The Church   Matthew 16:18

This post concerns a proper understanding of the church of the New Testament.

‘The Church’ discusses its origin and function. Most denominations teach that salvation and truth arrive from the church. However, this does not align with that found in the New Testament.

Firstly, before any congregations existed, Jesus said, Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church.” After He ascended to heaven, this prophecy came true. The promise of remission of sins to everyone occurred after he ascended. When the Holy Spirit fell on the apostles, Peter preached, Acts 2:14-36. He began with a prophecy from Joel about salvation, covered the life and crucifixion of Jesus, and ended with a pronouncement, Acts 2:36. “…God …made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Then, some in the audience asked what to do about their sins. Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, replied, Acts 2:38. “Repent and… baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins…”

So, the result of this preaching and baptizing resulted in many conversions, Acts2:41. “…those who received his word… baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.”

Thus, God added the saved to an elite group, and continued to add the saved, Acts 2:47. “…And the Lord added to their number day by day those who …saved.”

In addition, Peter did not mention a group or any human organization that stood between the baptized believer and salvation.

Therefore, neither salvation nor truth originates from the church as claimed by many denominations.

Let us find and obey God’s commands so that He will add us to the saved group.

So, what did we learn?

1.God adds the saved to the church.

2.Salvation comes from hearing and believing preaching about Jesus and after repentance and being baptized, not from membership in some church.

3.We need to be a part of the New Testament church.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#GodAddsSavedToChurch #salvationFromPreachingJesus #baptismProvidesSalvation

God Loves Us    John 3:16

This post explains that God loves us.

God Loves Us concerns what God has done and our response. The words “God is Love” occur in verses eight and sixteen in 1 John 4. We could serve God better if we had a better understanding of this phrase.

Perhaps John 3:16 comprises the best known explanation, “…God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” This gift of His Son proves that God loves us.

But the Bible contains much more. God created the universe and humans. He loved His creation and provided a beautiful place to live, the Garden of Eden. After sin entered the world, God began a long-term project with the goal of forgiving man and restoring him to a wonderful eternal home of beauty and grandeur like the Garden of Eden.

God’s plan called for sending His Son to redeem all people. That plan was put into motion when Jesus came to earth, preached the word, was crucified and resurrected, and ascended back to heaven. On the Day of Pentecost, the church was established in which saved people were added by God

All of this shows and proves that God loves His created beings.

So, as a result of the love of God, how should we respond?

When asked about the great commandment of the Old Law, Jesus responded with an answer that shows our love for God, Matthew 22:37-39. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind…And a second… like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

These thoughts are reinforced in John 15:12-13. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

These words teach us to love God with an intensity like that of Jesus when He went to the cross to shed His blood to remit our sins.

So, what did we learn?

1.God loved us first by giving His Son to die on the cross.

2.We are to love God.

3.We are to love our neighbors like God loved us.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#GodIsLove #weMustLoveGod #weMustLoveOneAnother

Pillar of the Truth   1 Timothy 3:15

This post concerns the phrase pillar… of the truth.

Pillar of the truth seeks to clarify the meaning of this phrase found in 1 Timothy 3:15, “…if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God…the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.”

The Catholic church claims that this verse means that the church puts forth truth. So, whatever the Catholic church issues as an ordinance or rule becomes absolute truth.

Let’s examine this claim carefully.

Scholars define the Bible term pillar as a column supporting the weight of a building. Nothing in the word indicates legislation that issues truth.

Likewise, scholars define buttress as a support, bulwark, or stay. These two words say that the church maintains the truth, but does not issue it. That is, the church stands behind or supports truth already issued.

So, what does the Bible say about pillar of the truth and the source of truth?

Jesus defined truth, John 17:17. “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” This fits with what Jesus said, John 14:6. “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” Thus, the church that came into existence in Acts 2 became the pillar and bulwark of that which Jesus spoke, the truth.

How did the church come into existence? Acts 2 describes the Holy Spirit falling on the twelve. Then Peter spoke. He related this appearance of the Holy Spirit to words spoken by the prophet Joel.

Next, he spoke of Jesus, proven by God to be Deity by miracles, as the one they had crucified but God resurrected. He finished by describing Jesus, the source of truth, Acts 2:36. “…God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

At that point those believing in Jesus asked Peter what to do about their sins. Peter said, Acts 2:38. “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins…”

This resulted in the church which protected and preached this truth for its growth.

So, what did we learn?

1.The church protects the truth but did not originate it.

2.The truth originated with Jesus, not the church.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#churchSupportsTruth #Jesus’WordTruth #Jesus’WordSalvation

Eternal Life    Luke 18:18-30

This post focuses on gaining eternal life.

‘Eternal Life’ analyzes a question asked by a ruler, Luke 18:18. “And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

However, to this great question, Jesus asked, Luke 18:19. ““Why do you call me good? No one…good except God alone.” Note, this answer confirms Jesus as Deity. The ruler missed the lesson and gave no response.

He had asked what he should do. Since he lived under Moses’ Law, Jesus told him: don’t commit adultery, murder, steal, or give false witness and honor your parents. The ruler said he had done all that. Then, Jesus replied that he lacked one thing: He should sell everything, give it to the less fortunate, and come follow Him.

So, should he give away what he loved most, his riches, and follow Jesus? His sadness showed an unwillingness to change.

Jesus said there were things for the ruler to do. However, Jesus also pointed to what the ruler needed to become, namely, a follower of Him and a helper to others.

Jesus’ response on the difficulty of a rich man to get into His kingdom caused his audience to marvel, Luke 18:26. “Then who can be saved?”

Apparently, they imagined a rich meant that God approved of his life. Jesus upset that thinking by His comments about giving up riches and following Him.

Jesus commented, Luke 18:24, 27. ““How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!…

…what is impossible with man is possible with God.” The rich ruler needed to repent, change his priorities, and love Jesus more than his riches.

Peter responded that the disciples left their homes and followed Jesus. Jesus answered in Luke 18:29-30 that those that left family for the sake of the kingdom will receive many times more in this life and eternal life. We do not know how God will accomplish this, but the granting of eternal life remains the key goal.

So, what did we learn?

         1.One cannot love money more than God and receive eternal life.

          2.Followers of Jesus care for others.

           3.God will take care of His followers in this life and the age to come.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#richRuler #giveUpLoveMoney #giveToPoor

The Unknown God   Acts 17:23-31

This post covers the unknown God.

‘The Unknown God’ provides information about God and how to please Him. The Apostle Paul preached in Athens about the real God, because they worshipped idols. Paul’s starting point was an altar to the unknown god, Acts 17:23. “…What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.”

Then, he told them of the characteristics of this unknown god, Acts 17:24-25. “The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor…served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all… life and breath and everything.”

In addition, God made of one blood all people, appointed where they should live, and at what time. All this had a purpose, Acts 17:27-28. “that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him… ‘In him we live and move and have our being’… For we …indeed his offspring.”

This means we should not think of God as an idol but seek to know Him. We are His children.

Then Paul continued by quoting a command issued by God,  Acts 17:30-31. “The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world …by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”

At this point, most of his audience left, unbelieving. But unbelief does not change the fact of a future judgment.

This sermon helps us today to believe in God. We can gain deeper understanding  by studying the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 provides what we need to know. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

So, what did we learn?

1.An all-powerful God has given us life and commands.

2.We need to obey the God found in the Bible.

3.The Bible provides God’s commands and proof of his nature.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#seekingGod #BibleInspired #lifeFromGod

Two Sinners   Luke 18:9-17

This post seeks to emphasize lessons from a parable about two sinners and the humbleness of children.

‘Two Sinners’ concerns praying by a Pharisee and a publican. The lesson applies mainly to the Pharisee, Luke 18:10, “He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray…a Pharisee and a tax collector. Pharisees were considered highly religious. Publicans were considered gross sinners. Jesus knew the thoughts of each.

Jesus puts forth another single-point parable: Some men trust in themselves as righteous and feel superior to others. The Pharisee expressed his feelings as a righteous person. In contrast, the tax collector viewed himself as a sinner in need of God’s mercy. This parable focuses on the attitude of each man.

The Pharisee did not pray for forgiveness. He simply bragged about himself as if God didn’t know. He did not acknowledge his sins. Instead, this Pharisee showed that he thought how he lived justified his assignment of righteousness. In other words, he felt he had earned salvation. Therefore, he would not need to ask for the grace of God.

The tax collector felt that he was a sinner and needed mercy and grace for salvation.

Jesus makes it plain that of these two, only the tax collector was justified.

How we see ourselves and our sins remains all-important to God. Sin resides in the life of each of us. We need God’s mercy concerning our sins for salvation.

The disciples may have felt superior to children because they prohibited parents from bringing children to be blessed by Jesus. He told them to not hinder the children from coming to Him and then taught an important lesson: One cannot enter the kingdom of God unless he has the attitude of a child. Thus, to come to Jesus, we must depend on him and have faith that He will provide forgiveness and a home in heaven.

So, what did we learn?

1.We need to show humility and recognize our status as a sinner.

2.To enter Christ’s kingdom, we must show faith and trust in Jesus like a child.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#trustSelfRighteousness #treatOthersContempt #beLikeChild

Fellowship with Deity    1 Corinthians 1:9

This post concerns the meaning of fellowship with Deity.

‘Fellowship with Deity’ discusses the meaning of  living as God calls us, 1 Corinthians 1:9. “God … faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” The meaning of this calling and fellowship should have a profound effect on the life of a Christian and how we live.

For example, the Christian now belongs to the Body of Christ with its promise of eternal salvation, Ephesians 5:23. “… Christ…the head of the church, his body, and… himself its Savior.”

This means that this special relationship should  affect our mental outlook, Colossians 3:15. “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And … thankful.” Thus, because Christians belong to the body of Christ or the church, they have a home in heaven. Because of this, they show thankfulness and mental peace. Peace with God promises mental release from concerns with how God feels about this special fellowship.

In addition, the life of the Christian illustrates the role of this fellowship with the world, Hebrews 12:14. “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”

Also, the Apostle Peter stressed this point, 1 Peter 1:15-16. “…as he who called you… holy, you also …holy in all your conduct, since … written, “You shall… holy, for I am holy.” This means exhibiting holiness so that the world can see in the Christian the attributes of God and this fellowship.

Thus, the conclusion of all these verses emphasizes fellowship with God and Jesus in our lives.

So, what did we learn?

1.God calls Christians to live in fellowship with Deity.

2.The called people reside in the Body of Christ, the saved group, the church.

3.Mentally, the Christian at peace with God and strives for holiness toward the world.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#fellowshipWithDeity #mentalPeace #holinessTowardWorld

Independent and Autonomous   Acts 14:23 and 1 Peter 5:2

This post concerns the independent and autonomous nature of the New Testament church.

Independent and Autonomous discusses how God established the New Testament church. Before Paul returned home from establishing churches in Antioch of  Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, he organized the churches as God desired, Acts 14:23. “And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” As God directed, the New Testament church had elders in every congregation.

The Apostle Peter was also an elder of a local church. He wrote about what God wanted elders to do, 1 Peter 5:1-2 “I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ…shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight…” Thus, God directed that elders govern this localized organization. But note that elders only oversee one congregation, the one where they worship.

Each congregation directs its own affairs, deciding who to fellowship. The Jerusalem disciples were wary of Saul until Barnabus helped in his acceptance, Acts 9:26-27. “Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord,” Accordingly, each congregation governs who it will accept as a member.

Likewise, each church accumulates a collection of money and decides its use, 1 Corinthians 16:1-3. “Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also… do. On the first day of every week, each of you… put something aside and store it up… so that there will… no collecting when I come… I will send those whom you accredit… to carry your gift to Jerusalem. Each church was independent in collecting money and its use.

With Jesus as the supreme commander, each church has its own elders as leaders and directs its own affairs. This God-given arrangement allows each church to stand alone.

So, what did we learn?

1.Elders direct each church.

2.Elders only govern the church where they worship.

3.Each church governs its own collection and its use.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#eachChurchIndependentAutonomous #eldersGovernOneChurch #eachChurchManagesMoneyFellowship

Glory to God   Ephesians 1:22-23 and 3:21

This post concerns glory to God in the church and in Christ Jesus.

‘Glory to God’ discusses what the Apostle Paul taught about this honor for God in Christ Jesus and in the church, Ephesians 3:21. “…to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations,” In the Ephesian letter, Paul explained that the church and the body of Christ are identical, Ephesians 1:22-23. “he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body,” Then these two scriptures show that a main function of the church concerns giving God glory or praise.

Both the church and Jesus glorify Jesus as the savior of the Body, Ephesians 5:23. “Christ is the head of the church, his body, and… himself its Savior”

Also the Apostle Paul clarifies that Christians belong to the body of Christ, 1 Corinthians 12:27. “you… the body of Christ and individually members of it…”

Consequently, Christ as the head of the church has everything under His direction.

So, giving praise to God through Christ in the church can be exercised in two ways by the local church or by the universal church. The church at Philippi exemplified a local church that sent money to the Apostle Paul, Philippians 4:16. “Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.” Therefore, the Philippian church supported Paul in the preaching of the gospel and thus glorified God.

Therefore, as cited above, the church in the universal sense gives honor to God, Ephesians 3:21. “…to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.” The existence of the church and the salvation provided by God therein provides great glory. Only God could provide His Son as payment for the mistakes of sinful people and thus receive glory forever.

So, what did we learn?

1.Glory to God occurs in the local church and the universal church.

2.The church and the Body of Christ makes up the same group.

3.God deserves great glory for providing the way to be saved eternally.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#BodyOfChrist #localChurchGloryGod #universalChurchGloryGod

Church Universal and Local   Matthew 16:18

This post concerns the use of the word church, in a universal and local sense.

‘Church Universal and Local’ discusses the meaning of church. Church in our Bibles comes from a Greek word meaning a called-out body of people. When the scriptures discuss all the Christians called from the world into God’s service, the word church falls into the universal sense. Jesus forecast the use of this word before there were any congregations, Matthew 16:18. “…on this rock I will build my church.”  Jesus meant that this future group of called out people, designated as a church, would include those He would save.

Then, the Apostle Paul clarified the term church, Ephesians 5:23. “…as Christ … the head of the church, his body, and …himself its Savior.”  Calling the church the body of Christ fits because as the head, He supplies salvation for it.

In addition, this universal group comprises a fellowship with Deity, 1 Corinthians 1:9. “God… faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Thus, as described in the New Testament, this group which includes all of God’s people everywhere, does not have an organization or an earthly head. Therefore, fellowship with Deity embraces the entire purpose of the universal church. Christ, as the Head and Savior, provides payment for sins.

Also, a different use of the word church embraces local congregations. The Apostle John wrote to seven local churches in Asia, Revelation 1:4-5, 11. “… Grace to you and peace … and from the seven spirits… before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness…. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood…

…Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”

Local churches make up the only earthly organization of Christians in a particular place with elders and deacons as leaders. Its fellowship embraces Deity and the local membership.

So, what did we learn?

1.The church in the universal sense includes all the saved.

2.In the local sense, the church consists of local Christians.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#universalChurch #localChurches #fellowshipWithDeityLocalChristians

The Unjust Judge   Luke 18:1-8

This post concerns lessons from a parable about an unjust judge.

‘The Unjust Judge’ discusses what we should learn from a widow’s interaction with a worldly judge. After the discussion of the end of time in the previous chapter, Jesus provides a parable, Luke 18:1-8. “And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.”

In this parable, an unjust judge would not hear and rule for a widow. But she continued to ask him for help. Finally, the judge decided to think only of himself and rule for the woman because she would eventually wear him down.

Some have concluded that God personifies the unrighteous judge. That is, even though we pray to and plead with God, He does not want to help us. Jesus corrects this error, Luke 18:6-8. “And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily.”  

This parable stresses a single point.

Luke explains the point being taught in the first sentence: the disciples should always pray and not lose heart. Jesus makes it plain that the character of God is the exact opposite to the judge by using a lesser to the greater argument. If the lesser—the unrighteous judge who was reluctant to hear the widow but finally listened— then how much more will the greater—a loving, just God— hear and help. In contrast to the judge, God will speedily give justice when His people plead with Him day and night.

Jesus also asked about the perseverance of His disciples over a long time period, Luke 18:8. “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” This question shows that a real possibility exists for disciples to fall away. The solution: Not losing heart and praying to a heavenly Father who hears and acts.

So, what did we learn?

1.Unlike the unjust judge, God answers prayer speedily.

2.Disciples should not lose heart or trust in God and pray constantly.

Continue reading

Days   Luke 17:20-37

This post concerns what Jesus instructed about days.

‘Days’ discusses the coming of the physical kingdom of God and the day designating the end of the world, Luke 17:20-21. “…asked by Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come… “The kingdom… not coming in ways…  observed. …the kingdom …in the midst of you.”

This means that no one could see the physical appearance of the kingdom of God. It would exist in the hearts of people.

Then He spoke to the disciples, Luke 17:22-24. “The days… coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. And they will say to you, ‘Look, there!’ or ‘Look, here!’…

…Do not go out or follow them. For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man… in his day. But first he must suffer many things and… rejected by this generation.”

These verses explain the future. People would say that Jesus returned. Don’t believe them. When Jesus returns, everyone will see it like lightning. But before that occurs, rejection and suffering of Jesus will happen.

Then, Jesus explained life would go on like in the days of Noah and Lot. But on the day of the Lord, destruction would come like lightning, observable by everyone.

The Apostle Paul described the judgment day, 1 Thessalonians 4:17. “Then we… alive, who are left, …caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air,”

This fits what Jesus said, Luke 17:34. “…, in that night… two in one bed. One will…taken and the other left… two women grinding together. One …taken and the other left.”  The Lord will lift the saved from the earth and leave the lost for destruction.

The disciples asked, “Where?” So, Jesus described the lost as dead bodies, Luke 17:37. “…Where the corpse… the vultures will gather.”

So, what did we learn?

1.The physical kingdom of God will not come with observable signs.

2.Lightning will signify the end of the world to everyone.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#DisciplesSign #comingOfKingdom #daysOfTheLord

The Character of Love   1 Corinthians 13:4-8

This post concerns the character of love as explained by the Apostle Paul.

The Character of Love discusses the attributes exhibited by Christians who properly love. In the previous chapter, the Apostle enumerated the gifts of the Spirit and the unity that should prevail in the Corinthian church. In the last verse, he says he will describe “a still more excellent way.” In verses 1-3 of this chapter, Paul makes it clear that unless love prevails, spiritual gifts provide zero value.

Then, the Apostle describes the attributes that characterize proper love by a Christian, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. “Love… patient and kind; love does not envy or boast… not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way… not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.”

Patience and kindness exemplify love for our children and mates. To church members with different skills, boasting or showing envy will not occur. In everyday life, arrogance or rudeness toward people must not show. For my mate, I will not insist on having everything my way or everything to please me. In other words, I must not insist on ‘my rights.’

So, when I do not get what I want, I will not show resentment or irritation. Toward the people I work with in the community, I will rejoice in truth and not in the wrongdoing in the headlines of the newspaper.

The Apostle summarizes the actions of love by saying that love bears all things, even the wrongs that life brings. Despite persecutions and problems, love believes that all things about the Christian life make it the proper life. When things go badly, even when a friend sins, love hopes all things—a home in heaven—and repentance of the friend. Thus, love endures whatever occurs.

As a result, love helps me live through whatever happens in life. In this way, I keep the faith and endure as a Christian.

So, what did we learn?

1.The love of a Christian covers all his activities.

2.The heart of a loving Christian includes everyone in his life.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#loveCharacter #superiorityCondemned #matesPatientKind

 

 

 

The Failure of Spiritual Gifts    1 Corinthians 13:1-3

This post concerns the failure of spiritual gifts in the Corinthian church.

The Failure of Spiritual Gifts discusses how some Christians with special spiritual gifts fail. In the previous chapter, the Apostle Paul made a list and explained about spiritual gifts in the church. He clearly taught that the church should have unity and the importance of all members, even those without spiritual gifts.

At the end of the chapter, he points out the leadership hierarchy: the apostles first, then those with these unique gifts. Lastly, those speaking in tongues comprise the lowest on the list of spiritual gifts. Then, he says he will describe a more excellent way.

Chapter 13 describes that way, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I… a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I… nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.”

Firstly, he points out that without love, speaking in tongues resembles the output of stifling air or wind blowing. Secondly, he says that without love, the gifts of prophecy, special understanding, and special faith have no value. Thirdly, giving away everything and submitting to persecution by burning my body avails nothing without love.

In summary, the use of the unique gifts of the Holy Spirit provides zero benefit to the recipient without displaying proper love toward others.

In the next chapter, the Apostle gives directions on the use of these extraordinary gifts in the worship assembly. Love for all should be apparent as well as order in the assembly.

So, what did we learn?

1.Love provides something more important than spiritual gifts can.

2.Zero describes the benefit of these gifts without love.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

10 Lepers   Luke 17:11-19

This post concerns Jesus curing Ten Lepers at once.

10 Lepers discusses the differences of this miracle from earlier miracles.

By the time Jesus did this miracle on these Lepers, the gospel of Luke had recorded thirteen miracles across a broad spectrum that stretched from raising the dead to curing all types of disease and deformities, plus demonstrating mastery over nature. Earlier miracles occurred by touch or from afar but only on single individuals.

Could the reader think of this miracle as just another miracle? Instead, this big miracle was performed on ten at one time from afar while curing a horrible disease!

On Jesus’ final trip to Jerusalem, He met these

lepers pleading for mercy and standing afar. Then, as a test of their faith, Jesus sent the lepers to go show themselves to the priests as required by the Old Law in Leviticus 13. As they went, they were cleansed. However, only one, a Samaritan, turned back to give thanks and praise God. Jesus seemed surprised and reminded this Gentile that his obedient faith had made him well.

The return to thank Jesus probably interrupted his trip to Mount Gerizim in Samaria to have a priest there declare him clean. Because he was a Gentile, a Jewish priest likely would not have touched him or examined him.

Jesus knew he was not a Jew. But He still healed him. Although Jesus came primarily to preach to the Jews, He still showed compassion to this Samaritan. Other passages like Mark 7:24-30 illustrated His care for Gentiles. See also John 4 and the woman at the well.

Another special nature of this miracle ensued when only one of ten was thankful, a foreigner, not an Israelite. Thus, by citing this miracle as Jesus progressed toward Jerusalem and the cross, Luke cites another example of the ungrateful nature of many Jews.

So, what did we learn?

1.Be thankful for every blessing.

2.Jesus cares for all people.

3.Jesus did an awesome miracle.

#tenLepersCleansed #SamaritanThankful #faithPlusObedienceCleansed

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

The Quest   2 Timothy 3:16-17

This post concerns the use of scripture to find the church pleasing to God.

The Quest discusses what the Bible says about a method to locate the church in which God delights. Many contradictory guides and churches, all claiming to please God, appear everywhere we look. But they contradict one another and cause confusion.

Let God provide a key through His word, 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

“All Scripture… breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God… complete, equipped for every good work.”

Consider what this scripture teaches.

Firstly, God has provided all scripture. Another passage helps understand this point, 2 Peter 1:20-21. “… that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

So, these two passages say that scriptures come from the Holy Spirit of God. Thereby, they can serve as a correct guide to finding His church.

Secondly, what can scriptures do? They can teach, reprove, correct, and train the servant to please God.

Thirdly, adhering to and obeying scripture provides a servant of God with every good endeavor in life. The writings of men cannot add anything. All we need, God has provided.

Finally, in the quest for the right church, one needs to belong to and associate with a group that teaches what the Bible says, no more and no less. That practice will please God.

So, what did we learn?

1.God inspired the writing of the Bible, the scriptures.

2.The Bible provides what the seeker needs to find a church that pleases God.

3.One needs to find a church based only on the inspired writings of the Bible.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#BibleInspiredHolySpirit #BibleProvidesKeyGoodWorks

Newly Baptized    Philippians 4:8; James 3:5-8

This post addresses concerns of those newly baptized.

Newly Baptized discusses what comes after baptism for those just converted.

An important command from the Apostle Paul for newly baptized Christians admonishes them how to develop proper thinking in their daily life, Philippians 4:8. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

So, thinking pure thoughts—true, honorable, just, lovely, and commendable governs everybody’s the life.

Likewise, your speech should become an important part of life, James 3:5-8. “So also the tongue…a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest… set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue… fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue… set among our members staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature… tamed but no human being can tame the tongue. It… a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not ….”

In summary, these verses teach diligence and watchfulness of your thoughts and speech.

In addition, praying described by Paul includes all men, 1 Timothy 2:8-10. “I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting l holy hands without anger or quarreling.” Therefore, prayer becomes an important part of every day.

This same verse continues by emphasizing wearing modest clothes and good works, “likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly but with …proper for women who profess godliness— with good works.”

Clothing that does not cause sin in others should be the goal of a Christian.

So, what did we learn?

1.A Christian should think pure thoughts.

2.A Christian should use clean speech.

3.Every day should contain prayers to God.

4.A Christian should wear modest clothes.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#thinkPureThoughts #speakCleanLanguage #dailyPrayer

Deeper Teaching   Luke 17:1-11

This post involves Jesus teaching the disciples several intense subjects while traveling toward Jerusalem.

Deeper Teaching by Jesus stresses intense subjects such as not tempting others, forgiveness, and the use of little faith.

The tragedy of tempting a little one, no doubt someone younger in the faith, may describe the sin of the rich man just mentioned in chapter 16. His bad example of selfishness probably encouraged his brothers to follow his way of life and end up in torment too.

Possibly, the disciples thought that they would never tempt someone weaker or younger in the faith. This was untrue because Jesus says ‘examine yourself!’

Then, Jesus reverses the picture. Rebuking happens after a brother sins. But, if you are one of the ones sinned against and the brother repents, forgiveness must follow, even seven times in a day.

The disciples’ response seems to indicate that such obedience would require an increase in their faith. But Jesus disagreed and said that just a little bit of faith can do big things in the service of the Lord. By using the example of casting a tree into the ocean—a large task if literally performed—Jesus taught figuratively that a small amount of faith can produce big results.

Why then, would Jesus tell about the duty of a hard-working servant in the kingdom of the Lord? Perhaps the disciples would feel self-important as they realized how much their faith could do. But Jesus issued a warning by telling about a servant who worked all day. At evening, no doubt exhausted, he must serve the evening meal to the master without being thanked. In any case, the servant is just doing his duty.

So, Jesus then introduces a theoretical servant—one that does all of his duty—theoretical because no one ever does all. Yet, Jesus labels the theoretical servant as still unworthy—unworthy of a home in heaven as a reward. Thus, service does not earn the disciple a  place in the kingdom. This teaches that earned salvation cannot occur, even if he were to do all, which no one can.

So, what did we learn?

1.We must not tempt others.

2.We must forgive repentant brethren.

3.Service characterizes our duty as disciples.

#don’tTemp #forgiveRepentant #grainOfMustardSeedFaith

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

New Converts    Acts 11:26, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

This post stresses facts for new converts.

New Converts discusses basic knowledge needed by baptized believers. On being baptized into Christianity, one launches a new life as a member of the church. Baptized believers and fellow members use the name Christian, Acts 11:26. “And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” This name means you believe and follow the teachings of Jesus as given in the New Testament.

In addition, a baptized believer calls other Christians brothers and sisters. The apostles used that term in selecting men for a needed work, Acts 6:3. “Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute,” Then, these brethren began caring for Grecians widows in the church.

For a convert, a new relationship now exists, 1 Corinthians 12:27. “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” Thus, the church, the body of Christ, the saved people, exists under a Head and a Savior, Ephesians 5:23. “Christ…the head of the church, his body, and… himself its Savior.”

In this new relationship new converts partake of the Lord’s Supper on Sundays at worship services with other saints, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

“For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This… my body which… for you. Do this in remembrance of me. In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup… the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

Lastly, the Apostle Peter described our strivings in the Christian life, 1 Peter 1:15. “…as he who called you …holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,”

So, what did we learn?

1.New converts wear the name Christian, strive for holiness, and belong to the church, the body of Christ.

2.Members of the church wear the name brother or sister.

3.On Sundays, baptized believers partake of the Lord’s Supper while remembering His death.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#nameChristian #memberChurch #partakeLord’sSupper