Awake, American Christian, and Behold Your God!

by D. Matthew Brown

The life of a Christian must be to the world an odd existence. For the Christian life, when lived properly, is a life that is lived backwards rather than forward. For while the rest of the world attempts to live life to its fullest at the present time (or as the old Latin phrase puts it, carpe diem), the Christian lives his life in the light of his future Hope, namely the Day when his faith shall become sight and when he receives his glorified body and lives forever in the splendor and the joy of the glory of his God. It is what Mark Driscoll labeled it, reverse engineering, for our lives here on this earth are to be "engineered" in such a fashion that our blessed Hope is demonstrated and fulfilled by our lives.

The apostle Paul puts it this way: "in this hope [viz. the redemption of our bodies] we were saved" (Romans 8:24). For the salvation of our Gospel is laid in store for us in Eternity, when we who bear the curse of Adam shall be ridden of our dead bodies and rise as Christ rose by the glory of the Father (cf. Romans 6:4). This is the glorious Promise and Hope that our God has granted to us, and it is a Promise and Hope that transforms our lives here upon this planet.

For this reason, we are called to live as aliens in this world, as those who are merely passing through it to reach our Homeland. It is for this reason that the prosperous father of our Faith, Abraham, lived in tents rather than in a palace, for this hope was vested in the City whose designer and builder is God (cf. Hebrews 11:10).

It is for this reason that the faithful Macedonians forsook what little material goods they possessed and gave to the aid of the saints out of their poverty in an abundance of Joy (cf. 2 Corinthians 8:1-7). And it is for this reason that our Lord Jesus Christ forsook his rights as God and humbled himself to such an extent that he was born in an innkeeper's barn, labored as a carpenter, lived as a homeless man, preached the truth of God so that all despised him, and endured the shame and the agony of the Cross. All these lived thus because of the Promised Joy that was set before them - a joy to which no riches or sufferings in this world can compare (cf. Romans 8:18).

And it is for this reason that the yoke of Christ is light. For when this life is placed in its proper context, all matters that the world regards as significant become trite to the Christian. For worldly riches are trite when compared to the bounty that is in Christ, fleeting pleasures become trite when compared to the pleasures that are in Christ, mortal life becomes trite when compared to the Life that is in Christ, and the esteem of men becomes trite when compared to the commendation of Christ. Therefore, the call of Christ, which the world regards as nonsensical, namely to lose one's life so that he might gain it, is the only sensible call for those who have tasted and seen that the Lord is good (cf. Psalm 34:8).

However, many in this country who call themselves Christians bear false witness to the Salvation which they profess to have. For they declare that their hope is in Christ, and yet their lives reflect little upon the greatness of their Inheritance. For rather than losing their present life so that they might gain Eternal life, they believe that they can gain life here and also gain it in the Life to come.

Therefore, there is little distinction between those who profess to be Christians and those who do not profess Christ at all. For they both pursue the same things - nice homes, new cars, better careers, prolonged life, bodily health, etc. and the only difference between the two is that one seeks these things bearing a Christian facade and the other seeks these things without that facade. And those who claim no allegiance to Christ have no interest in asking those who claim allegiance to Christ the reason for their hope, for their hope is no different than theirs.

It is for this reason that most Christians in our county cannot preach the Gospel. Though they may take courses on sharing the Gospel, and they may memorize certain scriptures pertinent to the Gospel, they do not preach the Gospel with their lives. And thus when they make converts, they make converts by their false gospel.

And though their gospel may not bear the heresy of Joel Osteen in its word (viz. live your best life now), it does bear it in deed. For anyone who would follow after Christ must not merely talk as he talked, but he must walk the same road he walked - a road of suffering, of poverty, of self-sacrifice, of love - and not to walk that road is to walk the road to destruction.

It is for this reason that our first priority as Christians in America must be the comprehension and the demonstration of the true Gospel by those who profess Christ here. For while it is indeed amiable and essential that we reach the Nations with the Gospel, how we can reach the Nations with that which we do not understand ourselves? As it stands now, we, by and large, hold to a defiled gospel here in the States, and we therefore preach a defiled gospel to the Nations.

It is for this reason that other countries where the Gospel is not tainted send missionaries to American shores. For they have seen that we who have been blinded by tradition and culture cannot see, and they out of deep love for us wish to show us the errors of our ways. Now is the time, as the apostle writes, "To awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you" (Ephesians 5:14).

And to "look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:15). Therefore, live wisely, O Christian, for this life is but a breath, and pleasure in anything but the Gospel of the Hope of the revelation of Christ is vain and will be burned away.

Getting to Know Jesus: 2 Timothy 3

3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

3:8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

3:9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their's also was.

3:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,

3:11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

In Christ Alone

In Christ alone will I glory,
Though I could pride myself in battles won,
For I've been blessed beyond measure,
And by His strength alone I've overcome.
Oh, I could stop and count possessions,
Like diamonds in my hand,
But those trophies could not equal,
To the grace by which I stand.

In Christ alone I place my trust,
And find my glory in the power of the cross.
In every victory let it be said of me,
My source of strength, my source of hope,
Is Christ alone.

In Christ alone will I glory,
For only by His grace I am redeemed.
And only His tender mercy,
Can reach beyond my weakness to my need.
Now, I seek no greater honor,
But just to know Him more,
And to count my gains but losses,
To the glory of my Lord!

In Christ alone I place my trust,
And find my glory in the power of the cross.
In every victory let it be said of me,
My source of strength, my source of hope,
Is Christ alone.

My hope is built on nothing less,
Than Jesus blood and righteousness,
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand,
Sinking sand...

In Christ alone I place my trust,
And find my glory in the power of the cross,
In every victory let it be said of me,
My source of strength, my source of hope,
Is Christ alone.

My source of strength,
My source of hope,
My solid Rock,
Is Christ Alone...
Is Christ Alone!

-a song of praise and worship to Jesus, my Rock and my Redeemer

Getting to Know Jesus: 2 Timothy 2

2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

2:5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

2:6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.

2:7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

2:8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

2:9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

2:11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:

2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:

2:13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

2:14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2:16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

2:17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

2:18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

2:20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

2:23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Bibliolatry 2

by Water in the Wilderness

"And moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yes, he pondered and sought out and set in order many proverbs. The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright - words of truth.

The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd. And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh" (Ecclesiastes 12:9-12).

Bibliolatry: Extreme devotion to or concern with books.

Admonish:

To reprove gently.

To caution; warn.

To remind of an obligation or duty.

In a previous post, I looked at bibliolatry from the standpoint of exalting the Bible above the Lord. I established that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, yet sometimes our love for it can surpass our devotion to God Himself. At this point, it is important to note that anything can become idolatrous, even the things of God. Although this is the most subtlest form of idolatry, we must understand its reality so that we are not taken captive by it.

"Little children, keep yourselves from idols" (1 John 5:21).

Books

Another form of bibliolatry is an excessive love of books. Our family knows this well, for we were involved in the Christian publishing/bookstore industry for years. We understood all too well what Solomon meant when he said that of the making of many books there is no end! What's even more amazing about this verse is that he penned it way before the printing press was invented!

My Testimony

In addition to being in the book industry, I have been an avid reader and lover of books in general. When I came to the Lord, I began reading every Christian book I could get my hands on. During that time, I became lost in bibliolatry and realized one morning that I didn't really know what I believed. I could talk the Christian doctrine, but it was still far from my heart. I knew I was born again, but something just wasn't right.

I sought the Lord and He lovingly prompted me to rid myself of my book collection. For a while I struggled, but eventually I got myself down to about 5 books. He said that was fine because they were reference books! It felt strange for a while, especially because i worked at a Christian bookstore!

Meanwhile, I began to see customer after customer consistently buying book after book depending on what struggle they were going through or what book was popular at the time. I observed the emptiness in the regulars who ended up maxing out their credit cards in hopes of finding comfort and direction, even knowledge, through the books. The Lord began to show me the sadness He felt in watching His sheep trying to lead themselves.

In this way, I began to understand why He had me get rid of my book collection. It wasn't that the books were wrong in themselves; it was that I was trying to lead myself through them. (Please do not take this as an exhortation to get rid of all your books. Book collections aren't bad; mine, however, had my heart. Be led of the Lord). Finally, I realized my longing was for Him and His implanted Word and nothing could fill it; not even books about Him.

As I learned to walk closely with Him, He began to Shepherd my soul and Oversee what I would read. At times I would be led to a certain book; He would lay on my heart, "Just read chapter 2." And that is how it has been ever since. There are times I read entire books; sometimes I just read a chapter or a page. I try to follow his leading at all times, for I have learned that He knows what is best for me.

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake" (Psalm 23:1-3).

There are times, however, where I've been interested in certain books outside of His will for me. In spite of the check in my spirit, I've gone to the library, brought them home, and begun reading. When I did this, I would notice a dryness in my spirit and my husband would kindly ask, "Do you think the Lord wants you reading that book?" Eventually, I would quit the book because He made it so uncomfortable for me. I got sick of dropping books back off at the library during these times and realized He knows what I need.

"Now therefore, listen to me, my children, For blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, And do not disdain it" (Proverbs 8:32, 33).

The Stronghold

Bibliolatry is a stronghold in the Body of Christ. Believers, especially American Christians, are drowning in its deluge. From conferences to "Bible studies" (in reality, book studies), church sermons, and the like, we are constantly bombarded by the temptation to lead ourselves through books. Similarly, Christian publishers vie for the next best seller in the same manner as do the secular publishers.

Please do not misunderstand what I am saying; it's not that books aren't of any value. It's that we each need to be led of the Lord as to what books we ought to be reading. Moreover, we cannot live on others' revelations. There must be a time in our lives where we begin to trust the Lord by allowing Him to Shepherd and Oversee us. In this respect, I am reminded of the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. It is as follows:

"Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.

And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him! Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.'

But the wise answered, saying, 'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.

Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.' Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming" (Matthew 25:1-13).

When the Nazi's invaded Poland, they walked into the Polish people's houses and simply said, "Get out". The Polish were not able to take anything with them except a few clothes. The Nazi's then gave the Polish homes to the Germans, for their government now had control of them. What would you do if that situation were to happen to you today? All you would have is the clothes on your back. You wouldn't be allowed to have your Bible and book collection; it would now be property of the State. Could you manage in Christ alone?

Getting to Know Jesus: 2 Timothy 1

1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,

1:2 To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

1:3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;

1:4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;

1:5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and they mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

1:11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I committed unto him against that day.

1:13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

1:14 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

1:14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

1:15 This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

1:16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

1:17 But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.

1:18 The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

Bibliolatry

by Water in the Wilderness

"But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life" (John 5:38-40).

Bibliolatry: The worship of the Bible.

Are you a worshiper of the Bible or a worshiper of the God of the Bible? Do you set the Bible on par with the Lord? These are questions we must ask ourselves, for it is an easy deception to get into. Please do not get me wrong; the Bible is God's Word, and it is an awe-inspiring book. Be we should never exalt it above the Lord Himself.

An extreme example of this is the King James only sect. These people deify the King James Bible version, even going so far as to worshiping King James himself by insisting that he was a righteous man. I always wonder what the Separatists would think if they were alive! But that's what happens when our allegiance is to dogma, versions, teachers, etc. The idolatry can be so deeply rooted that it affects one's judgment. No fruit can come of this, for it is not of the Spirit, but of the letter.

"And we have such trust through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life" (2 Corinthians 3:4-6).

Biblical Inspiration

The Bible is, as I mentioned above, awe-inspiring! It is a beautiful book of history, poetry, song, tragedy, truth, life, love, especially God's great love for fallen mankind. Within its incredible pages, we observe God's revelation of Himself to man and learn how He personally walked with those chosen from the foundation of the world. On the other hand, it is also a book of mystery, for anyone devoid of the Holy Spirit will not be able to understand it.

"These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:13, 14).

Because of this, its reputation has suffered much as a result of mockers, false prophets, and certain individuals, apart from the Holy Spirit, who hope to shed light upon it, but do it a disservice in the end. Peter even commented on this when he referred to Paul's epistles being difficult to understand.

"...as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures" (2 Peter 3:15, 16).

Now if the Holy Spirit is the Interpreter, it logically follows that He's also the Author. In fact, the Bible tells us that the Scriptures are God-breathed meaning the Holy Spirit Himself came upon men and spoke through them. Many people fail to see the absolute magnificence in divine inspiration - how hundreds of individuals over thousands of years could all speak in complete unity and agreement. Amazing!

"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; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:19-21).

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).

So if the Holy Spirit is the Author and the Interpreter of the Bible, and Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith, how could we ever have the audacity to think we could work the works of God in our own strength by reading devotions and passages of Scripture and applying them to our own lives? In this respect, this practice is really no different than committing yourself to humanistic New Year's resolutions.

Please do not misunderstand what I am trying to say. Reading someone's writings or the Bible itself is not wrong; it is when we read them in a heart seeking to establish its own righteousness. You may even do this daily during your "devotions". In fact, many people remain Bible readers who faithfully do their devotions daily, yet never respond to the Lord's call of repentance unto salvation. How sad to know about the things of God and not know the Creator Himself.

It can even become habitual as you grow in the knowledge of God, while your spirit begins to hunger for the implanted Word and unbelief creeps steadily into your heart like a bandit.

"Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls" (James 1:21).

Only the inspired word (implanted Word) of the Holy Spirit can save, for how we come to God is how we remain in God. The uninspired Word, even though it is the Word, is unable to save. It can however, make us wise unto salvation.

"But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 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" (2 Timothy 3:14, 15).

I want to illustrate how this begins. When a person becomes born again of the Spirit, he simply responds to the Holy Spirit's quickening. He agrees with the Holy Spirit in that he is a sinner in need of God's grace and salvation. He believes what the Lord has communicated to his spirit. At that moment, the Lord regenerates his spirit and "authors" his faith. This is the implanted Word, like a seed, that is able to save. Do you see the difference? The implanted Word is Holy Spirit led. Herein is where much confusion begins.

Instead of continuing in this pattern, the newly converted lamb becomes inundated with the opinions of people (some well-meaning) about how he must find a church, watch someone's half-hour ministry show, read a book or portion of Scripture, go to a certain conference, etc.

The whole host of American Christianity is thrust upon him in a moment, along with its pressure, while his new relationship with the Lord suddenly becomes overwhelming. Sadly, instead of rejoicing and edifying him in how the Lord who saved him will continue in the same manner, via the implanted Word to shepherd him, he now feels the pressure of working his own salvation.

"Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh" (Galatians 3:3).

His newly found hunger for the Word can easily be taken captive by bibliolatry because the pressure to change his own heart to fit a certain mold becomes deafening.

This may not be your story. You may have found it difficult to hear the Lord's Voice, or are having a hard time being a doer and not just a hearer; you may always need your Bible in your "quiet time", finding it difficult to just talk with God anytime or anywhere.

Examine yourself and pray. If the Lord has shown you that this is your struggle, simply agree with Him and ask Him to reveal how this became rooted in your life. For then you'll be able to say, "I was like a sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of my soul!" (1 Peter 2:25).

Getting to Know Jesus: 1 Timothy 6

6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.

6:2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

6:13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

6:14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

6:15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

6:16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

6:20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:

6:21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

The Horns and Their Abusers

by Robert Wurtz II

Post-modernism has virtually criminalized standing for truth. Everyone's opinion is equal, so they say. Yet they don't mind being judgmental calling Christians judgmental. And yet this attitude has crept into the churches. How? In many cases it's because of the institutions of higher learning that pressure Christians to compromise or entice them to elevate themselves to a postmodern mindset.

Understand that political correctness began in the institutions of learning. Tolerance is now somehow exalted over truth, logic, and common sense. There seems to be an enticement to rather appeal to the intellectual elite than to please God. Some are conforming to this world rather than being transformed by the renewing of their minds.

These concepts unlock the wheels of perdition so that lies and deceit can roll through society wrecking and ruining unthwarted! The enemy would have it no other way. And what better than to stroke the pride and ego of a postmodernist as they feel the elation of being "tolerant" - as if tolerance is a virtue.

Getting to Know Jesus: 1 Timothy 5

5:1 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;

5:2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

5:3 Honour widows that are widows indeed.

5:4 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.

5:5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.

5:6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.

5:7 And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.

5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

5:9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man.

5:10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

5:11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;

5:12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.

5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

5:14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

5:15 For some are already turned aside after Satan.

5:16 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.

5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

5:18 For the scripture saith, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

5:20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

5:21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.

5:22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

5:23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.

5:24 Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men follow after.

5:25 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.

The Seeds of Apostasy

by Paul Holdren

John Wesley recounted that within every revival were the seeds of apostasy. By this he meant that with revival came righteousness, with righteousness came favor, with favor came prosperity, and with prosperity came the temptation of self-reliance. The temptation of self-reliance is the first step away from God. It is sad that people are willing to serve the illusion of prosperity by means of self-reliance.

As Americans we can definitely see how this insight fits our country. Our land was birthed with the ideal that a nation should have the freedom to worship the true and living God according to one's conscience. The Almighty had blessed our nation with righteousness. With righteousness came national favor, with favor came prosperity, and now we, as a nation, bear the burdens of decline resulting from our own self-reliance. As American Christians we can see how the Spirit of the Lord could speak of a church that sees itself as "increased of goods and have need of nothing" (Revelation 3:17).

When idolatry's seed of self-reliance yields its crop of perversion, poverty, and struggle - many who claim to be worshipers of Almighty God will turn to other gods. These gods are the gods which originate in the satanically manipulated carnal heart. These gods are conceived in the human imagination and constructed by human hands. These gods of imagery are bombarding Americans now, seducing us in a downward spiral of the media's ongoing promotion of abomination against God.

Our present "it's the economy" or "it's health care" politicians have replaced Jeremiah's prosperity prophets, giving us a false sense of security by proclaiming blessing and peace upon the land. Our "soft-sell" preachers are proclaiming health and wealth, while the glory is preparing to depart from our places of worship. "Change that makes a difference" will not come by the hands of men. "Change that will make a difference" will only come when we cast our idols down at the foot of the cross.

Where are the believers like Ezekiel today? Where are the watchmen on the wall of a nation's destiny - crying out that the enemy is coming, that the glory is lifting, and that God is turning His back? Political correctness tells us not to speak in such a manner. Religious convenience tells us not to prophecy such, for the people have ears that need to be tickled (2 Timothy 4:3).

As passionate believers, we cannot help but speak a word of warning. As passionate oracles of the truth, we must speak the promise of restoration grace in order that many may be given the opportunity to cast down their idols and return to the God of our fathers.

Getting to Know Jesus: 1 Timothy 4

4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

4:3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

4:4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

4:5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

4:6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

4:7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

4:9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.

4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

4:11 These things command and teach.

4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

4:15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

The Face of God

by David Wilkerson

"One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after" (Psalm 27:4). King David knew there had to be more to knowing God; he sensed there was something of the Lord he hadn't obtained, and he would not rest until he found it. He said, in short, "There is a beauty, a glory, and excitement about the Lord I haven't yet seen in my life. I want to know what it's like to have uninterrupted communion with my God. I want my life to be a living prayer. Only that will see me through the rest of my days."

The face of God is his likeness, his reflection. In answering the cry of David's heart to have intimacy with him, God said, "Seek ye my face." David's response was, "Lord, when you said, 'Seek my face,' my heart leapt in response." "My heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek'" (Psalm 27:8).

In answering as he did, the Lord revealed to David that he could satisfy his longings by reflecting God in his own life. He was instructing David, "Learn of me. Search my Word and pray for understanding through the Spirit, so you can be like me. I want your life to reflect my beauty to the world."

This was not merely a call to prayer; David had already been praying seven times a day. In fact, David's prayers are what created this passion in him to know the Lord. No, this call from God was to hunger for a lifestyle that totally reflects who Jesus is.

You see, at Calvary, God took on a human face. Jesus came to earth as a man. God in flesh. And he did this so he could feel our pain, be tempted and tried, as we are, and show the Father. Scripture calls Jesus the express image (meaning the exact likeness) of God. He is the same essence and substance of God the Father (see Hebrews 1:3), the same "engraved cut." In short, he is "the same as" the Father in all ways.

To this very day, Jesus Christ is the face, or very likeness, of God on earth. And because of him, we have uninterrupted fellowship with the Father. Through the Cross, we have the privilege of "seeing his face," of touching him. We can live as he did, testifying, "I don't do anything except as I see and hear it from the Lord."

Today, when God says, "Seek my face," his words have greater implications than at any other time in history. With all that is going on in the world around us, how should we respond? When David was surrounded by a host of idolaters, God said, "Seek my face." And we do it for one purpose: that we may be like him! That we become his express image, so that those who seek the true Christ will see him in us.

Getting to Know Jesus: 1 Timothy 3

3:1 This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

3:3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

3:4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

3:5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

3:7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

3:8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

3:9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

3:10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.

3:11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

3:12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

3:14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:

3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

If You Bribe Them, They Will Come

by Paul Procter

Christian Post reporter, Nathan Black began his latest article titled, "How to Get Youth to Show Up at Church Outreaches" with this little nugget:

Youth leaders generally anticipate high attendance at planned events, but oftentimes only 20 to 50 percent of the expected number show up, according to long-time youth leader Jonathan McKee. "I find that the majority of us sometimes have high expectations and maybe even try to spiritualize it, saying 'We have this God-sized goal,'" McKee, author of the new book Getting Students to Show Up, pointed out in an interview with Youth Specialties.

McKee says the biggest mistake when it comes to trying to get students to show up to events is "the draw." A lot of times, youth leaders just don't provide any "draw" or forget about it completely. "We think 'if we build it, they'll come,'" noted McKee, who heads The Source for Youth Ministry, which equips youth workers with free resources.

Instead of calling it "the draw," why doesn't Mr. McKee call it what it really is - the bribe - the sacred modus operandi of today's church - and point blank ask, "How can we bribe them?" He follows with the usual pragmatic reasoning that almost always accompanies such godless manipulation:

"Why on earth would a student want to come here (church) on Friday night?" the former Youth for Christ staff posed as a question youth leaders should answer when planning outreaches or spiritual growth events. "Why is a kid going to want to leave MySpace and cable or his girlfriend to come out to our outreach program on Wednesday night?"

And so, what does McKee suggest youth leaders do to lure them in?

Some of the simple draw concepts Mckee suggested was free pizza or sporting events youth like.

Pizza? Surely we can do better than that! Here's a better idea. Why not offer attendees a chance to win an iPod, iPhone, or some other lastest greatest gadget like, say, a brand new Wii console? That's what they're doing online now. Or, better yet - why not pay the prettiest girls or handsomest boys from your congregation to personally invite, flirt with, or even date those hard-to-reach youth? If it gets the job done, what's wrong with that?

McKee goes on to explain why tactics like mere self-promotion don't work anymore:

McKee had been invited to speak at a youth rally on the East Coast. As he drove into town, he saw a large sign that read "Youth Rally. Speaker: Jonathan McKee." But for many, the names of youth workers including McKee typically do not ring a bell among youth or others. "If I'm not Justin Timberlake or Diddy, I'm not a draw," said McKee.

See, you youth leaders out there just need to savvy up, combine your efforts and raise more mega-church money so you can afford to pay the hottest singers and celebrities to appear and/or perform at your Christian events. Obviously, you've been thinking way too small, oh ye of little faith.

But hey - if you don't mind throwing money around for Jesus - and booking big stars is out of your budget - why not just do what I suggested in an earlier article from 2003 titled, "Brotherly Bribes" and offer those kids cash to show up?

Getting to Know Jesus: 1 Timothy 2

2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

2:2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

2:6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

2:7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

2:10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

2:11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.

2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

2:13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve.

2:14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.

2:15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

Don't Give Spiritual Custody of Your Children to the Church

by Ray Baumann

America saw the days of manufacturing leave us some time ago. We live in a truly global economy. Look at the labels on your clothes right now. My shoes were made in China, my shirt in India, and my pants in Macau. Pick up a few items around you and see where they were made. My assumption is that most were made in China. Does America make anything? There are few things for which Americans actually have to labor to make anymore. I guess we figure why make the effort if someone else will do it for half the cost? All in the name of cheap labor.

I want to address another outsourcing epidemic happening in our churches. I know you're trying to figure this out. No, I'm not talking about bringing in preachers from overseas and paying them less money than your current pastor. I'm talking about the church taking away responsibilities (labor) from parents.

Before you proceed, remember who is writing this; a father of four and a youth pastor by profession. I am offended at the direction this article is going and I'm the author! This will be a first; an author leaving negative feedback on his own article. I need to be offended once in a while. It makes me stop and evaluate my methods against scripture. It also pushes me and it doesn't feel good.

For the last 20 years we have seen the same pathetic results from our ministry to kids. I do know there are some exceptions and praise the Lord for those, but our approach to youth ministry must change. It is true stupidity to continue to repeat the same process over and over and expect a different result. The saying, "If you want something done right you have to do it yourself," fits so perfectly with training up children because that is the only way it will happen. Raising God-honoring children is an investment few are willing to make. There is great cost involved, thus, many are looking for cheap labor.

You see, the church offers program after program and ministry after ministry directed at our kids. The church believes they can effectively disciple children without their parents, i.e., youth ministry. After 10 years of youth ministry I wish I could go back and spend more time discipling and resourcing parents. The church is failing in youth ministry because it has segregated the family.

If Mom and Dad are looking for the "just add water" approach to discipling their children, the church has a program to do it for you (aka, cheap labor), but it has an extreme failure rate. There is no sacrifice too big, no cost too high, in exchange for shepherding your own children. The church sees discipleship as a 12 week program, and that has never worked. No wonder the church can only retain minimal students when they graduate high school.

It seems everyone has an answer for reaching today's kids. Some say it's a certain curriculum, some say buy your kids good Christian music, take them to a conference or music festival, send them to a Christian college, but it is not working. I don't believe any of those things are bad, but they are not the answer.

Youth ministry has become big business because parents would rather put kids in a program then have to do it themselves. Youth ministries would be unnecessary if the believers took their biblical mandate to parent seriously. There would be prayer and study going on at home. Imagine that -- having church with just your family.

Why is it a great concern for many parents that a church have a children's or youth ministry program? Because parents are looking to sign over spiritual custody of their children to the church. The last place I want my kids to hear about Jesus is on Sunday. We need to continually reference teachings out of the Bible to our children at home.

The sad statistic here is not that high school graduates are leaving churches in droves, but parents didn't prioritize imparting faith to their kids at home. As they say, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Here is the answer: its called family ministry, where Dad and Mom lead the way as they should, biblically. The church should resource the family to spend time together, not segregate all the time. The church should help protect family time instead of taking it away with a million programs throughout the week. It sounds pretty radical; it goes against the flow of mainstream Christianity. But then again, have we aligned ourselves with popular opinion or the Word of God?

Mom and Dad need to re-prioritize, even it it means taking different jobs and giving up hobbies. Sacrifices must be made when it comes to Godly parenting. Family time is a must. Kids must see Mom and Dad lead by example. But just like big business, which favors outsourcing, it would be too costly to give training and discipling back to parents; it may affect their bottom line.

Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go and, when he is old, he will not depart from it."

Getting to Know Jesus: 1 Timothy 1

1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;

1:2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

1:3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

1:6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto a vain jangling;

1:7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

1:8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;

1:9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,

1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

1:11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

1:12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

1:13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

1:14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

1:16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

1:17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

1:18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;

1:19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

1:20 Of whom is Hymanaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

VIDEO: The Adulation of Man in the Purpose Driven Life

courtesy of BereanBeacon

Getting to Know Jesus: 2 Thessalonians 3

3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

3:2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.

3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

3:4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.

3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

3:7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

3:8 Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

3:9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

3:11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

3:12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

3:13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

3:14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.

3:15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

3:16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

3:17 The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.

3:18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

VIDEO: Who's Driving the Purpose Driven Church, Pt. 2

courtesy of BereanBeacon

Getting to Know Jesus: 2 Thessalonians 2

2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,

2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

2:5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

2:6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

2:14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

2:16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

2:17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

VIDEO: Who's Driving the Purpose Driven Church, Pt. 1

courtesy of BereanBeacon

Getting to Know Jesus: 2 Thessalonians 1

1:1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

1:2 Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

1:4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

1:5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,

1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

1:9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

1:10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.

1:11 Wherefore also we 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:

1:12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Humility and Fear of the Lord

by Bob Hoekstra

"By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches and honor and life...with the humble is wisdom...The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 22:4, 11:2, 9:10).

Many of our previous meditations have clearly demonstrated that walking in humility is the pathway for living by the grace of God. "God...gives grace to the humble" (1 Peter 5:5). In our present verses, we see that humility and the fear of the Lord are related.

Humility and the fear of the Lord result in the same blessings. "By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches and honor and life." The closing trio ("riches and honor and life") are an Old Testament description of a life that is fully blessed by God. The New Testament counterpart would be fullness of spiritual life. "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). Humility and the fear of the Lord also result in wisdom. "With the humble is wisdom... The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom."

Humility is the candid acknowledgment of our absolute need for the Lord to work thoroughly in our lives day by day. The fear of the Lord is respect and reverence toward our great God. It is not a fear involving terror or apprehension. Rather, it is based upon profound admiration and dependent devotion.

Those who humbly fear the Lord (by placing their admiration and devotion in Him) also embrace His perspectives and values. They develop a hatred for the things that He hates. "The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate" (Proverbs 8:13). Correspondingly, those who have respect and reverence for the Lord develop a love for all that He loves.

The Lord loves for His people to walk in righteousness and justice. "The LORD loves the righteous...the LORD loves justice" (Psalm 146:8, 37:28). The Lord loves Israel, His chosen nation. "The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples" (Deuteronomy 7:7).

The Lord loves His church, the children of God. "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1). The Lord loves the world, those who need to know Him. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

Lord God Almighty, I humbly bow before You, acknowledging my absolute need for you to work thoroughly in my life day by day. I want to walk in the fear of the Lord, placing my admiration and devotion in You. I want to hate all that You hate and love all that You love, in Jesus' name, Amen.

Getting to Know Jesus: 1 Thessalonians 5

5:1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

5:7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

5:10 Who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

5:12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

5:13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

5:16 Rejoice evermore.

5:17 Pray without ceasing.

5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

5:19 Quench not the Spirit.

5:20 Despise not prophesyings.

5:21 Prove all things: hold fast that which is good.

5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

5:25 Brethren, pray for us.

5:26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.

5:27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

5:28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Pride and Shame or Humility and Wisdom

by Bob Hoekstra

"When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom...The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the legacy of fools" (Proverbs 11:2, 3:35).

In order to live by the grace of God, we must be willing to walk in humility, instead of in pride. "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (1 Peter 5:5). We must be willing to acknowledge our daily, desperate need for God. Any other approach to life is based upon pride (which is a foolish, inaccurate assumption that we are adequate to produce a life on our own. Those who walk in pride end up with shame. Those who walk in humility end up with wisdom.

The Scriptures describe those who foolishly walk in pride, as well as declaring the shame that they experience. "When pride comes, then comes shame...shame shall be the legacy of fools." One example would be the wicked way that many privileged and powerful people persecute the downtrodden and the vulnerable. They are demonstrating their pride. "The wicked in his pride persecutes the poor; Let them be caught in the plots which they have devised" (Psalm 10:2).

Their shame is that they can become entangled in the very schemes that they have contrived. Another example is seen in those who arrogantly oppose the people of God. "This they shall have for their pride, because they have reproached and made arrogant threats against the people of the LORD of hosts" (Zephaniah 2:10).

Their shame was announced as a barrenness so severe as to be likened unto the end of Sodom and Gomorrah. "Therefore, as I live,' says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, 'Surely Moab shall be like Sodom, and the people of Ammon like Gomorrah - overrun with weeds and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation (Zephaniah 2:9).

In contrast to the shame that comes to the prideful, is the wisdom (and resulting glory, or honor) that comes to the humble. "With the humble is wisdom... The wise shall inherit glory." Those who walk humbly before the Lord find the godly wisdom available in the Lord's infallible word. "The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple" (Psalm 19:7).

This wisdom from God brings honor to the humble ones who live by it. "A man's pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor" (Proverbs 29:23). Again, this honor for the humble is in striking contrast to the wretched and ignoble that pride engenders.

Dear Lord of Glory, how fitting that those who pridefully oppose You will be brought low and will end up in shame. I do not want to be numbered among them. I desire to walk in humility, to eagerly acknowledge my desperate need for You every day in every way, and to be compassionate toward the needy. I desire to bless Your people, to humbly seek the wisdom of Your word, and to be a vessel of honor unto You, through Christ Jesus, my Lord, Amen.

Getting to Know Jesus: 1 Thessalonians 4

4:1 Furthermore than we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

4:2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.

4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

4:4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

4:5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

4:6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

4:7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

4:8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

4:9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

4:10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;

4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

4:12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.