BibleVersity

"…those who have believed in God will be careful to engage in good deeds…" - (Titus 3:8, NASB)    There is an old expression that goes something like this: It's not how you start, it's how you finish. That may be true for a number of things in life, but it is most certainly true for Christians. As Christians, we often start with a flash, filled with energy and passion. But over time, the fire within us slows to a smoldering heap, and we become merely a puff of smoke. I have been there myself. And sadly, over the years, I have seen many good men and women of God do the same. There are any number of reasons this happens, although the root is usually the same: We have allowed sin to remain. All of us sin, even as Christians. However, it is what we do after sin that matters. Do we cling to it and allow its poison to choke the life from us, or will we deal honestly before God about it?    You may be asking yourself, "How does this connect with our focus verse?

"I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” – (Jn. 11:25-26, NASB) A brief excerpt from yesterday's message.    Context is everything in Scripture. Knowing and understanding the context of a verse is key in understanding the meaning of the verse itself. In the above passage Lazarus had died, and Jesus was "too late" by most accounts. However, man could not understand the power of God. It had always been Jesus' plan to raise Lazarus from the grave. Therefore, had He arrived any earlier, then the miracle would have not been possible. After Jesus arrives He is greeted by Lazarus's family. As Jesus was talking with one of Lazarus's sisters, Jesus tells her, "I am the resurrection and the life." Now, I am not a Greek scholar, so there is much about the original Greek that I do not understand. However, I noticed something int

"…Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who does with you…" (Deut. 31: 1-8, NASB)    This is a familiar passage of Scripture, especially to preachers and teachers. Moses, right before his departure as Israel's leader, is speaking to Joshua and the people. We seem to focus our thoughts on the transfer of leadership that takes place in this passage, but there is another, perhaps more important, thought that is worthy of observing. If you read this passage very carefully you will notice that Moses first addresses the people, and then addresses Joshua. He does not leave anyone out. Also, you will also likely notice that the words are strikingly similar, and the meaning is identical. The promise of God's presence during the journey was applicable to Joshua, but also the individual Israelite as well. The promise was for all.    We sometimes look at the promises within Word of God and think to ourselves, "

"Take this book of the law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God…" - (Deut. 31:26, NASB)    In the OT, the Ark of the Covenant contained the stone tablets that God wrote the Ten Commandments upon, a jar of manna, and Aaron's staff that budded, each of these significant to the Jewish people. On top of the Ark sat the Mercy Seat, the place where God's presence dwelt. The Ark was housed in the Most Holy Place in the temple, and only the high priest could enter once a year. These are facts that most of us know quite well. What we do forget is that Moses gave strict instructions for the book of law to be place beside the Ark. The book of law contained all the laws, ordinances, regulations, blessings and cursings that are related to the worship of the LORD. In our vernacular, we would call this the Word of God. Within the book of law, the people learned how to approach, worship, and please the LORD. In addition, it also warned them of the co

 "…for the LORD will again rejoice over you for good, just as He rejoiced over your fathers…" - (Deut. 30:9, NASB)    Deuteronomy, as I have stated previously, is primarily a final dissertation of Moses to the people of Israel before they enter the promised land, without him. He gives words that are encouraging, and some that are not too flattering at all. This verse of Scripture is neatly tucked away contextually as Moses is informing the people how the LORD would restore them when they sinned, and then returned to Him. When they return, Moses tells them that God will again rejoice over you. Let that sink in for a moment. The LORD, the author of life, the omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent God of creation, rejoices over His people. Rejoice, in Hebrew usage, means to be glad, to delight, to be joyful, and/or to be merry. Any way you choose to interpret the verse, it tells us that God delights in His people when they walk with Him. We also find this same thought in Is

"It shall be that the firstborn whom she bears shall assume the name of his dead brother, so that his name will not be blotted out from Israel." - Deut. 25:6 (NASB)    I will admit that this may seem like an odd verse to devote time to this morning. Many people avoid the OT like the plague; I love the OT. It is not outdated, unfit, or relegated to examples for sermon material. Yes, there are passages in the OT that are not applicable today because of Jesus' arrival, death, and resurrection. However, the principles that are found there are applicable today. This verse is a prime example. The context involves the duties of a dead man's brother. According to law, if the dead man has a wife, then the dead man's brother is to marry her in order that the firstborn will carry the name of the dead man, and assure his family's legacy. This is not a practice for the Christian church, but it does reveal a powerful principle that the church needs to understand: Communi

"For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again…" - Prov. 24:16 (NASB)   The Word of God instructs us, from Genesis to Revelation, that we are to live a certain way as people of God. Although we never really achieve this during our earthly existence, that does not mean that we quit trying. Many righteous and godly people before us failed God. For example, Moses lost his temper with those whom he was leading, David lusted, committed adultery, and murdered, and Peter had a unique way of speaking before his brain engaged properly. There are many more examples, but the point is made. And yet, in spite of their failures, they are not defined by their failures. Why is this? They fell, but they got back up.     We are not defeated until we stay down. Our own actions, life's misfortunes, spiritual attacks, and tests from the LORD all contain the possibility of knocking us down. Sometimes, falling is part of the test. However, regardless of the cause of our fall,

"I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." - (Jn. 10:11, NASB) A brief excerpt from yesterday's message.    I am not a shepherd, although I have been around them some. What I know of them is not generally pleasant: they stink, they are stubborn, and they are not too bright. If I have offended any shepherds then I am sorry. I mean no disrespect, but you do have my sympathy. Sheep, by nature, are very weak animals. Without proper protection and provision they would die. In my own humble opinion, I think sheep would have been wiped out centuries ago if it were not for shepherd, but I digress. Sheep stand no chance in the face of predators. They would scatter, then become an easy meal, that is, without the presence of the shepherd. The shepherd's job is to do what sheep cannot do for themselves. When wolves and other predators come, the shepherd positions himself between them and the sheep, and defends the flock, either by chas

"The LORD our God spoke to us at Horeb, saying, 'You have stayed long enough at this mountain.'" - (Deut. 1:6, NASB)    We all enjoy basking in the presence and glory of God. All of us, hopefully, have been in worship times together where the presence of God was so amazing that we were hesitant to open our eyes for fear of seeing God standing before us. All of our fears, cares, and anxieties disappeared and were replaced with peace, joy, love, and hope. It is during those times that we almost have to drag ourselves away from church. As Christian, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, so everywhere we go we are in the presence of God, but there is something powerful when God allows us to encounter Him in these ways. At Horeb (Sinai) Moses met God for the first time. Furthermore,  it was at Horeb that water flowed from the rock, and the mountain was engulfed in flame from God's presence.   The people watch the mountain shake from the presence of God, and it wa

"..the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark…Levi does not have a portion or inheritance…the LORD is his inheritance…" - Deut. 10:8-9 (NASB)    As you likely know, among the OT tribes of Israel, the task of maintaining the temporary tabernacle and permanent temple placed on the shoulders of the Levites. As the nation moved from captivity into freedom, the LORD divided the Promised Land among the tribes as their possession, all except Levites. They owned no land or possessions as the other tribes did. And, unlike other nations, they did not have the regular inheritance to pass down from generation to generation. So what did they have to pass on? The LORD. The inheritance of the Levites was the LORD Himself. The Levites would dwell in the presence of God like no other nation would. Only a Levite would be allowed to enter into the presence of God in the Holy Place. All other nations would worship at a distance, Israelites would worship up close. However, after

"Do not move the ancient boundary which your fathers have set." - Prov. 22:28 (NASB)    As I think about it, this verse seems especially appropriate for our world today. We do not think about it too much, but our world is filled with boundaries. By definition, boundaries perform one of two important tasks. First, they keep us from something potentially dangerous. Think of a zoo. There are some pretty amazing creatures to see there, many of which are extremely dangerous to us. However, because of the barriers erected, we can observe wolves from a safe location. Barriers also keep things out. Again think of the zoo. Imagine sitting down with your family in the designated picnic area, and the keepers allow the wolves to come and join in. Boundaries, therefore, keep us safe. Wolves are still dangerous, regardless of which century you live in. Just because we have new understanding, or the latest in scientific knowledge, does not mean that we can bring wolves into our houses

So Jesus said to them again, "I am the door of the sheep." - Jn. 10:7 (NASB)    A brief excerpt from yesterday's message. In this chapter, Jesus uses several metaphors in revealing and explaining just who He is to the people. Today I want to focus on Jesus as the door. Although Jesus spends some time elaborating on the connection of the door, shepherd, and sheep,  there is a central overriding message that Jesus is attempting to get across to the people: Jesus is the only way to eternal life. The reason I write "attempting" is that verse six tells us that the people did not understand. He had to tell them in another way because they just did not get the message. As I think about this passage, I realize that we are not too different. In our world today, there are many different "gospels" which preach a variety of ways to find a variety of gods. Many of the "gods" that are at the core of their message do not look much the God of the Bible.

"…he appointed those who should sing to the LORD…as they went out before the army…" - II Chron. 20:21-22 (NASB)    It is uncomfortable to admit it, but most of us become gripped with fear, complain, or even hide when faced with some trial. Our carnal nature, which is all about preserving self, has a tendency to override our spiritual nature. This is not how it is supposed to be. As Christians, we have come to know the God who created the universe, gave us life, and promises to be with us in all things. Our response should be different. In this great account of history, the people of Judah were the target of a group attack from Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir. When the king, Jehoshaphat, heard of the plans, the Bible tells us that his initial response was fear (v3). However, he did not allow fear to paralyze him. The fear drove him to seeking the LORD in prayer as he called a fast for the entire community. During this time a prophet spoke up and informed the people that the

"The Sovereign LORD is my strength…"  (Hab. 3:19, NIV)     The term "sovereign" is a wonderful word. It is not found in KJV or New KJV versions, and only once in the NASB (my go-to translation), yet is used  over 300 times in the NIV translation. Although the word itself may be absent in some translations, the idea and theology is present. Sovereign means, very simply, the supreme rulership of God over creation. Another way of saying it is that God has the final word in all things. Our children enjoy making plans for themselves. Sometimes the plans are on a grand, and rather expensive scale. However, by virtue of being children, they are not in control. It is only until mom or dad give the okay that the plans can commence. It is precisely the same principle for us. Nothing in this life is final until the Sovereign LORD says it is. Your financial crisis, marital or family problems, health obstacles, or any other issue in life, good or bad, is still in the hands

"…at the name of Jesus every knee will bow…" - (Phil. 2:10-11, NASB)    This verse of Scripture is one of the most well-known among Christianity. It presents a profound truth that Jesus is the only King of kings and Lord of lords, and that every other entity, potentate, and royalty is subject to Him. There is no small discussion in our world today about who God really is and how a person can get to Him. You will hear of many "worthy" candidates and of many different paths to find Him. The Bible even tells us that many will come (and already have come) who will proclaim to be Jesus, but they are counterfeits. At the Great White Throne Judgment as told in Revelation chapter twenty, every man and woman who has refused to accept Jesus as their savior and LORD will stand before Jesus to answer for their lives. Among those will be individuals such as Buddha, Mohammed, Molech, Pharaoh, and a long list of those who have falsely claimed themselves as God. Each of these

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life." - John 8:12 (NASB)     A brief excerpt from yesterday's message. In order to understand Jesus' statement, we need to understand the reality of darkness. Darkness is here. It is in our lives, our homes, businesses, schools, governments, nations,……and churches! In the OT and the NT, darkness represents a number of phenomenon such as moral depravity, evil forces or powers contrary God, the complete absence of God's presence, and also misery, death, spiritual insensitivity, spiritual blindness, and ignorance. So, the question of the hour is, "Which of these was Jesus referring to when He said we will 'not walk in darkness?'" The answer is all of the above. The Bible clearly tells us that Jesus IS the light, He is the source of light. We are told that there is no darkness in God at all (1 Jn. 1:

"…And he who waters will himself be watered." - (Prov. 11:25, NASB)    We have an undeniable way of convincing ourselves that giving leaves us with less, and keeping leaves us with more. We try this with our money, our time, our energy, our emotions, and ministry. For example, somewhere in the back of our minds we say, "If I give my tithes then I will have less money." This may be true from a mathematical standpoint, but it is false from a spiritual standpoint. It is hard for us, as humans, to wrap our minds around the simple fact that the more we give to God the more He enables us to give. If you are still reading this, then you are bracing yourself for a post about money. Take a deep breath, this is not about money, although the principle works there also.    In 1 Kings 17, there is an incredible story. After prophesying about a drought throughout the land, Elijah was sent, by God to be cared for by a widow in Zarephath. The widow was very poor. So poor, i

“It was for freedom that Christ set us free…” - (Galatians 5:1, NASB) Today is the American celebration known as Independence Day, the day in which we remember and celebrate the birth of our nation some 200+ years ago. I am thankful that God has allowed me to be born and live in this country, even with all of its faults. However, there is a greater freedom for which I am thankful today. That freedom is the freedom that is found only in Christ. The freedom that Jesus provided came at the highest price possible. In order for me to have freedom someone had to die. But not just anyone would do. In order to provide the perfect freedom, there needed to be a perfect sacrifice. Jesus, of His own volition, chose to die so that I may live. Jesus did not die so I could have my way, choose my own destiny, or live as I please. He died so that I might be free from the power and consequence of sin, and free to serve Him. Today as you gather with your family to eat, swim, chat, and celebrat

"For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer…" - (Phil. 1:29, NASB)    I do not have many pet-peeves when it comes to Christianity. I have learned (and continue to learn) that there are things that Christians across various lines can disagree on, and yet still be one body. However, the issue of prosperity is one that has attached itself to the church and, like cancer, brings deteriorating spiritual health. The Bible never says that Christians will be millionaires who are physically healthy 100% of the time, and never have a flat tire. I am sorry if you have believed that message, but that is far from truth. One of my undergrad professors said that if prosperity theology was Biblical truth, then the message could be taken to third-world nations and the countries would be become financially prosperous. If it is truth, then it will work anywhere and everywhere!    Now look at what Paul said, "to you it has been

"But the eleven proceeded to Galilee…When they saw Him, they worshiped…"                                                                                                                - (Matt. 28:16-17, NSAB)    Each of the writers of the four gospels shared their account from a unique point of view and purpose. John set out to prove that Jesus was the Son of God. Matthew wrote primarily to the Jews in effort, among others, to show that Jesus was the promised Messiah in the OT.  Therefore we should not be distraught when one account varies some from the others.  Mathew does not record Peter and John at the empty tomb, nor about His showing up in the "locked room" where they were hiding for fear of the Jews. At this point Jesus had been crucified, buried, and had risen from the grave. However, I think it is very significant to point out the reaction of His disciples when they all see Him together: they worshiped. Yes, the verse above does tell us that some do

"Whether it is pleasant or unpleasant, we will listen to the voice of the LORD our God.." - (Jer. 42:6, NASB)    If we were to be honest with ourselves, we would have to admit that there are some things that the LORD tells us that are just not comfortable. Most people want to hear those things in the Word of God which speak of blessing, prosperity, and favor, and skip over the parts of sacrifice, judgment, or suffering. This is what Jeremiah's world was like. Jeremiah had the difficult task of preaching "doom" to God's people. And, like many today, they did not want to hear the message. Some member of royalty would send for Jeremiah to hear "God's Word". Jeremiah would come and tell them God's Word, but on most occasions they did not like the message, so they discarded it. King Zedekiah is a great example. Jeremiah kept telling him if he submitted to Nebuchadnezzar and went into captivity, he would live and always have a man on the thron