behaviors and sins, rewards and achievements not as loss or gain but as obstacles to salvation. He renounced all dependence on things of this world and declared them worthless and a hinderance to the goal of salvation in Christ.

Paul uses the analogy of a foot race pressing on toward the goal of salvation. He acknowledged his past sins but he was a new man in Christ – he did not live in the past but was straining toward what is ahead in dependence on Christ and the Spirit. Runners always run looking ahead with eyes on the goal. In the words of the current women’s Olympic bronze medalist, “Life has a funny way of giving you what you need before you think you’re ready for it.” In faith we will abandon all dependence on things past as worthless external advantage. We are, in Christ, exactly where we are meant to be and Paul urges his readers to be teachable – to have a humble heart. Paul knows Christ; he knows he is in Christ’s hands.

From the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous to inside the prison walls of Louisiana State Penitentiary, we are encouraged by those beautiful words of verse 13 of Philippians 3: “forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead…”. In Christ we have joy and a hope that is sure.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (18) Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, (19) that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. (20) Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. (21) For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

The second letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. As was typical in the early church, false teachers followed Paul; teaching error, corrupting the gospel and impugning Paul’s authority as an apostle. Our verses today countering distortion of the truth, were addressed to the baby Christians in Corinth telling them they have become new people in Christ; reborn in Christ. Their old value systems and priorities, beliefs, loves and plans are gone. Evil and sin are still present but believers see them differently. The converted have a new spiritual perception – there is an emphatic note of change. The world loses its power to allure , terrify and control. Old things have gone by – we are at peace with God through the atoning death of Christ.

We could not reconcile ourselves to God – man did not seek it and had no way to effect it. All of salvation is the eternal plan of God. The faithful are made righteous through the work of Christ; sinless man who became sin and died in our stead, delivering us from our position as sinners. His death was the price for our forgiveness. In Christ the faithful undergo such a change in feelings and actions to say they are new creatures; Paul is telling his audience that it is NOT that they(we) ought to be new creatures but that we WILL in fact live that way – new purposes and new lives for new ends and all is accomplished by the power of God. ALL is new.

A word of caution for our new state by C.S. Lewis: “Now repentance is no fun at all. It is something much harder than merely eating humble pie. It means unlearning all the self conceit and self will that we have been training ourselves into for thousands of years. It means undergoing a kind of death. In fact it needs a good man to repent. And here’s the catch. Only a bad person needs to repent; only a good person can repent perfectly. The worse you are the more you need it and the less you can do it. The only person who could do it perfectly would be a perfect person – and he would not need it. “

Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea,(2) all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, (3) all ate the same spiritual food, (4)and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them and that Rock was Christ. (5) But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. (6) Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. (10) nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. (11) Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. (12) Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. He is warning them to watch for false security as to their power to resist temptation resting on an overabundance of self confidence. Paul used the example of the Israelites and their disastrous journey to the promised land through the wilderness. No people ever had more evidence of election as a nation but yet their bodies were left strewn in the desert. They had been highly favored as are we; they were miraculously guarded by a pillar of cloud as they left Egypt, led through the Red Sea, fed by manna from heaven and given water from a rock and yet many perished. It is not enough to be the recipient of extraordinary favors and to begin well – the Christians in Corinth are being warned by Paul to walk in faith to the finish.

Many Israelites failed because of unbelief. It is one thing to profess being a Christian – to participate, to be baptized, to associate outwardly with people of God, BUT quite another to be genuinely perseverant and faithful to the end. In Israel there were two groups – one of true faith and one of a simply outward relationship. All who were/are genuine in profession at any time, any place, were saved. There must be regeneration and personal faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

We are specifically warned against murmuring/grumbling; complaining in the spirit of rebellion. My favorite author and favorite book, C.S. lewis in ‘The Great Divorce’ writes “Hell begins with a grumbling mood, always complaining, always blaming others……. But you are still distinct from it. You may even criticize it in yourself and wish you could stop it. But there may come a day when you can no longer. Then there will be no you left to criticize the mood or even to enjoy it but just the grumble itself going on forever like a machine.”

Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. (18) For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: (19) whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame – who set their mind on earthly things. (20) For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, (21) who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. (4:1) Therefore, my beloved and longed for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

The letter to the Philippians was written by the apostle Paul while he was a prisoner in Rome because of his gospel. Philippi was a Roman colony of Roman culture and customs. Paul uses this political relationship as an analogy between the status of citizens of Rome and citizens of heaven. He is saying Christians should live up to their status – to live as they believe. Paul speaks of those who are not real children of God – they profess Christianity but are not true – the craving of their unbelieving nature leads and governs them; they were religious BUT cling to the world, love the world, which makes them enemies of Christ. It is religious emotion, not Christ. Paul writes of the terrible position of these people whose end is destruction – the lower element of their nature controls them. All that gains for them the admiration from their fellows is inevitably degrading. Our verses plainly show that Paul believed in the possibility of utter ruin.

We are aliens in this world. Rebirth in faith in Christ has made us different in our being and children of God. Our citizenship in heaven is as definite now as it will be then – spiritually we are there already. Time is our training school.

I find the steps of the Big Book – Alcoholics Anonymous – and in particular step 11 – useful for principled holy living. “We consider our plans for the day. Before we begin we ask God to direct our thinking, especially asking that it be divorced from self-pity, dishonest or self seeking motives.” Further, “As we go through the day we pause, when agitated or doubtful, and ask for the right thought or action. We remind ourselves we are no longer running the show, humbly saying to ourselves many times each day “Thy will be done”. We are then in much less danger of excitement, fear, anger, worry, self pity, or foolish decisions.”

But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is the word of faith which we preach): (9) that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (10) For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (11) For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” (12) For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. (13) For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

The towering letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul, Hebrew of Hebrews and zealous for the Law until he met Christ Jesus on the road to Damascus. In chapters 9 and 10 of Romans, Paul writes expressing concern for the Jews who did not accept God’s plan of salvation in the gospel. The Jews felt justification was confined to their nation and thought they could establish their own righteousness. The gospel Paul preached taught we have no righteousness of our own and can only be justified through the right of God imputed to us and received by faith in Christ. The Jews believe in salvation by works and the Christians by faith and available to all. The point is that Righteousness on which we depend is not of ourselves but of God.
The gospel Paul preached proclaimed Jesus is the Lord; faith in Jesus as the Messiah is truth to be believed and acknowledged – we are to renounce all dependence on our own merit. Faith is not a speculative exercise but an act of the mind that includes understanding and affection. A doctrine of Scripture is that he who believes with the heart is justified and he who openly confesses Christ shall be saved. Faith is necessary as a means to an end and confession is a duty. Lack of courage to confession is evidence of the lack of heart to believe.
God is the God of both the Jews and the Gentiles. In God’s eyes there is no difference; all are sinners and will be judged by the same principles. The Jews saw the gospel as a message that clashed with the Old Testament and Paul is citing the Old Testament to show that the message he preached came right out of Jewish Scriptures. All need to be reconciled to God before they die and face judgment – the gospel is that whoever believes in Jesus will be saved. Since the good news is for all it must be proclaimed to all (we are responsible for the effort but not the outcome). Intellectual belief alone without commitment is NOT saving faith. Any mention of good works earning salvation is NOT good news because it depends on sinful people who inevitably fall short. We need a humble sense of our own sinfulness and a willingness to receive eternal life as offered in the gospel. This invitation and assurance extends to all nations and people of all times.

And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. (46) However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. (47) The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. (48) As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. (49) And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today he addresses the question of the resurrection of the dead – if God’s own are to be raised, in what body will they arise? Paul is answering with divine revelation – apart from this revelation we can know nothing apart from pure speculation. The descendants of Adam derive from him an earthly body like his. Just as certainly as we have a natural body, limited by time and space; a body of flesh and blood, subject to pain and decay, those who belong to Christ are to have a glorious body fashioned like His glorious body. If the one exists, so does the other.

Paul is contemplating the body at the time of death, saying that the weakness which belongs to it in life is perfected in death. It is a general law that the lower precedes the higher; the imperfect, the perfect. We are born before we are regenerated and we live before we rise. Matter was created under the forces of animal life. Adam’s work was to bring into subjection to his own spirit not only the world around him but also his own body and appetites. Adam was not created full grown in moral and spiritual life but fully equipped for conquest – but the victory was not yet won. His body was soul governed and so are ours. Our future bodies will be controlled by our spirits; the human spirit will be animated wholly by God. And some day the changes awaiting our bodies will be revealed. We are sown in corruption and will be raised in incorruption and just as we bear the likeness of the first man, we shall bear the likeness of the Man from heaven. Nothing is impossible with God and as Christians we know the future hope of the second coming of Christ when we will receive resurrected bodies – this should affect life as we live it now.

We are now limited by time which is unilinear and irreversible but we are promised a new heavens and a new earth will be formed. We can only guess and wonder on this – and again, I like to end with C.S. Lewis from his book on Miracles: “It is useful not because we can trust these fancies to give us any positive truth about the New Creation but because they teach us not to limit, in our rashness, the vigor and variety of the new crops which this old field might yet produce. We are therefore compelled to believe that nearly all we are told about the New Creation is metaphorical. But not quite all. That is just where the story of the Resurrection suddenly jerks us back like a tether. The local appearances, the eating, the touching, the claim to be corporal, must be either reality or sheer illusion.

Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? (14) But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. (14) And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. (15) Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up -if in fact the dead do not rise. (16) For if the dead do not rise, then Christ not risen. (17) And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! (18) Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. (19) If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. (20) But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul who was addressing the denial of some of the Christians in Corinth that there is bodily resurrection of the people of God. The gospel is the gospel of the risen Christ and Paul’s argument is, if there is no resurrection from the dead, then Christ is not risen. The seal of Christ’s acceptable atoning sacrifice is His resurrection. The resurrection of Christ is proved by an array of testimony supporting this primary principle of the gospel which Paul preached and on which their salvation depended. Because of this fact’s importance the apostles were appointed to be witnesses of Christ’s resurrection. If Christ is not risen all their preaching and faith is groundless; their witness is false.
The admission of the resurrection of Christ is inconsistent with the denial of the resurrection of the dead – this denial involves the denial of the resurrection of Christ. Paul is not discussing here the continued existence of the soul after death but the restoration of the body to life. In our verses today, Paul deduces the possibility and then the certainty of of the resurrection of God’s people. The argument is, if the dead cannot rise, then Christ did not rise for Christ is dead: if the thing be impossible, it never happened. Man is still under condemnation of sin; no resurrection means no justification. Denial of resurrection involves denial of salvation.
Christ Jesus rested the validity of all His claims upon His resurrection – His resurrection proves He is truly the Son of God and Savior of the world. My favorite, C.S. Lewis writes in ‘Mere Christianity’: “A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic – on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg – or else he would be the devil of hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God or else a madman or something worse.”

Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, (2) by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you – unless you believed in vain. (3) For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, (4) and that He was buried and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, (5) and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. (6) After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. (7) After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. (8) Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. (9) For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. (10) But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. (11) Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

The first letter to the corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. In chapter 15 Paul introduces a new subject addressing the errors in Corinth regarding the resurrection of Christ Jesus which some in Corinth denied. Paul is saying the doctrine of resurrection of Christ is the primary principal of the gospel, which he preached and in which our salvation depends; if there is no resurrection, our faith is worthless. Paul presents historical facts of eyewitness testimony – he is not referring to all the physical manifestations of Jesus after the resurrection but selects a few examples.
What is the gospel? There is a great deal in the Bible that is not gospel – it is not just a message telling men how they should behave – It is not a call to repentance or amendment of our ways. It is good news to be believed; we may change our behavior and yet never believe the gospel and consequently never be saved. There is only one gospel and it is God’s revelation to sinful man. Comparing all religious systems with one another and all but Christianity set men trying to save their own souls. But the gospel tells us what God has done for us so that guilty sinners may be saved. It is only through the gospel that man is born again – it is the work of God, not man, and it is done. It is the gospel of the Son of God – the gospel of the risen Christ – and leaves no room whatever for human merit. It is the gospel of grace, not works; if it be of works then it is not of grace.
It is a fact of history that Christ died and “for our sins” is doctrinal and explains that death. Christ took the sinner’s place and the sinner’s judgment. The seal of satisfaction in Christ’s work was His resurrection. Physical resurrection is fundamental to Christianity and there is no contradiction in this. Paul and the other apostles believed and preached the same gospel – and in denying the resurrection some corinthians were pursuing a theology of their own.

But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way. (13:1) And though I speak with the tongues of men and angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. (2) And though I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. (3) And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. (4) Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; (5) does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; (6) does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; (7) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (8) Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. (9) For we know in part and we prophesy in part. (10) But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. (11) When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. (12) For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I as known. (13) And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul writes with majestic language, lofty idealism and practical advice to the Corinthians who were distracted and divided by contentious behavior and cults of personalities – they were envious of each other’s gifts of the Spirit – love for God and man was wanting and therefore the Spirit’s gifts were worthless to them. Love is the key which opens up the effective use of spiritual gifts – Paul is showing the Corinthians a more excellent way to please God. Love is superior to all extraordinary gifts; it is inherently excellent and abides in perpetuity. The gift of tongues, so valued by the Corinthians was nothing without love. It became as a senseless noise of brass or a clanging of cymbals. All outward acts are of no avail without love – there is no substitute of what is outward for what is inward. God requires our hearts. This chapter is not a dissertation on Christian love but an exhibit of it as contrasted with deformities of character. Paul is saying to the Corinthians that the gifts in which they took so much pride were small matters compared to what is in store for the people of God.

Love lasts – endures forever – is not designed just for our present state of existence but to our future state of being. The extraordinary gifts of the Spirit are temporary but faith, hope and love remain. Faith and hope as we experience it now will not continue in the future but will continue in another form – confidence and expectation will continue forever. Love NEVER fails but abides forever. Paul exhorts his readers here to seek the better gifts – the abiding gifts – the useful gifts for living in this world. Love here is greater than either faith or hope as faith saves us but love benefits others. A Christian community can make do somehow if gifts of character are lacking but it will die without love.

The character of love takes pleasure in what is right, true, not concealed; it looks for mercy and justice for all; puts up with everything and perseveres in trials. Love outlasts temporal things. Our present state is that of a child and we are now concerned with things of temporary value. Maturity is concerned with things of eternal value. Now we see indirectly, not meaning irrationally but inadequately. Our views of the divine will be hereafter very different from those we now have. Love here is a decision of will which leads to sacrifice of self to another. It valves feeling but not primarily based on feeling – it is a giving, not taking, love

For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. (13) For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free – and have all been made to drink into one Spirit, (14) For in fact the body is not one member but many. (15) If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? (16) And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? (17) If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? (18) But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. (19) And if they were all one member, where would the body be? (20) But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. (21) And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you.” (23) No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. (23) And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, (24) but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, (25) that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. (26) And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. (27) Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. (28) And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. (29) Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? (30) Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul is showing – by analogy of the unity of the body – that unity is an essential need of the church and that diversity is essential to unity and this unity is divinely provided by the Spirit. The church no more consists of all members having the same gifts than the body is all eye or all ear. Many members necessarily means constituent parts having their own functions. Like the body, there is mutual dependency of the members of the church. The implication being that in Corinth some “members” of the church were discontent with their gifts – that God had made a mistake in His assignments and the Corinthians were looking for showy abilities. At the same time some who had visible gifts were belittling those with less prominent gifts. In unfounded pride they disdained those they perceived as “less” gifted.

Paul is not writing of water baptism but of baptism by the indwelling Spirit at the moment of faith in Christ Jesus. The proof of unity in the church is that by one Spirit we were many, baptized into one body. The Bible distinguishes between these baptisms – here not only distinguishes but disconnects them. The one baptism may be without the other. The baptism of the indwelling Spirit teaches the nature of the church and the principle of its unity. The church is not under one external or visible head or one governing tribunal but unified by virtue of the Holy Spirit in all its members.

Just as God has arranged the body parts to constitute one organic whole – the gifts/calling for church members is NOT according to the relative merits or decisions of the members but as the Lord determines. God’s thoughts are not as our thoughts. Paul is not writing of what ought to be but what is. The time is not yet come when every believer shall have the same care for another that he/she has for themselves but that ideal is set here in these verses.

There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. (5) There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. (6) And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. (7) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: (8) for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, (9) to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the same Spirit, (10) to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. (11) But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. The Old Testament prophesied about the extraordinary times of the coming Messianic age; the prophet Joel wrote “And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days”. Jesus promised to send the Spirit and on the day of Pentecost these promises and prophecies were literally fulfilled. The circumstances were so extraordinary that it was unavoidable that imposters or those deluded would arise. This apparently was a problem in Corinth and Paul devotes chapter 12 of this letter to correct confusion about whether those who pretended to be led by the Spirit were really under His influence in the apostolic age.

The gifts of the Spirit mentioned in our verses (not a complete list), despite the diversity of the gifts, have a common origin. They are all wrought of the same Spirit. Whatever the Father does He does by the Spirit who produces these gifts in the minds of men and women. BUT the Spirit distributes them severally and to every man/woman as He will. All gifts mentioned in our verses are potentially in the church today but not all may be active with the same intensity they had in the apostolic age. There are no more apostles who speak or write inspired, infallible communications. All the canon of Scripture of the Old and New Testament is closed – Scriptural revelation is full, complete, supreme and final.

Spiritual gifts do continue today at some level but must meet biblical criteria for existence. Each Christian has been given at least one spiritual gift which functions not to edify ourselves but to build up others. Failing to serve God and others, man becomes prideful. A gift of the Spirit is a supernatural gift which functions beyond the normal and natural talents and skills of people. A Christian will enjoy using his/her spiritual gift and will never be happy until he/she is using it.

Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. (35) But in every nation whoever who fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. (36) The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ – He is Lord of all – (37) that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: (38) how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

The book, Acts of the Apostles, was written by Luke, author of one of the gospels, physician, historian and frequent companion of the apostle Paul. Acts is a record of apostolic success in that ancient world – of the way God moved in the minds and hearts of men and women. It is designed to be a history of the early church. On Pentecost Sunday, when the Spirit of God came, there was an explosion of faith in Christ in that ancient world; the gospel was spread by witnesses to the ends of the earth.

The Jews thought the Gentiles had to convert to Judaism to be saved; through the Jews, by the Jews. Now all is swept away in Christ and a radical shift takes place. Salvation is NOT based on national identity nor based on good works. In Christ God beings the Gentiles to partake of salvation – brings them directly into a relationship with Him apart from becoming Jews. This one insight changed the world. Salvation comes to everyone who believes in the name of Jesus; it is not a vague general belief but rather it is specific and personal. Eternal life is God’s gift through Christ and is not based on human merit but in grace. Jerusalem heard the gospel first and then it was carried into Judea and Samaria. Then there was the conversion of Paul who was to be the apostle to the Gentiles but before Paul’s ministry, Peter was recorded as opening first the door to the Gentiles who were considered aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise. Peter’s message at Pentecost declared that the promise was also to those far off but he didn’t realize the implications of that utterance. However, the hour had come that the walls were torn down.

The point of our verses today is that ALL, Jews and Gentiles, have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Fear of God and the working of righteousness is not a product of the natural heart but the work of God Himself. It was not confined to the Jews but to Gentiles also through grace in faith in Christ. Every barrier between the Jew and the Gentile has been removed.

For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles – (2) if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, (3) how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, (4) by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), (5) which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets; (6) that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul. Paul (by his own account) was born a Jew; a “Hebrew of Hebrews”. He was circumcised on the eight day – a member of the Jewish nation and of the tribe of Benjamin and named for the first king of Israel, Saul. He was a protege of the Pharisaical leaders of his time. He studied in Jerusalem at the feet of the great teacher, Gamaliel. Paul followed the Law as perfectly as he could – also the rituals and ceremonies. This wildly unlikely man was chosen by God to be his chosen vessel as the apostle to the Gentiles to reveal the mysteries of God in Christ by the Spirit – he perfectly exemplified the wholly and revolutionary eternal plan of God in God’s perfect timing. The mystery Paul expounds in our verses today was unexpected – a complete upheaval of pagan and Jewish thought.

Our verses today tell us that the Gentiles were to be fellow heirs with the Jews, in Christ, of the promise of eternal life. Paul learned this truth not from others – not by hearsay- but by direct revelation from God which was an indispensable qualification for apostleship. This revelation was undiscoverable by human reason. The Old Testament frequently predicted the union of the Jews and Gentiles but now this was clearly and fully revealed. God had promised universal blessing through Abraham but now Paul clearly discloses the truth that the Old Testament prophets had not understood: In Christ, in His church, there would be no social, racial or spiritual distinction. The general impression of the prophets was that Gentiles were to partake of the promises by becoming Jews. Until the day of Pentecost it never seemed to enter anyone’s mind that the Jewish theocracy was to be abolished and a new form of religion would include all mankind. This revelation made to the apostles raised them from sectarians to Christians. The promise is the promise of redemption amd the only indispensable condition of participation is union with Christ.

This union with Christ is brought about by the gospel; not by birth, not by outward rite, not by union with any external body but by the gospel received by faith. Amen

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; (13) bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. (14) But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. (15) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which you were also called in one body; and be thankful. (16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (17) And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

The letter to the Colossians was written by the apostle Paul – our verses today address practical holiness of the faithful. Life without God is futile and meaningless but as believers our position in Christ is safe and secure. We are to behave as we believe and we must consider our reborn selves – Paul uses the analogy of putting on new clothes as putting on new behaviors. We are judged – rightly or wrongly – by appearance and here paul is teaching us how to be judged by behaviors that characterize the new man/woman in Christ. We need hearts that are readily stirred to compassion; that delight in mercy. We must put pride aside and think less of self; to trust in God and seek to do His will. We must be long suffering; God will vindicate His own. We are to forgive those who harmed us; forgiven people should be the first to forgive. And love of God and others is to be our guiding principle. We love because we have been loved by Christ.

Righteousness is not found in natural man. It cannot be earned or worked for. It is the gift of God to all who place their faith in Christ for salvation. It is Christ’s righteousness that God accepts. God chose us as believers out of a mass of rebellious humanity who did not want or care for Him – we have been set aside by God in Christ and our hearts and minds should no longer be engaged in this world. We know the peace of Christ and should live to preserve it. ‘Where our treasure is, there will our hearts be also.’

I return again to the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous to underline that spiritual life is not a theory. We have to live it. “Without help it is too much for us but there is One who has all power – that one is God.” The promises of AA tell us that half measures availed us nothing. If recovering men/women practice the spiritual principles of AA, “We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it. We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace. No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others. That feeling of uselessness and self pity will disappear. We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows. Self seeking will slip away. Our whole attitude and outlook on life will change. Fear of people and of economic security will leave us. We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us. We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.” May you find God now.

Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: (4)”Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, But a body You have prepared for Me. (6) In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin, You had no pleasure. (7) Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come – In the volume of the book it is written of Me – To do Your will, O God’”. (8) Previously saying, “Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them” (which are offered according to the law), (9) then He said, “Behold, I have come to do your will, O God.” He takes away the first that He may establish the second. (10) By that will, we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

The author of Hebrews is unknown. It was written to Jewish Christians who were in danger of reverting to their Jewish religion to escape persecution and warned not to do it. The point of our verses today is believers in Christ receive what those under the law could not receive; total forgiveness. All of the Old Testament points to Jesus Christ and because of Christ’s once for all sacrifice of Himself, believers in Christ have perfect standing with God. The faithful receive a complete, final, once for all pardon from all our sins – past, present and future. We are positioned in Christ as children of God.

Christ’s obedience to God’s will sets aside the Old Testament sacrifices. Our verses put emphasis on God preparing a body for Jesus to be offered as the eternal, suitable and never to be repeated sacrifice for sins. The dispensation of Old Testament sacrifices in the law were but a memorial of sin. Jesus came into this world to do God’s eternal will – the Father sent Him but the Son came. He took on Him our nature and by His own will He was made flesh. Only the Son of God could undertake the work of our redemption; only as man could He accomplish it. The will of man has no part in this. The work of justification is wholly of God.

Believers belong to God forever. It is settled and permanent as the peace which was made with God in Christ. On Christmas Day we celebrate – with overwhelming gratitude – that Jesus came into this world to save us from our sins. This season has become a commercial holiday that distracts us from this great truth. C.s.Lewis commented on this cultural aberration by saying that for many, by the time Christmas arrives families are in no mood for making merry but instead “look far more as if there had been a long illness in the house.”

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! (5) Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. (6) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; (7) and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The letter to the Philippians was written by the apostle Paul while in prison in Rome. Our verses open with the command (the repeated command) to rejoice. What is foundational in this command is an abiding confidence that God is sovereign. Our circumstances may not change but we can change. We must choose to obey – an attitude and a decision – and we are promised not superficial happiness but contentment and hope in our faithful God. Joy comes from God operating through the believer who finds joy not in the world but in his/her God through Christ. Believers don’t have righteousness in themselves from keeping the law but from saying no to self and yes to God. We are to live by faith not by feelings – to be rational not emotional.

Anxiety stems from a lack of faith – a wrong focus on things of this world. Living to please ourselves is counter productive to peace and never lasts. Lack of anxiety about things of this present life indicates NOT a lack of care but confidence in God. My college roommate’s mother used to say to us “what does it matter in the light of eternity?” At the time we laughed about it but it always stuck in my mind. Paul tells us to bring everything – all which pertains to body, mind, living conditions, friends, conflicts, losses, trials and fears – to the Lord. And to do so with clear eyed thanksgiving. God knows our needs but requires we come and express them to Him.

When we confidently know God will supply what we need – not want – we will have peace. This commitment to God has a peace not known elsewhere. Man cannot successfully live by his own powers. Turning to God through Christ in all trials and wants preserves the mind from distressing anxiety. Paul is telling the faithful just how to rejoice in the Lord always.

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, (4) always in every prayer of mine making request for you with joy, (5) for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, (6) being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ…(8) For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you with all the affection of Jesus Christ. (9) And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, (10) that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, (11) being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

The letter to the Philippians was written by the apostle Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome facing possible execution. The letter is filled with joy because His focus was on God and not himself – specifically on what God was doing with the Philippians church. Paul makes the point that if there is evidence that God has begun the work of salvation in us we can be confident He will complete it. Genuine fellowship with the people of God is powerful proof of the reality of the gospel. This was certainly the experience of the early church in Philippi where the faithful were raised from spiritual death to life by God’s power. In verse 6 Paul teaches that no one whom God has brought to SAVING knowledge of Jesus Christ will ever be lost. Wow.

Scripture teaches salvation is entirely the work of God, not man. The true gospel is about our fundamental problem which is alienation from God arising from sin. Atonement has been made in Christ so that all who trust in Him are saved from God’s judgment. Salvation does not depend on us or any human decision – if that were true that decision could be reversed. The faithful are not saved so they can live happy self centered lives but to view and live all of life through the lens of the gospel. Faith is not the work of man. We are not to be passive but our assurance and confidence is not to be in ourselves or our works but ONLY in God who works in us. We are warned not to live by subjective/emotional feelings devoid of doctrine nor by doctrine denying biblical love. Paul prays for discerning love for the faithful in Philippi – not a feeling devoid of content but knowledge of God as revealed by Scripture. Faith does not abandon reason and discerning love leads to godly character.

Salvation is always accompanied by evidence and followed by sanctification or growth in holiness. The Spirit bears witness to this truth in the hearts of those drawn to God – apart from any human merit. Salvation is always and only of the Lord.

And May the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, (13) so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints. (4:1) Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus, that you should abound more and more, just as you received it from us how you ought to walk and please God. (2) for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

The letter to the Thessalonians was written by the apostle Paul who was driven from that city by the Jews who were provoked by Paul’s effective ministry. Paul’s concern for the baby Christians there prompted him to send Timothy to check on their spiritual condition. Timothy’s good report that the converted there were standing firm in their faith resulted in this first letter. Our verses today tell us that in a few short months there was an amazing depth of teaching – great was the evidence of God working in them. The verses speak of the goals for spiritual stability which are faith in Christ, love for God and one another. The letter is noteworthy for its authoritative tone and emphasis on pleasing God as foundation for Christian external behavior.
in Christ, in faith, we are now members of God’s family – this is our spiritual reality. True faith is not just mental assent to the gospel. The faithful must be changed and have different desires; must delight in God and His Word. They turn from sin and seek to obey the Lord and please Him with thankfulness for free grace. God’s commands are not burdens but the path to religious Liberty which is NOT legalism. Freedom in Christ does not mean to follow the flesh but rather freedom from sin. Christ Jesus is the source of absolute moral truth in a culture of relativism. We are justified in Christ and now are on the walk of sanctification to be holy or separate as children of God.
We are to love God with all our hearts and to love our neighbors as ourselves – the best remedy against evil acts is brotherly love. When we forget this or cease to pray we can feel distance from God. Then comes the question: Who moved?

And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, (6) and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (7) Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. (8) “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, who is and who was and who is to come, the “Almighty.”

The book of Revelation was written by the apostle John who, while banished to the Island of Patmos at the end of his life, wrote down his divine vision of the consummation of all things; a time when the kingdom of God is finally and completely established. It is a prophetic book, symbolic in language and is primarily the revelation of the person and glory of Jesus Christ. John wrote of things he had seen; present and future things.

The Lord is the faithful witness. He is the firstborn from the dead. Jesus is the Prince of the kings of the earth which is His title and glory. Verse 5 and 6 deals with what He has done for us (believers) and what He has made us and what we shall be with Him. In verse 7 for the first time in this book the visible second coming of Jesus Christ is announced. By special divine intervention Christ will return physically and every eye will see Him – this verse announces THE climactic event of Revelation which is the second coming of Christ. This also presents the triune God as Lord of time – past, present and future – who is faithful to His promises and powerful enough to to bring them to pass. Here God confirmed His eternity and omnipotence – He is the alpha and Omega which are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. God created this world and set the universe in place and will conclude it according to His will. Jesus Christ, the returning Lord, is in complete control and authority: He IS the almighty.

At the second coming the Lord is coming for His own. Some shall rejoice and some shall wait in horror and despair of the awful judgment – for them His return will be sorrowful as the “too late” reality of those who rejected Christ and who will be then be faced with an eternity without Him. I return to C.S. Lewis who writes in ‘The Great Divorce’: “There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, “Thy will be done”, and those to whom God says in the end, “Thy will be done.” All that are in Hell, choose it. Without that self-choice there would be no Hell. No soul that seriously and constantly desires joy will ever miss it. Those who seek find. Those who knock it is opened.”

God is speaking in these verses. He has put His seal on it. Even so, Amen.

And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. (12) But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, (13) from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. (14) For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. (18) Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.

The author of Hebrews is unknown. In our verses today we study the conclusion of the theological argument begun in chapter one. The author warns the original Christian Jewish readers not to revert to Judaism with its sacrificial system as they would forfeit what Christ Jesus had secured for them. His death fulfilled the old system which kept worshippers from drawing near to God. Through Christ believers receive what the law could not do – total forgiveness. In Christ, because of His once for all sacrifice of Himself, the believers have perfect standing with God and free access to God’s presence.

The author of Hebrews warns not to go to the shadows meaning to any system that devises human works to atone for sins. The law saved no one and was repeated year after year. Aaronic priests stood daily and ministered daily, offering repeatedly the same sacrifice. There was no final forgiveness in that system. The priest of the Old Testament stood; Jesus Christ sat down at the right hand of the Father – this was not so much in finality as the acceptability of His sacrifice. Christ has perfected forever those believers who are being set apart. The work by which believers are saved is absolutely and wholly of God. The will of man is not part of this – it’s not our work or our experience. Our standing or position before God as believers is in Christ; even our worst sins do not eradicate our positional forgiveness as children of God.

In Christ the faithful have complete and final pardon from sin: past, present and future. The new covenant is the final covenant – the new sacrifice of Christ is the final sacrifice and no replacement is necessary. We have eternal access to God in Christ. I’m closing with Romans 8:1 – ‘There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.’

(24) For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; (25) not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another ——(26) He then would had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of all ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. (27) And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, (28) so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

The author of Hebrews is unknown. In verse 27, chapter 9, we study how Christ died but once and bore our iniquities – the primary concern of the author is objective salvation focused on the saving work of Christ. His atonement was made according to the eternal plan and will of God. From the fall of Adam to the end of the world no man is pardoned but through Christ’s offering Himself to God as sacrifice for sin.
God has appointed that sinful man shall die once and after this, judgment. Nothing shall then make any alteration in status or condition for at death man’s final state is determined. Just as Christ died but once so man dies but once. Death will come to all. Immediately after death our destiny will be made known to us. This is not the formal act of judgment day – that day will not change this former day but then all deeds will be made known. (Christ will not die in the future to make atonement for all will be fixed.) Our appointment for death was because of sin. Death is a finality – a complete and final end to our life on earth, followed by judgment where we are held accountable. The decision at death is irrevocable. There is no second chance to prepare, to seek pardon, to repair evil caused – no second chance to ask forgiveness. When man passes through death he/she passes through forever into the eternal world where our destiny will be made known. There will be no further opportunity to embrace the Savior who was rejected here on earth. All is fixed in judgment.
There is a short story about a servant sent by his master to the market in Baghdad. In the marketplace he was jostled by death disguised as a woman and he felt death made a threatening gesture. The servant ran back to the master to ask for loan of a horse to escape to Samarra where he felt death couldn’t find him. The master then went to the marketplace where he approached death and asked why she made a threatening gesture; death replied she was only surprised to see the servant as she had an appointment with him that night in Samarra.

Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. (24) But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. (25) Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. (26) For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; (27) who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. (28) For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.

The author of Hebrews is unknown. He/she wanted the original reader – written to Christian Jews – to NOT return to Judaism because of persecution and in our verses today he/she is contrasting Jesus as our once for all High priest as superior to the Levitical priesthood with its temporary and sacrificial system. Because of the Fall, man is born dead in sin – hopeless and helpless and by nature children of the wrath of God who cannot save themselves. The perfect justice of God demands payment for sin and the eternal plan of God – in perfect love – sent His own Son to be the sinless and forever High Priest offering Himself as sacrifice as satisfaction for sin in God’s perfect justice. The Levitical priests had to be replaced because of death; they first sacrificed for their own sins and then represented the people. The Jewish priests were an earthly priesthood who by themselves and by the law could make nothing perfect. The law was without power to save. Jesus didn’t need a sacrifice because He is without sin. He became the sacrifice for others. He lives forever and is exalted to above the heavens. In His resurrection, ascension and glorification, Jesus is the supreme perfection of the perpetual High Priest. He is the same today as to the first century Christians.

The priesthood of Christ is not a thing of time or change – He is not of the world like Adam. His is a priesthood not on earth and a priest who has no end of days. All before Christ was imperfect and could not bring atonement or bring us close to God which is the eternal purpose of Jesus. The priesthood of Christ was established by oath of God while Aaron’s was not; Jesus became the guarantee of the better covenant. He will live forever, saves completely and KEEPS His own by His priestly intercession. His acceptable sacrifice accomplished all. He stands alone – has no predecessor, no successor – and is the perfect High Priest who is able to save. In Him we can draw near to God in boldness. Atonement has been made for our sin and no other offering is needed.

In Christ the obligation of the law was dissolved and the faithful, saved in Christ by grace, are partakers of the heavenly calling. Amen.

For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. (2) He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness. (3) Because of this he is required as for the people, so also for himself, to offer sacrifices for sins. (4) And no man takes this honor to himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. (5) So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: “You are my Son, Today I have begotten You.” (6) As He also says in another place: “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.”

The author of Hebrews is unknown but his first audience was Jewish Christians who were contemplating reverting to Judaism to escape persecution from both Jews and Gentiles. The entire letter is Christological and in our verses today the author contrasts the qualities of the Jewish High Priest with the superiority of Jesus Christ as our once and for all High Priest – we need to understand and appreciate the importance of priests and their work.

The Old Testament provides us with the sense of the sovereignty of God and confronts us with the reality of human failure and does this by showing the need for Old Testament sacrifice. The High Priest offered gifts and sacrifices on behalf of men in things pertaining to God. He was called by God and the first High Priest, Aaron, the brother of Moses, is identified here by name; he was a fellow sinner and so therefore sympathetic. The fact that atonement was made once each year for sin points to the inadequacy of the Old Covenant and the need for a perfect High Priest – the point here is the Jewish priesthood is fulfilled in Christ Jesus who was called by the eternal purpose of God and offered Himself as the perfect once and for all sacrifice.

Jesus was appointed by God – not in the limited sense of Aaronic priests. In Him are the historical and united roles of king and priest. Because Jesus was true man who can sympathize with our weakness as He was tempted in all things but was without sin. The acceptable work of our perfect High Priest means He is the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him – eternal salvation in contrast to the temporary forgiveness of the Old Testament – salvation not by works but by faith. If the wrath of God against sin is so dreadful that He should demand such a sacrifice of His Son, we need need to race to embrace our Savior.

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. (15) For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. (16) Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in a time of need.

In the history of the world, propitiatory sacrifices were made in the belief that they were the only way to pardon sin and gain the favor of the gods. The Jewish high priest, on behalf of the people, annually offered sacrifices for the atonement for sin but this role was meant to be earthly and temporal. The Jewish rites could not purify the heart of man; could not give peace but were intended to point to the future – to the Messiah. In our verses today the unknown author of Hebrews speaks of Jesus as the great High Priest of Christianity who makes intercession for His people. In Christ as our High Priest, who having offered one time for all the perfect and acceptable sacrifice for sin, no more propitiatory sacrifices are required and we are told, in faith, to come BOLDLY to the throne of grace.

The word confession in verse 14 implies our private belief in the essential doctrines of faith, including that of Jesus’ deity and humanity, but also implies public declaration of this truth in the face of persecution. The author warns of the impossibility to being renewed again if we should fall away from our High Priest; there is but one, Christ Jesus, and the completed sacrifice for sin can never be repeated. The first audience for Hebrews were tempted to abandon Christianity and revert to Judaism and the warning is clear: DON’T DO IT.

We are now welcome and encouraged to approach the throne of grace – we should come when in need – meaning always. We cannot come in our merit or righteousness but can approach in confidence in Jesus who is our High Priest who has gained for us access to God. In Christ we receive God’s boundless mercy and undeserved favor. C.s. Lewis in the Problem of Pain tells us “It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see God, for only the pure in heart want to.”

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two edge sword, piercing even to the division of would and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (13) And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

The author of Hebrews is unknown. He/she is writing to Jewish Christians, with extensive reference to the Old Testament, to warn them not to revert to the Jewish religion to escape persecution. In our verses today the author is using figurative language to show God’s word will penetrate deeply to the core of our being. God is the authoritative judge of our thoughts and the intentions of our hearts – because God can see and know all, we have no hiding place and our sins are exposed to us. One day we will all stand before God to give an account of deeds done in the body.

God’s word is a living word because He is our living God. The “word” in the context of Hebrews probably refers to the truth of God in any form, spoken or written: It is the word from God about God and accomplishes what God intends it to do. The word of God speaks to current needs and situations of believers but some have hardened their hearts; dulled their hearing and their eyes will not see. Hebrews warns believers NOT to disregard/disobey the word which works powerfully in our hearts and imparts new life in faith to those spiritually dead. The author of Hebrews is warning Jewish Christians tempted to renounce Jesus for worldly comfort – DON’T DO IT.

God’s word searches us out. It is dynamic/active and relevant and achieves God’s purpose. There is no group plan of salvation; we must enter God’s word personally through faith in Christ and be obedient. We are to treasure God’s word; to avoid the wisdom of this world; to allow the word of God to change our heart and our life. We are to behave as we believe.

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. (10) For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. (11) For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren

The author of letter to the Hebrews is unknown. This epistle was intended as solace and encouragement to Hebrew Christians who were opposed and persecuted not only by Gentiles but especially from their fellow countrymen who thought them apostates. They had turned their back on the Jewish religion – which was legalized by Rome – and put their faith in the suffering and dying Messiah. The death of Jesus was fitting because of God’s perfect justice which demanded a penalty be paid for sin. God is righteous and holy and as such that sin must be judged. The author of Hebrews is showing why Jesus’s death – and the shameful death in a cross – was not by chance but God’s foreknowledge also meant that this was His eternal plan.

Humankind, since Adam, had been under the curse of sin and death, living as fallen creatures in a fractured world in rebellion against God Who created him. And the penalty for man’s sin is death – physical and spiritual death. Worse, human beings are incapable of doing anything for their own pardon. In God’s eternal plan, Christ, as true God, voluntarily became true man but without man’s sinful nature; He entered this chaotic and threatening world to deal with the penalty for sin as our substitute. In Jesus’s suffering and death as Messiah, confirming his perfect humanity, the faithful are made righteous because Jesus bore the wrath of god which we should have borne .

ALL things are by Him and for Him. Christ Jesus became man to accomplish the work which He alone could do. In 1 Corinthians 1: 23-25 the apostle Paul writes “but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, (24) but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God. (25) Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”

Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! (2) Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth eaten. (3) Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. (4) Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. (5) you have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. (6) You have condemned, you have murdered the just, he does not resist you.

Our verses today were written by James, the half brother of Jesus and the head of the church in Jerusalem. He addresses – in the strongest language – the stumbling block of pursuit of wealth and money, power and influence in this world which can become a powerful and destructive force in our lives. Wealth is not in itself evil but when pursuit of material goods becomes an end in itself, faith in temporal security can blind us to the fact that judgment and eternity are ahead. The things of this world are transitory and volatile and the very thing that many live for is corrupt at its core – James warns that the inevitable day of reckoning will come. Pursuit and trust in wealth and power leads to neglect of pursuing God

We live in a culture of greed and materialism. We judge people daily more from their material wealth and influence than for their character with the result that many are discontent with what they have. A popular position today is that wealth translates to success and happiness. On the contrary, material goods will never satisfy; our deepest yearnings are for something else and James is in effect saying that Christianity puts us on the correct track. He also warns that those blind to the sovereignty of God exposes them to divine wrath in language expressing deepest distress. Many who suppose they are accumulating property that may be of use but what they are accumulating is a fearful treasure against a day of final retribution – the crux of the matter is in how property is gained and held. We see signs of the folly in this everywhere.

James is calling Christians to think on those who reject Christianity – those hardened in unbelief. The judgment of God will come upon them and their future is misery arising from the very things they valued which will become a witness against them. I’m closing with Shakespeare from his chronicle of Henry VIII where Cardinal Wolsey, suddenly stripped of power and wealth laments, “Had I but served my God with half the zeal I served my king, He would not in mine age left me naked to mine enemies”.

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For where envy and self seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. (17) But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. (18) Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (4:1) Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? (2) You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. (3) You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

James, the half brother of Jesus, and the head of the church in Jerusalem, wrote this pastoral letter to Christian believers. Our verses today are an introduction to practical problems of conflict – at home and in the church – and he contrasts heavenly wisdom with the spirit of worldliness manifested in selfish ways. We still have our sinful nature – the body itself is not sinful but we are not free of indwelling sinful nature until death. The conflict James addresses is self versus self at heart – an inner war between conscience and corruption that spreads to quarrels with relations and neighbors. Power, pleasures, lust for riches and reputation lead to all contentions in the world from the corruption of our own hearts. We think we will secure happiness and pleasure by following our own eager wishes but worldly pursuits lead to disappointment; ultimately there is no contentment or satisfaction. Pride, vanity and sensuality dishonor God by their ends. If we seek things if this world God is just to deny us.

James tells his readers to judge their motives. We are told to turn from this world and turn our lives over to the sovereign God, humbly seeking wisdom from above. We are to repent our sins and stop judging others. Most importantly, we are to look within for the source of conflict – to take responsibility, to stop blaming others for our problems. The enemy isn’t the other person, it’s our selfish ends.

The main reason we pray for peace is so God will be glorified – we allow God to work through us. We are to move in the direction of peace and to get rid of our selfish focus; to not let the first aim in life to be pleasing ourselves. Where there is envy and strife there is confusion with everything unsettled and agitated. Love and harmony are banished and happiness disappears. We show wisdom by how we live our lives – we will live in harmonious relationships by being submissive to God’s Spirit.

What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? (15) If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, (16) and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? (17) Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (18) But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works and I will show you my faith by my works.

Our verses today, taken from the pastoral letter of James the half brother of Christ, seem to be a contradiction of Paul’s doctrine of justification by faith alone. Rather James and Paul complement each other. Their arguments differ but each makes an important contribution to our understanding of faith. James is saying faith as an intellectual belief that does not produce works is not a saving faith – that it is necessary for believers to act in accordance with faith and proof of real faith is a changed life with the caveat that we are saved not by deeds but for them. Saving faith results in our changed hearts as evidenced by our external transformation.
Salvation – saving faith – comes from God alone and is not due to anything in us but is by God’s grace. It is not a result of good works so that no one may boast. Both James and Paul teach that genuine faith necessarily RESULTS in good works. God changes the heart and the old nature passes away – the change is from within and is a fundamental change.
False faith means there is no accompanying external conversion. Good deeds alone never accomplish salvation which rests on Jesus Christ as revealed in scripture. James is refuting NOT the doctrine of Paul and justification by faith, but is showing the error of those who abuse it. He is saying if there is no evidence of rebirth, man’s faith is of no value – if there is no ministry of faith there is no genuine faith. James is not being abstract in our verses but is saying faith has real effects in this world. We are to behave as we believe.

My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. (2) For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, (3) and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or “Sit here at my footstool,” (4) have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? (5) Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who loved Him?

James, the half brother of Jesus and head of the church in Jerusalem, wrote this letter to fellow Christians as a pastoral letter. In the verses we study today, James is addressing the evils of partiality and deference based on outward appearances; judgment based on apparent wealth and material goods and/or position of power – or conversely, judgment based on lack of these things. This can be a subtle evil or sometimes blatant; we can falsely value “our own kind.”
The glory of the New Testament is that in Christ there is to be no distinction between “Greek and Jew”. Making judgments on appearance is wrong and those who do so are using themselves to judge others. . The New Testament consistently says that God chooses the saved apart from any merit or qualification on the part of those saved and God’s choice is based on His grace and purpose. James here is not defending the doctrine of sovereign election but is using this election as the reason why we are not to judge on external or social distinctions; only God knows the hearts of men/women.
Once again I would like to close with c.s. Lewis from The Weight of Glory. “It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or other of these destinations. It is the light of these overwhelming possibilities, it is with the awe and the circumspection proper to them, that we should conduct all our dealings with one another, all friendships, all loves, all politics. There are no ordinary people.”

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. (18) Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. (19) So then my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; (20)for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (21) Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. (22) But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (27) Pure and undefined religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

This book of the Bible was written by James, the half brother of Jesus and the head of the church in Jerusalem. James is writing to the faithful here of God’s care and grace and he addresses what we face in this world of trials and burdens, temptations and the brevity and vanity of life. We live in a world where difficulties are brought about by sin, including our sinful nature. God is not responsible for this; all that comes from God is holy and just and is for our benefit. In God there are no degrees of goodness – goodness cannot be improved on. God is sovereign and things don’t happen in our lives by luck or chance. Every gift is given for a purpose with intended results. The faithful are God’s first fruits and they are by God’s will. He chose to redeem us, knowing man would fall in sin – knowing we would need redemption He provided a means of conciliation in Christ.

James is telling us how to deal with trials and affirm God’s sovereign goodness – he is dealing with biblical religion (Christianity) which is not a creed of men but a personal relationship with Christ Jesus. There can be vanity in mans religion where men deceive themselves – where men are proud of their religious activity and achievements; a haphazard religion which is not genuine but worthless – where men become today’s legalists. These men/women are not capable of being honest with themselves. True religion is founded in faith in Christ Jesus; motivated by service to others and pure in heart; lived by those right with God, who reveal their relationship with Him by devotion to others. Such people live in the world and not of it.

Religion cannot save man and salvation comes by faith in Christ. Our daily activity is a good indicator of genuine rebirth. The Word of God becomes the law of liberty and our change of heart is accompanied by the work of the Spirit. There is no room for an empty profession of faith and we are now, in Christ, to behave as we believe.

(25) Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, (26) that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of the water by the word, (27) that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. (28) So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. (29) For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. (30) For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. (31) “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and the two shall become one flesh,”. (32) This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses Paul is teaching Christian duties of the husband in marriage with the purpose of illustrating the nature of the union between Christ and the church – the same mysterious and intimate relationship exists between them both. The words impose on the husband the duty/obligation of love as Christ loves the church; Christian husbands are to love their wives as their own bodies. The church belongs exclusively to Christ as husbands and wives belong in an exclusive relationship in which no other participates. All other relationships are subordinate to that of husband and wife and Paul speaks in the same terms of the union between Christ and His people.

Marital love is a commitment; it is self-sacrificing – shows itself and seeks the highest good of the one loved. It is purposeful and realistic. It is nourishing and cherishing – a permanent condition, not temporary. These were radical ideas in those ancient days that these duties imposed on Christian husbands. They were/are not a suggestion but a commandment.

I love to close with words from c.s.Lewis: ‘…ceasing to be in love need does not mean ceasing to love. Love in this second sense – love as distinct from ‘being in love’ – is not merely a feeling. It is a deep unity maintained by the will and deliberately strengthened by habit; reinforced by (in Christian marriages) the grace which both partners ask, and receive, from God. They can have this love for each other even at those moments when they do not even like each other; as you love yourself even when you do not like yourself.’

But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. (21) For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. (22) For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. (23) But each one in his own order: Christ the first fruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. (24) Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and authority and power. (25) For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. (26) The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. (27) For “He has put all things under His feet.” But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. Today’s verses address the bodily resurrection of the dead – and here Paul thinks only of believers. In chapter 15 Paul first proves the historical fact of Christ’s resurrection and then moves to the certainty of the resurrection of His people. There were false teachers in Corinth who denied the resurrection of the dead; they taught eternal life was spiritual only, not material. This false teaching included questioning of Paul’s status and authority so here he sets out to correct bad theology and to remind the Corinthians of his right to do so. To deny the resurrection of the dead is to deny the resurrection of Christ – to subvert the gospel and to make the apostles false witnesses.

“But now” in verse 20 means hypotheticals are set aside; Christ did rise from the dead. The resurrection of Christ was the pledge and proof of the resurrection of His people. Just as there is a causal relationship between the death of Adam and the death of his descendants there is a causal relationship between Christ and His people. Death here means physical death and resurrection means restoration of the body to life. The bodies of believers will be adapted to a heavenly, not earthly condition. Christ cannot end His dominion over the universe as mediator until the end comes; until the purpose of His reign is accomplished. His enemies – those being hostile to Christ – include all forms of evil, physical and moral including death, shall reign in this world until the resurrection with the absolute universal dominion of the Messiah according to the immovable purpose of God.

At death believers pass into eternity – in which there is no past, present or future – to await the resurrection of the body and the coming of Jesus Christ for His people in time. Between death and resurrection there is no soul sleep. Then this “end” will come.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (31) Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. (32) And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (5:1) Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. (2) And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today we are unambiguously urged to holy living as God is in us – at the moment of faith we are sealed by the indwelling Spirit. We must remember that the Spirit dwells in others as well as ourselves and offensive conduct (speech, thoughts, actions) wounds the Spirit as well as ourselves. This doesn’t mean the Spirit finally withdraws but withdraws the manifestation of His presence which robs us of our joy.
The mind itself is the seat of passions and desires and the expressions of misplaced passions. Any form of speech from anger to either wound or injure others injures us: not only do we lose the sense of the Spirit’s presence, it creates distance between ourselves and God – we should ask who moved? Paul exhorts us to put away all malice and leaves no wiggle room for anger. We cannot afford it. We have been reborn as new creatures in faith in Christ and we are not just to “let go and let God”. We are not to just practice restraint but to deal with how we think – to get over bitterness and stop blaming others in disappointment and to stop justifying ourselves. Don’t keep score. As c.s. Lewis wrote: “Everyone thinks forgiveness is a lovely thing until he has something to forgive.” We are to forgive just as we have been forgiven. In Christ God remembers our sin no more.
We have a new life and relationship with God who chose us. Love is a conscious choice, not just an emotion. We are to consider behavior that characterizes a believer and not to walk in the ways of this world; we are to behave the same way before man as before God. We will imitate God by forgiving but also become dear children of God by walking in love.

This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind…….(20) But you have not so learned Christ, (21) if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: (22) that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, (23) and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, (24) and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul. Our verses today are a general call to holiness and lead to the specific duty to walk as a witness to Christ – we are to be, in deportment and our inward lives, the manifestation of Christian living. The faithful hear Christ – they receive with understanding and the heart that He is the Son of God; that He is eternal God. This knowledge is inconsistent with sin and doesn’t allow living as do the unbelieving Gentiles who live a futile life alienated from God. This hardness of the heart means being insensible to things divine and an ignorance of real knowledge of truth; it is moral deterioration and destruction leading to eternal death

Paul is teaching here that there is no distinction of cognitive and emotional faculties – that there can’t be one faculty saved and the other lost. The mind includes feelings. In faith, in knowledge of Christ, we receive the moral and spiritual excellence of truth. Truth and holiness are united – there can’t be one without the other. God reasons with us through the gospel – the truth of His word is not relative but absolute. We are God’s workmanship, originally created in God’s image; God is the pattern of the new man and in faith our hearts and minds have been changed.

In 2006, in Jerusalem, I had a bracelet made for a little girl who seemed to float when she ran – the engraving was from Hebrews 12 – “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us”. This now young woman runs this weekend in the Olympic marathon and she has lived with grace and endurance. With God nothing is impossible.

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, (2) with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, (3) endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (4) There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; (5) one Lord, one faith, one baptism; (6) one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul while a prisoner in Rome. He has laid a solid doctrinal foundation in the first three chapters of Ephesians and now moves to application in our daily lives. The emphasis in our verses today is Christian unity and Paul uses relational words in his call to live in loving harmony with each other. Everywhere the indwelling Spirit is the principle of unity in the body of Christ and peace is the condition of unity. Unity already exists in faith but here the emphasis is on God who is not just over us but through us. In the faithful this is not just unity of opinion, of interest, of feeling, but something supernatural arising from common principle.

Unity is founded on biblical basis. Paul is not referring to the visible church but rather the unseen spiritual body of Christ composed of all genuine believers. It is the unity of the Spirit, not organizational or external. The Spirit of God dwells in all believers and demands the faithful behave as they believe. This one faith is not the faith by which we are saved but the faith of the Christian church. There are major issues in the church where there should be division – issues contrary to doctrinal/biblical principles. And there are divisions where unity should have been preserved – minor matters not doctrinal or where Scripture is not clear. The church is a habitation of God through the Spirit; not just that God operates through all but that He pervades all the faithful and abides in all.

I love to close with c.s.Lewis – “The word religion is extremely rare in the New Testament or the writing of mystics. The reason is simple. Those attitudes and practices to which we give the collective name of religion are themselves concerned with religion hardly at all. To be religious is to have one’s attention fixed on God and on one’s neighbor in relation to God. Therefore, almost by definition, a religious man, or a man when he is being religious, is not thinking about religion; he hasn’t the time. “

But now in Christ Jesus you who were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (14) For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, (15) having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, (16) and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. (17) And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. (18) For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the apostle paul and the theme of our verses today is peace and believers reconciled relationship with God – being at peace with God is the foundation for peace with others. By dispensation Israelites were God’s people. Israel was near and the Gentiles were far off from God. Old Testament people were spiritually distanced from God – they were temporarily redeemed but now in the blood of Christ the new covenant is ratified by God with all His people, Jews or Gentiles. This reconciliation is accomplished by abolishing the Law; there is no more original covenant of works. Christ fulfilled all righteousness and redeemed those under the Law; He delivered believers from the obligation of fulfilling its demands as a condition of justification.
Believers are now under grace and in Christ there is no more wall between Jews and Gentiles – this is the great truth Paul taught. The Law has ceased and there is no more mere pardon but now there is justification in Christ. God remembers our sin no more. We are freed not just from the Law of Moses which could not reconcile us to God – could not justify us and make us holy – all of which was of Christ. Not by Christ as teacher (verse 17) but as sacrifice; not by doctrine but by blood.
Gentiles and Jews have both free access to God upon the same terms and in the same way. This access is not just liberty of approach, it is an introduction to His presence and favor. It is real redemption and reconciliation in the blood of Christ – an introduction into a state of grace.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, (4) just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, (5) having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, (6) to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. (7) In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace (8) which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, (9) having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which he purposed in Himself (10) that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are in earth – in Him. (11) In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, (12) that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. (13) In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, (14) who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul. The theme of our verses today is the election of the faithful in Christ and praise to God for His unmerited grace. God chose believers – predestined us to these blessings – and in His sovereignty is our salvation. Predestination does not imply impersonal fate but the means to decide beforehand. Gods plan was before He created the universe. There are two sentiments here: the sense of the absolute supremacy of God with the corresponding sense of dependence of man and the conviction of the entirely gratuitous nature of the benefits of redemption. This salvation is neither by chance nor by our efforts but brought about by the purpose of God. All these blessings have their source in the electing love of God. He chose us – the believers – and the key here is we are chosen in Christ. It is the purpose of God to bring His people to holiness, sonship and eternal glory. As revealed in Scripture, God intended this through a Redeemer. We were chosen in Christ. This election is from eternity – before time – therefore everything is certain. There is no possibility of failure or any change of purpose in the sovereignty of God. According to His mercy He has saved us.
This election produces confidence but also humility. In Christ we are chosen to be holy – not just externally consecrated to God. Individuals are objects of election and holiness in no form can be grounds of election; if men are chosen to be holy they cannot be chosen because they are holy. Redemption is not in ourselves – we are not self redeemed – by grace we have been saved apart from any personal merit. As sinners we had no inclination or ability to choose Christ or believe in Him.
The blessing of salvation is part of God’s eternal plan to glorify Himself. Our verses restate Paul’s teaching that salvation is the accomplishment of divine purpose and choice. In Christ there are all pervading elements of salvation and eternal divine purpose to save. Salvation is done according to the kind intention of God’s will and good pleasure apart from any personal merit but as God’s choice and will.

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure, (8) Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. (9) And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (10) Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecution’s, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

The 2nd letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. In the second half of this letter Paul is responding the the report that a minority of the church there were strongly opposed to Paul – Paul described the Opposition as Jewish false teachers or “super apostles”. These men were challenging his authority and status as an apostle; his teaching, his actions, and his character. One claim was that Paul was inferior because of his affliction – his thorn in the side. They were proclaiming a different Jesus, a different spirit and a different gospel

In chapter 12 Paul spoke of “a man in Christ” (himself) who had been drawn up to the third heaven some 14 years earlier- because of that great revelation he had been given a “thorn in his side” to keep him humble; it reminded him of his limitations. Scripture is silent on what this “thorn” was. God did not cause it but permitted it. The repetition of Paul’s ask for removal of the thorn shows how intensely Paul wanted it gone. God’s answer was that His grace was sufficient and that God’s “ strength is made perfect in weakness”. The greater our weakness the more we sense God’s power. Our success does not depend on our natural abilities but on Gods power working in us. This is a warning of spiritual peril that accompanies great gifts. There is a poison of pride which is man’s ruin and the last vice to contend with. Imagine, this was Paul who had not subdued pride!

Chapter five of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous states this principle of finding strength in God through our weakness. – “Remember that we deal with alcohol – cunning, baffling, powerful! Without help it is too much for us. But there is One who has all power – that One is God. May you find Him now! Half measures availed us nothing. We stood at the turning point. We asked His protection and care with complete abandon.”

God’s strength is made perfect in weakness.

But as you abound in everything- in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us – see that you abound in this grace also. (9) For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. (13) For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; (14) but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack – that there may be equality. (15) As it is written “He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.”

2 Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. He was writing to the Corinthians in chapter 8 and 9 about the financial collection for famine struck believers in Jerusalem. This collection for the church in Jerusalem took a great deal of Paul’s time and attention and was a practical act of service. It is a great theological statement regarding the grace of God and the example of Christ Jesus. Paul invoked no legalistic requirements – believers have been forgiven by grace and should respond by generous giving in gratitude – any compulsion to do so would be contrary to the gospel of grace. Giving should be done without demand or expectation of return.

The Gentile churches owed a spiritual debt to the Jewish church. Gentiles were not compelled to keep Jewish law resulting in a great deal of tension between Gentile churches and the Jewish church in Jerusalem. Paul had written in 1 Corinthians advising them this collection was not unique to Corinth and was purely voluntary – there was no appeal to the Jewish tithing laws of the Old Testament. The collection was to be a statement of unity and diversity of the church. Giving was fellowship; ministry/service and Paul’s most frequent description, an “act of grace”; a blessing and divine service that should be voluntary and bountiful.

Jewish Christians in the early church suffered loss of income and were objects of persecution – they were ostracized from the Jewish community with the subsequent loss of economic benefits. The church in unity was the approach of Paul for this message – how we are to handle material blessings. The Lord’s example spiritually is the ultimate example of grace giving.

For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if one died for all, then all died; (15) and He died for all that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. (16) Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. (17) Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.

The second letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. Our verses today were written correcting the ambition and judgment of the Corinthians which was based on external appearances which they considered of more value than real sincerity. The point here is all NOT reborn by the Spirit should be considered as nothing by whatever accomplishments they may be distinguished. Paul had written earlier in chapter 5 that one of the motives for Christian living was the fear of judgment ALL face and now he introduces the primary motive; the love of Christ which compels us to seek holy (separate) living. This love that saved the faithful – so that we no longer live for ourselves but for Him who died for us and reconciled us to God that we may be delivered from judgment and brought into a new creation – forged a new relationship with God altogether. Christ’s death for all meant we might die to ourselves ; renounce ourselves and live to Christ. All seeking distinction and everything which man holds to be valuable in this world is vanity.

The prophets foretold there will be a new heaven and a new earth and Paul is setting forth the value of regeneration/rebirth in the Spirit. The old is passing away – of short duration; to everything there is a season. It is only the new man who inherits the kingdom of Christ. All things will be changed for the better. The faithful will pass out of death to life. They become a new creation and once the faithful are in Christ, they are in Christ forever.

All have sinned; all are in their human nature alienated from God; all are dead in sin and all are children of wrath. In faith alone, in Christ alone, we become a new creature changed in heart and life. Our sin is remembered no more and we are, in Christ, a child of God. We look not at things that are seen but things that are eternal.

So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. (7) For we walk by faith, not by sight. (8) We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. (9) Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. (10) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

The apostle Paul wrote the second letter to the Corinthians. He is defending his ministry and writing of things that really moved his mission as an apostle – Paul faced constant threats of death because of preaching the gospel. He is confident of his future in the heavenly unseen things; Paul knows that his present body is ephemeral and his place in heaven is eternal. There are indications that Paul expected the imminent return of Christ Jesus – not that He will come soon but that He COULD come. We are either in our mortal bodies and absent from the Lord or with the Lord and absent from our mortal bodies. The soul does not sleep. This strong statement tells us that at death we go immediately into the Lord’s presence – there is no purgatory. Paul here is not concerned about any judgment of man as the reality is we will be judged by God. Our deeds are already known by God but will be made manifest to us at judgment.

We must ALL by judged by God. There will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust – one is the resurrection of life and the other of damnation. We cannot disregard this body – this earthly life. Sin has already been dealt with in Jesus Christ. Judgment is not to condemn the faithful but they are judged that each may receive his/her reward (wages) for things done while in their bodies and we will see the reality of what God has done in us. Everything worthless will be stripped away and revealed to us – a time of evaluation and rewards. Whatever we do in this body is going to be the issue at judgment.

c.s.Lewis put it so well in Mere Christianity: “Most of the man’s psychological makeup is probably due to his body: when his body dies all that will fall off him, and the real central man, the thing that chose, that made the best or worst out of this material will stand naked……..We shall then, for the first time, see everyone as he really was. There will be surprises.

But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is not of this creation. (12) Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. (13) For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean,sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (15) And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

The author of the letter to the Hebrews is unknown. This letter is written to Hebrew Christians, facing persecution, who were tempted to leave the Christian faith and return to Judaism which was culturally and legally protected by Rome. The author is showing them in this letter why that would be spiritually fatal.
The old covenant was inferior to the new covenant that Jesus initiated; the old covenant was temporary and imperfect in its sacrificial system dealing with the “blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of heifers” but it pointed ahead to Christ. The old system allowed only limited access to God through the High Priest and had to be repeated annually showing the incomplete nature of forgiveness. Only in Christ’s blood are the faithful provided complete access to God. In Christ it is not just a ritual but a perfect once and for all sacrifice. Christ redeems and cleanses the faithful from dead works – the focus is NOT on men but on God. Man’s works were dead because man in his human nature is spiritually dead and his works are to no avail. If eternal life could come through man’s good works then Christ died needlessly.
Jeremiah prophesied that God was going to make a new covenant with the people which would set aside the old. The first covenant was established on man’s obedience and faithfulness. The new covenant is established on God’s faithfulness through Jesus Christ. The first failed because man could not live by it but the new covenant is established forever and in Christ as our high priest our redemption is eternal. Christ became the offering itself and He was the one entering the presence of God with the offering. Christ once and for all made atonement for us: He is our mediator – our High Priest.
The message to the wavering Hebrews is clear: don’t do it.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are Sons of God. (15) For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out “Abba, Father.” (16) The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit, that we are children of God, (17) and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. The theme of chapter 8 is the security of believers – the security of those who accept the offers of the gospel is certain. The whole chapter is a series of arguments to support this one point and the proposition is contained in the first verse; ‘There is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.’

Our verses today tells us that believers shall enjoy eternal life not because they have the spirit of life but because they are children of God. Paul uses the word adoption – a very common practice in those ancient days – as a picture of what God has done for us; in our human nature we were condemned but we are children of God by faith in Christ Jesus, not by trusting ourselves or our good works. God first chose us. Our faith doesn’t originate in ourselves. Natural man does not accept things of the Spirit of God which is foolishness to him. Natural man does not understand or seek God but faith is a work of the Spirit in us – it is that inner witness of the Spirit to our spirit that we are God’s child.

It is certain that Jesus will inherit all God has promised and in faith we are fellow heirs with Christ. Our salvation – our inheritance – is secure not because of anything in us but because we are in Christ in faith. Those who love God and to whom the Spirit witnesses that they are children of God cannot doubt that they are indeed His children and know that they are heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs in Christ. The words inherit, heirs, inheritance are all through the Bible because possession by inheritance is much more secure than that obtained by purchase or another method. Paul here is talking of the right, the certainty, the inalienable character of the possession.

There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. (5) There are differences of ministries but the same Lord. (6) And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. (7) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: (12) For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. (13) For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free – and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. Our Lord promised immediately before His ascension to the right hand of the Father that “You shall be baptized by the Holy Spirit not many days hence.” On Pentecost this promise was literally fulfilled with a general diffusing of the gifts of the Spirit to all classes both male and female with the manifestation of the diversity of these spiritual gifts. Of course there were many false claims of gifts of the Spirit; outright delusion; imposters; those inflated ego driven pretenders. This was the state of the church in Corinth that Paul addresses in the verses we study today and he does so by means of analogy between the church and the human body. The body is one organic whole as is the church is with the indwelling Spirit as the principle of its life. There are diversity of organs and members of the body just as the Spirit manifests diversity of gifts and offices in the church. Both in the body and the church there is unity in diversity. The members of the body are mutually dependent; just so the diversity of gifts in the faithful are for the edification of the whole church. The body is determined by God and the spiritual gifts are distributed by God. So, we should be contented with our gifts as there is no superiority of gifts

There is diversity of gifts but the same Spirit; the same God works all in all by His Spirit. There are all and equal gifts of the Spirit guiding the mode of serving the Son and the effects are due to the Father; there is a strong underlying doctrine of the Trinity here. Gifts have the same source but diverse manifestations. The Spirit who dwells in all believers manifests Himself in different ways in different believers. There are gifts of healing, gifts of teaching – gifts not for gratification of their recipients but for the good of others in the church. A preversion of this as a means of self exaltation is a sin against their giver.

The Prophet Joel told that the Messianic period would be a time of gifts of the Spirit.
“And it shall come to pass afterward
That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions, And also on My menservants and on my maid servants I will pour out my Spirit in those days.”

The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, (2) until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, (3) to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. (4) And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; (5) for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit, not many days from now.” (6) Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” (7) And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. (8) But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (9) Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. (10) And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, (11) who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

The Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke; historian, Gentile, physician and sometimes companion of the apostle Paul. In Acts, Luke tells how Christ’s church began in Jerusalem and spread to the ends of the earth – he provides a link between his gospel and the spread of Christianity from a few Jews to the world. He is really describing the acts of Jesus through the Holy Spirit in His witnesses. Acts was probably written toward the end of Paul’s life as there is no mention of persecution of Nero – and no mention of the death of Paul – or of the destruction of the Temple by Rome in 70 A.D. Both Luke’s gospel and Acts are written to an unknown man. And both are written to provide an accurate historical foundation in Jesus Christ. Both are based on eyewitness testimony by credible men and the main message of both centers on Jesus Christ and His resurrection from the dead.
Our verses today show the sovereignty of God – nothing can stop what He intends to do. The coming of the Holy Spirit changed the apostles from self seeking, doubting and fearful men to bold, obedient and confident witnesses to the gospel showing the power is in the Spirit, not in men. We must first live for God before we can speak (witness) for Him. Jesus lived perfectly for 30 years and then taught at His appointed time. Jesus was raised up in His physical body not as a Spirit – think of the implications of that! Before the Ascension of our Lord, He gave the command – the not ambiguous command – that the apostles were to be His witnesses to the whole world. This new expectation/commission was to be the continuing ministry of Jesus, spread not by the apostles but by the divine power within them. The main message was the resurrection of Jesus; the seal of God on His acceptable sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin.
Christianity is faith rooted in history. It is the power of God’s word and God’s revelation of Himself in Jesus Christ with the apostles as witness. God is at work in history through His church.

As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshipped him. (26) But Peter lifted him up, saying “Stand up; I myself am also a man.” (34) Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. (35) But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. (44) While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. (45) And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. (46) For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, (45) “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” (48) And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke, historian, physician and frequent companion of the apostle Paul. The verses we study today deal with the conversion of the first Gentiles; the Lord had given the apostles the great commission to preach the gospel to all nations in all the known world and according to Acts, we realize years had gone by since the death and resurrection of Christ and this command had not been carried out. We do not read of any apostle going to the Gentiles until one of them (Cornelius), prompted by a vision, actually sent for Peter and asked him to come. Cornelius was a captain of a Roman cohort of 100 men of Israel’s occupying army. We are told he was a devout, God fearing man and a Gentile, stationed in Caesarea which was the Roman provincial capital of Israel – the Jews despised the Roman occupation.
At the same time God sent a vision to Peter breaking down his cultural and religious prejudices. In his vision Peter was shown that what God had cleansed was no longer unholy: that there is no longer any difference between Gentile and Jew and all men are equal in the eye of God. Peter was told to meet the men (even then) at the gate and go with them to Cornelius. We read that as Peter went in to Cornelius, this proud Gentile centurion of the Roman army bowed down at a Jewish man’s feet. I love Peters response as he raised Cornelius – that he (Peter) was also a man. Many were assembled to hear Peter who had not even finished his preaching the gospel when the second recorded gifts of fire and tongues occurred; God had set his seal on these Gentiles. Spiritual salvation had come to the Gentiles. Paul was the primary agent to the Gentiles but Luke makes it clear that Peter is now in full sympathy to this position.

Our verses today tell us of a turning point in God’s plan of salvation; salvation is not based on national identity nor based on good works. God took the initiative here in sending the gospel. Jesus Christ is Lord of ALL whether we acknowledge Him or not.

And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. (27) But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. (28) So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. (29) And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. (30) When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him on to Tarsus. (31) Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Spirit, they were multiplied.

The Acts of the Apostles is an historical record of the early church, written by Luke. In chapter nine Luke follows Paul in his earliest Christian experience. Saul, later know as Paul, was a Hellenistic Jew which is a term for Jews born in nations of the Gentiles. (Paul was also a Roman citizen as well as a Hebrew of Hebrews.) Our verses today are taken from the history of Paul after his conversion (Paul elaborates on this time in his letter to the Galatians ) when Paul went to Arabia where he received his message from the Lord Himself. He then returned to Damascus to preach the gospel and after a period of three years Paul went to Jerusalem to meet the apostles. Understandably, Paul, a former scourge of the early Christians, was feared by the apostles and it was only through the testimony of Barnabas that he met with Peter and James, the half brother of Christ. He apparently was only with Peter for a period of 15 days during which time he boldly preached that Jesus was the Son of God and the Christ, enraging the Jewish leadership who tried to kill him. It’s good to note here that no one is the target of deadly persecution who is ineffective.

Luke stresses here the genuineness of Paul’s conversion by showing the radical change in him. Paul’s message had a strong doctrinal flavor- his letters had a theological foundation before moving to a practical application; they were written for everyday Christians and with Paul’s letters composing most of the New Testament, today we have sound biblical doctrine.

Luke’s progress report on the early church tells us that “the brethren” fearing the deadly intentions of the Jews, brought Paul out of Jerusalem to Caesarea and then to Tarsus where he was born and this was followed by a period of peace. There was always tension where Paul preached the gospel but the period of peace was not because of his removal from Jerusalem. Caligula was now the Roman Emperor and issued new regulations for the Jews – one of which ordered that the statue of the Emperor be displayed in the temple – and Caligula sent his regulator to enforce the new laws. The ensuing negotiations diverted the ruling Jews from persecuting Christians and thus the church had a period of rest and they were multiplied.

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: (9) If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, (10) let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. (11) This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ (12) Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

The book, Acts of the Apostles, was written by Luke and stands as the one historical document chronicling the founding of Christ’s church and it’s early growth – a record of apostolic success through the power of the Holy Spirit. In chapter 4 of Acts we have just learned that God had used Peter and John to heal a 40 year old begger, lame from birth and well known to the people of Jerusalem. No one questioned that this man prior to his interaction with the apostles was lame and the spectacle of the healed man leaping about drew a crowd resulting in the arrest of Peter and John. The next day they were brought in front of the Sanhedrin basically to answer by what authority they had healed this man. The Sanhedrin was the senate and Supreme Court of Israel; they were the wealthiest, most intellectual, most powerful men in Israel and in our verses today we read that Peter, an untrained fisherman, ended up standing before them as judge, not victim.
At the arraignment Peter boldly, by the Spirit, put the Sanhedrin on trial; it was not a crime to do a good deed but rather the Sanhedrin had crucified Christ who had been raised from the dead and in whose name the lame man had been healed. It is important to realize here that neither on this occasion or on any recorded subsequent occasion did the Sanhedrin take any serious action to disprove the apostolic CENTRAL affirmation which is the resurrection from the dead of Christ Jesus. This doctrine of resurrection of the Christ did not lead people away from God but fulfilled what God through His prophets had predicted. The rulers of Israel had rejected their Messiah.
The healing action in question was done in the name of Jesus – in Jesus alone there is salvation. Salvation is never by Buddhists, nor Muslims; not in Catholics piling up good deeds; not by ceremonies or good works or anything done by man. Salvation through faith in Christ Jesus alone is what Jesus and the apostles proclaimed.

good works but salvation

“The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. (14) But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, (15) And killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. (16) And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. (17) Yet now brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers. (18) But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. (19) Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,

The Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke, physician, historian of the early church, writer of the gospel and frequent fellow traveler of the apostle Paul. In our verses today we study the second sermon of the apostle Peter, delivered just 50 days after the crucifixion of Christ Jesus at which time the disciples had fled in terror for their lives, and were leaderless and without understanding of what had just happened to Jesus. In this short interval Jesus had risen from the dead and appeared to them all – and to a man they believed. They were told by the Christ to remain in Jerusalem until the Spirit would be sent to them and this happened on Pentecost Sunday. On that day, with the arrival of the Spirit there was a huge noise and accompanying wind that drew a large audience to the place where the disciples were and Peter made his historic, second recorded address to the crowds – Peter preached the gospel which is Christ exalted. Peter tells his audience who the Christ is – the Servant sent by God as promised by God to Abraham, Moses and David – the fulfillment of the Old Testament messianic prophecies – the promised Savior of man and the Prince of life. Peter tells his Jewish audience that they killed Jesus even though He laid down His life willingly; that even though Pilate was clearly ready to release Him they were responsible for His death.

The cross is central to salvation and though it is foolishness to those who are perishing, it is the power of God to those being saved. The death of Jesus shows us we are not our own savior – that we are lost and alienated to God, unable to do anything to save ourselves: Christ saved us from our sin. Peter says further that Christ was raised from the dead and that “we are witnesses”. There was no body to refute this claim and more than 3000 people believed that day. The resurrection is the central fact of Christianity. Without Christ we are all guilty and under God’s wrath and judgment. Every sin we live in rather than in Christ will lead to death and eternal judgment. Our proper relationship to God is only by accepting Jesus, resulting in forgiveness of sin.

This apostolic sermon is how God chose to present His message of salvation; Jesus Christ incarnate, Christ crucified, Christ risen and Christ glorified. There were no abstract doctrines and no theological problems. Salvation full and complete is offered to the Jew and the Gentile – all who will turn in repentance to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begat also loves him who is begotten of Him. (2) By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. (3) For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. (4) For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith. (5) Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

Our verses today were written by the apostle John concerning authentic Christianity, the foundation for which depends on our regeneration/transformation. Spiritually natural man is dead in sin and only God, in Christ, can give us new life. Rebirth is not accomplished by man’s efforts and the initiative can only come from God – He is sovereign over our salvation. Being born again is not a matter of our choice but we choose Christ because God woke us. Faith is a result of new birth not the cause of it; chronologically faith occurs immediately after regeneration.

Faith has a clearly defined object – saving faith believes that the historical person Jesus is the Messiah who has saved people from their sins. Faith has a clearly observable result and love for God and His children is a vital sign of rebirth. It is evident in the overall direction of our lives. The commandments of God are not burdensome in our new nature because they are commands of God, not man, and designed for our good.

What John is saying here is the work of salvation must begin in God – that everyone who has believes has previously been reborn. John is talking about a logical order because man is dead in sin and cannot believe; only an operation of God will enable belief. No man/woman can call Jesus Lord except by the Spirit. Regeneration precedes faith. This should give the faithful better appreciation of what God has done to us personally.

Each year, during Holy Week, I reread the book ‘Who Moved the Stone’ which is an account of the historic facts of the resurrection of Christ Jesus. . The book begins with the events in the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus was arrested and reminds us that scripture says his disciples “forsook Him and fled. But two of the disciples – John and Peter – apparently entered the city with the arresting party and we are told that Peter denies the Christ three times that terrible night. After this denial “Peter went out and wept bitterly” while John is placed at the cross that day; the point being the disciples had no understanding of what was happening and they were terrified, confused, grief stricken and leaderless at the arrest and death of Christ Jesus. Just seven weeks later – at the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) there is a profound conviction of the same people who had not understood the events of the crucifixion that Christ Jesus had risen from the grave – not just one believed but the entire party. This heterogenous group had been transformed to be the driving force that changed the world. Most of these first believers perished violently for their beliefs but not one doubted – all believed.

Today we will consider the various hypotheses put forward to refute the resurrection.
1. The disciples stole the body. These men were terrified and leaderless and in hiding. And if there had been such a conspiracy someone would have talked – they would have not all been willing to die for a lie.
2. Joseph of Arimethia secretly moved the body. Removal would have been a perfectly legitimate operation but the only time of secret removal would have been between the close of the Sabbath and dawn at which time they would have run into the women when they visited the tomb at daybreak. A removal of the body would have easily refuted the claim that Christ had risen but it never happened.
3. The authorities moved the body. Pilate clearly had no further interest in this matter. He allowed the priests to post a guard to make sure the body was not moved. All the authorities had to do was produce the body to end the claim of resurrection of Christ Jesus.
4. Jesus was not really dead when put in the tomb. This is refuted by the claim of the Roman soldier present at the crucifixion who told Pilate Jesus was dead.
5. The women went to the wrong tomb at daybreak that first day after the Sabbath. The gospels tell us that a man – in some gospels two men – announce that Jesus “is risen”. It was daybreak and hardly likely that the seal had been broken and the stone removed and men were there to announce that “he is risen” if it was the wrong tomb. It was too early for workers to be there at the wrong tomb and none were ever produced.

There were no statements by the priests and ruling Jews saying that the tomb was empty – the empty tomb was just outside of Jerusalem and could easily be viewed by anyone. There was no body produced that would refute the claim of the resurrection of Christ. There was a guard posted at the tomb in an eventuality that the body would be stolen but this story, financed by the priests, never got traction. The rapid growth of Christianity would not have been possible if the body were produced.
So finally, WHO MOVED THE STONE?

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, (6) who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, (7) but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. (8) And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. (9) Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, (10) that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, (11) and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The letter to the Philippians was written by the apostle Paul during the time he was in chains in Rome. Our verses today are profoundly Christological – written not to refute heresy or error but to give a solid theological understanding of Christ Jesus who is the example of supreme humility and love. The Bible is silent on self esteem – to grow in humility we must understand the incarnation and death of Christ.

Christ voluntarily took on human nature and entered time and space to rescue from God’s judgment people who did not deserve it. Jesus is not a created being but is true God. He added human nature to divine nature but did not cease to be God. His human nature was without sin. His human body was subject to human ailments, aging and death – He was human in every observable way. Christ Jesus didn’t surrender any attribute of deity; He did not cease to be God when He took on the nature of man.

All of the Bible is Christological and the center of all doctrine is not Bethlehem but Calvary. All of salvation history points to this. Man was alienated from God because of sin and atonement was necessary – this was impossible for man to accomplish. We are given Christ, true God and true man and his sacrifice of atonement and in faith in His sacrifice man is saved. Christ was raised up from the dead to the height of exaltation and every knee shall bow and every man will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. In Him our sins are are no longer remembered.

So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (9) But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. (10) And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. (11) But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul to the Christians in Rome. In the verses we study today the theme is the secure salvation of believers and all of chapter 8 is a series of arguments in support of the unmerited and unchanging love of God in Jesus Christ. Those whose minds are hostile toward God – which man is in his natural state – cannot please God and they have no grace. The natural consequence of this enmity is spiritual death while spiritual awakening is life and peace. In verse 9 Paul adds that the decisive test of true faith/spiritual life is if the Spirit is in us – we can go through the formalities but dwell in the Spirit only by name. But where the Spirit does live His presence will be marked in us and we behave as we believe.
In our bodies already exists the principle of decay. The body will die because of sin but the spirit will live because of righteousness. Our redemption in Christ is perfect but the full benefits of justification are not fully received the moment we believe. We remain subject to pains, sorrows, trials and the necessity of dying. But our spirit in Christ is life – here meaning in Christ Jesus there is no condemnation because in the faithful the work of salvation has already begun; they will have eternal life.
We are either in the flesh (natural state) or in the Spirit and it is evident in the direction of our life; our behavior is the decisive test of character. There is no safety, no holiness, no happiness to those who are not in Christ. The Spirit reconciles us to God and enables us to please Him. Our hearts are changed.

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, (5) even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), (6) and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, (7) that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. (8) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, (9) not of works, lest anyone should boast. (10) For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul reminds the Christians in Ephesus that the natural state of man is one of condemnation and spiritual death; believers are delivered from that state by the grace of God in Christ Jesus. The design of God is the manifestation of the riches of His grace. By God alone in Christ, by grace alone, are the faithful saved – the gratuitous nature of salvation is the prominent idea of these verses and Paul returns to this truth again and again – that man neither deserves to be saved nor can redeem himself. Time is collapsed here as salvation for the faithful, in measure, is already enjoyed and its continuance is certain by the nature of our union with God.

Salvation is entirely of grace. We are saved by grace; saved in faith and not in works or merit. Even faith is not of ourselves but is the gift of God. Works without ANY qualification are excluded and we are NOT self redeemed but only of Christ. We are God’s workmanship and He and not ourselves has made us what we are. That men are elected/chosen to holiness proves that holiness is not grounds of election – Paul is saying that “created in Christ Jesus for good works” is not the ground on which men are chosen but the good works are the inevitable result of conversion.

My favorite, c.s.Lewis writes in Weight of Glory “And that is enough to raise our thoughts to what may happen when the redeemed soul, beyond all hope and nearly beyond belief, learns at last that she has pleased Him whom she was created to please. There will be no room for vanity then. She will be free from the miserable illusion that it is her doing. With no taint of what we should now call self-approval she will most innocently rejoice in the thing that God has made her to be….”

For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; (23) but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, (24) but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. (25) Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

The letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. In chapter one he had been addressing the divisions in the church at Corinth and in the verses we study today, Paul draws attention to one of the chief causes of conflict which was/is two different points of view regarding the gospel. The first lens through which man views the gospel is a secular one which rejects the idea of absolute truth – men think they are in control of their destiny and relativism is king. (How has this advanced the world?) Through the second or biblical lens man sees the gospel as the power of God.

The Jews expected the Messiah would be a great and temporal prince – Christ was lowly in the world’s eyes and His death was shameful and cursed for a deliverer and king. The Greeks (everyone else) laughed at a story of a crucified Savior and despised Paul’s way of telling it. They sought wisdom as cultivated and “sophisticated” men of learning and would not accept the plain doctrine of the cross. But man does not know God by human wisdom as that exalts man. Not just the message of the gospel was rejected but also the manner of preaching. Paul was not eloquent and God chose unlikely men – not of learning or authority or wealth or power – to carry the message to the world. God does not seek as man seeks.

Christ is to the faithful wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption; all we need or can desire. Christ is God’s will. Man is humbled and God is glorified by the whole scheme and experience has shown the insufficiency of human wisdom – left alone man is unable to attain any saving knowledge of God. Christ is the power of God and those called not only see but experience this. The gospel does infinitely more than human wisdom could ever conceive much less accomplish. If men don’t believe the fault is not in the doctrine taught or the mode in which it is taught but in the objector.

What then shall we say to these things? if God is for us, who can be against us? (32) He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? (33) Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. (34) Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

The towering letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. The verses we study today are immediately preceded by Paul assuring us that God is sovereign and all things work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose; those elect who at a certain point are called and justified. This process is secure because it isn’t about us but about Jesus Christ being glorified as God’s purpose. God is not neutral and if we are NOT in Christ we are under God’s wrath and headed for eternal judgment. Nothing of salvation comes from our own “good works” but only in Christ’s redemptive act.

God’s sovereignty in saving us demands a response of worship and submission – and means the faithful must evaluate all opposition and difficulties in light of God’s Grace. God has already done the greatest thing for us in the sacrifice of His Son and it follows He will freely give us all things for a holy life. Christ’s death was not a humanely caused tragedy but a divine solution to our sin and guilt. God’s answer for guilt does not lie in us but with God and Christ alone. In verse 32 we are told that Christ was delivered up for us all and “us all” in context means those who God foreknew, predestined, called, justified in Christ and will finally glorify – those, God is for.

There is nothing in us to deserve being justified. Jesus paid the penalty we deserved. Our justification is rooted in God’s sovereign election. Therefore, if God is for us, who can be against us? Indeed.

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but also made alive by the Spirit, (19) by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, (20) who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is eight souls, were saved through water. (21) There is also an antitype which now saves us – baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, (22) who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him

The verses we study today were written by the apostle Peter. His point is clear but the details are very complex and the obscurity of these verses have occasioned many – almost universal – conflicting interpretations: they have served as the basis for the Catholic doctrine of purgatory and as foundation for the short lived inclusion in the Apostles creed that after Jesus Christ suffered and died He descended into hell – My older readers might have noticed the sudden disappearance of that statement from the creed. Who were the prisoners to whom Christ preached in the interval between death and resurrection? What did Christ proclaim? In short, these verses are not doctrinal.
But the purpose of this passage is clear; the faithful are called upon to bear witness to Christ in a hostile world where they can trust God to vindicate them just as Christ who suffered unjustly was vindicated by God through His resurrection and ascension to the right hand of God. Peter also uses the example of Noah who suffered in a hostile world but was vindicated by his delivery through the flood. Suffering in Peters time was linked to outward baptism or public confession of faith (this is not however a condition for salvation). They and we are called to give testimony to truth of the gospel. If we, in faith, bear witness, God will vindicate us.
Christ is our redeemer from sin and the faithful are not righteous outside of faith. Good works on the part of man are never sufficient but they and holy living are witness to our living faith. We are saved by Christ, not ourselves.

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (32) Give no offense,either to the Jew or to the Greeks, or to the church of God, (33) just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may he saved. 11:1 Imitate me, just as i also imitate Christ.

The letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today we study his final statement on Christian liberty; the principle, the purpose and the pattern – how we are to live within the framework of this liberty. We have our individual responsibility to order our lives to the glory of God – our entire lives with no compartmentalizing but as a whole.

I can best summarize the result of living in rigorous honesty – which is a new relationship with God – by quoting the promises of Alcoholics Anonymous: “We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it. We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace. No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience will benefit others. That feeling of uselessness and self pity will disappear. We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows. Self-seeking will slip away. Our whole attitude and outlook on life will change. Fear of people and economic insecurity will leave us. We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us. We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves “

For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! (17) For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship. (18) What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel. (19) For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; (20) and to the Jews I became a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; (21)to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; (22) to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. (23) Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be a partaker of it with you.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul addresses the trend of Christian Corinthians who were demanding their rights in that corrupt city and advises them to instead imitate his life and that of Christ. Paul lived in service of others so that they might be led to faith and here he instructs the baby Christians on their behavior among others; to live and behave as not to be personally offensive in neutral matters of custom and culture.
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Paul constantly acted on the principle of abstaining in things of indifference; that he, Paul, had a right in Christian liberty to be free from social customs of others in non moral areas and that he laid these indifferent things aside, becoming all things to all people. Basically he removed all cultural barriers that would needlessly distract or offend others he was trying to reach. He taught that he didn’t want appearance or worldly views to be the issue – he wanted the gospel to be the issue. We are instructed that we need to know where people are and to meet them there. This is a struggle to maintain a balance and Paul attaches a warning that we are never to compromise our holiness and to stay distinct in lifestyle and behavior to not compromise the message. Everything Paul did was for the promotion of the gospel and he observes that one must live for the gospel to be a partaker of the gospel.

It’s important to realize our verses today are NOT saying we should adapt the message of the gospel to the language and perspective of others. Paul’s goal was to save some by teaching and imitating Christ.

And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled (22) in the Body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight – (23) if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, for which I, Paul, became a minister

The letter to the Colossians was written by the apostle Paul – the theme of our verses is reconciliation. He never visited Colosse but Paul is confirming the doctrine they received. He returns to the past to remind the Colossians of what they were in contrast to what they are now in faith in Christ. They were strangers to the covenant of promise; without hope and without God in this world. He writes of this estrangement to show that God’s mighty action in His plan of redemption in Christ means one day we will be presented holy to God.
In verse 23 Paul explores the truth of the believer’s eternal security – the truth of our profession of faith. Paul is countering the false teachers/Judaizers who taught false doctrine corrupting the gospel. His point was to examine the foundation of our faith – to test it. Some who said they believed the gospel were in danger of forgetting the message, proving they never really believed the truth of Christ in their hearts. Some of these unfortunates will endure for a time but soon forget the claims of the gospel. Paul is not saying who of the Colossians was reborn in faith – he had confidence that most of them were – but he wrote to stir up the conscience of any who were drifting. A readiness to adopt new and fanciful systems was a cause for grave concern.
The faithful are in this world are now fighting sin which has not been eradicated in our lives. We are not yet free from temptation; sow a thought and reap an action – sow an action and reap a habit – sow the habit and reap a destiny. In faith in Christ we are reconciled with God which is something man could never do – or in his sinful nature would not want to do. In faith He will bear you up on eagles wings – bear you on the breath of dawn – and make you to shine like the stars – and hold you in the palm of His hand.

But this I say brethren, the time is short, so that from now on, even those who have wives should be as though they had none, (30) those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they did not possess,(31)and those who use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away .

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul is replying to direct questions from the Corinthians – he was writing at a time when to profess to be Christian meant to put one’s life in jeopardy because of persecution. There was also some confusion about the time of the second coming as promised by God and many thought it was imminent. In addition, the Corinthians were troubled by false ideas about philosophies of life and moved from excessive and mistaken Christian liberty to asceticism. Here, Paul continues his discussion of marriage versus singleness in view of those perilous times and the shortness of life.

Paul wants relief from anxieties for Christians and if they have the gift for the single life they may devote their thoughts and cares to the Lord in celibacy. BUT he has said not all can enjoy this liberty and his meaning is the unmarried person is free and unhindered (Paul himself remained unmarried for the sake of the gospel) while he is also saying that human nature might make such a condition morally dangerous. Paul is not saying marriage is wrong but that it is the design of God that we are allowed a brief period in this world and should not be bound to earthly things and marriage means certain obligations and cares about temporal things. The Bible makes it clear that marriage is a scriptural norm and marriage is not simply to your partner but a vow before God.

Single life under certain circumstances is preferable, and may be wiser than married life but there are no commands or restrictions with either choice. But we can confuse retirement from society with service to the Lord. There can be trouble in marriage and trouble in the single life. Being married doesn’t solve problems nor does being single.

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. (13) Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. (14) And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power. (15) Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? Certainly not! (16) Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For “the two,” He says, “Shall become one flesh.” (17) But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. (18) Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. (19) Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? (20) For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. In chapter 6 Paul writes correcting Christian behavior and Christian liberty. In Christ, he writes that “all things are lawful to me” and repeats this before amplifying on the statement. God has left free choice of behaviors in regard to outward things; dietary matters, ceremony, rituals etc. but apparently the Corinthians claimed all things were lawful for them without reserve or limit. But all things are not expedient and without consequence to others. Paul also emphasizes that man is not to be in bondage to any appetite. Man is meant to use the world, not abuse it. Our spiritual connection to Christ extends not just to the soul but also the body. Custom was not to be regarded as law and used as excuses. In Christ, we do not belong to ourselves but to God – this is not onerous but the tragedy would be if we did not belong to God.

Paul now moves to the sin of fornication with the rare command to “Flee sexual immorality.” The principles of religious liberty should be limited in application to things indifferent and temporary conditions of present life. But no such application is allowed in case of fornication. Because of the ultimate and permanent relationship with Christ this sin against the body, the will and the soul is destructive by its very nature. The Greeks and Romans considered fornication as a matter of indifference but Paul views it as a perversion of Christian liberty. Every sin a man commits is without/outside the body but fornication is against his/her own body. It is not a greater sin but has its peculiar effect on the body both morally and spiritually. As our bodies are temples of the Spirit it cannot be profaned without incurring a great and particular effect.

We have been delivered from the power and condemnation of sin by Christ and we are not to live according to our own pleasure. Our bodies are subject to God as well as our souls.

Then Peter opened his mouth and said: ”In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. (35) But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. (36) The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ – He is Lord of all – (37) that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: (38) how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke; historian, physician, traveling companion of the apostle Paul- and Gentile. To understand our verses today we must understand their context. An event entirely new to the Jewish mind tells the reader that NOW salvation is not based on national identity or good works. Gentiles are brought directly into relationship with God apart from becoming Jews which changed the history of the world. This inclusion is by Gods grace and centers on the person and work of Christ Jesus. Jesus is Lord of ALL.

There are three lengthily references in Acts given to the conversion of a Gentile outside of becoming a Jew. The Gentile, Cornelius, was a Roman centurion of the Italian army, who was guarding the city of Caesarea. Cornelius was a godly man who instructed his family and household in worship of God. There is no indication in the verses that he was familiar with the gospel. God sent a vision to Cornelius that he should send for a man named Peter who was living in Joppa. This Cornelius did directly. Meanwhile in Joppa, Peter was also sent a vision telling him first that there is no further difference between clean and unclean foods so there is no further disagreement between Jew and Gentile – the wall of separation was removed. God is God over all. Then Peter was commanded to come to Cornelius accompanied by Cornelius’s men who were at the door. Peter responded to Gods command and our verses today are the beginning of his address to Cornelius and his household. Peter had not finished his words when the conversion occurred and all who heard came to salvation in faith in Christ. Peter’s words as recorded here by Luke are the most comprehensive review of Jesus’ ministry found in any speech in Acts of the Apostles.

Peter’s sermon is the first sermon in Acts addressed to a Gentile audience. It is a message of peace in Christ. It is a message that God’s revelation, sent to the Jews, that all men/women now stand and fall by the judgment of God alone. It is a message that Jesus Christ is Lord of all – and most importantly, Jesus Christ is available to all.

For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles – (2) if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, (3) how by that revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, (4) by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), (5) which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: (6) that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul. The mystery of which he is speaking is, in Christ Jesus, there is now union – equality – of Gentiles and Jews as fellow heirs of God’s promises. The revelation of this mystery was frequently predicted by prophets of the Old Testament but the form was obscure and led to the general impression that the Gentiles were to partake of the blessings of the Messiah by becoming Jews – proselytes of the old theocracy which was thought by the Jews would remain in place. But in Christ the old order was abolished and the new order was adapted equally for all men. The distinction between Jews and Gentiles was done away with.
From Abraham to Christ, God’s blessing were mostly restricted to the Jews. Gentiles were excluded from the nation of Israel and were strangers to God’s covenants of the promise; the Gentiles were alienated from God in this world. The Gentiles are now partakers of God’s plan of redemption – the only essential condition of that promise is union with Christ. With Jesus a change of the ages took place – this has happened and now the Jews and Gentiles need to realize this experience.
The truth of the gospel is the centrality of Jesus in all salvation history. This cannot be arrived at by human logic, intuition or study. God must open our eyes to the understanding of the gospel.

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; (13) bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another , even as Christ forgave you, so you must also do. (14) But above all these things put on love which is the bond of perfection. (15) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which you were also called in one body; and be thankful. (16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (17) And whatever you do in word and deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

The letter to the Colossians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul is NOT talking about how men may be made perfect in the sight of God but how men may live perfectly among themselves – with the caveat that perfect love is nowhere to be found in this world. The remedy is to live in the peace of God which will restrain our natural instincts. Christians should live to see everything in the light of eternity. Paul reminds the Colossians that they are chosen of God and are to live holy (set apart) lives; to live in this world but not of it. The elect of God are Christians who have been chosen by God. No one comes to the Lord by his/her own choice but is called by God. Underlying our response is God’s plan and God’s initiative.

When Christians need to make choices the peace of God in our hearts should be the deciding factor; where there is no alternative there is no problem. We are to live in Christian liberty according to the precepts in this passage. Christians are working out day to day new patterns and new ways of reacting. The things we learn best are the things we put into operation. In short, we are to behave as we believe and in Christ, we are beloved of God.

When Warren Buffett was 71 he stated that his scorecard was not his enormous wealth and stature in the world but “Basically when you get to my age , you’ll really measure success by how many of the people you want to love you actually love you.” We need to know the meaning of Paul’s words: that without love we just have legalism.

Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began (26) but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all the nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith – (27) to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.

The letter to the Romans, the greatest doctrinal and theological letter in the New Testament was written by the apostle Paul. The verses we study today are at the end of the letter in chapter 16 and Paul has spontaneously broken out in a doxology (words of praise to God) which he often did when overcome with the truth of God. In our verses he is referring to a mystery prophesied in some obscurity in the Old Testament; that the Gentiles are also called as fellow heirs to the Jews in Christ. This had been concealed not through the doing of man or through chance but as part of God’s eternal plan. It was not random. Paul is writing to the church at Rome which was composed of many Gentiles.
The ultimate goal of the gospel is not about man but about God’s eternal glory. The crucial idea here is a shift away from the idea the gospel is about us. It is not incompatible with our happiness because God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him. The emphasis in our verses is on God, not our reaction to the gospel; before we can be established we must believe the gospel – in Christ and His sacrifice as the only payment for our sins – realizing our good works contribute NOTHING to our salvation. We know we are established in faith – not faith plus good works – when we cannot live other than holy lives. The plan of redemption was formed from eternity; no eye could discover and no heart conceive of this. Paul addresses his praise to the author as the only wise God. Man is not competent to sit in judgment on the truth of His declarations or the wisdom of His plan.
I am so often struck by the similarity of this theology to the first three steps of Alcoholics Anonymous which reveal the unknown mystery of alcoholic recovery – and it only works if we are all in.

1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol – that our lives had become unmanageable. 2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. 3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.

It’s not the gospel but the principal is God alone is the author of salvation.

Rejoice always, (17) pray without ceasing, (18) in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (19) Do not quench the Spirit. (20) Do not despise prophesies. (21) Test all things; hold fast what is good. (22) Abstain from every form of evil. (23) Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (24) He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. (25) Brethren, pray for us. (26) Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.

The first letter to the Thessalonians was written by the apostle Paul to new believers in Christ who were being persecuted or always being threatened with persecution for Christ. In these circumstances how were they – and us – to develop the ability to rejoice always? Paul is referring to the spirit and the mind and advises us to lay down our burden and embrace the will of God; to pray always; to rejoice in the Lord and to practice calm in the face of adversity. We do this with the realization that God turns to our advantage our present evils – He directs us in prayer to what matters. The result of joy in living with God is a calm mind. We are warned to not quench the Spirit by our negligence of daily progress. Do not turn from the light and go after the vanity of this world. God also causes the faithful to see and opens their hearts. Paul requires the faithful to abstain from doubtful doctrine and is saying the spirit of judgement is given by God for discernment. The God of peace will see that the faithful would be perfected by him. The never failing aid of God is promised BECAUSE God has called them.

Prayer without ceasing means being in the spirit of dependence on God. Thankfulness and holiness go together and all things work together for good to those that love God – recognizing that all our circumstances come from God. We are warned against quenching the Spirit who seals our souls at the moment of faith. Unbelievers may resist the Spirit but only believers quench the Spirit by not responding to His guidance. We are to rely on prayer and the indwelling Spirit rather than human ingenuity. Be discerning and examine everything in the light of Scripture. If a doctrine contradicts Scripture, it’s wrong.

Daily walking in the Spirit is the conscious effort in which we strive in order to live holy lives. Romans 8:28 tells us that “and we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Believe it. Do it.

But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. (9) The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (10) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. (11) Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, (12) looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? (13) Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. (14) Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless

Our verses today in this second letter from Peter were written to rebut false teachers who were publicly denying the second coming of Christ to judge those of this world. He is writing to the faithful who are charged to wait in certain hope – the day of the Lord seems long in coming because of the shortness of life. The day of resurrection does not depend on the present flow of time but on the purpose of God – our nature is impatient and we do not know the hidden will of God except as has been made known to us in the gospel. It does not matter when God gave His promise to return as He will remain faithful. It does not mean God operates in a timeless state; His relationship with time is different from ours because He is eternal but this does not negate the imminent return of the Lord. All of God’s time is different and equally present; time affects us but not God.

God is patient not wanting any to perish but all to repent; He is not slow but patient. Salvation implies deliverance from something to something – leads to a purpose that has been frustrated or interrupted and is not a purpose in itself. The final purpose of God is His own glory – neither salvation or damnation are the ultimate end but the means to an end.

God has done all He can do for sinners who won’t come to Christ of their free will. C.S. Lewis has illustrated this beautifully in his story ‘The Magician’s Nephew’: “When the Lion (Christ) had first begun singing, long ago when it was still quite dark, (Uncle Andrew) had realized that the noise was a song. And he had disliked the song very much. It made him think and feel things he did not want to think and feel. Then, when the sun rose and he saw that the singer was a lion (“only a lion” as he said to himself) he tried his hardest to make believe that is wasn’t singing and never had been singing – only roaring as any lion might in a zoo in our world. “Of course it can’t really have been singing,” he thought, “I must have imagined it. I’ve been letting my nerves get out of order. Who ever heard of a lion singing?” And the longer and more beautifully the lion sang, the harder Uncle Andrew tried to make himself believe that he could hear nothing but roaring. Now the trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed. Uncle Andrew did. He soon heard nothing but roaring in Aslan’s sing. Soon he couldn’t have heard anything else even if he had wanted to.”

Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes, our brother, (2) To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours. (3) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (4) I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, (5) that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, (6) even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, (7) so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, (8) who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. (9) God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul who spent 18 months in that hedonistic city preaching the gospel. He makes it clear that the Christian Corinthians were not lacking in any spiritual gifts – they had plenty of ability but needed discipline and humility to remain blameless in Christ when the day of the Lord arrives. In our verses today Paul expresses gratitude and affection for the faithful in Corinth but this introduction is followed by a corrective and generally critical letter which explains why the church in Corinth was referred to as the church of God; it was His church and needed to be holy.

The Corinthians were saints by divine calling but were not saintly in their conduct as this epistle makes clear. Paul taught by God’s sustaining power Christians will someday stand free before the Lord guiltless because God has imputed the guilt of our sins to Christ Jesus. Paul’s confidence did not rest on the Corinthians ability to persevere but rested on God’s promise to preserve them; to complete the work begun in them. Paul’s confidence in God as expressed here enabled him to deal with the problems in the Corinthian church optimistically and realistically – but it was a painful process.

God is faithful by whom we are called. Paul knew the steadfastness and perseverance of believers was founded on God’s promise – BECAUSE they were called. ‘Whom He calls He also justifies and whom He justifies He also glorifies’. Paul wanted the Corinthians to become who they already were.

But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. (21) For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. (22) For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. (23) But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. (25) Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. (25) For He must reign till He has out all enemies under His feet. (26) The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. (28) Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. Chapter 15 which we study today deal with the bodily resurrection of the faithful and to understand our verses they must be seen in context. The Corinthians were not denying the resurrection of Christ but some were denying the resurrection of their own bodies. Paul was insisting that if they denied the resurrection of faithful men, they were denying the resurrection of Christ and thereby emptying the Christian message. There were two opinions in the Jewish world of life after death; one group denied any life after death at all and for another group there was hope of spiritual life after death. The non-Jews (or the Greeks) had a fear of death and had an acceptance of the immortality of the soul but they had no thought of resurrected body; they considered the body a tomb. In chapter 15 Paul writes of the doctrine of bodily resurrection based on Christ’s proven historical resurrection – he cites the empty tomb with no body ever produced; the appearance of the risen Christ to many witnesses most of whom were still alive at the time of writing this letter; the appearance of the risen Christ to Paul himself – and the promise of scripture.
Every Jew recognized the ritual of offering the first fruits of the harvest to God as these were the promise of the harvest to come. Paul is saying here that the risen Christ is the promise that the dead will follow the established risen Christ. This world will have an end – so also government, magistratry and laws, and distinction of rank and everything of superiorities. At that last day Christ will subdue all His enemies. Death is the last enemy and came into this world when Adam sinned.

But Christ is risen and the faithful carry the Spirit of God with them; Death will wound but not kill. Paul’s preaching was not in vain; faith is not in vain; the faithful are not in their sins; the dead in Christ have not perished. The death which flowed from Adam is far more than physical death and Christ is the cause of spiritual and future physical life. Death shall reign until the resurrection of our bodies.

But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. (2) For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. (3) For when they say ”Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. (4) But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. (5) You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. (6) Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober

In the first letter to the Thessalonians the apostle Paul continues with the major underlying theme of this letter: the second coming of Christ which is addressed in every chapter of the letter. The subject of the Lord’s return is common in the New Testament with allusions to it, directly or indirectly, found in 1 out of every 20 New Testament verses. In 1 Thessalonians the Day of the Lord is presented as absolutely certain; this is an Old Testament phrase which has been carried over to the New Testament and it refers to the fact that one day God will intervene in history for judgment on His enemies or deliverance for His people. The concept of the final day is repeated so frequently in Scripture it will certainly happen or God’s word is not true – we might as well throw out our bibles.

The Day of the Lord will be sudden, unexpected and inescapable for those in spiritual darkness. There will be no alternative at the end other than life with the Lord or eternal loss – one or the other is inevitable. We who are Christians and children of God are not sons and daughters of the night and, as those of the day, we who believe the gospel and belong to Christ are not to give way to a careless unconcerned state of mind. Paul warns us to be alert, watchful and sober.

Again closing with c.s.Lewis ( everybody seems to like his thoughts) – “For it will be infallible judgment. If it is favorable we shall have no fear, if unfavorable, no hope that it is wrong. We shall not only believe, we shall know, beyond doubt in every fiber of our appalled or delighted being, that as the Judge has said, so we are: neither more nor less nor other. We shall perhaps even realize that in some dim fashion we could have known it all along.”

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. (14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. (15) For this we say to you, by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. (16)For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. (17) Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. (18) Therefore comfort one another with these words.

The first letter to the Thessalonians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul is addressing a problem of some of the faithful in that early church, which was that they were were expecting the immanent return of Christ and were grieving that the dead in Christ would miss out on the second coming. Paul sets down a great principle here that the man/woman who has died in Christ is still in Christ and will rise in Him – a relationship that nothing can break. The promise of Christ’s second coming is certain because of the resurrection of Christ and we have His direct word on it.

Sleep is a euphemism for death in this passage but sleep here does not mean “soul sleep” (which is not biblical). Sleep implies death is only temporary and after physical death the souls of the faithful will be with the Lord instantly until He returns, at which time He will raise our resurrected bodies. To be absent from the body is to be at home with the Lord. The spirits of the departed are with the Lord now – Paul here does not discuss the Old Testament saints but speaks to new believers, his point being both deceased and living saints will receive new eternally resurrected bodies when Christ Jesus returns. The practical value of Christ’s certain second coming is hope and comfort in this present world. Death being a better place is only wishful thinking outside of Christ.

I leave these verses with a quote from c.s. Lewis: “I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: ‘I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God.’ That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic – on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg – or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. (2) Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. (3) And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

The first letter of John, disciple and intimate eyewitness to the earthly ministry of Christ Jesus was most likely written in the latter part of the first century when John was the sole remaining apostolic survivor. False teachers had begun perverting fundamental apostolic teaching threatening to destroy the gospel; instead of divine revelation standing over man’s ideas, man’s ideas judged (interpreted) Gods revelation and in particular the doctrine of true humanity of Christ. Such views destroy not only the humanity of Christ but by extension, the doctrine of acceptable atonement for our sins by the Christ, true God and true man. So John, at the end of his life, addresses the fundamentals of Christianity – he is returning to the basics of the gospel.
In our verses today, the apostle John points out that we are not merely called children of God but in faith in Christ we ARE children of God. By nature man is a CREATURE of God. It by unearned grace faithful man be ones a CHILD of God. This privileged Christian life is only a beginning – when Christ appears in the promised second coming in all His glory the faithful will be like Him. This passage is directed against the Gnostic false teachers who thought the body was evil and only the Spirit was pure – that the body was of no eternal importance. John insists that the Christian is on the way to seeing God and will be like Him; that God lavished His unimaginable love on man by sending Jesus – His only son – to save us from our sins while we were still hostile and by nature enemies of God. We are reminded that there is nothing man can do to earn this great gift because becoming a Christian is not a matter of our willpower but of God’s power

The tragedy in this world is those who knew Him not. Jesus came to His own and they did not know Him. For this reason, the world will not know the faithful also – but God will. I’m quoting from Paul’s letter to the Romans today, chapter 8: 31, What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? and Romans 8: 38,39. (38). For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, (39) nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen

For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. (6) And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction , with joy of the Holy Spirit, (7) so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. (8) For from you the word has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything . (9) For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, (10) and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus Who delivers us from the wrath to come.

The first letter to the Thessalonians was written by the apostle Paul to encourage the faithful there who were being persecuted for the gospel. According to Luke in Acts of the Apostles, Paul preached the gospel for three sabbaths in the synagogue at Thessalonica until he was rejected by the Jews. There is some evidence that Paul didn’t remain much longer but the results were remarkable – and the converts who believed were mostly Gentile. Thessalonica was an important trading city with a pagan and worldly “sophisticated” culture. Before Paul’s gospel these people hoped their idols would save them but God opened their hearts and minds and the many faithful turned to God alone in Christ alone; turning is another way to say repented which is mention in Luke 24:47 and all through Acts.

We can’t separate saving faith from repentance as the two concepts are intertwined and both are used in reference to salvation. We can’t just turn aside at the moment of faith, we have to rewind. (Much like a mathematical problem).
In our verses today Paul continues to spell out the reasons he knew God had chosen the Thessalonian believers for salvation. Paul has already mentioned the significant life change evidenced; they turned to God from idols; they served God, welcomed the gospel and proclaimed it to others; they waited for God’s Son from heaven: The Lord’s visible return, in boldness, is a characteristic of a true believer. The doctrine of the Second Coming of Christ occupied a much more prominent place in the early church. The Old Testament believed in the coming of the Messiah and the faithful in Jesus who came to purchase salvation and will, when He comes again, bring salvation with him – full and final deliverance from sin and death and hell, from the wrath which is yet to come upon unbelievers. Wrath and judgments are not popular concepts today but the truth of it is essential to the gospel. If God does not punish sin He is neither holy or just.

In Jesus we are forgiven. I always go back to Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…….” The great theme of this letter is the second coming of Christ; this was of such importance that every chapter of this letter ends with reference to it and we should live as if this will take place imminently.

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Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (2) We give thanks always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, (3) remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. (5) For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit And in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake .

The letter to the Thessalonians was written by the apostle Paul to encourage the faithful there in their steadfastness in the gospel in the face of persecution. In our verses today Paul omits mention of his being chosen to be an apostle by the will of God indicating that despite the shortness of time he spent with them the faithful Thessalonians never questioned the authority of Paul or the truth of the gospel. Paul was assured that they were beloved of God as he founded the church there and was able to compare their present condition to their past lifestyle; all evidence indicated their faith in Christ was real. The testimony of Paul was that the powerful movement of God accomplished the saving of souls

Verse 3 addresses the doctrine of election; that God has chosen men, not the other way around – a frequent theme in Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. Election is a mystery hidden in the secret counsel of God and we can see the elect in the powerful way God has changed their lives. The doctrine of sin is that in our sinful nature we are not free and not able to choose God. Salvation is always and only of the Lord.

The only answer in Scripture as to election is that God does what He does; including the salvation of His elect and the judgment of other sinners to display His glory. He chose us to hear His gospel and respond in faith and gratitude.

I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. (13) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (14) Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. (19) And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (20) Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

The letter to the Philippians was written by the apostle Paul while under arrest in Rome for preaching the gospel. Our verses today were written as instruction to contentment and to the path to peace of mind. The Philippians had delivered a financial gift to Paul while he was in chains in Rome and he wants them to know he greatly loves and appreciates the effort but also wants them to know that he is persuaded that his lot – and ours – is regulated by God’s providence and will. Paul writes that he has “learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need”. This condition of contentment is not something that comes naturally or instantly – it’s a training in faith and a process of sanctification. The point being that if we live for ourselves and our own pleasure we will not know God’s contentment or peace. Paul has found his sufficiency in Christ and he is using himself as a pattern of how to live.

Paul learned to be equally content with little or much materially because he was rich spiritually. He knew that both poverty and wealth bring temptations. The secret of Paul’s independence was His depending on another; his self sufficiency in this present world came from being in union with Christ who is all sufficient. We live in a fallen world and IN this world contentment is unattainable. Contentment is not what we have but what we are. We are to have patient confidence in the sovereignty of God in our lives – to be satisfied with both little and much in life and to learn to live gratefully and in peace with our circumstances. What contentment is not is complacency.

All things work together for those who love God, for those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28). For where our treasure is there will our hearts be also. (Matthew 6:21)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God; (7) and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (8) Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things. (9) The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

The letter to the Philippians was written by the apostle Paul while imprisoned in Rome for preaching the gospel. Our verses today exhort the Philippians to cast their cares on the Lord – to use prayer to fight anxiety which proceeds from distrust of divine help. The peace of God – mentioned only here in the New Testament – does not depend on the present aspect of things or on the shifting of the world but on confidence in the sovereignty of God; that the good will of God will be the grand sum of our desires. Paul advises prayer with thanks for every concern and peace is what we are promised. In God’s peace, in this joy, we are effective witnesses to Christ Jesus. Because of Christ we can go directly to God – prayer is not for God’s sake but for ours.
Our prayer must be in line with God’s purpose and will; if something makes us anxious it’s not trivial and prayer with thanksgiving makes us calm until we get through crisis. Verses 8 and 9 are connected as our thought life forms the basis for our behavior. Our conduct flows from genuine conversion and rebirth in faith in Christ as we begin our process of sanctification. The emotional result of this process is that the peace of God will be with us. This is not a modification of our thoughts and our will is not merely adding something to our lives but it is change at the core of our being. It is not mere intellectual understanding. It a change of heart – true biblical change. We must respond with our will as the lordship of Christ enters every aspect of our lives. Without Christ we have only our stubborn self will which never gives us peace.
To maintain tranquility rather than becoming distraught, we should take our worries to God and replace worry with prayer. Paul is talking in our verses of peace FROM God, not peace WITH God which acts as a sort of sentry to guard (and guide) our hearts and minds. The promise here is that if we pray, with thanksgiving rather than worry, God will give us peace. I’m reminded of how we close many meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous when we say “keep coming back; it works if you work it”. Make Prayer your substitution for worry.

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, (6) who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, (7) but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. (8) And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. (9) Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, (10) that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, (11) and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory Of God the Father

The letter to the Philippians was written by the apostle Paul who was a prisoner in Rome for preaching the gospel. Our verses today today tell us that Jesus, son of God, having the full nature of God, was willing to adopt a manner of existence and submerge his deity when he, willingly, took upon Himself the nature of man at His incarnation. Taking the nature of man imposed certain restrictions on Christ Jesus but that did not include a sinful nature; taking on the likeness of man – appearing as a human being – and becoming obedient to the Father to death, even death by crucifixion which was so terrible that Roman citizens were exempt from this end is our supreme example to follow. Jesus taught us that the test of the submissive mind is not how much suffering we are willing to take but how much we are willing to give. Because of his true and acceptable sacrifice Christ saved us from our sins. and is is acknowledged by universal exclamation by the Father and He is Lord of of those in heaven, and on earth and under the earth – over all created beings; all will bow before Christ Jesus.

To glorify Jesus is to glorify the Father because Jesus is God and God’s glory is the aim of this eternal purpose. If people who will not willingly glorify Christ on earth their will do so against their will throughout eternity.
If Jesus is Lord we need to dethrone ourselves. We are not to take on humility, service and obedience to be exalted in Christ Jesus but we do it because we are transformed and reborn in faith in Christ – we are new people and cannot do any other and verbal confession of Lordship will accompany physical submission.

God’s eternal purpose is accomplished in the most unlikely ways and by the most unlikely people. All through the Bible God shows us He values humility, love, submission and perseverance. In this so very secular society, we, as His people, must live as from this world and not of it. Because of Christ’s actions “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1)

(19) For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, (20) according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. (21) For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (22) But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. (23) For I am hardpressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. (24) Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. (27) Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel

The apostle Paul wrote the “prison letter” to the Philippians from Rome as he had been under arrest for preaching the gospel. As a Roman citizen he had appealed to Caesar for judgment – he would either be pardoned or executed – and in our verses he is weighing his options; Physical deliverance from prison or spiritual deliverance from earthly life – clearly he expected the former. To live or die his life revolved around Christ Jesus and Christ was the reason for his existence. In Christ Paul found joy in any circumstance.

What are we living for? If our purpose is wrong our direction will be wrong. Paul was clear about his purpose and this took eternity into account; the fact of death and what lies beyond. In faith in Christ we are dead to sin and in life we experience Christ. Our focus should be the the end game – our “gain” of Christ is sufficient for the believer. We are to live for Christ and not ourselves. We should challenge the cultural idea of retirement as we are never retired from living Christ. In our verses we see this is Paul’s sole aim; he did all things for the sake of the gospel and makes it clear that he walked by the Spirit every day in every situation. Our culture seems to think of death – if we think of it at all – as an end, not a beginning. We avoid thinking or talking about death unnecessarily but we are not ready to live until we are ready to die. For Christians, like Paul, to live purposefully is to live for Christ and and to die is gain – this does not mean we are not to mourn or desire death.

Reading these verses we should be asking ourselves ‘What am I living for’? We should be clear, be all in and be joyful in the Lord.

For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. (8) For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are to the Lord’s. (9) For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. Our verses today deal with conduct of Christians in matters non-essential; matters not doctrinal or matters on which the Bible is silent and do not affect one’s salvation. In Christ we have religious liberty and we are not under the Mosaic law any longer. The essence of religious liberty is that we do what we do “for the Lord”. We are not to judge others in these matters as we don’t know what’s in their hearts and it’s easy to judge people wrongly. To be clear, Paul is just dealing here in non-essential matters. We are warned not to violate our own conscience – glorifying God in all that we do is the issue; not judging others but judging ourselves.

An example of nonessential matters would be observation of the Christian sabbath. There is not a single commandment in the New Testament requiring the Gentile church to observe Sunday as the Christian sabbath.
This is not doctrine and smacks of legalism. There is a principle to gather on Sunday but not a command. Instead our verses today tell us to live to the Lord and while the faithful might believe Sunday worship glorifies God, it’s not sinful not to and we are applying biblical principles to a nonessential issue. We shouldn’t do what we do because of habit or because everyone else does it; motive is the key. Since God is judge of all we must not judge other believers in matters of indifference.

We don’t live for our own pleasure but regulate our heart, conscience and life for Christ – scripture requires this of us. The duty of devotion is not founded on creation but on redemption – Christ bought us at a price. Christ is Lord of the dead and the living and our verses refer to HIs death and resurrection. The authority of Christ over His people is not confined to this world but extends beyond the grave.

Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. (9) For the commandments ”You shall not commit adultery,” ”You shall not murder,” “you shall not steal,” ”You shall not bear false witness,” ”You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, all are summed up in this saying, namely, ”You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (10) Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

In Romans, chapter 13, the apostle Paul deals mainly with our political duties and our conduct as Christians in society. Our verses today are NOT a prohibition against proper use of credit but a discussion of the one debt we will always owe and that is the debt of love Christians owe to all others. Jesus said that love is the distinguishing mark of His followers and marks how they are known. Paul frequently wrote of the command to love our neighbors which is evidence of genuine faith. In faith we are transformed and this is the foundation for loving others and seeking to do God’s will – if we try to love others when we have not experienced the love of God in Christ we are just into moralism and again back into the belief that works can earn salvation. Only in faith will our motive be to love the God who loved us while we were still sinners. Loving one another is a command that extends to loving all people – we may not like them but we are commanded to love them. Just think how galling it is to learn a lesson from someone we don’t like – but it changes our perspective. Love is an act of will involving not just our feelings.

In our verses today Paul cites commandments to show what love does NOT do and that is “love does no harm to a neighbor”. This is particularly relevant in this present time of violence and mindless destruction of property. Loving others is a lifelong process and a debt that can never be paid off.

My favorite, c.s. Lewis writes of our lifelong process of sanctification: “Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that is He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of – throwing out a new wing here, putting an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself. “

I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. (2) And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul to the Christians in Rome. Chapter 12 – and our verses today- begins addressing the application in our lives of the doctrine Paul taught in the preceding Chapters (1-11) which cover justification by faith alone in Christ alone and sanctification resulting in salvation. It is made crystal clear that salvation has nothing to do with human merit or efforts but are a result of the mercies of God. We know the why and now Paul is teaching the how.

I came across this quote while researching the context and meaning of verses 1-2 in Romans 12 – “living sacrifices have a way of crawling off the altar”. This reasonable service Paul exhorts his readers to accomplish means that such commitment is both continuous and progressive – Paul is referring not only to our bodies but our minds – reasonable service means the nature of such service is that worship rendered by the mind. This requires consecration of ourselves to God. Not only are we to worship the God of such mercy, but there must be a holiness of life which means we are to live in this world but not of this world. Paul is saying that the mass of mankind is considered in opposition to the people of God and the renewal of mind of the faithful is not just a mere external change but one that arises from a change of heart.
The end of verse two means that Christians should know, delight in and practice whatever is good and acceptable to God – the moral will of God as revealed in the Bible. These verses introduce the sections to follow that deal with Christian conduct. Our relationship to God in Christ is foundational and governs all our behavior; we are to behave as we believe.

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! (34) “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor?” (35) ”Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him?” (36) For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. Having just presented God’s plan of redemption in view of all the glories of divine dealings with men, Paul bursts out with this doxology praising the wisdom, goodness and sovereignty of God; God is all and man is nothing. The principal idea here is God is the source, means and end of all comprehending knowledge, all the circumstances of man’s being and all the means necessary for the accomplishment of the divine purpose. Verse 34 confirms what Paul has just written; that in His purposes and dispensations God is perfectly independent.

The general idea is that there is nothing man can do to place God under obligation. The faithful are not justified by their merit but the merit of Christ; they are chosen and called to eternal life not on the grounds of anything in them but according to God’s election and purpose. God is the alpha and omega of salvation. God is the source, means and end – God‘s glory is the purpose of salvation history. Human knowledge, power and virtue are just glimmering reflections – shadows of the thing itself.

I love to quote c.s. Lewis writing from the Weight of Glory: “ The books or music in which we thought beauty was located will betray us if we trust to them; it was not in them, it only came through them, and what came through them was longing. These things – the beauty, the memory of our own past – are good images of what we really desire; but if they are mistaken for the thing itself, they turn into dumb idols, breaking the hearts of their worshippers. For they are not the thing itself; they are only the scent of a flower we have not found, the echo of a tune we have not heard, news from a country we have never yet visited.”

• (13) For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, (14) if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh and save some of them. (15) For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? (29) For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. (30) For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, (31) even so these also have now been been disobedient that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. (32) For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. Chapter 11 deals with the matter of the future of the Jews in light of God’s purpose and promise which once given can never be changed. And Paul is speaking not of individuals but of the nation. Israel’s rejection of Christ is partial and not permanent – there was a remnant of believing Jews. Paul repeats that the Gentiles reception of the gospel will make Jews jealous so that they will also respond – they will want what we have. We can not deny God’s sovereign ability to save whom He choses; the gospel is all about God’s glory reflected in us.
The rejection of the gospel by the Jews was the means of its wider and more rapid spread among the Gentiles. Even the Christian Jews were very slow to allow the gospel to be preached to the Gentiles. They almost uniformly desired to clog the gospel with ceremonial observances of the law – Jesus AND. Jesus and works, Jesus and rites. This was one of the greatest hindrances of the gospel. Election is not based on works but is God’s sovereign will and plan. Israel was not successful in their works based attainment of salvation. The Jews rejected Christ and were rejected by God in return.
According to Scripture faith is an act of obedience and unbelief is an act of disobedience. The unbelief of the Jews was an historical fact; the occasion for the gospel being extended to the Gentiles. All Gentiles and Jews, first one and then the other, should reveal their true character as sinners and stand out as unbelievers. BUT God does not cause them to sin but sees to their dispensation. In sin all are equally miserable and helpless And all are dependent on God’s mercy.

• I tell the truth in Christ, i am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit (2) that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. (3) For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh, (4) who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises; (5) of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. His discussion of God’s plan of salvation ended in chapter 8 and now Paul addresses the calling of the Gentiles and the rejection of the Jews. Most Jews refused the Messiah and now we have Paul’s lamentation – he is trying to settle the Jewish mind on Christ and avoids antagonizing them but concedes nothing against the truth of the gospel. Paul begins by asserting his conscience bore this testimony guided by the indwelling Spirit. Paul was not an indifferent spectator of this sorrow – both temporal and spiritual – which is about to come on his countrymen. They rejected Christ as the Messiah; refused God’s blessings and their heritage as God’s chosen people. This rejection is not God’s final word – He has in the past and is now working through a Jewish remnant. Lost people won’t care what we know/think until they know how much we care. God’s truth impels us to work for the salvation of lost souls.
Paul’s sorrow over the rejection of the Jews he expresses in the strongest terms and the term he uses is applied to only such conditions as could not be redeemed. Paul is now offering/volunteering to be in their place – he professes such a love for his countrymen and brethren to wish for himself instead the condemnation that he saw looming for the Jews. But this was hypothetical and conditional – he knew this was impossible for he had been called according to God’s plan and will. The object of these verses was to assure the Jews of his love. They were the chosen of God; a people of innumerable blessings and privileges and of great distinction – and of whom the Christ came.
These five verses teach us that fidelity does not mean we should make the truth offensive – we want our words and actions to do work on the heart and conscience of unbelievers – we want them to want what we have.

 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (37) Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us. (38) For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, (39) nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. Chapter 8 of this letter begins by telling us that there is therefore no condemnation for those in Jesus Christ and our verses today – the last of chapter 8 – amplify this doctrine that the security of the faithful is founded on the plan of God, the promise of God and the power of God. No one and nothing created can remove our no condemnation status. God has predetermined that in Christ the faithful are His forever and He is for us – this has nothing to do with our worthiness or performance. God’s love involves a commitment to finish the good work He has begun in us. Good works did not earn our salvation and bad works cannot take it from us.
Paul is writing to comfort those suffering hardship, persecution and death because of their commitment to Christ and the gospel. Because the faithful were chosen before the foundation of the world God’s love for us is not diminished or alienated by our failures, shortcomings or sins. Life can be a bigger threat than death and our culture – then and now – is no friend to disciples of Christ. The list in verse 35 followed by Paul’s series of contrasts is to reinforce that absolutely nothing can separate us from God’s love and to counter our fears in trials.
Paul’s confidence of God’s love in Christ is expressed in the strongest words possible; nothing will frustrate the purpose of God – nothing will turn His love from those He is determined to save. God loves us not because of who we are but what we are in Christ

• And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (29) For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. (30) Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul and the verses we study today are both pastoral and practical to explain to the early Christians in that ancient time that God’s eternal purpose is not ultimately about us but to glorify His Son, -so this purpose cannot fail. God knew; He predestined; He called, justified and glorified those He loves in His electing purpose. God’s knowledge is not that of a spectator – He ordains election. To predestine means God determined in advance to save these people and conform them to the image of His Son so Christ would have supremacy over many brethren. It is essential to see salvation is first to last TOTALLY of the Lord, not dependent on the will of man as that would make men sovereign. Apart from God’s initiative none would seek Him because of the Fall.

Predestination is God’s purpose and plan to rule the universe as He determines. In the New Testament to be called is always about God’s effectual call which will always be accomplished. This call comes with power so the faithful come from spiritual death to life – the response depends on those God predestined to salvation. To justify means to declare righteous. Our faith does not merit justification but is the channel through which grace is received resulting in regeneration and the elect will inevitably grow in sanctification. Their salvation is secure as God will complete it because God has predestined it according to His purpose. God will complete the salvation of the elect because Christ will be glorified by glorifying them. Glorification is in the future but Paul speaks of it as in the past because it is certain to take place.

To be called in our verses is not the mere external call of the Bible. Paul is speaking of a call which is peculiar to those who are finally saved. Election, calling, justification and salvation are united; if we are called by God according to His purpose, nothing can prevent our final salvation.

• Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intersession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (27) Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is because He makes intercessions for the saints according to the will of God.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul and the verses we study today deal with emotional needs and longings so deep we are unable to articulate them – or in many cases even be unaware of them. All creation and all men suffer because sin entered the world and both groan for ultimate restoration. At the moment of faith believers are sealed with the indwelling Spirit who intercedes for us with the Father as sort of supernatural intervention. The Spirit helps us in our sufferings and weakness and does so on an emotional level and conveys our hurts and cares – we may even be unaware of our needs – to the Father. The bottom line is we need to pray; we are commanded to pray. We may not be sure how or what to pray for but we are guaranteed the Spirit does and will – the basic principal is that prayer must be in harmony with the will of God. What the text is saying is that the Holy Spirit prays FOR us, not that He prays THROUGH us to the Father. What these verses are saying is God Himself, by the Spirit, comes to our aid whenever we need help – we are assured that we will get assistance. Prayer can help us to trust that God’s will be done and this will become apparent in time.
Don’t be discouraged as our present afflictions are of comparative insignificance; we must wait for salvation in patient and joyful expectation. We don’t know what is best for us but the Spirit gives our desires a language heard and understood by God. The Spirit dwells in believers as a principle of life most especially in emotional desires which we are unable to articulate. We have all known emotions too big and overwhelming for utterance and the Spirit reads the unexpressed emotions of the souls. The Spirit dictates or intercedes our petitions and stirs in us the desires which are consistent with the divine purpose and suited for our wants.

• For i consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (19) For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. (20) For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; (21) because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. (22) For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. (23) Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul and our verses today concern present sufferings, which are the result of past events, and future deliverance. Paul refers to the suffering of present time meaning the entire present age. The entire history of creation since the fall is marked by suffering; catastrophes, wars, natural disasters, conflicts, crime – just the struggles of our lives. But salvation triggers release from the corruption since Adam sinned.
When Adam sinned the whole human race sinned in him. God’s judgment on Adam included a judgment on creation – the botanical world; the animal world. Salvation in faith in Christ Jesus is the promise that there will be a restored world with no violence or death which were not part of original creation. In sin creation was made subject to vanity – meaning futility, aimlessness, the inability to achieve desired results – it’s not something creation did but was done to it. And Paul’s mention of our groaning means to lament – to moan and be aware of living in this world with all the pain and sin – we are groaning for glory.
Future glory includes full renewal of creation to its original perfection and purpose and includes full redemption of our bodies. Future glory is guaranteed by the present possession of the indwelling Spirit which is the promise that God will not abandon us. The biblical perspective is perseverance – to endure – as this future glory with God is absolutely certain for the faithful: God promised and He cannot lie.

• But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. (11) But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. (12) Therefore, brethren, we are debtors – not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. (13) For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul to the Christians in that city and the theme of our verses today is the eternal security of believers in Christ; the salvation of those who renounced the law and accepted the gospel is virtually certain. God in His free mercy justified us in Christ Jesus – something the law could never do – nothing comes from the efforts of the flesh but death. All the demands of the law are filled by the sacrifice of Christ and salvation in faith is begun by the Spirit who is indwelling at the moment of faith. If we belong to Christ we are reconciled to God and all our sins are forgiven. Justification is not a matter of going to church or believing certain doctrines or by trying to live by certain moral standards; what is vital is that we are born again.
The Spirit dwells in us and we are growing in sanctity. We do and will have a sinful nature despite being in Christ – to believe otherwise is to minimize that nature. In our new position we are to behave as we believe. Because of grace in faith we have an obligation to act appropriately but we can only do this with the help of the Spirit. All who are led by the Spirit are children of God. We are debtors not to flesh; the believers are now in the Spirit and the necessity of holiness is absolute. The work of the Spirit empowers us for victory over flesh; frees us from sin and spiritual death; changes our nature and confirms our adoption. We are not condemned and will never have to pay the penalty of sin which is eternal death.
We will receive power to control the flesh after the Holy Spirit has come upon us with no caveats and no conditions. How can you tell if you are a Christian – if the sins of the flesh are foreign to your desire; if you don’t want sin and if you don’t rationalize sin.

• Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? (4) Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we should also walk in the newness of life. (8) Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, (9) knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. (10) For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives He lives to God. (11) Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to he dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. In chapter 6 of Romans, Paul is addressing sanctification after the Christian is justified by faith in Christ Jesus. The very design of Christianity was to deliver men from sin; our union with Christ in His death and resurrection is the foundation for separation from sin. In faith in Christ, when He died we died in Him. When Adam sinned all men/women sinned in physical birth. But in faith we are transferred to Christ’s headship and have a new position before God. Biblical death is not cessation but spiritual separation. In Christ the reign of spiritual death is broken and Paul in our verses is talking about NOT living in sin as a way of life. PAul is NOT saying believers cannot sin but we are saved by God’s free grace. Since we in faith are united with Christ, in His resurrection we should walk as a new person – a steady gradual process of sanctification in Christ.
Paul’s focus is not on how to obey God and avoid sinning but on why. Christ’s work of redemption is not only substitutionary but also representative. Sin has no claim on Christ because he paid the penalty for sin: Sin no longer has claim on the faithful because Christ died as our representative. The very design of Christianity was to deliver man from sin.
In Romans 8:1 Paul writes “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

• Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned- (13) (For until the law sin was in the world but Sin is not imputed when there is no law. (14) Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. (15) But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.

Romans was written by the apostle Paul and in our verses today we study the reality of salvation of man by Jesus Christ by His one work; his death and resurrection effected salvation for all who believe. Man has always believed they will be forgiven for sin and will enter into a right relationship with God because of something they do. This is man made religion – the religion of human achievement. The message of Romans from beginning to end says this is not possible from man to God; salvation is provided for by one person for all. Two men, one in particular, have made the greatest impact on human life by a single act – Adam and Christ Jesus. Adam brought death and Christ brought life. With Adam’s one act sin entered the world; sin was imputed ever after him; we were born sinners and the proof of Adams sin affecting all is universal death

Paul’s point was that sin was in the world but not imputed when there is no law but there is still death. So even though there was no law until Moses and people weren’t willfully breaking the commandments of God, sin and death reigned. Men died because they were sinners – and they were sinners because they were from Adam. Sin doesn’t need the law to exist. All human history before and after the law, ALL HISTORY, reveals man is a sinner because everybody dies.

Paul now looks at the benefit of what Christ did, not because of anything man does or did. We are no more responsible for what produced our death than we are responsible for that act of Christ which provides our life and salvation. These two acts are different in their essence in every way and in their effect. In Christ we have infinite effects of blessedness. So, we have nothing to do with our salvation – can’t earn it, can do nothing to contribute to it. Salvation is only and Always of the Lord.

Outside of Christ the human race is still under the reign of death. Christ’s gift is by far greater than Adams sin – the many imputed to Christ are those who receive, in Christ, in faith, the gift of eternal life

The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? (17) For we, though many, are one bread and one body, for we all partake of that one bread.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul and in our verses today Paul is really addressing Christian corinthians and idolatry as in that pagan Culture they were used to attending idolatrous activities – eating meat previously offered in rites to idols; attending pagan feasts and celebrations. To make his point, Paul writes about the Lord’s Supper – a memorial of the death of Christ and the life of Christ given for men; basic doctrine vital to a celebration of the life of the Christian Church. Communion in the church is sharing; worshipping and participation in the Lord and in communion it begins with wine – the cup of blessing and symbol of the blood of Christ. And for communion we must be first in Christ that we may be united with each other; a spiritual union. Paul’s point here was that the Corinthians understand that Christians must even by external expression maintain that unity between Christ and us as we assemble to receive the symbol of that unity.
This reminder Is warning about eating in an idol temple and participating in pagan rituals. – the warning is there even though the Christians consider themselves strong, they were/are to know no one but the one true God and the possibility of getting caught up on idolatry was very real. PAul drew his lesson from the experience of Israel wandering in the wilderness. Self confidence can easily lead to a spiritual fall- failure was not inevitable but God provided the Lords supper and Christian fellowship to deal with cultic meals and temptations. PAul advised the Christians to FLEE idolatry. The cup of blessing was a common expression for the last cup drunk at any Jewish meals. PAul turns this around by saying we bless the cup because it symbolizes our sharing in Christ’s blood. Likewise the bread at a Christian feast is a symbol of our participation in Christ’s slain body.
Since it is one bread we the many are one body for Christians are all partakers of that one bread. It is one body by virtue of our joint participation.

• Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good Comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. (12) Greet each other with a holy kiss. (13) All the saints greet you. (14) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen

The second letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul – it is widely believed there was another, severe letter written to the church there but it has been lost. In chapter 13 Paul states he has already been in Corinth twice – he is qualifying that there has been sharpness and rebuke on his part (as an apostle) – Corinth was a pagan culture set up for the pleasures of the flesh. The truth of the gospel was alien in that city – completely foreign to their way of thinking and abuse of the Truth of the gospel endemic
So in chapter 13 Paul is making it clear that he will come again to Corinth with the power and authority of an apostle and means to exercise discipline and justice but conforming to the Mosaic system of justice calling for 2 or 3 witnesses testifying to abuse in the church. He is saying that he prays the Corinthians will be doing no wrong and things there will be set straight – he won’t have to exercise his discipline at all when he comes. That is Paul’s main focus of this letter – that the Corinthians will do the will of God, that they will live in saving grace. Paul longs for peace but not at any price and at his return he will exercise discipline. Remember that at that time there lived apostles; men with significant gifts and authority that does not exist today in any individual. Paul had this authority and to challenge him was to challenge the Lord.
Paul’s finals words in chapter 13 are to encourage; for the Corinthians to rejoice and be made complete – not that they will agree on everything (nonessentials) but there need be unity in the essentials of the Christian faith. Grace comes from Jesus Christ, not our grace shown to Him. To quote my favorite c.s.Lewis, “How God thinks of us is not only more important but Infinitely more important. Indeed how we think of Him is of no importance in so far as it is related to how He thinks of us.”

Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. (4) There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. (5) There are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. (7) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all…….(12) For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. (13) For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free – and have all been made to drink into one Spirit..

Paul the apostle wrote the first letter to the Corinthians and our verses today deal with a controversial subject of spiritual gifts. Corinth was a morally bankrupt city in the ancient world. It was a highly urban area known for it’s pagan culture and the pleasures/indulgences of the flesh – There was an ingrown false religion center which resulted in many embracing “Christianity” that was not the truth of the gospel resulting in counterfeit spiritual manifestations that Paul needed to address.
True gifts of the Spirit are always under some form of control by the Spirit. and are given under some measure to all believers. But In Corinth there were acts based on experiences and not content which actually blasphemed the name of the Lord. The gifts of the Spirit are sovereignly and supernaturally bestowed into all believers – at the moment of faith. Each grace gift of the Spirit is personally unique. We are Christian snowflakes.
There are differences of ministries and diversities of activities which are from the Spirit and profit all the faithful. The general doctrine in our verses today is that we wander in error but are given direction, in faith, by the Spirit or we would wander forever. There is great diversity of gifts of the Spirit but there is also unity in that all gifts Of the Spirit are directed to the same object; the glory of God.
For many “converts” In Corinth were still not free from pagan attitudes and the culture of that day. No one can say Jesus is Lord except by the Spirit. Paul uses the analogy of the many members of the body to show us that every organic whole supposes diversity and unity. -just like the church. Those in whom the Spirit does not dwell are not in Christ. There is a disconnect between baptism of the Spirit and the baptism of water and the one may be made without the other.

• Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s jouney. (13) And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room Where they were staying: Peter, James, John and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. (14) These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication , with the women and Mary, the mother of Jesus and with His brothers .

Luke was the author of the Acts of the Apostles, and the theme of Acts is historical apostolic witness to the gospel and the beginnings of the Christian church. The frightened disciples had fled Just weeks before when Christ was arrested and now, after the resurrection of Christ Jesus, and the many witnesses to the risen Lord, Luke’s purpose was to show that the supernatural events he was unfolding were the ultimately the work of the Christ and not just enthusiastic followers. Something had drastically changed in these men and Luke is giving an orderly account of the rise and progress of early Christianity. The disciples had just witnessed the ascension of our Lord and had been given the great commission to evangelize the known world. As Christ disappeared from sight two angels addressed them as men of Galilee – it’s interesting that only the absent Judas Iscariot was not from Galilee but from Judea. The Ascension in the gospel is the end of the earthly life of Christ and in Acts it is the beginning of the story of the church.
A feature of our verses was the submission of the disciples who were told to wait in Jerusalem for the Spirit. Jesus had said he could not send the Spirit until He left and the Spirit was the key and power for the apostles to witness to the world. In mentioning the journey was a Sabbath days journey from mount Olivet we now have the location of the Ascension. Luke is careful to mention it was an allowable distance for travel on the Sabbath. This distance came from the wandering of the Israelites in the desert where the tabernacle was positioned in the middle of the encampment and the farthest distance to travel to the tabernacle was 2000 cubits.
In verse 13 Luke tells us who was gathered in waiting and submission for the Spirit. The history always included the women and of course the apostles and disciples and the brethren of Jesus. This mention was important because we are told that the half brothers of Jesus did not believe He was the Christ but now apparently they did. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was also mentioned – here for the last time in the Scriptures. The message here is that Mary had no place of superiority and she also needed to be redeemed.
The arrival of the Spirit didn’t depend on their prayers – the Spirit was and is the sovereign dispensing of God’s grace apart from prayer. There was nothing man could do to affect this sovereign act of God. In my mind the Spirit gives us grace and power and discernment to live our lives as we need to behave as we believe.

• Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. (6) And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. (7) For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. (8) And there was great joy in that city. (14) Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, (15)who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. (16) For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (17) Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

The Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke, historian and companion to the apostle Paul on many of his travels. In the early days of the Church the apostles remained in Jerusalem and the number of disciples to Christ was multiplying so that the 12 (again) told the disciples that their time was more desirably spent teaching the word of God than serving tables – so they chose 7 men to serve as evangelists and assist in ministry. One of these men was Phillip of our story today.

At a certain point the Jewish leaders decided to persecute the early Christians and their miserable efforts ended up with the execution of Stephen, one of the evangelists. The resulting persecution stepped up against the Christians at Jerusalem caused at least Philip to leave that city and go to Samaria to preach the word of God. This city had for hundreds of years been a mix of Jews and Gentiles and the Samaritans had been shunned by the Jews. Now Philip preached Christ there and as our verses tell us, many heeded the gospel. Philip also worked miracles. Men and women who apparently believed in Christ were baptized In Christ’s name.

We are told that the Samaritans heeded the word of God and were baptized. But we are also told that the Holy Spirit had not fallen on them. So the apostles at Jerusalem sent Peter and John to help Philip and when The apostles laid their hands on them they “received the Holy Spirit.” The doctrine of the church is that at the moment of faith man/woman are transformed and at that instant the Holy Spirit becomes indwelling. But the story of this baptism of the Samaritans is an anomaly occurring only here in all the New Testament and I could not find agreement explaining this in my resource work.
Baptism does not save anyone; people are saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus apart from any external works. Salvation is not a matter of human decision but of God changing a person’s heart.

• Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious. (5) you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (6) Therefore as it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay on Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will be no means be put to shame” (7) Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, ”The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,” (8) and ”a stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.” They stumble , being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. (9) But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

The apostle Peter wrote this letter to the scattered churches of that long ago day as the Christians were under persecution and needed to see their identity as God’s people. Christian Jews and Gentiles had become by virtue of their faith in their redemption in Christ a new priesthood in the world analogous to the priesthood of Israel. Israel preferred to be a nation like all the other nations but Christians were not just living stones of the church of Christ but also priest with access in Christ to God. This was done by denying acts or good works as accepted not for their own merits but ONLY through faith in Christ do they find worth. And in Christ we have direct access to God. The efforts of those who reject Christ as revealed in the gospel are in vain. Peter has established that the faithful have been transformed and are new people in Christ and are now moved to behave as they (us) believe. Our souls can only find rest in Christ.

The Scripture quoted tell us that Christ is the stumbling block for those with a false and meaningless opinion of this world; Peter includes the words of the prophets to warn us. The prophet introduces God as the speaker who is telling us that Christ has been ordained as the foundation of our salvation. The faithful of which the prophet speaks must look on Him alone. In Christ we are beyond danger of failure.

A chosen generation or race are the faithful. And to what honor and purpose they have been raised and are partakers of Christ Jesus’s priesthood. They have been called out of darkness into eternal light

• For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. (21) For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: (22) ”Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; (23) who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; (24) who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness – by whose stripes you were healed. (25) For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Our verses today from this first letter of Peter addresses Christians under the authority of others – and specifically Christian slaves. In that society there were no moral demands on slaves but Christians considered them as full and equal persons with no distinction; all were brothers and sisters in Christ. These verses were not applicable just to slaves – all the godly are called by the Lord to bear wrongs and indeed are appointed to do so. Christians are to suffer wrongs, not to avenge them. God is our defender; He is the righteous judge and we are to live a holy(separate) life.
We are all victims of unfair treatment at one time or another and the overriding principal of our response is that we endure with our eyes on the prize – I always think of Bob, the wonder dog, who never ever took his eyes off the tennis ball in my hand. Our verses are not teaching us to be a Christian doormat but to ask what authority we are under. Are we reacting properly? Are we witnesses to the truth? What is our responsibility for an adversarial situation?
The holiness and justice of God demanded a penalty to be paid for man’s sin; we were bought by Christ at a price. The fact that God sent Jesus Christ to bear the penalty for sin means God is not shrugging off sin; people misjudge God’s justice. We have been like the straying sheep. We were lost and didn’t know it. The shepherd has to take the initiative to look for the lost and salvation never comes from man but is only by the election of God. Christians still sin but in Christ, in faith, we are reborn. The key to understanding the death of our old nature is that sin is not eradicated as long as we are in this world. The power of sin has been broken by the cross but still we must work on our darling sins and turn from self to Christ Jesus.
The power of sin requires ongoing care of our shepherd but through faith in Christ Jesus we are delivered from the penalty for sin. God took the initiative with the faithful but we are still responsible to turn from sin to God.

• (14) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words“. (22) men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested by God to you by miracles. wonders, and signs, which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know – (23) Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; (24) whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. (25) For David says concerning Him: ’I foresaw the Lord always before my face, For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken. (26) Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad, Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope, (27) For You will not leave my soul in Hades, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. (28) You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence.’ (29) “Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. (30) Therefore, being a prophet and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up Christ to sit on His throne, (31) he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. (32) This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. (33) Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.

The Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke; physician, historian and beloved companion of the apostle Paul. To put our verses in context we must realize this spontaneous address by Peter happened only 50 days after that Resurrection of Christ Jesus. Just over 50 days since Peter had denied Christ three times; when nine of the apostles had fled from the garden of Gethsemane in terror after the arrest of Jesus and not one of His disciples recognized the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophesies. Now a short seven weeks later this uneducated fisherman from Galilee addressed a large hostile crowd in Jerusalem claiming Christ Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God. And from that day on every one of the disciples stood firm in their conviction. What happened?

Luke tells us earlier in chapter 2 of Acts that on that first Pentecost Sunday with the gift of the Spirit, there was a sound from heaven as of a rushing wind and that noise caused the multitudes “from every nation under heaven” in Jerusalem for the feast of Harvest to come together. And then when Peter began to speak “everyone heard (and understood) them speak in his own language”. Peter begins with this phenomenon of what everyone was witnessing and hearing by quoting the prophesy of Joel – It’s so beautiful I have included it here: ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit and they shall prophesy.” Peter then moved to authenticate Christ Jesus as the promised Messiah; through His miracles, His death and resurrection and now, through His authentication by the Holy Spirit.

Pentecost Sunday is recognized as the birthday of the church. We are now in the last days and the events of that far ago day tell us that faith must be specific to our Lord, Christ Jesus.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (4) to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, (5) who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (6) In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, (7) that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, (8) whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, (9) receiving the end of your faith – the salvation of your souls.

The first letter written by the apostle Peter was written by him to Christians, shoring up their eternal perspective in the face of their present suffering. A problem of man is the emphasis on the here and now and the precipitous change in our “normal” lives today is giving us a mini lesson in what it means to be lost (or spiritually dead). Our situation today should open our minds to what Peter is saying: we are born spiritually dead and of this world. Human nature predisposes us to think that we, through our free will, good works and merit, can earn salvation – natural man has a very high view of his/her self and his/her worth. Peter is saying that salvation comes only from God the Father through God the Son, sealed by the Spirit. This most emphatically means that salvation does not come from man in any way – actually it comes from God in spite of man.

We have been restored to life by God in faith, in Christ, and our inheritance is said to be reserved or beyond the reach of danger because it is in God’s hands. Salvation is not indiscriminately for all and those in faith are distinguished from the rest. God didn’t choose the elect because He knew they would receive the gospel BUT because He determined before hand that they would believe the gospel. Scripture does not teach that Christians will inevitably continue to persevere in faith but it does teach that God will persevere in His commitment/promise and will bring all who have loved Him to heaven.

Trials are temporary, necessary and under God’s control. They are temporary compared to eternity and necessary to refine our faith. We learn through adversity and failure but the promise of Christ is that He is always with the faithful and He will be revealed. So the warning here is: Don’t drift.

Now the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. (2) Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.” (3) Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. (4) So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. (5) And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. (6) Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, (7) and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded together in a place by itself. (8) Then the other disciple who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed. (9) For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead.

Today we are going to look at the gospel of John (instead of the second reading) and consider that first Easter Sunday; when did the people closest to Jesus know what was happening and how did they behave. At the time of the arrest of Christ Jesus in Gethsemane we have the remaining 11 disciples (Judas was with the arresting party). The disciples were terrified by the arrest and 9 of them scattered, possibly to Bethany where they had returned nightly, but Peter and John probably closely followed the arresting party into Jerusalem. The arrest of Jesus was not done until after Judas went to the Jewish leaders Thursday night and they quickly organized. There is cause – because of the highly irregular Roman trial – to think the high priest visited Pilate late that night asking for a quick trial the next morning so Jesus could be executed before Passover began Friday at sundown. There was also the note Pilate’s wife sent him early Friday morning urging him to have nothing to do with the man on trial – how else would she have known of the impending trial or have had violent dreams unless she had overheard conversation the night before retiring? There is no indication in the narratives that there was universal realization of what was happening to Jesus until much later – probably the women who were close to Jesus didn’t know until early Friday. So we begin Friday morning with 7 of the close group of Jesus in the city and 5 of them were women. After the narrative of the crucifixion of Christ, the story switches to the women who were the principal witnesses of the resurrection.
From the gospels it would appear that the witnesses to the burial of Jesus body was down to three of the women. His mother Mary is removed from the scene, probably helped by the apostle John, with his mother Salome. Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and John, and Joanna from Herod’s household were the witnesses to the wrapping of the body with spices and the internment in Joseph of Aramathema’s empty tomb – and the rolling of the heavy stone to seal the tomb. . The women probably then made plans to return Sunday morning to finish preparing the body which task was interrupted by the Sabbath beginning at sundown that Friday.
That first Easter Sunday at or just before sunrise, the women arrived at the tomb; the narrative tells us they were discussing who would roll away the stone as they made their way. Although John only mentions Mary Magdalene, certainly others accompanied her as she uses the word “we” when she reaches Peter. When the women arrived at the tomb at daybreak, the great stone had been rolled back and when they entered the tomb it was empty of the body: the burial clothes were there neatly and separately folded but the body of Christ was absent. An agent of God was also there and told them Jesus was risen – but the women, alarmed, had no understanding of what had taken place, and Mary Magdalene ran to where Peter and John were to announce that “they” had taken the Lord’s body. This is the last appearance of the women but memory of their testimony is in every document of this experience.
Now the narrative switches to the men. We know both Peter and John were placed in Jerusalem early Friday morning. (By Sunday night 10 of the remaining 11 apostles are also placed in Jerusalem. ). Peter and John are alerted by Mary Magdalene and race to the empty tomb. John emphasizes he arrived first and looked in but did not enter. Peter, of course, entered immediately and “saw” the empty cloths folded there. The implication of “saw” here would be he studied everything carefully but without understanding or connecting the evidence with a risen Savior. But John – who faltered at the entrance to the tomb with perhaps doubt – saw the cloths, and believed. Let us return now to verse 9: “For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead”.

Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, (2) saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. (3) And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.” (4) All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: (5) “Tell the daughter of Zion, Behold your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.” (6) So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. (7) They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. (8) And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. (9) Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Hosanna in the highest!” (10) And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?” (11) So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.”

Our verses today are a chronicle of the beginning of the last week in the life of our Lord before the crucifixion and we need to understand the significance of His entry to Jerusalem (Zion) to understand what comes next. Jesus has been preaching in Galilee but now draws near to Jerusalem which was the end of His earthly pilgrimage; now we are there at the week of Passover which was the primary moment of Israel’s calendar year.
When Jesus sent his disciples to bring a donkey and an unridden foal He knows death is near and is openly showing the nature of His kingdom. Jesus is fulfilling that well known prophecy which was spoken by Zechariah 9:9. “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you: He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.” The Christ will come poor and meek unlike earthly kings in their pomp and splendor. Jesus came to Jerusalem to present Himself formally to the leaders of Israel as Messiah as predicted. He came then as a servant, in peace, extending grace rather than judgment. Jesus’ deliberate preparations for a city wide reception greatly contrasts with His former approach to ministry – this is apparent in the people’s recognition of the significance of such an entry. It was the solemn declaration of Christ that He was/is the Old Testament promised Messianic King. Jesus no longer keeps his Messianic secret.
By sending for the colt and ass Jesus initiates everything culminating in His crucifixion. Jesus is declaring who He is. But, in a nutshell, the Jewish people believed Jesus was the Messiah but didn’t understand the nature of the Messiah; they didn’t understand God’s plan of salvation and they wanted the Messiah of their own invention.

So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (9) But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. (10) And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. (11) But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. He has just finished the doctrine of God’s salvation – we are justified by free grace in faith in Jesus Christ. We are free from the law of ceremony amd rituals which is inadequate in the production of holiness in the sinner to secure acceptance with God. Now in chapter 8 – beginning with my favorite verse 1, chapter 8: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” The theme of chapter 8 is salvation of those who renounce the law and accept Christ making salvation certain. This is the security of the true believer. At the moment of faith we receive the Spirit and are transformed by grace. The Spirit is the Spirit of life ; the love of God is infinite and unchangeable from which nothing can separate us.

Paul describes the justified as those who walk according to the Spirit and in saving faith in Christ they are at peace with God. The unbelieving mindset is on earthly gratification and hostile to God. Paul however turns to the reborn – those transformed in faith in Christ. You will know the Spirit of God has changed your hearts. The believer will be drawn to Christ Jesus and the Indwelling Spirit in faith. You will grow in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control which are all manifestations of the Spirit.

The faithful are still subject to death even thought the Spirit has given us eternal life. Without Christ life is grim and futile. As my favorite c.s. Lewis writes in the Great Divorce – There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God “Thy will be done.” And those to whom God says in the end “Thy will be done.” All those in hell choose it. Without that self choice there could be no hell. No soul that seriously and constantly desires joy will ever miss it. Those who seek find. Those who knock it will he opened.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (9) ( for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth) (10) finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. (11) And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. (12) For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. (13) But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. (14) Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.”

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul and our verses today are guiding principles of how the faithful are to relate to and live in a morally dark world. Believers are to minimize merely cultural differences but warned not to downplay biblical truth. The theme is light – or life and knowledge versus darkness or spiritual death. Notice in verse 8 we are not just walking in light but we, as believers, ARE light. There has been a profound. change in us – a transformation – in our belief in the sufficiency of Christ and our new position in faith. Our hearts have been changed and as children of the light we walk in goodness and conformity to God’s word. We are people of truth with nothing to hide. The faithful are not being conformed to this world but are but living as good men/women acceptable to the Lord. This is not accomplished by feelings but by understanding God’s word – He speaks to us in the Bible.

As children of light we are not living holy (separate) lives to please others or to look good or out of selfish motives but to please God in our new personal relationship with God to whom we have direct access in Christ. There needs to be obvious differences in how we now live that will expose the darkness of sin. We need to be different in attitude, words and behaviors. In short we must be attractive to unbelievers and witnesses to the gospel. The result is peace with God and really nothing else much matters.

Verse 14 is probably an early Christian hymn about unbelievers being exposed to Christ and eternal truth. It’s important to remember that we were children of the darkness also; we were spiritually dead but now we walk in light because we are light in the Lord.

Therefore, having been justified in faith, we also have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, (2) through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (3) And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; (4) character; and character, hope. (5) Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (6) For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (7) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even care to die. (8) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (9) Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. (10) For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. (11) And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. For our study today, Paul has completed his case that God justifies sinners by faith alone in Christ and now addresses the false notion that good works – human effort – are necessary also. Paul is saying justification is a one time event , not a continual ongoing process. And the faithful are preserved in this work of Christ, not by human effort. Salvation is not Jesus AND. The believer now has access to God in Christ which was alien to Jewish thinking and reliance on ritual and the high priest. In Christ we can never be separated from the love of God; we do not need Mary or the saints or a priest but in faith we have access to God and permanent standing in God’s Grace.

This justification in Christ causes us to exult in hope of our certain future in sharing the glory of God. We are to exult in trials which will produce endurance resulting in proven (tested) character and sure hope. This is an act of will and hope and grace. Our present life (outer man/woman) is decaying but our inner person is being renewed. What anchors our hope is the outpouring of Gods love through the Holy Spirit and our certain hope of heaven is pure because it isn’t based on anything in us. If we as sinners needed Christ’s death to save us, then heaven cannot be due in any way to our good works or human merit. All works based salvation is false and the sure hope of heaven is in spite of us

We have hope of heaven in Christ or no hope at all. Salvation is always of the Lord

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, (9) who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, (10) but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

The second letter to Timothy was written by the apostle Paul to his beloved son in faith. Paul was in the Mamertine prison in Rome awaiting execution. He tells Timothy, as his successor but not an apostle, that Luke was with him and likely Luke transcribed these words. The entire last letter was written from love but also in  his authority as an apostle by the will of God, encouraging and commanding Timothy to be unafraid; not intimidated or ashamed of Paul or of the Lord Jesus whose gospel he preached in the certainty of doctrine.  Paul calls the gospel “the testimony of our Lord”.

Persecution was escalating for the Christians under the emperor Nero and in every chapter of this letter Paul mentions suffering to be expected.  Beginning with verse 8 and the word Therefore, Paul points back to the reason why the faithful are to remain steadfast in suffering: Because we are saved in Christ. As believers we need to be aware always of what and why and who we are.  God is sovereign in salvation; God takes the initiative and sent His son who entered time and space  to save sinners.  We needed this because we were spiritually dead in Adam and alienated from God. We were unable to save ourselves.  We are commanded to repent and believe but this does not imply the ability to do so.  Some cannot hear these words and instead act according to their nature but some God has awakened – this is not a result of words but of grace. Salvation is personal for God’s sovereign purpose and limited only by man’s will. This knowledge will give us strength in all trials and assure us that God will finish what he has begun in the faithful.

There is no salvation apart from the appearing of Christ.  The faithful/elect are called with a holy calling.  Amen

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned-, (17) For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. (18) Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in the justification of life. (19) For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul addresses physical and spiritual death in Adam contrasting with spiritual life in Christ Jesus. The whole history of man can be summed up in terms of Adam’s sin and what has happened and will happen in Christ.

Adam’s sin is imputed to us all and all men sinned. (There goes the immaculate conception). The reason death comes to us all is not because of our sins but because of Adam’s imputed sin to us. Because of Adam man died both physical and spiritual death and was separated from God. And the reason there is eternal life is not because of our good works but because of Christ’s righteous act imputed to the faithful by free grace. God, in Christ does not just forgive our sins, He bestows the righteousness of Christ on the faithful. Paul is NOT teaching that ALL men will be saved but that all in faith in Christ will be saved; the restorative/transformative effects of justification in Christ overcome the effects of the fall. Adam affected all people; Christ’s obedience affects all believers.

My favorite verse in Romans (8:1) sums up the the certain hope in Christ: “There is now no condemnation to those who Are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” In Christ God is at peace with us.

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (17) If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. (18) Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. (19) For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, ”He catches the wise in their own craftiness ; (20) and again, ”The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise’ that they are futile.” (21) Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: (22) whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come – all are yours. (24) And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.

The 1st letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul is addressing them as pupils, warning them to beware of contrivances of man, as in faith, in Christ, they have been set aside as temples of God and they are responsible as guardians of such. Paul warns them not to be deceived by knowledge of this world – in itself worldly wisdom is a hindrance and a mere vanity of man. And he continues the subject of spiritual wisdom in Christ versus natural wisdom.
Paul issues a terrible warning to those who might try to hijack the faithful who have been set aside as holy and as temples of God, We/they are brothers/sisters, not combatants and are urged to adopt an attitude of humility and to be teachable – not to think we have things figured out. Paul warns the faithful in Corinth to not limit themselves by trusting the wisdom of men as they would be limiting God’s blessing for them. The Bible is our spiritual compass; it is the source of the way to life and principles by which to live.
So Paul is warning the Corinthians to get rid of pride, self indulgence and self gratification with the wrong focus on man and not God. We are not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by Christ and the renewing of our minds. All things are ours in Christ.

However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. (7) But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, (8) which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. (9) But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (10) But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. for the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul compares the wisdom of God to the wisdom of this world. The rulers of this world appear in the eyes of the world to be clear sighted and wise but they are temporal and transitory; they judge as natural man in matters of politics but God’s revelation must be spiritually discerned. Man cannot know the reality of truth by his/her senses. This world is not as it appears and truth is known from God’s spirit to man’s spirit and never by man’s senses.
Paul’s preaching in Corinth offended many who perceived the gospel he preached as crude or not wise enough; the gospel upended natural man’s wisdom/intellect. The Jews expected signs and wonders and they saw nothing miraculous in Christ Jesus – the gospel was not convincing to many but Paul is saying men of this world were/are not competent judges. Natural man views the gospel as foolishness – man can never realize the wisdom of God’s will on their own as the gospel and faith are only spiritually discerned and this is the heart and soul of our message today.
Man is not able by intellect to know God and Paul’s message to the faithful in Corinth was that believers are exempt from this blindness though special illumination of God’s Spirit, in Christ.

And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring the testimony of God. (2) For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. (3) I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. (4) And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, (5) that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul continues to defend his method of preaching; that the gospel is true wisdom and the source of that wisdom is the Spirit. Paul came to Corinth not as an orator or a philosopher but as a witness. What he preached was not of men but the wisdom of God that man could never learn alone. in Corinth He preached Christ, not as a teacher or a perfect man but he preached Christ crucified- dying for our sins – which is the sum of the gospel. Paul valued no knowledge except Christ alone and tells us that we must be learning Christ our lives long and everything in comparison is folly.

Paul explained at length that he had no excellence in the eyes of men but that the power of God showed through him – he is connecting his fear and weakness which would make him seem contemptible to the Corinthians – his fear must relate to the dangers and difficulties he had recently endured but which had taught him to lean on God. He struggled through every impediment. He meant that persuasive words – oratory – of human wisdom was artifice rather than truth. Paul refers to this as a demonstration of the power of the Spirit using him to deliver the message successfully.

Saving faith is the power of God on the heart.

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Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.  (11) For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you.  (12) Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollo’s,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.”  (13) Is Christ divided?  Was Paul crucified for you?  Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?  (17) For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul and it is a letter of correction concerning certain behaviors that became apparently the rule rather than the exception in the church in Corinth.   There were contending rivalries  – even hostilities – arising from  cults of personalities in the church there.   This is a perversion of the gospel as these divisions meant various opinions about Jesus. – about His  significance  and authority.  Paul is telling the Christians in Corinth there should be unity of doctrine completely based on Scripture which is the foundation of the church. If this is missing the church is left a foundation of shallow sentimentalism. And, in my opinion, this is true of the Roman Catholic Church today.

Paul is showing how serious a problem it really is to glory in the name of men when the purpose of the gospel is to show Christ’s exclusive and sufficient authority in His church. Christ alone is Lord. Ministers are due honor but all serve Christ – the poison of all churches is the cult of the personality.   The gospel says we are reconciled to God in Christ Jesus and Paul is warning the Christians that they are renouncing the benefit of redemption when attaching themselves to men.  In Christ we are not at liberty to do so.  No one partners with Christ.  Paul then goes further when he maintains that it was given to him to teach and he is not dismissing baptism.  He expands on his role by saying he taught not with the wisdom of words – not as a great orator – but as a minister of the Spirit.  Admiration for the gifts of men is a distraction and the only result is the majesty of God  is not to be seen. And then Paul brings forward the cross which is only understood by rejecting the wisdom of the world.  The cross is our salvation and Paul preaches Christ crucified as God ordered.
The gospel is the key – the basis – for all human relationships. It is incompatible with human pride.

Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother. (2) To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours. (3) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. Corinth was a strategically located and a major trading center in southern Greece – a city infamous for its culture of debauchery and moral corruption. Corinth was also the venue for the Isthmian games bringing increased traffic. Another major attraction was Corinth was the site of the temple of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. The temple was served by 1000 priestesses or prostitutes who worked at the temple by day and would visit the city by night.  Paul founded the church there on his second missionary journey and followed his pattern of teaching at the synagogue at first and then removing himself when he encountered seemingly inevitable resistance. However, he preached with some success as  two of the leaders of the synagogue embraced Christianity and one of those Jewish leaders  was Sosthenes who is probably the well known scribe mentioned in our verse 1.

We learn later on in this letter that there were problems with the church in Corinth but our verses today tell us that Paul is establishing his authority as an apostle and an apostle by the will of God.  Paul is writing a corrective letter and here is basically saying that if the Christians oppose him they are also opposing the will of God.  He is reminding the Christians in  Corinthians of their position as men/women justified in faith in Christ Jesus and of their journey of sanctification. An important element in these verses is Paul is reminding them that they are called by God to be holy – set apart – and they are to behave as they believe.  A Christian is a sinner saved by grace through faith in Christ not yet perfect.  But he/she is in their way to heaven – the culture of Corinth was causing some to backslide.

The paradox here is Paul went to urban areas, strategically located – and while constant traffic enabled the spread of the gospel, the intrinsic values of the Christians in such cities were more easily corrupted by the surrounding pagan culture.

Then Peter opened his mouth and said:  “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.  (35) But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.  (36) The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ – He is Lord of all – (37) that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: (38) how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

The Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke; Physician, historian and beloved companion of the apostle Paul. Our verses today come a the tail end of a conversion story written about in acts 10, 11 and 15 and is about the commission that the resurrected Christ Jesus gave his apostles – to go forth to all of the known world, both Jews and Gentiles, baptizing and teaching all nations about Jesus. For the first time we have an apostle speaking to a Gentile as directed by the Spirit. The Jews were now on an equal footing with the Gentiles.  This change from centuries of belief that salvation came from the Jews and through the Jews was revolutionary.  Our verses today from the apostle Peter, as recorded by Luke, were an insight that would change the history of the world.
Cornelius, a centurion of the Roman army – the elite Italian regiment – was visited by an angel and told to send for a man, Peter, as God had heard the prayers of this devout man. The next day Peter had a vision, the point of which was “What God has cleansed you must not called common.”  Peter’s vision of God’s cleansing of all animals indicated the abolishing of Old Testament dietary restrictions which was symbolic of how Gentiles had been cleansed by the atoning death of Christ. At this time Peter was told by the Spirit that three men – sent by Cornelius – were at the gate of the house where he was staying. Peter let them in and heard that their master had been divinely instructed to send for Peter to hear his words.  Peter went with them and found Cornelius, his household, relatives and close friends waiting to hear Peter’s words from God. Peter states plainly that Jesus is Lord of all, not just the Jews.  He didn’t even finish his teaching before his audience responded with obvious evidence of salvation by faith in the Lord.
Salvation spreads to others by God’s witnesses of which we , as Christians in faith, are. Salvation comes to all who believe in Christ. It is not a vague general sort of belief.  Peter’s sermon teaches salvation is not based on national identity or good works but it is centered on Christ Jesus.

if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, (3) how by that revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already…….(5) which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: (6) that the Gentiles  should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, (7) of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.

The letter to the Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome for preaching the gospel. In our verses today Paul is expanding on earlier truths in this letter. He is confirming his divine authority for teaching the oneness of Jew and Gentile in Christ. In verse two I believe we can infer that knowledge of God calling the Gentiles wasn’t a problem and wasn’t addressed except in passing when Paul ministered at Ephesus.  It seems as if the controversy was raised later and Paul here is undertaking the defense of the gospel.  (He isn’t reminding the Ephesians of former statements.)

The doctrine of equal standing of Jews and  Gentiles in Gods eyes, in Christ, was a subject of many prophetic predictions. Even Jesus Christ spoke of it to his apostles. So my question is why is Paul saying this was not made known to the sons of men in other ages. I believe that there was no understanding – no information as to how the grace of God would be extended to the Gentiles.; that the manner of this accomplishment was unknown as the repeal of the ceremonial law was unknown. Paul was correct in calling this a mystery that was hidden – that was not understood. He is saying that by the Spirit and by divine authority, it is now revealed that Gods will and plan in Christ, was the admission of the Gentiles to be placed on a level with the Jews.
Remember that the gospel itself was a novelty. The world was truly turned upside down.

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; (13) bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.  (14) But  above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.  (15) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. (16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the  Lord. (17) And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. 

The letter to the Colossians was written by the apostle Paul – the epistle was written while Paul was a prisoner in Rome for preaching the gospel and after he appealed to Caesar for a trial as was his right as a Roman citizen. While in chains He had been visited by the  founder of the church in Colosse who traveled to Rome to inform Paul of heresy in that church involving a relapse into paganism arising from Greek philosophy and the spread of false doctrine by the Jewish legalizers.  The Greeks believed that God was good and God was spirit – and matter was evil and goodness could not creat evil/matter. This philosophy promoted worship of emanations of guides to God (angels) and that Jesus Christ was not God but another emanation.  Paul had to establish exactly what and who Christ was and that He was sufficient for salvation.  The  Judaizers also came to Colosse to corrupt the gospel and demanded that Christians needed to follow the Law of Moses and adhere  to Jewish ceremony, including circumcision. Their teaching was essentially Jesus AND works.  Our verses today are all about how God’s people grow and change. Christians are to put off their old life in darkness and to put on Christ like habits; with the transformation in faith in Christ they/we begin the process of progressive sanctification.

God is in charge of salvation in Christ and those who reject this have too high an opinion of man’s abilities. The truth is we are saved in Christ only through God’s sovereign electing grace. Christians are holy and set apart – they/we are new people in faith in Christ. Christians need to adopt a lifestyle consistent with their new life which will act as an antidote to self love, pride and a rejection of God’s love and purpose. We have been given a new eternal life in the resurrected Christ. Christians are to behave as they believe.

Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God (2) which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, (3) concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, (4) and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.  (5) Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, (6) among whom you are also the called of Jesus Christ.  (7) To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints:  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ 

The great book of  Romans was written by the apostle Paul.  From the beginning verses Paul intends to persuade Christians in Rome that the gospel he preaches is true; to unify the church and to resolve any conflicts between Christian Jews and gentiles and  to defend the gospel of grace he preached everywhere. The theme of Romans is the gospel; the imputed righteousness of man in faith in Christ Jesus – the path of sanctification worked out through the Spirit.

Paul was a rabbi and also a Roman citizen.  He begins by asserting his authority as an apostle who through divine will was called to preach the gospel of God who is not only its object but also the source of salvation history. Paul teaches in our verses today that the Messiah was expected and promised from the beginning of the world and brings in the prophets as witnesses – their testimony is recorded in Holy Scripture.  Paul writes in Romans that salvation comes to us by the favor of God in Christ. The grace of God In Christ alone is the source of all blessing in this life.

Again to quote my favorite c.s.Lewis:  (To have Faith in Christ) means, course, trying to do all he says.  There would be no sense in saying you trusted a person if you would not take his advice. Thus if you really handed yourself over to Him, it must follow you are trying to obey Him.  But trying in a new way, a less worried way, not doing these things in order to be saved but because He began to save you already. Not hoping to get to Heaven as a reward for your actions, but inevitably wanting to act in a certain way because a first faint gleaming of heaven is already inside you.

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord.  See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.  (8) You also be patient.  Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.  (9) Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned.  Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!  (10) My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. 

This letter of James to the early Jewish Christians was written by James, the half brother of Jesus and the head of the church in Jerusalem. The theme of our verses today is how we are to respond when wronged.  James is basically saying Christians are to be patient as we are promised the Lord will return and will judge us ALL.  The theme of patience in adversity is obvious with the command of be patient; the illustration of the patient farmer and the example of the endurance of the prophets. It’s easy to be patient when things go our way but it so quickly flies out the window when we feel we are unjustly treated. Patience was not even a word in classical  Greek – it was an unknown word and/or concept – vengeance was admired, expected and applauded. God’s wisdom in Christ was revolutionary and Jewish Christians were told to stifle cultural and instinctive reactions to injustice and unfair treatment.

Patience requires trust in the promises of God;  the Day of the Lord will come – the Judge IS standing at the door.  Christians are told to be especially generous with fellow Christians;  to live life in the light of eternal salvation – to live and behave as we believe and to prepare ourselves with a disciplined life.  We are to release bitterness; to stop complaining or nurturing resentment; to practice restraint. That person we grumble against is someone God put in our path. I think the toughest lessons often are learned from someone we don’t like. God has a plan and God is sovereign.

The very good news is that we won’t need patience in heaven!

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.  (5) Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus,  (6) that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (7) Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.  (8) Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers,  (9) and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written:  “For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name.” 

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul and the verses we study today concern God’s redemptive plan.  They express the desire of God that His covenant people, Israel, and the New Testament people – Jew or Gentile, past present and future  – be many people with one voice who worship one God.  The unity of the redeemed, filled with the Spirit, is the purpose of God in Christ Jesus. We are not Christians in isolation but in relationship with each other. We are to accept others because Christ accepted us when we didn’t deserve it.

There are important distinctions between Israel and the New Testament Church.  Membership in Israel was one of physical birth but membership in the church is due to one’s spiritual birth.  Israel as a nation was a physical, ethnic entity containing both believers and non believers.  The church is a spiritual entity containing only believers.  We become members of the church by believing in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Paul is showing how a life of service plays out in ministry to others; the faithful are not to conform to this evil age but to be transformed in mind and heart in Christ.  We are all equal in the eyes of God.  We function in the area of our own gifts to act faithfully and without pride.  We are all interdependent.  God faithfully keeps His promises on the basis of grace, not performance

And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.  (12) The night is far spent, the day is at hand.  Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armor of light.  (13) Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.  (14) But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. 

The great letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul to the Christians in Rome. Our verses today are an imperative from Paul to be awake and walk in God’s light.  This present world of our senses is not lasting; it’s beauty is but a shadow of the real thing. But we, as believers are promised the glory of the real thing if we persevere. And this future glory is by Gods free grace in Christ. The world of the unbeliever is in darkness concerning  God and man; in darkness concerning our purpose for living – and in spiritual death for all eternity.

Salvation here concerns our completed salvation, not just our justification in faith when we are transformed in Christ. The time Paul refers to is this present age between the first and second coming of Christ. The first coming of Christ was for the salvation of all who believe  and the second is for judgment.

C.S. Lewis writes so eloquently in his paper ‘The Weight of Glory’:  “St. Paul promises to those who love God not, as we should expect, that they will know Him, but that they will be known by Him. It is a strange promise.  Does not God know all things at all times?  But it is dreadfully reechoed in another passage of the New Testament.  There we are warned that it may happen to anyone of us to appear at last before the face of God and hear only the appalling words “I never knew you.  Depart from me”. In some sense, as dark to the intellect as it is unendurable to the feelings, we can be both banished from the presence of Him who is present everywhere and erased from the knowledge of Him who knows all. We can be left utterly and absolutely outside – repelled, exiled, estranged, finally and unspeakably ignored. On the other hand, we can be called in, welcomed, received, acknowledged. We walk every day on the razor edge between these two possibilities.”

giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. (13) He has delivered us from the power of darknesss and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, (14) in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. (15) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  (16) For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.  All things were created through Him and for Him.  (17) And He is before all things and in Him all things consist.  (18) And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning,  the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. 

The letter to the Colossians was written by the apostle Paul during his first imprisonment in Rome.  The church there was not founded by Paul but by one of his ministers, instructed in the gospel. Shortly after, evil men crept in to distort/corrupt the gospel. On the one hand the Jewish legalizes were preaching Jesus AND; Jesus and circumcision, Jesus and the Law, Jesus and rituals and ceremonies. The gospel tells us that Jesus is sufficient. On the other hand philosophers speculated on celestial hierarchy -that God is good and God is spirit and material or created things are evil. They posited that Jesus was created and not truly God. Paul in this letter reminds the Christians in Colosse that they have heard the true gospel and that all parts of salvation are to be found in Christ alone and they are to beware of strange doctrine.

Because of sin we are born spiritually dead – in darkness and hostile to God. We have been redeemed – set free – by Christ and and the cross. In Christ we pass from death into life and not by man’s efforts in any way. Christ Jesus is the Son of God’s love and His sacrifice is the ONLY price of reconciliation. It is in Christ alone that God who is invisible is manifest to man. Christ Jesus is not less than God – He is not one of many gods, not a created being or an angel, or teacher, or prophet or emanation. God is invisible but has been made visible – the Greek word used here means exact replica – in the person of Jesus Christ.  Man was created (Genesis) in the image of God but Jesus IS the image of God; the exact reproduction and the equal to God. Christ is the agent of creation by whom God made the worlds.

Calling Christ the firstborn of all creation means He has the right to rule. Jesus is the one in authority. Adam was the first one created but Jesus was not created – firstborn is meant as a ranking.  Jesus is supreme and sufficient and the only heir to all things. He is pre-eminent and the guarantor of resurrection.  Christ is the universal point of reference and we are complete in Him. Nothing else is needed. In God’s redemption plan Christ’s sacrifice was the only way to reconcile man with God. Salvation is always and only of the Lord.

For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; (8) nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, (9) not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. (10) For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.  (11) For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.  (12) Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.

The second letter to the Thessalonians was written by the apostle Paul. They lived in a Greek world and in that ancient culture work was considered demeaning. They believed the soul/mind was good and the body/matter was evil – so most of the work of that day was done by slaves.  There were also those who embraced Christianity but  believed the end days were near and accordingly, why work?  So Paul – in both letters to the Thessalonians – is now addressing this for the third time with harsh words; he commanded that those who would not work, neither should they eat their neighbors food. (Paul is not considering Christians who can’t work, but those who won’t.).  Paul forbids the indulgence of indolence.

Paul is teaching that holy living means honest and useful labor – he wished to be an example by his own labor and makes sure that the Christians in Thessalonia know he had a right to be supported as a minister and an apostle but because of the apparent growing problem of those who did nothing his example was of greater impact than just words. The Bible is full of admonition against idleness and the intrinsic value of work. Not using the  gift of work – using our God given abilities – can be spiritually deadly,  Adams job before the fall (in Genesis) was to cultivate and keep the garden he was placed in. Man was given dominion over all the earth so work wasn’t initiated by the fall, it was just cursed – made painful – by sin. “God designed man to be a gardener but the fall made him a farmer.”

As Christians we are to give dignity to work. This biblical viewpoint is always our guiding star. We are to work for the glory of God and to serve others. Work is a creation mandate.

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, (17) comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.  (3:1) Finally brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, (2) and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men, for not all have faith.  (3) But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.  (4) And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do all the things we command you.  (5) Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ. 

The second letter to the Thessalonians was written by the apostle Paul – Paul has dealt with teaching about the second coming of Christ and the events preceding the Day of the Lord.   Now he moves on to matters of personal and practical interest for the faithful in Thessalonica for their comfort and strength as they were dealing with persecution and affliction for their faith.

Paul had two specific prayer asks;  that the successful teaching and spread of the gospel run swiftly – the Thessalonians embraced the gospel right from the beginning – and that Paul and the church be delivered from wicked and unreasonable men, “for not all have faith”.  By unreasonable Paul means hopeless to reason with. Faith is a gift from God not found in all for many are called who do not come. Paul is simply saying that not all who make a profession of faith are such in reality. The Jews should have recognized Christ by the Law and the Prophets and the conflict arises from false appearance of piety, for treacherous and evil men are always mixed with good men. But God is faithful and and they are secure in His support. God’s purpose is to maintain salvation of His people and never forsake them.

Paul wanted the Thessalonians to know he had confidence in them even in the face of persecution.  God will protect them.  The Lord is sovereign.

Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, (12) that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.  (2:1) Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, (2) not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of  Christ had come.

The apostle Paul wrote this second letter to the Thessalonians.  His first letter to them addressed the second coming of Christ and might have resulted in some of the faithful to indulge in curiosity as to His coming. (Nothing has changed and people are still trying to figure out when this world will end.). This was a matter of great consequence in those ancient days as some might despair of Christ returning or feel like they missed it – or grow impatient and fall away so that the sure hope of the resurrection might be undermined. Paul urges his readers not to be too credulous and swallow the pretext that “that day” is at hand.

Paul warns the Thessalonians not to be shaken in judgment – that good judgment means faith that rests on sound doctrine. He warns them against the spirit of men speaking  words of pretended prophecy; the pious in that day apparently spoke that way to give themselves stature. They are also being warned about spurious letters/epistles using Paul’s name so as to impute false doctrine to him.  It is the Spirit of God, not man that has any authority.

As to the day of Christ being at hand; think of it as at hand with regard to God. And to God, one day is as a thousand years.  We know that Christ Jesus will return but we know not the day or hour. The Lord wants us to constantly watch.

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.  (7) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  (8) Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.  (16) At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me.  May it not be charged against them  (17) But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear.  Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.  (18) And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom.  To Him be glory forever and ever.  Amen!

The apostle Paul wrote his last letter to Timothy to encourage, warn but mostly to advise him in carrying the gospel to future pastors, teachers and all who have loved the Lord.  Paul was an old man, kept in a hole in the Mamertine prison on a hill near the Roman forum.  Luke was with him and likely wrote down the words of second Timothy.   Paul was well aware he was to die soon – (he was born a Roman citizen so death would be by beheading, not crucifixion).  In the Jewish faith the sacrifice was placed on the altar and just before death wine was poured on it; Paul likened his life to be being pouring out as the drink offering.

But Paul’s last words to Timothy  reflect no despair, no defeat and no uncertainty.  He viewed his death as a departure of the soul from the body.  At his death the battle was won; he persevered and fought the GOOD fight – he finished the course.  Paul guarded the truth of the gospel – the core doctrines of Christian faith.  He looks at the future with expectant hope; not realized just yet, but sure.  This commitment to Lord Jesus Christ means death will usher believers into His glorious presence.  On “that Day” there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus – the faithful do not need to fear the final judgment.

Not only is the beginning of salvation in faith from God, we are guided by God our whole lives; it is not by man’s free will or virtue but by the hand of God preserving us to His kingdom.

But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from who you have learned them, (15) and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (16) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, (17) that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (4: 1) I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom.  (2) Preach the word!  Be ready in season and out of season.  Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long suffering and teaching. 

The apostle Paul wrote this letter from prison, awaiting execution. Our verses today concern his final and imperative message to Timothy.  Timothy was instructed from infancy  in the Scriptures by his mother and grandmother and then taught the doctrine of the New Testament by none less than an apostle.  Timothy was taught doctrine not of man but of God and knew that salvation is through faith in Christ Jesus.  Paul reminds Timothy that  all – the whole – of Scripture is divinely inspired by the prompting and wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Those who use Scripture properly need nothing more for salvation.  Moses and the prophets didn’t speak or write at random but testified boldly at the suggestion of God – NOT MAN. What the New Testament adds to the Old Testament is simple; a natural explanation of the Law and the prophets rendered clear by the addition of the gospel.

Connecting Scripture and preaching, Paul is saying that all teachers have the duty to teach   Scripture as all wisdom is contained within.  Paul now makes the solemn charge that God will come as avenger and Christ as a judge if preachers cease to discharge their office of teaching.  Preachers, in constant earnestness, at all times (in and out of seasons) must teach God’s Word of doctrine and application. Scripture contains the wisdom that leads us to salvation – that equips us for every good thing for this life and godliness.

This final charge to Timothy and to all pastors to teach biblical truth is also a charge to all believers to welcome biblical preaching.  The Word is of utmost importance because Christ is coming again to judge the living and the dead.  As believers we will not face condemnation but we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.  Paul’s last words tell Timothy and all of us to take life very seriously – to study all of Scripture and to know the text in context and application.  There will be inevitable opposition to preaching  of the Word but we are to persevere.  Amen

Remember, that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, (9) for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. (10) Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.  (11) For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him.  (12) If we endure, We shall also reign with Him.  if we deny Him, He will also deny us.  (13) If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.

The second letter to Timothy was written by the apostle Paul who was in chains in prison facing execution for preaching the gospel. Timothy was by nature timid and shied away from conflict and controversy  and Paul was writing his last words to give him encouragement to persevere.  The Jewish legalizers were everywhere the ancient church flourished and they were turning the people away from the imprisoned  Paul and the gospel.  So the outward appearance of Paul was of a criminal but he makes it clear that he is suffering as an advantage to the elect rather than a reproach – that nothing can chain the gospel. The faithful were also fearful of the persecution of those days.

Paul begins our verses today with the foundational truth of the resurrection of Christ.  Paul wants to ensure this doctrine continues entire and uncorrupted. Another heresy at that time was that the resurrection of man in Christ was already past and there was denial that Jesus was truly man as well as truly divine – thus the emphasis of Jesus being of the seed of David.  Timothy is encouraged to endure referring to Christ’s humanity; the man Jesus suffered and died for our sins.  Paul writes “according to my gospel” meaning not that he invented the gospel but it was revealed to him by Christ Jesus.  Paul is not an author but a minister.

Our final verses quote an ancient Christian hymn saying that if the Christians keep the faith what follows is the opposite of our  human nature  – that if we, in Christ, do not die apart from our faith that we will have eternal life with Him.  But what follows is a threat – that those who in fear or unbelief deny Christ and instead esteem this transitory world, they  will also be denied by Christ.  Paul meant for this to be considered a serious and true judgment at the appointed time of our lives.  If man be faithless Christ will remain faithful  for what man does takes nothing from Christ Jesus. The application here is that when suffering now as Christians, the faithful are to remember Christ is Lord and will return for judgment or salvation.

Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands,  (7) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind.  (8) Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God  (13) Hold fast the pattern  of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Jesus Christ. (14) That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. 

The second letter to Timothy, “Man of God”, was the last letter from the apostle Paul who was again in prison awaiting execution. Paul was writing to say goodby and to provide advice – “do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God.”  Paul refers to the laying on of his hands referring to ordination, and probably speaking of the office of pastor.  Grace is not given by an outward sign – an ancient Jewish custom – but was a sure pledge of God’s Grace; a lawful consecration before God sealed by the Holy Spirit.  The faithful are all ministers of God endowed with a new power.  Conversely, those who claim faith and do nothing in defense of the TRUTH are not governed by the Spirit. Assistance of the Spirit is present unless men reject it.

Paul reminds Timothy that this present world  was not friendly to the voice of God.  The gospel is the testimony of Christ Jesus and the ancient world was beginning to withdraw from Christ because of persecution.  Paul adds “according to the power of God” which was both a consolation for suffering  and and admonition not to doubt the promises of God.

Paul reminds Timothy to hold fast to sound doctrine which was/is always under attack.  Paul warns Timothy about the essentials of the gospel ; the standards of apostolic doctrine he heard from Paul that must be held in faith in Christ Jesus.  If we are believers we are also in the ministry; God will give us the gifts we need,  but the faithful are responsible to exercise their gifts which will become more apparent. All that we have is gifts from God.  We discover our gifts by serving; by recognition from others; by training and learning; by experience  and by exercising them sometimes when all seems lost and it is costly to do so.  Step out of your comfort zone and trust in God

But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.  (12) Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life,  to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.  (13) I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontus Pilate, (14) that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing, (15) which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings (16) who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power.  Amen 

The first letter to Timothy was written by the apostle Paul. Timothy had been sent to minister to the church Paul had founded in Ephesus and, as was usually the case, the Jewish legalizers had moved in to corrupt the message of the gospel. Basically these legalizers preached Jesus AND – Jesus and circumcision; Jesus and the law; Jesus and rituals.  The message of the gospel is that man is saved by faith alone in Christ Jesus alone. Many in Ephesus had been led astray and Paul reached out to Timothy, Man of God, (an Old Testament appellation) commanding him to persevere – to rely on God in every situation and not to chafe under adversity.

In today’s verses Paul’s advice is to maintain integrity under fire which is advice to all Christians. The truth of Christianity is not relative. Clearly Timothy was feeling pressure to compromise.  Paul urges him to guard what he has inherited and to always be a faithful witness of Christ Jesus. There are times when we ARE to flee worldliness to take hold of eternal life – to flee immorality, idolatry, lusts, avarice and false doctrine. Paul advises us not to just flee this world but to run toward godliness .

Through original sin we have a depraved nature – we were dead in sin and hostile to God-but we have been called by God, justified in Christ.  God reached out to man, not the  other way around.  We respond by faith and public confession of our faith to take hold of God’s blessings.  God is the only source of true joy.  God is invisible – meaning God cannot he apprehended by our senses; cannot be known by our reason, will power or human ability.  God has been revealed to us by the Bible and by and in Jesus Christ.

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercession, and giving of thanks be made for all men, (2) for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. (3) For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, (4) who desires  all men to he saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (5) For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, (6) who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, (7) for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle – I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying – a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth 

The first letter to Timothy was written by the apostle Paul as instruction in dealing with heresy in doctrine and practice in the ancient church – the Jews were indignant at the calling of the Gentiles who were made equal to themselves in the eyes of God. ( Paul had left Timothy in charge of the church at Ephesus.). In our verses today Paul is addressing the priority of prayer; but Paul is talking about the need for prayer and its relationship of salvation to the lost souls. There is one God who desires all men to be saved and has provided one mediator, Christ Jesus,  who has provided the ransom for all. Prayer that all people may be reached by the gospel is what Paul is telling Timothy is a priority.

No man is too far gone whom God’s Grace cannot reach.  No man does NOT NEED God’s Grace.  Maybe we can’t speak to someone about God but we can sure speak to God about sinners.  Paul’s reason for prayer for authorities and princes was not so we can have a tranquil life but so that the faithful can grow in godliness  and prayer is in line with Gods pleasure.  Praying for the unsaved is a serious calling.  Truth is the reliability of the gospel and faith is the means by which people appropriate the truth.

We are all ministers in faith and our prayers are not just a priority but mandatory.

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, (13) although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. (14) And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.  (15) This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.  (16) However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all long suffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.  (17) Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever.  Amen

The apostle Paul wrote the first letter to Timothy to give instruction for the confrontation of false teachers who were corrupting the gospel.  Paul was probably at liberty when writing this epistle – he had left Timothy at Ephesus and Paul is teaching him concerning the outward order of the early church  – practical instruction of the gospel as contrasted to the Law of Moses.  Timothy was a devoted servant of the Lord and of Paul – Timothy was sealed for ministry by the laying on of Paul’s hands which is the only such reference in the New Testament.

In our verses today Paul emphasizes the simple profound truth that Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners.  Paul expresses his deep gratitude for God’s Grace – if he was chief of sinners and could be forgiven and in Christ transformed to an apostle he is the model of the power of Transformation by faith and not by any worthiness on his part.  A fundamental biblical truth is that God gives us the faith to believe in Christ and supplies us in grace with everything we need for salvation. Scripture here shows the distinction between a person who sins in ignorance and one who willingly rejects the light of god – those who do so run the terrible danger of hardening their hearts.  C.S.Lewis writes in Mere Christianity “ When a man is getting better he understands more and more clearly the evil that is still in him.  When a man is getting worse, he understands his own badness less and less.”

The gospel is for sinners.  We become better or worse as we age – if we fall into self righteousness, pride and self reliance we will never know God because we won’t realize how much we are forgiven.

yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you – being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ  – (10) I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains (12) I am sending him back.  You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart, (13) whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel. (14) But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary.  (15) For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose,that you might receive him forever, (16) no longer as a slave but more than a slave – a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.  (17) If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me.

The apostle Paul wrote this very personal  letter to Philemon which we study today. Philemon was a wealthy converted Christian Gentile who lived  in the city of Colosse and who probably held Christian services in his home. In the culture of those ancient times, the Roman world accepted slavery and slaves had no protection under Roman law. A certain slave of Philemon, named Onesimus, (meaning useful), apparently stole from Philemon and escaped from Colosse, making his way to Rome and somehow ended up with Paul who was imprisoned there. Onesimus grew in faith through Paul’s teaching to the point that both Paul and Onesimus felt the right thing to do was for Onesimus to return to Philemon. Paul penned this letter asking Philemon not just for forgiveness and a return to the  status quo but that Philemon receive Onesimus as a brother in Christ.

Everyone in this story changed and behaved differently after meeting Jesus Christ.  Paul was a Pharisee; a zealous persecutor of Christians  and murderous aggressor.  Onesimus was a grudging servant and thief and Philomen professed to follow Christ and treat all men as equal in the eyes of God yet he kept slaves. But now Paul sends Onesimus back, not claiming his apostolic authority but asking for demonstration of  Christianity on the part of Philomen.  Onesimus agrees to return to possible terrible punishment, including death, as God changes every person He saves through the gospel. As for Philomen, we don’t know the end of the story but the fact that this letter survives indicates Philomen did exactly what God meant for him to do.  If the other were true I suspect the letter would have been destroyed

How has God changed our lives and attitudes?  As Martin Luther put it, we are God’s Onesimi.  We need to stop relating to each other on the basis of social status and relate as a family

For you have not come to the  mountain that may be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and tempest, (19) and the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words, so that those who heard it begged that the word should not be spoken to them anymore.  (22) But now you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, (23) to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect

The letter to the Hebrews (author unknown) is written to Christian Jews who are in danger of refusing salvation offered in Christ. Our verses today are a warning to those who are not fully committed to Christ; not saved, indecisive and under pressure of persecution, knowing what they know of the gospel and yet reverting to Judaism (Mt. Sinai). This would be a final irrevocable rejection of salvation in Christ.

Mt. Sinai was a physical place where the Law was given.  There the Old Testament God was unapproachable except through an intermediator.  Man couldn’t actually touch that physical place where there were physical phenomena that terrified the Jews  and man learned that he could never approach God on the basis of his own works.  But in Christ, in faith, we are not coming to judgment because He has already paid for our sins. Jesus is the new Mt Zion and Jerusalem is the heavenly city where God dwells.  Every Jew knew Mt. Sinai was a place of judgment – no man was ever saved by the Law.  But we are told not to fear – that the faithful are not coming back to Mr Sinai.

If you don’t know what you possess you may disregard it or even give it away. Our verses draw a sharp contrast between the judgment of the Old Testament and the spiritual life by justification of faith in Christ.  Mt. Zion represents grace, forgiveness and salvation. We have a clear choice; either judgment or grace and eternal life in Christ. Don’t let anything take you back.

And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:  “My son do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; (6)  For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.”  (7) If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?  (11) Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward  it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.  (12) Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, (13) and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. 

The audience for this letter – author unknown – was Christian Jews who had suffered some serious persecution because of their faith in Christ. The author reminds them that God chastens His children and they must endure just as Jesus endured the cross because He could see what would be accomplished.   If they abandon their Christian faith under trials what would happen if there were bloodshed. Others endured under trials and they can also.  Trials are a fact of life – how we respond to them is our choice.

To understand discipline we must understand how it differs from punishment. Under punishment God is judge but under discipline God acts as father.  There is now no remaining punishment for those who are in Christ because He has borne the punishment for everything. In our verses today, the author addresses the discipline of God using the metaphor of father and son (daughter).  It is about discipline to being about outcome.

We need to operate within parameters in our earthly life to be successful. The same thing applies for our spiritual life. We are subject to spiritual discipline forming stamina and building character which leads to real joy and peace with God.  God’s Grace is sufficient and discipline keeps us plugged into the source of spiritual strength.

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (2) looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  (3) For consider Him who endured with such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. (4) You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.

The author of the letter to the Hebrews is unknown but the audience is Christian Jews who were being warned not to relapse in their Christian faith in fear of impending persecution. They/we are told to emulate the great cloud of witnesses who lived and died in faith.

The author uses the metaphor of a race – a marathon, not a sprint – requiring a goal, endurance and motivation. To run a Christian marathon we must get in shape and stay in shape. To run and live successfully we must lay aside every encumbrance; to lay aside our besetting sins – I prefer our darling sins – and remember that sin always begins in the mind.  As in a race we should travel lightly; various burdens impede us like love of this world, pleasures, lusts, riches and honors – keep them as blessings, not impediments.  Gold is as heavy as lead.

God has set our course and running with endurance means all in.  Christ Jesus was free to exempt Himself from all trouble and suffering but refused because of the purpose of the glorious end of His death.  The Christian Jews have not yet been subjected to blood persecution but the fear was very real so they are urged to keep their eyes on Christ.  From start to finish He submitted, trusted and relied on God.  Jesus is the author of faith and our example.  He finished the course perfectly and when Jesus begins faith in us He will bring it to a conclusion.  Fixing our eyes on Jesus takes them off ourselves.  We are to cast off our encumbrances and untangle our sins and run with endurance.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  (2) For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.  (8) By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance.  And he went out, not knowing where he was going.  (9) By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; (10) for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.  (11) By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. (12) Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude – innumerable as the sand is by the seashore.

Hebrews is the name for the Israelites and the descendants of Abraham. They believed in God and the addressees of this letter also professed faith in Jesus Christ. Because of the pressure of Christian persecution they were faltering in their faith and were in danger of reverting to Judaism to escape persecution . The author of this letter is unknown but it was written to warn Christian Jews to endure and persevere in Christ

Our verses today speak to the Israelite fathers/patriarchs who obtained salvation and were accepted by God by faith alone. The author writes of Abraham who was/is revered by the Jews,  and emphasized that Abraham acted and persevered by faith.  Abraham answered God’s call and believed, living as a stranger in a strange land. He was certainly all in and the prime example of trusting to things invisible.  Sarah and Abraham, being well past child bearing age, became parents to Isaac and a nation proceeded from them.  The point being that if the patriarchs only saw God’s plan of salvation distantly and yet persevered, how much more should the Christian Jews endure having learned of God’s salvation in Christ .

Faith testifies to what we hope for; faith is evidence for things we cannot see and causes the reality of God’s promises and unseen world to be present in this visible world.  The greater the difficulties, the easier for faith when all natural prospects fail. We often live in a world with conditions that seem to contradict God’s promises and need to adopt the mindset of pilgrims. We are passing through this present world but our home is in heaven where our treasure should also be. God’s time is not our time and we need to focus on eternity.

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. (2) Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.  (3) For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  (4) When Christ, who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. (9) Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, (10) and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created Him, (11) where there is neither Greek or Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian , slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. 

The letter to the Colossians was written by the apostle Paul. Paul has just completed his doctrinal writing and now is advising the Colossians on life style application of the gospel. He is writing to the faithful in Colossae – and down through the years all those whose lives have already been transformed in faith; the men and women who have gone from spiritually dead to spiritually alive in Christ. In faith in Christ salvation has already happened.

Paul urges his readers to seek the things that are above; the faithful have transcended the system and Paul argues for a preoccupation of the mind with the divine.  The faithful have already died to their former lives and former natures  and now we are becoming what positionally we already are  – our preoccupation with heaven will guide our earthly responses.  The lives of the faithful are entirely new – new consciousness, new desires – and the world doesn’t know it; natural man does not know the things of God.

We live in a society which is “uniformed” – our dress is a cue to our roles in this life. In the same way we need to “dress” as a spiritually new person.  Paul urges the faithful to embrace a new life style and behavior –  if we are new people in Christ we must act like it.  The old nature is not renewed, it is replaced.  And because Jesus Christ is all in all, we are all equal in the eyes of God

buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.  (13) And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, (14) having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us.  And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.  

The letter to the Colossians was written by the apostle Paul to warn the faithful there against the corruption of the gospel by the Judaizers who were teaching salvation by the completed work of Christ AND the Jewish rituals and ceremonies. Paul taught that we are complete in Christ; there is no Christ AND.

The church in Colossae was mainly composed of Gentiles who had not been circumcised under the Law of Moses; they were strangers to the promise of the Old Testament. But in faith in Christ, they have spiritual circumcision – there is no advantage in real circumcision in Christ.  Paul is ascribing death (spiritual death) to the uncircumcised before Christ. But now in faith they died with Christ, and raised from the dead with Him. They are, in Christ, free from condemnation in sin and fully redeemed by Christ. In those ancient days debt obligation was put in writing and when the debt was paid, the writing was erased or blotted out. In Christ there is no more obligation, no more debt. The law of Moses was all about obligation but in Christ there is no ritual or ceremony needed and NO REMEMBRANCE of debt. Christ paid our debt for sin and nailed it to the cross.

The Colossians are warned not to pass over from faith in Christ to the Law. In Christ we are relieved of punishment due for sin and also bondage to the Law. Christ took all things to Himself that they might have no power over us. In faith, in Christ, we are saved – we cannot be MORE saved.

I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ , for the sake of His body, which is the church, (25) of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God, which was given me for you, to fulfill the word of God, (26) the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. (27) To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.  (28) Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.  

The letter to the Colossians was written by the apostle Paul. In Colossae, Paul was frequently under attack as to the authority of his ministry by those who tried to corrupt the gospel and  by some who claimed superior and secret knowledge of Gods plan of salvation. Our verses today offer some detail about the integrity of Paul’s ministry.

Paul was an apostle by divine appointment and he didn’t learn the gospel from man but from God. He rejoiced in persecutions because he did not suffer in vain – his afflictions he cheerfully endured in as much as they were profitable to all the pious as example and promoted the welfare of all Christ’s Church. Paul is NOT saying that the suffering of Christ Jesus was not sufficient or not redemptive but he – and we – suffer persecution to confirm the faith of the church. Paul did NOT suffer as an imitator but instead in thanksgiving and by doing so he edified  the church willingly and with rejoicing. Paul applied to his own preaching the glorious secret of God which was committed to him; making express mention of the calling of the Gentiles.  The whole world – until Christ – had been alienated from God and now in Christ is called to the hope of salvation. That salvation is of the Lord only and is Christ in us.

Faith is not an opinion to be shaken by various movements. God placed him (Paul) in Christ as an apostle to teach men that in Christ nothing is lacking.

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  (16) For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.  All things were created through Him.  (17) And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.  (18) And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have preeminence.  (19) For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, (20) and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things in earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross 

The apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians while under house arrest in Rome.  Colossae was a church primarily of Gentiles (there are few Old Testament allusions).  There appeared to be a serious threat of false teachers working to undermine the divine person of Christ and the sufficiency of salvation in Christ – this letter is Paul’s answer which is basically an antidote to human schemes of salvation

Paul makes his point immediately that the one who redeemed us and delivered us from darkness is the exact image of the invisible God – is God. In Jesus the substance is the same as God. Jesus is the architect/creator/sustainer of the universe. In Christ Jesus there is the reconciler and savior of all.  He is the firstborn meaning positional – He is preeminent; all fullness is present in Him. Salvation is always and only of the Lord not of man

We live in a secular society where man believes in himself and his/her ability to solve problems apart from God and seem not to be aware of the futility of materialism.  There is always a movement rejecting Christ as revealed in Scripture – Christ is being presented as only one of many religious leaders; all equally valid. The letter to the Colossians is as relevant today as it was in the ancient church. Paul is countering heresy with the public and universal truth of the gospel; salvation is available to all in faith in Christ who is sufficient and the fullness of God.

But God forbid that I boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me and I to the world. (15) For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.  (16) And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.  (17) From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.  (18) Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  Amen

The letter to the Galatians was written by the apostle Paul. On his missionary journey Paul and Barnabas brought the gospel to the Galatians – the gospel of Christ Jesus – that man had sinned and the wages of sin is death, both physical and spiritual. Man cannot pay for his sin so God sent a perfect and acceptable substitute in His Son, Jesus, who was/is our savior and redeemer. In Christ alone, in the cross, we are made right with God.  Conversely, God’s love is meaningless to us if the cross is meaningless. But because of the cross we will never have to stand and answer for our sin.

At the moment of faith we are sealed with the Spirit. We are born again; transformed as new men and women in Christ. This is salvation by faith in the Lord and not by any merit of man. It is either Christianity and pure grace or salvation by human achievement, the end of which is destruction. Our verses today are Paul’s final appeal to the Galatians – the Judaizers are the culprits and corrupted the gospel Paul preached. They taught the religion of human achievement as opposed to salvation in Christ in faith alone. The Judaizers taught Jesus yes, but Jesus and good works – be circumcised and keep the law.  You cannot add to pure grace, to faith –  then it ceases to be such and becomes works.  It’s either glory in the flesh or glory in the cross.

In the miracle of faith we become right with God in Jesus. In a physical sense we are still of this world but spiritually we are no more in this world. In the cross we are at peace with God and have peace in this world here and now. The world system cannot know God nor can it lead us to God.  Man is either with Jesus or against Him and Paul closes this letter by saying the only thing he honors is the cross of Christ. Our life depends on it.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.  (13) For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.  (14) For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this:  “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  (15) But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!  (16) I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.  (17) For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against  the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.  (18) But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.  

The letter to the Galatians was written by the apostle Paul. Our verses today tell us that Paul was disappointed  that many new converts in Galatia were persuaded by the false teachers (Judaizers/legalizers) to combine the message of free grace and salvation in  Christ within the context of the Mosaic Law.  No one was ever saved by keeping the Law; only faith in Christ makes us right with God and believers are sealed with the Spirit.  The gospel tells us that the faithful do good works not to be saved but because they are saved.

The Law (which no one can keep perfectly) was given as a standard to reveal human sinfulness – the Law is a teacher but Christ Jesus is our savior. The Law exposed all people as guilty of sin.  Under the Law man was not known by God but in Christ the faithful are now made right with God and they are free from former bondage to ceremony and ritual and selfishness.  Freedom and spiritual life in Christ is freedom to walk in the Spirit and to choose what is right. Salvation is never Jesus AND; salvation is always and only of the Lord

Paul did not reject the Law which does not justify – only faith in Christ does that – but obedience to the Law is fruit of salvation.  Justification by works is diametrically opposed to justification by faith and NO ONE was ever saved by keeping the Law

For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you; that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which he was betrayed took bread, (24) and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”  (25) In the same manner, He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood.  This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”  (26) For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. 

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul.  Historically with covenants between men and between men and God there was blood to ratify the covenant; the substitute sacrifice of animals was allowed and partaking of a blood sacrifice  indicated the vow to keep the covenant. A feast was common to be added to sacrificial rites for both Jew and Gentiles. However in Corinth when celebrating the memory of Christ’s redemptive act, the Christians there converted the sacred assembly to other purposes and the feasts added were not shared equally and some were drunken and some were left hungry.  So Paul is now exposing the abuse and showing the proper method for the Lord’s supper.  The Lord’s supper was a “pure rule” with no deviation from the direction of Christ.

Paul begins by saying that his authority and source is from the Lord and there is nothing higher  – there is no human law here.  We are told that Jesus acted on the night He was betrayed; Jesus waited until this time so the apostles would see in reality in His body what He represented to them in the bread and the cup.  Jesus began by giving thanks –  for every gift we receive is from God – He is also giving thanks to the Father for His mercy to humans and the immanent redemptive act.  We should do likewise.  With the words  “Take; eat” Jesus tells us there is equal participation.  (We are all equal in the eyes of God.)  Christ Jesus held out a symbol while He at the same time gave His own body – this was not an empty representation and was reality joined with symbol.  No one can receive the Lords supper advantageously who does not embrace Christ crucified.

With the words “do this in remembrance of Me” the Lord’s supper is declared a memorial. Paul tells us that we have in the solemn rites of the supper both a covenant and a confirming pledge of the covenant  and communion teaches us that we are partakers, in Christ, of redemption

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, (2) through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (3) And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; (4) and perseverance character; and character, hope.  (5) Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul who has devoted the first four  chapters of the letter to Christian doctrine.  But in our verses today Paul addresses application of doctrine; believers are justified in Christ as fact and the faithful are no longer cut off from God because of sin. We have access to God in Christ and are at peace with God – not a feeling of peace but a fact of peace. By faith in Christ we are justified (saved/redeemed)  and this is entirely a gift of Gods grace. In faith we can know this; If we add a system of works to faith in Christ we cannot have this hope and assurance of salvation. There is nothing man can ever do to earn salvation.  It is not Christ AND – our salvation is undeserved favor and through Christ alone.

In our new standing in Christ, the faithful should know that if God is for us nothing and no one can be against us. Our eternal salvation is assured but we still have to live in this present evil world and trials are a fact in this fallen world. – we need to know how to handle them. Our verses today tell us that, sealed with the Holy Spirit at the moment of faith, we are being tested and proven in preparation for heaven and learning  joyful living which is not an automatic but a learned response. Through our inevitable  trials we grow in endurance, character and hope.  We have been transformed at the moment of faith and now we live with God in us.

Paul is not denying the reality of our life in this world – he is not denying the pain of trials but he is saying that we now know we have certain hope of eternal life and that nothing can separate us from the love of God.  We can see the decay of our outer man/woman, but our inner person is being renewed daily.  The weight of glory is in things not seen but unseen – not in temporal things but in eternal glory.   And the foundation for our certain hope is the resurrection of Christ Jesus; we either have hope in Christ or no hope at all. But our hope will not disappoint. We are called according to God’s purpose.

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  (2) And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.  (3) Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.  (4) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, And began to speak with other  tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.  (5) And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven .  (6) And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in their own language.  (7) Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak  Galilean?  (8) And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?  (9) Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus And Asia, (10) Phrygia And Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, (11) Cretans and Arabs – we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.

Acts of the apostles was written by the gospel writer Luke.  Our verses today concern an historical event and he writes of the physical manifestations marking the birth of the church.

Pentecost Sunday was one of the three solemn feast days that Jewish males from all of the known world were required to attend in Jerusalem and a great crowd of devout Jews were gathered there for this festival.  50 days after the resurrection of Christ the promised Spirit descended – not just with the disciples but in them.

Luke writes – factually with no sensationalism – that the disciples were all together at one place for this baptism of the church.  Suddenly there was the sound of a great wind – Luke’s version only mentions the sound, not the effects – and this violence of the noise made a crowd gather – they were both afraid and ready to receive the grace of God.  (There are no atheists in foxholes.)  Luke tells us that tongues, as of fire, had descended on each of the disciples and miraculously, they were speaking in languages not known by the speakers but understood by the listeners – God had given them the ability to preach the gospel to Hellenistic Jews from all of the known world.  This was on the heels of the great commission from Jesus and tells us salvation is now open to all people – not just Israel. God was identifying with His church, all because of what Christ had done. The church and the gospel came to us not by chance but by the appointment of God.

The former account I made, O Theophilius, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, (2) until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, (3) to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.  (4) And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; (5) for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”  (6) Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him saying, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”  (7) And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.  (8) But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”  (9) Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.  (10) And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel,   (11) who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven?  This same Jesus, who was taken from you into heaven, will so come again in like manner, as you saw Him go into heaven.” 

The Acts of the Apostles is the chief source of facts of the early church beginning from the Ascension of Christ Jesus who completed the work of redemption for all who believe in Him.  Christ’s last words to His disciples commanded them to wait for the promised Holy Spirit who would enter them with power and authority to continue all that Christ did and taught, giving life to His church.  At this time Christ commanded the apostles to be His witness to all the world.   Ten days after His ascension, on Pentecost Sunday, fifty days after Passover,  the Spirit became indwelling in them and with this unique act of God in history, the church of Jesus Christ was born.

This great commission of God was Christ’s  focus and mandate.  It was/is God’s patten for the beginning church. God worked through men then and now in history by the Spirit in building Christ’s church and evangelizing the world.  The great commission is the outline of Acts of the Apostles – beginning when the Spirit came as we are told in Luke’s history of the explosion – divine explosion – and miraculous spread of the early church from Jerusalem to Rome in just 30 years. Behind it all  is the dynamic and miraculous power of the Spirit.

Our verses today end with the promise that Christ Jesus will return – and only the Father knows when.  At this second coming of our Lord, time will end and man will either enter eternal life with God or face judgment.

And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”  (2) Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question. (22) Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren.  (23) They wrote this, letter by them:  The apostles, the elders, and the brethren, To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:  Greetings.  (24) Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the Law” – to whom we gave no such commandment – (25) it seems good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, (26) men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  (27) We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth.  (28) For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:  (29) that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality.  If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.  Farewell.

The Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke; physician, historian and frequent companion of the apostle Paul.  Paul and Barnabas were sent by the church on their first missionary journey to preach the gospel in Asia Minor – Paul’s strategy was to first preach at the synagogue until they were rejected by the Jews and then they turned to the Gentiles.  When they departed a city after planting a church, false teachers would follow them and inform the Christian Gentiles that Christ was not enough; the Gentiles were told by these judaizers that they must also be circumcised and follow the law of Moses to be saved. The foundational doctrine Paul preached was that salvation is by Gods undeserved grace alone through faith in Christ alone and the contrary message of the false teachers undermined the gospel itself.

The Gentiles are included in God’s plan of salvation. Man doesn’t earn salvation; we are all sinners and we all need to be justified in Christ through faith alone; not faith plus good works.  Our verses tell us that Paul and Barnabas had “no small dissension and dispute with them”  and there was no room for compromise over how man is saved. This issue was the occasion for Paul and Barnabas to be sent to the elders and apostles of the church in Jerusalem for resolution. James, the half brother of Jesus was the presiding elder of the church there and James along with the council agreed with Paul and Barnabas that Gentiles need not be circumcised – faith alone in Christ alone is the only way of salvation for both Jew and Gentiles.   Led by the Spirit – supported by scripture and St, Peter – the decision preserved the essential truth of the gospel.

The council made some concession where the issues were non doctrinal and relating to Jewish ceremonial law and cultural moral issues.  Our lives should reflect this kind of compromise BUT NEVER in biblically essential matters. We should beware of legalism and unbiblical standards and seek to live in good conscience before God.  We should never do things forbidden by God’s Word but culturally permissible.

And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, (22) strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”  (23) So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.  (24) And after they had passed through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.  (25) Now when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.  (26) From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed. (27) Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

The Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke who was often a first hand witness to the missionary journeys of the apostle Paul. In our verses today Luke gives us a sense of the astounding – and clearly divine – growth of the early church.  The gospel Paul and Barnabas preached to the gentiles upended conventional thinking and cultural values.  Paul’s practice was to go to a strategically placed city and preach the gospel first in the synagogue, using the Old Testament to teach Christ Jesus as Savior.  Most usually the Jews would throw them out of the synagogue and often out of the city as jewish influence eroded. The Jews stirred up the people against Paul and Barnabas and on this first missionary journey Paul was even stoned and left for dead.  Those two men traveled the ancient world and God was with them. The sense that God is sovereign, understated but crystal clear, comes through in every verse we study today.

Paul acted boldly in the face of threats and bodily harm  – he counted all danger as nothing and preached with God’s full and perfect authority as God’s grace in the form of signs and miracles accompanied them.  The word of grace is that salvation is offered to the world through Christ Jesus.  The first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas was at first evangelizing and then pastoral as they returned to the cities where the church had taken hold.  There  they confirmed the beliefs of the disciples and warned of certain inevitable tribulation  – BUT  to mitigate suffering we are led to the kingdom of God.

Acts tells us that the early church was being organized under leadership of elders who were appointed in conjunction with local members of the church and Paul and Barnabas.  Then they returned to the mother organization in Antioch where they gave an accounting of the first missionary journey.  This was really accountability to God. Paul and Barnabas didn’t report what they had done but what God did through them.

So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath.  (43) Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. (44) On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. (45) But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul.  (46) Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. (47)  For so the Lord has commanded us:  ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’”  (48) Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord.  And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. (49) And the word of the Lord spread throughout all the region.  (50) But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution  against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.  (51) But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium.  (52) And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. 

The Acts of the Apostles is a history of the early church, written by Luke; physician, historian and dear companion of the apostle Paul. Our verses today chronicle the beginning of the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas – their strategy for preaching the gospel was to go to the local synagogue and Paul, a visiting rabbi, would be invited to speak; he would preach the gospel beginning with the prophecy and history of the Old Testament.  Remember that everyone in that synagogue believed in God  and most were very familiar with the Old Testament.  There was abundant evidence that Christ Jesus was the Messiah but the Jews  rejected it

The Jews were the chosen people of God and Christ came to them so it was necessary that they be first to hear the good news. The Jewish leaders were looking for a political Messiah – an earthly king – and did not understand the prophets.  They condemned Jesus and fulfilled all that was written about the Messiah.   They cast aside this great grace and their denial of Jesus  was a denial of the righteousness of God.  When out of envy the Jews rose up and opposed and blasphemed Paul’s words, Paul spoke boldly in the Spirit and told the Jews they condemned themselves and from then on Paul would preach to the Gentiles – this was also prophesied.

Right standing with God could never come from the Law – no one can keep it perfectly and man’s efforts are never enough to earn salvation. The Gentiles embraced the gospel that we are justified – brought into a right standing before God – only through the work and merit of Jesus Christ. The righteousness of Christ is imputed to us through faith and salvation is always of the Lord. It is never of man.

(8) And when they had brought them, they set them before the council.  And the high priest asked them, (28) saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name?  And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”  (29) But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.  (30) The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree.  (31) Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.  (32) And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”  (33) When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them.  (34) Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while.  (35) And he said to them:  “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men.  (36) For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody.  A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing.  (37) After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed.  (38) And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; (39) but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it – lest you even be found to fight against God.”  (40) And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.  (41) So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.  (42) And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. 

Luke, historian and physician – and gospel writer of the New Testament – wrote Acts. In our verses today we see how God has separated the church from the synagogue and the leaders of the synagogue have descended into a condition of severe reproach.  The crucifixion, and resurrection of our Lord has been witnessed to by the apostles and disciples of Christ Jesus and with the seal of the Spirit, many miracles were being worked.  To a man – even unto death –  the apostles were now committed to the gospel. The Sanhedrin was fully aware of what was going on in Jerusalem with the growth of the church but chose to look the other way until they finally arranged to have the apostles thrown into prison.  Miraculously, the apostles were freed by an angel and went directly to the temple to preach Christ crucified and risen.  The temple guards were sent to bring them to the Sanhedrin to answer why they disobeyed the gag order of the council.

It seems probable  the council of Jewish elders feared revenge or punishment for the murder of Christ Jesus but the arresting charge was that the apostles had not obeyed the chief priest to cease preaching the gospel. Peter’s response that men should obey God, not men, filled them with rage. After removing the apostles from the court many of the council urged death but Gamaliel, who was also the rabbinical teacher of St. Paul, argued for caution. Gamaliel warned that if the gospel was from God, not man, it would be impossible to overthrow it. His point was that NOTHING could hinder the hand of God.

Christ came to save the people – to reconcile man to God through remission of sin. This was not in man’s power.  The apostles declared the doctrine they preached is from God and they spoke by God’s command with the seal and ability of the Spirit. They suffered being beaten for their words but nothing was to stop these now committed men. The priests should have been moved and/or frightened but instead reacted in fury.  The Acts of the Apostles is a record not of the apostles but actually the acts of Christ Jesus through the instrument of faithful men and women.

And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch.  (13) Yet none of the rest dared join them but the people esteemed them highly. (14) And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, (15) so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them.  (16) Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed. 

The Book of Acts was written by the gospel writer Luke; physician, historian and beloved companion of the apostle Paul.  Acts is a history of the miraculous growth of the early church – an eyewitness account in many parts. Our verses follow an account of bad faith of Ananias and his wife Sapphira.  They had allegedly sold all their land and were claiming to give all the proceeds to God and the new community of Christ.  This was a lie as they were holding back.  When called on this, first Ananias and then in a separate moment his wife Sapphira, fell down and died.  Needless to say, this caused great fear of joining the church lightly and our verses today say “none of the rest dared join them but the people esteemed them highly.”

The apostles and disciples gathered for doctrine and prayers daily on Solomon’s Porch in the Temple in Jerusalem – no one stopped them – and there was an explosion of increase in that early church. Because of what happened to Ananias and Sapphira people feared God  and kept their motivation pure for joining the church.  Remember that Christ Jesus had only recently been crucified because the Jewish leaders had felt threatened and now – even with remarkable daily growth – there was no interference by them.  Yet

God’s plan – especially at the beginning – was to set forth the gospel shown by a multitude of miracles. We are told that even the shadow of the apostle Peter passing by was thought to be enough to heal the sick. The Holy Spirit had entered the apostles Pentecost Sunday and sick people and tormented people were brought to them in Jerusalem – “and they were all healed”. All of them.

Now the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went off to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. (2) Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.”  (3) Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb.  (4) So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first.  (5) And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in.  (6) Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, (7) and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself.  (8) Then the  other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed.  (9) For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead.

Our verses today are from the gospel of John – an eyewitness to both the crucifixion and the empty tomb of Christ Jesus – and they are the historical, verifiable witness to these events. The foundation of Christianity is the bodily resurrection of Christ Jesus. Without this everything crumbles and is meaningless.

When Christ was arrested in the garden of Gethsemane the night before He died, his disciples fled in fear for their own lives.  They still did not understand who Jesus was/is and the arrest and murder of their “Messiah” left them  in a complete panic.  John and Peter did enter Jerusalem with the arresting party and we know that Peter betrayed Jesus and as a result he too was completely distraught. These men were hardly the stuff of conspirators or capable of bold action by stealing the body of Christ from a sealed tomb in the middle of the night – With Roman guards at the tomb.

All the gospels tell us that women were the first to find the empty tomb. Women did not have standing under Jewish law – there were not even allowed to be witnesses. So, why would the story even mention the women?  Because it’s true would be my answer.

Who moved the stone?

The day AFTER the crucifixion the Jewish leaders asked Pilate to post a guard at the tomb. What happened to the Roman guard?  We do know that they reported to the Jewish leaders and were told by them to say the apostles stole the body.  (Please see the second paragraph).  At any time in these first years of Christianity the Jews could have stopped it cold by producing the body.

If the body had been moved why would the burial cloths have been removed from the mangled body. These cloths are mentioned three times in our verses day indicating their importance in telling this story.

The empty tomb was half an hour walk from the old city of Jerusalem and never becomes a place of veneration.  Christianity grew at an astounding rate in those early years in proximity to the empty tomb – implicitly and explicitly the tomb was known to be empty and had been since the resurrection of Christ Jesus. The Jews only had to produce a body to stop cold this belief

There were many post resurrection appearances of Jesus and in those early years many witnesses were still alive and able to contradict this testimony.  Those who saw the resurrected Jesus became changed men.  Our verses today tell us that John was a changed man when he saw and understood the folded burial cloths and the empty tomb.  These believers lived and died for their faith.  They were convinced that Christ was the Lord, the Messiah

If people don’t believe in the resurrection, they don’t want to believe.

When He had said this, He went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.  (29) And it came to pass, when He drew hear to Bethany, at the mountain called Olivet, that He sent two of His disciples, (30) saying, “ Go into the village opposite you, where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat.  Loose it and bring it here.  (31) And if anyone asks you, ‘Why are you loosing it?’ This you shall say to him, ‘Because the Lord has need of it.’”  (32) So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them. (33) But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, “Why are you loosing the colt?”  (34) And they said, “The Lord has need of him.”  (35) Then they brought him to Jesus.  And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him. (46) And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road. (37) Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, saying:  “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD!  Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”  (49) And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.”  (40) But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”

The entry of Christ Jesus into Jerusalem was the first time He allowed a public acknowledgment of His divinity and the proclamation of Him as Messiah. The problem was no one understood the message. There is no human explanation for Jesus – He was always demonstrating His deity but never – until now – allowed crowds to celebrate Him as Messiah.  Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead just a few weeks earlier and had just left Jericho on His way to Jerusalem where He had healed two blind beggars. Huge and expectant crowds followed Him. The people – including the disciples – thought Jesus was the Messiah but they expected The Messiah would bring an earthly kingdom.  Just as Jesus knew about the colt, He knew that it was now God’s timetable and His purpose on earth – He had come to satisfy divine law by His reconciling  and redeeming man  – to conquer sin and death for all who believe.

In just a few short days the adoring crowds disappeared; Judas betrayed Him, Peter failed Him and the apostles fled from Him in fear for their own lives.   Jesus faced the horror of His human life – as the sin offering He was separated from God.  This separation from God was the reason for the agony in the garden.

The misconception of who Jesus is/was came from man centered theology: expecting what Jesus would do for His followers in this world.   The day of the visitation of the Lord had come and Israel missed it even though the prophets had proclaimed exactly what was to happen. Even at that moment –  still – those closest to Jesus missed it.  Jesus Christ had came into this world, true God and true man.  He entered time and space as the Lord of our salvation – as our substitute and redeemer.  In faith in Christ we are reborn; we stand in Him and God remembers our sin no more.   Only in Christ, in faith in His perfect and acceptable sacrifice, do we find salvation.   Salvation is always of the Lord..

Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ (9) and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is not from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; (10) that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, (11) if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.  (12) Not that I already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. (13) Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,  (14) I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

The letter to the Philippians was written by the apostle Paul.   In our somewhat biographical verses today Paul writes of knowing Christ Jesus as our redeemer – not just intellectually but personally.  All else – all of his past life under the law – is meaningless (rubbish).  In the perfect and acceptable substitutionary sacrifice of Christ,  the alienation of man from God is over for those who believe in Christ, His righteousness is imputed to the faithful and God remembers our sins no more. This great gift of justification is never achievable by man’s actions; salvation is always and only of the Lord.

Spiritual growth begins with a basic discontent with our present conditions.  Our faith is a confession of a total belief and dependency in Christ and after justification in Christ, the lifelong process of sanctification has begun.  We are to press on so that Gods purpose in taking hold of us becomes our purpose now, with a singleminded focus and maximum effort  – much like a long distance runner training for a race with no divided allegiances.  In faith, the failures and successes of the past are gone and Paul tells us to not just forget about the past but to reach forward to those things that are ahead.  His purpose was to give all to reach sinners with the gospel – that his suffering in this was part of his ministry and in no way redemptive.  Paul says repeatedly that he’s not at the finish line yet but still in process of sanctification; not by the law but in faith.

The spiritual life of the faithful is in constant battle with the darkness of the world.  We are to remain separate and holy.  This process helps us bear with each other with more understanding of the struggles of others.  True faith results in our commitment and inability to do and live any other way. Reliving the past is a worldly occupation; we are new people in Christ. We can evaluate the past but our verses today command a balance and warn us not to be controlled by the past.  The faithful need to be humble and teachable and motivated – but above all to make sure we are in the race – if we don’t enter the race we cannot win

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.  Walk as children of light (9) (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), (10) finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.  (11) And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. (12) For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. (13) But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. (14) Therefore He says:  “Awake you who sleep, arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.”  (15) See then, that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 

The apostle Paul write the letter to the Ephesians. In our verses today Paul is addressing the faithful living in the pagan culture at Ephesus to remind them who and what they have become in Christ. Paul writes that we – the faithful – used to be darkness as souls spiritually dead.  And now we are light in Christ; not IN light BUT light. This is all about transformation in faith.

A person reborn in faith in Christ Jesus becomes a pattern for Christian living; how the faithful are to behave in Christ.  Our sins are remembered no more.  What is meant by light is knowledge and intellectual assent to Gods truth in contrast to the darkness which is spiritual  blindness to the word of God which is the gospel.  Those without faith are in ignorance of the darkness and Intellectual  darkness yields works of darkness

When we are redeemed in Christ, we are fully redeemed. We become Gods children who are light – there is no middle ground. As such Paul is telling us to be who we are, not what we were  – we didn’t just live in darkness, we were darkness.  This world is filled with those  who cannot see God’s truth – who don’t want to see it.  In the bulletin at a Catholic Church  I attended yesterday an article encouraged the faithful to offer up their suffering for others – as if our actions can assist the completed work of Christ. The article urged the reader to use suffering to make reparation to God for sin – for ourselves and others; or to offer our suffering for the souls in Purgatory.  What this article offered was a trifecta of bad theology.  We can add nothing to the Lord’s perfect sacrifice.  What the article should have said was we are to walk as children of light – live a holy (separate) life in this world and that will expose the darkness in contrast.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, (2)  through whom also we have access by faith into grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  (3) And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; (4) and perseverance, character; and character, hope.  (5) Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit  who was given to us.   (6) For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.  (7) For scarcely for a righteous man will someone die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die.  (8) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. One of the central themes of this   stupendous letter is that no one is righteous before God except through faith alone in Christ alone and that faith is not a single event but a way of life.  One of the blessings of faith is peace with God. We are justified in Christ and this is not just a feeling but a fact.  No good works, penance or philanthropy will do – the entire system of works means nothing.  Peace with God means holding Christ Jesus as our Redeemer.

Paul moves on to commend the faithful to exult in trials – not to get by just by enduring trials but to rejoice in them. This is not a normal response to tribulation but an act of will – not a denial of pain or suffering but an acknowledgment of our knowledge of the truth of the gospel. Grace and that sure knowledge allows us to see the bigger picture – this world is temporal and we are meant for a better place; the earth is not our home. In faith, in Christ, “tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope” which is certain.

In Christ we have hope in what we know to be true – as our outer man is decaying our inner man/woman is being renewed. C.S. Lewis in the Weight of Glory describes our motivation for endurance in joy as a “desire for our own far off county which we find in ourselves even now”.  Later in the same piece Lewis writes that “At present we are on the outside of the world, the wrong side of the door.  We discern the freshness and purity of the morning, but they do not make us fresh and pure. We cannot mingle with the splendours we see.  But all the leaves of the New Testament are rustling with the rumour that it will not always be so.  Some day, God willing, we shall get in.”

Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who do so walk, as you have us for a pattern.  (18) For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:  (19) whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is their shame  – who set their mind on earthly things.  (30) For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, (21) who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able to subdue all things to Himself.  (4:1). Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. 

The letter to the Philippians was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul is using the analogy of citizenship to warn and encourage the faithful to stand firm as citizens of heaven. The Christian Philippians are advised to live like Paul  – he is not saying  that he is perfect but that his life is a practical example of how to walk with God.

The faithful in Philippi lived in this world but were not of it; they were citizens of heaven.  The seductions of this world are traps and stumbling blocks  and some who claimed to be Christians were false teachers – the enemy from within. These people didn’t live as Christians – their deeds spoke who they were. They took their freedom from the Law, in Christ, as permission to be free from God’s moral law and were citizens of this world. They were enemies of the cross who emphasized human worth.  Their end is destruction which is eternal punishment not temporal judgment. They were in the church at Philippi but not truly born again.  They lived for things of this world; their god was their appetite for selfish and sensual pleasures. The Bible does not tell us to live as ascetics but God should be central, not earthly pleasures.

Citizens of heaven wait for the second coming of Christ – this is mentioned in every book of the New Testament except for Galatians – there is debate of the particulars of the second coming but no debate over the certainty of that event. Our bodies will be raised and transformed and Jesus will subject all things to Himself – either voluntarily or by force. Jesus will either come as our Savior or as our judge. Paul warns that in light of the truth of the  second coming we are to stand firm.  Wear this world lightly.

But what does it say?  “the word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is the word of faith which we preach):  (9) that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  (10) For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  (11) For the Scripture says “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”  (12) For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call on Him.  (13) For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul.  In our verses today Paul expresses his great love for the Jews and his best wish for them is their salvation. The foundational doctrine here is the doctrine of justification by grace through faith in Christ. Israel rejected Christ;  rejected the gospel of grace and justification by faith. They thought they could earn salvation by works/keeping the law. Paul writes elsewhere in Romans that if one is to come to God by his/her own works, one has to be perfect – there is no one who is perfect;  the Law proves all are guilty and all need to be saved.

When preaching the gospel to the Jews, Paul used the Old Testament Scriptures to show that all history pointed to Christ.  Jesus, true God and true man, entered time and space and became sin; He bore our guilt for us.  This acceptable sacrifice provided righteousness for us as a free gift of grace in faith. The righteousness of Christ is not attained by works but only received by faith.  This good news applies equally  to gentiles and Jews – both the doctrine of salvation by faith in Christ and the inclusion of the gentiles also proved/proves to be a stumbling block to the Jews.

Only God is inherently righteous – man falls far short.  But the gospel reveals that on the basis of faith and faith alone in Christ, God will impute His righteousness to man.  Man can never earn salvation through works.  This doctrine was the basis for the reformation.  Man is not sovereign – to believe in Christ means to stop believing in self.

So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written “Death is swallowed up in victory.”  (55) “O Death, where is your sting?  O Hades, where is your victory?”  (56) The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.  (57 But thanks be to God who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (58) Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. In chapter 15 Paul is responding to questions from the faithful at Corinth – asking about the resurrection of man. In our early verses Paul shows that there will indeed be a resurrection of the body.  The nature/body of man is corruptible and mortal and in its present form is not admissible to heaven but when the time of our completed salvation comes God has promised He will save His people and death will be swallowed up in that last day. The faithful will be raised up incorruptible – the same body but different – we will be invested in glory and admissible to heaven.

Death proceeds from the anger of God at our sin – but in Christ sin is taken away and death is disarmed. The faithful still carry the remains of sin but it no longer reigns in us. We are transformed spiritually. Death is planting the seed of our bodily transformation. Paul writes the Corinthians that their labor – and his – is not in vain.  They have a firm foundation in the gospel to enable them to remain steadfast – they are sustained so they do not stop short in their race. Without the promise of our resurrection the whole structure of the gospel crumbles – there is no hope of a reward and the race to finish will grow cold.  But all the fear of death is cancelled in hope of our resurrection where death and decay are undone and our bodies – not renewed but changed – live again.

The sting of death is sin but for the faithful in Christ, there is no condemnation. This doesn’t mean we don’t sin but it does mean our sins are covered in Christ.

And so it is written, “The first man Adam becme a living being.”  The last Adam became a living Spirit. (46) However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual.  (47) The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven.  (48) As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly.  (49) And as we have borne the image of the man of dust we shall also bear the image of heavenly Man. 

The apostle Paul wrote the first letter to the faithful Corinthians in response to their doctrinal questions and our verses today concern their questions of how the dead are raised up and what resurrection body do they have?  The Corinthians believed that Jesus was raised from the dead but they did not believe that humans would be resurrected.  Paul devotes chapter 15 of 1 Corinthians to this – he moves from proof of Christ’s resurrection to proof of man’s resurrection.

The human race was created in the first man – what God deigned to give to all he conferred to that first man.  By the fall Adam ruined himself in sin and all men were drawn into that same ruin.  The second man, Jesus, true God and true man, restored our nature. We cannot be restored in Christ without first being born a living soul in Adam. – we live in this world in Adam but Christ Jesus is the beginning and author of heavenly life. The body of Christ was subject to death but by Gods providence, not to corruption. His heavenly life first appeared in His resurrection. The resurrection of Christ is the foundation of the gospel.    Christ is the prototype of our resurrection

Paul is saying the spirit of man is eternal but will not exist eternally without a body. God created man as a whole and will redeem him the same with body and spirit – the spirit will not go back into some cosmic deity. From birth we manifest corruption of the body – the grave reveals the truth about our bodies now but some day we will be raised and that resurrection will reveal the truth of our glorified body – the natural body and our supernatural body are to be different. As we are like Adam now we shall be like Christ – something different and something so the same: incorruptible.  When all flesh is gone – the human sinful part; the part that blocks the glory of God – we will shine forth in the Father.

Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?  (13) But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen.  (14) And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.  (15) Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up – if in fact the dead do not rise. (16) For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen.  (17) And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!  (18) Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. (19) If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most pitiable. (20) But now Christ is risen from the dead and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. The church at Corinth had sent a letter to Paul asking for clarification of doctrine he had preached and specifically about the resurrection of the human body.  The faithful at Corinth embraced the risen Christ, true God and true man, but did not extend this belief in resurrection to themselves.

In the early verses, chapter 15 of this letter, Paul had put forth proofs that Christ had risen and now lists the consequences of no resurrection of Christ. Christianity is a total belief system – you are either in or out. There is hope in Christ only and no other religion system covers us. If Christianity is not true – if Christ did not rise from the dead – we lose.  If Christ’s death had the power to save us, being alive will keep us and denial of this is the antithesis of Christian hope.

If Christ did not rise, and Christ was in every sense true human, the gospel is in vain; there was no acceptable sacrifice for our sin, no redemption, no justification.  And the Bible is false – the apostles are liars, all the faithful in history lived in vain.  If we deny a bodily resurrection we deny Christ.   But now in verse 20, after Paul has provided proof that Christ is risen, Paul claims for Christ firstfruits of the faithful.  The meaning of first fruits is from ancient Jewish law that the first fruits of the harvest were consecrated to God and then the rest of the harvest followed.  Christ’s resurrection was the first bodily resurrection and the rise of the dead – just like the harvest – will follow Him.

Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, (2) by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you – unless you believed in vain. (3) For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, (4) and that He was buried, and that He rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures, (5) and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve.  (6) After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep.  (7) After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles.  (8) Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.  (9) For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. (10) But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.  (11) Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed. 

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. Our verses today address the bodily resurrection of the faithful. Paul founded the church in Corinth and the early Christians DID believe in the resurrection of Christ Jesus, but questioned the resurrection of  the faithful – in a letter to Paul they asked for clarification of this doctrine. So chapter 15 of Paul’s letter was not written to prove to Christians that Christ Jesus literally rose from the dead but to assure them that so also will they.

Paul begins by restating what was already accepted by the Corinthians – the resurrection of Christ.  The transformation of people in a corrupt culture like that of ancient Corinth was the first proof of the truth of the gospel.  In a world where the gospel was revolutionary and  upended the wisdom of the world, Christians, by grace, received the gospel – believed it and stood by it – meaning they showed evidence of their radically changed lifestyle.  These early Christians were the early church and the very existence of the church testified to the truth  of the gospel.  Something was sure going on in that ancient world that a revolutionary – and universal – doctrine was established so quickly.  The world was turned upside down

Paul moves to cite the testimony of scripture – the Old Testament prophecied exactly the circumstance of the promised messiah.  There was the testimony of eye witnesses; literally the resurrected Christ appeared to the apostles and many others.  The apostles went from a frightened group of men who had abandoned their leader in terror and were hiding in an upstairs room to a group of men of unshakable conviction – they were witnesses to the resurrected Christ unto death.  Paul then tells of the 500 witnesses to the resurrected Christ, many of whom were alive and could be easily questioned.  The change of behavior and transformation of the convicted could not have been fabricated – again something astonishing was gong on.  And, finally, the testimony of Paul himself; a man who had been the enemy of Christians had been totally transformed to become God’s chosen instrument.  The completed work of Christ Jesus was the singular event in history – out of time and space God entered the world and through Christ’s acceptable sacrifice man was made right with God – through grace, not the law.