A Daily Devotional

[Soldier4Christ]

The Fires of Hell

"And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell" (James 3:6).

Since the tongue can be a "world of iniquity" if it is "set on fire of hell," this implies that hell itself is not merely a "lake of fire" but is essentially a world of iniquity where "he that is unjust" and "he which is filthy" are unjust and filthy still (Revelation 22:11), separated forever "from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power." This is the destiny of all who "obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" (II Thessalonians 1:8,9).

Their resurrected bodies presumably will be quickly consumed by the very real fires of the fiery lake, but their spirits are eternal, created in the image of God, and will continue to exist eternally in a world of iniquity, having spurned Christ's free gift of righteousness and love. This will not be mere physical suffering, but spiritual suffering.

The hell described in Islam's Koran is quite different. It consists of physical tortures of all kinds, described frequently throughout the book, seemingly with relish by its author as the destiny of all "infidels" (meaning all who refuse to become Muslims and submit to a god called Allah and his prophet Mohammed). On the other hand, a very sensual paradise is repeatedly promised to all faithful male Muslims, with dozens of "dark-eyed" nymphs available to serve them (little is said about rewards for faithful women).

Christians and Muslims have some beliefs in common, of course, but the overriding consideration in comparing them must always be the fact that Christ alone has defeated death and can save all who come to Him in faith, promising eternal life in a real heaven with no more tears and no more pain (Revelation 21:4).

[Soldier4Christ]

The Christian's Lifestyle: Our Gifts

But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ" (Ephesians 4:7).

The grace that is given (Greek, charis) is a distribution by the Holy Spirit of gifts (same Greek word) to every believer (I Corinthians 12:4-11). Seventeen different gifts are listed in three New Testament passages (Romans 12:3-8; I Corinthians 12:4-10; Ephesians 4:11), all of them intended by the Holy Spirit to minister to the church and to enhance her unity (Romans 12:3; I Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 4:12).

Three reasons are cited for these gifts (Ephesians 4:12): The perfecting of the saints, a process that describes making something useful or suitable that is not yet adequate. James and John mended their nets (Matthew 4:21). Paul prayed that he might supply that which was lacking (I Thessalonians 3:10). The gifts of the Holy Spirit mend that which is lacking in the saints. The work of the ministry is a joint effort of service (II Corinthians 6:1) that recognizes the public visibility of that service (II Corinthians 4:1,2) and steadfastly displays those gifts so that the ministry be not blamed (II Corinthians 6:3). The edifying of the body of Christ focuses the use of the gifts on the enrichment and betterment of the local assembly of believers (I Corinthians 14:5,12,26).

The goal is to bring all (the saints) to a state of doctrinal unity (the faith) so that our maturity can be compared to the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13), eliminating susceptibility to every wind of doctrine, growing up into Him in all things, and building the body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love (Ephesians 4:14-16).

[Soldier4Christ]

The Rivers and the Sea

"All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again" (Ecclesiastes 1:7).

As the ancients observed the mighty Nile and Euphrates and other great rivers flowing into the ocean, they could not help but wonder why the sea level never rose. They knew that many of the waters in the rivers came from rainfall, especially during floods, but they had only quaint notions, at best, as to where the rains originated. Not until the days of modern science did men discover that rainfall actually comes from the oceans via evaporation and atmospheric transportation.

But the Bible writers somehow seemed to know about the true nature of the hydrologic cycle thousands of years in advance of modern science. The rivers come from the same place to which they return--that is, the sea.

But how do the waters of the sea ever rise into the sky? "He maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapor thereof: Which the clouds do drop and distill upon man abundantly" (Job 36:27,28). Water droplets are made very small by the process of evaporation so they can be carried aloft by the uprushing air forces over warm waters; later they "distill upon man abundantly."

There are other references in Scripture to different phases of this great hydrologic cycle, but one of the most significant is Isaiah 55:10,11: "For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth. . . . So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please." The waters return to the skies only after doing their good work on the lands. Just so, the life-giving word of God returns to Him, not void, but full of the spiritual fruit for which He sent it.

[Soldier4Christ]

Fear the Right Fear

"Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the LORD of hosts Himself; and let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread" (Isaiah 8:12,13).

The people of Judah were terrified by the imminent prospect of invasion by the cruel Assyrian hordes who had been further strengthened by a confederacy with Judah's own brethren in the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel. It is indeed cause for concern when compromising Christians join ranks with ungodly pagans in opposing those who defend the true word of God, for such a combination seems almost too strong to resist. A modern example is the current collaboration between the secular evolutionists and those Christian evolutionists and "progressive creationists" who oppose Christians who stand for the literal truth of the Biblical record of creation and earth history.

This is cause only for concern, however, not for fear! Just as in Isaiah's day, we must fear God--not men. In the coming judgment it will be far easier to explain to God why we had too much faith in His word than too little!

These verses are referred to by the Apostle Peter in a well-known New Testament passage: "Be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" (I Peter 3:14,15).

Therefore, when unbelievers and compromising believers join forces against those who fully believe the Bible, the proper response is not panic, or submission, or even belligerent opposition, but an implicit confidence in God and His word, accompanied by a gracious "answer" (literally "apologetic") in defense of the truth, given in a meek spirit and in fear only of God.

[Soldier4Christ]

Reject Favoritism

"My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons" (James 2:1).

Evidently the believers in the early church were much like us, in that they tended to honor and favor wealthy individuals in their congregations. James commands them to reject such partiality, and gives the reasons why.

The first reason is that God's perspective is just the opposite. He favors the one of low rank. "Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom?" (v.5).

Next, we see that favoritism never impresses the rich--it always backfires. "Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?" (v.6). Showing favoritism is not practical.

Then, note that the favored ones are probably least deserving. In fact, often "they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called" (v.7). In doing so, they dishonor the Lord, in whose name we gather.

Finally, such favoritism is a violation of "the royal law," that summary statement of God's plan for our relationships: "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself" (v.. If the law is kept, "ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin. . . . For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all" (vv.8-10).

Peter (previously a bigoted Jew) had learned this lesson, first in a vision, and then in his miraculous ministry to the Gentiles. "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34).

As our text reveals, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and showing favoritism on any basis (not only riches, but color, education, ethnic, or national background, etc.) are not compatible.

[Soldier4Christ]

The Fight of Faith

"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses" (I Timothy 6:12).

Faith which is genuine saving faith in Christ is not characterized simply by a single act of belief, but by a life lived in faith. To illustrate and stress this truth, the Scriptures use many vivid figures to describe such faith.

First of all, it is the door by which men and women enter the family of the redeemed. Paul reported how God "had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles" (Acts 14:27). Then, it becomes a "household of faith" (Galatians 6:10) to all who have entered. "The just shall live by faith" (Galatians 3:11).

Faith is also work. "Remembering without ceasing your work of faith" (I Thessalonians 1:3) is vital, because "faith without works is dead" (James 2:20). "By grace are ye saved through faith; . . . Not of works," but "created in Christ Jesus unto good works" (Ephesians 2:8-10).

Furthermore, there is a fight of faith! "Fight the good fight of faith," commands our text for today. The Christian is constantly under attack by the devil, and it is only through faith that he can stand. "Let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love" (I Thessalonians 5:. In the wonderful words of Ephesians 6:16, our faith becomes an invincible shield, "able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked" one. When we take it and actively use it, "this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith" (I John 5:4).

Let us, therefore, like Abraham, be "strong in faith, giving glory to God" (Romans 4:20). Our faith is well placed, for it centers on Christ, the mighty Creator, living Savior, and coming King. There is a door of faith, then a household of faith, followed by the work of faith, and the fight of faith, with the shield of faith, and all of this is in the wonderful "word of faith, which we preach" (Romans 10:.

[Def]

The Fight of Faith

"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses" (I Timothy 6:12).

Faith which is genuine saving faith in Christ is not characterized simply by a single act of belief, but by a life lived in faith. To illustrate and stress this truth, the Scriptures use many vivid figures to describe such faith.

First of all, it is the door by which men and women enter the family of the redeemed. Paul reported how God "had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles" (Acts 14:27). Then, it becomes a "household of faith" (Galatians 6:10) to all who have entered. "The just shall live by faith" (Galatians 3:11).

Faith is also work. "Remembering without ceasing your work of faith" (I Thessalonians 1:3) is vital, because "faith without works is dead" (James 2:20). "By grace are ye saved through faith; . . . Not of works," but "created in Christ Jesus unto good works" (Ephesians 2:8-10).

Furthermore, there is a fight of faith! "Fight the good fight of faith," commands our text for today. The Christian is constantly under attack by the devil, and it is only through faith that he can stand. "Let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love" (I Thessalonians 5:. In the wonderful words of Ephesians 6:16, our faith becomes an invincible shield, "able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked" one. When we take it and actively use it, "this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith" (I John 5:4).

Let us, therefore, like Abraham, be "strong in faith, giving glory to God" (Romans 4:20). Our faith is well placed, for it centers on Christ, the mighty Creator, living Savior, and coming King. There is a door of faith, then a household of faith, followed by the work of faith, and the fight of faith, with the shield of faith, and all of this is in the wonderful "word of faith, which we preach" (Romans 10:.

:oYes :oYes Yes.Thank you.

[Soldier4Christ]

Together with Christ

"Even when we were dead in sins, |God| hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:5,6).

In these two marvelous verses the word "together" appears three times, referring in each case to our spiritual union with Jesus Christ. Three different words are used, each being compounded with the Greek sun, meaning "together with." The first combination means "made alive with"; the second, "resurrected with"; the third, "seated with."

All of these verbs are given in the past tense, stressing that, as far as God's own word is concerned, we have been already seated eternally in the heavens with Christ, having been born again with His own life spiritually and raised from the dead physically. All of these blessings were given to us "even when we were dead in sins," not because of our good works or by our good intentions, but only "by grace ye are saved."

The remarkable truth is that this doctrine of our eternal union with Christ, given and maintained only by His grace, does not lead to carelessness or sinfulness as some allege, but to a desire for a holy, God-honoring life. "God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? . . . like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:2,4).

The regenerate nature implanted by the Holy Spirit, a heart of gratitude for Christ’s sacrificial love for us, and the wonderful promises in God's word, all combine to transform our lives making us new creatures in Christ, knowing that henceforth we shall "ever be with the Lord" (I Thessalonians 4:17).

[Def]

Together with Christ

"Even when we were dead in sins, |God| hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:5,6).

In these two marvelous verses the word "together" appears three times, referring in each case to our spiritual union with Jesus Christ. Three different words are used, each being compounded with the Greek sun, meaning "together with." The first combination means "made alive with"; the second, "resurrected with"; the third, "seated with."

All of these verbs are given in the past tense, stressing that, as far as God's own word is concerned, we have been already seated eternally in the heavens with Christ, having been born again with His own life spiritually and raised from the dead physically. All of these blessings were given to us "even when we were dead in sins," not because of our good works or by our good intentions, but only "by grace ye are saved."

The remarkable truth is that this doctrine of our eternal union with Christ, given and maintained only by His grace, does not lead to carelessness or sinfulness as some allege, but to a desire for a holy, God-honoring life. "God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? . . . like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:2,4).

The regenerate nature implanted by the Holy Spirit, a heart of gratitude for Christ’s sacrificial love for us, and the wonderful promises in God's word, all combine to transform our lives making us new creatures in Christ, knowing that henceforth we shall "ever be with the Lord" (I Thessalonians 4:17).

wow, that is so 
Thank you pastor Roger
Good night For all nights are good for you.
Love in Jesus Def

[Soldier4Christ]

Snares

"Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil" (I Timothy 3:7).

A snare is a trap normally used to catch an unwary wild animal, but each of the five times the word (Greek, thera) is used in the New Testament, it refers to devices used by the great deceiver, Satan, to trap unwary human beings.

There is, first of all, the snare of worldly involvement. "And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth" (Luke 21:34,35).

There is the snare of rejecting God's word, both the written word and the living word. When Israel repudiated Christ, God said: "Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompense unto them" (Romans 11:9, quoting Psalm 69:22). The desire for riches can be a snare. "They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition" (I Timothy 6:9).

Satan has many other "devices" (II Corinthians 2:11) by which he seeks "an advantage of us." Not even "bishops," or other full-time Christian ministers are immune, for our text is a warning to prospective bishops against "the snare of the devil." It is the responsibility of every true "servant of the Lord" to be "gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves . . . that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will" (II Timothy 2:24-26). We must both avoid Satan's snares ourselves, and seek to deliver those who have been thus ensnared.

[Soldier4Christ]

The Christian's Lifestyle: Our Behavior

"This I say . . . that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk" (Ephesians 4:17).

This succinct command quickly is followed by a sweeping description of the impotent mind of the Gentiles of that day in contrast to the utterly changed condition of the believer (whether Jew or Gentile). The non-Christian Gentiles had a darkened perceptive ability rendering them alienated because of the ignorance that was in them, and an overall blindness of their heart which was the root cause of their inability to function, even to feel, in the same way as the children of God (Ephesians 4:18,19; compare Romans 1:21-32; II Corinthians 4:3,4).

The saint of God, however, is told to discard the old man and to put on the new man (Ephesians 4:20-24), as though that simple picture of a powerful reality is adequate instruction to fulfill the earlier command. No longer is the child of God to be corrupt by the deceitful lusts of his or her old condition, but having learned Christ and been taught by Him, is to be renewed in the spirit of (their) mind. A transformation is now possible through the new mental (intellectual, spiritual) abilities given to us by Christ (Romans 12:1,2; I Corinthians 2:16).

The new man, which we are responsible to wear like a body-enveloping cloak, is created for us by the omniscient Creator in righteousness and true holiness. We have been given a specially created new man to wear (externally visible), which will show (exhibit, demonstrate, make clear) the spiritual difference between the Gentiles and the saints of God.

The seventeen commands which follow (Ephesians 4:24-5:7) address every aspect of the Christian walk, all relating to a lifestyle of truth, giving specific contrast between the unbelieving Gentile and the saint.

[Def]

The Christian's Lifestyle: Our Behavior

"This I say . . . that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk" (Ephesians 4:17).

This succinct command quickly is followed by a sweeping description of the impotent mind of the Gentiles of that day in contrast to the utterly changed condition of the believer (whether Jew or Gentile). The non-Christian Gentiles had a darkened perceptive ability rendering them alienated because of the ignorance that was in them, and an overall blindness of their heart which was the root cause of their inability to function, even to feel, in the same way as the children of God (Ephesians 4:18,19; compare Romans 1:21-32; II Corinthians 4:3,4).

The saint of God, however, is told to discard the old man and to put on the new man (Ephesians 4:20-24), as though that simple picture of a powerful reality is adequate instruction to fulfill the earlier command. No longer is the child of God to be corrupt by the deceitful lusts of his or her old condition, but having learned Christ and been taught by Him, is to be renewed in the spirit of (their) mind. A transformation is now possible through the new mental (intellectual, spiritual) abilities given to us by Christ (Romans 12:1,2; I Corinthians 2:16).

The new man, which we are responsible to wear like a body-enveloping cloak, is created for us by the omniscient Creator in righteousness and true holiness. We have been given a specially created new man to wear (externally visible), which will show (exhibit, demonstrate, make clear) the spiritual difference between the Gentiles and the saints of God.

The seventeen commands which follow (Ephesians 4:24-5:7) address every aspect of the Christian walk, all relating to a lifestyle of truth, giving specific contrast between the unbelieving Gentile and the saint.

Thank you Pastor Roger.I am very very proud of my new cloak even if i din't have anything to do with it. my way of thinking changed as my thrist for the WORD abounded
and the mercy and compassion Of God found me.(1Cor 8:3 ' But if any man love God, the same is know of Him )I go to sleep full of gratitude with that verse  cause i know that He does not lie.and He saw my deep love for Him..and like He put me to his Heart that is what Fathers do they say.
.but you see i  feel the heart beat of God as a orphan I can tell,because he is a father to me.well thank you
goodnight pastor Roger. Love in Jesus Def (+¸+)

[Soldier4Christ]

Things to Keep

"And He said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments" (Matthew 19:17).

The two main Greek words for "keep" in the New Testament both mean more than just "obey," though this meaning is certainly included. They also mean "guard" and "preserve." We are thus told by Christ, in our text above, to guard and obey God's commandments.

The same urgent command to keep what God has given is applied to many other entities in Scripture. For example, Paul stresses that we are to "keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called" (I Timothy 6:20). In other words, false science (evolution) and vain babbling (humanistic philosophies) will seek to destroy the tenets of God's truth, so we must always be diligent to guard and protect these truths.

Each person is also urged to "keep himself unspotted from the world" and to "keep thyself pure" (James 1:27; I Timothy 5:22). The forces of darkness make perpetual attacks against the spiritual and moral integrity of the Christian, so we must constantly be alert to protect ourselves against their enticements. Then we must also endeavor "to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3), and to "keep yourselves in the love of God" (Jude 21), for the enemy will continually try to sow discord and bitterness among God's people.

There are many verses which stress the keeping of His commandments (e.g., John 14:15) and the keeping of His words (e.g., I John 2:5). Finally, in the very last chapter of the Bible, the Lord sums it all up, as it were, when He promises: "Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book" (Revelation 22:7).

[Def]

Things to Keep

"And He said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments" (Matthew 19:17).

The two main Greek words for "keep" in the New Testament both mean more than just "obey," though this meaning is certainly included. They also mean "guard" and "preserve." We are thus told by Christ, in our text above, to guard and obey God's commandments.

The same urgent command to keep what God has given is applied to many other entities in Scripture. For example, Paul stresses that we are to "keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called" (I Timothy 6:20). In other words, false science (evolution) and vain babbling (humanistic philosophies) will seek to destroy the tenets of God's truth, so we must always be diligent to guard and protect these truths.

Each person is also urged to "keep himself unspotted from the world" and to "keep thyself pure" (James 1:27; I Timothy 5:22). The forces of darkness make perpetual attacks against the spiritual and moral integrity of the Christian, so we must constantly be alert to protect ourselves against their enticements. Then we must also endeavor "to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3), and to "keep yourselves in the love of God" (Jude 21), for the enemy will continually try to sow discord and bitterness among God's people.

There are many verses which stress the keeping of His commandments (e.g., John 14:15) and the keeping of His words (e.g., I John 2:5). Finally, in the very last chapter of the Bible, the Lord sums it all up, as it were, when He promises: "Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book" (Revelation 22:7).

AMEN!

[Soldier4Christ]

Tragic Ignorance

For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God" (Romans 10:3).

There are several important doctrinal truths about which unbelievers--and sometimes even Christians--seem tragically ignorant, with an ignorance affecting their very lives and destinies. Perhaps the most tragic is that mentioned in our text. Paul was writing specifically of the Jews, but the same ignorance is found in countless others--people who seek to earn salvation by their own religious and moral works rather than through faith in the imputed righteousness of Christ, who died for their sins.

There is also widespread ignorance concerning death and life beyond the grave. "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" (I Thessalonians 4:13,14). With respect to Christian life and ministry, Paul says: "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant" (I Corinthians 12:1). Yet most Christians neglect to develop or use their gifts, mainly because of ignorance concerning their proper function as described in I Corinthians 12, 14; Romans 12:3-21; Ephesians 4:7-16, and other key passages.

We urgently also need to be instructed concerning the deceptions of the wicked one: "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices" (II Corinthians 2:11). For all who seek instruction rather than ignorance, let them study God's word, for "all scripture . . . is profitable for . . . instruction in righteousness" (II Timothy 3:16).