Come Alive
2/28/25
There is one thing the dead man needs more than the grave. The dead man needs life. He needs to come alive to the truth of God revealed in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:5 uses the word "quicken" to describe the work of God in causing the dead man to come alive in Jesus Christ. "Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace are ye saved.)" To be quickened with Christ is to be made alive through His saving power. This work of salvation is a gift of God. It is by grace we who are dead in sins can come alive in Christ. Consider a few facts about this gift of God making us come alive in Christ.
1. It is a gift of Christ's love. 2:4
2. It is a gift of Christ life. 2:5-6
3. It is a gift that is long lasting. 2:7
Our response to this great gift of God should be to live life loving Him supremely, live life for His pleasure, and live this life to give Him the praise He rightly deserves.
The Dead Man
2/22/2025
Is it possible to be physically alive yet be a dead man at the same time? Ephesians 2:1-3 teaches that it is not only possible, but it is also a sad reality for many people who are not alive in Christ. The dead man may have all the symptoms of a physical life. The heart is beating. The lungs are breathing. The brain is functioning. The body is responding. But spiritually, they are devoid of the life that only comes through faith in Jesus Christ. What are the symptoms of the dead man who is not alive in Jesus Christ?
1. The depravity of the dead man. The dead man is dead "in" his trespasses and sins. This does not mean that the dead man cannot do some things that are good in the eyes of fellow man. This does mean that the best of the good works of the dead man only amount to sin in the eyes of a holy God.
2. The disobedience of the dead man. The dead man is following after the course of this world. He is influenced by the deceptive lies of the devil. His walk is that of a disobedient child.
3. The desires of the dead man. The dead man lusts after what pleases himself. He then wills himself to obtain what only pleases himself. There is no desire in his heart to please the Lord because is not alive in Jesus Christ.
Is there any home for the dead man? Yes. He must come alive in Christ. "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved.)" Ephesians 2:4-5
STRESS
2/8/2025
Stress is common in life. If there is not enough stress, we will not be motivated to accomplish anything. Too much stress and life can become overwhelming. Paul writes about this stress in 2 Corinthians 4:8, "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair." How is he squeezed so tight yet does not give up? How can we handle stress common in life?
1. Trust that God is in control.
2. Remember the truth of God.
3. Rely on the strength of God.
4. Seek to glorify God.
SEALED
1/31/2025
One of the greatest Biblical truths, bringing great assurance to the heart of the believer, is the doctrine of the security of the saints. Is salvation of the saints, and its security, the work of our infallible God, or the work of fallible man? This doctrine provides reassurance that believers are eternally held in all-powerful hands of the Son of God (John 10:27-29). This great truth is based upon the character of God, who cannot lie, ensuring that His promises are unchanging and eternal (Titus 1:2). Then, to secure His gift of everlasting life, the Lord sealed the believer with the Holy Spirit promise, guaranteeing our inheritance until the complete redemption of those who are God's possession, to the praise of His glory (Ephesians 1:14; 4:30). To unravel and trample over this beautiful doctrine would require the dismantling of the Word of God which is settled forever in heaven (Psalm 119:89). When it comes to the believer's security of salvation, consider it sealed!
Tried & Tested
1/24/2025
How can we make sense out of suffering that makes no sense? Job is often seen as the most tried and tested man to have ever walked the face of the earth. Reflecting on his unwavering faith amidst adversity can offer insight into enduring seemingly senseless hardship. Despite his hardships, Job's faith in God did not falter. He was confused. His circumstances did not make much sense. Yet, in the midst of his darkness, he is found making some profound statements of faith. Consider Job 23:10, which expresses his unwavering belief that God knows his path and will bring him forth as gold. He understands that he is being tested by God and that God is going to accomplish His purpose. In Job 23:11, Job determines to continue obeying the Lord by faith. His trials did not give his faith an excuse to disobey God. What undergirded the faith of Job? In Job 23:12, Job valued the Word of God of greater significance than the food he eats. The Word of God taught Job that God is sovereign. He can be trusted. His purposes will be accomplished. Though tried, Job came forth shinning brighter than gold.
1. Trust God in the test.
2. Trust God and obey.
3. Trust God and value His Word.
No More
1/17/2025
It happens every day. An estimated 62 million people die every year. That calculates to about 170,000 people dying every day. This morbid statistic is not one we like to think about, yet it serves as a somber reminder we will all one day breathe our last breath. Then what? For those who are redeemed by the sacrificial work of Christ, there is comfort in the promises of Christ beyond the grave. John writes a comforting word concerning the new heaven and the new earth in Revelation 21:4-5, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I will make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful." Consider this short list of great comfort:
1. No more death
2. No more sorrow
3. No more crying
4. No more pain
How can we be sure of this future hope for all who have placed their faith in the resurrected Christ? We can be assured of these true and faithful promises because He who gave them is faithful and true.
Wealthy Wicked
1/10/2025
Is it possible to succeed in this world without God? Job indicates that the wealthy wicked not only prosper but they apparently find great enjoyment in their wealth while rejecting any and all reliance upon the Lord. Listen to what Job says, "They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave. Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways. What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?" (Job 21:13-15) The wealthy wicked may prosper but they do not prosper with God. There are four characteristics of the wealthy wicked:
1. The wealthy wicked reject God.
2. The wealthy wicked reject God's truth.
3. The wealthy wicked reject serving God.
4. The wealthy wicked reject praying to God.
It is possible to prosper in this world without God. The wicked prosper in their wealth all the time, but as Jesus said, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Matthew 8:36) Prosper with God by living for His pleasure and not merely your own.
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