Dry Bones

Yom Kippur 2009

The Day of Atonement is upon us again. The next Dry Bones cartoon will appear next Wednesday, September 30 ...along with a very special notice!Tsom Kal, have an easy fast.

How‟s your walk with God? ~ Kay Arthur

How‟s your walk with God?

You say, “What do you mean?”

I mean this, has it gotten any better?
Have you gotten any closer?
Do you find a real change in your life, a real transformation?
Do people look at you and say, “Hey, you are not what you used to be.”

If that‟s not happening, I want to ask you another question, have you possibly veered from the way that you‟re supposed to walk? Have you, in a sense, felt like this is too much bondage, and you tear it off, and you put it off, and you don‟t want that? We‟ll talk about that today as we look at God‟s precepts for life.

Remember our theme for this week is: “O LORD, do not Your eyes look for truth…?” (Jeremiah 5:3) And as we have seen when he talks about truth, he‟s not just talking about the statement of truth, the fact of truth; he‟s talking about truth that permeates our being that comes from the inside out.

He‟s talking about a faithfulness.

He‟s talking about fidelity to who God is, to what truth is.

It means that you are an expression of truth. Well, as we look at Jeremiah chapter 5, what we see is God‟s looking for truth and He cannot find truth. And He can‟t find truth because [they have broken their bonds, they have burst forth from the yoke.] (PARAPHRASE, Jeremiah 5:5) They do not want God ruling over them. Or they, they want to know about Him. They want to say, “Hey, the Lord lives.” But they are speaking falsely because they‟re not living as the Lord lives. And this is what we want to talk about today. Let me read it to you. It says, “„…Although they say, “As the LORD lives”…,‟” and this is verse 2, “„…surely they swear falsely.‟ O LORD, do not Your eyes look for truth…?” (Jeremiah 5:2-3)

Yes, You‟re looking for truth. And so he goes to the poor, and he says, [“Oh well, the reason they don‟t know is because they‟re poor.] (PARAPHRASE, Jeremiah 5:4) And then he says, “[„I‟ll] go to the great and [I‟ll] speak to them….”

And it says, “„[Surely] …they know the….ordinance of [the Lord]….‟” But verse 5, the last two lines says this, “[And] …they too, with one accord, have broken the yoke and burst the bonds. Therefore a lion from the forest will slay them, a wolf [from] the deserts will destroy them, a leopard is watching their cities. Everyone who [gets] out of them [out of the city] will be torn [to] pieces….” It says, “…because their transgressions are many, [and] their apostasies are numerous.” (Jeremiah 5:5-6)

Now do you know what apostasy means? Apostasy means that you once held to something. You once said it was truth, and you lived accordingly. But now you‟re saying, “Well, maybe it‟s not true. Maybe that‟s not the way it should be.” And so what you once held as a belief, you now turn from. And that‟s why he‟s talking about breaking the yoke and bursting the bonds. I said it crooked before. But this is what he‟s talking about here.

All right, now he says, “Because you‟re doing this; therefore, the animals are getting you.” Now they debate, are these animals, pictures of the kingdoms that are coming against them? Well, you know, I kind of think from Ezekiel, who is a contemporary prophet, that this could be literal, literal attacks by the animals.

And let me show you why. In Ezekiel chapter 14, in verse 13 it says, “„Son of man, if a country sins against Me by committing…,‟” now watch, “„…unfaithfulness…,‟” they‟re not faithful, “„…and I stretch out My hand against it, destroy its supply of bread, send famine against it and cut off from it both man and beast…,‟” then he says, “„…even though these three men, Noah, Daniel and Job were in [it]....‟” (Ezekiel 14:13-14)

They could not deliver anybody else only themselves. So then He goes and He talks about what‟s going to happen in His judgments that He is going to send on the land. And when you look at His judgments, one of His judgments is verse 15, “„If I were to cause wild beasts to pass through the land and they depopulated it….‟” (Ezekiel 14:15)

In other words, the beasts would come in and devour the people. When does this happen? It usually happens in famine. So when I look at this, I think, OK, I think personally that He‟s judging them with these aggressive, aggressive animals. Why? That‟s the question. Well, it says, “…because….” look at verse 6, “…[because] their transgressions are many, [and] their apostasies are numerous.” (Jeremiah 5:6)

I want to share with you something that was published on the internet on “WorldNet Daily.” It came out January the 17th in the year 2009. And these were the stats for this time. And what he‟s sharing is a report from George Barna, who was a pollster. And listen to what he says because this describes us. Our transgressions are many. Our apostasies are numerous.

He says, “Half of Americans who call themselves „Christian‟ don‟t believe that Satan exists and fully one-third are confident that [when] Jesus [was here on the earth] He sinned.” Now these are people that call themselves Christians. Now, in this article that “WorldNet Daily” presents to us, he tells Barna‟s qualifications for “born-again.”

They “were defined as people who said they had made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that was still important in their life today.” They “also indicated that [when] they believed that when they die they would go to heaven because they had confessed their sins, and had accepted Christ as their Savior.” So that is Barna‟s definition for born-again.

Now if George and I sat down, and we had the opportunity to talk, I would ask him, what if he put one more qualification in there to describe whether they truly were born-again?

And that qualification that I would put in there is that there has been a change in their life. A change that has lasted, not a temporary change, and then all of a sudden they are back to their old way of life. Because you see the Bible teaches that if you are truly born-again, if you‟re truly a child of God, then what‟s going to happen is you‟re going to become a new creature, a new creation in Christ Jesus. [Old things are going to pass away. All things are going to become new.] (PARAPHRASE, 2 Corinthians 5:17) That‟s 2 Corinthians chapter 5, verse 17.

The whole book of 1 John, shows you the difference between true Christianity and false Christianity.

And he‟s saying, “If you‟re saying that you are a follower of Jesus Christ and you are not walking the way Jesus walked, hey, you didn‟t get it! You didn‟t get saved. You‟re not truly born-again. You‟re not truly a child of God. So I would add that. But according to his definition, Barna‟s definition, a third of them say that Jesus sinned when He was here on earth.

That means they do not understand sin, the wages of sin. They don‟t understand the incarnation of Jesus Christ. (See Colossians 2:9) They don‟t understand that He was born of a virgin. (See Matthew 1:23)

He was born without sin.

They don‟t understand the primary doctrines of the Christian faith. It goes on to say that “Another 40 percent [of these people] say [that] they do not have a responsibility to share their Christian faith with others, and 25 percent „dismiss the…Bible [as being] accurate in all of the principles that it teaches.‟”

This is what they‟re saying, a quarter of all these that identified themselves as born-again, that is 25 percent of those people are saying, “Hey, hey, it is not true. It‟s not accurate.” So if it‟s not accurate then where do we go? Are we left to our own reasoning? Are we left to our own education? Are we left to our own experience? Are we left to the teaching of others who are mere men like we are?

No, the Bible is accurate. Now just stop and think about this. These are apostasies that are numerous. These are transgressions that are many because it is a sin not to believe in Jesus Christ. This is the sin that takes people to hell.

And you see that as Jesus teaches that in John chapter 6. Now he goes on to say this, “„Growing numbers of people now serve as their own theologians-in-residence. One consequence is that Americans are embracing an unpredictable and contradictory body of beliefs.”

Because they‟re their own theologian-in-residence, because, you‟re not going to tell me what to believe.

The purpose of this program is for you to discover truth for yourself so that you have a plumb line by which you measure everything that you hear.

Our motto is that we want to help you discover truth, to go deeper and then to disciple others. But what do we want you to discover for yourself? What do we want you to go deeper in? It‟s the Word of God. Why? Because it is the Word of God from cover to cover, it‟s 66 books.

God expects you to know 66 books.

That‟s why He gave them to you, but these have become their own theologians. “The results are a dramatic departure from the nation‟s foundings, when leaders held prayer meetings in the halls of congress and attributed to Almighty God the victory in the Revolutionary War.” We are in trouble. 50 percent of Americans believe that Christianity has no longer a lock on people‟s hearts. If you‟ve departed from the Lord, if you aren‟t what you used to be, and you‟re going down hill have you locked your heart against God? We‟ll talk about it more in just a minute. You don‟t want to miss it.


Welcome back. When I left you remember I was telling you that according to Barna‟s study, 50 percent believe that Christianity no longer has a lock on their hearts.

Do you realize what that‟s saying?

That means half of all of those that declare themselves to be born-again, that believe that Jesus Christ is relevant in their lives today, and that they are going to heaven, half of them say, “Christianity does not have a lock on my heart.” Christianity is to have a lock on your heart because true Christianity is obeying God, believing God. It is faithfulness to God. So have there been changes in your life? This is what I asked you when we opened this program.

Are they seeing more and more and more that you‟re becoming like Jesus, that more, and more, and more you‟re in love with God, that more, and more, and more you‟re walking in the spirit etc.? And having a fruitful life and serving God and sharing the gospel? If that‟s not happening then Christianity no longer has a lock on your heart.

Listen to what he said, “Two-thirds of evangelical Christians (64 percent) and three out of every five Hispanics (60 percent) embracde that position, making them the groups more convinced of the shift in America‟s default faith.” Default faith. That means that we are just like what we read in Jeremiah chapter 5. “…Everyone [that] goes out of [the city] will be torn [to] pieces….”

They will be devoured by the judgment of God. Why? “…Because their transgressions are many, [and] their apostasies are numerous.” Have you turned from what you once held dear? Have you turned from that absolute consecration to God? He says, “„Why should I pardon you [why should I pardon you]…?‟” (Jeremiah 5:6-7)

Listen to what He says, “„…Your sons have forsaken Me and sworn by those who are not gods when I…,‟” God, “„…[had] fed them to the full….‟” What did they do? “„…They committed adultery….‟” Now He‟s not talking about spiritual adultery; He‟s talking about physical adultery. He says, “„…[They] trooped [they trooped and they got] to the harlot‟s house.‟” (Jeremiah 5:6-7) They sat down in the harlot‟s house. Now how did they get here? They turned away from God. They went after other gods. And then they trooped to the harlot‟s house where they are going to commit adultery.

So He says, “„They were well-fed lusty horses, each one neighing after his neighbor‟s wife.‟” Now doesn‟t that sound like America today? I mean, doesn‟t that sound like us today fornicating all over the place? “„Shall I not punish these people,‟ declares the LORD „…on a nation such as this shall I not avenge Myself?‟” (Jeremiah 5:8-9)

“I‟ve got to judge. I‟ve got to judge because of their apostasy, because of their sin, because of their transgression. I have to judge them. I can‟t, I can‟t tolerate them. My justice demands it. My character commands it, My righteousness, My holiness commands it. I‟ve got to do it.” I want you to see exactly what‟s happening here because I want you to understand what happens to you when you have a knowledge of God, and you turn away from that knowledge of God.

Now I believe that what I‟m going to show you is that these people never were saved. But I believe even in this, if you‟ll go to Romans chapter 1, that even in this that what you‟re going to see is the danger of turning away from God. In Romans chapter 1 it‟s talking about the gospel and its power to save us. It‟s power; I want you to understand that. And it says, “For in it [in the gospel] the righteousness of God is revealed…,” now listen carefully, “…from faith to faith; as it is written…,” And then he‟s quoting what I shared with you in the last program.

It‟s written that, “„…THE RIGHTEOUS…SHALL LIVE BY FAITH .‟” Let me read it again. “For in it [in the gospel,] the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, „BUT THE RIGHTEOUSE…SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.‟” (Romans 1:17)

Well, He‟s just quoted Habakkuk 2:4 that we looked at. “E-m-u-n-a” He‟s talking about faithfulness. “…„BUT THE RIGHTEOUS [one] SHALL LIVE BY [his faithfulness].‟” (Romans 1:17) And this is what God is calling us to. This is the eyes of the Lord seeking truth. (See Jeremiah 5:3)

As you know, that word for truth means “faith.” You say, “I don‟t know. I missed that.” You missed the last program. You want to go online to “preceptsforlife.com.” You want to download our study guide. This is vital, crucial. A life and death kind of teaching. You‟ve got to know where you are. You‟ve got to know if you‟re inviting the blessing of God or the judgment of God, and I‟m not talking about God making you prosperous, I‟m not talking about prosperity teaching. I‟m talking about the genuine blessing of God in your life.

And so as you look at this, he‟s saying, “… „THE RIGHTEOUS…SHALL LIVE BY [his] FAITH.‟” His faithfulness this is what God‟s looking for. It says, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men…,” now watch, “…who suppress the truth [and] unrighteousness.” (Romans 1:17-18)

What are they doing? They are holding down the truth. The truth of what God intends for men. The truth about who God is. The truth about the way God changes a life. Do you know how they are suppressing the truth of God? It‟s in their unrighteousness. It‟s because they are not living the way that God says live. Is it no wonder that Jeremiah quotes and tells us, “O LORD, do not Your eyes search for truth [for faithfulness]…?” (Jeremiah 5:3)

So what you see in Romans chapter 1, and just these verses, and we‟re going to continue this in our next lesson because it is absolutely vital that you understand this, but what you see is there is the righteousness of God that leads to salvation. There is an unrighteousness, an ungodliness that leads to the wrath of God.

And you have a choice of whether to follow God or not to follow God.

You have a choice whether you are going to hear truth, you‟ve got a Bible. There‟s Bibles all over this country. I mean, you go to a hotel room they wouldn‟t mind sharing that with you.

The Gideon‟s put it in there for you to have.

You can have the Word of God. You can study the Word of God. Or you can reject the Word of God. Or you can know it and turn from it like the stats in Barna. It is no wonder that God‟s eyes are searching for truth, Precious One, searching for truth, searching for faithfulness. Will His eyes fall on you? I pray, you say, “Oh, yes. Yes! Yes, I want them to.”

We tell other people about Jesus ~ David McGee

Acts 8:35

35 So Philip began with this same Scripture and then used many others to tell him the Good News about Jesus.
NLT

Life Lesson
 

We tell other people about Jesus because Jesus told us to.

Jesus told us in many places of scripture to tell others about Him. He has asked us to tell others their sins can be forgiven if they come to Him. This is the best news that the world has ever heard.

Why then is it so hard?

First, there is a very real spiritual battle going on.

To add to that, we often think that we are responsible for getting someone to believe what we tell them about Jesus. The Bible actually tells us that God is the one who gives the increase. The Holy Spirit is the one who convicts or convinces people of both their sin and their need for a Savior.

What is our part?

Our part is to simply tell others about the Good News.

When we realize that it is God's job to convert, it frees us up to tell others about Jesus. It makes something that could have been terrifying, a sheer joy to speak about. May you find the joy of telling others about the great news about Jesus and place the results in His hand. There are no better hands to leave them in.

Dear Lord,
I know that I have thought it was my responsibility for converting people. I admit that at times I have been discouraged. I thank you for the honor of telling others about you, and I accept that you will strengthen me to do so. Help me to simply tell others of the joy that I have found in you, and direct them on how to find you. I know that you will be faithful to draw them to yourself.

Thank you for making me part of your plan to tell others. Help me to serve you.

In Jesus' name. Amen.

Afraid that Jesus would get mad? ~ Mike MacIntosh

For He taught His disciples and said to them, "The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him. And after He is killed, He will rise the third day." But they did not understand this saying, and were afraid to ask Him.
Mark 9:31-32

Is there something in your life today that you're afraid to ask the Lord about?

The disciples were afraid that Jesus would get mad at them for asking, or that they would look foolish for not understanding. In school, do you remember hearing teachers say, "Don't be afraid to ask because there's no such thing as a stupid question." If our schools suggest this to be true, why would we be fearful of a gracious and loving God?

Sometimes I have found that people hold onto their sins so tightly. Well, you can't hang onto your sins forever (Numbers 32:23). Jesus Christ wants to forgive you of your sin and of your past, if you'll just let Him. Not asking for His help and His forgiveness is sin!

We need to stop being afraid to talk to our spouse. We need to ask for help from family or friends when it may seem uncomfortable to do so. We need to realize that we don't always have the answers or solutions to everything. We need to continue to be open and seek out wise counsel and advice. Look to the Word of God for your wisdom. Seek out Godly people in your church and bounce your question off of them. And most importantly, seek the Lord! Go to Him and don't be afraid. He is our constant friend.

You should never be afraid to talk to Jesus about anything. Be open about talking with Jesus about everything -- whatever is on your heart. And instead of talking behind people's back, talk to Jesus about those people. Instead of carrying these burdens, cast your cares upon Him because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).

Life goes by so fast ~ Jon Courson

Somehow, we think we’re going to live a long time, but James was right when he said life is a vapor, a puff of steam (4:14). Life goes by so fast. Make it count.

How?

Redeem it. Find ways in which you can say, ‘I don’t want to waste this time because I don’t have a lot of time left!’

According to USA Today, the average American will spend six months of his life waiting at red lights. People say, ‘I just don’t have time to pray’ — but what if they decided that at every red light they would pray for people in the Fellowship, for people in the Rogue Valley who don’t know Jesus, for people in the world who have never heard His name?

What if they decided to keep an open Bible on the seat next to them in order to read a verse or two during every red light? People say they don’t have time to read, to pray, to memorize, to study. Yes they do. I’m not even talking about getting up at 3 a.m. I’m talking about just using the time they’re at stoplights.

Oh, that we would redeem the time!

If anyone is in Christ ~ Mark Balmer

Based on “Under HIS Influence – Changed Lives” 

by Pastor Mark Balmer; 

Message #MB390; Daily Devotional #1 - 

“Key Changers”

Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

If you are reading this devotional on your computer screen, you are sure to have a keyboard somewhere close at hand that is laid out with what is called the QWERTY letter arrangement.  When Christopher Latham Sholes, the inventor of the typewriter, developed the original keyboard, he realized that the keys would jam if typing occurred at a great speed because too many frequently used letters were placed too close together. So the QWERTY system, so named for the first five letters in the upper left part of the keyboard, was developed to actually slow down typists by placing the most frequently used letters as far apart as possible.

He then publicly, and falsely, claimed that the QWERTY system was scientifically devised to promote efficient typing. According to research, however, any other keyboard arrangement would actually be easier for typing. In fact, in 1936, August Dvorak did invent a more efficient keyboard, but by then the QWERTY had been so widely accepted, it was too popular to be replaced. Now, with the use of computers instead of typewriters, jamming keys are no longer an issue, and new, better keyboards would only be a matter of rearranging the keys and reprogramming the system, but still we persistently cling to what we have come to know best.

 

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): 

Because past generations accepted a lie as fact, new keyboarders are taught with that same inefficient system today.  And each generation tolerates and passes on the failings of the old, rather than embracing an improving change.

It is an apt picture of human nature to persist in the path of least resistance rather than go through the effort it would take to make changes for the better. God is offering us a new and better way when we turn our lives completely over to Jesus. We don’t have to make the mistakes of our parents. We can rise above the shortcomings and faults we struggle against, and we can let God reprogram our hearts and rearrange our key issues. Instead, too often we cling to old, mediocre ways just because they are what we know and improvement would take determined effort.

 

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): 

Saul was determined to cling to the old ways. He was a QWERTY kind of guy. Watching Stephen’s stoning, and witnessing the unwavering faith of those he dragged off to prison, wasn’t enough to pry him away from the old ways, so God used a shocking, but more powerful approach to convince him of his need. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to wait for a Damascus Road experience to embrace the changes God has appointed for me. I don’t want to pass on wrong thinking to my friends and family.

I want to abandon anything that originates in my self, and wholly cling to Jesus. Each of us has key issues on which God would put His finger of change. He is speaking to you about an area even as you read these words. Now is the time to embrace His leading and start the work of Holy Spirit inspired changes.

Cultivating (Additional Reading): Ephesians 2:1-10 

Judah said to his brothers ~ Bob Coy

Character Arc

So Judah said to his brothers, "What profit is there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? "Come and let us sell him?" -Genesis 37:26-27 (NKJV)

Character Arc: The status of a particular character as it unfolds throughout a story or story line.

The Bible abounds with compelling characters. And what often makes them so compelling is their character arc. Where they start isn't where they ultimately end up. There's a powerful progression, a meaningful migration, a joyous journey.


Judah is one such example. Scripture singles him out as the one who proposed that he and the rest of his brothers sell Joseph into slavery. This is much more than just an insight into Judah's self-centered nature. It's a detail that deserves to be tracked.


Twenty years into the future we find the tables had turned. Joseph became a mighty ruler in Egypt, and Judah and his brothers are forced to beg him for food. Judah and the others don't recognize Joseph, but Joseph instantly makes the connection. Instead of seeking revenge, Joseph seeks reconciliation. But before reconciliation can happen, there needs to be a transformation-a transformation in the self-centered character that led the brothers to sell Joseph into slavery.


Joseph tests their hearts by giving them the same opportunity to selfishly sell out another brother. Remarkably, it's Judah, the one with the greatest guilt, who rises up and offers to suffer in another brother's place (Genesis 44:33). In doing so, Judah reveals that his heart had made the journey from self-centeredness to selflessness. The arc in Judah's character was now complete, and his transformation meant the door of reconciliation was finally open.


The character arc we witness in Judah is what should happen when we become new creations in Christ. Old motives for personal profit are to be exchanged for a desire to bless and benefit others. Interestingly enough, Judah's name means praise, which is our heart's response as God continually crafts our character into Christ's.

Discuss, Dig, Decide

Discuss the faith journey of your favorite character in the Bible. Who do you identify with the most and why? How is this person’s journey like your own?

Dig into Genesis Chapter 44. What do you believe Joseph’s motive was? How do you see Judah’s heart change during this episode? What was Judah’s deepest concern? How are you seeing God change your heart, especially in the area of putting others first?

Decide to put the needs of others before your own. Plan a time for your group to skip a meal, and then go and take the food that you would be eating and offer it to those who have no food or home. Show the love of Jesus to folks who need it most.

A Good Soldier Serves ~ Charles Stanley

A Good Soldier Serves

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READ | 2 Timothy 2:22-26

A good soldier is a servant. 

In addition to acting on behalf of his country in combat situations, he is called upon to aid the local populace, liberate captives, and keep peace within the ranks. He must think about more than his own skin. Likewise, a Christian soldier’s job includes watching over those working alongside him.

The Christian soldier protects the unity of the church. Worship communities divide over both important and trivial issues. Sadly, most splits are ugly battles between people who ought to be fighting side-by-side against a common Enemy. Paul warns believers not to be quarrelsome. Instead we’re to work out differences with kindness and show patience when wronged. Moreover, a sensitive, loving correction can often settle tempers and clean a wound torn in the church body. Then healing is possible. 

The Christian soldier rescues those imprisoned by sin. A gentle correction is also useful when speaking to fellow believers ensnared by the Devil. Just as the men and women in a combat unit guard each other, we are to care for our spiritual brothers and sisters. Or as Paul explained, we “admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak” (1 Thess. 5:14). Our standing orders are to reflect Jesus to the world, beginning with each other (v. 13).

While these are things believers should do for one another, a servant-soldier’s top priority should be having a godly attitude. Respond to other spiritual warriors as Christ would. To keep your heart and mind right, you must be in God’s Word—reading, studying, and making His principles your own.

To live by the grace of God ~ Bob Hoekstra

Pride and Shame or Humility and Wisdom

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 and 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 end 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.

Since the beginning of time ~ Raul Ries

The Seven Bowl Judgment

“Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels.
Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth.”
Revelation 16:1

Since the beginning of time God has mapped out the future of mankind and the world. His wonderful gift of salvation was all a part of His design and love for the human beings He created. However, there are many who reject God and His grace. There are many who will go to their death cursing God. There is a day coming when God will judge the wicked of the earth.

Read Revelation 16. God displays his ultimate wrath on the earth with the judgment of the seven bowls. This final set of judgments will usher in the Battle of Armageddon and the return of Jesus Christ to the earth. Whether its painful sores, water turning to blood, natural disasters, or war – God will deal with all those who have rejected His Son through very specific judgments. God wants you to be in heaven with Him and to escape the wrath that is to come. Have you accepted God’s free gift of Salvation?

Thought for the Day:
Throughout all the bowl judgments,
The people on earth will still blaspheme
The Lord God and not repent!

Can you find joy in the success of another leader? (88-1) ~ Barry Werner

Can you find joy in the success of another leader? (88-1)

Nothing tests a leader more than to realize that God is going to elevate someone on their team to a higher position in the organizational chart or that God is going to move them down in the organizational chart. Read 1 Samuel 18:1 and chapter 20 and 23:15-18.

Normally a king’s son would do everything within his power to possess his father’s throne, but not Jonathan. He was a prince who knew and accepted that somebody else would be the next king. Why? Because he understood that God had chosen a man other than himself to occupy his father’s throne.
Exhausted and depressed, David had found refuge in the desert of Ziph. Somehow Jonathan found his friend and gave David what he needed the most – words of encouragement that helped him find strength in God.
Jonathan first reminded David of God’s plan for him and then renewed his commitment to David in the form of a covenant. Jonathan reminded David that neither adversity nor his father Saul’s hatred for David had changed their relationship. Jonathan had accomplished what only a true friend and a skilled leader can do – he had demonstrated his commitment with words that encouraged.

I remember the exact moment when, for the first time, I had a shining star working for me that I knew had more talent, charisma and potential to lead and succeed than I had. I can still feel the emotions as I faced the fact that I was in a critical spot to help launch this individual’s career or I could try to hold them to further my own position by utilizing their skill. Leaders that are honest before God strive to view every leader in their sphere of influence as someone they can help, not hold back.

Where are you in the process of becoming a selfless leader? Can you find joy in the success of another leader even if it means you may be held back from that position? Is there a leader on your team you can launch rather than hold on to?

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Tags: Friend, Selfless

« Are you an effective encourager? (87-5)

Do you treat your rivals with honor? (88-2)

What is a disciple? ~ Greg Laurie

What is a disciple?

I thought I would recap a few things from my message on discipleship this last Sunday, in case you missed it.

In the Great Commission, Jesus told us all to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations. But what does that mean to make disciples? And more to the point, what exactly is a disciple?

As I have stated before, every disciple is a Christian, but not every Christian is necessarily a disciple. So, before I can make disciples, I have to be sure that I myself am one, because it takes one to make one.
In Luke 14, Jesus laid out His requirements for discipleship. Let’s look at one of them here.

1. The disciple must love Jesus more than anyone or anything else.

Jesus said, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26).

I know that statement sounds shocking to us today. We ask, “Is Jesus really asking me to hate my family members to follow Him?”

In the light of the New Testament, we see that Jesus was not demanding an unqualified hatred. He could not command us to honor our fathers and mothers and then also demand that we hate them.

He could not command husbands to love their wives, just as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for her, and then advise them to hate them. He could not tell His followers to love their enemies and hate them at the same time.

The fact is that we are to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, and love one another as Christ has loved us. That is what Scripture teaches.

How can I hate and love at the same time?
So what gives with this statement about hating father, mother, wife, children, etc.?

Jesus was using the method of sharp contrasts, essentially saying that your love for God must be so strong, so intense, that all other loves would be like hatred in comparison.

Another way to say it would be, “If you want to really be My disciple, and live your Christian life to its fullest, you must love Me more than anyone or anything else!”

Again, more than anything or anyone else. You must love God more than your career or your possessions. You must love God more than your friends. You must love God even more than your family!

You might say, “My marriage is the most important thing in my life! My wife/husband is my No. 1 priority!”
As noble as that sounds, it is the wrong No. 1 priority. Marriage is important, but it should not be the most important thing in your life.

Jesus should be
.
The fact is that when you make Jesus the center of your life, you will be a better spouse.
Others might say, “Our children are the center of our life!” Listen, Jesus should be the center of your life! In fact, if you want to ruin your children, make them the center of your life.

The best thing we can do for our children is to show them how to make Jesus the Center of their lives because He is the center of yours.

That’s what a disciple does. More on this tomorrow.

Because this widow troubles me~ WoW

Entrance into the Kingdom

Luke 18:1-14; Mark 10:1-31; Psalm 107:23-25; Proverbs 19:18

Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying:

"There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, 'Get justice for me from my adversary.' And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, 'Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.'"

Then the Lord said, "Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?"

Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men-extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.' And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Then He arose from there and came to the region of Judea by the other side of the Jordan. And multitudes gathered to Him again, and as He was accustomed, He taught them again.

The Pharisees came and asked Him, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" testing Him.
And He answered and said to them, "What did Moses command you?"

They said, "Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to dismiss her."

And Jesus answered and said to them, "Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. But from the beginning of the creation, God 'made them male and female.' 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."

In the house His disciples also asked Him again about the same matter. So He said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery."

Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them.

Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?"

So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not bear false witness,' 'Do not defraud,' 'Honor your father and your mother.'"

And he answered and said to Him, "Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth."

Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me."

But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!" And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, "Who then can be saved?"

But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible."
Then Peter began to say to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You."

So Jesus answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time-houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions-and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first."
Luke 18:1-14; Mark 10:1-31

WORSHIPThose who go down to the sea in ships,
Who do business on great waters,
They see the works of the LORD,
And His wonders in the deep.
For He commands and raises the stormy wind,
Which lifts up the waves of the sea.
Psalm 107:23-25


WISDOM
Chasten your son while there is hope,
And do not set your heart on his destruction.
Proverbs 19:18

Keep It Simple ~ Chuck Swindoll

Keep It Simple
by Charles R. Swindoll 


Micah 6:6-8

Micah isn't exactly a household word. Too bad. Though obscure, the ancient prophet had his stuff together. Eclipsed by the much more famous Isaiah, who ministered among the elite, Micah took God's message to the streets.

Micah had a deep suspicion of phony religion. He saw greed in the hearts of the leaders of the kingdom of Judah, which prompted him to warn the common folk not to be deceived by religious pretense among nobility. In true prophetic style, Micah comforted the afflicted and afflicted the comfortable. He condemned sin. He exposed performance-based piety. He championed the cause of the oppressed. He predicted the fall of the nation. And he did it all at the risk of his own life.

But Micah didn't just denounce and attack, leaving everyone aware of the things he despised but none of the things he believed. Like rays of brilliant sunlight piercing charcoal-colored clouds after a storm, the prophet saved his best words for a positive message to the people, and I am pleased to say that he did it with simplicity: "With what shall I come to the LORD and bow myself before the God on high? Shall I come to Him with burnt offerings, with yearling calves? Does the LORD take delight in thousands of rams, in ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my rebellious acts, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?" (Mic. 6:6-7).

Micah's words state exactly what many, to this day, wonder about pleasing God. Teachers and preachers have made it so sacrificial . . . so complicated . . .  so extremely difficult. To them, God is virtually impossible to please. Therefore, religion has become a series of long, drawn-out, deeply painful acts designed to appease this peeved Deity in the sky who takes delight in watching us squirm.

Micah erases the things on the entire list, replacing the complicated possibilities with one of the finest definitions of simple faith: "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Mic. 6:8).

God does not look for big-time, external displays. He does not require slick public performances.

What is required? Slow down and read the list aloud: to do justice . . . to love kindness . . . and to walk humbly with your God. Period.

Faith is not a long series of religious performances or a pile of pious things.
All God asks for is simple faith.

People who claim to be Believers~ Greg Laurie

As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"

— Acts 9:3–4

I am always amazed at how people who claim to be believers can be filled with hate and be so critical and mean-spirited. When we become Christians, we are to be characterized by our love. Sure, we can correct one another and reprove one another. Sure, we are to be careful and discerning. But we can do these things in a loving way.

I have seen believers harshly criticize others and their actions, and meanwhile, they are doing nothing at all for the kingdom of God. They are quick to criticize everyone else's efforts, but they are doing nothing themselves other than critiquing.

As Warren Wiersbe has said, "Impatience with God often leads to impatience with God's people. . . . If we start using the sickles on each other, we will miss the harvest." I have seen Christians divide over minor issues rather than pull together for the sake of the gospel.

The Bible tells the story of a devoutly religious man named Saul who claimed to have belief in God, yet he felt it was his job to eradicate a new sect of believers who followed the one called Jesus from Nazareth. Saul went out of his way to find Christians, and he wasn't satisfied with just arresting those who were in Jerusalem. He obtained extradition orders that allowed him to go as far away as Damascus—140 miles away from Jerusalem—to find more believers to arrest and imprison.

Saul was a religious man, but he was a godless man. He was running from God. He was attacking Christians. He was thinking he would successfully destroy the Christian faith. But he had a surprise in store on the Damascus Road, because little did he realize that he was about to have an encounter with Jesus Christ himself.

Let it drop ~ Joyce Meyer

And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop.
—Mark 11:25

According to the dictionary, forgive means "to renounce anger or resentment against, to absolve from payment of (e.g., a debt)." I like the phrase used by The Amplified Bible in this verse, "Let it drop." How many times have you had a problem with someone and think you have settled it between you, but the other person keeps bringing it back up?

My husband and I have had those kinds of experiences with each other many times in our shared life. I believe most men are more willing and able to let things go than women. The popular stereotype of the nagging wife is not entirely inaccurate. I know, because I used to be one of them.

Dave and I would have a disagreement or problem between us and he would say, "Oh, let's just forget about it." But I would keep dragging it up again and again. I can remember him saying to me in desperation, "Joyce, can't we just drop it?" That's what Jesus is telling us to do here in this verse. Drop it, leave it, let it go, stop talking about it.

Walking in truth ~ Bob Caldwell

To Love Truth 1:4 I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father. John expresses an ageless concern for followers of Christ to this spiritual mother of many souls. Often the core things are the first to be eroded in the life of believers. Common among us who believe is allowing the minor things to become the major things. First among those core things is love, that which is to be the most distinctive expression of our faith. Love, John points out, is not only emotional and relational, but also revealed in our theological impact upon each other. Satan's destructive attack upon the church in general and each one of us individually is not only to entice us into sin but also to erode the transforming impact of truth by false doctrines. A survey of church history makes this abundantly clear. The battleground inevitably is the battle for truth. Consider the gradual decline of truth and scriptural foundations in both the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches around the world. For example, there was an elevation of rituals and power in the priesthood that could not be found in scripture. Consider the rise and fall of theological faithfulness in what has been called traditional mainline churches in our own time. Truth clearly taught in scripture has often been replaced by a desire to adapt to the corrupting influence of the culture of a fallen world in which we live. A process that in the end has always weakened, not strengthened, the church's influence in our culture. The same eventually comes true in every revival movement that has risen to correct the neglect of truth. Before long, truth begins to be compromised. Added to all of this is the ongoing rise of cults that seek to draw God's people away to a false Christ. It is for this reason that these warnings by John should be carefully respected. Let love and a humble and obedient reverence for God's Word be our response to this inevitable attack upon truth. Countless sheep lay in the balance as wolves of deception stalk their prey.
2 John 1:1-13 Greeting the Elect Lady 1 The Elder, To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth, 2 because of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever: 3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. Walk in Christ's Commandments 4 I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father. 5 And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another. 6 This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it. Beware of Antichrist Deceivers 7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward. 9 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds. John's Farewell Greeting 12 Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. 13 The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.
2 John 1:1-13 v. 1 Elder – presbuteros (Gk.) older; or a senior in age or rank. John begins his letter by identifying himself to his readers as "the elder." This was a term used in New Testament times to describe a person of authority due to age and experience. This term is often used to identify an officer or leader of a group of people. the Elect Lady and Her Children – "Elect" means chosen by God. It is a word used to describe all true Christians. There are two primary views of what the designated title "elect lady" might mean. First, John could be writing to a specific Christian lady and her children. But this phrase could also be a symbolic way to address a particular home church and its members. Since the church is the Bride of Christ it would be quite appropriate to use a feminine term in addressing a congregation. Keep in mind also that there was great persecution of believers at this time. John could be using cryptic language so that if this letter was intercepted, no one could be implicated. If this is the case, the phrase "The children of your elect sister greet you" would simply be a greeting from the members of another "sister church." Whom I Love in Truth – Paul expresses a special bond with his readers based upon the common ground they share around the truth of God. Those Who Have Known the Truth – John expresses here camaraderie of those who know and love the truth of God. The truth is primarily discovered from knowing the Word of God. If you know and love the truth of God, you will also love those who know and love the truth of God as your own family members. v. 2 Truth Which Abides in Us – God's truth is not just something you store in your head. It is something that lives and abides in your heart. To know God is to love Him. This love and truth of God lives in us and affects every area of our lives. Will be With us Forever – Again, God's truth is not a passing trend. Like God Himself, His truth abides with us forever and changes not. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Heb. 13:8). v. 3 Grace, Mercy, and Peace – The apostles Paul and John customarily greeted fellow believers in their letters with these words (1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:2; Titus 1:4; 2 John 1:3). Grace – The Greek word charis from which we get the word grace was used quite often by both secular and religious people in the Greek-speaking world. The word has such a wide base of meaning that no single English word can replace it. It can mean anything from beauty to giftedness depending upon the context in which it is used. When we speak of God's grace we are usually referring to God's acts of kindness and love toward us without any condition upon our own performance or worthiness. There is no better picture of Grace than the picture of Christ dying for our sins to bring salvation to the world. The greatest demonstration of God's love and grace is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ (John 1:14, 17). Mercy – eleos (Gk.) Pity, kindness, compassion. It is God's mercy that keeps Him from destroying His creation in judgment. It's God's grace that gives us forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life in heaven. Peace – eirene (Gk.) undisturbed quietness, welfare and rest. This peace is more than just the absence of war. It is the tranquil state of restful harmony with God. Will be With You – A promised blessing. Grace, mercy, and peace, are promised to all those who have come to God for salvation through receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savoir. God the Father – This phrase is found 13 times in the New Testament and is a specific reference to the first person of the Godhead. Each time this phrase is used it is always joined in combination with reference to the Son "Jesus Christ" to distinguish "God the Father" from "God the Son" (1 John 5:12, 13, 20) yet at the same time demonstrating unity and oneness (1 Cor. 8:6; Gal. 1:3; Eph. 6:23; 2 Tim. 1:2). And From the Lord Jesus Christ – The grace, mercy, and peace that we receive comes from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. It would be blasphemous to speak this way about Jesus if He were not both the Son of God and God the Son. Many attributes of the Father are also attributed to the Son. Below are just a few. Creator (Is. 41:3, John 1:3) Savior (Is. 43:3; Acts 4:12, 20:28) First and last/beginning and the end (Is. 44:6, Rev. 1:17-18) Judge (Joel 3:12, 2 Tim. 4:1) The method God has chosen to bless the world is that all good things come to us from the Father, through the Son, by the Holy Spirit. Lord – kurios (Gk.) a title of authority and supremacy; the owner; one who has control of the person, the master. Christ – Christos (Gk.) This is a Jewish term meaning "the anointed one." There is only one person this word can be applied to. It is the Messiah who was to come and deliver us from the judgment of sin and bring salvation to all who would trust in Him (Dan. 9:25-26, Luke 2:10-11, John 1:12-13). The Son of the Father – Jesus is not just "a son" of the Father. He is "the Son" of the Father. Jesus is completely unique from all others. He is not a created being (John 1:1). But He was eternally preexistent with God and came forth from the Father (John 13:3, 16:27; Col. 1:14-19. Truth – aletheia (Gk.) of a truth, in reality, in fact, certainly; what is true in any matter under consideration. Love – agape (Gk.) Affection, benevolence, charity. The major difference between brotherly kindness (philadelphia) and agape is, brotherly kindness implies a mutual family love which love is shared between both parties, while agape does not require to be loved in return. Agape loves and gives regardless of circumstances, just as God loves us not because we are lovable or because we deserve His love. God loves because God IS love (1 John 4:8, 16). Agape requires no reward or reason. Agape loves by its very nature. This word is therefore fittingly translated "charity" in the King James Version. Truth and Love – Truth and love are two very powerful forces that work together in the Christian life. One without the other is incapable of changing spiritual lives. v. 4 Rejoiced Greatly – This phrase means to be exceedingly glad. Contrary to the belief of some, the Christian life is a life of immense joy. There are many reasons to rejoice for the Christian. One reason, as this letter will soon indicate, is when we find others walking in God's truth as we are. Some of Your Children Walking in Truth – The word, "Some" is not in the original Greek manuscripts here. The translators have chosen to add this word to clarify that the Apostle John has met some but not all of the members of this church. John isn't saying here that only a few of "your children" are "walking in truth." He is rejoicing greatly because the disciples he has met from this "elect lady's" fellowship are showing signs of true knowledge of God and evidence of authentic salvation. Meeting believers from another fellowship can be an occasion of great rejoicing or great grief depending upon whether or not these believers are "walking in truth." Walking in Truth – In New Testament language the word "walking" simply refers to the way a person lives (Is. 2:5; 50:11; 1 John 1:7; Rev. 21:24). So, "walking in truth" would imply that a person is living according to the truth of God. The only way a person can walk in truth is if he or she first knows the truth. And the only way to know the truth is to know the Word of God. That is why a major responsibility and occupation of every pastor is to teach the Bible. Commandment from the Father – The writings of the New Testament are not suggestions from the Father. They are "commandments from the Father." God the Father has spoken to us through His Son (Heb. 1:1-2). It is also quite interesting that when you search out and study the commandments of God found in the New Testament, they are always commandments instructing us to love God and love one another. v. 5 I Plead With You – Though the Apostles had been given the great commission to preach the Gospel with "all authority" from Jesus (Matt. 28:18-20), they write with such humility and love. Instead of commanding us like someone on a personal power trip, John "pleads" with us to love and obey God. Not…a New Commandment…We Have Had from the Beginning – John is declaring to us that the commandments of the New Covenant are not new commandments. The commandment to love has always been top priority on God's agenda (Deut. 6:5, 11:13, 30:20; Josh. 22:5). That We Love One Another – Loving one another has always been central in the Apostle John's writings (John 13:35, 1 John 4:20-21). According the God the Father and Jesus His Son, this is the greatest commandment that overshadows all the rest (Deut. 6:5, Luke 10:26-28). v. 6 This is Love, That We Walk According to His Commandments – John gives us a definition of love here that is quite different than the world's definition of love. This definition of love came directly from the Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:15, 21, 23-24; 15:14). Commandment…from the Beginning – Again, John is speaking of the commandment to "love one another" (v. 5). As we have already seen in the many cross-references given in the above notes, love has been God's commandment from the beginning. This command has been repeatedly given not only from the beginning of the Christian life, but also in the scriptures from the beginning to the end. You Should Walk in it – To "walk" is a biblical term meaning lifestyle, actions, and way of life. The Christian should act and live according to the commandments of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. v. 7 Many Deceivers Have Gone Out Into the World – Though we are to love everyone, we are to trust everyone. There is a big difference between loving and trusting. We can truly love without being gullible. The Bible repeatedly warns us to beware of deceivers and know the difference between truth and lie. Sometimes the most loving thing you can do for someone is to point out a lie and warn him or her of a deceiver. Who do not Confess Jesus Christ as Coming in the Flesh – John is defending against the Gnostic heresy of his day, which taught that Jesus did not have had a body of flesh. Today this warning can also be applied to those who teach that Jesus didn't really come at all. Some modern-day liberals teach that the Jesus story is just a myth compiled from various mythological gods of times past. They would have you believe that the Jesus we read about in the Bible never really came as the Christ. Know that these liberal so-called scholars are deceivers! They are, as the next phrase indicates, "antichrists." Do not be deceived by their lies. This is a Deceiver and an Antichrist – "Antichrist" can mean "against Christ" or "replacing Christ." And a "deceiver" is simply a liar. Though John has earned the nickname "the apostle of love," he also puts a high premium upon truth. John mentions truth in his writings almost as much as he instructs us on the subject of love. Truth without love can make a person harsh and offensive to others. Love without truth can make a person naive and gullible to deception. Some would consider it a very rude thing to call anyone a liar or a deceiver. But the fact is, there are as many liars and deceivers in the world today as in John's day. Anyone who would be a teacher of truth will by design become a refuter of lies. You cannot stand for truth without standing against a lie. v. 8 Look to Yourselves – Though we are exhorted in scripture to look to Jesus (Heb. 12:2) we are also exhorted to look to ourselves. This does not mean we should look to find guidance from within our own selves or deliverance through our own powers. This phrase is translated "watch out" in some translations. It is an exhortation to be on guard. John is simply saying that we are to guard our hearts against deception and honestly examine ourselves in truthfulness. That We Do Not Lose Those Things We Worked For – This phrase is referring to a Christian's blessings and heavenly rewards, and not salvation (as indicated in the next sentence). "Things we worked for" cannot be referring to our salvation, because our salvation is not something we work for. Salvation is a free gift from God by grace (Eph. 2:8-9, Titus 3:5). It is possible for a Christian to "suffer loss" without loss of salvation (1 Cor. 3:12-15). Full Reward – The scriptures reveal that though salvation is a free gift of God, we do receive "rewards" according to our works (Matt. 16:27, 1 Cor. 3:8). v. 9 Transgresses – To "transgress" means to "go beyond" or "cross the line." Does Not Abide in the Doctrine of Christ – this is referring to one who has abandoned the teachings of Christ and left them behind. The NIV words this, "Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ." Does Not Have God – Notice John does not say, "Never had God." God is concerned about the present. The scriptures never seem to focus on our past. For instance, as a Christian, your past sins will not be held against you. They are "remembered no more" (Heb. 8:12, 10:17). On the other hand, if a person is in rebellion against God and rejects Christ's Lordship, the good things of his past don't justify, excuse or cover the bad things he or she is doing in the present (Eze. 18:24). He Who Abides in the Doctrine of Christ – To "abide" means to "remain in" and requires both knowledge of and a practice of the teachings of Christ. Has Both the Father and the Son – The Father and the Son are a package deal. You cannot have one and not the other. But the way to have both is to abide in Christ's teachings. We see in this verse that to "have God" you must have both the Father and the Son. If you claim to "have God" yet don't hold to the teachings of Christ, then you don't have God at all! v. 10 If Anyone Comes to You and Does Not Bring This Doctrine – John is referring to self-appointed evangelists and teachers who do not embrace and teach the doctrines of Christ. A "doctrine" is simply a code of belief embraced. This verse can be applied to those who reject Christ's teachings altogether or to those who twist and distort Christ's teachings. Today we have many "Christian cults" who name the name of Christ and claim to follow Him, but in reality distort the true doctrines of Christ. This is why it is so important that we are on guard and "test all things" (1 Thess. 5:21) by the scriptures as the Bereans did in Acts 17:11. Do Not Receive Him…Nor Greet Him – In John's day Christians would welcome traveling evangelists and teachers into their home and give them the hospitality of food and housing along their way. Christians here are exhorted here not to entertain or greet or offer hospitality of any kind to those whose mission is to preach a false Gospel. v. 11 He Who Greets Him Shares in His Evil Deeds – John is simply warning us that we should not assist false teachers in accomplishing their mission. If we offer them room and board or even greet him with the right hand of fellowship, that would be assisting an enemy of the doctrine of Christ. We would thus be in partnership with an antichrist. v. 12 I Hope to Come to You…that Our Joy May be Full – Notice the aged Apostle John's attitude toward relationships. Though he has much more to say, he is saving it until he can meet face to face with his readers. Though letters and e-mails can be nice, nothing can take the place of being together face to face with those you love. John goes as far as saying that when we meet together with those we love "our joy may be full." There is much joy to be found through faith in Christ. But there is more joy—full joy—to be found when the saints gather in unity because of the love and truth received through Christ. This is a good reason to continue in regular fellowship and not be a spiritual "lone ranger." (Heb 10:24-25). v. 13 The Children of Your Elect Sister – (See 2 John 1:1) There is some debate whether John is writing to an actual woman and her children or a particular church and its members. If we compare this statement with 1 Peter 5:13, we see that this is a way for churches to send their greetings to one another. The word "elect" simply means chosen by God. It is a term used to describe all true believers. Amen – "So it is, so be it, may it be fulfilled." It was a custom, which passed over from the synagogues to the Christian assemblies, that when he who had read or discoursed, had offered up solemn prayer to God, the others responded Amen, and thus made the substance of what was uttered their own. Amen is a word known throughout the world today and is used in every language and culture.
I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father. –2 John 1:4 Lord, we pray for those who are walking in truth, that they would not be led astray. We also lift up those who are not walking in truth, that the Holy Spirit would show them clearly where they are in light of Your just judgment and mighty grace and mercy.