Dr. Roger A. Milot
"From the Pastor's Desk"
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Pastor Milot's book!
"Did Jesus Burn in Hell?"
False doctrine concerning this subject is spreading!
This book is also a powerful evangelistic tool!
"Call to Glory" Devotionals:
Pastor Milot is a contributing author to the Independent, Fundamental, Baptist, daily devotional publication "Call to Glory." "Call to Glory" is published by New Testament Baptist Church, 111 Ash Street, East Hartford, CT 06108.
http://www.ctgpublication.com/contributing_authors.html
The following are these devotions as submitted in their original form and the date of their publication:
Note: Go to the "Devotionals GITD" page for devotionals by Dr. Milot from the teen devotional "Glow in the Dark." Click Here
Clouds
Read Hebrews 11:39-12:3 July 9, 2009
As I pondered and observed the word “cloud” in the Bible, I came to realize that God uses it as a symbol for witnesses, and most of the time, His witnesses. Today we will look at some Biblical usages of the word “cloud” in order to help us see what we are and should be as witnesses of our Lord Jesus Christ.
First, let me point out that clouds are associated with the blotting out of sin. We see in Isaiah 44:22 "I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.” Whether it be as snow, wool, or clouds, our filthy sins are "whited out." We as clouds (witnesses) can be used by God to have the sins of others blotted out.
Secondly, clouds contain the power of God. Observe Psalm 68:34, 35 “Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds. O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.”
Thirdly, clouds are called the bottles of heaven. Notice what Job 38:37 reveals to us: “Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who can stay the bottles of heaven...” As God's witnesses we need to make sure that we are not empty bottles! We need to be and stay filled with the Spirit! Let us not be as false witnesses who are clouds without water (Jude 12).
Finally, remember someday Jesus is coming back with clouds (Revelation 1:7). Jude 14 says that "he cometh with ten thousands of his saints."
Be a faithful cloud for Jesus!
Read Hebrews 10:16-25 April 11, 2009
America is getting away from what made America great in the first place. The people of this country were a church-going, God-fearing, Bible-loving people. The people of this country respected one another and stood for old-fashioned morals and values. Preachers were considered an asset and not a liability. The Bible was allowed in our public schools and God had not yet been "kicked out." The term "Road Rage" had not yet been coined and its practice was minimal. The "Ten Commandments" were honorably displayed in many public places, and in so doing the violations against them were far less than what we are experiencing today.
So what can we do to reverse the trends that are spiraling us into a whirlwind of self-destruction? How can we make a difference? Let me point out the fact that each one of us needs to say, "It begins with me!" If that happens we will see remarkable improvements in our own lives and in the lives of those with whom we have to do. Let’s get back to the old-fashioned Bible; let’s get back to old-fashioned Christianity; let’s get back to an old-fashioned Bible-believing, God-honoring New Testament church!
Thank you for taking a moment to read and to ponder these very important truths. May God bless you and your families in the days to come, and may we, together, be instrumental in helping America to be as great as she can be.
II Chronicles 7:14 "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
The Wise Man and the Fool - Part II
Read I Corinthians 1:18-31 March 12, 2009
I Corinthians 1:21 tells us, "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."
Today we will continue to focus on the contrast between the wise man and the fool.
III. THE WISE MAN ACCEPTS CHRIST AS SAVIOUR; THE FOOL REJECTS CHRIST.
Let me ask you a simple question. What is considered to be the main purpose for education? Most would agree that the main purpose for education is to be prepared for the future. With that in mind, let us suppose that a university professor with three Ph.D's chooses to reject Christ as his personal Saviour. Let us also suppose that a young man who is mentally challenged realizes that he is a sinner who needs Jesus Christ to save him from going to an eternal Lake of Fire, and, therefore, trusts Him and gets saved. Let me ask you another question. Who is better prepared for the future? Is it the professor or the mentally challenged young man? The answer, of course, is the young man. So, who is the more highly educated? The answer is obvious. It is the mentally challenged young man. The professor would probably argue that point, but he would be more the fool for doing so.
Remember what I Corinthians 1:18 declares, "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."
IV. THE WISE MAN DESIRES PREACHING; THE FOOL THINKS IT TO BE FOOLISH.
The effect of the preaching of the cross of Christ goes beyond being saved from the penalty of sin. It serves to change the very way we think and the way we live. The fool is entitled to his own wrong opinions, but they will cost him dearly.
The Wise Man and the Fool - Part I
Read Proverbs 1:1-15 February 6, 2009
Today we will look at two comparisons between the wise man and the fool in order to make some determinations that will help to keep us from making foolish choices and making wise ones.
I. THE WISE MAN FEARS GOD; THE FOOL CHOOSES TO BELIEVE GOD DOESN’T EXIST.
Psalm 14:1a is very clear on this, as it states, "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God." He who chooses to believe that God doesn't exist will someday have an opportunity to tell Him to His face. On the other hand, in reference to the wise man, Proverbs 9:10 declares that "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding."
II. THE WISE MAN SEEKS TO INCREASE HIS KNOWLEDGE OF TRUTH; THE FOOL SEEKS ONLY TO INCREASE IN MATERIAL WEALTH AND IN KNOWLEDGE FALSELY SO CALLED.
In Proverbs 8:33 we are told to "Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not." Paul warns young Timothy in I Timothy 6:20, "O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called..." There are many things that are called science (fact), but are not scientific (factual) at all. Many pride themselves in being knowledgeable, but their knowledge is empty and, therefore, useless.
Concerning material wealth we see in Proverbs 11:28 "He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch." There is basically nothing wrong with owning riches if they have been received honestly and one's heart's affection is not set on them. Colossians 3:2 "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."
Let us wisely set our affections on things that are above.
Put Your Shoes Back On
Read Joshua 5:13-6:2 December 8, 2008
In Exodus 3:5 Moses is told "... Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground." Similarly, in Joshua 5:15, Joshua is told, "...Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so."
A man attending a Bible conference, after hearing a series of heart-touching messages by a number of Spirit-filled preachers, responds with great emotion when the altar call is given. This man feels the Spirit of God gently, but firmly, tugging at his heart, and with moistened eyes, makes some very serious and potentially "life changing" decisions. In a sense, he has taken his shoes off on "holy ground" and has yielded to the call of God. What a glorious moment! He gets up, still wiping his eyes, and slowly returns to his seat. After the closing prayer, he exits the conference grounds and goes about his merry way.
Let us suppose that we are able to see those spiritual shoes that he has removed at this holy place. Take a good look at the spot where he made his decision. "Sir! Excuse me, sir, but you forgot your shoes! You forgot to put your shoes back on!"
Many decisions have been made at some old-fashioned altars, after hearing some old-fashioned sermons, from old-fashioned Spirit-filled preachers. We need people who will put their shoes back on their feet and follow through with the decisions they make before God in their "holy ground" experiences. I have no doubt that Moses and Joshua put their shoes back on and then carried out their instructions from God.
Serving God is a shoe-wearing endeavor. Ephesians 6:15 tells us to have our "feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace..."
Remember to put your shoes back on your feet!
What's That Sound?
Read II Timothy 1:7-13 September 16, 2008
The sound of the Gospel has the potential to produce other "sounds." I say potential because the sound of the Gospel must be received in order for the other "sounds" to follow. Upon receiving salvation, one who had been unable to receive the things of the Spirit of God becomes eligible to receive them. These are those things that are sound. The unsaved (natural) man is unable to receive them.
I Corinthians 2:14 "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
The Bible mentions several "sounds" that need to be produced and acquired in the life of a believer. These all work together to produce and maintain a sound (healthy) mind. II Timothy 1:7 tells us "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." Each of these "sounds" builds upon the other. Look at sound wisdom in Proverbs 2:7 "He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly." When God's sound wisdom enters into the heart, it produces soundness in that heart. We see in Proverbs 14:30 "A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones." Thus the wise heart does not envy; the wise heart is content with such things as it has. This same sound heart will produce sound speech, Titus 2:8a "Sound speech, that cannot be condemned..." We see in Luke 6:45c "...for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh." This is why it is important that the heart be filled abundantly with sound doctrine (I Timothy 1:10), in order to have sound faith (Titus 2:2), resulting in a sound mind.
Concerning all these "sounds"......"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
The Trowel
Read Nehemiah 4:6-15 July 21, 2008
A trowel is an instrument associated with construction work. Although the word "trowel" is not in the Bible, there are two Bible Words when put together spell the word "trowel." Though the combination of these Words is not the actual meaning or literal makeup of the word "trowel," I will use them for the sake of illustration.
The first Word is the Word "trow." We see it used in Luke 17:9 " Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not." The Word "trow" means "to think or believe." Jesus was saying "I think not" or "I believe not."
The second part of the word "trowel" is "El." "El" means "God" and is a part of many Bible Words such as "Beth-el" which means "House of God." Putting these Words together we come up with "Think God" or "Believe God." Isn't this the way we get the work done? We must get the mind of God and believe God. This is faith. We are told in Philippians 2:5 "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:" and in John 6:28, 29 "Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." By faith we can do whatever God would have us to do. Philippians 4:13 says "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Ephesians 3:20, 21 states, " Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Let's get our trowels out and do a work for God! Amen!
God's Bottle
Read Psalm 56:1-13 June 14, 2008
David, in Psalm 56:8, pens the following Words: "Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?" For what purpose do these Words reveal to us that the tears of a frail human being can be deposited in a special bottle belonging to God and that a record of them is entered into one of His books?
First of all God’s Bottle represents the fact that God is the Master Record Keeper. God is never unaware of the situations in which we find ourselves. Proverbs 5:21 tells us, "For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings." We gain comfort, confidence, and hope as we, in turn, ponder the Words of Psalm 34:15 that inform us... "The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry."
Secondly, God’s Bottle of tears is as a bottle of high potency fuel. The accumulation of our tears before God is fuel to defeat the powers of darkness, and for power to silence the critics. Proverbs 22:12 points out that..."The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor." Our tears are as fuel for soul winning power. This is clearly seen in Psalm 126:5, 6: "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."
Finally, God's Bottle of tears stimulates His compassion and mercy. Psalm 51:17 states that "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."
God’s mercy will someday put an end to our tears. Revelation 21:4 "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."
Commanded to Have Preferences
Read Romans 12:1-13 May 7, 2008
Our English word "prefer" is a combination of the Latin prefix "pre" meaning "before" and the Latin word "ferre" meaning "to carry." A preference is a pre-determined decision designed to avoid situations that are not necessarily sinful in themselves but may become detrimental, undesirable, or even sinful. A preference is also a pre-determined decision designed to provide an environment that is conducive to creating positive results.
There are some things the Bible teaches us to observe as preferences. For instance, although the Bible teaches us to be kind to everyone, we are commanded to prefer one another. That is, in certain ways we are to show preference to Christian brothers and sisters because they are part of the family of God. Notice that Romans 12:10 exhorts us to "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another..." Then in verse 13 it says specifically "Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality." If we are kindly affectioned one to another we will choose to be in one another's company more than in the company of unbelievers. This will produce desired results.
Another area in which we are commanded to have preferences is concerning the laying aside of weights. Hebrews 12:1 tells us "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us..." We are to adopt preferences to avoid getting weighed down. Things are that not specifically wrong in themselves may be or become weights. These would not the same for everyone. It may be a hobby, a sport, or some other activity that keeps us from our priorities or steals our focus. Let us wisely and strategically adopt Biblical preferences.
CALL TO GLORY (or The Glory of the LORD)
Read Romans 8:28-32 March 9, 2008
It is not difficult to see that the word "glory" and the word "glow" are related. Before one is saved he "comes short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23), but after genuinely trusting Christ as his personal Saviour he becomes "light in the Lord." Ephesians 5:8 "For ye were sometimes [at one time] darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:" This is because when we received Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour we received Him Who is the brightness of the glory of God. Hebrews 1:3 "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;"
Because of His foreknowledge, God knew from eternity past who would and would not receive Jesus Christ as Saviour. God predetermined that those who would receive Christ would eventually be conformed to the image of His Son. Upon accepting Christ as our Saviour God justified us and glorified us. This means He gave us a new spirit with a divine nature that has the glory of God.
Romans 8:29 "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified."
John 8:12 "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
Some day we will also have a glorified body. Until then....Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify [shine the spotlight on] your Father which is in heaven."
IN ORDER TO GET THINGS IN ORDER
Read I Corinthians 14:40-15:10 February 10, 2008
Tapping Into God's Omnipresence
Read Psalm 139:1-16 December 4, 2007
While zooming in on today's reading selection, one would do well to observe how the omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence of God are all intertwined in these verses.
It's not too difficult to grasp the concept of tapping into the omniscience of God in order to increase our own knowledge. Similarly, we can realize with a certain degree of understanding that we can also tap into the omnipotence of God in order to acquire the power to accomplish the things that He would have us to do. However, is it possible to tap into the omnipresence of God? Can we, as mere human beings, with our many limitations, actually acquire a degree of omnipresence and accomplish being in multiple places at one time? Let me suggest three ways we can actually tap into and put into practice God's omnipresence.
First, by the written or printed words we share. Letters, books, pamphlets, etc. that we either write ourselves or pre-printed words we hand out or leave behind for others, allow the effect of our presence to remain long after we've left. The truth is, if someone reads a letter, a book, or other item I've written, in a real sense I am sitting there speaking to him although I am physically elsewhere! Contributing authors to Call to Glory can speak in nearly 16,000 homes in many different places on the globe without leaving home!
Another way we can tap into God's omnipresence is by way of the spoken word. A gospel witness, a kind or encouraging word, are ways our presence can continue even after we've moved on. The Holy Spirit can use these words to speak to them over and over again.
Finally, the things we do as a result of God's Word and His presence in us, also speak long after we've departed. Hebrews 13:21 talks about Jesus "...working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight..."
Let's tap into God's omnipresence!
"I Know Not the Numbers"
Read Psalm 71:14-24 November 6, 2007
Psalm 71:16a declares " I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD..." If we are to "go in the strength of the Lord GOD," there are certain things from which we must draw that strength. It is imperative for us to realize that there are some things the Bible tells us are immeasurable. Verse fifteen tells us "My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof." From this we see that there are an infinite number of things to expect from God. God never runs out of things He wishes to give us. Matthew 6:33 exhorts us by telling us "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
In Psalm 71:15 we see that the righteousnesses of God are innumerable; they are infinitely many. His love, mercy, grace, righteous power, and all His righteous acts are far beyond our comprehension or accounting. His righteousnesses are perfect (complete) and complex. He has righteousnesses within righteousnesses. God will always do right by us and for us. He is never unjust, never to blame. His love is always pure; His virtues have no shortcomings.
Another item expressed in Psalm 71:15 and should be highlighted is this: "The number of times that God has saved us is unknown to us." In addition to saving us from Hell through His death, burial, and resurrection, how many times has He saved us from harm or death? The truth for many of us is this: "If God had not kept us from dying before we were saved, we would be in Hell at this very moment." Add to this the unknown number of times he has protected our very lives since then. With these things in mind, let us "go in the strength of the Lord GOD" because we "know not the numbers" of His righteousnesses or concerning His salvation.
Are You Willing to Change?
Read Romans 12:1-3 October 18, 2007
One major problem among Christians today is an unwillingness to change. The truth is, when one receives Christ as his Saviour, he opens the door to his own self, allowing God to enter into him. If you are truly saved, you have given God the go-ahead to enter into you. What did you expect Him to do after He entered, sit there and do nothing? Immediately upon His entering, of course, He created the new birth and you became a child of God! However, after that was done He did not leave! He has much that He desires and plans to do within you and with you. Are you cooperating with Him? Are you allowing Him free reign to change your desires and your manners, or are you resisting His efforts to transform you and renew your thinking?
Now that you are a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ, having received Him as your personal Saviour, God will work in you one way or another. Philippians 2:13 tells us "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." It is His preference to transform us by way of our presenting ourselves as living sacrifices, yielding our wills to His. However, we often choose, in a sense, to force God’s hand in His having to get our attention by way of chastisement. The following verses give us some insight concerning this: Hebrews 12:6 "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." Hebrews 12:7 "If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?" Hebrews 12:11 "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby."
Are you willing to change?
CONSIDER HIM
Read Hebrews 12:1-3 June 20, 2007
Our English word "consider" comes from the Latin "cum" meaning "with" and "sidus" meaning "star." It apparently points to the kind of scenario where one looks to the nighttime skies in a pondering, reflective manner.
We are told in Hebrews 12:3 to "consider Him." The Him, of course, is Jesus. Jesus is a bright and shining Star in the midst of a darkness full of uncertainties and seemingly insurmountable obstacles and unconquerable battles. In Numbers 24:17 He is called "a Star out of Jacob." In Revelation 22:16 He is said to be "the Bright and Morning Star." Revelation chapter one symbolizes stars as angels. The word "angel" means "messenger." Peculiar to the Old Testament Jesus assumes the title "Angel of the LORD." We refer to these Old Testament appearances as Theophanies (appearances of God). As the Angel of the LORD, He obviously was not a created being, but God the Son Himself appearing as a Messenger. It was the Angel of the LORD Who appeared to Moses in the burning bush in Exodus 3:2 and said He was "the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob" in verse six. Paul said in Galatians 4:14 "And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus." Jesus is the ultimate Messenger, and if we learn to "consider Him" we will seek and find the messages He sends us through the reading, preaching, teaching of His Word, through the circumstances of life, always by the Holy Spirit, and on a regular basis. May every decision be made with His counsel and direction. Consider Him!
Psalm 32:8 "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye."
THE WORD "PREVENT"
Read Psalm 21:1-7 and 79:8-13 March 4, 2007
The word "prevent" in modern usage is almost exclusively used to mean stopping something from happening. However, the Bible uses it in a way that is truer to the roots of its etymology. Our English word "prevent" comes from the Latin "pre" meaning "before" and "ventus" meaning "to come." Hence, the word "prevent" means "to come (or go) before." One can see how it came to be used today. In order to stop something from happening one needs to get there or do something before it actually happens. This word in the Biblical sense provides us with some very comforting, enlightening, and delightful lessons.
It speaks of God's help and protection. Psalm 59:10 "The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies."
It speaks of God's blessings. Psalm 21:3 "For thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness: thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head."
It speaks of how we should pray and meditate on God's Word. Psalm 119:146 "I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.
147 I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.
148 Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word."
It speaks of the Rapture. I Thessalonians 4:15 "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.
16 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:
17 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.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words."
SLEEPING EARS
Read Isaiah 50:4-7 November 15, 2006
One of the great deficiencies among Christians today is that many have sleeping ears. Just as one closes his eyes and goes to sleep, so one can close his ears and be asleep even if his eyes are open. The condition of sleeping ears is the result of a rebellious heart and sleeping ears cause further rebellion. In Isaiah 50 verse 4, the prophet tells us "...he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned." He continues in verse 5 by saying, "The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back."
The preaching of God's Word is a provision of God to help us repair what is not right and to help us maintain and build upon that which is right. The reason why many Christians live broken lives is because their ears have fallen asleep. 1 Samuel 15:23 informs us that "rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft." Rebellion is rejecting God's Word, just like witchcraft is rejecting God's Word. When one is rebellious he is being a bad example to those around him. Teaching rebellion carries some serious consequences. Notice the following two verses from the Book of Jeremiah:
Jeremiah 28:16 "Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will cast thee from off the face of the earth: this year thou shalt die, because thou hast taught rebellion against the LORD."
Jeremiah 29: 32 "Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will punish Shemaiah the Nehelamite, and his seed: he shall not have a man to dwell among this people; neither shall he behold the good that I will do for my people, saith the LORD; because he hath taught rebellion against the LORD."
Many parents, because of their own rebelliousness, teach their children to be rebellious and thereby put themselves and their children in danger. Also, keep in mind that even if you don't have children of your own, someone is watching you. Maybe it's time to let God wake up our sleeping ears!
EVERY CHURCH A BIBLE COLLEGE
Read II Timothy 2:1-15 September 9, 2006
The Bible tells us "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." With that thought in mind, it is apparent and imperative that every New Testament church be a Bible institute or college. Every member of a New Testament Bible believing church should consider himself/herself a student in a Bible institute. I would like to give us a few thoughts to ponder concerning this.
I. Our Textbook: the King James Bible (every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God).
II. Our Teacher: the Holy Ghost
Jesus told us in John 14:26 "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."
III. Our Tuition
Our tuition is our obedience. James 1:22 tells us "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." As we learn the Word of God we are to be putting it into practice. We are to be obedient in the use of our time (time to study; time to witness to others; time to pray; time to be assembling with other believers, etc.), our talents (abilities), and in the giving of our tithes and offerings.
IV. Our Training
II Timothy 2:2 "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier."
The Bible method is to be trained in the ministry and then to be used of God to train others. "Study to shew thyself approved" and then "teach others also."
The Full Gospel
Read I Corinthians 15:1-10 June 26, 2006
On certain occasions, when meeting up with persons from charismatic (charismaniac) or pentecostal church backgrounds, I have been asked, "Is your church a "full gospel" church?" My reply is always something like this: "Yes, we preach the full gospel. According to 1 Corinthians 15 the gospel is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Anything added to that, like speaking in tongues, is adding to the gospel." Without realizing it, what they are actually asking is "Does your church add to the gospel like my church does?" Thank God, Harvest Baptist Church is a FULL GOSPEL CHURCH!!! We preach the DEATH, BURIAL, and RESURRECTION of JESUS CHRIST!!! Don't let anyone intimidate you. Don't let anyone deceive you. There is only one gospel in which one must believe in order to have eternal life! Jesus suffered our hell for us on the cross, was buried for three days in order to ensure that He was actually dead, and then rose from the dead on the third day according to the Scriptures.
The Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:1 says, "I declare unto you the gospel." Then in verse three we see, "Christ died for our sins." In verse four, " And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures." There it is! There is the gospel! There is the FULL GOSPEL!
In Galatians 1:6 Paul declares "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed."
Is your church a full gospel church?
May God Bless Your Big Mouth
Read Psalm 81:10-16 April 7, 2006
God tells the people of Israel in Psalm 81:10 "I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it." He is telling them and us that by faith we can expect Him to provide for all our needs and proper desires. Years ago God was often referred to as "Providence" because He is able to supply all our needs. His provisions are limitless. We are told in Philippians 4:6 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." The Word "supplication" is related to the Word "supply." We are to go to God for the supplies that we need. Paul tells us in Philippians 4:19, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
We should also open our mouths wide by faith in order for God to fill them with His Words. In Isaiah 51:16a God says, "And I have put my words in thy mouth..." We must keep our hearts well supplied with the Words of God by prayerful Bible reading, Bible study, and listening to Bible preaching. This is very important because Jesus said in Matthew 12:34b "...for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." God's Words in our hearts will help us to have God's Words in our mouths. This is how we will be successful in defeating our enemies, namely Satan and our own old sinful nature. Having God's Words in our hearts and mouths will cause us to rejoice in God's salvation. 1 Samuel 2:1 says "And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation."
May God use and bless your big mouth!
Letting Your Glow Show
Read I Corinthians 6:19-20 March 19, 2006
The Bible tells us in Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Our English word "glory" is related to the word "glow." Before one gets saved he comes short of the glory of God. There is no "glow" on the inside, only darkness. However, we who have received Jesus Christ as our own personal Saviour have received the brightness of His glory! We see in 2 Corinthians 4:6 "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." Jesus Himself is the brightness of the glory of God. This is evident in Hebrews 1:3 "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."
John 1:4,5 "In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."
Now that we have received the brightness of the glory of God, Christ Himself, we are to allow that brightness to shine in a dark, sinful, and confusing world. "Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
When we let the light that God has given us shine before men we glorify our Father in Heaven. That is, we put the spotlight on Him. So, today, let others see "Christ in you the hope of glory " (Colossians 1:27). Shine the spotlight on Him! Be sure to let your "glow" show!
Be Fruitful And Multiply
Read John 15:1-17 February 3, 2006
In the beginning of creation, the earth was completely covered with water (Genesis 1:2). On the third day of creation, God gathered the waters together and made the dry land appear. This was for the purpose of populating the earth. God's plan was not to have the earth completely covered with water, but to have it populated with people. A careful study of God's Word will reveal large bodies of water and floods symbolize great numbers of people (e.g. Jeremiah 46:7,8; Revelation 19:6). Therefore, God told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply and replenish (refill) the earth. However, as time went on mankind became very wicked and rebellious and God chose to put the waters back again. The Bible tells us that only eight people were spared - Noah and his family. In Genesis 9:1, after the waters had receded, God repeated to Noah the Words He had spoken to Adam and Eve, "...be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth."
Time passes and we come to Jacob in Genesis 35:11 "And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins;" Israel was to become a great and mighty nation. In order for that to happen, the people of Israel would have to be "fruitful and multiply."
The New Testament age comes and Jesus speaks to us in John 15:16, "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you." Christians are fruitful and multiply when they win the unsaved to Christ. Multiplication by way of bearing fruit has always been God's method. Are you being fruitful and multiplying? Tell someone about Jesus today!
The Candlestick
Read Matthew 5:14-16; Mark 4:21 December 1, 2005
The candlestick, according to Revelation 1:20, is symbolic of the local, Bible believing, New Testament church. Seven of them are named in chapters 2 and 3.
The word "angel" (also in Revelation 1:20) means messenger and each church had one. The messenger, of course, is the pastor. Notice that the word "evANGEList" has the word "angel" in it. An evangelist is a messenger; a pastor is to do the work of an evangelist. "But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry." (2 Tim. 4:5)
Jesus told us that if we are going to let our light shine before men, we must do it by the way of the candlestick. Not under a bushel, not under a bed, but on the candlestick. The devil and his cohorts are working overtime to keep people out of church, and to keep those who are in church uninvolved. We must center our lives around Christ and the candlestick to which He has led us. Today we are much closer to the day of His coming again than those who were here in the days when the New Testament was being penned. Therefore, we should be assembling more today than at any other time in history. Strangely, a number of churches today are dropping their Sunday evening and/or Wednesday services. Shame on such churches for making church attendance a sideline rather than giving it its due importance.
Hebrews 10:25 "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
Remember to be faithful in your church attendance and involvement!
Solutions Disguised as Problems
Read Mark 6:45-51 October 18, 2005
After sending His disciples away on a boat, Jesus stayed behind, went up into a mountain, and spent some time in prayer. After some time had passed, the velocity of the wind began to increase, and the disciples found themselves being tossed to and fro in the boat. Then all of a sudden they looked out and saw a figure walking toward them on the water! "What is that? Uh oh, fellas. We have a problem here! It’s a....a....gh....gh.....ghost!"
What was it? It was Jesus walking toward them. This was NOT their problem. Their problem was a tossing boat (and a lack of faith), and the solution to that problem was on the way! Jesus was not their problem; He was the answer, the solution, to their problem.
Many, today, view Jesus as being a problem. They try to remove anything and everything that symbolizes or is in any way connected with or to Him. These Hell-bound individuals need to realize that Jesus is absolutely NOT their problem, but the solution to their predicament. Jesus suffered their Hell for them on the cross, but they refuse to acknowledge this fact, and, therefore, choose to eternally pay for their own sins in Hell.
Often, when seeming problems come our way, in reality the situation at hand may actually be a solution to a pre-existing problem. The LORD sometimes sends a solution our way that may at first appear to be a problem. Therefore, today, if a problem or two come along, remember, God may actually be providing you with a solution disguised as a problem.
Good and Bad Legalism
Read Romans 3:19-31 September 19, 2005
Very often, Bible preaching pastors are accused of being legalists. This is usually by those who have had their "pet" sins exposed from behind the pulpit.
The Bible teaches us that there is, in fact, both good and bad legalism. Bad legalism states that one must keep the law in order to be or remain saved. Another kind of bad legalism incorporates the use of the ritualistic laws of the Old Testament, creating a mutilated form of the Levitical priesthood. The ritualistic laws existed to point to the coming Saviour. Now that He is come these rituals are no longer necessary, profitable, or desirable. (Some dietary laws were also to keep the Israelites from the prevalent diseases of the times).
However, there is good legalism. Good legalism states that a Christian is to keep the moral laws of the Word of God - not in order to become or stay saved - but because he IS saved. One who has been born again into God’s family through faith in Christ cannot have a right relationship with the One Who became his Father if he has a disregard for the law.
Paul said in Romans 7:16 "....I consent unto the law that it is good."
In Romans 3:31 he emphatically states, "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law."
So today, remember what Jesus said in John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
The Power of Genuineness
Read Romans 10:9-15 July 15, 2005
Genuineness is something that provides great power to the one who possesses it. Some, who are not genuine, may appear to be, but because of their lack of genuineness are wanting of power because they actually deny it. II Timothy 3:5 tells us: "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."
We who have genuinely put our faith in the fact that Jesus shed His blood on the cross, suffered our Hell for us there (on the cross), and defeated death three days and nights later, have acquired the power to become the sons (offspring) of God.
John 1:12 "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:"
Because we have received the power to become (and have become) the children of God we now have access to the power that enables us to live the resurrected life. The more we know Him by experience the more power we have, and the more success we will have in living the life that experiences the peace that passes all understanding.
Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Knowing Him by experience means that we don’t just know about Him, but that, with a heart that seeks to draw nigh unto Him, in the Bible, in the prayer closet, and in continuing prayer, we absorb virtue from His presence and His virtue becomes our own....genuinely!
Philippians 3:10a "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection..."