Tag Archives: Salvation

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

Posted on by under Article, Love of God

People sometimes fear the dark, especially kids. This fear can make it hard to get them to bed. They might need a night light, or a parent to check the closet, or under the bed. Similarly, David had a dark chapter in his kingship when his throne was being usurped by Absalom, his son (2 Sam. 15:13-14). David had to flee from Jerusalem, and he might have wondered if this was punishment for his sin with Bathsheba. He was told that because of his sin the sword would not depart from his house (2 Sam. 12:10-11). David was in despair, questioning if the Lord had departed from him, but he continued to show resolve. He sent the ark back into Jerusalem, saying that if God was happy with him, he would return (2 Sam. 15:26). Even though we might have dark times, God still rules, and there is peace in God. With God, we can pillow our heads and sleep.

Surpassed by Enemies

David had become outnumbered and surpassed by his enemies (Psalm 3:1-2). Absalom had worked on the people and stole their hearts, even getting one of David’s trusted allies to join him (2 Sam. 15:12). David’s enemies increased, and they rose up against him, declaring Absalom to be king. It may have looked to both these enemies and David that God was not going to help him (Psalm 71:10-11). In 2 Sam. 16:5-8, a man from Saul’s kin, Shimei, mocked David, saying that God was punishing him for seizing the throne from Saul. David did not seize the kingdom from Saul; God made David king once Saul was dead. One of David’s nephews wanted to take Shimei’s head off, but David was in distress and had enough (2 Sam. 16:10-12). It may have looked like this was part of his punishment, but that was not the case. We can feel in despair when the world and worldly people keep increasing, and it might look like a dark hour for us. We need to remember who is in charge.

Protected by God

Things may have looked bleak, but David realized that God was still with him (Psalm 3:3-4). He had God’s protection, as if a shield was around him (Psalm 5:12, Psalm 28:7). The Lord was David’s glory, and David correctly ascertained that it was not all about himself.  He wanted to glorify the Lord. He knew that if he glorified the Lord, the Lord would glorify him and lift up his head (2 Sam. 15:30). David’s head would indeed be lifted up again, meaning that Absalom would not be victorious. David was still God’s king, and God heard him from His holy hill (Psalm 2:6). God had made David king, not Absalom. When things look bleak for us, we should remember who is ruling in heaven. He is the one who will save us and lift our heads.

Peace of Mind

David was on the run, but he could lay down and sleep, confident that the Lord had heard him (Psalm 3:5-6). He had peace of mind that allowed him to pillow his head at night and sleep, knowing that God had his back. Even if not physically, if he should die before he wakes, he knew that the Lord sustained him and kept him safe. The Lord lifted his head in the morning and gave him life. We should not say we are going to go here or there, make a year happen, and make a profit. Instead, if the Lord wills, we will live. The Lord allowed us to wake up this morning, and we should not be afraid even if surrounded. We can have peace of mind even if we are surrounded in this world, knowing that the Lord is with us if we are doing His will. If we are in a good relationship with God, we don’t need to worry and can lay down and go to sleep. If we are not right with God, we might have a hard time resting, and it is something that would need to be rectified..

Salvation in the Lord

David called on the Lord to arise and take care of business (Psalm 3:7-8). The battle belongs to the Lord, and He is not going to allow someone to overthrow His king. David trusted in the Lord to save him, as no one else could. God had struck David’s enemies in the past, and thus David could have faith and trust in the Lord. David’s foes had become “toothless” and powerless since salvation belongs to the Lord. He is the only option (John 14:6, Acts 4:12). We must be humble and glorify Him, and He will lift us up. There is no victory worth having that is not rooted in the Lord. The Lord is a blessing not just to David and Israel, but to all His people, including us. The Lord blesses us so we can be a blessing to others.

David was on the run and surrounded, but even so, he could pillow his head and sleep, having peace from the Lord. We can lay down and sleep knowing we belong to the Lord and have peace of mind, even if outnumbered in the world or scared of the dark. None of that matters if we are on the Lord’s side. David was on the Lord’s side, and God sustained him and lifted his head. God can take care of us and lift our heads too. If we are not on His side, we might have trouble sleeping, as our conscience may be bothering us. Soon we will go home and lay down to sleep. What kind of sleep do you want? Will your soul be safe in the arms of Jesus? If not, fix that.

Resistance is Futile

Posted on by under Article, Christian Living

The phrase “Resistance is futile” is often associated with the Borg from the Star Trek Next Generation series, but it also carries a profound spiritual message. We can explore the futility of resistance in the context of Psalm 2, drawing parallels between the unstoppable force of God and the foolishness of opposing His will.

The Nations Rage

Psalm 2:1-3 highlights the age-old struggle of humanity against God. From the rebellion of Satan in the Garden of Eden to the defiance of nations against King David, biblical history has many examples of futile resistance. The plans of those who oppose God are ultimately in vain, as they battle against the Almighty and His Anointed. In the immediate context, this refers to David, anointed by Samuel and recognized as king by his tribe and all of Israel. However, this resistance is even more significant when directed against Jesus, the ultimate Anointed One, who faced opposition and crucifixion.

God’s King Reigns

Despite the raging of nations, God’s response is one of derision. Psalm 2:4-9 depicts God laughing at the arrogance of those who plot against Him. He holds them accountable for their actions, emphasizing that the battle belongs to the Lord. David, as God’s chosen king, was invincible against his enemies, and this is even more true for Jesus, God’s Son. Jesus’ reign is unassailable, as He rules with a rod of iron, as can be seen in Revelation 12:5 and 19:15.

Choose Wisely

Psalm 2:10-12 serves as a warning to the nations and their rulers. The path to wisdom and success lies in serving the Lord with fear and submitting to His authority. Victory comes through surrender, and true allegiance is shown by “kissing the Son,” a gesture of reverence and submission. This call to embrace Jesus is not just for the rulers of nations but for all individuals. Trusting in Him is the only way to be blessed and secure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the message of Psalm 2 is clear: resistance against God is futile. Throughout history, many have tried to oppose Him, but God’s power and authority are undefeated. We are invited to place our trust in Him, recognizing that He will ultimately be victorious. Embracing Jesus is our only hope.  It is Jesus who leads us to a path of true victory and eternal life.

The Blessed Man of Psalm 1

Posted on by under Christian Living

Blessed is the man

Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,

Nor stands in the path of sinners,

Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;

But his delight is in the law of the LORD,

And in His law he meditates day and night.

These are the opening verses of Psalm 1.  This Psalm is sort of the introduction to the whole Book of Psalms.  It sets the stage for the ongoing discussion of what the righteous man is like, what he does, what he thinks about, and what he avoids.

This psalm kicks off by telling us what a truly blessed life doesn’t look like. It’s an important warning: watch where you’re walking, who you’re listening to, and what you’re settling into. There’s a kind of slide that can happen:

  • First, you just walk alongside the wrong crowd.
  • Then you stop and linger where trouble hangs out.
  • Before you know it, you’re sitting down, totally comfortable with scoffing and cynicism.

It’s subtle. And that’s the danger. The path away from God rarely feels dramatic—it’s usually slow and sneaky.

Then we have the flip side.  The person who’s truly blessed loves the things God says. They’re not just checking the Bible off a reading list. They delight in it. They chew on it, mull it over, carry it in their minds during quiet moments or busy days.  They spend time meditating on the word of God.  God’s Word becomes like a favorite song stuck in your head.  It becomes a guide for our lives.

This kind of person, someone who chooses God’s wisdom over the world’s noise, is like a strong tree planted near water (Psalm 1:3). Even when life gets tough, their soul doesn’t dry up. Their life shows purpose and their faith continues to grow, season after season.  The person who has God’s word at the center of their life is able to truly prosper in what they do.  It may not look like what the world considers success, but it is a life that is pleasing to God.

In today’s world, it’s easy to be swept along by whatever’s trending. But Psalm 1 reminds us that where we walk, stand, and sit—who we listen to and what we value—shapes our life more than we think.  So here’s a simple challenge.  Take a moment today to ask yourself, “What voices am I letting shape me?” And maybe crack open your Bible—not just to read it, but to let it shape you into the person God wants you to be.

Boldly Approaching God’s Throne

Posted on by under Christian Living, Love of God

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.  Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:14-16).

            Oftentimes we may look at prayer as a commanded ritual or a timid request before a distant God.  While we must be humble before God, the Hebrews writer paints a different picture with regards to our prayer life.  God wants us to draw near to Him with confidence.  He wants us to come boldly before His throne to receive grace and mercy.  Our confidence in so doing doesn’t come from ourselves or what we have merited by our own actions.  It is only because of the work of Jesus upon the cross that we have this access through our High Priest (Hebrews 10:19-22).

            Jesus is a High Priest who understands us.  He came down from heaven and dwelt among us (John 1:14).  While He had no faults or sins of His own, He has been tempted in all ways like we have.  There is no temptation that we face that Jesus has not overcome Himself.  When we speak to the Father through Jesus, we have a mediator who can empathize with our struggles.

            Prayer for us should never be a burden.  It is a magnificent lifeline direct to the throne of God.  Men living before the cross of Jesus did not have this kind of access to God.        However, since Jesus shed His blood for us, and since we can make contact with that blood through baptism (being buried with Him – Romans 6:3-4), we can now approach the throne of God 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

            We don’t have to come with timidity, like the human high priests did once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16).  We can draw near to God with confidence, knowing that we are His beloved children, and that He longs to hear from us.

Isn’t That Convenient

Posted on by under Christian Living, Culture, Doctrine

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience has become a significant aspect of our daily lives. The definition of convenience often involves little trouble or effort, and we tend to favor it because it allows us to avoid going out of our way and makes it easier to be lazy. However, convenience is not always beneficial.

While convenience can make our lives easier, it can also lead to negative consequences. For instance, it can cause us to overspend. Imagine needing something that costs $10, but you end up spending $50 to get free shipping, thinking you saved $4.99 in shipping fees. Additionally, convenience can lead to loneliness. With apps that allow us to order food and complete transactions without speaking to anyone, our electronic devices have made things easier but at what cost?

There was a time in the history of Israel when convenience became a significant problem. Solomon’s sins, as mentioned in 1 Kings 11:29-33, led to the division of the kingdom into Israel and Judah. Jeroboam took ten tribes to the North and, in an attempt to make worship easier for his subjects, he built and fortified a new capital city, Shechem, in the tribal area of Ephraim. He was more concerned about maintaining his power than the well-being of his subjects, fearing they would return to the house of David if they went to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices.

Jeroboam’s solution was to make worship easy for his subjects by setting up two golden calves, with one in Bethel and one in Dan. This act was reminiscent of the golden calf incident in Exodus 32. The people, preferring the convenience, accepted this new form of worship. However, this was not the worship the Lord desired. It was in the wrong place, in the wrong manner, with the wrong priests, and directed towards the wrong subject.

Choosing convenience over what God wants can lead to dire consequences. Jeroboam’s actions led to punishment in the days of Josiah, as prophesied in 1 Kings 13:1-2 and fulfilled in 2 Kings 23:15-16. Amos was sent to Israel with a message that they would be led away captive, as mentioned in Amos 7:10-13. If we choose convenience over God’s commands, our worship becomes vain and useless.

God desires what He wants, and it might not always be convenient for us. It may not be a convenient time or place, and there may be other things we would rather be doing. However, convenience does not please the Lord. Our heart and desire must be for Him, and we should want to do what pleases the Lord, even if it requires effort. Choosing convenience over God’s commands can lead to consequences we do not want to face. Instead, we should desire to be with Him in eternity.

Be Ye Doers of the Word

Posted on by under Article, Christian Living

The book of James often mirrors the Sermon on the Mount and offers much in the way of practical applications and Christian living. James 1:22-25, in particular, challenges believers to achieve a faith that goes beyond just hearing.  It is faith marked by action. This section begins with a call to action: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22). The difference between hearing and doing is vital. James says that hearing the word without applying it can lead to self-deception. Simply nodding along to sermons or reading Scripture without having it affect our lives creates a false sense of security. One may feel they are in league with God but be mistaken.

In verses 23-24, James uses a well-worn metaphor: hearing the word without doing it is like looking in a mirror, walking away, and forgetting what has just been seen. The mirror symbolizes God’s word, the perfect Law of Liberty, which exposes our spiritual condition. If we fail to act upon this, what results is a lack of spiritual growth.  A mirror doesn’t change us; it only shows us what needs attention.

By contrast, the one who looks into the “perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does” (James 1:25). This “law of liberty” is the word of God, to which we must adhere.  Thus, we need to do by applying God’s holy word to our daily lives.  It ought to be the driving force behind who we are and what we choose to do.  If we want to grow closer to Christ, don’t just hear what the Lord has to say, do it!

Once We Are Saved, Are We Always Saved?

Posted on by under Article, Doctrine

            There are a significant number of people in the religious world today who believe that once we are saved from our sins, that we will always be saved.  In other words, once we are saved, we can never be lost again.  Within Calvinism, this doctrine is known as the perseverance of the saints.  To bolster their belief, several passages of scripture are used to ‘prove’ their case.  One such passage reads, “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).  Does this passage really teach that once we are saved, we are always saved and can never fall away?

            These two verses of scripture are in a larger context where Paul is explaining to the brethren in Rome that there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God.  God is always going to love us.  We need not think that any tribulation or persecution that we might suffer is evidence that God has stopped loving us (Romans 8:35-37).  None of these things can separate us from God.  Even our great adversary, the Devil, cannot separate us from God, though he will certainly accuse us and try to condemn us.  If we belong to the Lord, then we have Jesus to intercede for us with the Father (Romans 8:31-34).  So, there is no external force that can separate the believer from God.

            But does this mean that we are always saved no matter what?  While no external force can keep us from God, we can.  No one else can pluck us out of the hand of God (John 10:29), but we can lose our salvation if we give it up.  Notice in Hebrews 2:1 that we need to give heed to what Jesus has said so we will not drift away.  Drift away from where?  We cannot drift away from a place we have never been.  The book is written to Hebrew Christians who have been saved.  Why warn them about drifting away if that is an impossibility?  One might say they were never really saved since they have drifted away, but Hebrews 6:4-6 shows someone who has definitely been saved who then falls away.  Peter also speaks of those who were saved who then went back into the world and were lost (2 Peter 2:20-22).  Paul says, “let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12). Again, why the warning if we cannot fall from grace?

            The Bible has many examples of those who had lost their salvation.  Judas, who was handpicked by Jesus to be an Apostle fell.  Demas fell, having loved this present world (2 Tim. 4:10).  Alexander and Hymeneus suffered shipwreck regarding their faith (1 Tim. 1:19-20).  You cannot suffer shipwreck if you were never on the boat!  Even Paul, an inspired Apostle, could lose his salvation (1 Cor. 9:27). 

While no one else can take it from us, it is important for us to remain faithful, so that we will not lose our salvation.  For, “how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him?” (Heb. 2:3).  We will not escape the wrath of God that is to come if we neglect, or count as worthless, the great salvation that God has given to those who obey Him.

All Things That Pertain to Life and Godliness

Posted on by under Article, Christian Living

            Have you ever spent Christmas Eve feverishly trying to assemble that last gift?  Perhaps you waited until the last moment thinking it wouldn’t be a big deal or difficult.  It only required some assembly, after all.  Then you notice that the instructions are not clearly written, and the diagrams are small and ambiguous as to which side of the frame the screws are supposed to be inserted.  Don’t you wish that you had all that pertains to how to put this thing together?

            God’s instructions for us are not like that.  They are neither unclear, nor ambiguous.  Peter tells us that God, through His magnificent ability and divine power, “has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:3 NKJV).  He has given us all the things that we need in order to know how to live a godly life.  He has left nothing to chance.  He has given us no reason to wonder what it is that He wants.  Through God’s written word, the Bible, mankind can have all the information and instruction necessary to live a life that pleases the Lord.  We can read and understand what God wants us to know (Ephesians 3:3-5).  We can understand the will of the Lord (Ephesians 5:17).  We can have the knowledge of Him and His will so that, “you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10). 

            Of course, many choose to ignore the instructions.  Sometimes our pride gets in the way.  I know how to put this thing together.  Hours later, we begin to look for where we laid those instructions.  When all else fails, consult the instructions.  However, it would be better to start with the instructions so that we can arrive at the desired end.  Our desired end ought to be heaven.  Our desired end ought to be having a relationship with our Lord and Savior.  We can say, “I don’t need the instructions, I know what I am doing,” but that path will not lead us to know God as He wants to be known.  He has given us all things for living a godly life in His inspired words.  Let us look to those basic instructions before leaving earth so that we will get to be where we want to go.

I Am Resolved

Posted on by under Christian Living

          There is a song that we sing in our assemblies that speaks of being resolved no longer to linger, charmed by the world’s delight. Instead, the song says that I will hasten to Him. It is a song about being resolute in leaving the world’s charms behind and pressing on to be with the Lord. As we look out upon another year ending and a new one just beginning, what resolutions are we making for the New Year? What are we leaving behind in 2023, and what are we pressing on towards?

     In the Philippian letter, Paul writes, “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13-14). We might look back at last year’s resolutions and see how we did. Perhaps our resolution only lasted a couple of weeks or a month. Maybe we were resolved to lose ten pounds last year, and now we are only fifteen pounds away from our goal. But, forgetting those things that are behind us, let us look forward to the opportunities in the New Year to be resolved to do better.

     In 2024 let us then be resolved to:

   · Lose the weight of sin in our lives (Heb. 12:1)

   · Exercise greater discernment between good and evil (Psalm 34:14)

   · Improve our spiritual health (1 Peter 1:13-16)

   · Help save the souls of those around us (Mat. 28:19-20)

   · Stop making excuses and abound in the work of the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58)

  I am reminded of an old commercial that showed a man at his desk and each year the pile of papers grew higher. Each year he stated that this was the year he was going to hunker down and get something accomplished. Is 2024 the year that we will grow closer to the Lord? Or will 2024 be like every other year? The choice is ours. The next year is ready and waiting. Are we resolved no longer to linger?

God’s Family

Posted on by under Christian Living, Doctrine

Pontus_Greek_family     If we are like most people, somewhere amongst all of our belongings there is a family photo album or two. From time to time we like to take out that photo album and relive the memory of lost loved ones or special times and events in our life. Maybe we gather around with others in our family and share stories from the past. Family is important and makes us feel like we belong to a group with a common background, common experiences, and a shared heritage. Just imagine for a moment what it would be like if God had a family photo album. Whose pictures would be in that album?

     We see that family was important to Jesus, but maybe not in the way that we think. There was an occasion where Jesus was teaching His disciples, and while He was still speaking to them He was told that his physical mother and brothers were waiting outside to speak with Him (Mark 3:31-2). Then Jesus said, “’Who is My mother, or My brothers?’  And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, ‘Here are My mother and My brothers!  For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother’” (Mark 3:33-35 NKJV). Jesus stated that His spiritual family was more important to Him than His physical family.

     If we want to be a part of God’s family, if we want for our pictures to be in His “photo album,” then we need to do what Jesus says to do. Notice He said “whoever does the will of God” is His family. It is important then, that we do the will of God. Compare this to what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). It is not enough for us to just call Him Lord, we must be willing to do the will of the Father to be in the family of God and to enter into the kingdom of heaven. Have you obeyed God’s will? Is your picture in God’s photo album? We invite you to come and see what God’s word has to say about the will of the Lord, so that all of us can be in God’s family!