Wednesday, August 31, 2005

The Ultimate Response

The Lord is not…willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9

Amazement is an appropriate and, in fact, unavoidable response to the words and teachings of Jesus. But our response to them should not end with amazement or even serious pondering. The ultimate response to Jesus’ teaching is belief and obedience. He did not expound the truths He did merely for our astonishment or information. He taught what He did for our salvation.

Many respond to Jesus by merely considering His words and actions but not embracing them. What is your ultimate response?

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 264). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

Lessons Learned: God is truly patient and merciful. He endures so much rebellion and sin from us, and yet He still loves us and continues to call His redeemed elect to Himself. But eventually His patience will end and His divine judgment will come. He will have completed His calling of those He has chosen and the rest who have still rejected Him will perish. All of us are unworthy and deserving of punishment, but those who come to repentance and have faith in Christ Jesus have crossed over from death to life (John 5:24).

Applications: Since we have been given a second chance that we do not deserve, let us take every opportunity to serve and obey our Lord. Just as God is patient and faithful and merciful, let us unwearyingly, dependably, cheerfully follow His commandments to love Him and to love our neighbor (Mat 22:37-39). In the same way, let us fulfill His great commission to go everywhere and make disciples and teach them to follow Christ as well (Mat 28:19-20).

Prayer Subjects: Pray for patience and understanding towards others, just as God is patient with me. Pray for the gospel message to be spread, so that all whom He has chosen will come to Him and be redeemed before judgment day comes. Pray that I would be a doer of The Word and that I would respond to The Word with belief and obedience.
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Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Authoritative Teaching

The people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority.

Matthew 7:28-29

One fact that struck Jesus’ audiences as much as any other was that He was an authoritative teacher. The most predominant New Testament word used for authority pertains to power and privilege and demonstrates the sovereignty of Christ.

In contrast to Jesus, the Jewish scribes quoted others to lend authority to their teachings. The Lord needed to quote only God’s Word and could speak as the final authority on truth. He spoke eternal truth simply, directly, powerfully, yet with love and compassion. That astounded His hearers—and it should also profoundly impress us.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 263). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

Lessons Learned: What is it that gives a teacher credibility? It is the reliability of the material they teach. If any part of their teaching is suspect, then it casts doubt upon their entire curriculum. Jesus based every parable, every sermon He taught on scripture which is the inspired, inerrant, infallible, and authoritative Word of God (1 Tim 3:15-17). Jesus based His truth on the absolute truth of the bible, not on the teachings and opinions of fallible men.

Applications: Do not rely on your own understanding or the knowledge of the world, but on the absolute truth of scripture. The bible is the authoritative Word of God and is sufficient for all salvation and godliness. The bible may not cover every minute detail of life, but the principals taught in it are applicable and sufficient for discernment in every moral choice we make. We must learn how we are to live from the only truly credible, reliable source, the bible.

Prayer Subjects: Pray for wisdom and discernment in filtering out what is biblical and what is not in what I learn each day. Pray that I would base how I live, the moral choices I make each day, on a solid understanding of biblical principals so I can grow in Christ-likeness. Pray that when I instruct or counsel others, that I would base my teachings on the inspired, inerrant, infallible, authoritative word of God, and not on my own or other peoples beliefs and opinions.
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Monday, August 29, 2005

The Wise Builder

He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock.

Luke 6:48

The person who is wise spiritually, who is a true Christian, builds his life and performs his duties carefully, realizing the great substance and importance involved. He or she is not satisfied with a superficial profession of faith or with the shallow methods and easy shortcuts that so often accompany false religion.

Knowing that the Lord is due all credit, praise, and worship, the wise builder will want to give Him maximum effort and diligent service. This person knows that everything truly done for Christ is done out of love, not out of compulsion or fear. So serve the Lord with gladness and be a wise builder in His kingdom.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 262). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

Lessons Learned: There is an old saying that nothing worth having in life comes easy. This is often true in our spiritual lives as well. Living the christian life means obeying God's word, without compromise. It means staying commited to biblical principals, it means loving your enemies (Luke 6:27), it means maintaining your integrity while those around you may prosper by unethical means (Psalm 37), it means suffering persecution for your beliefs (John 15:20-21). In order to live that kind of life, you must work hard, dig deep, and lay your foundation on the solid rock of God's word.

Applications: Don't look for shortcuts to spiritual growth. Diamonds are rarely found lying on the surface. Usually they must be mined and brought up from miles underground. Sanctification requires empowerment by the Holy Spirit, but it also requires your hard work and effort. "Always give yourself fully to the work of the lord, because you know that your labor is not in vain" (1 Cor 15:58) and "let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Gal 6:9). Build up your life wisely, putting diligent effort into understanding God's word and living according to it.

Prayer Subjects: Pray for the Holy Spirit to empower my daily walk. Pray for diligence in studying God's word to discern His commands and His will in my life. Pray for a heart of submission and obedience to follow His will and not make my own choices. Pray that I would not look for shortcuts, but that I would be willing to dig deep and work hard to find the true spiritual treasure of Christ.
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Sunday, August 28, 2005

The House On The Sand

Everyone who hears these sayings of Mine,and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.

Matthew 7:26

The house built on the sand symbolizes a spiritual life built on the foundation of human opinions, attitudes, and wills, which are always shifting and unstable. If you build your life on this foundation, you are building it on self–will, self-sufficiency, selfrighteousness, self-purpose, and self–fulfillment. If you choose sandy foundations, your life will be based on false teaching and will fall short of salvation—“always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim 3:7).

Don’t be like the one who superficially and carelessly chooses a section of the world’s sand to build his hope on. Instead, be concerned about the depth of spiritual reward that comes with wisely considering and carefully choosing God’s solid foundation.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 261). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

Lessons Learned: Both the wise man and the foolish man heard the gospel message and received God's command to obey Him. But they chose very different lifestyles once they received that command. The wise man built his spiritual life on the solid rock of scripture, but the foolish man chose to base his lifestyle on the shaky, unstable sand of worldly knowledge and human opinion. In a world without absolutes, nothing has any significance. Relativism and other false teachings are ever-changing, insecure, and meaningless. If everyone can determine their own truth, then everyone is right in their own eyes (Prov 12:15). But, if everybody's right, then everybody is also wrong. Only under the light of the absolute truth of God's word, can right and wrong genuinely be determined.

Applications: Do not live according to worldly knowledge, human opinion and your own merits. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" (Prov 3:5). You must live in the world, but you are not to be swayed by it. Instead, you must stay firmly planted on God's word, living your life according to the absolute truth of biblical principals. Do not compromise, or the foundation of your life will be like quicksand; never stable, always sinking.

Prayer Subjects: Pray for the will and determination to never compromise. Pray that I would remember that I am not of this world, but I am just an alien and stranger passing through it, and that I must not become contaminated by it (1 Peter 2:11). Pray that I would maintain my allegience to my true home and to my Father in heaven, always being obedient to His word.
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Saturday, August 27, 2005

The House Built On The Rock

It did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

Matthew 7:25

The house founded on the rock represents the life of spiritual obedience. It’s the life that takes a scriptural view of itself and the world, as described in Christ’s Beatitudes in The Sermon on the Mount. It’s the sort of life that’s more concerned about internal righteousness than external form. It’s a life of genuineness rather than hypocrisy, and of God’s righteousness rather than self–righteousness.

The house based on the rock depicts the life that empties itself of pride and human good works and is humble and repentant because of its own sin. Such a life strives, with the Spirit’s help, to enter the narrow gate of salvation and be faithful to the narrow way of Christ and His Word. The life built on the rock trusts in God’s will and hopes in His Word above all else. Where does your hope rest and your trust lie?

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 260). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

Lessons Learned: First, we must build our lives on the firm foundation of God's word, but the lives we build must be solid as well. They must be lives of spiritual obedience to biblical truth. They are lives of humility and repentance and service. The christian life is filled by the Holy Spirit, submissive to the Father's will, and conformed to Christ's image. This is the kind of life which can withstand the hardships and challenges of the world, and weather any storm without compromise. It is a life which bears forth the fruit of repentance and salvation for God's glory.

Applications: Start by establishing a solid, biblical foundation for your life. Study the bible diligently to learn biblical principals to live your life by. Establish spiritual disciplines to aid in your spiritual growth. Then, with the Holy Spirit's help you will grow strong in Christ and be able to endure difficulties while obeying God's will. "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain" (1 Cor 15:58).

Prayer Subjects: Pray for a complete commitment to living my life according to biblical principals. Pray that I would be faithful and never compromise those principals because of pride, covetousness, or a fear of man. Pray for a Spirit filled life of humility, repentance, and a healthy fear of God. A life able to withstand temptation and sin, and remain standing on the rock of scripture.
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Friday, August 26, 2005

The Solid Foundation

Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.

Matthew 7:24

The wise person will build his life on the rock. The rock that Jesus is referring to in today’s verse is God’s Word, the Bible. Building on the rock is therefore equivalent to hearing and obeying Christ’s words, and for us that means living according to Scripture.

After Peter confessed, “‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,’” our Lord told him, “‘…flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church’” (Matt. 16:16–18). Jesus’ word for “rock” in this verse is the same one He used in Matthew 7:24. It is the bedrock of God’s revelation, His Word. The rock of the solid foundation is the kind of sure, divine guidance Peter received, and it is the only base on which the true Christian life can rest.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 259). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

Lessons Learned: A house is only as strong as it's foundation. If the foundation is solid, the house will be too. If the foundation is shaky, the house will likely collapse. The bible is the strong foundation we must build our christian lives on. It, like God, is powerful, holy, eternal, and unchanging. God's word is the rock upon which Christ built His church. Anything else is merely like sand. The world's philosophies of modernism, post-modernism, relativism have no foundation. They are compromising, fleeting, ever shifting. Nothing built on them can last.

Applications: Do not base your life on the world's ideas and do not live your life according to the world's standards. "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1 John 2:15). Instead, base your life and your living on biblical principals. Study scripture and live according to the way God commands, according to the way Christ taught us to live.

Prayer Subjects: Pray for a heart of uncompromising devotion to scripture. Pray that I would not be tempted by the "cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes, the boasting of what he has and does" (1 John 2:16) which come from the world and not from God. Pray that I would remain grounded on solid rock and be able to withstand the storms of the world raging around me.
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Thursday, August 25, 2005

False Versus True Profession

What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?

James 2:14

A good tree not only can but also will bear good fruit. However, anyone who professes to be a good tree (a Christian) but does not bear the fruit of good works has no part in the body of Jesus Christ. The person who truly professes to be a Christian will be able to echo James’ sentiments, “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead…. Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:17-18).

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 258). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

Lessons Learned: Having faith is important, and the object of your faith is even more important. But if you never act on your faith, then it is dead and useless. By works, faith is made complete (Jam 2:22). Without good works, you are like a fruit tree which won't bear fruit. This is disobedience to God's word and not in keeping with a true profession of faith. Faith requires action. "You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone" (Jam 2:24).

Applications: Study God's word and let it's commands dictate your actions. Do not just talk about faith in God, but take action on that faith. Submit to and obey God's will in faith. And don't give up on doing good works, because ultimately it will pay off. Help out everyone you can, especially your brothers and sisters in Christ (Gal 6:9-10).

Prayer Subjects: Pray that I would be filled and made alive by the Holy Spirit. Pray that my faith would not be dead, but that it would be alive with action (Jam 2:26). Pray that I would always act according to God's will without compromise, and that my good deeds would glorify God and cause others to praise Him as well (Mat 5:16).
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Wednesday, August 24, 2005

Avoiding Deception

Many will say to Me in that day, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?”

Matthew 7:22

A good way to avoid spiritual self–deception is simply to know and shun the types of religious pitfalls people can drop into. First, there is inordinate preoccupation with mere religious activities. The external focus on attending church services and Bible studies, listening to sermons, singing hymns, and other inherently good activities can actually insulate you from knowing the God you think you are serving.

Second, there is superficial reliance on past religious activities and ceremonies. Just because you were baptized as a child, attended Sunday school or vacation Bible school, or joined a church does not necessarily mean you are now right with God.

Third, there is a religious knowledge for its own sake. You may be commmitted to a certain denomination and its traditions or have an intense academic interest in theology. But these things are useless if you are not also interested in becoming more like Christ and more obedient to His Word.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 257). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

Lessons Learned: Just going to church doesn't make you a Christian. Being a Christian, a disciple of Christ, a submissive and obedient follower of the Lord of all creation, takes more than superficial actions. In fact no actions, no deeds or works, can earn you the right to be a child of God. It is only God's mercy and grace which saves us. Once we are saved, we perform the righteous deeds we were created for (Eph 2:10), to glorify and honor our Father in heaven (Mat 5:16). We go to church, but we go with a right heart. Then we can be called Christians.

Applications: Do not get caught up in performing religious rituals just out of habit. Study God's word, but not just as an intellectual exercise. These are good actions to take, but not if they are done with a wrong heart. God desires obedience over worship (Mat 5:23-24). Get right with God in your heart first, then all your deeds will flow out of a longing to please Him and to become like His Son Jesus.

Prayer Subjects: Pray for a right heart of submission and obedience to God. Pray that I would worship with a right heart, and not just out of habit. Pray that I would love God above all things. "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Mat 6:33). Pray that I would worship Him because I fear Him and not men. Pray that I remain in Christ and that He remains in me so that He will know me on that day.
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Tuesday, August 23, 2005

Spiritual Self-Examination

Test yourselves.

2 Corinthians 13:5

Many professed believers go through life with an indifferent attitude toward their sins. Yet the Lord tells His people to examine their lives each time they come to His table (1 Cor 11:28). And the apostle Paul admonished the Corinthian church, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves” (2 Cor 13:5). If you do this regularly and with a positive attitude, you will make sure your inner motives and desires are set toward pleasing God, even though you often fail Him (see Rom 7:14-25).

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 256). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

Lessons Learned: Ultimately salvation and living the christian life are heart issues. Only you and God know if Christ is genuinely in you, and if your faith and obedience truly come from your heart. Outsiders may observe your testimony, they may "inspect your spiritual fruit", because often that reflects what is in your heart, but only you can really "test yourself" and know if you are living for God, or living for yourself.

Applications: Examine yourself and your motives. Do you have genuine faith in Christ? Are you living a life of obedience? Are you obedient because you love God and want to please Him? When you sin, do you struggle against it and does it grieve you (Rom 7:7-25)? Does the Holy Spirit dwell in your heart (1 Cor 3:16), and are you striving with His help towards sanctification? Or, "are you disqualified" (2 Cor 13:5; 1 Cor 9:27)? Test yourself and be right with God now, so that when you are tested by God in judgement, you will not be disqualified and condemned.

Prayer Subjects: Pray for a right heart in all matters. Pray that my motive would always be to please God, not to please myself, or to show off in front of others. Pray that I would lead a life of humble self-examination and self-confrontation, seeking the Holy Spirit's help against sin and towards sanctification.
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Monday, August 22, 2005

False Assurance

Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

Matthew 7:21

The New Testament gives very high standards for discerning the true Christian life, and it also issues many warnings to avoid self–deception concerning salvation (see Mat 25).

One of the causes of self–deception is a wrong understanding of the doctrine of assurance. Many people become self-deceived by well–meaning Christian witnesses who tell them that to be saved, they simply have to make a decision for Christ and then, based on that prayer of decision, never doubt their salvation again.

Sadly, such evangelistic workers are attempting to certify someone’s salvation apart from the convicting work of the Holy Spirit and the future evidence of spiritual fruit accompanied by obedience to the Word (John 8:31). Only God can give a person real assurance of salvation, by the Spirit working through His Word (see Rom 8:14-16).

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 255). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

Lessons Learned: Empty words will not save you, nor will works. Salvation only comes by the repentance of sins and receiving Christ in faith. The convicting work of the Holy Spirit will lead to sanctification and it will produce good spiritual fruit in a true disciple. By self-examination and self-confrontation, we can see if we are living according to God's word. If we are obedient and growing in Christ, we can have assurance of our salvation (1 John 5:11-13). If we are rebellious and not walking with Christ, we must re-examine ourselves and get right with God, regardless of any profession of belief we may have made in the past. If we are not in Christ, then surely God the Father will not know us.

Applications: Works and words without true spiritual growth, are superficial and meaningless. We must work towards Christ-likeness with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Practice spiritual disciplines because you take joy in glorifying God by your commitment, not as a duty or obligation, relunctantly followed out of guilt or pride. Professing belief in Christ is not just a matter of saying that He is your redeemer. Having saving faith is living with Him as your Lord, Master, and Savior.

Prayer Subjects: Pray for the contentment which comes from true assurance of salvation. Pray that I would remain submissive and obedient to God's word and always seek His glory. Pray that I would be able to minister to those who may be in doubt about their salvation, and that I would be able to help them understand the commitments and costs involved in following the narrow path of Christ. Pray that they may enter by the narrow gate, and afterwards have assurance and faith in the power of God.
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Sunday, August 21, 2005

Avoid False Creeds

The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine…. But you be watchful in all things.

2 Timothy 4:3, 5

The prophet Isaiah gave this helpful counsel concerning recognizing false doctrine, “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isa 8:20). Heretical doctrines and false creeds cannot withstand the scrutiny of Scripture’s divine light.

False creeds never teach the necessity to enter through Christ’s narrow gate or to walk on His narrow way. At first glance their contents may appear to be orthodox and to demand real faith, but ultimately their message will rest on the foundation of human works and will teach salvation by human effort. Such creeds will not reveal the depth or danger of sin and human depravity, and consequently will not advocate the need for repentance, forgiveness, and submission to the Lord.

The message of all false creeds is a message of gaps, the greatest of which omits the truth of the gospel that saves.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 254). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

Lessons Learned: Sinful men will seek to hear what they want to hear. They will welcome false doctrine which does not force them to examine themselves and turn away from sin. They will seek false teachers who preach a gospel which does not require repentance, an incomplete gospel, a false creed which omits what is necessary to understand and grasp saving faith. In many cases, these teachings may appear correct on the surface, but true followers of Christ can examine those teachings against the light of scripture and see the gaps and holes in its faulty doctrine.

Applications: Don't seek teachings which are just pleasing to hear. Seek out preaching which accurately divides and exposits scripture (2 Tim 2:15). Be watchful and discerning to recognize what is true and what is false according to God's word. Always base your counseling and your ministry to others on biblical principals, not just on human experience and emotions. The basis of sound doctrine and right living must be scripture.

Prayer Subjects: Pray for a recognition of my need for Christ. Pray for a recognition of my need to learn and know scripture, so I can discern truth from error. Pray that any time that I minister to anyone, I would fall back on scripture as the ultimate authority, and base any advice or counseling I give on sound biblical principals.
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Saturday, August 20, 2005

Bearing True Fruit

Bear fruits worthy of repentance.

Luke 3:8

Your essential character—your inner motives, convictions, loyalties, and ambitions—will eventually show through in what you say and do. Good works do not save you, but every believer is saved for good works. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Eph 2:10; see also Gal 5:22-23; Col 1:10).

For the believer, true fruit–bearing occurs with the help of Christ. The apostle Paul speaks of our “being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ” (Phil 1:11). On the other hand, unbelievers (including those who falsely profess Christ) will eventually demonstrate the bad fruit that their unregenerate lives inevitably produce.

If you are bearing fruit, you will be growing in all the areas Peter lists: faith, virtue, knowledge, self–control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love (see 2 Pet 1:5-9).

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 253). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

Lessons Learned: We can only do as much as we are empowered to by the Holy Spirit. We can do nothing unless we are in Christ and Christ is in us. When we sin, we are not in Christ, so we cannot please or glorify him with our actions. We must repent and be reconciled with God, be in fellowship with Him, in order to bear good fruit.

Applications: Sin separates us from God and prevents us from pleasing Him, so we must examine ourselves, confess our sins, repent of them, and be reconciled with God. We can only fulfill our true purpose of glorifying God when we are in sweet fellowship with Christ and the Holy Spirit dwells in us. Allow the Holy Spirit to empower you towards sanctification, towards Christ-likeness. Put off the old dirty rags of sin, and put on the new clean clothes of righteousness (Eph 4:22-24).

Prayer Subjects: Pray for a heart sensitive to sin. Pray that I would abhor sin and seek to avoid it and to obey my Lord. Pray for true confession and repentance whenever I do sin, and seek reconciliation with those I sin against, especially God. Pray for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit for sanctification and to produce in me good works "for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his purpose" (Phil 2:13).
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Friday, August 19, 2005

Judging Spiritual Fruit

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.

Matthew 7:18

A fruit tree may be beautiful and decorative and offer refreshing shade in the summer. But its main purpose is to bear fruit, and it is therefore judged by what it produces and not by how it appears. Similarly, anyone who claims to speak for God must be judged by his life, not merely by his appearance or words.

False prophets can sometimes deceive even genuine Christians. If you become careless concerning the Word of God, lazy about prayer, and apathetic about God’s kingdom, it is easy for you to be deceived by a clever, pleasant, smooth–talking teacher who only appears to be orthodox.

Therefore it’s crucial that you remain vigilant and well prepared. Bad fruit from a bad tree is simply not acceptable, no matter how good both may appear. It has to be examined carefully (see Heb 5:14). But for the mature believer, there is true assurance in Jesus’ words, “‘by their fruits you will know them’” (Mat 7:20). There is no need to be deceived if you look closely.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 252). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

Lessons Learned: Man's purpose in life is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. A fruit tree's purpose is to bear good fruit. Just as a tree which bears bad fruit is a bad tree, a man who does not fulfill his purpose is an inadequate, defective man. Both must be judged by what they produce, not how they appear. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).

Applications: "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test?" (2 Cor 13:5). Make sure that you are bearing the fruit of righteousness and that Christ is in you. Study scripture so that you will know God's commands and obey them. Be conformed to Christ's image by submission to the will of the Lord. Otherwise, you will not be in Christ and "If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned" (John 15:6).

Prayer Subjects: Pray for a longing to glorify God and enjoy Him. Pray for a submissive heart, soul, and mind, ready to be conformed to the image of Christ. Pray for continuous self-examination and self-confrontation, to ensure that I remain in Christ and that Christ will remain in me.
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Thursday, August 18, 2005

Discerning True from False

Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.

Matthew 7:17

The Didache, one of the earliest Christian writings after the New Testament, gives several guidelines for discerning true from false prophets. First, a true prophet will not wear out his welcome but will move on, tending to his ministry and mission. But a false prophet may hang around indefinitely, concerned only about serving his own interests.

Second, unlike the false prophet, the true prophet is averse to excessive appeals for money. He is content with support for the basic needs of life and ministry.

Third, a true prophet’s lifestyle will correspond to the righteous standards he teaches. A false prophet very likely will teach one thing and practice another.

A true minister of the gospel will demonstrate what Paul wrote, “For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ” (2 Cor 2:17).

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 251). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

Lessons Learned: False teachers are, at their core, liars and deceivers. So no matter how they try to hide their true nature, they will eventually bear the rotten fruit of their rotten hearts. "Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh" (Jam 3:12). Their teachings may appear correct on the surface, but inside, there will be heresy that those with right doctrine will recognize.

Applications: To avoid false doctrine, you do not have to study every form of false teaching, you just need to study right doctrine. Then you will be able to recognize what matches from what doesn't. You will be able to separate the trees which bear good fruit from those that bear bad fruit. Be discerning. Compare every teacher's words to scripture and see if their living sincerely matches what they preach. A false teacher's motives are self-centered, but a true preacher of God's word will seek to glorify God and expand God's kingdom.

Prayer Subjects: Pray forwisdom and discernment to recognize false teaching. Pray for boldness to confront and correct error when I see it. Pray that I would be diligent to study scripture, so that I would lead a life that reflects a heart which seeks to please God and build up His kingdom.
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Wednesday, August 17, 2005

Responding To False Prophets

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

Matthew 7:15

In Jude’s brief letter to believers, the apostle firmly warns against false prophets and tells us how to respond to them. “Keep yourselves in the love of God” (Jude 21-23). Our primary response to false teaching is simply to be right with God in the first place, to make sure we are in fellowship with Him and receiving His blessing and power. Then we can “have mercy on some, who are doubting” (v. 22, nasb)—believers who doubt their faith because of false teachers need reassurance.

Another necessary response might be to “save others, snatching them out of the fire” (v. 23, nasb)—unbelievers bound for hell after hearing false teaching need to be rescued before it’s too late.

Finally, Jude tells about a third response to false prophets: “On some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh” (v. 23, nasb). We sometimes must confront false prophets and their followers, doing so with a special dependence on the Lord and being careful not to get contaminated by their false teachings.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 250). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

Lessons Learned: Just because someone claims to preach the truth, doesn't mean that they are preaching God's truth. False teachers will have the outward appearance of trustworthy men, but inside their hearts, they are like wolves looking to destroy people by leading them down the wide path, through the wrong gate. The true shepherds must protect their flocks, feeding them with the truth, herding them to away from danger, and driving away the wolves who seek to devour them.

Applications: Act as one of Christ's undershepherds. Protect the flock. Obey the command that Jesus gave to Peter before ascending to heaven, "Feed my lambs ... Take care of my sheep ... Feed my sheep" (John 21:15-17). Help your brothers and sisters study and learn God's word so they would recognize false teachings. Guide fellow believers towards the narrow path and away from the path to destruction. If necessary, confront and repel false teachers so that would not pollute the church with their instruction.

Prayer Subjects: Pray for a heart to care for my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Pray that I would study doctrine to recognize and avoid false teachings. Pray for wisdom and discernment in discipling others to follow Christ.
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Tuesday, August 16, 2005

What Is A False Prophet?

You will know them by their fruits.

Matthew 7:16

The most dangerous characteristic of false prophets is that they claim to be from God and to speak for Him. “The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own power; and My people love to have it so” (Jer 5:31).

Such leaders nearly always appear pleasant and positive. They like to be with Christians, and they know how to talk and act like believers.

False prophets usually exude sincerity and thereby more easily deceive others (see 2 Tim 3:13). But you can identify false teachers’ true colors by noting what they do not talk much about. They usually don’t deny basic doctrines such as Christ’s deity and substitutionary atonement, the sinfulness of humanity, or unbelievers’ going to hell. They simply ignore such “controversial” truths.

But whenever a false prophet is in your midst, you must not ignore his presence or the harmful effects of his heretical teaching.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 249). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

Lessons Learned: Actions speak louder than words. False prophets may try to deceive us with their words. They seems nice, and pleasant, and loving. They may even speak some of the truth, but they will avoid the parts that they deny. However, to be reliable, they must speak the whole truth (Rev 22:18-19) and they must live according to that truth. If they are from God, they will bear good fruit. They will walk the walk, not just talk the talk.

Applications: Be discerning about all that you are taught. Remember that scripture is the only absolute truth against which everything else must be measured. Any teachings which contradict scripture; which adds to it, or takes away from it, is false and is to be avoided. Also, be discerning about those who teach. Do their actions reflect a life in Christ? Do they practice what they preach? Or are they hypocrites like the scribes and Pharisees, who appeared clean on the outside, but were still unclean inside?

Prayer Subjects: Pray for a heart to seek the truth. Pray for a longing to read and study scripture. To know and understand God's truth. Pray for wisdom and discernment to recognize the wolves in sheep's clothing and the boldness to confront them with Your Word, the sword of the spirit (Eph 5:17), to turn them away.
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Monday, August 15, 2005

Beware Of False Prophets

False christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive.

Mark 13:22

False prophets have been around since the beginning of redemptive history (see Deut 13:1-5), and they always find a hearing. In His Olivet Discourse, Jesus warned, “‘Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name … and will deceive many’” (Mat 24:4-5). Years later the apostle John told his readers that “many deceivers have gone out into the world” (2 John 7).

False prophets have always enjoyed some degree of popularity because so many people do not want to hear the truth. Thus John admonished all believers, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 248). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

Lessons Learned: The only infallible, inerrant, absolute truth is the truth which comes from God. It is the truth contained in His word, the bible. False christs and false prophets may come and try to deceive with signs and wonders, but always test all teachings against God's teachings. "Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true" (Acts 17:11).

Applications: We must be like the Bereans and test and examine everything against scripture. Make a habit of studying what is right (that which is taught in the bible), then you will be able to discern and recognize what is wrong. Be wary of wolves in sheep's clothing.

Prayer Subjects: Pray for a heart to study scripture diligently. Pray to be like the Bereans, eager to examine scripture and test all knowledge against God's word. Pray for vigilence in guarding the flock from wolves. Do not be deceived, but always go back to biblical principals for the answers.
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Sunday, August 14, 2005

The Right Group

There are few who find it.

Matthew 7:14

Those who are drawn by God’s Spirit to enter at the narrow gate and travel the narrow way are in the right spiritual group. Those in the wrong spiritual group include all pagans and nominal Christians, all atheists and superficial religionists, all nominal theists and secular humanists, and people from all ethnic and economic backgrounds who don’t have a saving faith in Jesus Christ. They enter through the wide gate and travel the broad way that leads to destruction.

Jesus said “‘Many are called, but few are chosen’” (Mat 22:14). The right group is not small simply because the gate is too narrow or the way is too restrictive. Believers are few because so many people refuse to repent of their sins and trust in Jesus for salvation. They would rather die in darkness (see John 3:19).

Everyone who wants to come to Jesus Christ can, with God’s help, do so: “‘All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out’” (John 6:37). And those who come will forever be in the right group.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 247). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

Lessons Learned: The way to salvation is not hard to follow. Although few are elect, those who are not called are still responsible for ignoring God. All who want to repent, to obey God, and to have saving faith in Christ can enter through the narrow gate with God's help. But most choose to "suppress the truth by their wickedness" (Rom 1:18). They choose the wide gate, and will perish clinging to their sins.

Applications: Rejoice in the fact that by God's grace you have been chosen for salvation. Give thanksgiving to the Lord in prayer and bear the fruit of salvation in your daily life. "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Mat 5:16).

Prayer Subjects: Pray to the Lord with much adoration and thanksgiving. Praise Him for His wonderful attributes and exquisite powers. Thank Him for His incomprable gifts of mercy and grace which have saved us from destruction. Thank Christ for the ultimate sacrifice He made on our behalf, and thank the Holy Spirit for empowering our spiritual growth.
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Saturday, August 13, 2005

Wisdom For Life

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

Matthew 7:7-8

To possess God’s wisdom is among the greatest needs we have. God’s wisdom helps us to make prudent choices throughout our Christian lives—to choose God’s way and reject the world’s way in every situation.

The Bible provides many commands and principles for godly living, but it is not an exhaustive manual of methods and rules for every conceivable situation. That would not be very workable. And it would keep us from relying directly on God. He wants us to be in His Word daily so that we can know His principles for righteous living and can pray wisely for guidance when we have difficult decisions.

In Scripture the Lord gives believers enough truth to live responsibly, but enough mystery to draw them to Him in believing prayer: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 246). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

Lessons Learned: If we are truly Christ's disciples, then God will gladly provide us with everything we need. It may not always be what we want, but it is truly what we need. But to receive these blessings we must be in Christ and He and His word must be in us. "If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given you" (John 15:7). This is not a promise to give us just anything we ask for, but if we study scripture, we will find the answers we need for daily living. Not everything is spelled out explicitly, but scripture teaches principals which are sufficient for all our needs.

Applications: Seek the wisdom of God. Life is full of choices and in every circumstance there is one right choice, God's way. As sinners we constantly rebel and choose our own ways instead of His way. Study scripture so that you will learn the principals which will enable you to discern what God's way is and take the true path.

Prayer Subjects: Pray for an end to my stubborness and rebellion. Pray for a desire to follow in God's ways, to be in His will, and to be in Christ. Pray for wisdom and discernment in determining the correct choices in life, the biblical choices. Pray for a healthy fear of God, because "the fear of Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline" (Prov 1:7).
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Friday, August 12, 2005

Discipleship Is Serious

For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost.

Luke 14:28

You can pay nothing to earn salvation; yet living for Christ is a serious matter of discipleship. To be a Christian means to rely on Christ’s power rather than your own and to be willing to forsake your way for His. Being a Christian can mean facing persecution, ridicule, and tribulation. Jesus forewarned the disciples, “‘If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you’” (John 15:20).

But with His warning about the cost of discipleship, the Lord promised that your heart would rejoice “‘and your joy no one will take from you’” (John 16:22). And He also told His followers to “‘be of good cheer, I have overcome the world’” (John 16:33). You won’t escape the difficulties of discipleship, but Jesus will enable you to handle them.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 245). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

Lessons Learned: There is no way to buy happiness, nor is there any way to buy salvation. But following Christ does have it's cost. We must be willing to put aside all present worldly wealth in favor of heavenly treasures to come. Being Christ's disciple is a serious commitment and requires whole-hearted, single-minded devotion to Him and His teachings.

Applications: Following Christ takes absolute commitment, so you must examine yourself carefully to see if you are truly willing to make that kind of investment of resources, time, and energy. You cannot partially commit. It is all or nothing, so remember that the alternative is to be apart from God (in eternal damnation), therefore "always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain" (1 Cor 15:58).

Prayer Subjects: Pray for a focused commitment to obey God and all his commands. Pray that I would love God with all my heart, all my soul, and all my mind. Pray that I would be whole-hearted, single-minded, and spiritually devoted to submitting to, obeying, and pleasing God.
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Thursday, August 11, 2005

The Burden Bearer

My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

Matthew 11:30

Jesus described Himself as “‘gentle and lowly in heart’” (Mat 11:29); therefore, He gives rest, not weariness, to all those who submit to Him and do His work. In Christ you have not only a Savior but also a burden bearer. He helps you carry all your burdens, including the burden of obedience.

Jesus will never give you a burden too heavy to carry. His yoke has nothing to do with the demands of the law or human works. Instead, it pertains to the Christian’s obedience to Him, which He wants to make a joyful and happy experience. Thank God for providing such a gracious burden bearer in the person of His Son.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 244). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

Lessons Learned: God is good. Everything which He wants us to do is good. So it should be no surprise that following Him should be joyful and easy. It is only our own sinful, self-centered, pride which makes us resist submission to Christ. If we submit and obey, the way to eternal life may be narrow, but it is easy to follow and Christ will help us. If we resist and rebel, then we just make things harder on ourselves as we separate ourselves from Christ.

Applications: Work on submitting joyfully to the leadership of Christ. All the instructions for living according to His commands are contained in the bible, so study it diligently and obey His word. If you are in Christ, when you take up His yoke, He will be with you. He will help you and He will make the burden light.

Prayer Subjects: Pray for a willingness to submit and obey. Pray for diligence in studying God's commands and the understanding to faithfully follow them. Pray that I would be willing to take up the yoke, take up the cross daily and follow Christ (Luke 9:23).
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Wednesday, August 10, 2005

The Narrow Way

The way is narrow that leads to life.

Matthew 7:14, nasb

The narrow gate to salvation leads to the correspondingly narrow way of righteous living. By contrast, the broad gate to condemnation leads to the broad way of careless, unrighteous living.

There was once a West Indian who chose Islam over Christianity because to him Islam “is a noble, broad path. There is room for a man and his sins on it. The way of Christ is too narrow.” Sadly, too many professing Christians today don’t see the issue as clearly as that unbelieving Muslim. They don’t understand or accept Jesus’ definition of the narrow way as the difficult, demanding way. It is the life of self–denial and intense effort. If you are living that life you will “fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called” (1 Tim 6:12).

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 243). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

Lessons Learned: The way to eternal life is narrow because there is only one way, by following Christ in a single-file line. If you stray from the path that Christ leads you on, you will be lost and you cannot find your way on your own. Our pride continually causes us to want to follow our own path, a wider path that allows us to bring along worldly baggage (our idols and sins), but to follow Christ on the narrow path we must shed all of that and deny ourselves and follow Him unwaveringly.

Applications: Put away the things of the world. Do not love them. The things of the world are corrupt and sinful and have no place on the path to heaven. Concentrate on denying your own sinful desires, lusts, and pride. Learn about Christ's life by reading scripture and concentrate on following His example and walking in His ways, walking behind Him on the narrow path.

Prayer Subjects: Pray for a single-minded focus on the path of Christ. Pray for a heart to study scripture and to pray. Pray for perseverance in self-denial and in staying on the true path. Do not take the easy way out (the wide path), but stay focused, overcoming all challenges to stay with Christ (on the narrow path).
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Tuesday, August 09, 2005

The Repentant Life

Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

James 2:17

If you have turned away from your sins and turned toward God’s way of righteousness, you will live a changed life. The theme of 1 John is that the truly redeemed person will demonstrate a truly transformed life. “Whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:5-6).

Those who teach that repentance and the repentant lifestyle aren’t a necessary part of the gospel are not presenting the gospel Jesus offered. Such a gospel of self–satisfaction and self–righteousness is from the world, not God.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 242). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

Lessons Learned: To be saved you must repent and you must confess faith in Christ as Lord and Saviour. If you do this, then you will be in Christ and Christ will be in you. It should not be possible to live a life contrary to Christ's if we are in him. If we live in faith, then we live like Christ, and good works will naturally be a result.

Applications: Concentrate on your faith so that you will truly live "in Christ". Conform to His image and live your life by the same principals He lived His by, which is to live biblically. Study scripture so that you will be able to live biblically and know how to respond with good works in every area of your life.

Prayer Subjects: Pray for the Holy Spirit's power when I study scripture, so that I will truly understand the principals being taught, and that I would be able to apply them to my daily life. Pray for those who call themselves "carnal christians". Pray that they would come to a true understanding of what it means to follow Christ, and that they would truly repent and confess Christ as Lord and Master. "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me" (Luke 9:23).
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Monday, August 08, 2005

Repentance Not Optional

Repent, and believe in the gospel.

Mark 1:15

If you want to enter the narrow gate you must repent. Many Jews during Jesus’ time believed that just being physical descendants of Abraham was sufficient for entrance into heaven. And many people today believe that simply being churchgoers or morally good people qualifies them for salvation. After all, they reason, God is too benevolent to exclude anyone but the most evil people.

God does desire that everyone enter the narrow gate because He is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet 3:9). But you will not pass through the narrow gate unless you follow Charles Spurgeon’s admonition: “You and your sins must separate or you and your God will never come together. No one sin may you keep; they must all be given up, they must be brought out like Canaanite kings from the cave and be hanged up in the sun.”

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 241). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

Lessons Learned: Sin separates us from God. Because He is holy, he cannot tolerate sin. No matter what we do, by ourselves, we can never make up for all of our sins. Only Christ's sacrifice was capable of washing away sin. Without true repentance (turning away) from sin and belief in the power and grace of Christ, we cannot be saved.

Applications: Although Christ's sacrifice was sufficient to redeem us of all of our sins, we must bear the fruit of salvation by good works and conforming to His image. We must cast out and turn away from our sins. We must be holy because God is holy. "Go now and leave your life of sin " (John 8:11). Live a sanctifying life, following Christ so you will sin less and less.

Prayer Subjects: Pray thanksgiving for Christ's grace and mercy. Pray for power to lead a life of sanctification, a life of victory over temptation and sin through Christ.
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Sunday, August 07, 2005

Childlike Dependency

Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:3

When speaking of genuine salvation, Jesus made an apt comparison to the characteristics of young children. To be saved, you must come to Christ with the dependent attitude and outlook of a little child: simple, helpless, trusting, unaffected, unpretentious, and unambitious.

It’s not that children are without sin, but that they are naïve and unassuming, dependent on others and free from selfish claims to grandeur. They submit to the care of their parents and other loved ones, relying on them to meet all their needs. That’s the kind of humble and dependent attitude anyone must have who seeks to enter the kingdom of Jesus Christ.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 240). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

Lessons Learned: Salvation involves being "born again". We are reborn into God's family, with Him as our Father, Christ as our brother and ourselves along with all other christians as God's adopted children. We being as little children, needing to grow and mature spiritually. We must be submissive and dependent on God our heavenly father to care for us and teach us just as children rely on their parents to care for them.

Applications: Remember that we begin our christian lives as new creations, as spiritual babies. We must look to God to feed us, to teach us, and to help us grow spiritually into mature brothers and sisters of Christ. Study scripture to be fed and taught by God. Pray for the Holy Spirit to enable us to grow spiritually. Follow Christ, The Son's example in submitting to The Father in obedience. As His children we must honor God our Father in the same way by submitting to Him and obeying Him.

Prayer Subjects: Pray for a childlike attitude toward my spiritual growth. Pray for humility and for a dependance on my Father God, not on myself. Pray for God's parental guidance and His provision so that I can grow from spiritual infancy to spiritual maturity.
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Saturday, August 06, 2005

The Rich Young Ruler

How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!

Luke 18:24

When the rich young ruler approached Jesus concerning salvation, our Lord immediately tested his willingness to deny all and follow Him: “‘Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me’” (Luke 18:22). When the young ruler did not heed Jesus’ words, he revealed an unwillingness to submit to the lordship of Christ.

Anyone who would come to salvation must yield control of his life to the Savior. That means being willing either to give up everything to follow Him, or to be content with all He has given you, with the realization that He may sovereignly give you more as you serve Him.

Salvation is the exchange of all that you are for all that Christ is. Saving faith, therefore, is not merely an act of the mind; it counts the cost (Luke 14:28) and humbly cries out to God as did the publican in Luke 18:13, “‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’”

Are you counting the cost today and every day?

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 239). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

Lessons Learned: Denying yourself and following Christ can be a costly proposition in worldly terms. But remember that earthly treasure are temporary and can decay or be stolen, while heavenly treasures are everlasting (Mat 6:19-20). The rich on earth may find it difficult to give up what they have now for what they will truly need in eternity. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Mat 6:21)

Applications: Be willing to count the cost and submit willingly to The Master. Keep in mind that the only treasures that will last are those you build up in heaven. To build up treasures in heaven, do not build up worldly wealth, but follow Christ's example, follow His commands, follow Him wholeheartedly. Be generous and be willing to give up wealth and possessions to help others.

Prayer Subjects: Pray to keep my eye fixed on the true goal, being with Christ in heaven. Pray that I would remain focused on what will last and not on worldly things. Pray for opportunities to help others, and especially to witness to the lost and help open their eyes to the truth. Pray that I could help them to recognize their need to give up this life and this world and to accept Christ as Lord and Saviour.
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Friday, August 05, 2005

Entering The Gate

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.

Titus 3:5

When you enter the narrow gate of salvation, you must do so alone. A turnstile perhaps best represents the concept of the narrow gate. Just one person at a time—with no baggage—can pass through a turnstile. God has ordained that people enter His kingdom singly, not in groups. You can’t ride in on the coattails of your church, your family, or your friends, no matter how godly those people are.

God’s gate is so narrow that you must go through it not only alone but naked. You can’t go through the gate clothed in sin and self–will. As the hymn writer said, “Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling.” That’s the way of the cross, which is the gospel. And the gospel is the narrow gate, which involves self–denial. Jesus said, “‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it’” (Mat 16:24-25).

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 238). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

Lessons Learned: We cannot earn our salvation by works no matter what we do. How good is good enough? Unless we achieve perfection, which will never happen, we can't be righteous enough. It is only by God's grace and mercy that we are saved. But, after He chooses us, we must still choose Him. We must be willing to make Him our Lord and Master. We must strip ourselves of all our worldly baggage, take up our cross as He did, and follow Him through the narrow gate.

Applications: Separate from the world and put down your idols. Do not love the world. Do not crave the sinful desires and lusts which come from the world and not from God (1 John 2:15-16). You must put Christ first, ahead of all worldly things, even above your own family, and even above yourself. You must deny yourself and follow Him where He leads as your primary goal.

Prayer Subjects: Pray for wisdom and guidance in seeking God's ways and not my own. Pray for a heart to love God above myself, and to put Him first in my life, even in the midst of chaos and distractions.
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Thursday, August 04, 2005

The Only Gospel

Nor is there salvation in any other.

Acts 4:12

If you testify to others that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only gospel, the only way to God, you are not merely proclaiming your own view of right religion but God’s revelation of truth. You do not proclaim the gospel of Christ simply because you know it, because it suits your personality, or because you want to be intolerant and exclusive. You declare the gospel of Christ because it’s God’s only way for people to find salvation from sin and eternal death.

You proclaim Jesus’ gospel as the only gospel because He said, “‘I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved’” (John 10:9). You testify to this gospel because you agree with the apostle Paul that “there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus” (1 Tim 2:5).

You’re therefore in good company and on solid footing when you testify of God’s only way of salvation to those who don’t know Jesus Christ.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 237). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

Lessons Learned: The idea that all roads lead to heaven is wrong. As Christians, if we believe that the Bible is the word of God; that it is sufficient, inspired and inerrant, then we must believe that what it says is absolutely true. In fact, Jesus states in the bible that "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). There is no other way to salvation.

Applications: Proclaim the gospel boldly without compromise. Do not allow accusations of intolerance and exclusivity weaken your resolve. Stand up for the truth and remain firm in announcing and defending the one and only true gospel.

Prayer Subjects: Pray for resolve and strength to stand fast to the true gospel message. Remember that only the true gospel of Christ can save the lost. The message of a compromised gospel does not have the power and authority of the Holy Spirit behind and will save no one, so pray for resolve to remain faithful and not lead others astray with a weakened message.
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Wednesday, August 03, 2005

The Narrow Gate

Enter by the narrow gate.

Matthew 7:13

Many people have admired the principles taught in the Sermon on the Mount, but most have not followed those principles. Many have respected Jesus as a great teacher but have never received Him as Savior and Lord. That’s because they failed to enter “the narrow gate”—God’s right gate, the only one that leads to eternal life.

The path to the narrow way of Christian living is through the narrow gate of Christ Himself. “‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’” (John 14:6). Have you gone through the narrow gate?

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 236). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

Lessons Learned: If the way to eternal life was easy, then everyone would take it. Christ is the only way and the only truth that leads to eternal life, but His way is not an easy way for most to accept. It requires us to swallow our pride, and admit that we are not in control. We must recognize that God is sovereign and we must put our faith in Him. If we are to be saved, it is "not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy" (Titus 3:5). The "narrow gate" seems easy enough, but so many refuse to give all the glory to God and want to feel like they can earn what they deserve. We want to find "another way".

Applications: Do not seek to honor yourself, but glorify God in all you do. Christ is the way, the truth and the life, and He is the only way. Don't waste time looking for "another way" and enter by the narrow gate. Proclaim the gospel so that you may lead others to see and enter by that same narrow gate.

Prayer Subjects: Pray for humility, so that I would not seek to "earn" my salvation, or feel indebted to God in a way that I think I can repay. Pray for my salvation to be based on an understanding of grace and that I would produce the fruit of "good works", not out of guilt, or obligation, but out of heartfelt thanksgiving to God and a true desire to glorify Him.
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Tuesday, August 02, 2005

Two Religions

How long will you falter between two opinions?

1 Kings 18:21

Humanity has always had two systems of religion available. One is from God and is based on His gracious accomplishment. The other is from mankind and is based on the achievements of men and women. One is all of sovereign grace and is embraced by faith. The other is all of human works and is performed in the flesh. One flows out of a sincere heart, the other from outward hypocrisy.

Even Moses’ law, though from God, was not a means of salvation. It was a means of showing people their need for salvation. “Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Rom 3:20). When Jesus came, He taught us that we are incapable in ourselves of keeping that perfect law. He made it clear that we must choose the religion of grace and faith rather than the religion of law and works.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 235). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

Lessons Learned: We must take a stand when it comes to worshipping God. We cannot try to pick and choose "the best" between God's way and man's way. Clearly, "the best" and only correct choice is God's way. We must choose him wholeheartedly and commit our live to him in faith.

Applications: Work on committing fully to God's sovereign will. Work on trusting in the sufficiency of scripture and not giving in to the temptation to "help" Christ with some of man's wisdom. Don't try to "integrate" God's way and man's way, but study biblical teachings to better understand "the only way".

Prayer Subjects: Pray for help in focusing on God and not being distracted and tempted by worldly ways. Pray for a better understanding of God's instruction manual for living, the Bible. Thanks to God for saving us by grace and not by works, because I know that I would never be capable of enough good to overcome the sin in me.
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Monday, August 01, 2005

The Great Choice

Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.

Joshua 24:15

The Sermon on the Mount presents us with the most crucial of spiritual choices. Its ethical truths bless those who believe and obey Christ but judge those who reject Him.

The spiritual choice, which you must not ignore or postpone, concerns the way of salvation. There is one true way to be right with God, and there are many false ways. It is wrong to say that all roads lead to heaven—only one does. You must reject all of the works–oriented ways people have devised to reach heaven and embrace the one way God Himself has provided—faith in His saving grace as displayed in the atoning death of His Son (Acts 4:12; 1 Tim 2:5-6).

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 234). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

Lessons Learned: We cannot serve more than one master (Mat 6:24). As Christians, we can only follow one Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. We must commit fully. Trying to serve more than one master results in us serving no one. Choosing not to decide is still making a choice, but the wrong choice, because God will not tolerate luke-warm Christians (Rev 3:15-16). Never compromise.

Applications: Commit fully to follow Jesus Christ and be conformed to His image. Study the Bible and Pray for the Holy Spirit's help in concentrating on the only road to heaven, the one where we walk with Christ. Love God only and do not love the world. "Do not love the world or anything in the world . . . the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does - comes not from the Father but from the world" (1 John 2:15-16).

Prayer Subjects: Pray for a commited heart. Pray for the resolve to not compromise my convictions or beliefs in the face of opposition or persecution from this sinful world. Pray that I would continue to walk with Christ and to trust him to be with me and strengthen me always.
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