No More ......

                                   
As we come to the end of our Know the Bible study, we're encouraged once again to see what the future holds for Believers. The book of Revelation is just that - the revealing of who Christ was and is and is to come. He is the righteous Judge who will punish the wicked and the triumphant King who will return to establish His kingdom for all eternity.

One of the privileges of being part of His kingdom is found in Revelation 21:4 - "He (God) will wipe all tears from their eyes, and there will be no more death, suffering, crying or pain. These things of the past are gone forever."

We "hear" God's words of comfort in this devotional from the book Heaven Calling: "Beloved, one day I will gently touch your face and wipe away your tears. Tears you've shed in sorrow over sin. Tears over the pain in your heart from regret. Tears for the loss of loved ones to sickness and death. Tears from the hurt that people inflicted upon you. Tears of frustration and anger.

I know about tears. My Son wept at the grave of His friend, Lazarus and in the garden before His own death. One day tears will be no more. There will be no more reason to cry, for I will remove all of that regret and loss and hurt and frustration and anger.....Gone!  I will replace your sorrows with myself, my love, my presence. I will make all things new." 

As soon as I finish this writing, I will go attend the funeral of a close friend's 6-month old grandson who passed away last Friday. One minute he was sleeping peacefully and the next he was in the arms of Jesus. There will be tears. There will be questions. There will be doubts about God's purpose in all this sadness. No one has the answers - and in times like this, we wish we did.

This song came to mind last night as I was thinking about what to write today and I wanted to share it as an encouragement and a reminder of that day when all tears, questions, fears, and doubts will disappear.

* Lyrics to No More Night :
Words & music by Walt Harrah

The timeless theme, Earth and Heaven will pass away. It’s not a dream, God will make all things new that day. Gone is the curse from which I stumbled and fell. Evil is banished to eternal hell.

No more night. No more pain. No more tears. Never crying again. And praises to the great "I AM." We will live in the light of the risen Lamb.

See all around, now the nations bow down to sing. The only sound is the praises to Christ, our King. Slowly the names from the book are read. I know the King, so there’s no need to dread.

No more night. No more pain. No more tears. Never crying again. And praises to the great "I AM." We will live in the light of the risen Lamb.

See over there, there’s a mansion, oh, that’s prepared just for me, Where I will live with my savior eternally. There will be no more night. No more pain. No more tears. Never crying again. And praises to the great "I AM." We will live in the light of the risen Lamb.

Download the lesson from Revelation

True or False?

Can you identify a fake? Do you know what to look for when it comes to telling the difference between who is lying and who is speaking the truth? In his short letter to the Jewish Christians, Jude wanted to celebrate their shared salvation and belief in Christ, but found it more urgent to warn them about the threat of false teachers invading the church and how they should respond to them.

Jude's warning was not just for the people of his day, it's a warning for us as well. He wants us to be aware of what these false teachers look like, act like and want to see happen. Many of them are looking to turn us away from God's truth and to embrace their false teaching - also known as apostasy. Jude sought to motivate his readers to wake up from their complacency and take action - and it's his call to us as well!

* Who They Are: Jude 4 describes them as "godless men who have secretly slipped in among you." Their goal is to get Christians to believe that they can do whatever they want without fear of God's punishment. They have made God's grace a license for immorality and make light of God's holiness and justice.  Even today, wome Christians minimize the sinfulness of sin, believing how they live has little to do with their faith.

* What They Do: False teachers's attitudes represent a rebellion toward God's truth and a desire to promote themselves and their beliefs. Jude warns that this only will lead to their own corruption and destruction (v.10b). Their attitudes include pride, selfishness, jealousy, greed, lust for power and control and a disregard for God's will.

* What They Are: False teachers promise much but produce little, like rainless clouds and fruitless trees. Verses 14-16 describe them as ungodly in their acts, their ways and with their words. They are grumblers, complainers and faultfinders following their own lusts. They speak evil of anyone who disagrees with them and their "swelling words" boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.

* What We Must Do: The Jewish believers had been warned. They had been told what to look and listen for...and so have we! Jude gives us a plan of action in v. 20-21. 1) Build yourselves up in the faith - know what you believe and why you believe it. 2) Pray consistently in the Spirit of God's will and 3) Keep ourselves in God's love by living close to Him and not listening to false teachers who want to pull us away.

Do these false teachers exist today? Yes! As long as Satan is alive and well, false teachers will threaten the church with error. We must do what we need to do to know the truth! One of the revealing characteristics of a false teacher is his fearless and disrespectful disregard for God's truth and ungodly behavior. They act as if God will not punish them for what they say and do....but the truth is - God always punishes rebellion against Him. Know that genuine servants of God will faithfully point to Christ with their words and actions.

We must be able to tell the difference between true vs. false teaching. As in Jude's day, the false teachers slipped in secretly, not making a big announcement of their arrival, and then slowly started getting people to question God's truth. It's not an option to be complacent. We are to earnestly fight for our faith. You've heard that a frog won't know it's boiling to death when the heat is turned up a little at a time - so we must not let our faith die, one lie at a time.

Knock! Knock! Who's There?

Do you know who's at the door? John warned the believers not to receive false teachers into their homes.  (2 John 10) By doing so, they were approving of what these deceivers were saying and how they were living. (In John's day, these false teachers did not affirm that Jesus actually came in the flesh - that He was only a spirit.) John admonished them to be alert because deceitful people will appear to be saying the right things and will seem sincere and believable. They attract people with their eloquence and likability...so beware!

Do we invite false teachers into our homes today? We may physically allow people of other religions in, in hopes of "converting" them, but we must be careful that we are strong in what we believe and why before we do.  Aside from this, most times, we don't invite deceivers in intentionally. Remember though, they are deceitful. They are doing the work of the enemy and his main weapons are distraction and disillusion. We too must be alert and aware of what/who we are allowing into our homes. One of the easiest ways for deceivers to enter is through our eyes.

What we watch and/or allow to be watched on television is an easy way for deceivers to enter our homes. Are we distracted with false teachers preaching a false "gospel"  even though it sounds alot like what we believe? Are we allowing our children, and even ourselves, to be drawn into the disillusion that success and fame - the Hollywood lifestyle - regardless of its cost, is what they should be dreaming of and pursuing? Soon, the things we watch and the people we admire become idols we can't live without.

What about books and magazines? Are we distracted by the flash and fashion, promises and potions, gossip and glamor that we are disillusioned into believing that everything we read is true? Or are we strong enough in the real Truth, that we can tell the difference? Do our teen age girls (and boys) know the people on the covers of magazines are not "real"? Yet sadly, they are deceived and disillusioned into thinking they must look like them in order to be accepted and loved.

What about computers/phones? The false teachers we allow into our homes through the computer/phone screens are just as deceiving, but easier to hide. We spend more time looking at these screens then we do anything else it seems! We allow them to distract us from the actual people and "real friends" around us. Some become disillusioned and struggle identifying what is real and what is virtual reality. We no longer use the phone to talk to people and the social skills of our children are becoming non-existent.

So do we know who's at our door begging to be let into our home? Are we leaving our doors unlocked and allowing anyone and anything to come in and make themselves comfortable? Have the deceivers become a part of the family that we can't imagine life without them?

We must be aware and alert  - as Peter warns us - because our enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour (I Peter 5:8). He wants to devour our faith, our family and our future. Do not give him a foothold into your home or a place to settle! (Ephesians  4:27)

Download this week's lesson from 2 & 3 John

It's Spring Cleaning Day!

Is it cleaning day for you today? Are there some things in your own life (attitudes, actions, affiliations) that  need to be removed? Can you see where these things are interferring with your fellowship with God?

John, the only remaining original disciple of Jesus, reminds his readers in I John, about the importance of walking in the light (with God), the benefits of fellowship and the need for cleansing of sin.

In I John 1:7, John writes, "If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin." This verse gives us three ways to stay clean in a spiritually polluted world:

1) By walking in the light. This means striving to be so honest before God and man that you wouldn't be embarassed or ashamed to have anyone read in tomorrow's newspaper , what you did today! Walking in the light means following what is good, pure, holy, right and true = folllowing God! Who or what are you following today? Is it leading you to closer fellowship with God or in the opposite direction?

2) By being accountable. To grow strong in an area of weakness, sometimes you need someone mature enough to deserve your confidence, gracious enough to put up with your inconsistencies and honest enough to confront you. Above all, they should be commited to you  in love. Who we fellowship with should make our walk with God stronger. Do you have such a person in your life? Are you this person for someone else?


3) By dealing with your sin right away. The moment that you recognize you have sinned, should be the moment that leads you to confession. You must believe that Christ's blood cleanses us from all sin and that according to I John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, He (God) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrightesousness." Confess today - then get up and continue your walk with God.
 
If there's something rotten in your refrigerator you know it every time you open the door. You may not know exactly where it is, but the smell tells you it's in there. Our lives are like that. If there's something wrong within us, those we come into contact with are going to sense it. It gives off an "odor" that's detectable. That's why we must continually open ourselves to God and allow His Spirit to cleanse our hearts and remove whatever is hindering our walk with Him.
 
What are you going to clean out of your heart and life today? An action that you'd be ashamed of if it were on the front page of the paper? A weakness that continues to overtake your best intentions to change because you are trying to do it all on your own? Unconfessed sin that will continue to rot and cause others to sense somthing is wrong, even if you're doing your best to cover it up?
 
Make today a cleaning day that will leave you not only clean on the inside but shining bright on the outside :)
 
Download this week's lesson from I John

What's Your Reason?

Mixed with encouragement and inspiration, Peter firmly instructs the suffering Jewish Christians to always be prepared to give a reason for their hope. These new believers were experiencing severe persecution, testing and trials for their new faith in Christ. Their lives were being watched by unbelieving neighbors, family and friends, employers, etc and they needed to be ready to answer the question, "What is it that you believe that gives you such hope amidst your suffering?"

We have no idea the extent of pain and suffering these Jewish Christians endured. We will never know what they gave up in order to follow Christ. Our suffering may not compare to theirs, but we are still required to be prepared when people ask us for the reason for the hope we have.  What's your reason?

"...Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." (I Peter 3:15)  Let's break down this verse:

1) Always be prepared to give an answer ....
This is not an option; this is a command. God expects it from us. It doesn't mean that we have to have all the answers to deep, theological questions, but we do have to be prepared to give an answer. Not a "Just because" or "I'm not sure" answer, but one that's sincere; a true testimony of your relationship with God.

2) ...to everyone who asks you....
It doesn't say, "in case anyone ever asks you" or only to people who understand where you're coming from (i.e. fellow believers, etc.). We are to be prepared to answer anyone and everyone - regardless of who they are and what they believe or don't believe. If they are asking, they are looking for an answer!

3) ....to give the reason for the hope that you have.
You know you have hope...in your salvation, in Christ, in your future, etc., but can you explain it so others will understand it? You may be going through a trial and people are noticing how you're handling it and they are asking about your hope - what do you say? 

In order to know the reason, we have to understand it ourselves! We need to understand God, His Word and what He wants to do for others. We need to understand our own, personal relationship with God and be able to explain how our life has changed because of it. We need to understand other people and recognize that when they ask, and they will, they are searching for something. They want and need the same hope you have and if we're not ready to give them a reason, they will move on to someone and/or something else.

4) But do this with gentleness and respect.
Responding with gentleness means not getting in their face when they ask, condemning them of their unbelief, etc. Nor do we  brush someone off by saying, "Oh, you wouldn't understand" or "I don't know how to explain it to you." - this is disrespect and will be interpreted as such immediately!

Do you know the reason for your hope and are you ready to share it when, not if, someone asks? Being prepared with your answer takes an effort on your part and the enemy will do all he can to distract you from completing it. Don't give him another victory today.

Take time to write out your response in your own words, recalling personal experiences where God has been and continue to be your comfort, support, strength.....your hope!

Is Your Faith Starving?

Do you realize that our faith needs to be fed just like our physical body?  Do you recognize that God allows things in our life to help us grow in our faith? Is God trying to strengthen your faith and you're not paying attention?

Just as Hebrews taught us what faith is - being sure that God is who He says He is and certain that He will do what He promises to do, the book of James instructs us on what we are to do with this faith. James 2:17 states that "...faith by itself, if not accompanied by action/works, is dead/useless." In other words, if we are not feeding our faith with action, deeds and good works, than our faith will dry up and become useless. Know that we cannot earn our salvation by serving and obeying God. But such actions show that our commitment to God is real. Deeds of loving service are not a substitute for, but rather a verification of our faith in Christ.

In addition to our good works, how is our faith fed? James shows us several ways that our faith is developed and strengthened.

1) Through trials. James 1: 3 tells us - "...you know that the testing of your faith develops patience / perseverance."  James doesn't say if we face trials, but when we face trials. We have to recognize that trials or testings in our life are God's way of developing our faith. We must turn hardships into times of learning. Tough times teach us perseverance!! What are you being taught today? How is your faith being fed?

2) Through temptations. Although God does not tempt us to do evil, He will allow Satan to temp us in order to refine our faith and help us grow in our dependence on Christ. We can resist temptation to sin by turning to God for strength, choosing to follow Him by faith and obey His Word. Are you struggling with a temptation today? Recognize it as another way God is trying to get your attention  - and focus on Him!

3) Through taming our tongue. How many times have we praised God and shared our faith with our mouth and in the next sentence torn someone to pieces? James 3:10 reminds us - "Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing...this should not be."  When we feed our faith with godly wisdom, our speech will be filled with mercy, love and consideration for others, peace, sincerity, integrity and righteousness.

Is your faith starving? Have you allowed your trials to give your faith new life? Are you continually giving in to the enemy's temptations because your faith is not strong enough to believe God can and will help you? Are the good deeds and great works you do for God overshadowed by an out of control tongue?

Feed your faith today. Don't allow it to die from lack of exercise, malnutrition and disease of the mouth.

Download this week's lesson on James.

What Are You Sure and Certain Of?

                               
Were you sure that the New England Patriots were certain to win this year's Super Bowl? Are you sure that the abundance of snacks you consumed last night are certain not catch up with you later? Can you be sure that the score you saw on the scoreboard as the final seconds ticked away was certainly true?

You may not be a Patriots fan or a football fan of any sorts and you may not relate to anything I've said so far, but one thing I know we all can relate to is the question of where and in whom we put our faith. As we look at the book of Hebrews this week, we see the author's explanation of faith and a biography of Old Testament heroes who demonstrated great faith (Hebrews 11).

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1) Two words describe faith - sure and certain.  Faith is believing God's character - being sure that He is who He says He is. It is also believing in God's promises - being certain that He will do what He says He will do. When we believe God's character as one who is faithful and trust He will fulfill His promises - even though we don't see those promises materializing yet - we demonstrate true faith and TRUE faith is based on what God says and is shown by what we do!

The author of Hebrews wanted the Jewish Christians to know that living by faith is far better than merely fulfilling rituals and rules. Let's look at how we can live out faith in our own lives:

F - Focus:  Fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, (Hebrews 12:2). Our focus should be on the only One who is certain to be faithful and will strengthen and perfect our faith.

A - Act: ...so faith without deeds is dead. (James 2:26)  Are you talking the talk of faith, but your actions speak worry, anxiety, fear, pride, control, depression, etc?

I - Increase: The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"  (Luke 17:5). When's the last time you asked God to increase your faith? If the disciples, who walked and worked with Jesus needed their faith increased, how much more do we?

T - Take Up: ...take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. (Ephesians 6:16).  Our faith is a shield that protects us from the attacks of the enemy. If our "shield" is down, we will suffer from the flaming arrows of doubt, discouragement, dismay, etc.

H - Hear: ... faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17) What are you doing to strengthen your faith? Are you hearing God's Word through Bible study, prayer and His messengers? If the seed of faith is not being watered, it and YOU cannot expect to grow.

Make today the day you begin to Focus, Act, Increase, Take up and Hear God's message in order to be sure and certain that what you hope for and what you cannot see is in God's hands and more than any person (or team) is faithful - To the faithful you show yourself faithful.... (Psalm 18:25).

Download this week's lesson from Hebrews