Saints and Faithful

“To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus. . .”
Ephesians 1:1

In a 1954 sermon, Saints and Faithful In Christ Jesus, Pastor Martin Lloyd-Jones began a series of sermons in Apostle Paul’s letter to the Church in Ephesus. He stating that he believes this letter was written to all Christian’s, not just the Ephesians church. As such, it is timeless, written to Christians of his day, and ours. Furthermore, Pastor Lloyd-Jones believed that the epistles were written to Christian’s only, and not evangelistic, as the Gospels and Acts.

The first key point from this sermon is that all Christians are Saints. Pastor Lloyd-Jones is clear that it is unscriptural, as is the Roman Catholic practice, to think of only certain individuals as Saints. He defines saint as holy, set-apart, cleansed from all sin and guilt, redeemed by Jesus Christ. Of course, as is the pastor’s style, he goes into great detail with scriptural citations.

Next, Pastor Lloyd-Jones goes into great detail to what it means for Christians to be faithful in Jesus Christ. He says that faith includes belief, for we are baptized in the Lord Jesus, baptized in Holy Spirit. Being a Christian is more than being not of “the world.” Christians are joined together in Christ. No longer children of Adam, but Children of GOD.

Faithful, according to Pastor Lloyd-Jones, also includes a strong defense of our faith, for Christians most know what they believe and why they believe it. Furthermore, we are tasked with standing firm in faith, being dependable, reliable. The pastor states the Christians are to “stand out.”

If interested, this sermon is found at mljtrust.org, sermon #4002 Saints and Faithful in Christ Jesus. Most of Pastor Martyn Lloyd-Jones’s sermons have been remastered and are available at no cost. An app is also available for mobile/portable listening.

Lord Bless, Keep, Shine. . .

No harm; no good

Scarecrow with button eyes and patchy clothes in cornfield with farmhouse

For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest

Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak

Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, and neither can they do any good

Jeremiah 10:3,5

Wrapping up some things
I’ve been thinking on from
Jeremiah Chapter 10
.

In Jeremiah’s time, the nations, the pagans, had gods. The people made images of the gods. There were sacrifices made to their gods, even children literally murdered as sacrifices. These aren’t real gods. They are constructs of the people. Aren’t these gods demonically inspired? Don’t they encourage the acts of the people under their influence, immoral and corrupt acts that oppose the GOD of Israel?

The GOD of Israel is shown to be “King of the nations” (v7). Israel’s GOD, our GOD, is the GOD of the nations. He has displayed His Glory. He did so in Egypt. When Israelis are dragged off to Babylon, even its kings will recognize GOD as the GOD of all creation.

GOD, is not just a higher GOD, as supervisor sort of GOD over the national gods. Our GOD is the only GOD. The gods of the nations are like scarecrows in a field; we need not fear them.

Our GOD tells us through Jeremiah, “Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good.” (v5) First, these images are not worth our fear. Fear GOD. Fear not humans and these fanciful imaginations created. Second, GOD says these objects cannot do evil. Impotent idols, powerless, in total contrast to Almighty GOD who possesses the All Power. Third, given that these objects are like a stick placed in a field covered with clothing to make it appealing, it can’t do any good.

My take away: There are many things of the world that appear dangerous and there’s a temptation to appeasement. The world also appears at one time evil and at another time quite good, even beneficial. The world and its idols are like pieces of wood destine for the fire pit.

They’ll make a great BBQ one day.

LORD Bless, Keep, Shine. . .

Learn not the way (part 2)

Scholars studying and conversing at the Ancient University of Babylon courtyard with ziggurats and river in background

Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them, for the customs of the peoples are vanity.
Jeremiah 10:2,3

GOD says not to learn the ways of the nations, the pagan ways.

Jeremiah chapter ten provided strict guidance for those taken to Babylon. Daniel, for instance, was young when taken as a captive. Jeremiah’s warning was to keep him, and the other exiles, from the Babylonian customs, especially religious practices. It was idolatry that brought upon Israel GOD’s judgement.

Once in the great city, Daniel and friends get a full ride to Babylon U. They receive new names. Not a big deal. Easier for the locals to pronounce. They would be taught the literature and language of the Chaldeans. Again, useful and not against the LORD’s commands. They were also to eat from the king’s table. Who could resist that. Surely the king’s BBQ ribs were known far and wide. “But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank.” (Daniel 1:8)

It all worked out well for Daniel, however He got to travel around the country, worked in the king’s palace, helped out the king. He spent his life in daily prayer to GOD. The GOD of Abraham, Issac, Jacob. The GOD of Israel. He didn’t stop, either, even when the king ruled against it. That got him tossed in a cage with some fierce and hungry lions. But even that turned out nice again.

But what of the Gentiles, years later, came to believe in the Jewish Messiah, Jesus. And what of those today. What of those born in the nations, even nations that with religious freedom and churches and Christians. What of the children who grow up with non-believing parents. Most children today have teachers who aren’t Christians. They use a secular, non-Biblical, curriculum that prizes science, technology, politicians, social media influencers, news media as its gods.

How does one unlearn that?

It begins with a call by Spirit. It begins when a person is born again. The process of unlearning begins. New learning, new ways. Learning new ways of thinking. Learning new ways of behaving.

While there are 613 instructions given the first five books of the Bible, there are over twice that number of instructions beginning at the Book of Matthew and continuing on through the letters and writings of the Apostles. There are a lot of laws. We can’t unlearn enough. We can’t learn enough. We can’t become good enough to earn our way into an eternity with Jesus.

We can’t earn salvation. We simply can’t. But by Grace we are saved. Thank GOD for Jesus. Through His Cross. Through His Blood.

Born again, we begin to unlearn old, useless, empty ways. We begin to stride with Spirit to do what the Lord requires of us: to do justice, to love kindness, to walk humbly” with our GOD. (Micah 6:8)

LORD Bless, Keep, Shine

Learn not the way of the nations

Nighttime mountain valley with meteors streaking across the sky and a hiker observing from a cliff

“Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them, for the customs of the peoples are vanity.”
Jeremiah 10:2,3

Jeremiah speaks to Israel the Word of the GOD of Israel. He says not to learn the way of the nations (ESV). While other translations differ somewhat in wording, it’s clear GOD is saying not to follow the practices of “the nations.” Barnes’s Notes calls it the customs, ordinances, established institutions of the peoples of pagan nations. Mostly, translations and comments apply this warning to religion, rather than social, behaviors. [I wonder, though, if it is that limited. ]

The historical context: Jeremiah’s prophetic ministry came in the years before Jerusalem’s fall in 586 BC. The Land of Israel was on a major trade route, which made it a target for conquest. Babylon was on the rise as a nation. Assyria was still a power, though not as it had been. Worse, Israel was filled with idolatry. Kings such as Jehoiakim sought pagan alliances in an effort to maintain power. They weren’t following the GOD of Israel; they turned to the gods of the nations, the world.

GOD says these customs are vanity. Empty. Of no value.

At this same time that Jeremiah gave GOD’s warnings to Israel there must have been fearful sightings in the skies. I can’t help think of all the “apocalyptic” movies that begin with some catastrophe such as earthquakes, astroids, floods, or aliens. Wars and rumors of wars. Panic.

We are instructed, however, not to be dismayed at the panic of the nations. We must follow the way of the cross. Our salvation comes not through things of this world, but through Jesus.

LORD Bless, Keep, Shine. . .

Prayer Point from Mark 9

Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another. Mark 9:50

Echinacea. It’s also known as coneflower. It’s GOD’s Swiss-army knife of herbal healing.

Jesus said we are the salt of the Earth. He could easily say we are the echinacea of the EARTH. For in Him, we can offer ourselves as a healing balm to all GOD’s creature.

There is a prerequisite for our use: our prayer life. As we reflect on Mark chapter 9, may we be inspired to live lives of faith, humility, and service, ever mindful of the glory and power of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Here are some takeaways from this chapter:

Praise God for His Glory;

Thank God for revealing His glory through Jesus and for the hope we have in Him;

Ask for Increased Faith;

Pray for a deeper, unwavering faith that trusts in God’s power and promises;

Seek Humility and Service;

Request a heart that seeks to serve others and reflects Christ’s humility;

Protection from Sin

LORD Bless, Keep, Shine. . .

Note: Prayer points based on Berean Bible Commentary, Mark 9.

Days of Noah

Open Bible displaying Genesis Chapter 6 text and illustrations of Noah's Ark and people building the ark

Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. (Luke 17: 26,27)

The Berean Bible commentary lists four points of prayer based on Genesis Six. Jesus said The Last Days would be like the Days of Noah. Whether or not these day are those days, the prayer points are applicable.

Pray for Personal Righteousness
Ask God to help you live a life that is pleasing to Him, following the example of Noah.

Seek Forgiveness and Repentance
Confess any areas of sin in your life and seek God’s forgiveness and strength to overcome them.

Intercede for the World
Pray for the world to turn from wickedness and seek God’s mercy and grace.

Thank God for His Faithfulness
Praise God for His unwavering faithfulness and the promises He has made to His people

LORD Bless, Keep, Shine. .

10,000 Reasons

Today is just one of those days.

Frustrated. Irritated. Must be the weather. I got up on the wrong side of the bed. I didn’t sleep well. I wandered around CostCo overloading a cart on the 6-week grocery trip. Traffic is crazy. I don’t like the way people drive, especially those from somewhere else. I want to go sit in the forest, alone. I. I. I. Yes, I know, life isn’t about me. Life happens. Deal with it. Yuke!

So I look through notes kept in Google Keep. I see one about 10,000 Reasons. I read the lyrics. Again. I think if I could get to the 10,000th reading or listening of this song I’d still choke up. Thank You, Jesus!

O LORD
You’re rich in love and You′re slow to anger
Your name is great and Your heart is king
For all Your goodness, I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find

10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)
from Maranatha! Music
Writers: Matthew James Redman, Jonas Myrin

chorus
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul, worship His holy name
Sing like never before, O my soul
I′ll worship Your holy name

verse
The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning
It′s time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes

verse
You’re rich in love and You′re slow to anger
Your name is great and Your heart is king
For all Your goodness, I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find

chorus

Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul, worship His holy name
Sing like never before, Omy soul
I′ll worship Your holy name

Bless the Lord, O my soul
Sing like never before, O my soul
I’ll worship Your holy name

Abundant Life is a Fountain of Living Water — Abundant Life Christian Ministry

LORD Bless, Keep, Shine. . .

EDC

Small backpack first aid kit with Star of Life symbol and buckle

A Miktam of David.
Preserve me, O GOD, for in you I take refuge. I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.”

As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
in whom is all my delight.

The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips.|
Psalm 16:1-4

Every Day Carry. The circumstances may vary, but I carry a few basics with me each day, things I consider essential. A small first aid kit is one. Everyone’s kit is different, personalized.

King David, in Psalm 16, gives us another form of EDC, his miktam, for carrying with him each day. It’s more important than physical first aid kit; it’s a spiritual first aid kit. It’s a preventative dose of essential spiritual vitamins.

Item #1 Trust. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” (James 1:17)

Item #2 Holy Fellowship. “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” (Acts 2:42)

Item #3 Idolatry’s Emptiness. “You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3)

The King’s list goes on.

We can pray Psalm 16. We can add its good things to our miktam, our EDC.

In his book Diary of Personal Prayer, John Baillie begins day 17 with “Almighty GOD, Who art ever present in the world without me, and in the unseen world above me, let me carry with me through this day’s life a most real sense of The power and Thy glory.”

What a wonderful way to begin our day with our LORD, and to carry throughout all our days.

LORD Bless, Keep, Shine. . .

Deceptions

Soldier in combat gear holding a sword and a Bible surrounded by crosses at sunset

“See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.”
Matthew 24:4-8

The Apostle Peter, in his first letter to those Believers sojourning among the nations, tells us to look forward, despite of trials, to the revelation of Jesus Christ. He writes of the revelation of Jesus several times in the first section of his letter.

Jesus tells us that many substitute saviors will come before Jesus is bodily revealed to us. Luke shows us Jesus ascending into Heaven and the disciples “gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’ ” (Acts 1:10,11)

There used to be a game show on TV, “What’s My Line,” in which contestants question three people on a panel. One was the real person, the other two imposters. At the end of the show, the show’s host would say, “Will the real so and so please stand up!”

Are we going to know Jesus when He comes?

A favorite event of mine is he two disciples walking down an old Roman road to toward their town. A man comes up by them and they talk as they walk. Only when the man is invited to eat with the disciples, only when the man breaks bread, do the disciples realize they were talking to the resurrected Jesus. (Luke 24:13-25)

Apostle Paul helps us in our life as we face trials and potential deceptions. In his letter to the Ephesian Believers, he shows us that we need armor in this battle. Spiritual Armor. GOD’s Armor. (Eph 6) This armor he describes isn’t optional. No soldier would fail to put on his armor. Make no mistake: we are soldier in a spiritual battle. The victory is assured. But the battles have, are, and will continue to rage. Put on the armor.

As Jesus continued his discourse on the Mount of Olives, he said that the deceptions are “to lead [people] astray, if possible, even the elect.” (Matthew 24:24)

In his letter to the Thessalonian Believers, Apostle Paul is also encouraging, for the “coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12)

Thank You, Jesus!

LORD Bless, Keep, Shine. . .

Set your hope. . .

Three wooden crosses on a rocky hill in a dry valley with bright sun and clouds

You have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for:

“All flesh is like grass
and all its glory like the flower of grass.

The grass withers,
and the flower falls,
but the word of the Lord remains forever. (1)”

And this word is the good news that was preached to you.
1 Peter 1:23-25

The Apostle Peter has told us we are exiles and sojourners on Earth. Where ever we’ve come from, or where ever we are staying, this place isn’t our real home. Don’t look back. Look ahead. We are to look ahead to a time when we will see Jesus face to face. The Revelation of Jesus our Messiah. That’s where our true Home is, though we aren’t there yet, and we don’t remember having been there. Being with Jesus is Home.

The apostle said there’ll be a few bumps, maybe a whole lot of bumps, in the path to that Forever Home. He also said, “Rejoice!” We are to rejoice despite the difficulties, regardless of the length of the journey. We rejoice even if our sojourn on Earth seems too brief. No matter how long we stay on Earth, in bodies of flesh and bone, it is like the flower that blooms and dies in a single day. Eternity is like infinity, pretty hard to wrap our minds around.

Furthermore, we are instructed by the apostle: “preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (v13)

One of the biggest issues today is the lack of hope, or at least perceived hope. Technological “advances” are overwhelming. Employment isn’t secure. Conflict seems pandemic. Prices rise and rise, seemingly endlessly. People are angry all the time, ever where. There are too many problems, few if any solutions. And summer isn’t in full swing yet; riot season awaits us. Feels like chaos reigns.

Believe not the lies. Our GOD reigns! Walk by faith, not by the way or the sight of the nations, its governments, and social media “influencers” and fear mongers. We are called to set our hope on Jesus Messiah.

Note: 1. Peter references Isaiah 40: 6-8

LORD Bless, Keep, Shine. . .