What Value

How many times in work or school have you been called upon to do something that you felt did really have much merit? I don’t think there is anything harder than working on something that you feel is useless. Today, it almost seems like that is exactly what Paul is asking. Does the law serve any purpose? He tells us that it was added because of sin... to be there till the "SEED" of promise. The keeping of the law was never intended to provide eternal life. What the law does is teach us what we can not do and that is be perfect. Now that we have learned that we can be perfect how do we receive eternal life? By faith in the ONE who has been perfect for us.

Gal 3:19-29
19 What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator. 20 Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one. 21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. 22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. 26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. NKJV
Paul is telling the Galatians that now that faith has come they are no longer under the tuter (the law). Faith in Christ makes us all Sons of God.
Explore for yourself

1. So why did God bother to give us the law?
2. What has the law done for us? Why?
3. What has replaced the Law?
4. What has faith "made" us?
5. How have we become descendants of Abraham? What does that give us?

Best Christmas Ever

Well I think I will forgo the study in Galatians for today.

Just a question? What you describe as your best Christmas ever? What makes it the best? Listening to the radio program there were lots of comments on "purchases"... spending lots of $$$. How sad! Even over hearing comments in the ER the trend was well we got to spend this because it is what "THEY WANT"!

I am so glad God choose to give me "What I NEED" and not what I want.

I needed to be forgiven of my sins. I needed someone willing to pay the price for my sins.

I needed someone to save me.

On the day of the birth of Jesus Christ so many years ago we truly experience the "Best Christmas".

Lay aside the gifts and goodies and reflect this Christmas. Thank the Lord for loving you enough to give you the gift of HIS Son.


Isa 9:6-7 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
NKJV

Promise of Christ

As a husband I have made promises to my wife and family that sadly I must admit I have not keep. When that happens, there must be admission of my failure and requesting of forgiveness. Try as much as I like I will never be able to keep all of my promises. Paul is talking to the Galatians about that very fact. The making and keeping of a covenant, once made it is not set aside. But even when that promise was not kept it still has its force. "It is law". Paul shows that the promise to Abraham was to Abraham and one specific individual "his seed".

Gal 3:1518
15 Brethren, I speak in terms of human relations: even though it is only a man's covenant, yet when it has been ratified, no one sets it aside or adds conditions to it. 16 Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, "And to seeds," as referring to many, but rather to one, " And to your seed," that is, Christ. 17 What I am saying is this: the Law, which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise.18 For if the inheritance is based on law, it is no longer based on a promise; but God has granted it to Abraham by means of a promise. NASU
But Paul is also showing the "Law" which came after the promise to Abraham it did not invalidate the promise because it was made and ratified by God. Remember the law has a purpose but it is not to save us because we obey it. But we will explore that the next time.

Explore for yourself!

1. What can not be set aside?
2. Who was the promise given to?
3. Which came first the promise or law... why is this important?

If these (or any of the questions) brings additional questions just leave them in the comment section.

Slipped?

Winter brings lots of weather most of us would prefer never arrived. Ice and freezing rain are most likely the least enjoyable. (Unless it gets you out of school). Ice on the roads can cause us to slip and slide into things that will not move. Ouch, that will hurt! The law of God is equally unmoveable. When we slip in regards to God’s law we are face with "hitting" the righteousness of God. In Galatians Paul says we become cursed.

Gal 3:10-14
10 For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO DOES NOT ABIDE BY ALL THINGS WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF THE LAW, TO PERFORM THEM." 11 Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, " THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH." 12 However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, "HE WHO PRACTICES THEM SHALL LIVE BY THEM." 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us — for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE" — 14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. NASU

Paul was showing the Galatians (and us) that any attempt to earn righteousness by obeying the law results in becoming "cursed" and no person can be justified by obeying the Law. We must live by faith but there is one who suffered the curse of the cross. That one is Jesus Christ. He endured the curse of the cross in order to that the blessings of Abraham might come to those who put their faith in Christ.

Explore for yourself

1.What does the law do to man?
2. How is it evident that no one is justified by the Law before God?
3. What does it mean to live by faith?
4. What is the law?
5. What did Christ do for us? (Specifically)
6. How do we receive the promise?

Your Future

There are times in life when knowing the out come of a decision would be helpful to making the correct choice. However, we are not able to know with absolute certainty the outcome or future events. We must trust God who is the only one who understand the details that must be in place to understand the future. Recently I read John Piper where he stated, that the only way we can understand the Sovereignty of God is to look backwards. We waste to much time trying to understand what God is doing and to little time trusting Him knowing He is doing the right things in our life.

We can see here Paul explaining how God could know the future even as far back as in Abraham’s day.

Gal 3:6-9 Even so Abraham BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. 7Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham. 8 The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, "ALL THE NATIONS WILL BE BLESSED IN YOU." 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer. NASU
It was God who foresaw the future and revealed to Abraham that ALL the nations would be blessed in him.

I am afraid that we are all to quick to believe God when things are going well but when we go through difficult times we aren’t so quick to believe that God know what is best for us.

Explore for yourself

1. How was Abraham saved?
2. How are we the seed of Abraham?

No Change in Rules

Did you ever play a game with someone only to get part way through and then they switched the rules on you? Try as you might, you can’t get them to keep them the way they were when you started. Of course the reason the rules changed is because somehow it became an advantage for them. Had you known the rules were not going to remain the same you may never even considered starting the game. You feel foolish because you have been trick.

Paul notices that the Galatians have be trick into thinking that God has changed the rules of Salvation.

Gal 3:1-5 1 You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? 2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 4 Did you suffer so many things in vain —if indeed it was in vain? 5 So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? NASU
Paul takes the Galatians back to the time of their salvation and the receiving of the Holy Spirit. He asks them, was it because of something you did or was it because of the response of faith.

To the Ephesians Paul says: Eph 2:8-9 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. NASU

Are you trying to be like the foolish Galatians? Are you trying to work you way into favor with God? Clearly you can see that this is not going to happen. God states you are saved by "FAITH" not "works". Why not by faith today,

1. Admit you are a sinner.
2. Admit you can not save yourself
3. Invite Christ into your life to save you from your sins.
4. TELL SOMEONE TODAY WHAT YOU HAVE DONE!

Explore for yourself.

1. Why does Paul ask the Galatians who bewitched them?
2. Why does Paul ask them how they received the Holy Spirit?
3. Why does He ask them if they are going to be perfected by the flesh?
4. Why would they be suffering?
5. Why does he ask if they suffered in vain? Did they really suffer in vain?
6. How were things happening among them? How should that challenge us?

Acting Different

Do you act differently depending upon who you are with? At work, are you giving to speaking one way that you would never speak at home? We will see today that this situation is not unique. Paul confronts Peter for acting in that manner. Peter, having come up to Galatia was enjoying the fellowship of the believers including eating with them until other Jews entered onto the scene. Then his attitude and actions began to change. He became aloof and started acting differently.

Gal 2:11-21
11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision. 13 The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, "If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?
15 "We are Jews by nature and not sinners from among the Gentiles; 16 nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified. 17 "But if, while seeking to be justified in Christ, we ourselves have also been found sinners, is Christ then a minister of sin? May it never be! 18 "For if I rebuild what I have once destroyed, I prove myself to be a transgressor. 19 "For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live to God. 20 "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. 21 "I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly." NASU

But there is more to what Paul was concerned about. He was concerned that these changes really lead to them not be straight forward about the truth of the gospel. Peter by his action was corrupting the gospel by adding to the message "you must live this way".
The question is often asked, "If someone came to your work would they know that you are a believer?". I would ask you, "Do you act differently on Sunday then you do the rest of the week?"

The message of the cross does not change from Sunday to Monday and if you trusted Christ as your Savior your actions and attitudes should not change from Sunday to Monday. If they do, you, like Peter need to confess you sin to God and receive His forgiveness and see to be true to the Gospel which does not change.

Explore for yourself.
1. What happened when Peter showed up at Antioch?
2. Why did Paul confront Peter?
3. What was Peter’s motivation for his actions?
4. What was the result (until Paul confronted him)?
5. How is a man justified?
6. How were YOUR sins paid?
7. IF you have received Christ as your Savior where is Christ living?
8. Rather than living by the flesh how are we to live?
9. If our "works" were necessary to help save us what would this do to Christ’s death?

Be the same person today and on Sunday!

Who matters?

Do you worry about your reputation before others? To often we are motivated to do things because we care what others think about us. This should not be. We see that Paul states that despite submitting to those who had a reputation it did not make a difference to him or God. God does not show partiality and neither should we when it comes to what we do or why we do it.

Gal 2:5-10
6 But from those who were of high reputation (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality) — well, those who were of reputation contributed nothing to me. 7 But on the contrary, seeing that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised 8 (for He who effectually worked for Peter in his apostleship to the circumcised effectually worked for me also to the Gentiles), 9 and recognizing the grace that had been given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we might go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 They only asked us to remember the poor — the very thing I also was eager to do. NASU

Paul notes for us that he was given the responsibility by God to take the gospel to the Gentiles. God will never tell others what you should do but they can confirm God working in your life.
Be careful that you don’t look to others to know what to do. Look to God and others will be able to see God working in your life.

Explore for yourself

1. What did they discover concern the message Paul was preaching?
2. How was Paul focus different than Peter’s
3.Who is power behind what was taking place?
4. What request did the apostles make of Paul and the others? What was their response?

Submitting

Often the very word "submit" causes us to bristle. We simply have this aversion to submitting. Today we see this idea express by Paul when he heads off to Jerusalem to submit the gospel that he was preaching. His fear was that somewhere in his presentation that he might be doing something in vain.

Have you ever done something the wrong way? Wouldn’t it have been nice if somewhere along the way someone would have come along and stop you before you spent time doing the work. I can think of times during my years of construction when I gladly would have appreciated if someone would have come and showed me I was doing something wrong (and there were times they did). So let me ask you, if you had to submit to that person wouldn’t that be better than spending days (or weeks) doing something that you have to redo? Paul wasn’t worried about simply "redoing" something, he was worried that it was wrong and he was leading people astray. What a joy to learn that everything that Paul had been preaching was truth.

Gal 2:1-5
2 Then after an interval of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also. 2 1 It was because of a revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain. 3 But not even Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. 4 But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage. 5 But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you. NASU

As you read this today I want to encourage you to look at the Scriptures. The Bible can handle you looking at it to learn the truth, and be full of hope.

Explore for yourself.
1. What did Paul submit to the apostles in Jerusalem?
2. How did he do this and why?
3. What "proof" of the effect of the gospel did he take?
4. Why did this trip become necessary?
5. Was Paul just being "selfish" for his own "style" or the liberty He had there?
6. Why did Paul and the other not yield to those who came?
7. Why was Paul so adamant concerning these changes?

John 5:39-40 39 " You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; 40 and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life. NASU

Go ahead and search, do not let Jesus say this about you!

Testimony!

Do you have a changed life? Are you in the habit of telling others about that changed life and why it is changed? Here we see Paul telling a little of what he was like and what brought the change to his life.

Gal 1:13-24
13 For you have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it; 14 and I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my countrymen, being more extremely zealous for my ancestral traditions. 15 But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, was pleased 16 to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus. 18 Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas, and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 But I did not see any other of the apostles except James, the Lord's brother. 20 (Now in what I am writing to you, I assure you before God that I am not lying.) 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea which were in Christ; 23 but only, they kept hearing, "He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith which he once tried to destroy." 24 And they were glorifying God because of me. NASU


When God calls, God equips. Being a Jew Paul and the wealth of knowledge of the Old Testament. He spent time going back over those Scriptures reading them again in the light of the truth that Jesus is the Messiah.


Explore for yourself.

1. What proof does Paul provide concerning the gospels power?
2. At what point in Paul’s life did God begin to work?
3. What was the purpose of God’s calling?
4. Why did Paul avoid contact with men?
5. How long till Paul returned to Jerusalem? Why?
6. What was being said concerning Paul in Jerusalem?
7. Who was being praised?

Do you have a testimony? Have to told anyone recently? Why not tell someone today? If you are looking at hwhat it takes for you to have a testimony Click Here and learn God’s truth for you.

Who is preaching?

When (or if) you go to church who do you hear? That is a question that I often asked of myself before I begin to preach/speak. It is always my prayer that those who are there on any day would not be coming to hear me but that they would come to hear God speak to them. Paul shows where that all has to begin, we have to recognize that what must be preached must be the revelation of Jesus Christ. Paul had a little more difficulty then we do today. He did not have the New Testament or the completed Bible. But the danger today is no less real.

Gal 1:11-12 For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. NASU

There are many today who get up to speak and never once open the Scripture or open them a little and then go off and say whatever they want giving no value to the importance of the Word of God.

But you are saying, this doesn’t apply to me because I am not the one speaking. Well Paul explains how this truth applies to us in 2 Tim 4:3. "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths." NASU

When we as listeners come to church expecting to hear what "we want" we really are looking for things according to "man" and not God.

Explore it for yourself.
1. From where does the gospel come?
2. Why does Paul want the Galatians to know from where the comes?

I want to encourage you to listen for God speaking to you and not some person

Thankful!

Today is a day that we express our Thankfulness but I want to ask a question. Why do you express thanks? I fear there are to many times when we are thankful for "things." We are thankful for health, work, family, food, and many things that have been provided for us (and we should be thankful). But can we still be happy is we don’t have these things? Notice what the Psalmist wrote:

Ps 118:1-4
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
2 Oh let Israel say,
"His lovingkindness is everlasting."
3 Oh let the house of Aaron say,
"His lovingkindness is everlasting."
4 Oh let those who fear the Lord say,
"His lovingkindness is everlasting." NASU


Here we are challenged to give thanks to the Lord because He is good not because of the good things we have or the good things He has done for us. God is good because His lovingkindness is everlasting. There is no end to God or to His lovingkindness that is why we are told to give thanks!

Did you take time to give thanks today? Did you give thanks because God is good, because His lovingkindness does not end.

Thank you God for your loving kindness is everlasting!

What is your Motivation?

Paul gives to the Galatians a warning and explanation. First he warns them that NO ONE, not even himself, is to be changing the gospel. God’s word does not change. God does not need to provide us with "new insights". What God gave to the writers of old is still valid even to day and we should be greatly warned by those who would propose those changes. Second, Paul tells them that he is not motivated by what men think.

Gal 1:8-10 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!
10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. NASU

The question for us is two fold. Do I go searching for those who will give me answers that I want to hear? Do they "change" scripture to suit the explanation that they spoke? The second consideration is "Why do I do what I do?" No matter what you do in life; plumbers, chef, photographer, Pastor, who are you serving. If all you do is serve your "customer" and not Christ you will be driven exclusively by what man wants and not by what bring God’s glory.


Search for yourself.

1. What was being distorted?
2.Why does Paul have such harsh words for those who turn people away?
3. What claim does Paul make concerning his motivation?

Turned to Nothing

Often when we think about changes in our lives we are thinking (or at least hoping) of make a change for the good. Paul is writing here and he is talking about a change among the Galatians. But that change was not good. They were turning away from the Good News of Christ.

Notice a couple of things.

They turned away quickly
They had been called by the grace of Christ
What they turned to was not even a another gospel but a distortion.

Gal 1:6-7 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. NASU

Romans 8:28 tells us that it is God who as called us to His purpose. Notice too that what they thought was something worth while was really distorted. I enjoy walking through some Antique stores from time to time but I purchase very little. Why? Because I don’t know what is a true antique and what is a good fake.

Paul is telling the Galatians that what they were turning to is a fake.... and not a very good fake.
Here are some questions to ponder from this text.

1. From Whom were the people turning?
2 What were the people turning towards?
3. What was being distorted?
4.Why does Paul have such harsh words for those who turn people away?

For The Glory of the Lord

Gal 1:3-5 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen. NASU

1. Why did Jesus Christ give himself ?
2. Who was Christ obeying?
Jesus came to serve and not be served but we aren’t told that here, what we see here is the reality of His service. From the beginning of His life on earth Jesus had a purpose, the purpose was to pay for our sins. Romans 3:23 says, all (of us) has sinned and come short of the Glory of God.
We can see in the second part of verse for what Jesus did He did so that the glory goes to God. Being obedient to the will of God results in the glory going to God.

Does it for you?
1 Cor 10:31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Peter 4:11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving 2 C by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. NASU

Why do you get up in the morning?
Why do you go to work?
Why would you want to be obedient to God’s call on your life?
In everything you do, it should be done to bring glory to God.

Why do you do it?

I would like to begin a slow journey through the book of Galatians. The journey will require you to read and think on what God has recorded for us in the Scriptures. Let’s begin by reading the scripture.
Gal 1:1-2
1 Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead), 2 and all the brethren who are with me,
To the churches of Galatia: NASU
1. Who does Paul say sent him?
2. Why would it matter who sent Paul as an apostle?
3. How was Jesus Christ raised from the dead?

Notice that Paul tells us that he was sent by Jesus Christ and God.... this is important in all we do. Even as we go off to work, if we are to be where God wants us we need to see that it is Christ who has placed us there. Perhaps there is a co-worker, customer or client who God wants to provide a witness. If we are doing our own thing (working were we want to) we fail to acknowledge God’s sovereign authority over our lives.
It is important to see that even Jesus submitted to God’s authority. God is the one who raised Christ from the dead. It was this same God who sent Paul to do the ministry. We too, when we are obedient, are sent by the same God.
If we work for a large corporation we may never to the CEO, even though we actually work for him. If we received a personal call from the CEO we would be much more motivated to excel in our work. Guess what, if you have trusted Christ as your personal Savior (Click Here) then you had that personal message from the Sovereign God. God and excel in all He has called you to do.

Ah gee, must I Wait Longer?

How often do we think that God has not acted fast enough? This is not anything new, Moses too thought that God was not acting quick enough. He had already met with Pharaoh once and assumed God would work to release the children of Israel. However, God reveals to Moses that this was not the way it was going to work (see verses below). God shows that there were lessons to learn. "You" are to see what I will do to Pharaoh. Also, that Pharaoh would release them under compulsion. Sometimes we are called upon to watch and wait. Jesus in John 13:7 says to Peter "What I do you do not realize now, but you will understand hereafter." NASU Is he saying that to you today? What is happening today may not be understood by us today, perhaps tomorrow . . . perhaps in eternity.

Ex 5:22-6:1 23 "Ever since I (Moses) came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has done harm to this people, and You have not delivered Your people at all."6:1 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for under compulsion he will let them go, and under compulsion he will drive them out of his land." NASU

Are you "IN" or "OF" the world?

What does it mean for us to be “in” the world but not “of” the world? This thought has been bouncing around in my mind the past couple of weeks. But really how can we be “in” but not “of”?

Let’s start with Jesus’ words from John 17 :14-19
14 "I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 "I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. 16 "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 " Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. 18 "As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. NASU
There are a couple of things we should notice from Jesus. First, He mentioned that He has given us God’s Word. Clearly this is for our use. We can never know what we are to do if we never read God’s Word.
Second, Jesus shows us that we are hated by the world, because we are not “of the world.” We are just like Jesus. But, Jesus reminds us that He does not want us removed, in fact He states that we are to be “kept” from the evil one.
Third, we are sanctified by the truth of the Word of God. This goes back to the first statement he made, He has given us God’s Word. My youngest son is a auto technician and he has a huge cabinet of tools. How foolish if we attempted to do his job without touching those tools. Yet, sadly as Christian’s we often attempt to go through life without using all the “tools”.
Lastly, Jesus tells us that we are sent into the world. Sent with a purpose! What we need to do to understand our purpose we need to think of the things that Jesus did. Talking with an unmarried woman by the well, eating with tax collectors, simply stated Jesus talked and walked among sinners. In Mark 2:17b Jesus said “I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners." NASU Jesus’ ministry was to be for the sinners and that is what we need to be doing as well. I asked what does it mean to be “in” the world but not “of” the world. Now is the time when you have to answer that question. Do I go into the world or do I avoid being around those “sinner?” But you might be in a more difficult spot, you could simply be “hanging up” your faith when you go out into the world. The people you are with might not even know that you trusted Christ as Savior.

Christ tells us that He sent us, now the choice is up to us, will we really go “into the world?”

God Spot

Do we really have a “Spot” in our brain for God?

A few days ago while going to the Chiropractor he mentioned an article he had read about researchers looking for a “Spot” in the brain where God would dwell. A first thought it sounds exciting, however, when you read different sights on the internet you really find that if the can find the “spot” in “religious” people and can not find it in “wicked” people they will be able to explain away their guilt. After all, how can they love God, they don’t have a “spot” on their brain for him. Ken Ham wrote an interesting blog on the subject Click Here . Romans 1:19 states “because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them.” NASU Verse 20 adds the phase, “so that they are without excuse.” Science doesn’t need to find a “spot” on our brain for God to dwell. We know that God desires to dwell within us. And if we choose to resist God, He will hold us accountable for our actions.

Where were you?

Yesterday I found myself reflecting on the events of September 11, 2001. I remember that day so clearly since I had returned to my hotel after a day of meetings in Singapore. There I watch CNN, the one station in English, and saw the events unfold. When the next morning arrived, I told my fellow co-worker of the events that had transpired to which they responded in disbelief. I was shocked that they refused to believe what I had told them. How could they not believe? It took the confirmation of the local paper before I could provide them to details that I saw the night before.
These events brings be back to today. How familiar this sounds. Today how many people will not believe what we read and know from the scripture. They want proof! What will they "read" to find that proof? My challenge to you today is to allow them to read your life. What better proof to the reality of Christ then the changed life of one who was a sinner.

Just Watch

Ex 5:22-6:1
23 "Ever since I (Moses) came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has done harm to this people, and You have not delivered Your people at all."6:1 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for under compulsion he will let them go, and under compulsion he will drive them out of his land." NASU
How often do we think that God has not acted fast enough? This is not anything new, Moses too thought that God was not acting quick enough. He had already met with Pharaoh once and assumed God would work to release the children of Israel. However, God reveals to Moses that this was not the way it was going to work. God shows that there were lessons to learn. "You" are to see what I will do to Pharaoh. Also, that Pharaoh would release them under compulsion.
Sometimes we are called upon to watch and wait. Jesus in John 13:7 says to Peter "What I do you do not realize now, but you will understand hereafter." NASU Is he saying that to you today? What is happening today may not be understood by us today, perhaps tomorrow . . . perhaps in eternity.

Testings

I just finished reading the book of Job. Not one that sparks all kinds of thought of joy or excitement. However, I was struck with how little we "humans" know and how much God calls upon us to trust him. He NEVER is required to explain himself to us. He never needs to provide us with details of the days ahead. Our responsibility is to seek the Lord with all our heart and trust Him in both the ups and downs of life.

Ray Bertolet