Tag Archives: devotion

Uncategorized

Soul-level Friendships with Believers

In Reformed and Evangelical theology, the question of “friendship” is often split between common grace (kindness toward all) and special grace (the spiritual union between believers).

While few theologians argue for total isolation from non-believers, many emphasize that “soul-level” friendship (man/man, woman/woman) should be reserved for those who are born again, and “intimate” friendships (man/woman) for married couples only.

1. John MacArthur: The Principle of Separation

John MacArthur’s view, while he was with us, was heavily rooted in the concept of sanctification and the warning against “unequally yoked” (2 Corinthians 6:14). Though this text primarily is applied to marriage, it can also be applied to all non-marital friendships. John was one of the most beloved and respected preachers who started the Master’s Academy.

  • Influence of Character: MacArthur frequently taught that since the goal of the Christian life is Christ-likeness, your closest associates must share that goal. He often cites 1 Corinthians 15:33: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”
  • Theological Value: For MacArthur, the value of born-again friendships lies in their protective role. John taught that a believer’s primary mission is holiness; worldly friendships are seen as a potential “drag” on one’s spiritual trajectory. He viewed friendship as an influence loop in which you either become like your friends or they become like you.

2. Joel Beeke: The Experiential Perspective

As a leading voice in Puritan and Reformed studies, Joel Beeke focuses on Experiential Christianity. This is the idea that theology isn’t just in the head, but felt in the heart.

  • Communion of Saints: Beeke emphasizes the Heidelberg Catechism’s view on the “communion of saints.” He argues that true friendship requires a shared “spiritual language.”
  • Theological Value: The value here is mutual edification. To Beeke, a friend who is not born again cannot “watch over your soul.” He advocates “holy fellowships” in which friends hold each other accountable for experimental godliness. Without a shared rebirth, the deepest part of your identity remains a mystery to your friend.

3. General Reformed Theology: Two Kingdoms and Covenant

Broader Reformed theology (from Calvin to modern thinkers) looks at this through the lens of Covenantal Life.

  • The Corporate Identity: In the Reformed tradition, the “born again” individual is part of the Body of Christ. Therefore, friendships within the church are seen as an extension of the family of God.
  • Common Grace vs. Special Grace: Reformed theologians often acknowledge “Common Grace” friendships—shared interests in work, art, or hobbies with non-believers. However, they distinguish these from “Special Grace” friendships, which are centred on the Gospel.

Comparative Table: Friendship Priorities

Theologian/Group Primary Focus View Friends
John MacArthur Sanctification & Purity Non-believers are evangelistic “mission fields” rather than intimate peers.
Joel Beeke Spiritual Fellowship Born-again friends are necessary for “soul-work” and mutual accountability.
Reformed Tradition Covenantal Unity Born-again friends are valued for building the “Kingdom of God” and the local church.

The Theological Core: “The Third Party”

The underlying theological value across these views is that a Christian friendship is not a duo, but a triangle with the inclusion of Christ and His Spirit mediating the relationship.

In this model, the “born again” status is valuable because it allows God to mediate the friendship. If one person does not know God, the triangle is broken, and the friendship is limited to the horizontal, temporal plane (interests, humour, history), which can introduce the dark side rather than the vertical, eternal plane (grace, conviction, sanctification, holiness, prayer).

Summary: The theological value is not about being “elitist,” but about spiritual synergy. If the Holy Spirit lives in both friends, the friendship becomes a means of grace that helps both parties reach heaven.

Part 2: Caution of Men and Women interacting outside of marriage

Further Study:

  • Baxter: Richard Baxter, A Christian Directory (London: Robert White, 1673), Part II, Chap. X, 563.
  • Beeke: Joel R. Beeke, Living for God’s Glory: An Introduction to the Reformed Faith (Lake Mary, FL: Reformation Trust Publishing, 2008), 324-326.
  • Owen: John Owen, The Works of John Owen, ed. William H. Goold, vol. 13 (Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1850), 45-47.

 

Uncategorized

Bible Verses to Memorize

In the chaos of our world, there are only twenty-four hours in a day. Unless you prioritize God’s Word, it is easy to leave it on the list for another day. Truly, the only way to know God is to know His Word, and the only way to know His Word is to spend time in it and spend time growing in a deeper understanding.

King David, the ancestral forefather of Jesus Christ, wrote this scripture many years ago— Psalm 119:11: “I have treasured Your word in my heart so that I may not sin against You.”

Hover over each scripture to see the pop-up.

  • Matthew 11:28
  • Philippians 4:6
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:18
  • Hebrews 12:1
  • Psalm 37:4
  • Matthew 22:37
  • Isaiah 53:5
  • 1 John 3:16
  • Ephesians 4:32
  • Micah 6:8
  • Philippians 2:3
  • 1 Samuel 2:3
  • Ephesians 2:8–9
  • Deuteronomy 7:9
  • Romans 1:17
  • Daniel 3:18
  • Galatians 2:20
  • Romans 12:1
  • Ephesians 2:10
  • Joel 2:13
  • James 5:16
  • Proverbs 13:20
  • John 10:10
  • Joshua 1:9
  • Ephesians 6:12
  • Isaiah 26:3
  • 1 Peter 5:8
  • Deuteronomy 31:6
  • James 1:12
  • Lamentations 3:22–23
  • 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
  • Colossians 3:23
  • Luke 16:13
  • Genesis 1:27–28
  • Romans 12:2
  • 1 Samuel 16:7
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:21
  • Proverbs 3:5
  • Hebrews 4:12
  • Joshua 1:8
  • 1 Peter 3:15
  • Numbers 23:19
  • 2 Peter 3:9
  • Isaiah 55:8
  • Hebrews 4:1
  • Zephaniah 3:17
  • 1 Corinthians 10:13
  • Job 19:25
  • John 16:33
  • Ecclesiastes 12:13
  • Romans 8:31
  • Romans 8:38–39
Uncategorized

Seek the things above where Christ is seated.

Here is a biblical definition of sanctification: the process of being set apart for God’s special purpose and transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ. It involves both an initial, instant setting apart at conversion and a progressive, lifelong work of the Holy Spirit to free believers from the power of sin and develop personal holiness.

The Fact of the Hidden Life Colossians 3:3 declares the fact: “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Scripture makes it clear what our born-again spiritual state with regard to the world and sin is: “you have died.” It is obvious that we are alive as mortal beings — that we are alive physically. Thus, the reference to death refers to our spiritual death to the old way of life we lived in the world before accepting Christ.

This dual activity of sanctification links our new position in life to our new, empowered experience—Christ imparting a new way of thinking for actualization through our doing. Paul reveals that the gospel, through the Spirit, has transformative power to lead Christians on the path to eternal life. There is both death to the old life and an animating power of new life—a disciplined cessation of the old ways, conjoined with the Spirit energizing new life, transforming the heart and mind anew.

As we will see, this study of sanctification focuses on Paul’s letter to the Colossians, chapter 3. This reveals our experience of unity with Christ through his Spirit, as he imparts his holiness to us. Here, Paul makes it clear that the reality of death to sin is our decisive rejection of sin, empowered by the animating new spiritual life in the Lord’s Spirit.

Living the New Life. The following text emphasizes our contemplative thinking with our doing: “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honour at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.” (Colossians 3: 3-4 NLT)

Dying to the Old Life. Here, our responsibility in this new life is seen in active unity with the Spirit: “So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behaviour, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.” (Colossians 3: 4-5 NLT)

You are a Representative Messenger of Christ. “It is important to allow Christ to do his mighty work of love in you as you are bought with a price: Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” (Colossians 3: 6-7 NLT)

Living the New Life Hidden with Christ. Here we see that our spiritual renewal is enabled by our agreement to “clothe yourselves with love” as Christ’s transformative love works within our hearts: “Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” (Colossians 3: 10-15 NLT)

Our New Life is Hidden with Christ. Though we have died spiritually, our renewed life is hidden in the Spirit realm, protected by Christ when we remain dependent on Him. An abiding union with His death — crucifying the old man, so to speak, always includes a union with the powers of His resurrection and life. (John 15:4-5; Galatians 2.20)

The following is a quote from a book I cite below:

Christ Himself in His discourse on the Mount admonished each of us to lay up treasures in heaven and not on earth because ‘where your treasure is, there will your heart be also’ (Matt. 6:19–21). There is no treasure more valuable than Jesus, the pearl of great price. Nothing else approaches His infinite value and intrinsic worth. To regard Him so is to have our earthly heart fixed where He is and where we are in union with Him. 1

1 Beeke, Joel R., and Michael P. V. Barrett. 2021. A Radical, Comprehensive Call to Holiness. Christian Focus.

Uncategorized

The Importance of Bible Reading

Hover over each scripture in this article to have it pop up for reading.

God works with you to fight temptation. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

You may be a partaker of the Divine Nature. This scripture is an example of  God’s most important tool for sanctifying our lives and living in holiness. 2 Peter 1:3–4 (NAS): His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.

Spirit Power is ours. The Spirit of our Lord Jesus guides us in the reading of His Word. Jesus prayed that our scripture meditation and reading would sanctify our lives and transform us to be more like Jesus (see John 17:17-18 ESV). And Peter advised that our growth in Christ is achieved by meditating on the Word of God. (1 Peter 2:2 ESV). There are many scriptures that make it clear about the importance of transforming our hearts, minds, and souls. We must comprehend scripture and learn to hear the Lord speak to us. (see 2 Corinthians 3:18)

The Word of God transforms our lives. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:16–17, ESV)

Make time to read. I recommend daily reading in the morning before you begin your day.  Proverbs 2:1–6: will guide you to acquire the knowledge of our Lord’s Words and inspire you to learn to allow scripture to speak directly to your heart. You will see how God commands you to live. You will learn how to overcome the temptations of the forces of darkness and to develop perseverance in your faith. King David gave us this advice, which he followed: “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.“ (Psalm 119:11)

Prioritize your personal growth as a Christian. Do not expect growth in holiness if you spend little time alone with God and do not take His Word seriously. Rather, ‘Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly’ (Colossians 3:16), for ‘we take hold of Christ as his words take hold of us.’ When plagued with a heart prone to be tempted away from holiness, let Scripture teach you how to live a holy life in an unholy world. Let Scripture be your compass to guide you in cultivating holiness, in making life’s decisions, and in encountering the high waves of personal affliction. 1

How do I overcome temptation? The wise decision is the opposite of what’s “twisted” and “crooked.” If it feels wrong, it is wrong. If our conscience is aligned with God’s, we will know what’s right. The rest will seem like an “abomination.” If we want Wisdom, she’s ours for the having—ours for the living (James 1:5–7, 8). 2

Sanctification is a lifelong process. We are all sinners. Only Christ is sinless. We will err at times. Even the apostle Paul didn’t feel he had entirely arrived spiritually, which he noted in his letter to the Philippian church. The apostle John wrote: If we sin, we have an advocate with the Father — our Lord Jesus Christ.  These texts are comforting. (Philippians 3:12, 1 John 2:1) And if we sin, it is advisable to repent in prayer. David sinned when he committed adultery with Bathsheba. This is a favourite scripture for those who acknowledge their sin and repent:

See King David’s prayer in Psalm 51: 1-15: Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion; According to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. Wash me clean of my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be proved right when You speak and blameless when You judge. Surely I was brought forth in iniquity; I was sinful when my mother conceived me. Surely You desire truth in the inmost being; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness…Hide Your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence; take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will return to You.

It is noteworthy that John Wesley, one of the great evangelists who, from 1739, preached daily to tens of thousands of people in England and America, founded the Methodist church. Though he taught sanctification methodically, recognizing that we are all sinners, he believed in daily prayerful repentance. (Romans 6:22-23).  His primary purpose was to teach his church to read and discuss the Word systematically with one another, empowering transformation by the Word of God through Christ’s Spirit.

1 Beeke, Joel R., and Michael P. V. Barrett. 2021. A Radical, Comprehensive Call to Holiness. Christian Focus.

2 Barry, John D., and Rebecca Kruyswijk. 2012. Connect the Testaments: A One-Year Daily Devotional with Bible Reading Plan. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press. 

Uncategorized

Amazing Grace: Born Again by Christ’s Spirit

If a man or woman desires to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, He made it clear, “You must be born again.”

Why does a new life require a new birth? As when we are born of our mother, our birth begins a new physical life that issues from previous nonexistence, so in the second birth, a formerly nonexistent spiritual life comes into being.

Without a physical birth, there is no physical life. Similarly, if there is no new spiritual birth, there is no transformation by the Holy Spirit. The new birth, therefore, is not optional for spiritual life; it is necessary. In the meeting with Nicodemus, Jesus made it clear that being ‘born again’ is the prerequisite to salvation unto eternal life. (John 3:3, 7)

It is clear that Christ demands another birth after natural birth—the emphasis on being born “again” makes this very clear. We were first born of the physical flesh; secondly, and more importantly, we need to be born of the Spirit of the Lord.

This guarantees the necessary qualifications for entrance into the kingdom of God. The new birth is necessary for salvation because the first birth does not produce the kind of life that is empowered to be spiritually transformed by the guiding indwelling Spirit and prepared for the new life in God’s kingdom.

Without the new birth, Christ’s statement in John 3:6 clarifies: ‘That which is born of the flesh is flesh.’ The flesh can give birth only to more flesh: Flesh propagates according to flesh as David confessed to the Lord:  Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. (Psalm 51:5).  ‘So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God’ (Romans 8:8) . Indeed, to live after the flesh leads inevitably to death (Romans 8:13).

Therefore, by Christ’s definition, being born again is not just a fresh start or a second chance at life. It must be a birth of a completely different sort from the first birth. It must be a birth that changes the fleshly nature that is so naturally corrupt and bent against God. It is more than simply being born again; it must be being born from above.‘That which is born of the Spirit is spirit’ (John 3:6).

What Christ empowers with the gift of His Spirit when you accept and believe His power to save you brings a change of nature that affects the whole man — we become sons and daughters of God, adopted into his family (John 1:9-10, 11-12, 13 NLT) In the meeting with Nicodemus, Jesus made it clear that being ‘born again’ is the prerequisite to salvation — to become a true son of God. (John 3:3, 7)

Romans 8:14–17 (ESV): For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

What Christ provides by his initiating Grace for you, he will work within you. The one who confesses that he or she believes in Jesus as his Saviour has begun the initial step toward spiritual transformation. This decision will begin a change of nature that affects the whole heart, mind and soul. The new birth proceeds in the Power of God and will manifest itself in moral reforms and character transformations of life flowing from a new nature that creates new desires, impulses, and inclinations.

The new birth is a change from the inside out that comes from above and enables holy living: living in righteousness, peace, and joy. (Romans 15:13)

It is my prayer that as you walk with Christ, you will share your new life with others you come into contact with by sharing this truth about God’s love for you and anyone who acknowledges Jesus as his Lord.  (John 3:16)

Uncategorized

The choice of Two Paths

Catherine Jackman, my wife, has compiled a few texts to convey the seriousness of life’s paths, from which our choices have eternal consequences.

John 8:12 When Jesus spoke to the people, He said: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (NIV)

Two Paths of your eternal soul 

There are two paths—the path of darkness and the path of LIGHT.

You get to choose your path.

The path of darkness leads to eternal destruction.

The path of LIGHT leads to eternal life. — I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. John 12:46

You are on the path of darkness; unless you choose the path of LIGHT.

 God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5

Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:8

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. John 3:16

What has come into being in him (Jesus) was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. John 1:5

To choose the path of LIGHT, you need to: 

A: Accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” John 8:1

B: Believe in Him and acknowledge that He was born of a virgin, died and rose again.  “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through His Spirit that dwells in you.” John 8:11

C: Confess your sins, and you will find forgiveness and be saved.   “…and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations…” Luke 24:47

Remember, you are not ‘perfect until you get to heaven,’ so that any future sins or mistakes can be confessed and removed as you ask forgiveness in Jesus’ name.

D: Do God’s will and talk about Him and read the Bible to learn about (Suggest starting by reading the book of Luke): Jesus, God the Son; God the Father; and God the Holy Spirit, and share Jesus Christ with others. Allow the Holy Spirit to reveal where you need healing and deliverance from any past brokenness. This will allow God to prepare you to use the gifts and talents He has given you. Firstly, the great quest is — Luke 10:27 (Jesus) answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself.”

 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13

For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:40

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 2 Cor 4:6

There are consequences for not obeying the law of Love. — The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure God’s wrath. John 3:35-36

**How do you accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour?

“For with the heart (core being) man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” ( Romans 10:10)

Through prayer, invite Jesus into your heart to become your personal Lord and Saviour

Suggested prayer:  Lord Jesus, I confess my sins and ask for your forgiveness. Please come into my heart as my Lord and Saviour. Take complete control of my life and help me to walk in Your footsteps daily by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you, Lord, for saving me and for answering my prayer.

Just in case you are not a believer yet…you can call on the name of the Lord if you feel you might die and …

We only have one life to live. Salvation can be immediate if you call on the Lord, repent and accept him.

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

Uncategorized

The Sufficiency of Christ

Paul, writing in Colossians 2:10, says, “And you are complete in Him.” This elucidates the spiritual viewpoint: the Sufficiency of Christ — you are complete in Him. The primary theme throughout the gospel is summed up in that text. Matthew to Revelation bear witness to the sufficiency of Jesus Christ.

Let’s examine the insights of the Apostle Paul. After all, Jesus met him on the road to Damascus and called him to be the articulator of the majesty of our Lord. Theologians and great preachers consider Paul to be the greatest mind, with the strongest will and purpose to magnify Jesus Christ as Lord, and to forgive humanity’s sins — you can confess Him as your Saviour as well.

“In Christ we have all wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.” 1 Corinthians 1:30

In 2 Corinthians 12:9, it says, “My grace” – that is the grace of God in Christ – “is sufficient for you.”

In Ephesians 1:3, it says that, “We have in Christ been blessed with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus.”

And Hebrews 10:14 says, “By one offering He has perfected forever them that are His, sanctified forever them that are His.”

Reading these scriptures, we contemplate the total source of Jesus Christ, our creator and sustainer for every need, spiritually speaking, in today, tomorrow and for your eternity. Think about: Colossians 2:10, “You are complete in Him.”

Having the Lord Jesus Christ is to have everything needed for a wonderful spiritual life, both now and for eternity.  Not to have Him is to have absolutely nothing at all.

Every goodness flows from trusting Jesus as your saviour: Love, joy, peace, truest meaning, value, purpose, hope — and a fulfilling life now and forever — all is bound up in Christ. When we receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, we enter into an all-sufficient relationship with an all-sufficient Christ.

My confidence and my faith all rest in one person — Jesus Christ. And I believe with all my heart, not because of me, but because of His sovereign and infinite grace, My faith is complete in Him — I am complete in Him.

In Christ, you can find the source of all earth’s loving, the universe of peace and trust divine. You will be able to say:  I find the satisfaction borne of knowing forever I am His, and He is mine. In Christ I find a harbour from the tempest, a refuge safe to guard throughout the test. I find in Him a shelter from the darkness, as safely in His arms my soul does rest. In Christ I find the bread that leaves no hunger, the wine that leaves no thirst within the heart. I find the warmth of love that Jesus gives, the blessing of His riches to impart.

Moreover, in Christ, I find all love, all joy, all blessing; I find the peace that never shares with doubt — never. In Christ I find the gate to heaven’s glory, in Christ, the Christ who dwells within my heart.

You can rest, trusting, living, and even facing death in the confidence of the sufficiency of Christ! Christ is all and all to me. In simple childlike faith, embrace the living, dying, risen Christ as your Saviour. He brings complete salvation, complete forgiveness, complete victory, for you are complete in Him — in the spiritual unity with the Holy Spirit for time and eternity, He gives; and by faith, you receive.

Uncategorized

Was Jesus Really the Son of God?

Paul E. Little has outlined many studies on the Christian teachings presented clearly; Know What You Believe and Know Why You Believe, which I herein present an excerpt: Jesus Said He Was the Son of God: 1 
It soon became apparent in many ways that Jesus was making shocking and startling statements about himself. He began to identify himself as far more than a remarkable teacher or a prophet. He began to say clearly that he was deity. He made his identity the focal point of his teaching. The all-important question he put to those who followed him was, “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered his question with, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:15–16).
Jesus was not shocked, nor did he rebuke Peter. On the contrary, he commended him. Jesus made the claim to be the Son of God explicitly. His hearers got the full impact of his words. We are told, “The Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God” (John 5:18). Christianity is not a path but a person, not rules but a relationship.
On another occasion, he said, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). Immediately, the Jews wanted to stone him. He asked them for which good work they wanted to kill him. They replied, “We are not stoning you for any of these, … but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God” (John 10:33).
Jesus claimed and demonstrated the attributes that only God has. When a paralytic was let down through a roof and placed at his feet, he said, “Son, your sins are forgiven” (Mark 2:5). This caused a great ruckus among the scribes, who said in their hearts, “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Mark 2:7). Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’?” (Mark 2:8–9). In effect he answered their question with: “That you may know that I, the Son of Man, have authority on earth to forgive sins [which you rightly say God alone can do], but since this cannot be seen, I’ll do something you can see” (Mark 2:10). Turning to the palsied man, he commanded him, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home” (Mark 2:11). The man got up and walked!
The title Son of Man is one Jesus used to refer to himself, but always with some assertion of deity. In his words concerning his coming, Jesus speaks of himself as the Son of Man come “to give his life a ransom for many.” This is not a disclaimer of deity, by any means. Rathe,r the title embraces both his deity and his coming as a part of the human race. His authority, miracles, teaching and character were traits true only of God. At the critical moment when his life was at stake because of these claims, the high priest put the question to him directly: Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” “I am,” said Jesus calmly, “and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One [God] and coming on the clouds of heaven.” The high priest tore his clothes and asked, “Why do we need any more witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy.” (Mark 14:61–64)
So close was his identification with God that it was natural for him to equate a man’s attitude to himself with his attitude to God. Thus, to know him was to know God; to see him was to see God; to believe in him was to believe in God; to receive him was to receive God; to hate him was to hate God; to honour him was to honour God. 2
1 Paul E. Little, Know Why You Believe (Westmont, IL: IVP Books, 2008), 49–52.
2 John Stott
Uncategorized

Marriage is sealed by a portion of Yahweh’s Spirit

When studying Malachi, my wife and I were amazed to find this verse: “Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth.” (Malachi 2:15)

First, God is rebuking the Israelites for their complicity with regard to their understanding of the importance of marriage with the primary goal of raising up holy children. This can only be realized if a couple understands that God’s Spirit actually unites them in a spiritual bond as one. “The two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh” (Mark 10:8)

With divorce at an all-time high, the exact opposite of God’s will designed for a godly upbuilding of His kingdom has ensued.

When the young consider another soul for marriage, it would do them well to consider the divine creation of God, unifying the couple in mind and viewpoint, firstly, to realize that as they move forward with their lifelong commitment, godliness, while submitting to Jesus Christ as Lord, is paramount. In fact, the scripture warns us, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14). Also, God obviously hates divorce.

Divorce, God considers as an act of violence among spouses, especially when the negative witness affects the holiness of children. (Malachi 2:16) In the time of the prophet Malachi, men led the home, and divorce decisions would have been made by their decision. Today, both husband and wife are generally responsible for maintaining mutual harmony as they live in a loving and kind manner, trusting each other and avoiding adultery. Moreover, the Spirit of the Lord God enables the couple and their children to be transformed into the likeness of Christ’s righteousness through the living Word of God, which guides their lives.

From two souls, Zechariah and Elizabeth, even before conception, John the Baptist was called to be the Great Proclaimer of the Grace of Christ. We know this is true because an angel came to Zechariah, telling him of one to be born to him and Elizabeth. He went, unable to speak until John was born, as he replied to the angel in doubt due to his and Elizabeth’s age. When John was born, his first words were when asked about the child’s name: “He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s surprise, he wrote, ‘His name is John.” as Yahweh God had declared to him via the angel.

The implications of not having the Lord unify and empower transformative marriage may mean that he cannot bless the marriage if the two marrying disregard the Lord’s biblical guidance. The Good News: There is always hope when a married couple decides to repent and accept Jesus Christ as Lord over their family’s life. The Body of Believers — the church — is the Bride of Christ.

Meditate on the full context of the text: You cover the Lord’s altar with tears, with weeping and groaning because he no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favour from your hand. 14 But you say, “Why does he not?” Because the Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. 15 Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth. 16 “For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless. (Malachi 2:13, 14, 15, 16)

Click for more on Marriage

 

Uncategorized

King Nebuchadnezzar’s Lesson about Pride versus Contrition

As you read, please hover over and read all the scriptures within the study.

Nebuchadnezzar’s Madness: Daniel 4 describes a period of madness that Nebuchadnezzar experienced, as foretold by a dream interpreted by Daniel. This humbling experience led him to recognize the sovereignty of the God of Israel. Daniel 4:34-35 captures his declaration: “His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation.” 1

Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream: God dealt with Nebuchadnezzar’s pride and idolatry, which he had dreamt about, and which Daniel interpreted. (Daniel 4:24, 25, 26, 27) Herein lies a lesson that pride goes before a fall. The dream becomes reality when Nebuchadnezzar begins boasting of his own glory. He is immediately struck with insanity until he confesses that Yahweh God is Sovereign over his life, despite his sin. He was warned, his madness lasted seven years, until he eventually repented and confessed to his entire kingdom that Yahweh, the God of the Jews, is the absolute Sovereign ruler of all men over the entire world. (Daniel 4:28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37)

Theological Significance: Nebuchadnezzar’s account is a testament to God’s sovereignty over earthly kingdoms and rulers. His interactions with the Jewish people and the prophet Daniel highlight themes of divine judgment, repentance, and God’s ultimate authority. Despite his initial pride and idolatry, Nebuchadnezzar’s eventual acknowledgment of God’s power serves as a powerful narrative of transformation and divine intervention.

As I write this, many complain of President Donald Trump’s pride. Perhaps we can learn a lesson about our Lord’s supremacy even over this man, Trump. Yahweh places leaders in position to protect the citizenship of the remnant of His righteous followers in this world, even today, just as he did a king years ago to protect the Jews in exile. He is a God of mercy and unlimited grace, ready to protect those who repent and follow his Son, Jesus Christ, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. (Psalm 75:7; Revelation 19:16)

Legacy: Nebuchadnezzar’s legacy is multifaceted. Historically, he is remembered as a great builder and military leader. Biblically, he is a complex figure whose life illustrates the tension between human pride and divine authority. His account remains a subject of study and reflection in both religious and historical contexts.

1 Bible Hub