Time Is Running Out – Keep Inviting
Today’s Passage – Revelation 11 – 15
And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. (Revelation 14:6 & 7)
I have always been fascinated with the Book of Revelation. In it, we see the final destruction of the earth, and the judgment of all of those who reject the Lord Jesus Christ. However, in the midst of all of the judgment and destruction are many invitations for people to come to Christ. Chapter 14 in particular reveals this truth. The last verse in the chapter is traditionally understood to be about the final battle between in the Tribulation Period known as the Battle of Armageddon. Not much of a battle really. Christ is going to return and completely destroy all that oppose Him. Notice, though, that prior to this great battle, even right before the final destruction, God was inviting people to come to Christ. The chapter begins with a discussion about the 144,000 who are evangelists covering the earth with the gospel of Christ. Next, we read about three angels that are flying around the skies warning people about the impending judgment, and inviting them to trust Christ. You see, God is not willing that any should perish. Even at the very end, He is inviting people to turn to Him.
I am no history expert, but I think I remember hearing that before we dropped the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki we warned the people of the coming destruction by dropping leaflets from planes. I may have my facts mixed up a little, but I have heard that our government is known to warn the innocent, so that they can be saved. It kind of reminds me of what God is doing here in these passages. Yes, the judgment is certainly coming, but God is willing to save any and all that will come to Him before that day comes.
How about you? Have you heeded the warning from God regarding the coming judgment? You see, my friend, the wages of our sin is eternal death; but God in His mercy and grace is willing to save anybody who is willing to turn from their sin unto the Saviour. If you haven’t yet trusted Christ, I encourage you to read the “Are You Saved?” page on this blog.
Now to those of you who are saved, don’t ever give up on your unsaved loved ones. Keep praying for them, and preaching to them. As we have seen in this passage, God is going to keep giving them opportunities to repent, even at the very end. We should have the same attitude. Keep trying to win them, keep inviting them, keep reaching out to them, keep loving them, even until the end of our earthly lives. It may be that last try that convinces them that Christ is their only hope.
Posted in Devotions by Phil Erickson with 1 comment.
Snowed In
Sorry about not posting today. We do not have internet at the house, and I could not get out to the church (or anywhere else) where there is wifi. As the day progressed, I got busy digging out, and enjoying the snow.
Posted in Devotions by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Let’s Speak About the Unspeakable Gift
Today’s Reading – Jude 1, Revelation 1 – 3
I have decided this morning to break from tradition by not writing a devotion on the day’s reading. Instead, I will be giving you the outline from this morning’s message that will be preached (the Lord willing) at Jersey Shore Baptist Church. I am doing this because of the snow storm that has already started, and is supposed to blanket our area with more than a foot of snow. We will still hold church services this morning for the hearty souls who will make it out; but for those of you who could not travel to the church in this weather, you can still participate in the service and message.
Text – 2 Corinthians 9; Text Verses – 2 Corinthians 8:9; 9:7 & 8; 9:15
Today is the day after Christmas. This is the day when we often think about the presents we received yesterday. This is also the day that some of us will begin to write a note of thanks to those who gave us the gifts. In our text this morning, Paul is speaking to this Corinthian Church about giving, but he is careful to remind them that giving begins and ends with the “unspeakable” gift, which is the gift of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Introduction – Review 2 Corinthians 9
God gave us His Son. He is the “unspeakable” gift mentioned in verse 15. (John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8 & 9)
I Reflect Upon the Gift
A His Person – this is Who He Is – His Attributes – omniscience, omnipotence, infinite love, etc.
As I said before, Christ is the gift, but with the gift comes many extras. Have you ever gotten any Christmas presents that came with extras? Did you ever open the extras first, perhaps by mistake? I remember one time I opened an 8-track tape of “The Platters”. It was a gift from my dad. (I often wondered if he got it for me or for himself.)However, I thought it was strange because I did not own an 8 track tape player. Guess what was the next gift I opened?
B His Propitiation – His Blood Atonement for our sins which provided both grace and mercy.
C His Presence – “[He] will never leave thee nor forsake thee…” (Hebrews 13:5); “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20); “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” (John 14:18)
D His Presents – The Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5); The Gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12)
E His Provision – 2 Corinthians 9:8; Matthew 6:33
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19)
“Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” (Psalms 37:4)
F His Purpose – He has a plan for my life and yours too?
II Rehearse the Gift to God and to Others
Reflection begins with thinking and begets thanksgiving (Psalm 100). Tell others about the “unspeakable” gift. Speak about the indescribable gift.
A Thank God – Spend some time in prayer worshipping Him for who He is, and praising Him for what He has done.
B Thank the People that God has used. (Luke 6:38) – God uses people to be a blessing. Luke 6:38 says that men shall give into your bosom. God works in the hearts of people (even unsaved people) to be a blessing to you. Be sure, though, to tell them that you not only thank them, but that you thank God for them.
III Reciprocate the Gift
Give back to God and to others. Learn to be a giving person.
I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35)
A Give to God’s Purpose – The Great Commission through the local church
B Give to God’s People – Look for ways to give back to God by helping to meet the needs of His children. Remember, God loveth a cheerful giver!
Well, What did you get for Christmas yesterday? If you are saved, you got Jesus, and with Jesus you got it all.
Posted in Devotions, Thoughts from 2 Corinthians by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl
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oday’s Reading – 1John 3-5; 2John; 3John
1John 4:9-11 On Earth Peace, Good Will Toward Men
Merry Christmas and good morning. I hope you slept well. Did the kids bust in your room at 1:00 AM exclaiming that Santa came? But we’re not here to chat about Satan Claws. December 25th is the day we celebrate Emmanuel: Jesus coming in the flesh: God with us! And the reason for the season is told in 1John…
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. (1John 4:9-11)
On earth peace, good will towards men Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. This is the Christmas story. The key bringing glad tidings, edifying the breathren, having peace on earth, and good will towards everybody is Jesus: our Emmanuel. Mathhew 1:23 quotes Isaiah: ” Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Emmanuel means God with us. God is with us. He is right here, and everywhere. If we would only realize that God is always with us: He hears and sees what we do. Knowing and believing this may help us not to grieve the Holy Spirit. Maybe then we will love others as ourselves. We would not be texting messages across the church about someone who doesn’t meet your standards, or dress as well as you do. Jesus sees every where you place your thumbs, or index finger, on the keyboard. And He already knew the message you would type before creation. That may be something to think about before hitting send. Gossip is bad for everyone. Not just texting it, but speaking it also. Here is something else to think about when someone gossips to you: think about this – what are they saying about you when you are not around? What makes you think that someone is not speaking or texting the same things about you? Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you paranoid. Gossip hurts others, so maybe it’s time to put the cellphones away and concentrate on what the Preacher is preaching. Listen as the choir proclaims glory to God in song. You can proclaim God’s glory too during the congregationals. As for me, when I find out that someone has said something derogatory about me, I pray for that person. I know God hates that stuff. To me, I’m not worth God advenging me, and I would feel bad if your thumbs fell off, or you lost your voice. Let’s strive together in the new year to be more like Jesus: loving and edifying the breathren. Then maybe we can have individually peace on earth and good will to all men.
Peace (Luke 2:14)
Posted in Devotions by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
He Already Came!
Today’s Reading – 1 Peter 1 – 3; 1 John 1, 2
“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” (2 Peter 3:3 & 4)
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
“And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;” (2 Peter 3:15)
I was a little anxious this morning as I approached the daily Bible reading and the task of expressing a thought from it for today’s post. Frankly, I wanted to write some thoughts regarding Christmas, but I also want to keep to the format that we have started with, which is to share thoughts that come from the daily reading. I must confess that I actually prayed that God would give me something from this passage that I could connect with the celebration of Christmas, and I believe He has answered that prayer.
Our text deals with the second coming of Christ which involves Christ first returning to remove His Bride (the Church from the earth. The passage reveals that in Peter’s day, and in ours, there are scoffers that doubt that Christ will ever return. There are even Christians that have a hard time believing that Christ’s return is imminent. I strongly disagree with their assessment. I believe that Christ could return at any moment; and frankly, it concerns me greatly. Don’t misunderstand, I am certainly looking forward to spending eternity with my Lord and with loved ones who are saved; but my problem is that I have many friends and loved ones who do not yet know Christ. It is my prayer and hope that the longer He delays His coming, the more people will be saved. I have some folks that I love dearly, that I am not sure about. I want to see them trust Christ.
Christian, this Christmas season is a wonderful time to be a witness to our friends and family members. It just may be that this year at Christmas they will see the real importance of Christ’s first coming, which was to ultimately die for the sins of the world. We talk a lot about the the second coming, and we should; but we also need to remember that it is Christ’s first coming to Bethlehem’s manger that brought about the blood atonement and our forgiveness. Wouldn’t it be wonderful, if somebody you love was to see a manger scene, or hear a Christmas song, and somehow get ahold of the true meaning of Christ’s first coming; and thereby be prepared for His second.
Posted in Devotions by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Suffering for Jesus
Today’s Passage – 1 Peter 1 – 5
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
As I was reading today this entire first letter from Peter, I could not help but notice all of the references to suffering. It seems that the Christians in the first-century, Roman Empire were indeed put to the test often due to their allegiance to Jesus Christ. Look back in the text and notice the following verses:
But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; (1 Peter 3:14)
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: (1 Peter 4:12)
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. (1 Peter 5:10)
In fact, the word “suffer” appears 11 times in 1 Peter. These folks certainly knew what it was like to bear the cross of the Lord Jesus. There are people today in other parts of the world who also are well acquainted with suffering for the Lord. They know what it is like to be persecuted, and in some cases prosecuted, simply for living their Christian faith.
In America, however, there is very little suffering being experienced by believers. We live in a land of freedom. We can still worship the Lord without fear of reprisal. We know little of “counting the cost” in our relationship with God. We are well fed; we are warm in the winter and cool in the summer; we sit on cushioned seats; we have it made. Yet, if you were to carefully examine the hearts and attitudes of many believers today, you would find that they really do not fully appreciate the freedom and luxury that they have. They don’t recognize the wonderful place of liberty that God has given us here in the good ole U.S. of A. This is not to say that they haven’t experienced other forms of suffering, such as illnesses, etc.; but I am merely trying to point out that they are not suffering at the hands of their neighbors, or the government for worshipping Christ. Maybe, its because we are very carnal here in America. Paul says in 2 Timothy 3 that all that live godly shall suffer persecution. Maybe we are not as godly as those first century Christians.
There is something that Peter wrote in this epistle that I think we can all identify with, however:
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; (1 Peter 2:11)
Though I do not know any Christians here in our land that are being tortured for their faith, I do know of many that are in torment because of the battle going on in their flesh. I know that my flesh is my number one enemy. I can certainly identify with the Apostle Paul when he said that the things that he does not want to do, he does, and vice versa. Maybe that is why Satan isn’t attacking us with the frontal assault of persecution. He doesn’t have to because we are still losing the battle in our flesh and our lusts are keeping us from having the effectiveness and impact in the world that we could be having. See the list of the “works of the flesh” in Galatians 5:19 – 21 if you don’t know what I am referring to. But maybe, if we really started walking in the Spirit, and putting to death the lusts that are reeking havoc in our lives, then we just might get the wicked one’s attention. Don’t misunderstand, I am not inviting, nor looking forward to suffering at the hands of the devil or the world; but I am looking forward to living a “Spirit-filled life” that is worthy of their attention.
Posted in Devotions, Thoughts from 1 Peter by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Don’t Budge
Today’s Passage – James 2 – 5
Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. (James 5:8)
As I was reading this morning, my attention was drawn to the word “stablish” in verse 8. The context of this verse regards the believer enduring persecution and suffering seemingly at the hands of unbelievers. Verses 1 – 6 of chapter 5 are written to the rich oppressors of the world, but then, beginning in verse 6, the focus of the discussion is changed from the oppressor to the oppressed. James encourages these first century believers to be patient; to stay with it. I did a little study on the word “stablish”. The word means to establish, to strengthen, or to fix resolutely. It means not to budge, not even a little bit. James is admonishing these struggling believers to be resolute in their faith; to strengthen their resolve, so that they will not turn back.
Too many believers today are turning back. Too many are quitting. Recently, I have observed many that have thrown in the towel on their faith. In some cases, it was the allure of the world that pulled them away; but I have also seen many who became discouraged because of a trial that they were going through. It seems that they were not “stablished” in their faith. I like what Isaiah said regarding our Lord Jesus: “For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.” Jesus was resolute; unmovable, and unwavering in his fulfillment of God’s will. As His followers, we need to be just as resolute; just as fixed in our faith. It is easy to have strength on the mountaintop; but we often waver when we get into the valley.
James admonished the believers to stablish their hearts. God would not command us to do it, unless it were something that we could actually do. But how? What can we do to strengthen our faith? I believe that there are three steps that we can take that will help us to remain fixed in our service and devotion to Him:
1 Stay in His Book – “Faith cometh by hearing” The Bible will strengthen our faith. Read it, study it, memorize it, hear it preached.
2 Stay in His House – Get around a group of people that are “stablished” themselves. Stay away from the negativity and naysayers. Run with people in your church that are fixed in the right direction.
3 Stay in His Service – What I mean by this is be actively involved in serving others. If you have people that are depending on you, you will not be as tempted to get off track. If you know that people need you, and are following you as you follow the Lord, you will not want to let them down.
We need a whole lot more solid Christians in these last days who are stablished, fixed, resolute in their faith and devotion to the Lord. Why not ask God to help you be one of them.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Posted in Devotions, Thoughts from James by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
We Talk Too Much, But Say Little
Today’s Passage – Hebrews 12 & 13; James 1
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:” (James 1:10)
I am very convicted by this passage of Scripture. I am often guilty of being “swift to speak” when I should be “swift to hear”. My pride causes me to to quickly evaluate and make judgments upon every situation that comes my way, and every comment or statement expressed by others in my hearing. Though, I hate to admit, my mind is often made up before I have even a small portion of the facts. I am quick to speak my mind, which is not good because it reveals to others my ignorance at times. I have become very conscious of this problem through the writing of this daily thought from the Word of God. Every day I am faced with the task of trying to communicate some truth from the daily reading that will somehow be a blessing to you who read this. But what do I know? What do I have to say? What can I add to what an omniscient Author has already said. Daily, I have become confronted with the fact that there is little that I really know. The only good news is that this awareness has caused me to beg God to help me by giving me something that will perhaps be useful to you. However, I must emphasize right here that if you read this blog daily without reading the Scripture passage that supports it, you are missing the main message and purpose of this devotional. It is only what God says in His Word that really matters. My thoughts are merely fallible attempts to share how God spoke to me from the passage. Please pray for me as I want to express my thoughts, and expound the Truth so that you might receive a blessing.
Then, notice in the passage that it says that we are to be “slow to wrath”. This again is a pride problem. “Only by pride cometh contention” I find myself becoming agitated easily with other people. I lose my patience often. Who am I to get aggravated with others. I guess at the root of my frustration is an awareness of my own limitations and faults. In other words, because my life is not what it should be or where I want it to be, I lash out at others, attempting to find some external source to place the blame. However, the reality is that I have no one to blame but myself. Even if somebody near me does something to hurt me or adversely affect my plans or goals for the day, I must understand that I cannot control the actions of others; and even if they meant it for evil, God allowed it in my life for some good reason. It may be that He is just trying to teach me to be more patient with people and “slow[er] to wrath”.
Finally, I want to notice a few verses beyond our text verse above to verse 22:
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
We certainly are to be “swift to hear” the Word of God; but it must not go in one ear and out of the other. We must ask God to clearly reveal to us where application of the Word needs to be made to our lives; and then we must yield to what God wants us to do.
Posted in Thoughts from James by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Living by Faith
Today’s Passage – Hebrews 10 & 11
“Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” (Hebrews 10:38)
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)
Hebrews chapter 11 is the great “Hall of Faith” chapter of the Bible. In it, God gives us example after example of men and women who lived by faith. They may have stumbled, and some may even have fallen a time or two in their lives, but for the most part their lives were characterized by their faith in God. What does it mean to live by faith? What exactly is faith? These are questions that few people in our world truly understand the answers to. Is faith just a mere acknowledgement of the fact that there is a God out there somewhere, or is our faith supposed to be more tangible than that; more substantive?
Faith begins with God, and is strengthened by the Word of God. God puts something inside all of us that draws us toward Him. He begins the process. He reveals Himself to us in a variety of ways: through creation, through the testimony of others, through a vacuum in our soul that somehow we know can only be filled by Him. If we are truly drawn to God, then we will also be drawn to His Word. His Word will strengthen our faith in Him. I have never seen God. Everything I know about God, I have received from His Word, and something inside of me tells me that His Word is true. I know that not everyone will receive this work of faith in their life. Most will resist and reject the clear evidences of Himself that God places in and around them.
Now once that I have received the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, I must also choose to walk by faith; live by faith. All this means is that I trust the principles, prophecies, and promises contained in His Word, and I regulate my life around them. For instance, God’s Word tells me in Hebrews 10 that I am to assemble together with my brothers and sisters in Christ. If I am walking by faith, than I will yield my life to that principle because I believe God and want to obey His will. The degree to which we obey God seems to be directly related to the degree to which we believe God. Now the alternative to a life of faith is a life that is lived according to our own human reasoning. The problem with reasoning is that it is constantly changing, and when it is in disagreement with the principles found in God’s Word (which it often is), it will lead to error and heartache.
Christian, as we approach this new year, let us resolve to strengthen our faith through time spent with God daily in His Word, and then let us yield to the principles that He gives us to live by. I think you will find that by doing so, not only will you see more fruit in your life, but you will also find more fulfillment. Through the years, I have learned to trust God; to live by faith. I remember that there were times in Bible College, and in the pastorate, that my faith in God was tested; but God always came through. He always provided for my family, and He always did everything that He promised that He would do; and each time I trusted Him, my faith was strengthened. Sometimes, people never get to the point of having great faith because they fail to trust God in the little things of life. All I can say to these folks is that you can trust God. He will deliver. He will bless you far more abundantly than you can even imagine; but you have to come to Him in faith, because it is the only thing that pleases Him.
Posted in Devotions, Thoughts from Hebrews by Phil Erickson with 1 comment.
The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl
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oday’s Reading: Philemon 1 – Hebrews 4
The Prisoner – Philemon 1:1
Good morning? Hope so. I would assume it all depends on what prison you are in. Maybe money is your warden. Will you have to work 80 hour weeks in the new year to pay for Christmas gifts because you are spending money like the government? Is time your warden? Are you a prisoner of time? I’ll be 57 in February (the 11th – mark your calendar). That means I may have only 13 years left on earth. Any time after that is borrowed. What about friends and family? Does family keep you confined from doing what you could, or should, be doing? I now about a person who would like to attend church service, but the spouse wants them home. That person only attends Sunday school. Maybe you are a prisoner of the church you attend. Are you there to see friends or worship God? Are you there to learn the latest gossip, or learn more about Jesus? Who’s prisoner are you?
Philemon 1:1 says, “Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ…”
Being Christ’s prisoner is so much better than being a prisoner of the world. Think about it. Think about a real prison. You get your 3 meals a day, a bed, a roof over your head, and 4 walls to hold everything in, including you. As a prisoner of Christ, we have LIBERTY! We are FREE! The only walls that contain us is God’s will. Even then when we try to escape over that wall, the Lord knows exactly what to do to get us back in. To be a prisoner of Christ, He supplies our every need. And, just like a prisoner who is waiting for his release date, we are also looking forward to that day, when we get to meet the Lord face to face. Because of God’s grace, we have a life-time sentence that we are serving. Even though we are confined sometimes by the cares of this world, we will be totally, absolutely, 100% free, one day. So when the cares of this world, the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, and anything else get’s you down, run to the Warden, there is freedom and liberty in Christ Jesus. Become a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
Peace (John 14:27)
Posted in Guest Posts, Thoughts from Philemon by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.