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Test All Things Against Scripture

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JESUS SPEAKING

While fasting in the desert, Jesus was tempted by Satan on numerous occasions; several of which are recorded in the bible. Each time, the Lord rebuked the Devil, using scripture as His primary weapon. We read, ‘Then he (the devil) brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over You,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, lest You dash your foot against a stone.'” And Jesus, (quoting Deuteronomy 6: 16) answered and said to him, “It has been said, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.'” Now when the Devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time. (Luke 4: 9 – 13)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

The devil is a cunning adversary “who walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” As the master of deception he mixes the truth with lies; leading many astray. Unfortunately he is quite successful in this endeavor. So how then, in the midst of the temptation and confusion, can an individual discern what is divine and true from what is earthly and false? One need only follow the example of our Savior, and test all things against scripture; against God’s revelation to mankind. Anything that is incompatible with the scriptures is not of God.

Concerning confusion, many airplane pilots will eventually encounter situations that lead to spatial disorientation. Spatial disorientation is the phenomenon that occurs when a pilot has a mistaken sense of their position and motion in relation to the Earth. This condition can occur because of fog, clouds, haze, darkness, etc. When a pilot loses control of their visual senses, they must rely solely on their aircraft’s instruments to understand their altitude, speed, and direction. Despite the reliability of these instruments, many succumb to panic. This loss of control creates extreme anxiety, which in turn prompts the pilot to prioritize their perceived instincts ahead of their logical minds. Believing their gauges to be faulty, they come to trust in their emotions and feelings. This misplaced trust causes airplanes to crash into the Earth.

Like these confused airplane pilots, those who follow Christ can be introduced to ideas and doctrines that are new, strange, and peculiar. If they rely on their emotions they are bound to encounter destruction. Like any good pilot looking at his gauges to discern what is right, Christians must look at their bibles to alleviate any confusion. If any belief or practice doesn’t conform to the scriptures, then it is most likely a false teaching. May we all look to the word of God for direction and discernment.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we come before you as humble servants. We desire to walk in the truth and to avoid committing ourselves to the practice of false doctrines. Protect our hearts and minds, and grant us discernment. May we have a hunger for Your word and a desire to accomplish Your will at all times and in every place. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus name, amen.” God bless all of you!

Follow Christ Alone

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JESUS SPEAKING

“Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6: 39 – 40)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Jesus is the only one who can see clearly enough to guide others into an eternal relationship with God. Those who respond to the Gospel are committing their lives to the implementation of Christ’s teachings. We are obligated to abandon any other teachers, guides, or mentors that oppose Christ’s will (keeping in mind that many new believers can benefit from a relationship with an elder.) Those who are faithful will repent and undergo a process known as sanctification. A process through which God’s Spirit will mold them into the image of Jesus Christ. In all things we must avoid following blind guides and deceptive human wisdom.

Many years ago I met a blind couple. Much to my surprise they expressed a fondness for going to see movies (which I thought was interesting.) They really enjoyed the dialogue, the sounds, and the music. I began picking them up regularly and accompanying them to the theater. As we walked they would trail behind me; holding onto my arm or my hand. As I guided them up stares, through doorways, and around corners, I would warn them of impending obstacles and potential hazards. Upon returning to their home, I would read their mail for them and make certain their house was properly cleaned and in order. Needless to say, they trusted me completely because I could see and they could not.

Jesus Christ is the only pathway to fellowship with God. He is the only one who can truly see. And so He alone is our teacher, mentor, and guide. We must therefore carefully follow His example, as outlined in scripture. If we seek to follow and be led by any other person, then we have failed in our efforts to accomplish God’s will; for although men will always fail, God never will (NOTE: As we imitate Jesus, many will observe our behavior and be drawn to Him. So we have an obligation to be an example to others; but we must always point them back toward Jesus Christ.) May we cling to our eternal teacher and hear His words. May we make every effort to imitate our Lord in all things, and to avoid following blind teachers.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your divine wisdom and guidance. We yearn to accomplish Your will and to follow Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. May we strive to implement His teachings in every area of our lives. Keep us safe, that we might refrain from following blind guides who are seeking to put themselves in the place of our Messiah. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Forgiven Much

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JESUS SPEAKING

Upon arriving at a Pharisees house for dinner, Jesus was treated quite poorly. No one greeted Him with a kiss or anointed His head with oil. Nor did they provide Him with any water to wash his feet (all common forms of ancient Jewish hospitality.) And yet, as they reclined at the table, a sinful woman wept near Him. She kissed His feet and washed them with her tears. She also anointed them with expensive fragrant oil. We read, “Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.” And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” So he said, “Teacher, say it.” “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which will love him more?” Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” (Luke 7: 39 – 43)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Those who understand the depths of their own depravity are also the most desperate for God’s forgiveness. And thus, many of the worst sinners are drawn to the Gospel because it contains the promise of a new life. By means of faith, through repentance and salvation, anyone can be reborn and become a new creation; disconnected from the sinful lives that once enslaved them. Genuine believers who comprehend the value of this forgiveness will inherently display an affection for God and all those He loves.

One of the worst sinners recorded in the New Testament was a man named Saul; a Jew who relentlessly persecuted and attempted to destroy the early Christian Church. One day however, while traveling along the road to Damascus, Jesus appeared to him and said, “Sual, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” After this miraculous encounter, Saul repented and became a Christian. In recognition of his rebirth he changed his name from Saul to Paul, and became one of the greatest proponents of the gospel who has ever lived. Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 1: 15, “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” Paul’s recognition of the value of his own forgiveness enabled him to show a supernatural affection for God and others.

Like Paul, many of us were once enemies of God. We were engaged in the practice of sinful things, and showed little love for the Lord, or those He has created. But now we have been reborn; we no longer walk in the sins of our flesh, but instead proclaim the good news of the Gospel. And this is the gospel, that anyone, no matter how sinful can have a new life in Christ Jesus. They can become a new creation. May we never stop spreading God’s message of salvation to those who desperately need to hear it.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we praise You for Your wisdom, Your glory, and Your grace. Use us Lord to reach out to even the worst sinners, knowing that many of them are desperate to hear the message of repentance and rebirth. As we continue our Christian mission, may we encounter many who need to hear the gospel. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!