Tag Archives: theology

Charles Stanley – A Right View of Repentance

August 3, 2013 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

Luke 3:1-14

If you have ever watched soldiers doing close-order drill on a parade field, you know how quickly they can reverse themselves and head in the opposite direction. If they attempt this while standing still, the command is “about face.” If they want to reverse while marching, the command is “to the rear, march.” In either case, there is an abrupt change leading in an entirely different direction. This is a good picture of what genuine repentance looks like. It means to change one’s mind and start moving the opposite way.

One of the Bible’s greatest preachers of repentance was John the Baptist, who called his hearers to a complete “about face.” He had seen too many shallow gestures where people pretended to repent but were not willing to change their behavior. John insisted that those who exhibited only superficial contrition should instead “bear fruits in keeping with repentance” (Luke 3:8). When his listeners asked what he meant by that, they were told to share their food and clothing, to be fair in their business practices, and to be content with their wages. In other words, they were to change their ways and leave their old patterns of behavior behind.

Repentance includes something else: a willingness to make restitution to anyone whom we have wronged. When Zaccheus the tax collector received Jesus into his house, he showed the true nature of his repentance when he said, “If I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much” (Luke 19:8). Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any amends you may need to make.

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Corine

August 3, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

1 Peter 4:7-11

Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. —1 Peter 4:9

A group of us were helping to put together packets of material at an Our Daily Bread event in Orlando last winter when Corine greeted us. It was mid-morning, and she was sure we must be hungry and thirsty. I told her we were “fine,” and she replied, “I know you’re fine, but you need something to eat.” A few minutes later she came back with cold water and snacks.

Throughout the 2 days we were there, Corine came by to check on us, bring us food or water, and take away our trash. On one occasion, I thanked her and said, “You have the gift of hospitality, don’t you, Corine!” She looked down and replied, “I don’t know. But you write the devotional articles, and I’ll clean up. And God will be glorified.”

Corine’s desire is to bring God glory by helping people. She definitely has the gift of hospitality and practices it well. God has graced each of His children with skills and abilities so that He can minister to others through us. You can find those gifts listed in Romans 12:4-13, 1 Corinthians 12:27-31, Ephesians 4:7-12, and 1 Peter 4:9-11.

The Lord has gifted us “that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever” (1 Peter 4:11). —Anne Cetas

All Christians have been gifted

By grace from God above,

Equipped to build and strengthen

The church in faith and love. —Fitzhugh

You are one of a kind— designed to glorify God as only you can.

Bible in a year: Psalms 63-65; Romans 6

Ravi Zacharias

Ravi Zacharias Ministry – Restoring Faith

August 3, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Psychologists have long noted the “Consistency Principle” as a central motivator of human behavior. Research shows that our desire to be consistent with what we have previously done or decided, quietly but powerfully directs our actions. And while consistency is a good and valued trait, our longing for it can just as easily be detrimental. As professor of psychology Robert Cialdini notes, “Sealed within the fortress walls of rigid consistency, we can be impervious to the sieges of reason.”(1)

What might this mean in terms of outlook and belief? It is natural to want to be right. We want to remain unswerving in thought and deed with the things we have already done or said. We want to remain consistent and appear consistent. The fearsome thing is when we want to be consistent more than we want an honest reasoning of truth.

When I look at the agonized questions of Job in his unimaginable suffering, I am reminded of the difficult choice we face when contradicting information comes our way. Every principle and mindset that governed Job’s life was suddenly pulled out from under him by contradicting information. I remember the first time my worldview was challenged by moving outside of the world my teenage mind knew. Living in another country, experiencing a different culture and mindset and religions, the longing to hold on to all that I thought I knew was potent. At times all I wanted was to cling to some sense of consistency in my mind.

Job’s anguish shows his longing for what he thought he knew. The temptation to hold the pieces together was certainly present. Yet, even as the foundations of Job’s worldview cracked and crumbled, he refused to soothe the gaping wounds of his soul with theological fillers or compromising explanations. He remained utterly resistant to the easy answers, turning away from the superficial pieties and formulaic answers of his friends. Despite his pain, maybe even because of it, Job held fast to a sincere reasoning, hoping that God was still with him, longing for faith to be restored, demanding to know why life was crumbling even if it meant challenging notions formerly embraced.

His friends were not so willing. Their only goal was to remain consistent with the knowledge they neatly possessed, which meant countless attempts to argue away Job’s situation. Vigorously driven by their desire for self-exoneration, they overestimated and misused their understanding of the truth, turned a deaf ear to contradicting information, and blinded their eyes from the truth itself—and sadly their friend as well.

The prevalence of great skepticism beside so many explanations for life’s suffering be can also be blinding. For some the Socratic observation begins to sound comforting: All I know is that I know nothing. But this approach can be as unreasonable as clinging to religious formulas if it is simply a way a living with one’s eyes closed.

Job cast the inconsistencies of his experience upon the God he believed he knew—even when it meant shaking his sorrow and anger at God as well. What he found was God remaining in the midst of all of it. In the end, the story reports that Job is restored, mentioning more children and livestock. And while anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one might cringe at the suggestion that this loss can be restored, perhaps the true miracle of restoration here was that Job would be able to open himself to the possibility of life again.

Jill Carattini is managing editor of A Slice of Infinity at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia.

(1) Robert Cialdini, Influence: Science and Practice (Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon, 2001), 55.

Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – The Light of Heaven

August 3, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Its lamp is the lamb. Revelation 21:23

Quietly contemplate the Lamb as the light of heaven. Light in Scripture is the emblem of joy. The joy of the saints in heaven is comprised in this: Jesus chose us, loved us, bought us, cleansed us, robed us, kept us, glorified us: We are here entirely through the Lord Jesus. Each one of these thoughts shall be as sweet as a cluster of grapes.

Light is also the cause of beauty. Nothing of beauty is left when the light is gone. Without light no radiance flashes from the sapphire, no peaceful ray proceeds from the pearl; and so all the beauty of the saints above comes from Jesus. As planets, they reflect the light of the Sun of Righteousness; they live as beams proceeding from the central orb. If He withdrew, they must die; if His glory were veiled, their glory must expire.

Light is also the emblem of knowledge. In heaven our knowledge will be perfect, but the Lord Jesus Himself will be the fountain of it. Dark providences we’ve never understood will then be clearly seen, and all that puzzles us now will become plain to us in the light of the Lamb. Oh, what discoveries there will be, and what glorifying of the God of love!

Light also means manifestation. Light manifests. In this world it does not yet appear what we shall be. God’s people are a hidden people, but when Christ receives His people into heaven, He will touch them with the wand of His own love and change them into the image of His manifested glory. They were poor and wretched, but what a transformation! They were stained with sin, but one touch of His finger, and they are as bright as the sun and as clear as crystal. What a display! All this proceeds from the exalted Lamb. Whatever there may be of transcendent splendor, Jesus will be the center and soul of it all. Plan on being present to see Him in His own light, the King of kings and Lord of lords!

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – How Do We Find Favor with God?

August 2, 2013 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

Psalm 101:1-4

Once we have the favor of God through salvation, does it matter how we act? The Bible responds with an emphatic “Yes!” and gives us numerous examples of godly lives to consider.

• Noah responded to God by walking with Him daily. And our Father responds positively to those who walk closely with Him, live by His Word, and listen carefully to His Holy Spirit. For those of us who believe, that means not only making Scripture a vital part of our lives but also learning who God is and what He likes. How well do you know Him?

• Moses, despite initial protests, chose to obey the divine call and live life God’s way. The Lord favors followers who choose His preferences over their own—that is, those who think about their life in terms of pleasing Him. This requires learning to think as He does. How closely do your thoughts align with His?

• Paul, after his conversion, lived with the single-minded focus of serving Jesus. He sought to do his best by means of inward and outward obedience. The Lord favors those whose hearts are bent toward Him. Do others see that your life is centered around Christ?

• Mary responded with trust and did not doubt when the angel announced that she would give birth to the Messiah. God extends His blessings to those who choose to believe even when evidence says otherwise. How much do you trust the Lord?

We find favor with our heavenly Father through believing minds, responsive hearts, and obedient spirits. Won’t you let this increasingly describe you?

Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – According to His Will

August 2, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Who works all things according to the counsel of his will. Ephesians 1:11

Our belief in God’s wisdom supposes and necessitates that He has a settled purpose and plan in the work of salvation. What would creation have been without His design? Is there a fish in the sea or a bird in the air that was formed by chance? No; in every bone, joint, and muscle, sinew, gland, and blood-vessel, you see the presence of a God working everything according to the design of infinite wisdom. And will God be present in creation, ruling over all, but not in grace? Shall the new creation have the fickle genius of free will to preside over it when divine counsel rules the old creation? Look at providence!

We know that not even a sparrow falls to the ground without our Father. Even the hairs of your head are all numbered. God weighs the mountains of our grief in scales, and the hills of our tribulation in balances. And shall there be a God in providence and not in grace? Shall the shell be ordained by wisdom and the kernel left to blind chance? No; He knows the end from the beginning. He sees in its appointed place not merely the cornerstone that He has laid in fair colors, in the blood of His dear Son, but He sees each of the chosen stones taken out of the quarry of nature, placed in their ordained position, and polished by His grace. He sees the whole from corner to cornice, from base to roof, from foundation to pinnacle. In His mind he has a clear knowledge of every stone that will be put in its prepared space, and how vast the structure will be when the capstone is set in place with shouts of “Grace! Grace!” In the end it will be clearly seen that in every child of God, Jehovah did as He planned with His own; and in every part of the work of grace He accomplished His purpose and glorified His own name.

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – A Hymn of Love

August 2, 2013 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

“I show you a still more excellent way” (1 Cor. 12:31).

First Corinthians 13 has been called the hymn of love, a lyrical interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount, and the Beatitudes set to music. It’s a beautiful portion of Scripture that comes as a breath of fresh air in a book dealing with one problem after another.

This chapter has often been isolated from its context, but its real power lies in the balance and correction it gives to the rest of the book. The Corinthians, like all Christians, had been gifted by God at the moment of salvation to benefit the church in a special way. But many were abusing their gifts, seeking prominence for themselves rather than ministering to one another. So in chapter 12 Paul discusses the concept of spiritual gifts, in chapter 14 their proper use, and in chapter 13 the need to minister them in love.

Like many Christians today, the Corinthians forgot that spiritual gifts can operate effectively only in a person who is truly spiritual. They had the gifts of the Spirit but they weren’t displaying the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22), the first of which is love.

In 1 Corinthians 13 Paul begins, “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.” Love must be the motive and driving force behind everything we do!

How has God gifted you for ministry? Are you ministering your gifts in love?

Suggestions for Prayer:

Ask God to purify your love and make you a more effective minister of the gifts He has given to you.

For Further Study:

Read 1 Corinthians 12.

Who distributes spiritual gifts?

Which gifts did Paul mention?

What is their purpose?

Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie – The Ultimate Awards Ceremony

August 2, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” —Revelation 22:12

The Oscars are awards presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to those who have done an impressive job of producing, directing, acting in, or scoring a film. Some of the Academy’s most highly anticipated awards are for the best film and the best actor and actress. In reality, for what are the actors and actresses being honored? It is for doing an excellent job of pretending to be someone else.

When we stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ, it won’t be about who did the best job of pretending to be someone else. We will be judged for being who we really should be—not pretending to be someone we weren’t. It will be about authenticity and a genuine Christian life that has been lived for the glory of God.

Jesus told His disciples, “And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42). He also said that we should be faithful in the little things because our Father, who sees in secret, will reward us openly (see Matthew 6:1–4).

There will be two judgments: the Great White Throne Judgment (see Revelation 20), which is for nonbelievers, and the Judgment Seat of Christ, which is for believers (see 2 Corinthians 5:10). Jesus said, “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work” (Revelation 22:12).

This is not about how much you did. This is about why you did what you did and how faithful you were with what God has called you to do. Be faithful in that, and He will reward you for your faithfulness.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – How Do We Find Favor with God?

August 1, 2013 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

Psalm 101:1-4

Once we have the favor of God through salvation, does it matter how we act? The Bible responds with an emphatic “Yes!” and gives us numerous examples of godly lives to consider.

We find favor with our heavenly Father through believing minds, responsive hearts, and obedient spirits. Won’t you let this increasingly describe you?

Ravi Zacharias

Ravi Zacharias Ministry – Faith and Doubt

August 1, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Agnes Bojaxhiu, who died in 1997, was one of the most influential persons of her time. She was so, because she was so passionate about her beliefs that her life became an articulate expression of her faith. She loved life and so hated abortion; thus even when called to speak to a pre-dominantly American audience, she strongly criticized the policy. When asked to comment on her remarks, President Bill Clinton only noted, “Who can argue with a life so well-lived?”

Yet, Agnes Bojaxhiu was privately racked by an emotional vacuum in her relationship with God. In some of her writings, published posthumously, she is quoted as saying: “The more I want [God], the less I am wanted.” Sometime later she writes again, “Such deep longing for God—and…repulsed, empty, no faith, no love, no zeal. [The saving of] souls holds no attraction. Heaven means nothing. Pray for me please that I keep smiling at Him in spite of everything.”(1)

Ordinarily, this would not be anything noteworthy, as many would privately disclose that we, too, have been troubled by doubt. But the world looks back at the legacy of Agnes Bojaxhiu, who was better known as Mother Teresa, and these letters, which are very private expressions of her personal struggles, are publicly analyzed. There are many questions that this honesty about doubt raises. Is it wrong to doubt? What kinds of doubt are acceptable and what is not? And most importantly, how do we deal with it?

We do see in the Bible many who wrestled with doubt. Job who was the midst of suffering said, “If I called and he answered me, I could not believe that he was listening to my voice. For he bruises me with a tempest and multiplies my wounds without cause” (Job 9:16-17). Look at the extent of his struggle—even if he were to hear the voice of God in answer to his plea, he would not believe that it was in response to his prayer. His bruises, which were many, constrained belief and encouraged doubt.

Then there is Jeremiah who cried out to God in the face of persecution. “O LORD, you have deceived me and I was deceived; you have overcome me and prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all day long; everyone mocks me” (Jeremiah 20:7). Though this was not a cry of outright unbelief, it was a struggle with a God who seems to be silent in the face of unjust suffering.

In addition to these voices, the list of doubters would not be complete without mention of Thomas, whose name brings to mind the very word. When the disciples recounted to him their encounter with the risen Lord, he refused to blindly believe their words. “Unless I see in his hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe” (John 20:25).

Where there is faith, it seems there is also the possibility of doubt. How do we handle doubt? Firstly, we should be honest about our doubt. In the Gospel of Mark there is an account of a father who brought his demon-possessed son to Jesus. He implored him to cast out the demon. Jesus agreed, saying that all things were possible to those who believed. The father of the boy then confessed, “I do believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24). While there is no mechanical method or technique to rid ourselves of doubt, we can approach God with honesty, confessing our doubt, and our need for his help.

Secondly, God does not want us to live by simply depending upon our feelings. While feelings are important, they do not tell us what is real. They supplement the other facets of how God has made us as humans. Thus, the oft-quoted verse comes alive with meaning in this context: “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). Christians are invited to love God with not just their emotions, but also with all their bodily faculties, wills, and minds. As we observe God’s world and reflect on it, there are impressions of the divine formed in the eyes of our heart, which direct us toward the true God. Thus our minds, our emotions, our wills, and all our faculties are complementary components in our relationship, by faith, in Christ.

And finally, while we are often hard on Thomas, he is to be commended because he doubted so that he could believe. It was not a doubt that was destructive, but a doubt that led to a faith that would not fail him. A blind faith may not have held him finally in the face of martyrdom.

Far from a troubling secret that Christians must hide with shame, our doubts must always lead us to investigate, and then to respond like Thomas to the evidence provided by the risen Jesus—with surrender: “My Lord and my God.”

Cyril Georgeson is a member of the speaking team with Ravi Zacharias International Ministries in Delhi, India.

(1) David Van Biema, “Mother Teresa’s Crisis of Faith,” Time, August 23, 2007.

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – Sovereign grace and man’s responsibility

August 1, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.” Romans 10:20,21

Suggested Further Reading: Matthew 26:20-25

I see in one place, God presiding over all in providence; and yet I see, and I cannot help seeing, that man acts as he pleases, and that God has left his actions to his own will, in a great measure. Now, if I were to declare that man was so free to act, that there was no control of God over his actions, I should be driven very near to atheism; and if, on the other hand, I declare that God so overrules all things, as that man is not free enough to be responsible, I am driven at once into Antinomianism or fatalism. That God predestines, and that man is responsible, are two things that few can see. They are believed to be inconsistent and contradictory; but they are not. It is just the fault of our weak judgment. Two truths cannot be contradictory to each other. If, then, I find taught in one place that everything is fore-ordained, that is true; and if I find in another place that man is responsible for all his actions, that is true; and it is my folly that leads me to imagine that two truths can ever contradict each other. These two truths, I do not believe, can ever be welded into one upon any human anvil, but one they shall be in eternity: they are two lines that are so nearly parallel, that the mind that shall pursue them farthest, will never discover that they converge; but they do converge, and they will meet somewhere in eternity, close to the throne of God, whence all truth springs.

For meditation: The Bible does not tell us everything; nor does it give a full explanation of what it does tell us. But it tells us more than enough to give us a sound foundation for our faith and obedience (Deuteronomy 29:29; John 20:30,31).

Sermon no. 207

1 August (1858)

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – The Antidote for Sin

August 1, 2013 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

“Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Cor. 16:14).

Scripture and personal experience teach us that sin always has its consequences. When you harbor unconfessed sin, you dishonor God and forfeit the blessings and joy He desires for you. Prolonged sin might even bring His chastening through pain or illness.

That’s what happened to Corinthian believers who partook of the Lord’s Table in a sinful manner (1 Cor. 11:27-30). Paul warned the rest of the congregation to take careful spiritual inventory of themselves to avoid incurring a similar punishment. In chapter 13 he reveals the root of their problem, saying in effect, “Some of you are physically ill because you’re sinning. Start loving God and one another as you should, and your ailments will disappear.”

Love is the antidote for sin. When a Pharisee asked Jesus which of the commandments was greatest, Jesus replied, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets” (Matt. 22:37-40). If you love the Lord and your fellow man, you won’t sin against them. That’s why Paul said, “He who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. For this, ‘You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,’ and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no wrong to a neighbor; love therefore is the fulfillment of the law” (Rom. 13:8-10).

Love is your highest calling and the greatest contribution you can make to others. But it’s possible to neglect it or misunderstand its characteristics. That’s why we’re going to spend this month exploring true love and how it functions. As we do, pray that your love for God and others will increase each day.

Suggestions for Prayer:

Ask God for a greater capacity to love Him, then demonstrate your love by obeying His Word.

For Further Study:

Read 1 Corinthians 13, noting the characteristics of love.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Living by Grace

July 31, 2013 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

Romans 5:1-11

Grace is God’s goodness and kindness to those who do not deserve it and cannot earn it. Its benefits are available to everyone.

Each day God causes hearts to beat, bodies to heal, and love to be given and received, regardless of peoples’ opinions of Him. He offers forgiveness to the rebellious, freedom to sinners, and personal fellowship with Himself. All who trust Christ as Savior have access to the throne of grace, where the Savior serves as high priest, interceding for His own (Heb. 4:16; 7:25). We know we can approach God confidently because there is no condemnation for those who belong to Him (Rom. 8:1). What amazing grace!

It wasn’t always so. Israel—God’s chosen people—lived under the Law, not grace. Because they, like us, were a disobedient people, God in His mercy established the sacrificial system to temporarily provide a symbolic way for them to be forgiven of wrongdoing.

Jesus, however, gives us permanent forgiveness because His death was a one-time payment-in-full for all sins ever committed—even future ones (7:27). No mere human could obey every aspect of all 613 divine commandments handed down through Moses. But Christ fulfilled the Law for us, and grace makes it count on our behalf. Our Savior sacrificed His life for us, and as a result, we can approach God’s throne directly.

God’s grace is over us like a canopy and around us like a protective wall. Let the truth of it permeate your heart and mind, so you can become an expression of His love, kindness, and goodness to others.

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Your Flight Is Confirmed

July 31, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Romans 3:21-26

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. —1 Corinthians 15:22

A heavy thunderstorm delayed our flight to Frankfurt, causing us to miss our connecting flight. We were told that we had been confirmed on another flight the next evening. But when we arrived at the gate, we were told that we were on standby. The flight was full.

When I learned this, I wondered if this was mere miscommunication or if this was how they dealt with missed flights. If passengers had been told up front that they were only on standby, they would have been unhappy. Perhaps they saved the truth until later.

Thankfully, God doesn’t work that way. He clearly tells us everything we need to know to get to heaven. The Bible declares that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). God gave us the full picture of our sin nature from Genesis 3 so that He could give us His full and complete solution.

God’s solution in Romans 3:24 is that we are “justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” God sent His own sinless Son to die for our sins. His sacrifice on the cross provided us forgiveness. All we need to do is receive that free gift through faith. I’m so glad God told us the truth up front! He hasn’t left us to find our own way. —C. P. Hia

Thank You, Almighty God, that You don’t hide the

truth from us. You showed us how completely sin

has affected our lives in order to reinforce just

how much Jesus Christ has delivered us from.

Christ’s work makes us safe; God’s Word makes us sure.

Bible in a year: Psalms 54-56; Romans 3

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – The meek and lowly One

July 31, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek, and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Suggested Further Reading: Matthew 21:1-17

Christ on earth was a king; but there was nothing about him of the exclusive pomp of kings, which excludes the common people from their society. Look at the eastern king Ahasuerus, sitting on his throne. He is considered by his people as a superior being. None may come in unto the king, unless he is called for. Should he venture to pass the circle, the guards will slay him, unless the king stretches out the golden sceptre. Even Esther, his beloved wife, is afraid to draw near, and must put her life in her hand, if she comes into the presence of the king uncalled. Christ is a king; but where is his pomp? Where the janitor that keeps his door, and thrusts away the poor? Where the soldiers that ride on either side of his chariot to screen the monarch from the sight of poverty? See thy King, O Sion! He comes, he comes in royal pomp! Behold, Judah, behold thy King cometh! But how cometh he? “Meek and lowly, riding upon an ass, and upon a colt, the foal of an ass.” And who are his attendants? See, the young children, boys and girls! They cry, “Hosannah! Hosannah! Hosannah!” And who are they that wait upon him? His poor disciples. They pull the branches from the trees; they cast their garments in the street, and there he rides on—Judah’s royal king. His courtiers are the poor; his pomp is that tribute which grateful hearts delight to offer. O sinners, will you not come to Christ? There is nothing in him to keep you back. You need not say, like Esther did of old, “I will go in unto the king, and if I perish, I perish.” Come and welcome! Come and welcome! Christ is more ready to receive you than you are to come to him. Come to the King!

For meditation: The character of the King should be reflected in the character of his subjects (Matthew 5:3,5,10). 3 John 9,10 describes exactly what is not called for!

Sermon no. 265

31 July (1859)

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – Your Present Deliverance

July 31, 2013 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

“Obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls” (1 Pet. 1:9).

In 1 Corinthians 1:18 Paul says that “the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (emphasis added). That emphasizes the marvelous reality of the believer’s present deliverance from sin. Peter stressed the same truth in 1 Peter 1:8, where he says that believers obtain as the outcome of their faith the salvation of their souls.

The Greek word translated “obtaining” in 1 Peter 1:18 literally means “presently receiving for yourselves.” It speaks of obtaining something that is due you as a result of your faith in Christ. “Outcome of your faith” refers to the logical result or end of faith. “Souls” speaks of the whole person. The entire verse could be translated, “You rejoice because you have and continue to hold onto the logical result of your proven faith–your ongoing deliverance from sin.”

You need ongoing deliverance because sin is an ongoing problem. You have new life in Christ, are a new creature in Him, and are no longer a slave to the penalty and power of sin, but you’re not yet fully glorified. Consequently you’re still subject to sin’s influence. Paul personalized that struggle in Romans 7, where he says, “The good that I wish, I do not do; but I practice the very evil that I do not wish. . . . I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wishes to do good. . . . Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?” (vv. 19, 21, 24). The victory comes in verse 25, which says, “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

Jesus is the Great Deliverer, through whom you have victory over sin, death, and hell. That’s the last spiritual privilege in Peter’s brief list, but it’s by no means the least. As you love and trust Him, you’ll know the joy of present deliverance.

Suggestions for Prayer:

Praise the Lord for your deliverance from sin’s bondage.

For Further Study:

Review all the spiritual privileges and sources of Christian joy we’ve discussed this month. Keep them fresh in your mind as you face the challenges of each new day.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Stand and Share

July 31, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

You see it a lot these days…people making concessions for the sake of compromise, screams for tolerance from those who are intolerant of other viewpoints, and rejection of what is right because the many who dispute it argue loudly. Where are you today? Are you in the midst of a situation that requires you to stand your ground for truth? Do you need encouragement to be unashamed of sharing the gospel of Christ?

I saw…the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God. Revelation 6:9

Current events in this nation could give you the feeling that the enemy is winning. But know that the Lord will have the last word. The unbeliever trusts that God is gracious, kind and loving. And He is. But He is also a holy and just God who requires punishment for sin and judgment on those who oppose Him.

hen Christ comes a second time, will you be among those who are taken with Him to your heavenly home having stood firm in the truth of His Word? Do not be left behind. Pray now for strength to stand against the schemes of Satan. Then share His love and plead for this nation…that it may turn from its lying and deceitful ways to the truth of God.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 6:10-18, 23-24

Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie – Music to Our Ears

July 31, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! —Revelation 22:20–21

The Bible refers to the second coming of Christ many times, from Genesis to Revelation. It is mentioned 1,800 times in the Old Testament and another 300 times in the New Testament. Statistically, one in every 25 Bible verses refers to the Second Coming. For every prophecy in the Bible about the first coming of Jesus, there are eight prophecies about the second coming of Jesus. One message is clear in Scripture: Christ will come back again to this earth.

As C. H. Spurgeon said, “The sound of His approach should be as music to our ears.”

I think our very reaction to the Lord’s return is a good barometer of where we are spiritually. If you are right with God, then you will look forward to the return of Jesus Christ. But if you are not right with God, then you will dread the return of Jesus.

I love it when my grandkids are excited to see me. They run up to me and grab hold of my legs. They look forward to my arrival (or at least they act like they do.) Why are they so happy to see me? Because I never discipline them. That is not my job. I am there to give them candy and buy them toys and have fun with them. I let their parents deal with the other stuff.

That is how we should feel when we think of the return of Christ. John writes about it in Revelation 22:20: “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ ”

John responds, “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”

That is how every believer ought to respond when they hear that Christ is returning: “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” It is a good thing to say.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Stand and Share

July 30, 2013 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

I saw…the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God. Revelation 6:9

When Christ comes a second time, will you be among those who are taken with Him to your heavenly home having stood firm in the truth of His Word? Do not be left behind. Pray now for strength to stand against the schemes of Satan. Then share His love and plead for this nation…that it may turn from its lying and deceitful ways to the truth of God.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 6:10-18, 23-24

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – God’s Precious Promises

July 28, 2013 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

2 Peter 1:1-4

As believers, we are spiritually wealthy because of the exceedingly great promises we have in Jesus, our Savior. Below are some of the wonderful guarantees we have been given in Scripture.

1. Our reconciliation to God through the death of Christ

“While we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” —Romans 5:6-10

2. The daily forgiveness of our sins

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” —1 John 1:9

3. The Father’s continued presence wherever we go

“The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” —Deuteronomy 31:8

4. A constant Helper through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit

“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever.” —John 14:16

5. The Lord’s strength in whatever difficulty we face

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” —Isaiah 41:10

6. God’s provision for our daily needs

“Do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” —Matthew 6:25-32

7. An answer to our prayers

“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 the requests which we have asked from Him.” —1 John 5:14-15

8. The Lord’s supply of blessing

“The Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” —Psalm 84:11

9. The Father’s daily help with our burdens.

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation.” —Psalm 68:19

10. God’s comfort in our distress

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” —2 Corinthians 1:3-4

11. A way of escape when we are tempted

“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” —1 Corinthians 10:13

12. Wisdom for every challenge

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”—James 1:5

13. Rest for our weary souls

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” —Matthew 11:28-29

14. Peace regardless of the troubles we face

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:6-7

15. Fruitfulness as we grow older

“The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree, he will grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still yield fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap and very green, to declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.” —Psalm 92:12-15

16. The desires of our hearts

“Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.” —Psalm 37:4

17. Help in times of trouble

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. ” —Psalm 46:1-3

18. Guidance along the pathway of life

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” —Psalm 32:8

19. Healing for our diseases and wounds

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; who pardons all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases.” —Psalm 103:1-3

20. The absolute guarantee of God’s love

“I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” —Romans 8:38-39

21. Eternal security

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” —John 10:27-30

22. Heaven as our eternal home

“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” —John 14:1-3

Explore more of God’s Promises here!

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