TRUE WORSHIP

Worship was never meant to be a contrived 'religious' experience that artificially excites one's emotions. It is the act of glorifying and exalting our Creator in everything we do ... 

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure, they are and were created. Revelation 4:11

People tend to get caught up in the 'form' of worship and neglect the 'purpose' for which it is intended. They focus on 'where', 'when', and 'how' they will get their periodic 'spiritual fix' ... and completely miss the point.  

Jesus explained ... God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. (John 4:24)

This means we approach His throne with a surrendered heart, completely open to His will. How one expresses worship is not limited ... as long as it brings glory to God alone. Praying in the Spirit, singing hymns of praise, serving others, and studying Scripture can all be ways we worship the Lord. 

Paul gives us this admonition ... Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - His good, pleasing, and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2)

This passage contains the elements of true worship ... 

1. The Motivation 

'God’s mercy' represents everything you don’t deserve: His love, His grace, His forgiveness. The knowledge and acceptance of the gift of salvation should motivate praise.

2. The Manner 

'Present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice' means to surrender all, including your mind. It is to be replaced ... Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:5)

To know the truth, to believe the truth, to hold convictions about the truth, and to love the truth will naturally result in true spiritual worship. It is never a response to external stimuli. Music is meant to be an expression of that which is inside those who know God's mercy ... by itself, music is not worship.

It’s also important to know that worship is reserved for God. We are not to worship saints, prophets, statues, angels, false gods, or Mary. 

Worship the Lord because He is worthy ... and He finds pleasure in the praise of His children. 

COURAGE

By definition, courage means ... 'the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, and/or pain without fear'.

In the Bible, it is often expressed as a command from God to 'fear not'. Our response is not to be the 'grin and bear it' resignation of a victim ... nor the brash 'bravado' from an egotistic mindset. 

It is the Lord who protects and guides true believers. We have courage because our confidence is in Him. When God says 'fear not', it is for a divine purpose ... to increase our faith in His sovereignty, His nature, and His perfect plan. 

In the Old Testament, Abram's soul was calmed after God assured him ... 'Fear not, I am your shield, your very great reward'. (Genesis 15:1)

When Hagar was afraid that she and her baby would die in the wilderness, the angel of the Lord told her ... 'Fear not, for God has heard the boy crying'. (Genesis 21:17) 

The children of Israel were promised ... 'Fear not, I am the One who helps you'. (Isaiah 41:14)

In the New Testament, the angel of the Lord told Mary to have courage when she became pregnant with no husband ... 'Fear not: for thou hast found favor with God.' (Luke 1:30)

The shepherds were told ... 'Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people'. (Luke 2:10)

Countless verses throughout the Bible tell us to be brave and 'fear not'. In every recorded incident, courage was to come from believing in the omniscience and omnipotence of God. 

Christians trust that His plans and purposes cannot be thwarted ... that every circumstance in life is subservient to His perfect will. 

The Father knows that in these 'end times' His children need courage to navigate this lost and dying world. He gives us a heart of faith that can proclaim with boldness ...  'The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?' (Psalm 27:1)

There is not a night so long, darkness so impenetrable, suffering so painful, evil so frightful, or enemy so fierce ... that can subdue the courage which comes from abiding in Christ. 

THE SEA OF FORGETFULNESS

This phrase refers to several passages in Scripture that speak of God’s forgiveness. When you receive the gift of salvation (justified by Christ's atoning sacrifice), He forgets your sins so completely that they are described as being at the bottom of the ocean ... He will tread down our iniquities and cast all of our sins into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:19)

Spurgeon - Not into the shallows out of which they might be washed up by the tide, but into the "depths" shall our sins be hurled. They are all gone. They sank to the bottom like a stone. 

The 'sea of forgetfulness' is where every iniquitous thought, word, and deed has been forever exiled. They can no longer affect a believer's relationship with God ... For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more. (Hebrews 8:12)

When we apply this wondrous truth to our walk of faith, the chains that hold us captive are broken and that which took place on Calvary's cross becomes more precious day by day. 

God's acceptance of Christ's redemptive act sets us free from the consequences of sin ... As far as the East is from the West, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12)

The idea that all of your sins can be cast into a 'sea of forgetfulness' may seem too good to be true. If you're languishing in guilt and shame over your past, find the forgiveness you long for in the Gospel of Jesus Christ ... If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

If you are a Christian, don't be a 'deep sea diver' ... forever dragging already forgiven sins to the surface as if they still warrant attention. 

Leave them where God put them. 

  

MODERATION

Even something good can become a stumbling block if it goes unregulated. 

Practicing 'moderation' helps us avoid behavior that can cripple our walk of faith. The term is related to the 'self-control' listed in Galatians 5:22-23 ... But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such, there is no law.

A life under the spiritual discipline of 'restraint' is important. The Bible teaches that wallowing in excess makes you vulnerable. Paul expressed it this way ... Everything is permissible for me, but not all things are beneficial. Everything is permissible, but I will not be enslaved by anything [allowing it to control me]. (1 Corinthians 6:12 Amp)

Today's reprobate culture appeals to our latent carnal nature, advancing the lie that what we need is more pleasure, more stuff, more entertainment. If we allow 'moderation' to lie dormant, 'the lust of the flesh and the pride of life' gain control. 

Tim Challies - Moderation is the Christian’s duty but, even better, the Christian’s joy. We find that excess and austerity offer the promise of joy but invariably fail to deliver it. It is when we enjoy God’s gifts in God’s terms that we experience the highest pleasures we can attain on this side of heaven. 

There is one area where we don’t need to worry about moderation; our relationship with God. No limits are to be enforced at all ... You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind. (Luke 10:27)

Freedom in Christ doesn’t give us the right to do what we please ... but to do what pleases Him.

THE ARK OF THE COVENANT

It was the most significant object in Old Covenant worship ... an ornate box overlaid with gold that contained the urn of 'manna', Aaron's rod that budded, and the stone tablets upon which the Ten Commandments were written. On the lid, two cherubim faced each other with wings spread over the 'mercy seat'.

The Ark of the Covenant was a picture of the coming Messiah ... 

1. The Manna 

This was the bread that the Lord provided for the children of Israel in the wilderness. Jesus referred to it when He told the assembled crowd, "Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. I am the bread of life." (John 6:32-35) 

2. Aaron's Rod That Budded

Certain jealous men challenged Aaron's priesthood. When they laid their rods down, the Lord HImself miraculously confirmed it. In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” And he says in another place, “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." (Hebrews 5:5-6)

3. The Ten Commandments 

The Moral Law forever stands as the standard of righteousness. God is holy and therefore He cannot abide with man's sinful nature. Eternal judgment was ours until Christ came to earth in order to obey the law on our behalf. Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. (Matthew 5:17)

4. The Mercy Seat 

When the Priest went into the Holy of Holies, he sprinkled the blood of an unblemished sacrifice on the mercy seat for the forgiveness of sin. The blood of Christ differs in that it cleanses believers once and for all. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace. (Ephesians 1:7) 

Study the Old Testament with enthusiasm and a sense of anticipation; for it prefigures, anticipates, and announces beforehand the redemption that's found in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Plumb the depths of God's Word and you'll find the Gospel in every book ... from Genesis to Revelation. 

DON'T GIVE UP

The following passage in Scripture speaks of our current generation. Prophesy is unfolding before our very eyes ... 

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Satan has been ratcheting up his 'end-time' campaign of evil ... planting a delusion into the minds of those who oppose God. The lost are seeking to establish a devilish 'progressive' idealogy that believes sin is acceptable if done in the name of 'tolerance'. 

Furthermore ... the Gospel of Jesus Christ is being rejected as old-fashioned hateful rhetoric, meant to stifle one's freedom to 'be' or 'do' whatever a reprobate heart desires. 

The Lord's warning could not be more clear ... Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter. (Isaiah 5:20)

Regardless of how hopeless the trajectory of this world seems ... or how difficult it is to navigate ... or how bruised we are in the battle; Christians are called to persevere.

Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

Several factors can cause people to consider 'giving up' ... 

1. Discouragement ... When we endeavor to do that which is right in God's sight and yet don't see the results we expect, we question our purpose, and giving up becomes an option. An eternal perspective with eyes fixed on Christ must be adopted.  

2. Pride ... If we pridefully take on the challenges of this life in our own strength, the resulting failure can wound our ego. When a man is embarrassed, confronted, or challenged, he will insist on giving up. Lay that desperate need to be acknowledged aside. 

3. Exhaustion ... We have to pace ourselves so that we don't become so mentally, physically, spiritually, or emotionally exhausted that 'giving up' seems to be the only way of relief. Renewed strength comes when we slow down and spend time alone with our Savior. Rest for one's soul is found there.  

Sadly, some fall away because they were never truly followers of Christ in the first place. It’s what the Bible refers to as 'apostasy' ... They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us. (1 John 2:19) 

If your faith is in Jesus Christ as Lord, have endurance in these 'last days'.

Finish well, pilgrim. 

TOO FAR GONE?

I urge you to examine Paul's life ... 

Here was a man who truly hated Christ and everybody associated with Him. He was so intent on tearing apart this 'newfound religion', that he breathed 'threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord'. (Acts 9:1) 

While on his way to Damascus to arrest and extradite believers back to Jerusalem, he was confronted by the very One who he'd been persecuting. What followed was one of the most dramatic transformations in church history. (see Acts 9:3-9)

Paul understood that his conversion would impact generations to come ... This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. (1 Timothy 1:15-16)

If you think you are too sinful, too vile, too morally corrupt for Christ to save ... YOU'RE WRONG.

Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. Isaiah 59:1

The gravity of your past sins (and the overwhelming guilt associated with them) does not determine whether you can be saved. The sufficiency of Christ's atoning sacrifice paid it all. There is no limit to the cleansing power of His blood. When Jesus said 'It is finished', pardon became yours for the claiming. 

And ...  

In light of Paul's example, believers should be encouraged to never stop praying for lost loved ones ... even if they are openly opposed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

God can abruptly change the most wayward heart. 

THE BRONZE SERPENT

The children of Israel witnessed the plagues that afflicted their slave masters in Egypt. They walked between towering walls of water as the Red Sea parted before their eyes (then watched it collapse on Pharaoh's army). 

They ate bread that miraculously appeared each morning, drank water from a rock, felt Mount Sinai quake, and saw it glow with fire. 

But this was a rebellious nation that refused to trust the Lord. Numbers 21:4-8 reads as follows ...

The people became impatient, because of the journey. So they spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no bread, nor is there any water, and we loathe this miserable food.” 

Then the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, and many Israelites died. So they came to Moses, and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord, so that He will remove the serpents from us.” 

So Moses prayed for the people. Then the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten will live when he looks at it.”

This story illustrates the Gospel message; the bronze serpent on the pole and Jesus Christ on the cross ... both objects of faith and deliverance to those who are dying in their sin.

Mattoon - Each man had to look for himself. No man could look for the benefit of another. It was not enough to know about the serpent. You had to look upon it. Each person must come to Christ in faith on the Lord's terms. You cannot get saved by another person's faith. You must personally put your faith in Christ. Knowing about the Lord is not enough to save you from your sins. This serpent on the pole was a picture of Jesus Christ.

People were healed when they looked upon that brazen serpent. After they entered the promised land, it became an object of worship. Years later, King Hezekiah finally got rid of it ... He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it. (2 Kings 18:4) 

Know this, pilgrim ... revering relics and symbols (seen in Catholicism) is not acceptable in the eyes of God. 

Jesus knew that it was a 'type'; a harbinger of what was to take place on Calvary ... And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes will have eternal life in Him. (John 3:14-15)

To 'look and live' seems too easy, yet that is what we are called to do ... Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2)

Don't stumble at its simplicity. 

FROM HARLOT TO HEROINE

In the book of Joshua, we read about the young Canaanite prostitute who helped prepare the way for the Israelites to conquer the fortified city of Jericho. Rahab's story is noteworthy, not only because of her great faith and eventual place in the lineage of Christ ... but also as a 'type' of the Gentiles who come to faith.

This unlikely heroine was part of one of the most corrupt, depraved, pagan cultures of her day ... however, she had heard stories of how the Israelites escaped Egypt, crossed the Red Sea, wandered in the wilderness, and recently won victory over the Amorites. 

When Joshua sent two men to spy out the land, word had gotten to the king that they were in the city. Rahab protected them from being arrested by hiding them on the roof. Then afterward, she honored their God and appealed to their sense of fairness ... 

Now then, please swear to me by the Lord, since I have dealt kindly with you, that you also will deal kindly with my father’s household, and give me a pledge of truth, and spare my father and my mother, and my brothers and my sisters, and all who belong to them, and save our lives from death. Joshua 2:12-13 

The spies agreed to her request, giving her three conditions to be met: 

1. She must distinguish her house from the others by hanging a scarlet rope out of the window so the Israelites would know which home to spare. 
2. Her family must be inside the house during the battle. 
3. She must not later turn against the spies.

After three days, they escaped and reported to Joshua all that they had witnessed ... Truly the Lord has delivered all the land into our hands, for indeed all the inhabitants of the country are fainthearted because of us. (Joshua 2:24)

The Israelites crossed the Jordan into Canaan where they laid siege to Jericho. The city was completely destroyed ... only Rahab and her family were spared. 

Her life was transformed and she eventually married Salmon, an Israelite from the tribe of Judah. Her son was Boaz, the husband of Ruth. Joseph, the legal father of Jesus, was her direct descendant.

Rahab served as a 'foreshadowing' of those who would come to faith in Christ as 'non-Jews'. She was, in fact, the first recorded Gentile convert. 

The scarlet cord reminds us of another story of deliverance... the blood on the doorposts in Egypt. Both represent the sufficiency of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection to save us from sin's fateful consequences ... Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) 

Rahab was no longer considered 'unclean', but worthy to be in the lineage of the coming Messiah. Through like faith, we also become part of God's family and partakers of His inheritance ... But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-13)

The story of the 'harlot' who became a 'heroine' paints a beautiful picture of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It brings hope to even the most sin-laden soul ... that a loving relationship with God is possible for anyone racked with guilt and weary from the journey. 

Calvary's cross settled the matter for all who kneel there.    

TAKING UP YOUR CROSS

To today's Christians, the cross has become a 'symbol' of atonement, forgiveness, grace, and love. 

But in Jesus' day, it represented a torturous death. A convicted criminal was forced to carry his cross to the place of crucifixion ... facing ridicule and disgrace along the way. 

At the hands of Roman soldiers, Christ was publicly executed that way ...  And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side and Jesus in the center. (John 19:17-18)

The Gospel hinges on that day in world history; the penalty for mankind's sin was born by the sinless Lamb of God. Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection made a way where there was no way. Salvation is now a gift we receive by faith. 

The Lord reveals what it means to be a true believer, yet many misinterpret the following passage ... Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me." (Matthew 16:24)

Some believe that 'taking up your cross' is not a choice you make, but something that happens to you. When they testify that 'This is my cross to bear', they are actually saying with self-pitying pride ... 'I'm a victim of circumstance'. (poor health, a bad relationship, etc)

Legitimate challenges in life exist, but they are not 'crosses'.

It instead refers to the death of your 'old nature' ... taking up your cross means to abandon your will and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ (meant to be a tireless pursuit) ... Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." (Luke 9:23)

The concept should never be cheapened by applying it to some irritation or difficulty in life that you endure. 

Taking up your cross is a willingness to suffer separation, ridicule, pain, or even martyrdom for the cause of Christ. The definition of true discipleship seems so radical that many believers have difficulty accepting it. 

Spurgeon does not mince words - There are no 'crown-wearers' in Heaven that were not 'cross-bearers' here below.

A Christian knows that he is a 'sojourner' in this world. He has willingly given up his current residency and status to have an intimate relationship with His Savior ... I have been crucified with Christ; 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 for me. (Galatians 2:20)

'Taking up your cross' is a decision to make, not an annoyance to endure. It is so that your life can be hidden in Christ to the saving of your soul. 

NO EXCUSE

Feigned ignorance of God's existence will not be an admissible defense when you stand before the Lord one day ... 

For since the creation of the world, His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse. Romans 1:20 

And beyond that ... There will be no defense for any sinful thought, word, or deed that has stained your life. In light of His holiness, the Lord cannot simply 'overlook' iniquity. 

With that in mind, He set His redemptive plan in motion ... For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16-17)

Followers of Christ understand that He became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. We are positionally secure in our relationship with the Lord but have a latent sin nature that still makes us vulnerable. When a believer stumbles, forgiveness is assured when he repents ... 

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

God is a Father who lovingly disciplines His children. He does not tolerate excuses ... even those of ignorance. We are to learn from the consequences of those sins and move on. 

As you grow, the Lord is aware of what you understand at every milestone on your walk of faith. He steadily moves you away from 'ignorance' and holds you accountable for what you've learned. 

Those who reject Christ will have no excuse ... For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every violation and act of disobedience received a just punishment, how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?

If you have yet to receive that precious gift, what hinders that decision? 

SUBMISSION

The word 'submit' is defined as ... yielding or surrendering (oneself) to the will or authority of another. For the believer, it is placing everything under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. 

Those who share the Gospel with unbelievers often urge them to 'make Jesus Lord'. The phrase is misleading ... we do not 'make' Him Lord when we accept the gift of salvation. 

JESUS IS ALREADY LORD

He has been Lord from eternity past, the second Person of the Trinity, the Creator of the universe. At the appointed time, He came to this sin-laden world; humbled Himself and took on the form of man. He then suffered and died on Calvary's cross in order to redeem us ... 

Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11

'Submission' is something we can only experience after we are saved by grace through faith. Surrendering to the Lordship of Jesus Christ is an ongoing, moment-by-moment, all-encompassing spiritual journey ... a continual yielding of ourselves to His indwelling Spirit. 

Paul put it this way ... I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1)

'Obedience' for which we cannot claim credit is the result of submission. When we stumble (by going our own way), His grace allows us to be restored ... If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

Accept the gift of salvation, acknowledge Jesus Christ as the author and finisher of your faith, and submit to His Lordship. 

WELL DONE

The Parable of the Talents reveals a believer's responsibility. While we await Christ's return, we are stewards of His Gospel and equipped to advance its divine purpose ... 

For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Matthew 25:14-15

Our salvation was made possible by the death, burial, and resurrection of the sinless Lamb of God. There is nothing we can personally bring to the table that merits His forgiveness ... 

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8–9 

Though 'works' cannot save us, they become the evidence of our relationship with Christ ...  

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

In the parable, the first two servants knew the character of their Lord and what He expected of them. Both used the resources they were given to greatly impact the Master's kingdom. But ... fear and mistrust of his lord caused the third servant to bury the money and return it with no gain. 

To each profitable steward ... His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. (Matthew 25:21)

But according to Matthew 25:30, the unprofitable steward was judged and 'cast into outer darkness'. 

He represents those who know about Jesus Christ but have never surrendered to His Lordship. Pews are filled with people who are steeped in 'religion', yet don't have a personal relationship with the Son of God. They may regularly attend church, faithfully tithe, and even serve in some capacity ... but they will one day experience eternal separation from Him, in hell. 

If you've never received the gift of salvation, open your heart to His amazing grace. God loves you and wants to set you free from the ravages of sin. Put your faith in the finished work of His Son. 

Specific gifts and graces are assigned to every true believer. As you begin to understand your role in the body of Christ, use them to further His Kingdom. 

May you hear these words from His lips one day ... 'Well done, good and faithful servant'

DEFILEMENT

To defile something means 'to undermine its purity, contaminate it, make it unclean'. Scripturally, it is a violation of something considered sacred (including a believer's physical body) ...

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

The Jewish elders believed that 'defilement' happened when someone ate with unwashed hands. When Christ's disciples neglected this ceremonial ritual, the following criticism came in the form of a self-serving (somewhat rhetorical) question ... 

Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!” Matthew 15:1-2

The rabbinical law only required the descendants of Aaron to perform the rite of handwashing before a service. The sanctimonious religious rulers of Jesus' day had saddled the people with that which was meant exclusively for priests. 

The Lord responded by turning His attention to the assembled crowd ... Hear and understand: Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man. (Matthew 15:10-11)

Jesus spelled it out ... Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts - murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person, but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them. (Matthew 15:17–20).

An undefiled heart bears no hypocrisy, duplicity, or hidden agenda. God has not called us to some 'lifeless' religious experience. Sadly today's church is fraught with pharisaical demands and the doctrines of men (i.e. just obey their superfluous rules the best you can).

Christians are to surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, not just give Him 'lip service' ... These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, But their hearts are far from Me. (Matthew 15:8). 

The Lord is interested in 'inner' purity, not 'outward' ceremony. You must do more than 'wash your hands', pilgrim. Allow sanctification to do its work.  

ON THE ROAD TO EMMAUS

In the final chapter of Luke’s Gospel, we read about two disciples who were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus on the day that Jesus rose from the dead ... Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. (Luke 24:13-14)

A stranger joined them ... While they were talking and discussing, Jesus Himself approached and began traveling with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. And He said to them, “What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?” And they came to a stop, looking sad. (Luke 24:15-17)

They were surprised that this man hadn't heard of the recent events that had the region in turmoil ... One of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to Him, “Are You possibly the only one living near Jerusalem who does not know about the things that happened here in these days?” And the Lord said to them, “What sort of things?” (Luke 24:18-19)

The two men proceeded to tell Him all that had taken place concerning Jesus of Nazareth ... the One they had believed to be Israel's promised Messiah. It was obvious that their hearts were troubled as they explained how He was sentenced to death and then crucified before an angry crowd of witnesses. Now, rumors that His tomb was found empty added to their confusion. 

Jesus (who had yet to reveal His identity) responded, “You foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to come into His glory?” Then beginning with Moses and with all the Prophets, He explained to them the things written about Himself in all the Scriptures. (Luke 24:25-27)

As they continued on their way, the Lord taught them what the Old Testament had predicted about Himself. When they arrived in Emmaus that evening, the two disciples stopped to eat and asked the stranger to join them. Jesus did, and as He broke the bread and blessed the meal, 'their eyes were opened' and they finally recognized Him.

Like these men two thousand years ago, you might be distraught and confused over what's happening in the world today. Although things appear hopeless at times, the Word of God supplies the spiritual discernment you need to successfully weather this storm. 

The story of the disciples on the Emmaus Road acts as a model for the journey that Jesus makes with believers today. The Lord comes alongside, points us to the Word, reveals Himself as Savior, and reassures us that He is on the throne.  

Rest for your soul happens when you stay focused on Him ... the Author and Finisher of your faith.  

NOT ENOUGH ROOM

The theme of the entire Bible centers on Jesus Christ. 

We see Him throughout the Old Testament as the coming Messiah, as a 'type' (the Passover and sacrificial system), in the story of Abraham offering His son on Mount Moriah, and on other occasions when His visage actually appeared (in the fiery furnace, etc).  

The New Testament details His life on earth, His ministry, His death, His resurrection, and His position at the right hand of God as our Mediator.  

But the Bible records only a fraction of the miracles Christ performed, the places He traveled, and the words that came from His lips. John puts it this way ... And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which, if they were written one by one, I suppose not even the world itself could contain the books that would be written. (John 21:25)

Yet, the Scriptures we have are more than sufficient to bring us to Him and guide us on our journey of faith ... Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name. (John 20:30-31)

Some of the things that Jesus accomplished during His time on earth will only be understood when we are in His presence one day. 

Matthew Henry - Only a small part of the actions of Jesus had been written. But let us bless God for all that is in the Scriptures, and be thankful that there is so much in so small a space. Enough is recorded to direct our faith, and regulate our practice; more would have been unnecessary. We may, however, look forward to the joy we shall receive in heaven, from a more complete knowledge of all Jesus did and said, as well as of the conduct of his providence and grace in his dealings with each of us. 

John 21:25 reminds me of a beautiful hymn, 'The Love of God is Greater Far'. 
(It contains the greatest verse ever penned by man) ... 

Could we with ink the ocean fill,
  And were the skies of parchment made;
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
  And every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above
  Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
  Though stretched from sky to sky.

That love was manifest in the life of Jesus Christ ... boundless in its scope and glorious in its impact.

BROKEN AND POURED OUT

Jesus and His disciples gathered to eat the Passover meal on the night of His betrayal. The Lord gave thanks, served the bread, and passed the cup ... the symbolism impacts Christians yet today. 

Now while they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins." Matthew 26:26–28

The sufficiency of Christ as the Author and Finisher of our faith is evident ... 

Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him." John 6:53-56

Contrary to Roman Catholic teachings, we understand that Jesus was speaking 'figuratively'. The bread and wine represent the body and blood of Christ, not the literal transformation of the communion elements. You 'eat' Christ's broken body by coming to Him and 'drink' His blood by believing in Him ... And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst." (John 6:35)

We 'partake' of Jesus by trusting that His broken body and shed blood paid the ransom for our sin-laden lives. 

When we surrender to His Lordship, that which took place on Calvary's cross transforms us. Our 'old man' is put to death ... I have been crucified with Christ; 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 for me. (Galatians 2:20)

Jesus was broken and poured out on your behalf, pilgrim. Don't allow organized 'religion' and the doctrines of men to corrupt the Gospel message, for it is ... Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27)

LEPROSY

In the Bible, 'leprosy' is used as an object lesson of the debilitating influence of sin in a person’s life. Iniquity has separated us from a Holy God much like lepers were considered unclean and ostracized. The physical disease and a defiled soul are both characterized by a hopeless state of despair and shame. 

Scripture records the story of a leper who was the first to be healed by Christ ... A man with leprosy came and knelt before Him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. (Matthew 8:2-3) 

The idea that the Son of God would actually 'touch' a man considered to be unclean paints a perfect picture of the Lord's willingness to come to this lost and dying world and set us free from the ravages of sin. 

F B Meyer - The leper lay in the dust before Jesus. What a contrast! ... dreaded disease before divine health; a sinner before the Savior; one of Satan’s most miserable victims before the Almighty Deliverer. 

Understand that God loathes sin; He is repulsed by it. Mankind can only come into His presence through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, who affirmed ... I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. (John 14:6)

Much like that poor leper, we were once fated to a life without hope, ultimately leading to a horrible eternal death ... BUT God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) 

We should continually praise Him for His mercy ... He hath made us accepted in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:5-7)

When a man truly captures a glimpse of the holiness and purity of God, he can only exclaim ... Woe is me, I am ruined! 

To the rescue comes the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Like that leper, we can now confidently approach the Savior with our sin and defilement ... knowing that He bore it all on Calvary's cross. When you come to Him for cleansing, Jesus will never turn you away. 

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

The more you compare 'sin' to 'leprosy', the more you'll understand your need for 'grace' apart from 'works'. 

FIG TREES

When we plumb the depths of the following passage, truths concerning the difference between 'hearers' and 'doers' of the Word come to the fore ...

He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down. Luke 13:6-9 

The Fig Tree - the believer: 

An individual has been accepted into the family of God by grace, through faith (chosen, planted, supplied, and protected) ... You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. (John 15:16)

The Owner - God: 

For three years the Master patiently observed a fig tree that possessed life, leaves, and every opportunity, yet bore nothing of value. His authority justifies action against it (privilege abused, will be privilege lost) ... My Spirit will not always strive with men. (Genesis 6:3) 

The Vinedresser - Christ: 
When someone in the church takes advantage of its resources but doesn't bear fruit, Jesus intercedes on his behalf until every opportunity for change is exhausted ... I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. (John 17:15)

The lesson for every believer is that time is short and serving the Lord should be our natural response to His mercy and grace ... Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (James 1:22)

When you stand before Christ one day, will you be ashamed because you bore little to no fruit for the Kingdom? 

144,000

Those who study prophecy are familiar with that number. Teachings on the 144,000 range from a 'literal' interpretation ... to a 'symbolic' interpretation ... to a 'cultish' interpretation. Depending on one's belief system, it becomes either a blessing or a stumbling block. 

It is first mentioned in Revelation 7:4 ... Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel. 

1. The literal approach

When taken at face value, the 144,000 are actual people living during the end-times tribulation. They are Jews ... 12,000 taken from each tribe of the children of Israel, (listed in verses 5-8). Their mission is to evangelize the 'post-rapture' world and proclaim the gospel during that terrible seven-year period. As a result - 'a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language' will come to faith in Christ. (Revelation 7:9) 

2. The symbolic approach

Although the book of Revelation goes into great detail concerning the literal nature of the 144,000, it hasn’t stopped many from taking 'flights of interpretive fancy'. It is rooted in prejudice against anything that shows mercy toward the Jews. They insist that the 144,000 is a number that represents the Church (part of what is known as 'Replacement Theology'). But Paul made it clear ... For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. (Galatians 6:15-16)

3. The cultish approach 

Cults go one step further ... the dismantling of the Bible in order to suit a reprobate agenda. The Jehovah’s Witnesses for example claim that 144,000 is limited to the number of people who will reign with Christ in heaven and spend eternity with God (the 'heavenly hope'). Believers who aren't among that group will enjoy paradise on earth (the 'earthly hope') ruled by Christ and the 144,000 throughout eternity. These aberrant teachings are contrary to Scripture and steeped in pride. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. (Matthew 15:9)

True followers of Christ prefer to believe God's Word as written. To us, the 144,000 are 'sealed Jews' who come to faith in Jesus as Messiah during the Tribulation period. They are described as the 'first fruits unto God and to the Lamb' (Revelation 14:4) and represent the initial stage of a final harvest of Jewish souls ... to be gathered when the Lord returns. 

Scripture is to be taken literally unless otherwise noted by the Word itself. It is precious and trustworthy to the salvation of your soul, your ongoing sanctification, and the encouragement you need in times like these.