Jesus’ warning about diluting His word…
Feb 25
"And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." (Revelation 22:19) This final testimony and warning of Christ to those who profess to be His followers is a clear command not to either augment (Revelation 22:18) or dilute the inspired "words" (not just "thoughts") of the Bible. There are many people in the various cults following some leader who think he or she has received some new inspired word from God. That is very unwise. But it is usually certain leaders in the mainline denominations who presumptuously either cull out or explain away those Bible verses they consider unscientific or offensive in some way. That is even more dangerous, for those whose names are not found "in the book of life" will be "cast into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:15).
To live, you must die…
Feb 25
"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21) Although the glorious resurrection bodies which have been promised all believers must await the return of Christ, even the spirit-existence after death is better than this present life for the believer. Paul himself expressed "a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better" (v. 23)--"to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8). Thus, it is "gain" when a Christian dies! Since Christ, in His resurrection body, is in heaven at the right hand of the Father, the spirits of "sleeping" Christians are also there. The intermediate state is somewhat analogous to the dreaming state, in which the consciousness travels to various places and experiences while the body is asleep. In fact, death is called "sleep" for the Christian (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
The mighty hand of God
Feb 25
"That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the Lord your God for ever" (Joshua 4:24). redsea The testimony of Joshua to the children of Israel as they entered the promised land reminded them of the tremendous strength in the mighty hand of God whom they were to fear and trust forever. This is only one of about 20 references in the Scriptures to God's mighty hand. Moses had often recalled how "the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt" (Deuteronomy 7:8). The first reference to God's mighty hand is in Jacob's dying prophecy concerning Joseph. "His bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob" (Genesis 49:24).
The danger of "watering down" the God’s Holy Word…
Feb 23
"And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." (Revelation 22:19) This final testimony and warning of Christ to those who profess to be His followers is a clear command not to either augment (Revelation 22:18) or dilute the inspired "words" (not just "thoughts") of the Bible. There are many people in the various cults following some leader who think he or she has received some new inspired word from God. That is very unwise. But it is usually certain leaders in the mainline denominations who presumptuously either cull out or explain away those Bible verses they consider unscientific or offensive in some way. That is even more dangerous, for those whose names are not found "in the book of life" will be "cast into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:15).
Young men… you have overcome the wicked one!
Feb 23
"I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one." (1 John 2:14) There are two commendations about the "young men" (typically applied to those under forty) that John notes. They are "strong" (vigorious, healthy, both physically and mentally) and the word of God "abides" (remains, endures) in them. These are those who have come through their believing childhood, no doubt guided and counseled by the "fathers" in their lives, who are now active in the "good fight of faith" (1 Timothy 6:12). Like Abraham, they are "strong in faith" (Romans 4:20), not staggering under the burden of unbelief. Like the leaders in the church at Rome, they are willing to "bear the infirmities of the weak" (Romans 15:1), and to be alert, standing "fast in the faith" (1 Corinthians 16:13). Even though they would have faced opposition from among professing Christians, they were "strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 2:1).
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