Saturday, April 28, 2007
4-28-07 Reigning With Christ "Revelation 20:4-6"
Memory Verse: Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
Tough you may never hold public office in this life, you have a future in government. When Jesus comes to establish His Kingdom on this earth, those who have received Him as Saviour will rule and reign with Him.
That government will be without earthly flaws. There will be no corrupt officials, no crooked politicians and no unjust practices. Political justice and international peace will prevail. Isaiah wrote: "And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more" (Isaiah 2:2-4).
Just what will be our responsibilities in that Kingdom? We cannot say precisely but we know that we will have part in carrying out God's will on earth.
Meanwhile, we now have an opportunity to share in doing His will by taking the Gospel message to others. Doing His bidding now is good training for the future!
Tough you may never hold public office in this life, you have a future in government. When Jesus comes to establish His Kingdom on this earth, those who have received Him as Saviour will rule and reign with Him.
That government will be without earthly flaws. There will be no corrupt officials, no crooked politicians and no unjust practices. Political justice and international peace will prevail. Isaiah wrote: "And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more" (Isaiah 2:2-4).
Just what will be our responsibilities in that Kingdom? We cannot say precisely but we know that we will have part in carrying out God's will on earth.
Meanwhile, we now have an opportunity to share in doing His will by taking the Gospel message to others. Doing His bidding now is good training for the future!
Friday, April 27, 2007
4-27-07 Satan Chained "Revelation 20:1-3"
Memory Verse: Revelation 20:2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years.
You may not believe in the reality of Satan. If you do not, try resisting him! The Bible is clear in its description of this evil personality and it is a delusion to deny his existence.
Walter Brown Knight wrote: "God's children are engaged in an incessant warfare. Our adversary, the devil, is a implacable foe. In your warfare, no armistice can be declared. Some are lulled to sleep by the suavity and graciousness of false religionists who deny the existence of our adversary. It is hazardous for God's children to cease to be watchful and wakeful."
Satan's trail is traceable from the Garden of Eden to this present day. Sin and death are his trademarks, temptation his tool. Many become weary in the battle of resisting temptation. Perhaps you are one of those tired soldiers. If so, I have good news for you. There is a day coming when the devil will be unable to tempt anyone.
During the Kingdom of Christ on this earth, Satanic influence will be forbidden. This act reminds us that Satan's power is limited. We are not to be defeated and downcast. John put in well: "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" (I John 4:4).
Whatever temptation is troubling you can be overcome: "There hath no temptation taken you buy such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it" (I Corinthians 10:13).
Satan will be chained later. But even now, in Christ, we're free!
You may not believe in the reality of Satan. If you do not, try resisting him! The Bible is clear in its description of this evil personality and it is a delusion to deny his existence.
Walter Brown Knight wrote: "God's children are engaged in an incessant warfare. Our adversary, the devil, is a implacable foe. In your warfare, no armistice can be declared. Some are lulled to sleep by the suavity and graciousness of false religionists who deny the existence of our adversary. It is hazardous for God's children to cease to be watchful and wakeful."
Satan's trail is traceable from the Garden of Eden to this present day. Sin and death are his trademarks, temptation his tool. Many become weary in the battle of resisting temptation. Perhaps you are one of those tired soldiers. If so, I have good news for you. There is a day coming when the devil will be unable to tempt anyone.
During the Kingdom of Christ on this earth, Satanic influence will be forbidden. This act reminds us that Satan's power is limited. We are not to be defeated and downcast. John put in well: "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" (I John 4:4).
Whatever temptation is troubling you can be overcome: "There hath no temptation taken you buy such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it" (I Corinthians 10:13).
Satan will be chained later. But even now, in Christ, we're free!
Monday, April 23, 2007
4-23-07 666 "Revelation 13:11-18"
Memory Verse: Revelation 13:18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast for it is the number of a man; and his number is six hundred threescore and six.
Who is the coming world ruler known as the "beast?"
Speculation abounds!
Actually no one can know who the beast is until after the Rapture of the church: "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" ( II Thessalonians 2:8).
While we cannot know who the beast will be, it is clear that the world is getting ready for his appearance. Peace efforts continually fail. Economic conditions become increasingly complex and it is not difficult to understand how buying and selling will ultimately be totally controlled by a super-powerful government. Commerce is already moving on a system of numbers and proposals to make money as we know it obsolete are now on the drawing boards. Computers that speak are common and it no longer seems out of the question to have an image erected during the Tribulation period that will be able to do so. The stage is set for the coming of the man of sin whose number is 666.
It must be emphasized that Christ returns for His church before these things spoken of in Revelation 13 come to pass. With the world now ready for the fulfillment of his prophecy, all Christians must get ready for the coming of their Lord and Saviour. We are to be occupied with Him. We are to look for the coming of Christ -- not the Antichrist.
When will Christ return? Perhaps today!
Who is the coming world ruler known as the "beast?"
Speculation abounds!
Actually no one can know who the beast is until after the Rapture of the church: "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" ( II Thessalonians 2:8).
While we cannot know who the beast will be, it is clear that the world is getting ready for his appearance. Peace efforts continually fail. Economic conditions become increasingly complex and it is not difficult to understand how buying and selling will ultimately be totally controlled by a super-powerful government. Commerce is already moving on a system of numbers and proposals to make money as we know it obsolete are now on the drawing boards. Computers that speak are common and it no longer seems out of the question to have an image erected during the Tribulation period that will be able to do so. The stage is set for the coming of the man of sin whose number is 666.
It must be emphasized that Christ returns for His church before these things spoken of in Revelation 13 come to pass. With the world now ready for the fulfillment of his prophecy, all Christians must get ready for the coming of their Lord and Saviour. We are to be occupied with Him. We are to look for the coming of Christ -- not the Antichrist.
When will Christ return? Perhaps today!
Sunday, April 22, 2007
4-22-07 The Lamb's Wrath "Revelation 6:12-17"
Memory Verse: Revelation 6:17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand.
Who ever heard of an angry lamb? It is hared to imagine. Jesus is called the Lamb of God. John the Baptist said: " . . . Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away sin of the world" (John 1:29). Christ came as the Lamb of God to pay for our sins on the cross.
The Lamb of God is a fitting title for the gentle Saviour. His tender heart was broken over the needs of people. He had time for the children, for lepers and others who were hurting.
As the Lamb of God, he stood silent before his persecutors. Isaiah described Him as follows: "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth" (Isaiah 53:7).
Few in this world anticipate a coming day when the Lamb will display wrath. Yet that day is coming. And those who have not been saved and therefore miss the Rapture of the church will be here for the Tribulation -- the wrath of the Lamb.
A Christian who was being ridiculed for going to a prayer meeting, said, "It is better to go to prayer meeting now than to wait for the largest prayer meeting the world will ever know. In that one, men will pray for the rocks, and the mountains to fall on them to hide them from the wrath of The Lamb.
Our God is a God of love -- and justice.
Respond to His love today so you will not be here for the day of His wrath.
Who ever heard of an angry lamb? It is hared to imagine. Jesus is called the Lamb of God. John the Baptist said: " . . . Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away sin of the world" (John 1:29). Christ came as the Lamb of God to pay for our sins on the cross.
The Lamb of God is a fitting title for the gentle Saviour. His tender heart was broken over the needs of people. He had time for the children, for lepers and others who were hurting.
As the Lamb of God, he stood silent before his persecutors. Isaiah described Him as follows: "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth" (Isaiah 53:7).
Few in this world anticipate a coming day when the Lamb will display wrath. Yet that day is coming. And those who have not been saved and therefore miss the Rapture of the church will be here for the Tribulation -- the wrath of the Lamb.
A Christian who was being ridiculed for going to a prayer meeting, said, "It is better to go to prayer meeting now than to wait for the largest prayer meeting the world will ever know. In that one, men will pray for the rocks, and the mountains to fall on them to hide them from the wrath of The Lamb.
Our God is a God of love -- and justice.
Respond to His love today so you will not be here for the day of His wrath.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
4-21-07 Come Up Hither "Revelation 4:1-8"
Memory Verse: Revelation 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come p hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
There is a key to understanding the book of The Revelation. It is found in Revelation 1:19. There John is told to write the things he has seen, the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter. This verse gives an outline of the entire book. The first chapter records the things that John had seen. Chapters two and three present a picture of the church age -- the things that are -- the age in which we live, as did John. The things which shall be hereafter begin in chapter four. The remainder of the book explains events that follow the coming of Christ for His church. It is not surprising then that the first verse of chapter four gives a preview of the Rapture.
John heard a voice and a trumpet and so shall we: "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangels, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first; 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" (I Thessalonians 4:16:17).
John was taken immediately to heaven. And we shall be also. On that day when the ties of gravity are overcome by the power of God and Christians meet their Lord in a moment, they will go with Him to heaven.
John saw the Lord, And so shall we!
What a good day that will be!
There is a key to understanding the book of The Revelation. It is found in Revelation 1:19. There John is told to write the things he has seen, the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter. This verse gives an outline of the entire book. The first chapter records the things that John had seen. Chapters two and three present a picture of the church age -- the things that are -- the age in which we live, as did John. The things which shall be hereafter begin in chapter four. The remainder of the book explains events that follow the coming of Christ for His church. It is not surprising then that the first verse of chapter four gives a preview of the Rapture.
John heard a voice and a trumpet and so shall we: "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangels, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first; 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" (I Thessalonians 4:16:17).
John was taken immediately to heaven. And we shall be also. On that day when the ties of gravity are overcome by the power of God and Christians meet their Lord in a moment, they will go with Him to heaven.
John saw the Lord, And so shall we!
What a good day that will be!
Friday, April 20, 2007
4-20-07 Assembling Together "Hebrews 10:22-25"
Memory Verse: Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting our another; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
As the day of Christ's return approaches, there will be an increasing tendency among Christians to stop attending the meetings of their local churches as regularly as before. Perhaps you are a fulfillment of this prophecy!
There are probably a number of reason for the coming increase of this problem. Television may be one of the major factors. Some are so caught up in the entertainment mania that they actually miss gathering with others in worship just to catch one of their favorite programs. Also, affluence allows a considerable amount of traveling and vacationing. Though vacations are needed and can be healthful, it is wrong to flee to the mountains or the seaside every weekend to the detriment of your church and your spiritual health.
It is important to remember that assembling with others for the study of God's Word and for worship and praise is commanded in the Bible. Attendance at your church is not optional -- it is obedience. Are you disobedient in the matter of church attendance?
The question is asked: "Can you be a Christian and not go to church?" The question is a contradiction. If one is born again, he should desire the fellowship of other Christians and should hunger to hear God's Word. This should be his normal experience.
The day of Christ's coming is approaching. If he comes on the day of worship (the Lord's Day), I want him to find me obedient.
How about you?
As the day of Christ's return approaches, there will be an increasing tendency among Christians to stop attending the meetings of their local churches as regularly as before. Perhaps you are a fulfillment of this prophecy!
There are probably a number of reason for the coming increase of this problem. Television may be one of the major factors. Some are so caught up in the entertainment mania that they actually miss gathering with others in worship just to catch one of their favorite programs. Also, affluence allows a considerable amount of traveling and vacationing. Though vacations are needed and can be healthful, it is wrong to flee to the mountains or the seaside every weekend to the detriment of your church and your spiritual health.
It is important to remember that assembling with others for the study of God's Word and for worship and praise is commanded in the Bible. Attendance at your church is not optional -- it is obedience. Are you disobedient in the matter of church attendance?
The question is asked: "Can you be a Christian and not go to church?" The question is a contradiction. If one is born again, he should desire the fellowship of other Christians and should hunger to hear God's Word. This should be his normal experience.
The day of Christ's coming is approaching. If he comes on the day of worship (the Lord's Day), I want him to find me obedient.
How about you?
Thursday, April 19, 2007
4-19-07 Perilous Times " I Timothy 3:1-7"
Memory Verse: I Timothy 3:1 This know also that in the last days perilous times shall come.
Most students of the Bible do not have to be convinced that we are living in perilous times. The splitting of atom has given man the power to bring about total destruction. In addition, we have learned to live twenty four hours a day in the rocket sights of our enemies who are bent on world domination.
Nevertheless, Christians need not panic. Not one recent event has taken God by surprise. He is in control and is allowing man to work out His program. The words of the Psalmist are relevant today: "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).
Though times are perilous, we never walk alone: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. For I the LORD they God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee" (Isaiah 41:10 & 13).
Though times are perilous, we can never be separated from His love: "For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth nor things other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).
Though times are perilous, these conditions are but reminders of better days ahead: "And when these things begin to come to pas, then look up, and lift up your hands; for your redemption draweth nigh" (Luke 21:28).
Most students of the Bible do not have to be convinced that we are living in perilous times. The splitting of atom has given man the power to bring about total destruction. In addition, we have learned to live twenty four hours a day in the rocket sights of our enemies who are bent on world domination.
Nevertheless, Christians need not panic. Not one recent event has taken God by surprise. He is in control and is allowing man to work out His program. The words of the Psalmist are relevant today: "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).
Though times are perilous, we never walk alone: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. For I the LORD they God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee" (Isaiah 41:10 & 13).
Though times are perilous, we can never be separated from His love: "For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth nor things other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).
Though times are perilous, these conditions are but reminders of better days ahead: "And when these things begin to come to pas, then look up, and lift up your hands; for your redemption draweth nigh" (Luke 21:28).
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
4-18-07 Good Ministers " I Timothy 4:1-6"
Memory Verse: I Timothy 4:6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of those 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.
Courageous ministers point out dangers to their flocks. Though it does not make a preacher popular, he has a responsibility to refute false teaching to which his congregation may be exposed. Christians will do well to stand with God's servants when others are criticizing them for speaking out against evil.
Cults are not new, but are to multiply in the last days. We should not be surprised to see many new ones come into existence. Nor should we be taken in by numerical success attained by false teachers. Financial empires and growing membership rolls are not the test of Biblical accuracy. Seeming prosperity may not be the blessing of God. Satan has been known to offer the kingdoms of this world to those who would follow him.
The needs of men are met only through the preaching of the Gospel. No changes in the message are needed. Spurgeon said that the greatest compliment ever paid him was spoken by one of his enemies who said: "Here is a man who has not moved an inch forward in all his ministry. At the close of the nineteenth century he is teaching the theology of the first century, and is proclaiming doctrine current in Nazareth and Jerusalem in the first century!"
That is the need of this hour. Stand with the men who proclaim that message and do not desert them when they obey God by exposing those who preach and promote another gospel.
Thank God for the "good ministers of Jesus Christ."
Courageous ministers point out dangers to their flocks. Though it does not make a preacher popular, he has a responsibility to refute false teaching to which his congregation may be exposed. Christians will do well to stand with God's servants when others are criticizing them for speaking out against evil.
Cults are not new, but are to multiply in the last days. We should not be surprised to see many new ones come into existence. Nor should we be taken in by numerical success attained by false teachers. Financial empires and growing membership rolls are not the test of Biblical accuracy. Seeming prosperity may not be the blessing of God. Satan has been known to offer the kingdoms of this world to those who would follow him.
The needs of men are met only through the preaching of the Gospel. No changes in the message are needed. Spurgeon said that the greatest compliment ever paid him was spoken by one of his enemies who said: "Here is a man who has not moved an inch forward in all his ministry. At the close of the nineteenth century he is teaching the theology of the first century, and is proclaiming doctrine current in Nazareth and Jerusalem in the first century!"
That is the need of this hour. Stand with the men who proclaim that message and do not desert them when they obey God by exposing those who preach and promote another gospel.
Thank God for the "good ministers of Jesus Christ."
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