Tag Archives: christ jesus

Greg Laurie – God Starts . . . and Finishes

October 10, 2014 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. —Romans 8:28

There are times in our lives as Christians when God will do things or fail to do things that we want Him to do, and it won’t make a bit of sense to us. And because we don’t see the big picture, we may falsely conclude that God has abandoned us. But we need to trust Him during these times, remembering that Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of our faith. In other words, what God starts, He completes.

Remember that wonderful word from the first chapter of Philippians? “There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears” (Philippians

1:6, MSG).

It seems as I get older, I get distracted and forget things all the time. But what if God forgot about us? What a frightening thought. Imagine being in the midst of a fiery trial as God is watching and waiting for that moment to take us out of it. Then the phone rings, and He’s gone for a decade! Thankfully, God never forgets about us. He remains—forever and ever—in full control. He knows exactly what He is doing. He will complete what He has begun.

Sometimes in the middle of that process, we may think the Lord is missing it. But He isn’t. We’re the ones who are missing it. From our limited human viewpoint, we think of the temporal, but God lives in the eternal. We are thinking of today, but God is planning for tomorrow . . . in fact, He’s already been there. We are thinking of comfort, but God is thinking of character. We are thinking of an easy time, but God is thinking of how to make us better people.

So let’s trust Him. Whatever our circumstances or hardships, let’s believe His promise to His children: all things are working together.

Today’s devotional is an excerpt from Every Day with Jesus by Greg Laurie, 2013

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Understanding Salvation

October 9, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Ezekiel 18:4; Acts 2:21

Many people have an unscriptural idea of what salvation means, but the term is so basic to understanding Christianity that it merits our careful attention. We can define salvation as the gift of God’s grace, goodness, love, and mercy, whereby He provides forgiveness for your sin and mine.

The Bible explains that “the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23). All of us are sinners deserving of death (Isa. 53:6), but in His love and mercy, God made provision for our forgiveness: He allowed for atonement to be made by the shedding of blood (Lev. 17:11).

All of the Old Testament sacrifices foreshadowed what was to come, pointing to the once-for-all, substitutionary death of God’s sinless Son on the cross. Jesus took our place, receiving the punishment that was rightly ours. Indeed, mankind’s redemption was the purpose for which Christ came into the world (Luke 19:10). And so, salvation is related strictly to the person of Jesus Christ. That’s why John the Baptist proclaimed, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).

There is no acceptance before almighty God—no way to come to Him—apart from the Savior (John 14:6). Throughout Scripture, we see that salvation is a free gift that derives from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is not a result of good works; rather, a person who is saved will naturally produce good works. Have you chosen to receive God’s gift?

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Fly The Flag

October 7, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Ephesians 5:1-13

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. —Ephesians 5:1

Queen Elizabeth II has reigned over the British Empire for more than 60 years. Her monarchy has been characterized by grace and class. She has diligently given her life to serve her people well, and as a result she is deeply loved and highly revered. So, you can understand the importance of the flag flying above Buckingham Palace. When the flag is flying, it means that she is in residence in the heart of London. The flag is a public statement that the queen is present with her people.

As I was thinking about that, it occurred to me that our King Jesus is in residence in our hearts as our “never leave you nor forsake you” Monarch (Heb. 13:5). As wonderful as that is to us personally, I wonder if those around us would recognize that He is in residence based on the way we live? If He is within us, that will show on the outside. As Paul says, we are to be “imitators of God” and to “walk in love, as Christ also has loved us” (Eph. 5:1-2). As we do so, we will display joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23).

So let’s fly the flag of His presence—the flag of His grace, righteousness, and love—so that others may see Him through us. —Joe Stowell

Lord, remind me that Your presence in my heart

is intended to be a public reality. May I so value

all the blessings of Your presence that I am

willing to share them generously with others.

Fly the flag of Christ’s presence to show that the King is in residence in your life.

Bible in a year: Isaiah 28-29; Philippians 3

Insight

The church at Ephesus faced strong challenges to their faith, unity, and lifestyle. In his letter to them, Paul clearly stated what their response should be in verse 2 of today’s text. They were to imitate the heart of self-sacrificial love that Christ Jesus displayed on the cross.

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – Preparing for Spiritual Service

October 6, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable . . . that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Scripture equips you for spiritual service.

Each week I have the privilege of interacting with more than one hundred students at The Master’s Seminary. One of my greatest joys is seeing their determination to do God’s work in God’s way.

That attitude is the key to success in ministry, as Joshua learned when he assumed leadership over the Israelites after Moses’ death. At that point, God said to him, “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success” (Josh. 1:8).

This is how Paul described spiritual success to Timothy: “In pointing out [the things I have said] to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following” (1 Tim. 4:6).

“Servant” speaks of one who oversees and dispenses the goods and property of another. A good spiritual servant is one who knows and dispenses God’s Word. Whatever level of ministry you pursue, you must conform to biblical teaching. To do that, you must know what God says about ministering to His people.

I’ve met many people who love the Lord and want desperately to serve Him effectively, but haven’t taken time to learn the principles that govern spiritual ministry. Consequently they’re ill-prepared and in some cases unwittingly participating in activities that actually violate God’s Word.

Don’t let that happen to you. God’s Word supplies all the strength, instruction, and comfort you need to serve Christ properly. Study it thoroughly and follow it closely.

Suggestions for Prayer

Thank God for every ministry opportunity He gives you.
Ask Him to help you see any areas of your service that might need to be corrected, and then respond accordingly.

For Further Study

According to Philippians 1:12-18, is it possible to minister with impure motives? Explain.

Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – The Way of Salvation

October 5, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved. Mark 16:16

Mr. MacDonald asked the inhabitants of the island of St. Kilda how a man must be saved. An old man replied, “We will be saved if we repent and forsake our sins and turn to God.” “Yes,” said a middle-aged woman, “and with a true heart too.” “Yes,” rejoined a third, “and with prayer”; and a fourth added, “It must be the prayer of the heart.” “And we must be diligent too,” said a fifth, “in keeping the commandments.” When each of them made their contribution, feeling that a very decent creed had been made up, they all looked and listened for the preacher’s approval, but they had aroused his deepest pity.

The secular mind always maps out for itself a way in which self can work and become great, but the Lord’s way is quite the reverse. Believing and being baptized are not matters of merit to be gloried in—they are so simple that boasting is excluded. It may be that the reader is unsaved—what is the reason? Do you think the way of salvation as laid down in the text is dubious? How can that be when God has pledged His own word for its certainty? Do you think it too easy? Why, then, do you not obey it?

Those who neglect it are without excuse. To believe is simply to trust, to depend, to rely upon Christ Jesus. To be baptized is to submit to the ordinance that our Lord fulfilled at Jordan, to which the converted ones submitted at Pentecost, to which the jailer yielded obedience on the very night of his conversion. The outward sign does not save, but it portrays our death, burial, and resurrection with Jesus and, like the Lord’s Supper, is not to be neglected. Reader, do you believe in Jesus? Then, dear friend, dismiss your fears—you will be saved. Are you still an unbeliever? Then remember there is only one door, and if you will not enter by it you will perish in your sins.

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The family reading plan for October 5, 2014 * Ezekiel 38 * Psalm 89

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Devotional material is taken from “Morning and Evening,” written by C.H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg.

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – Infant salvation

September 29, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

‘Is it well with the child? And she answered, It is well.’ 2 Kings 4:26

Suggested Further Reading: 2 Samuel 12:13–23

The child is saved, if snatched away by death as we are, on another ground than that of rites and ceremonies and the will of man. On what ground, then, do we believe the child to be saved? It is saved because it is elect. In the compass of election, in the Lamb’s book of life, we believe there shall be found written millions of souls who are only shown on earth, and then stretch their wings for heaven. They are saved, too, because they were redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. He who shed his blood for all his people, bought them with the same price with which he redeemed their parents, and therefore they are saved because Christ was sponsor for them, and suffered in their room and stead. They are saved, again, not without regeneration, for, ‘except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’ No doubt, in some mysterious manner the Spirit of God regenerates the infant soul, and it enters into glory made meet to be a partaker of the inheritance of the saints in light. That this is possible is proved from Scripture instances. John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb. We read of Jeremiah also, that the same had occurred to him; and of Samuel we find that while yet a babe the Lord called him. We believe, therefore, that even before the intellect can work, God, who works not by the will of man, nor by blood, but by the mysterious agency of his Holy Spirit, creates the infant soul a new creature in Christ Jesus, and then it enters into the rest which ‘remaineth … to the people of God.’

For meditation: Men cannot affect the eternal destiny of infants, but ‘Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?’ (Genesis 18:25). Spurgeon asks ‘Where did David expect to go? Why, to heaven surely. Then his child must have been there, for he said, “I shall go to him”. I do not hear him say the same of Absalom … He had no hope for that rebellious son.’ (Psalm 23:6; 2 Samuel 12:23). He also mentions Ezekiel 16:21 where God describes sacrificed infants as ‘my children.’

Sermon no. 411

29 September (1861)

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – My Normal Mind

September 14, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

I do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers. [For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him, by having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones). —Ephesians 1:16–18

This section in Ephesians is difficult for many of us to understand. What does Paul mean by “the eyes of your heart flooded with light” (v. 18)? I believe he is referring to the mind, because that’s what needs enlightenment. It is with the mind that we grasp God’s truths and hold to them.

Too many of us have difficulty being “flooded with light” because we are distracted with too many other things. The apostle prays for us to have what I call a normal mind—a mind that’s open to the Holy Spirit’s work—so that we may follow God’s plan and live enriched lives.

One way to think about the idea of a normal mind is to look at two of Jesus’ friends, Mary and Martha. Most people know the story of the sisters and the visit Jesus made to their home in Bethany. Martha scurried around, making certain that everything in their home was exactly right, while Mary sat down to listen to Jesus. Luke says Martha “was distracted with much serving” (Luke 10:40), and she complained to Jesus that she needed her sister’s help.

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things” (v. 41), Jesus told her, and then He commended Mary for having chosen the “good portion.”

As I thought about that incident, I realized it was more than Martha being distracted. I’m sure her mind jumped around, making certain that everything was exactly right. The implication is that even if there had been nothing more to do, Martha wouldn’t have stopped to sit at Jesus’ feet. She was so caught up in busyness that her mind would have searched for something else to do.

The Marthas seem to be in control of our world, don’t they? They are the ones who get things done. When they’re not accomplishing their own goals, they seem to be telling others what they should do. In today’s world of “multi-tasking” the Marthas seem to get the awards and the accolades. Some people are busy all the time. They wear their busyness like a badge, as if that makes them more important. Their busyness can easily distract them from developing a solid relationship with God. They’re the ones who often lack depth of peace and rarely know spiritual contentment. That is, they don’t have what God considers a normal mind. It is not in the condition He would like it to be in.

People who are excessively busy cannot even sleep when they lie down at night. They are either mentally going over the day’s activities or making mental lists of the tasks for the next day.

This isn’t the lifestyle Jesus calls us to. As believers, we are spiritual beings, but we’re also natural. The natural doesn’t understand the spiritual and constantly fights that part of our nature. The Bible makes it clear that the mind and the spirit work together. That’s the principle I call “the mind aiding the spirit.”

For the mind to aid the spirit, we must learn to pull back from all the distractions around us. There will always be demands on our time and energy, and we can always find plenty to do. But if we want to live with the mind of Christ, the one that should be normal for Christians, it means we must learn to imitate Mary. Despite all the clamor and activities going on around her, she was able to sit, relax, and listen to the voice of the Master. That’s how the mind is supposed to work. It should be quiet and under the control of the Spirit. However, we often find that our minds are so set in a wrong direction that they actually hinder the Spirit from helping us, as they should be free to do.

If you realize from this devotion that your mind has been behaving abnormally, ask God to forgive you and teach you what a normal mind is in His kingdom.

Dear God in heaven, distractions constantly come at me. When I try to pause and focus on You, my mind seems to be filled with dozens of things I need to do. I realize that I truly need only one thing—to focus on You. Please help me push away every distraction and noise so I can hear only Your voice that says, “Come unto Me, and I will give you rest.” Amen.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Knocking on the Gate

September 1, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Jesus both taught and modeled a radical life of prayer for His disciples. He urged them to always pray and keep asking, seeking and knocking with confident assurance of the Father’s loving heart. Jesus knew this would draw them to the true center of prayer, which is not something but Someone. Persistence would deepen their relationship with God through exercising patience and faith.

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Matthew 7:7

Of course, the most important demonstration of persistence in prayer is for the salvation of others. In Matthew 7, the word “door” is not in the Greek text. During biblical days people also knocked on gates as well as doors to request entrance. So “knock” probably refers to knocking on the gate of His kingdom.

Remember each day to practice persistent prayer, particularly for those who need to discover a personal relationship with Christ Jesus. Whether it’s a family member, coworker, neighbor or government leader, never give up praying for them. You can have a positive impact on their eternity!

Joyce Meyer – A Perfect Plan

August 27, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.—Philippians 1:6

For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].—Ephesians 2:10

I wonder how many times we’ve heard preachers say, “God has a plan for your life.” We nod, perhaps smile, and then go on our way. I’m not sure most of us truly believe that—at least, our lives don’t reflect that we believe it.

What does it mean to think that God has a perfect plan for us? Perhaps it’s the word perfect that troubles us. We’re fal¬lible and make so many mistakes. How could anything be perfect in our lives? We know ourselves too well. Immediately we think of our shortcomings and shake our heads.

That’s a trick of Satan! The plan isn’t perfect because we’re perfect; the plan is perfect because God is perfect. For now, let’s say it this way: God has a special plan for each of our lives.

Let’s think about that plan. In the previous verse, Paul told us that God saved us and started a good work in us. The Spirit is still with us, nudging us forward. Paul also wrote that we are God’s handiwork (or workmanship). The two verses before that tell us that we’re saved by God’s grace. We have nothing to do with the act of salvation—we haven’t earned it or deserved it. We are born into the kingdom of God as a gift. God does it, and we receive it. Yes, we believe, but that’s not doing anything to earn our salvation.

As we think about God at work in us, we remind ourselves that, imperfect as we are, God is perfection. Nothing we can ever do would be good enough to satisfy God’s perfection. Only Jesus, the Perfect One, is good enough. Nothing but our faith in Him makes us acceptable to God.

The apostle went on to say that we are saved through Jesus Christ so that we can do good works. God has prepared us for the kind of life He wants us to live. His Word makes it clear how that life works.

It’s not that we’re perfect or ever will be perfect while on earth. The point is that God is perfect and has a plan for us. The plan for our lives is perfect, because it comes from the Perfect Planner. God’s plan for us includes obedience and service to Him from a sincere heart.

God holds out directions for a full, satisfying life. Our role is to align ourselves with that plan. We are to keep our eyes on Jesus and His ability, not on ourselves and our disabilities.

As soon as we say, “But wait! I’m not perfect! I fail,” we have taken our attention off God and allowed Satan to distract us with wrong thinking. Our loving Lord pleads with us to turn our minds and hearts fully over to Him. The more fully we do that, the more completely we live by His good and perfect plan.

We are to be like Joshua, to whom God said, “This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success” (Joshua 1:8).

Perfect God, help me in this battle for my mind. Satan constantly reminds me of my imperfections and my weaknesses, but I ask You to remind me of Your perfection, Your love, and Your closeness so that I can always walk in victory. I ask these things through Jesus Christ. Amen.

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – Hoping in God

August 26, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“[Love] hopes all things” (1 Cor. 13:7).

Love refuses to take human failure as final.

Even when faith falters, hope comes to the rescue. It is that long rope that keeps us linked to the sovereignty and power of God.

The apostle Peter wrote to believers who were experiencing severe trials. To encourage them he began, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Pet. 1:3).

Our hope is a living hope because our God is a living God. No matter how bleak your situation might seem, God is at work to accomplish His purposes. As Christ hung on the cross, it seemed as if sin had finally triumphed over righteousness. But sin’s finest hour became its death knell when Christ arose from the grave as Lord of life and Redeemer of His people. Now “He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal [body] through His Spirit who indwells you” (Rom. 8:11). Trials and death have no power over you. They simply bring you closer to Christ.

When ministering to others, hope gives you confidence that as long as there is life, human failure is never final. God refused to accept Israel’s failures; Jesus refused to accept Peter’s; and Paul refused to accept that of the Corinthians. When your attempts to cover the sins of others have failed or your righteous expectations have been shattered, hope says, “Don’t give up. God can still work this out for good.”

Hope is illustrated in the true story of a dog who was abandoned at the airport of a large city. He stayed there for over five years, waiting for his master to return. People at the airport fed and cared for him, but he refused to leave the spot where he last saw his master. If a dog’s love for his master can produce that kind of hope, how much more should your love for God produce abiding hope?

Suggestions for Prayer; Praise God for His sovereignty and power, and for the hope that is yours in Christ.

For Further Study; Read Psalm 42, noting how the psalmist related the distressing circumstances of his life to his hope in God.

Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie – Life in Two Dimensions

August 21, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

He raised us from the dead along with Christ, and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. —Ephesians 2:6
A Christian is someone who lives in two dimensions. The apostle Paul explained it this way: “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth” (Colossians 3:1-2, NLT).
These verses are saying that believers truly do live in a spiritual dimension — where we walk in the Spirit and know God in the Spirit. Yet as human beings, we also live and move in physical bodies here on earth. Our challenge as Christians, then, is to transfer what we have in the spiritual realm into the day-to-day ebb and flow of events in the earthly realm.
When I travel to another country and pass through its borders, I still maintain my U.S. citizenship. When I went to Israel a few years ago, although I had my passport that indicated I am an American, I had to live in their culture. As a result, there were a few things I needed to adapt to. When I needed currency, for example, I took funds from my bank in the U.S. and converted them into shekels to use in Israel. Of course, I didn’t know what the exchange rate was, so on my first day there, I may have tipped someone fifty dollars to carry my bags to my room. (He was really nice to me the rest of the day.)
As Christians, we have riches, treasures, real assets waiting for us in heaven. When the Bible speaks of the heavenlies, however, we need to recognize that it is not only talking about something waiting for us in heaven after we die. It is also talking about the supernatural realm. So before we can effectively walk as believers, much less engage in spiritual battle, we need to learn about the supernatural resources God has given to us. We also need to understand they are treasures God wants us to start tapping into in the here and now, as well as in the by and by. They are provisions available to any believer who is walking with God.

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Our Daily Bread — Our Foundation

August 20, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

1 Corinthians 3:1-11

For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. —1 Corinthians 3:11

The Bavarian city of Nördlingen is unique. It sits in the middle of the Ries Crater, a large circular depression caused by the impact of a huge meteorite a long time ago. The immense pressure of the impact resulted in unusual crystallized rock and millions of microscopic diamonds. In the 13th century, these speckled stones were used to build St. George’s Church. Visitors can see the beautiful crystal deposits in its foundation and walls. Some might say it has a heavenly foundation.

The Bible talks of a different kind of heavenly foundation. The Lord Jesus came to our world from heaven (John 3:13). When He went back into heaven after His death and resurrection, He left His followers who became the “living temple” of God, of which He is the foundation. The apostle Paul says, “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 3:11).

The church building in Bavaria is built on a foundation from pieces of rock from the physical heavens. But the spiritual church—all believers in Christ—is founded on the ultimate heavenly foundation, Christ Jesus (Isa. 28:16; 1 Cor. 10:3-4). Praise God that because of what Jesus has done our salvation is secure. —Dennis Fisher

On Christ salvation rests secure;

The Rock of Ages will endure;

Nor can that faith be overthrown

Which rests upon the “Living Stone.” —Anon.

Christ, the Rock, is our sure hope.

Bible in a year: Psalms 105-106; 1 Corinthians 3

Insight

In today’s passage, Paul uses both agricultural and architectural metaphors to warn of an overreliance and dependence on church leaders. Using an agricultural metaphor, he reminds us that while human leaders do the planting and watering, God alone can make the church grow (1 Cor. 3:1-9). And with the architectural metaphor of a building, Paul warns that no human leader is the founder of the church (vv.10-11). God alone is the founder and foundation.

Uncategorized

Charles Spurgeon – Christ’s first and last subject

August 20, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17. “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Luke 24:47

Suggested Further Reading: Philippians 3:1-14

If you are renewed by grace, and were to meet your old self, I am sure you would be very anxious to get out of his company. “No,” say you, “No, sir, I cannot accompany you.” “Why, you used to swear!” “I cannot now.” “Well, but,” says he, “You and I are very near companions.” “Yes, I know we are, and I wish we were not. You are a deal of trouble to me every day. I wish I could be rid of you for ever.” “But,” says Old Self, “you used to drink very well.” “Yes, I know it. I know you did, indeed, Old Self. You could sing a song as merrily as any one. You were ringleader in all sorts of vice, but I am no relation of yours now. You are of the old Adam, and I of the new Adam. You are of your old father, the devil; but I have another—my Father, who is in heaven.” I tell you, brethren, there is no man in the world you will hate so much as your old self, and there will be nothing you will so much long to get rid of as that old man who once was dragging you down to hell, and who will try his hand at it over and over again every day you live, and who will accomplish it yet, unless that divine grace which has made you a new man shall keep you a new man even to the end. Good Rowland Hill, in his “Village Dialogues,” gives the Christian, whom he describes in the first part of the book, the name of Thomas Newman. Every man who goes to heaven must have the name of new-man. We must not expect to enter there unless we are created anew in Christ Jesus.

For meditation: In our testimonies we should own up to what we used to be, but in such a way that we also disown the people we used to be. Don’t be like the biography of a Christian which seems to glory in the sin of the past—reserve all the glory for your Saviour (1 Corinthians 15:9,10; 1 Timothy 1:13-17).

Sermon no. 329

20 August (Preached 19 August 1860)

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Example That Encourages

August 12, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

2 Timothy 2:1-7

I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet . . . . I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. —John 13:14-15

The story is told that in the late 1800s a group of European pastors attended D. L. Moody’s Bible conference in Massachusetts. Following their custom, they put their shoes outside their room before they slept, expecting them to be cleaned by hotel workers. When Moody saw the shoes, he mentioned the need to others because he knew their custom. But he was met with silence. Moody collected all the shoes and cleaned them himself. A friend who made an unexpected visit to his room revealed what Moody had done. The word spread, and the next few nights others took turns doing the cleaning.

Moody’s leadership style of humility inspired others to follow his example. The apostle Paul reminded Timothy to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Tim. 2:1-2 NIV). When we remember that our strength is a result of God’s grace, that keeps us humble. Then in humility we pass on God’s truth by being an example that encourages and inspires others to follow.

Jesus Himself is our example of servanthood. He gave His very life for us. —Albert Lee

Lord Jesus, I know little about humility.

Show me and teach me as I read about Your

example in Your Word. Give me the grace

to humble myself and serve others.

Humility is the result of knowing God and knowing yourself.

Bible in a year: Psalms 84-86; Romans 12

Insight

Paul had been mentoring Timothy as he pastored a church in Ephesus. Paul instructed Timothy not only in matters of faith (2 Tim. 3:14-17), but in matters of church etiquette and order, and in practical matters of conducting himself in a manner that reflected the grace of Jesus Christ. The importance of the last of these is reflected in today’s passage (vv.3-6). But Paul didn’t simply give direction and instruction; he modeled what he encouraged. Modeling Christ to those around us is one of the ways we demonstrate that He is our leader (vv.2-3). We see this principle also in 1 Corinthians when Paul told the Corinthian church to follow his example as he followed the example of Christ (11:1).

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Praying in His Will

August 6, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have requests which we have asked from Him” (1 John 5:14,15 NAS).

A very dedicated church member, who came to me for counsel concerning her prayer life, said, “I pray all the time, but I don’t seem to get any answers. I have become discouraged and I wonder if God really answers prayer.”

I showed her this wonderful promise and asked, “First of all, do you pray according to the will of God?” This was a new thought to her.

“What do you mean?” she inquired. I explained by reminding her what God’s Word says. How do our requests relate to the Word of God and to the desires which He places in our hearts? As we read in Psalm 37:4, if we delight ourselves in the Lord, He gives us the desires of our hearts, and in Phillipians 2:13 Paul states that it is God who works in us both to will and to do His good pleasure. For example, we can always know that we are praying according to the will of God and the Word of God when we pray for the salvation of souls, for God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. We can pray for the maturing of believers because God wants all of us to be conformed to the image of Christ. We can also pray for all the needs of our brothers and sisters materially, emotionally, and most of all, spiritually – because God’s Word promises that He will supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

One can know that selfish prayers for “me, myself and only my interests” are not likely to be heard because we are to seek first God’s kingdom.

If we want to receive blessings from God for ourselves, we must forget ourselves and help others find their fulfillment. In the process, God will meet our needs. This does not suggest that we should not give attention to our own needs and to the needs of our loved ones, but rather we are not to seek only that which is for our personal best.

No prayer life can be effective without a thorough knowledge and understanding of God’s Word, the basis from which we can know the will of God and thus pray with assurance that our prayers will be answered.

Bible Reading: I John 3:22-24

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: I will saturate my mind with the Word of God and seek to know and do His will so that when I pray, my prayers will have ready answers.

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Breaking Free

August 5, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Romans 8:1-11

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. —Romans 8:1

The elephant is the largest land animal on earth—and one of the most powerful. Yet it takes only a strong rope to restrain one. Here’s how it works. When the elephant is young, he is tied to a large tree. For weeks, he will strain and pull, but the rope holds him fast. So eventually he gives up.

Then, when the elephant reaches his full size and strength, he won’t struggle to get free, for once he feels resistance, he stops. He still believes he’s held captive and can’t break free.

Satan can play a similar trick on us to hold us captive. The Bible assures us that there is “no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” (Rom. 8:1). We have been set “free from the law of sin and death” (v.2). But the enemy of our soul tries to make us believe we are still dominated by sin.

What shall we do then? Reflect on what Christ has done. He died for our sins and declared an end to sin’s control over us (v.3). He rose from the dead and gave us the Holy Spirit. Now we are empowered to live victoriously in Him because “the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in [us]” (v.11).

In Christ, we are set free. —Poh Fang Chia

He has our salvation wrought,

He our captive souls has bought,

He has reconciled to God,

He has washed us in His blood. —Wesley

Experience true freedom— take every thought captive in obedience to Christ.

Bible in a year: Psalms 68-69; Romans 8:1-21

Insight

Though Paul did not plant the church at Rome, his letter to them became foundational not only for their spiritual understanding, but—in many ways—for ours as well. Paul’s theology of salvation and call to response resonate with gratitude to his Savior.

Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – Belonging

July 29, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Daily Devotional for July 29, 2014

All that the Father gives me will come to me. John 6:37

This declaration involves the doctrine of election: There are some whom the Father gave to Christ. It involves the doctrine of effectual calling: These who are given must and shall come; however stoutly they may set themselves against it, yet they shall be brought out of darkness into God’s marvelous light. It teaches us the indispensable necessity of faith, for even those who are given to Christ are not saved except they come to Jesus. Even they must come, for there is no other way to heaven but by the door, Christ Jesus. All that the Father gives to our Redeemer must come to Him; therefore none can come to heaven except when they come to Christ.

Oh, the power and majesty that rest in the words “will come.” He does not say they have power to come, nor that they may come if they will, but they “will come.” The Lord Jesus by His messengers, His Word, and His Spirit sweetly and graciously compels men to come in, that they may eat of His marriage supper; and this He does not by any violation of the free agency of man, but by the power of His grace. I may exercise power over another man’s will, and yet that other man’s will may be perfectly free, because the constraint is exercised in a manner accordant with the laws of the human mind. Jehovah Jesus knows how by irresistible arguments addressed to the understanding, by mighty reasons appealing to the affections, and by the mysterious influence of His Holy Spirit operating upon all the powers and passions of the soul so to subdue the whole man, whereas he was once rebellious, that he yields cheerfully to His government, subdued by sovereign love. But how shall those be known whom God has chosen? By this result: that they do willingly and joyfully accept Christ and come to Him with simple and unfeigned faith, resting upon Him as all their salvation and all their desire. Reader, have you come to Jesus in this way?

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The family reading plan for July 29, 2014 * Jeremiah 25 * Mark 11

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Devotional material is taken from “Morning and Evening,” written by C.H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg.

Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie –Take It to the Bank

July 28, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort. —Philippians 1:3

A homeless man was standing on a street corner, asking for money, when a well-dressed attorney came walking by. The attorney looked at him and said, “Haven’t I seen you somewhere before?”

The man recognized the attorney and said, “Remember third-period English in high school?”

“You sat right next to me,” the attorney said. “What happened?”

“I just fell on hard times.”

The attorney said, “Don’t say another word.” He pulled out his checkbook and wrote out a check for $500. Then he said, “I want to help you out. Take this money, get cleaned up, and get a new set of clothes. Don’t thank me. It’s the least I can do.” And off he went.

With the check in hand, the man made his way down to the bank where the attorney’s account was. But when he saw how nicely dressed the people were and how clean and tidy the bank was, he felt unworthy and didn’t go in.

The next day, the attorney was walking down the same street when he saw the same man asking for money. He said, “What are doing here?”

The man said, “I felt ashamed. I didn’t feel worthy to go into the bank and cash your check.”

The attorney told him, “That check has my signature on it. You take that down and cash it. It’s not based on who you are. It is based on me. My signature is on it, and it is good. Cash it.”

That is what God has done for us in justification. God’s grace has been extended to us. We are wrong when we think we have to do something to somehow earn it.

Today’s devotional is an excerpt from Every Day with Jesus by Greg Laurie, 2013

Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – With Princes

July 26, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

…to make them sit with princes. Psalm 113:8

Our spiritual privileges are of the highest order. “With princes” is the place of select society. “Indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.”1 There is no more select society than this! “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.”2 “. . . to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven.”3

The saints have direct and immediate access: Princes are admitted to royalty when common people must stand afar off. The child of God has free access to the inner courts of heaven. “For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.”4 “Let us then with confidence draw near,” says the apostle, “to the throne of grace.”5

Among princes there is abundant wealth, but what is the abundance of princes compared with the riches of believers? For “all are yours, and you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.”6 “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”7 Princes have peculiar power. A prince of heaven’s empire has great influence: He wields a scepter in his own domain; he sits upon Jesus’ throne, for “You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”8 We reign over the united kingdom of time and eternity.

Princes, again, have special honor. We may look down upon all earthborn dignity from the eminence upon which grace has placed us. For what is human grandeur to this: “[He] raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus”?9 We share the honor of Christ, and compared with this, earthly splendors are not worth a thought. Communion with Jesus is a richer gem than ever glittered in a royal crown. Union with the Lord is an emblem of beauty outshining all the blaze of imperial pomp.

1) 1 John 1:3 2) 1 Peter 2:9 3) Hebrews 12:23 4) Ephesians 2:18 5) Hebrews 4:16 6) 1 Corinthians 3:22-23 7) Romans 8:32 8) Revelation 5:10 9) Ephesians 2:6

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The family reading plan for July 26, 2014 * Jeremiah 22 * Mark 8

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Devotional material is taken from “Morning and Evening,” written by C.H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg.

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – Continental tour H1

July 20, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

DAILY DEVOTIONS, NEWS AND INFORMATION

Tag Archives: christ jesus

Greg Laurie – God Starts . . . and Finishes

Charles Stanley – Understanding Salvation

Our Daily Bread — Fly The Flag

John MacArthur – Preparing for Spiritual Service

Alistair Begg – The Way of Salvation

Charles Spurgeon – Infant salvation

Joyce Meyer – My Normal Mind

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Knocking on the Gate

Joyce Meyer – A Perfect Plan

John MacArthur – Hoping in God

Greg Laurie – Life in Two Dimensions

Our Daily Bread — Our Daily Bread — Our Foundation

Charles Spurgeon – Christ’s first and last subject

Our Daily Bread — Example That Encourages

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Praying in His Will

Our Daily Bread — Breaking Free

Alistair Begg – Belonging

Greg Laurie –Take It to the Bank

Alistair Begg – With Princes

Charles Spurgeon – Continental tour H1

Scriptures, Lessons, News and Links to help you survive.