Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

Dec 18th Christ is Better: An Introduction to the Book of Hebrews

Today’s Passage – Philemon – Hebrews 4 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Psalms 86 – 90; Proverbs 18)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Proverbs 27:15

Read the “1218 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read a previous post from this passage – “Paul – A Peacemaker, Problem Solver, and Picture of Christ.”

“1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; 4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. … 8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. 9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. 10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:” (Hebrews 1:1-4, 8-10)

The readers to The Epistle to the Hebrews are apparent in the name. Hebrews is written to Hebrews. People who had been brought up in Judaism and converted to Christianity needed to be reinforced in order to keep them encouraged and to prevent them from the temptation of turning their backs on Christ and going back to the traditions that they were raised in. Imagine the man that grew up in a Jewish home: everyone he knows has believed the same way for his or her entire life; his family in many cases has disowned him, his friends have now left him, and his business associates will no longer trade with him. This type of sacrifice is something that we cannot completely understand in the culture that we live in today. He begins to wonder, is this sacrifice really worth it? Is this Christian religion truly the religion that Abraham and Moses and David looked to? Is Jesus really the Messiah? The Letter to the Hebrews reassures the Jewish believer that he is exactly where he needs to be.

It also gives the Jew who is not yet a Christian something to think about. Christianity had caused quite a stir in the first century. There were many Jews who were giving closet consideration to the doctrines of Christ. This Letter would answer many of their questions and would give some the faith that they needed to yield to their true Messiah.

Many (including me) attribute this letter to Paul, but the letter was actually written anonymously. Though the human author is unknown, the divine Author makes His supremacy clear. The Letter to the Hebrews can be divided into three key sections:

            1          The Person of Christ is Better (1:1 – 2:4)

            2          The Principles of Christianity are Better (2:5 – 10:39)

            3          The Practices of Christians are Better (11:1 – 13:25)

You might ask – better than what? – Better than the shadow that they had in Judaism. Christ was the substance – the Old Testament worship system was filled with shadows and types that were mere pictures of the reality. The Old Testament Temple was merely a type of the true temple in Heaven. The  sacrificial system pictured and pointed to the true sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary.

Key Words and Phrases in Hebrews

• Better – 13 times (Hebrews 1:4; 6:9; 7:7, 19, 22; 8:6; 9:23; 10:34; 11:16, 35, 40; 12:24)
• Perfect, Perfection, Perfected – 12 times (Hebrews 2:10; 5:9; 6:1; 7:11; 7:19; 9:9; 9:11; 10:1; 10:14; 11:40; 12:23; 13:1)
• Let us – 12 times (Hebrews 4:1, 11, 14, 16; 6:1; 10:22, 23, 24; 12:1; 12:28; 13:13; 13:15)

Note – The Law said, “Thou shalt”, or “Thou shalt not”; the New Covenant says, “Let us.”

• heavenly – 6 times (Hebrews 3:1; 6:4; 8:5; 9:23; 11:16; 12:22)
• eternal (5 times – Hebrews 5:9; 6:2; 9:12, 14, 15) and for ever (9 times – Hebrews 1:8; 5:6; 6:20; 7:17; 7:21; 10:12; 10:14; 13:8; 13:21)

The Deity of Christ 

Beyond these repeated themes, Hebrews wastes no time establishing Christ’s full deity. We would be remiss in this brief introductory discussion of Hebrews if we did not point out that this book clearly teaches the deity of Christ. Right out of the gate, in the first chapter there are several references that point to the fact that Jesus is God. For instance, it clearly establishes Christ as both the Creator (“made the worlds – v. 2) and Sustainer (upholding all things by the word of his power” – v. 3) of the universe. The Son is even referred to as “God” by the Father in verse 9. The writer also declares that Christ is the “express image” of God (χαρακτήρ – charaktēr – v. 3), meaning that everything that God is was expressed in the Person of Jesus Christ. 

Christ and Christianity are better than all that Judaism could offer, because the “Author and Finisher” (Hebrews 12:2) of the Christian Faith is God incarnate; God in human flesh. As we study Hebrews, let’s remember that following Christ isn’t just ‘different’—it’s eternally better. What area of your life needs the reminder that Jesus is superior today?

What does “better” mean to you in your walk with Christ?

Dec 17th Christmas Decorations

Today’s Passage – 2 Timothy 3 – Titus 3; (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Psalms 81 – 85; Proverbs 17)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – 1 John 3:1

Read previous posts from this passage – “Sometimes You Have To Stand Alone,“ and “Perilous Times.“

Read the “1217 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. 9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; 10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.“ (Titus 2:6-10)

Notice in verse 7 the phrase, “shewing thyself a pattern,” and then also, “shewing incorruptness, gravity, sincerity.” Notice also in verse 10 the word, “adorn.” The Greek word that is translated “adorn” here in Titus 2:10 is the word “kosmeo,” which means to arrange in order, or to decorate or ornament. Sometimes kosmeo is translated into the word “garnish”:

“And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;” (Rev 21:19)

The precious stones referenced in Rev 21:19 are ornaments and serve to make Heaven more beautiful. In fancy restaurants they will garnish the plates of food, which makes the presentation of the food more appealing.

We understand what it means to adorn, garnish, or decorate. This is the time of year that we talk a lot about decorations and ornaments. My wife Cindy loves to drive around and look at the Christmas light displays with all the beautiful decorations that brighten up our lives during this wonderful season of the year.

More than any other time of the year, Christmas is the time for decorations. We decorate our homes with lights. We buy Christmas trees and decorate them with ornaments. We adorn our presents with colorful wrapping paper, ribbons, and bows. At the church, we have beautiful poinsettia plants, and a Christmas tree with lights and bows. There are wreaths on our front door. These are all ornaments or decorations. They are designed to reflect in a visible, outward way, the spirit of the Christmas holiday.

Our text today in Titus 2 tells us that there are ways that we can “adorn” in a visible way the doctrine of the Saviour that we have received on the inside. We can make God and the Christian faith look good to those around us. Adorning or garnishing or decorating the doctrine of God is the best kind of decoration that we can display, not only at Christmas, but also throughout the year.

By adorning the doctrine of God we glorify the Lord, which is our primary job while here on this earth:

“Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.” – (Psalm 22:23)

“O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.” – (Psalm 34:3)

By adorning the doctrine of God, we will also be more effective as His ambassador to this world:

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” – (2 Cor 5:17-21)

How can you adorn the doctrine of God? How can you make your faith in God look good to this world?

1. Stay faithful to God – the world can see if you are faithful or not. Put God first in your life. Don’t let anything take the place of God in your list of priorities. Your job cannot come before God. Your hobbies cannot come before God. Your relationships with anyone else, including your family, cannot come before your relationship with God.
2. Live separately from the world – when the Christian participates in the ungodly practices of this world, he does the exact opposite of adorning the doctrines of God. He detracts from glorifying God and will be ineffective as God’s ambassador.
3. Speak the truth in love – look for opportunities to tell people about the wonderful grace of God.
4. Look for ways to love and bless people.

This Christmas season, which of these four ways will you focus on to adorn the doctrine of God?

There is a lot of ugliness in our world, even at Christmastime. The Christian has been given the wonderful privilege and awesome responsibility of countering the darkness and brightening up the world he lives in by “putting on Christ” (Romans 13:14) and adorning the doctrine of God. Magnify the Lord; make Him look good, big, and beautiful to the people around you.

Dec 14th Study to be Quiet

Today’s Passage – 1 Thessalonians 1 – 5; (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read –Psalms 66 – 70; Proverbs 14)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Ephesians 4:32

Read other posts from this passage – “What’s Right With It,” and “What’s Your Reputation Like?“

“9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. 10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; 11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; 12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.” (1 Thessalonians 4:9-12)

For more information regarding the historical context of the Thessalonian Letters, click here.

Many of us are drawn to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and its glorious promise of the rapture. But the verses just before it (4:9-12) give us something equally vital: clear, everyday instructions for how we should live while we wait.

• Increase in Brotherly Love (vs. 9 – 10)

The first thought that I want to pull from this passage comes from the phrase “more and more” found in verse ten. We see this phrase also in verse one where Paul encourages them to “abound more and more” in their walk (behavior or lifestyle) and in pleasing the Lord generally. Here in verse ten, Paul is admonishing them to increase in their love for each other. 

“34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:34-35)

Notice that the Lord said that this is how the world will know that we are truly believers. Paul commends the Thessalonians here for the love that they already had for other believers, not only within the city of Thessalonica but also throughout all of Macedonia, which included Philippi and Berea also.

• Living Quiet, Honest, and Diligent Lives (vv. 11-12)

The second thing that we see from these verses is Paul admonishing these believers to live honest, quiet, and simple lives, and to be hard working. The verb translated “study” (φιλοτιμεῖσθαι from φιλοτιμέομαι – philotimeomai), implies ambitious effort—making something your honorable goal. Paul is telling them that needed to work at this; to try hard to do it. 

The phrase “to be quiet” (ἡσυχάζειν from ἡσυχάζω – hēsychazō) means to cease or to rest, or to “hold your peace.” It is interesting the entire phrase “study to be quiet” could mean “work at resting” or “work at not working,” which is certainly strange, but what Paul is saying here is that they should work at being quiet.

Paul is urging them to make it their ambition to live quietly, to mind their own affairs, and to work diligently with their own hands. In an age of constant social media noise, outrage cycles, and performative busyness, striving to be quiet means curating our words, avoiding unnecessary controversy, and focusing on our own responsibilities.

• Why It Matters While We Wait

The idea of this whole passage is that these Thessalonians believers were to be a testimony to the world around them through their hard working, quiet, and honest lives. And Paul promises that besides being a good testimony to their neighbors, they will also be self-sufficient. They would “have lack of nothing.”

The Greeks were not typically fond of manual labor and hard work was often done by slaves. Paul set an example by working as a tentmaker to support himself. He will address this problem again in his second letter to them, where he rebukes some  for not working at all:

“6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. 7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; 8 Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: 9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. 10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.” (2 Thessalonians 3:6-12)

Paul’s stronger words in his second letter show how seriously he took this issue—and how relevant his counsel remains for us today. It is important, however to also point out that some people today face the opposite temptation—not idleness, but workaholism or hustle culture. Paul’s balance reminds us that faithful work honors God without becoming an idol.

• Questions to reflect upon:

1. Where am I tempted to be anything but “quiet” in my speech or online presence?
2. How can I grow “more and more” in practical love toward fellow believers this week?
3. Am I modeling diligent work in a way that commends the gospel to outsiders?

Revised 12/14/25

Dec 13th Keep Looking Up

Today’s Passage – Colossians 1 – 4; (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click hereto view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Psalms 61 – 65; Proverbs 13)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Matthew 6:33

Read the 1213 Evening and Morning devotion from the late Charles Spurgeon.

“1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4)

• Believers Need to Be Focused on Heaven

• A Heavenly Focused Believer Conforms to the Will of God

Notice in the remaining verses that believers are to “mortify” (Νεκρώσατε from νεκρόω – nekroō, meaning to make dead or deprive of power) some things (vs. 5 – 7).

1           fornication

2          uncleanness – mortal impurity

3          inordinate affection – translated vile affection in Romans 1:26, homosexuality

4          evil concupiscence – lust          

5          covetousness, which is idolatry:

They are also to “put off” (ἀπόθεσθε from  ἀποτίθημι – apotithēmi, meaning to lay aside or cast off) some things (vs. 8 – 11). The things that we are to remove are things that are inconsistent with who we are in Christ and what we will be in Heaven. Paul is merely stating that if you will not see these characteristics and sinful actions in Heaven, you should strive to get rid of them now. You can do these things because when you were saved, “9b … you have put off the old man with his deeds. “10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:” (Colossians 3:9b – 10)

1           anger

2          wrath

         3          malice – depravity, maliciousness, wickedness

         4          blasphemy                   

         5          filthy communication – vile conversation

         6          lying

We are not only supposed to get rid of some things, we are also to replace them with some heavenly things. Vs. 12 – 17 tell us that we are to “put on” (Ἐνδύσασθε from ἐνδύω – endyō, which has the idea of putting on clothing or wearing something) some things. 

1         bowels of mercies – mercy, compassion

2        kindness

3        humbleness of mind

4        meekness

5.       longsuffering

6.       forbearing one another

7        forgiving one another

8        charity

9        let peace rule (v. 15)

10      let the Word dwell in you (v. 16)

11       sing the songs of God (v. 16)

12      do all in the name of Christ (v. 17)

Supporting Verses:

“17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

“1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2)

Dec 13th The Saturday Morning Post – Zombies

Today’s Passage – Colossians 1 – 4; (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click hereto view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Psalms 61 – 65; Proverbs 13)

Read the 1213 Evening and Morning devotion from the late Charles Spurgeon.

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Colossians 3:1-17)

Good morning. According to the dictionary, a zombie is a dead body that has been reanimated by a power or spell. You see them every day. They walk the earth just like you and I, going about their business. The spell, and the power, and their business are called sin. Zombies go about their business of committing acts of anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication from their mouth, and lying. Sometimes the living can be like zombies: they do the same things that zombies do. Yes, even though they are called Christians, and are made alive by the Holy Spirit living inside them, they can still do the works of Zombies: acts of anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, etc.

How can we get rid of the zombie in us? Take the advice given in verses 16 and 17…

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Colossians 3:16-17)

Peace!

Dec 6th The Saturday Morning Post – How To Have A Happy Holiday

Today’s Passages – 2 Corinthians 6 – 10 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read –Psalms 26 – 30; Proverbs 6)

Read the “1206 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” (2Corinthians 6:1-10)

Good morning. If you happen to drive past Germania Cemetery, on Moss Mills Road, tell Melissa, “Happy Birthday!”: she’s 50 today. On February 16, 2012, at 1:15 am Thursday, Cervical Cancer took her to her new home: Heaven. My wife remarked today that many people do not seem to be in a ‘Christmas Spirit’. We just finished with Thanksgiving, and I was thankful for God’s salvation, and a Heaven. Early in 2014, my brother went home to be with the Lord. Shortly after that, my Uncle Frankie joined him there. All this was evident around the Thanksgiving table. Our group is shrinking in size. But we can still be happy knowing that the separation from loved ones is only for a season. Let me give you three ways to have happy holidays…

1) Have JOY (Jesus, Others, You).

Put your sorrow into perspective. Start with Jesus. We thank God on Thanksgiving for all the love He has given us throughout the year…

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

We celebrate Christmas. Yeah! Santa Clause! No! Emanuel, God in the flesh, Jesus’ birthday. We thank God for sending us His only begotten Son…

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

On Resurrection Sunday (Easter), we celebrate Jesus’ sacrifice, thank God for the love He showed us, allowing His Son to die on a cross, and shed His precious blood for us…

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” (Romans 5:8-9)

We should be thankful, not only on those special days, but every day of the year. If we keep our focus on the One who gives us every breath we breath, our lives will start coming into perspective. JOY: Jesus first, and then others.

One thing we learned from our dwindling table, is that life is short: compared to eternity, our life is just a breath. Do you really have time for petty quarrels with family and friends? You don’t know how much time you or they have left on this earth; is it worth it? No. Go bake some cookies and be reconciled with them…

“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” (Matthew 5:21-24)

Jesus first, others second, then you. And what do you think our attitude should be? Jesus was our example. Shouldn’t we be more like Jesus who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed (1Peter 2:24). Paul vowed…

“And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.” (2Corinthians 12:15)

If you are saved, your not going to Hell. Why do little things bother us so much? We need JOY: Jesus, others, then you. So…

1) Have JOY.

2) Have Peace.

Jesus said…

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:26-27)

Some may have been praying for Melissa’s recovery: that God would heal her from the Cervical Cancer. Thank you for your prayers for they were answered. Like I said, my daughter is 50 today. When she was 8 years old, she was afflicted with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. She underwent several joint replacements which gave her some relief from the pain. But the drugs she was taking affected her bones. When her head started slipping down on here spine, the doctor told us it would be a 4 hour operation. Ten hours later, the doctor told us she would be okay. He was able to wire her head so it would not slip. The reason it took 6 hours longer: every time he went to place a wire, a piece of her vertebrae would break off. Melissa was no stranger to pain. After almost thirty years of dealing with the pain of Arthritis, and the Cervical Cancer, God finally healed her by taking her home. Now she is alive and well, no more aches and pains. She is with her Saviour: the Lord Jesus Christ. And in perfect condition: even better than new! We can have peace through all this… but… we still miss her. And that brings us to…

3) Have Faith.

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, 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. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (1Thessalonians 4:13-18)

It’s only for a season, and then we’ll get to see Melissa again. So Have JOY, Have Peace, Have Faith, and you will have a happy holiday!

Peace! (Jesus IS the reason for the season.)

Dec 4th Special Offerings

Today’s Passages – 1 Corinthians 15 – 16 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Psalms 16 – 20; Proverbs 4)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 25

Read the “1204 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read previous posts from this passage – “A Family Addicted to the Ministry,“ and “Most Miserable.“

“1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. 3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. 4 And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.” (1 Corinthians 16:1-4)

In this last chapter of 1st Corinthians, Paul addresses a special offering that he was collecting for the poor saints in the church at Jerusalem. This was something that Paul had also asked the churches in Galatia to participate in as well. The offering was to be collected and set aside every week on the first day of the week, which is Sunday. The early church gathered often and sometimes daily, but they also set aside Sunday as a special day because it was the day that the resurrection took place (Mat 28:1, Mar 16:2, Mar 16:9, Luk 24:1, Jhn 20:1, Jhn 20:19, Act 20:7, 1Co 16:2). Sunday may also be referred to as “the Lord’s Day” (Rev 1:10 – McGee, McArthur, Gill, Patterson), though there is some disagreement among theologians regarding the reference in Revelation (Ryrie, Phillips, Walvoord).

This offering was a special offering that was to be given to the church at Jerusalem. The money collected was not going to be used to meet the needs of their own church. It was not a tithe. Tithing was a practice that was commanded under the Old Testament Law, but was also practiced before the Law (Gen 14:20; 28:22). In the New Testament, Jesus commended the tithe. He told the Pharisees that it was right to tithe, but wrong to neglect the more important “matters of the law,” involving judgment, mercy, and faith:

“23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” (Mat 23:23)

This offering was to be ready to go and given to Paul when he arrived at Corinth, which would be at the end of his third journey. The church was to approve men and send them to Jerusalem with the offering. At the time of the writing, Paul was not sure whether he would be traveling with these men. Notice that Paul set it up so that these approved men would actually be the ones handling the money, which demonstrated that Paul wanted to be above board in his financial accountability (see also 2 Co 8:16 – 21). I believe the special offering referenced in 2nd Corinthians 8 & 9 is the same one that Paul was preparing this church for in 1st Corinthians (see 1 Co 9:2 – “a year ago”). 

Thoughts About Giving

• Though not a New Testament commandment, regular giving to support the local church is a good practice. In the Old Testament, Israel tithed (gave ten percent of their income) to the storehouse, which was the Temple (Mal 3:8 – 11). 
• If God has blessed and prospered you financially, you should give special offerings over and above your regular giving to support special projects that God impresses upon your heart. 

Cindy and I regularly give special offerings to wherever our local church may need it (missions, academy, others, bus, etc.), but we also give to people who have need outside of our church.  “Giving Tuesday” (observed this week) provides an opportunity for people to give toward special projects. Once, one of the colleges I attend was taking up a special offering to help them provide Bible college education freely (or very cheaply) to students in third world countries. God impressed upon me that this was a good thing and something that Cindy and I could invest in, so we did. We give occasionally to the organizations like the Red Cross when there are tragedies that take place, like the recent flooding in NC. In a previous year, our church was collecting money for a Christmas dinner for the Ronald McDonald House, and Cindy and I contributed to that as well.

• Don’t be stingy in your giving and learn to give cheerfully:

“7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (2Co 9:7)

• The New Testament principle regarding giving is to “seek God first.”

“33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Mat 6:33)

“38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” (Luk 6:38)

Cindy and I have been giving over and above the tithe for many decades now, and God has always given back to us far more than we could ever give to Him. 

Dec 1st Stay Pure

Today’s Passages – 1 Corinthians 6 – 9 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Psalms 1 – 5; Proverbs 1)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Joshua 1:8

Read the “1201 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read a previous post from this passage – “Stumblingblocks,” “Property of Jesus,” and “Settling Disputes Within the Church.“

“9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 13 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. 14 And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power. 15 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. 16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. 17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. 18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-20)

The words, “fornication” (πορνεία – porneia) or “fornicators” (πόρνοι from πόρνος – pornos) is found four times within today’s reading passage (1 Corinthians 6 – 9). Fornication is a more general term than adultery, which specifically involves at least one person who is married; or homosexuality, which involves people of the same sex. Fornication has been defined as “illicit sexual intercourse in general.”^[1] So, adultery and homosexuality are types of fornication, but fornication is not necessarily adultery or homosexuality; it may just be sexual intercourse between two unmarried persons. 

Fornication has always been a problem. This church in Corinth certainly had people within it who were guilty of it. In fact, according to Paul, it was quite common within the church:

“1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.” (1 Corinthians 5:1 )

What is worse is that the church did not seem to be troubled about it. Paul rebuked them for being proud about it (“puffed up” – verse 2), instead of mourning because of it. It is not much different in American churches today. Fornication is very common; yet it does not seem to be getting the attention from the pulpit, or from the parents, as it should. It is almost like believers today just turn their heads and pretend like it is not happening. Or, they somehow think that God has become OK with fornication; that He does not think it’s that big of a deal. However, that could not be further from the truth. God hates sin of any kind, including sexual sins. Just because the culture in America has become completely accepting of all kinds of sexual impurity does not mean that God has changed His mind about it. 

Thoughts About Sexual Purity:

• Intimacy was designed by God to be between a husband and his wife and any sexual intimacy outside of that context is a form of fornication (or sexual impurity).

“2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.” (1 Corinthians 7:2)

• Sexual impurity begins in the heart:

“19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:” (Matthew 15:19)

• The heart is affected by what the eyes see, and what the mind thinks about:

“51 Mine eye affecteth mine heart because of all the daughters of my city.” (Lamentations 3:51)

• Believers need to be careful about what they look at, and what they allow their minds to think about:

“8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

“7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.” (Proverbs 23:7)

There is more porn available today than ever before. The average twelve year old has a XXX-rated book store in his pocket via his smart phone.

• Adult believers need to voluntarily put accountability fences up in their lives that will help them stay pure:

“1 Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.” (1 Corinthians 7:1)

People criticized Mike Pence because he stated that he tried not to be alone for any length of time with any woman except his wife or members of his family, but he was merely putting up accountability fences to protect him from sinning and also protect him from accusations. 

• Parents need to help their children stay pure by ensuring that those accountability fences are in place.

Make sure that dating couples are chaperoned. 

• Young unmarried couples need to get married if they feel like they will not be able to keep from committing fornication:

“2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.” (1 Corinthians 7:2)

• Married couples need to work hard to make sure their marriages are sexually healthy:

“3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. 4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. 5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.” (1 Corinthians 7:3-5)

• Strengthen your relationship with God:

“16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16)

• Develop some godly character and willpower regarding your flesh:

“24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

• If you have fallen in the area of purity, as many of us have, remember there is grace from the Lord.

“10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” (John 8:10-11)

^[1] Joseph Henry Thayer, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Being Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti (New York: Harper & Brothers., 1889), 532.

Nov 30th Glory in the Lord

Today’s Passages – 1 Corinthians 1 – 5; (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Psalms 146 – 150; Proverbs 30)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 61:1 – 3

Read a previous post from this passage – “Baby Christians“,and “A Father’s Love“

Read through the following verses from chapters one through four in today’s reading and look for a recurring theme.

“18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.“ (1 Corinthians 1:18-31)

“1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)

“18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. 20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. 21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;” (1 Corinthians 3:18-21)

“7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? … 10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. 11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; 12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: 13 Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.” (1 Corinthians 4:7, 10-13)

Did you notice in these chapters that God drives home the point that He does not need our natural talents, abilities, strength, wisdom, wealth, charisma, or anything else that we might possess in order to fulfill His will and accomplish His plan. If God’s work was accomplished through our human effort and ability then we would not need God, and we could claim all of the credit for ourselves. However, if anything is going to be done for the Lord it will have to be done through His working in and through us. This does not mean that we are not participants. To be sure, God uses willing servants who are yielded to Him, but He is not dependent upon our abilities, wisdom, wealth, or charisma to do what He wants to do.

If God is going to be glorified, our fleshly “attributes” are going to have to be minimized. He does not need talented orators to speak for Him. What He needs are Spirit-filled men and women who will boldly speak the truth with liberty as well as love. He needs people who are wholly yielded to Him, and are not pushing some agenda of their own or are seeking the attention that belongs only to Him.

This is very encouraging to me as a pastor in our church and a preacher of the gospel. I am well aware of my human limitations. Sometimes I wonder why God would call me into His ministry, but then I am reminded by verses like these that it has nothing to do with what I can or cannot do; the work must be done by the Lord through me. I am simply not smart enough or talented enough to do what God has called me to do. It must be done by Him through me. That way, I will have nothing to brag about and He alone will get the glory.