Tag / Bible worker

by In Light Of The Cross

James; Practical Theology

I am writing tonight from the beautiful Tampa Bay area.

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion [is] vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world.  James 1:26-27

James teaches us practical everyday religion. It reminds me of what an inspired commentator said about Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan.

“In the story of the good Samaritan, Christ illustrates the nature of true religion. He shows that it consists not in systems, creeds, or rites, but in the performance of loving deeds, in bringing the greatest good to others, in genuine goodness.”  {Desire of Ages 497}

I remember years ago, a lady who loved to study her Bible.A tornado hit our community and the church asked her to help with our community service center in aiding those who needed help. Turned out she was too busy studying her Bible to help. Later we needed her help with VBS but once again she was too busy studying her Bible. Nothing wrong with Bible study, but there comes a time to put into practice all those wonderful things we have learned.

James tells us in chapter 1, verse 22, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” When we are not genuinely putting the Word of God into practice we fool no one but ourselves. Everyone can see right through a phony Christian.

James gives us a practical lesson on faith and works.

“But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?” James 2:20-22.

James teaches us that Faith works. In Genesis 15:6 it says that Abraham believed the Lord and it was credited to Him as righteousness. Later, in Genesis 22, we see that belief and faith at work when Abraham went to offer Isaac on the altar just as God had commanded. When we believe in God’s love and that He has our best interest in mind, we act upon His commands. If I believe God loves me I won’t be afraid to obey Him. Eve disobeyed God when the serpent convinced her that God did not love her and have her best interest in mind. When we have faith in God’s love we then act like we have faith.

“Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Revelation 14:12.

This verse in Revelation sums up what James is saying. Those who have faith keep the commandments. There is no true faith without commandment keeping. When we trust we obey.

by In Light Of The Cross

Jesus Wept; The Bible and Human Emotions, Lesson 12

The question is asked in this week’s SS lesson, “When was the last time you communed with the Lord in nature? If possible, make an effort to do just that. You might be surprised at what a positive spiritual effect it will have.” Why thank you for asking! Let me share with some pictures!

I take advantage of the beautiful Florida nature, when it comes to my devotional time with God. This is at Ballast Point Park by Bayshore Drive in Tampa. It’s a ten minute drive from my home by car and about 45 minutes by bike. This particular morning, I rode my bike to Bayshore to watch the sun rise and then have my personal devotional time.

I also take advantage of the beautiful Florida weather and secenery when giving personal and group Bible studies. This is Ballast Point Park again. Eli was baptized after our Bible studies last Summer.

I also love spending time with God at the Pier in St. Petersburg, just across the Howard Franklin Bridge from Tampa. They have kayaks and boat rentals, dolphin sightseeing cruises, rental bikes- you name it. Of course they also have some nice places to eat. I often come here alone on my days off and spend the day, and other times I bring a friend or two to hang out. When guests come to visit from out of town I enjoy taking them here and showing them my little sanctuary. Click here for a 12second video of the dolphins on our cruise.

I enjoy kayaking in the bay where I know the alligators won’t get me. A lot of my friends enjoy kayaking in the river and have never had any problems with alligators even thought they see them all the time. I am not taking any chances! Of course the bay is full of sharks but I have never seen one, though I have learned several kinds lurk in the waters. I have seen dolphins and manatees amongst other creatures.

Its always more fun with friends, though sometimes it can be enjoyable just me and my Bible.

The Tampa Bay area has plenty of bike trials where you can spend time with God in nature. I ride my bike all over the city too. It can be dangerous but if you obey the bike safety laws and ride defensively it is a lot more safe. The city is putting in more bike lanes and trying to make Tampa a more bike friendly city. St. Petersburg is already very bike friendly. I have actually ridden by bike from the west coast of Florida to the east coast! It only took me about 11 minutes too! It was in Key West Florida. Key West is a very bike friendly city. I could easily live there without a car. With gas prices the way they are, I think I will be riding my bike more. I could also use the excersise.

I saw this dolphin on a bike ride a while back.

Davis Island is a nice place to ride your bike and enjoy the natural beauty of Florida.

Florida’s many golf courses offer wonderful opportunities to spend time in God’s nature. You would not believe all the beautiful creatures I see while I am in the woods!

We all teed off and were on our way back to the cart when I spotted the alligator who had been watching us. We then went back and staged this photo.

Even though Tropicana Field is a domed stadium where the Tampa Bay Rays play, you can find nature. Behind the center field wall they have a tank with stingrays. Here, my friends Tim, Bryan and Lynn are checking them out. This was a little while before Tim and Bryan were both baptized after we studied the Bible together. Tim is currently helping me with my new growth group.

 

I love taking pictures of the gulf and ocean for my mother, who loves the ocean, and for anyone else who will look at them. This picture was taken in Naples.

Sunsets and sunrises are my favorites. Twice I have watched the sun rise on the east coast and then saw it set on the west coast in the same day. The first time was in Daytona beach and Clearwater beach. The last time was in the keys.

Just outside my  door I can enjoy the beautiful ducks and other birds on the pond asI take a walk around the neighborhood, meditating and talking with God.

There is so much in nature to bring us closer to God, and help us learn about His love. Here is a nature video made by a friend of mine, Mike Bradenbaugh, teaching the many lessons of nature. It is very good please give it a look. I hope this has inspired you to take the time to spend time with God in nature too.

by In Light Of The Cross

Hebrews; The 5th Gospel

I am writing today from the beautiful Tampa Bay area.

The book of Hebrews should definitely be included with the other four gospels. It is a continuation of the Life of Jesus. It gets us up to date on what Jesus is currently doing. Jesus did not just ride off in the sunset after the resurrection. He is actively changing lives, healing and forgiving just like when He walked the earth. So I like to call the book of Hebrews the fifth gospel, right after Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Hebrews was written for two reasons.

  1. To turn people’s attention to Jesus’ ministry in the heavenly sanctuary. This book, written just 4 or 5 years before the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, was meant to turn the heads of people away from the earthly sanctuary. Even today people in Israel weep for the old sanctuary to be rebuilt. Instead they should be looking at Jesus and where He is today. They should put their hope in Jesus and not a man made temple. Just as the book of Hebrews directed people to put their hope in contemplating Jesus instead of a temple that was soon to collapse, so today Hebrews encourages us to put our hope in Jesus instead of a social security system that is about to collapse or a stock market that may soon crumble and fall.
  2. To encourage people’s faith that Jesus is the Messiah and will return. The new Christian believers were expecting Jesus to return right away, and many, especially in the face of persecution were losing faith when He did not come back right away. Hebrews 1 points out that Jesus was God. Hebrews 2 points out that this God did indeed become a man just like us. In Hebrews 3 and on, it points us to what Jesus is currently doing as our High Priest before He returns.

 

Here is a brief summary:

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;  Hebrews 1:1-2

This same Jesus who came to earth and died, is also God. He made the worlds! Many were beginning to doubt if He was the Messiah since He did not come right back. Shall we look for another? No. Jesus was God.

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on [him the nature of] angels; but he took on [him] the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto [his] brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.  Hebrews 2:14-18

This same Jesus who is God also became a man just like us.

Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;  Hebrews 3:1

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast [our] profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.  Hebrews 4:14-16

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25

This [is] the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.  Hebrews 10:16-17

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.  Hebrews 12:1-4

This same God who became a man is now our High Priest. Did you notice in Hebrews 7:25 that not only does He live as our intercessor, but it is the reason why He lives. We are the reason He came to earth. We are the reason He died and we are the reason He rose again. He is obsessed with us! He loves us! His whole universe revolves around us. Does your universe revolve around Him?

And Moses verily [was] faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.  Hebrews 3:5-6

For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end. Hebrews 3:14

Let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering; (for he [is] faithful that promised;)And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins. Hebrews 10:23-26

Time and time again Hebrews encourages us to hold fast our profession and confidence, that Jesus is the Messiah and will return. Hebrews 10:26 is not telling us there is no forgiveness if we willfully make a mistake. Hebrews is talking about the sin of unbelief. That is what the whole book is about, affirming our belief, profession and confidence that Jesus is the Messiah and will return. The point being made is that if after all the evidence we have that Jesus is the Messiah, if we choose not to believe, there will not be another Messiah come who will make a sacrifice for sin. Jesus is that Messiah. He died for us. He is interceding for us now and will return. Don’t lose hope! Don’t lose confidence! Don’t lose your profession! Encourage each other more and more that Jesus is our savior as the day approaches when He will return!

So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Hebrews 9:28

by In Light Of The Cross

Philemon; The Gospel

I am writing today from the beautiful Tampa Bay area.

Philemon is only one chapter but says a lot!

Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy [our] brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, Philemon 1:1

Paul calls himself a prisoner of Jesus Christ. Man had no power over him. He knew if he was in a prison it was to serve the purpose of Jesus Christ, otherwise Jesus would not allow him to be there.

And to [our] beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:  Philemon 1:2

Paul and the Scriptures commend house churches!

I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:  Philemon 1:10

Among those who gave their hearts to God through the labors of Paul in Rome was Onesimus, a pagan slave who had wronged his master, Philemon, a Christian believer in Colosse, and had escaped to Rome. In the kindness of his heart, Paul sought to relieve the poverty and distress of the wretched fugitive and then endeavored to shed the light of truth into his darkened mind. Onesimus listened to the words of life, confessed his sins, and was converted to the faith of Christ. 

Onesimus endeared himself to Paul by his piety and sincerity, no less than by his tender care for the apostle’s comfort, and his zeal in promoting the work of the gospel. Paul saw in him traits of character that would render him a useful helper in missionary labor, and he counseled him to return without delay to Philemon, beg his forgiveness, and plan for the future. The apostle promised to hold himself responsible for the sum of which Philemon had been robbed. Being about to dispatch Tychicus with letters to various churches in Asia Minor, he sent Onesimus with him. It was a severe test for this servant thus to deliver himself up to the master he had wronged; but he had been truly converted, and he did not turn aside from his duty.  {Acts of the Apostles 456} 

 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:  But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.  For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth [thee] ought, put that on mine account; I Paul have written [it] with mine own hand, I will repay [it]: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.  Philemon 1:11-19

The apostle well knew the severity which masters exercised toward their slaves, and he knew also that Philemon was greatly incensed because of the conduct of his servant. He tried to write to him in a way that would arouse his deepest and tenderest feelings as a Christian. The conversion of Onesimus had made him a brother in the faith, and any punishment inflicted on this new convert would be regarded by Paul as inflicted on himself. Paul voluntarily proposed to assume the debt of Onesimus in order that the guilty one might be spared the disgrace of punishment, and might again enjoy the privileges he had forfeited. “If thou count me therefore a partner,” he wrote to Philemon, “receive him as myself. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee aught, put that on mine account; I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it.” 

     How fitting an illustration of the love of Christ for the repentant sinner! The servant who had defrauded his master had nothing with which to make restitution. The sinner who has robbed God of years of service has no means of canceling the debt. Jesus interposes between the sinner and God, saying, I will pay the debt. Let the sinner be spared; I will suffer in his stead. 

     After offering to assume the debt of Onesimus, Paul reminded Philemon how greatly he himself was indebted to the apostle. He owed him his own self, since God had made Paul the instrument of his conversion. Then, in a tender, earnest appeal, he besought Philemon that as he had by his liberalities refreshed the saints, so he would refresh the spirit of the apostle by granting him this cause of rejoicing. {Acts of the Apsotles, 457-458}

Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with your spirit. Amen.  Philemon 1:20-25

by In Light Of The Cross

Titus; Born on a Doomed Planet, But Not Born Doomed

I am writing today from the beautiful Tampa Bay area.

Titus is a very powerful little book. It starts out, “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.” Titus 1:2 I have heard people curse God for allowing us to be born on a doomed planet. But we are not doomed! Yes it is misfortunate we were born on a planet that chose sin before we were even born, God chose to save us before we were even born!  On the day Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit they already had a Savior. Revelation 13:8 tells us Jesus is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world! The Lamb Who was slain from the foundation of the world, tells us Himself, in Matthew 25:34 that the Kingdom of God has been prepared for us from the foundation of the world. Titus 1:2 tells us God promised us eternal life before the world and sin ever began.

But has God only ordained that a certain few “chosen ones” should be saved? No. Titus 2:11 says, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men” so this grace from the foundation of the world is for everybody!   Paul goes on in verse 12 and shares the power of this grace. “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” Grace is not just a power over the penalty of sin which is death. Grace is also a power over the power of sin right here on earth. We don’t have to wait to get to heaven before we can live righteously and Godly lives. Paul says grace makes it happen right here in this present sin-sick world. The planet may be doomed but not you! The place is doomed not the people, unless they reject the grace that has already appeared to all men and been promised from the foundation of the world. 

In this same passage, verse 14, Paul summarizes the power of what grace does for us right here on earth. “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” 

Paul again strongly illustrates this grace in Titus 3:2-7. “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

Notice, it is grace and not works that save us from the power of sin. While many people are waiting for Jesus to change their characters after the second coming, Paul makes it clear that the character is changed after it sees the kindness and love of God. See Romans 2:4. God’s grace leads us to repentance and  righteous living in this present world. The second coming will be too late to change. Today we can behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and be redeemed today. We do not have to live like citizens of a doomed planet. This world is not our home. Our home in heaven has been prepared for us from the foundation of the this doomed planet! So let’s live and act like we are citizens of the heavenly kingdom, while we are right here in this present world.

by In Light Of The Cross

1st & 2nd Timothy; Sound Doctrine or Pleasing Fables?

I am writing today from the beautiful Tampa Bay area.

In First and Second Timothy, Paul gives us the importance of sound doctrine.“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, [which is] our hope; Unto Timothy, [my] own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, [and] peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: [so do]. Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and [of] a good conscience, and [of] faith unfeigned: From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.  1 Timothy 1:1-6

Now more than ever those who have a hunger for God desire to hear the Word of God and not fancy little stories that often make no sense. Some preachers today like to carefully word their sermons so as they can be taken one way by people who believe one way, and another way by people who believe another way. That is not teaching God’s Word. It is just humoring people. Why not just preach the straight Word of God and not worry about how it will be taken? Jesus never wanted to offend anyone but He often did because they did not want to accept His straight testimony.

If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.  But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself [rather] unto godliness.  1 Timothy 4:6-7

Again Paul stresses the straight Word of God over fancy little stories that sometimes illustrate false doctrines.

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture [is]given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.  2 Timothy 3:15-17

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.  2 Timothy 4:2-4

If we really love God, we will not want pleasing things preached to us, but the straight Word of God. We will want to know the truth about how to please the One Who gave His life for us all!

Click here for a study on how those who really love Jesus want to follow and practice sound Bible doctrine.

by In Light Of The Cross

1 Thessalonians; Pleasing God

I am writing today from the beautiful Tampa Bay area.

As I study 1 Thessalonians, I find it interesting in chapter 2:3-6, it says, “For our exhortation [was] not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:  as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God [is] witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor [yet] of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.”

It is so tempting to want to please everybody. We are so afraid of offending others that we sometimes hide the truth to their own hurt. This is very selfish. We should never put our own popularity above the needs of others. Suppose a doctor told people they could eat and drink whatever they want, as much as they want, anytime they want? The doctor may be popular for a while but people would catch on that it was all lies, and that the doctor was being deceptive at the hurt of his patients. Likewise a gospel worker must preach the truth, if he or she really cares about the salvation of others, even if it means being unpopular. As a matter of fact, people actually appreciate being told the truth. In verse 15 of chapter 2, Paul, speaking of some countrymen says, “and they please not God, and are contrary to all men.” Funny how those who do not seek to please God end up not really pleasing people either. We should always speak the truth in love if we want to be pleasing to God or a help to mankind. Flattery and lies neither glorify God or help mankind.

Thos who despise the truth are not despising the gospel worker but God Himself. “He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians 4:8

“Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings.  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

by In Light Of The Cross

Jesus Wept; The Bible And Human Emotions, Lesson 11

I am writing tonight from the beautiful Tampa Bay area.

I have never used my blog before to promote any books other than the Bible, but after reading through this week’s SS lesson, “Freedom From Addictions” there are a couple of books I would like to recommend. The first one was recommended to me several years ago by a stranger at the Adventist Book Center. I was in Collegedale, Tennessee browsing through the Adventist Book Center when, I picked up the book “You Can Be Free” at random, written by Vaughn Allen. A lady I had never seen before or since walked up to me and told me that was an excellent book and had set her free. Free from what I do not know, but I thought, if you can’t trust a stranger at the ABC then who can you trust? So I bought the book and found it to be very powerful in dealing with all kinds of addictions. It helps you see the source of the addiction, find the remedy in God’s Word, and practical ways to not put yourself in a vulnerable position to temptation. It offers other practical steps to find freedom in Christ. I found it very practical and powerful. You can order it at your local ABC.

A few years ago the Men’s Ministry of the Florida SDA Conference had a workshop on sexual purity in Clearwater. A friend asked me to go so I did. We both thought it would be a simple little seminar on maintaining sexual purity. Wrong! It was an intense workshop for sex addicts. This workshop had group times, and while listening to the men share their testimonies, I learned that many of them began their addiction to sex around the age of 11 or 12. I then noticed on the workshop program that it said you had to be at least 17 to attend, so while this addiction begins at 11 or 12 you can’t get help until you’re 17! This is crazy! We need to help these young men while they are young before things get worse. I am so thankful for my parents for many reasons, and one of those is that in our home there were no taboo topics. There were no awkward conversations. I could talk to my parents about sex as easily and causally as we talked about the Bible or baseball or whatever. I was never censored. When I hear people refer to sex as an awkward or sensitive subject I have a hard time understanding that. The way I was brought up, talking about sex is no more awkward than talking about how to change the oil in your car. I would like to submit to you the idea that, it is Satan’s idea to make sex a taboo topic and not God’s idea. Nobody is going to ask for help if it’s wrong to talk about it.

Many years ago, I lost a friend who had a sexual addiction that nobody even knew about until it was too late and it killed her. It breaks my heart that she may have been scared to reach out for help, for fear that she would be judged.

A great book that has been highly recommended by hundreds of pastors of all faiths, is “Every Man’s Battle” by Stephen Arterburn. You can also find, “Every Young Man’s Battle” for the younger as I was talking about.

While on the subject of overcoming temptations and addictions I want to share a study from the classic book, “The Desire of Ages,” on how God and His Word help us to be victorious.

In closing I want to add something I feel is very important. Several years ago I was reading “The Purpose Drive Life” by Rick Warren. In his book he talks about the importance of having an accountability partner. I used to think that was humanism but now I find it to be very Biblical. After all Adam and Eve were to be accountability partners in the Garden as well as husband and wife. On page 212 of the Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren makes a bold statement that a trusted accountability partner is the only way we can find victory. Again a few years ago I thought that was humanism, but it is very Biblical. “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16

by In Light Of The Cross

Colossians; Two Mysteries

I am writing today from the beautiful Tampa Bay area.

Paul continues illustrating the power of the gospel, in the book of Colossians. Remember in Romans how powerfully chapter 3 verses 23-24 brought out that we have already been justified? “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” In Colossians we see that not only has Jesus justified us, all by Himself but is also sanctifying us all by Himself. Not only has he given us salvation from the penalty of sin, but also from the power of sin! “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:12-14

In Revelation 10 John tells us that the cleansing of the sanctuary, which began in 1844 accomplishes the mystery of God. Paul tells us just what that mystery is. “[Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.”

The mystery of iniquity is, how did Lucifer, a perfect person in a perfect place become sinful? The mystery of God is, how can a sinful person, in a sinful world, become perfect? It can only be explained as the work of God as He becomes ‘Christ in you the hope if glory.”

I encourage you to study the book of Colossians and see what treasures you may find.

by In Light Of The Cross

Philippians; How Will Histroy Record You?

I am writing today from the beautiful Tampa Bay area.

I love the book of Philippians! It makes the gospel very clear and also assures us of the triumph of the gospel. Paul is in bonds but yet the gospel is still being spread. While Satan and men try to bind Paul from spreading God’s love, He triumphantly declares, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

Paul also helps us to see the difference between the gospel and legalism. The words “legalism” or ‘legalistic”   are never used in the Bible, but in his epistles, Paul hints towards legalism being the works of the flesh instead of the fruit of the spirit. Legalism is also the pride of the flesh. In Philippians 1:11 Paul tells us the gospel is “being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.” While legalism is the works of the flesh for the pride of the flesh, the gospel is when we do good works by the power of Jesus for the glory of God. Again in verse 6, we see that it is not the works of the flesh but God who works through us. “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ.”

While explaining his bonds and afflictions, which cannot prohibit the gospel from being spread all over the place, Paul makes a very powerful statement. “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21. By God’s grace I am making this my personal aim and motto.

People have given me a lot of titles like Lay Pastor, Bible Worker, Elder, Teacher and so on. A while back I saw a commercial with an all-star quarterback. The commercial showed the quarterback doing all sorts of things like passing, running and even blocking, while he talked about himself. The commercial ended with a shot of him throwing a block, while he said, “And the history books won’t record me as a quarterback but as a football player.” I thought to myself, I hope history does not record me as a Pastor or Bible Worker but as a Christian. For to me to live is Christ.

I encourage you to see what treasures you may find in the book of Philippians.