Train yourself to be godly! - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Timothy 4:7b,

"...train yourself to be godly."

In his instructions to Timothy, Paul tells him to turn from other distractions to do something very specific - to train himself to be godly. By extension, I believe we are to do likewise. We are to train ourselves to be godly.

Here is an exhortation, a command. Something we are to take hold of and make happen. I don't see any exemptions here for why Timothy or any of us might consider this optional as believers. In order to pursue it, it requires positive action on our parts. While joining a church is a good start, that in itself will hardly do. We need to pursue godliness, to train ourselves. This is one of those things that helps us define "Jesus Christ is Lord" in our lives.

I don't notice anything here about it being the preacher's responsibility to do this for me. I'm not reading anything about the pastor, my parents, my spouse or anyone else. I am to train myself to be godly.

So, how do we approach this? I am reminded of Paul's next letter to Timothy we have, in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 we read, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Here is a great place to go - to the Scriptures. Reading, meditating, memorizing, studying, "ruminating" are ways to avail ourselves of what the Scriptures offer us. All we need for "teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" is right here.

If that Bible is getting a little dusty, time to open it up and begin the training today! This is why God has provided us the Scriptures - "... men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." 2 Peter 1:21.

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

Having impact - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Timothy 4:15-16,

"Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."

The matters Paul brought to Timothy, those that Timothy were to be diligent about, were the instructions he gave him regarding the life Timothy lived, particularly within the context of the fellowship, and the doctrine he was to hold to and teach to others. Timothy was to "give yourself wholly to them". The importance of this lay in the outcome Paul looked for: that Timothy might "save both yourself and your hearers."

By extension, it is my belief the instructions Paul provided Timothy, while addressing specific immediate matters in Timothy's sphere, are instructions for us as well. I believe God's superintendence of the Scriptures, preserving Paul's letters to Timothy go beyond an historical look at isolated events of the day. These directions are intended for us as well. Not that we are all "Timothys" or that we live in the same circumstances Timothy did, but much of what Paul provided Timothy does apply to us in our day. We have false teaching afoot these days. We have folks that are uneducated about the purpose of law. We have leaders in churches that do not belong in such positions, we have need for instruction on apostolic directed worship. We have need of the very practical advice for life in the fellowship Paul provided Timothy in this letter.

It is a sobering thing to consider the outcome of what Paul anticipated from his instructions for Timothy: "you will save both yourself and your hearers." We know that we cannot save one another and we cannot save ourselves. As Paul reminds Timothy in his salutation, it is God who is our Savior. It is God who chose for himself all those who would embrace him in faith. It was God who sent his Son as a sacrifice to pay the penalty for our sins. Nonetheless, salvation is only come by responding to the true gospel in true faith. As Timothy held to his confession of faith and as he proclaimed the gospel and facilitated its propagation by the life he lived, he would have impact with these choices, not just for his own life, but for the lives of those he might have contact with.

Just like Timothy, what we do, what we subscribe to, what we think and believe, impacts not just our lives, but also the lives of those around us. This is what Timothy was to give himself to and this is what we are to give ourselves to. It is an amazing purpose that God has given us and it is an amazing delegation of responsibility God has entrusted to us as we continue the propagation of the kingdom of God on this earth handed down to us from Paul, Timothy and all the others who have gone before us.

May we all say with Paul, "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service." 1 Timothy 1:12.

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

A sincere faith - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Timothy 1:5,

"The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."

The "this command" Paul gives Timothy to is to "command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves  to myths and endless genealogies." Paul states the goal of the command is love that comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

I note Paul's reference to a "sincere faith" indicating the prospect of an insincere faith. Merriam-Webster defines "insincere" as "not expressing or showing true feelings." These teachers of false doctrines have something else afoot in their hearts as they mislead others, something other than what they report of themselves or portray themselves to be. Artificial, counterfeit, fake, feigned, hypocritical, phony, pretended are some of the thoughts that come to mind.

On the other hand, sincerity, as in "a sincere faith" is having or showing true feelings that are expressed in an honest way, genuine or real, according to Merriam-Webster. A sincere faith is free from adulteration and marked by genuineness, it is heartfelt and unfeigned.

The difference between a sincere faith and an insincere one is honesty. Folks who promote false teaching may subscribe to what it is they are peddling, but as it pours from an insincere faith, they manifest what is really in their duplicitous hearts. They are deceptive in words and actions. They are unethical, no matter how upstanding they may appear to be. They are unprincipled and unscrupulous, deceitful, crafty and cunning. They sneak and they defraud.

These are the ones we are to be mindful of. They need to be confronted and challenged to expose them for what they are, just as Timothy was asked by Paul to do. A passage that always comes to my mind that may be useful in regard to evaluating what is being taught by whom is, "The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness." James 3:17-18. The false teachers are exposed by James in the same passage, "If you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such 'wisdom' does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice." James 3:14-16. Earthly, unspiritual, domonic!

In his sermon on the mount, Jesus warned us of these false teachers, "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."

How grateful I am for those with a sincere faith, those who have given themselves to the Lord and seek to draw others with them! Folks with a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith that finds expression in love!

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

Christians following Satan - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Timothy 5:15,

"Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan."

These "some" are younger widows within the fellowship, Christians who have turned from the counsel of Paul to marry, have children and manage their homes. Rather, they have given "the enemy" opportunity to slander the kingdom of God here on earth by choices they made to follow godless ways. We can imagine the accusation, "See? Here are God's people living like hell! God can't change people! This whole gospel thing is a hoax!"

Here is a sobering thought: we believers can provide Satan opportunity to exact damage against what God is doing in the world if we neglect apostolic counsel and direction as found in the Scriptures! How many times I have heard someone rail against all the hypocrites and phonies in the church when attempting to share the gospel message! I'll bet you have too.

It is not just young widows either. I suspect when any of us succumb to the temptation to sin, we often fail to calculate how our actions may bring damage to the gospel effort. I have to confess I find myself in that number. What we do as believers carries weight in the campaign of God's kingdom.

On the flip side, Jesus acknowledged a choice we can make that would have positive impact in the world around us for God's kingdom. In his prayer to the Father on our behalf he said, "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—  I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." What we do, such as living in harmony, forgiving one another, bearing with one another, living in unity, impacts the world around us for God's kingdom.

While I am certain God intervenes at times, I am also certain of what I read here. How horrific to find a member of God's kingdom following Satan! It is startling to recognize how God grants us the freedom to make all the choices we do make, for good and for bad. In musing on it, were he not to allow us to make sinful choices, we could never express our love and desire for the Lord through the right choices we might make to delight him. We simply cannot have one without the other. Something to muse on here...

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

Choosing leaders - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Timothy 3:1-7,

"Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap."

Paul had Timothy remain in Ephesus so he could confront false teachers of the day who were misleading the folks about legalism, pedigree and other things. A part of providing for orthodox teaching and order within the fellowship was the selection of leaders. Paul provides direction to Timothy for the selection of "overseers" (elders or bishops), deaconesses and deacons. In this passage he lays out 14 guidelines for the selection of overseers:

Above reproach.

Faithful to his wife (from this it appears overseers were to be males).

Temperate.

Self-controlled.

Respectable.

Hospitable.

Able to teach.

Not given to drunkeness.

Not violent but gentle.

Not quarrelsome.

Not a lover of money.

Manage his family well, with children in obedience to him, in a manner worthy of respect.

Not a recent convert.

A good reputation with those outside the fellowship.

While being "above reproach" and "respectable" may be pretty much the same thing, as well as "temperate" and "self-controlled", we have fourteen qualities that paint a picture when taken together. Good, godly and experienced men are to provide leadership in the fellowship. These are the ones that will yield the best prospect for combating false teaching and maintaining good order in the fellowship.

I note none of these qualifications are technical in nature and cannot be measured in any kind of quantitative way (well, there is at least one exception - did you spot it?). How "respectable" is respectable? How "temperate" is temperate? Nonetheless, the whole of it brings together a picture and we know what Paul is saying here. Surely Timothy knew what Paul, and the Holy Spirit who inspired him, meant with this list.

What is obvious from this list is that, normatively speaking, God does not choose our leaders for us. Like so many other things in the church, God provides us direction and then expects us to carry out his agenda of redemption accordingly. God includes us in the things he does.

Sadly, over the years, I have seen passages such as this misused and abused. I am sure many of us have. While we understand exactly what Paul is after here, some have used this passage to promote a "legalism" within a fellowship. Some have "kind of fudged" this or that to get a favored candidate in on the elder board, or keep one, (possibly considered a threat for one reason or another), off the board.

As I noted above, these qualifications are not technical in nature generally and cannot be measured quantitatively (although one girlfriend would be enough to disqualify one as being faithful to his wife - so that one certainly is!) Most of these qualifications for overseer require a mind of wisdom in determining the appropriateness of a candidate. "Not a recent convert" certainly meant one thing to Timothy during the infancy of the church, while today we have a different perspective. The quality of "reputation" a potential overseer may have with those outside the fellowship is a prudential matter. While it certainly is good to get input from the entire fellowship on any candidate being considered as an overseer (someone may know something that should be taken into account), many of these qualifications require a mind of wisdom to evaluate a candidate.

Just a few thoughts on this passage. What fascinates me is how the Lord involves us in carrying out what he is doing in the world, including the choosing of leaders!

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

Are Christians to keep the Ten Commandments? - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Timothy 1:7-9a,

"They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm. We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful..."

One of the ways the church today struggles with Scripture is in understanding the believer's relationship to the law. When I say law, I am speaking of the ten commands given by God to Moses (the "Thou shalt nots"), Exodus 20:3-17, as well as the remainder of all laws given to Israel through Moses in the Pentateuch (Genesis through Deuteronomy.) Many church leaders and many denominations resist what the Scriptures have to say about the Christian and law-keeping.

Here Paul tells us the law exists for the sinful, not for the righteous. Who are the sinful and who are the righteous? We know all mankind is sinful. All have sinned and fall under the judgment of God, Romans 3:23. We also know that those who have embraced Jesus Christ in faith are righteous - sinners made righteous, "But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." Romans 3:21-22a.

We are told the purpose of the law was to show us our need of salvation. "Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God's sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin." Romans 3:19-20. The law proves us to be sinners and God's purpose is that we flee to his mercy found in Jesus Christ. The law shows us we don't qualify to be acquitted on judgment day and so our only recourse is to avail ourselves of God's forgiveness through the death Jesus paid on our behalf. Once we do so, we are now found as righteous in God's sight. Not only on judgment day, but today and forever once we embrace him in faith.

This issue was one that dogged Paul's ministry, who wrote extensively about it in his letters. Romans and Galatians are devoted to this issue. Here are some statements he made: "Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because 'the righteous will live by faith.' The law is not based on faith..." Galatians 3:11-12. "So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian." Galatians 3:24-25. "Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes." Romans 10:4.

Faith is always under assault, and no where more so than in the church. The sinful proclivity to displace faith to embrace religion as a vehicle of salvation and securing God's love and acceptance prompts many churches and pastors to find some way of accommodating faith and law-keeping. Paul speaks of this misguided teaching in his day in Colossians 2:20-23. One such effort today is an artificial distinction made between the "ceremonial law" and the "moral law". The notion is advanced that when the Scriptures tells believers they are no longer under the law, these folks meticulously advise us that what the Bible meant to say was that we are no longer under the "ceremonial law", but that we are still under the "moral law." The ceremonial law would be that which governs the temple worship and sacrifices, etc. The moral law would be the ten commands, etc. Without finding that distinction in the Scriptures, I have found them to say, in order to make clear what Paul meant, a reference to the ten commandments as that which we are no longer under, "But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code. What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, 'You shall not covet [the tenth commandment].'" Romans 7:6-7.

However, the law does reflect God's own character and nature. Therefore, we find true believers living their lives in ways that reflect God's character as expressed in the law - not in an effort of "keeping the law" but living in "the new way of the Spirit" who has enlightened us and empowered us to live lives pleasing to God. 

It just might be difficult for us at times to tell whether one lives by faith or by law-keeping. But God knows, and he will reward each accordingly.

What are you counting on for God's love and acceptance? Faith? Or law-keeping?

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

Spiritual Beings - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Timothy 1:17,

'Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen."

As Paul offers up his doxology to the object of his worship, God himself, he acknowledges some of his attributes. From this doxology, as well as all God reveals of himself in the pages of Scripture, we recognize that God is a spiritual being. When Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well he said, "God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth." John 4:24.

In this very practical letter to Timothy, focusing on how the fellowship should order itself in this world, there is a surprising amount of reference to the spiritual realm and the beings that inhabit its environs. In addition to the acknowledgement of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, we read of created beings that dwell within this dimension of what could be referred to as the "spirit world."

Paul speaks of handing certain Christians over to Satan, one of God's malevolent creations that inhabits the spiritual realm and has his impact here in this world, "Among them [those who have rejected faith and a good conscience] are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme." 1:20. Paul speaks of "deceiving spirits" and demons that are the source of false teachings in later times, 4:1.

On the positive side, Paul makes reference to "elect angels", 5:21. Paul points out that God himself, "who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see" will bring about the second coming of his Son, Jesus Christ in his own timing, 6:16.

Because I live here in this life "under the sun", because I am focused on things here, because I get caught up with the activities and people here, it is good for me to pause from time to time and muse on what it is I do not see, what surrounds me and has impact on my life here as well as afterward. That spiritual realm exists and is populated with spiritual beings that have differing intentions for me and those I love.

These are things I would never know of apart from God sharing them with me in his word. A pretty good source of information, wouldn't you say?

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

Confidence, assurance: can we know we are heaven-bound? - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Timothy 3:13,

"Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus."

Merriam-Webster defines "assurance" as: "the state of being sure or certain about something, a strong feeling of confidence about yourself or about being right, a strong and definite statement that something will happen or that something is true." Paul tells Timothy that those who serve, if they serve, well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in the Lord.

This past week I saw a Roman Catholic priest asked by a host on Fox News if he knew he was going to heaven when he left this life. I was somewhat surprised at the answer. While I don't recall the actual language he used, he communicated that while he didn't know for sure, he certainly hoped so, "like so many others." The man has no idea where he is headed following this life! How sad! Can't we know for sure? Are we not able to know?

I know where I am going when I die. There is no question in my mind about it. I am going into the Lord's presence. I know it, I am certain of it, I do not have any doubts whatsoever about it.

Am I conceited to harbor such an outlook? Not at all. Confidence and conceit are two different things. Confidence is the feeling of being certain that something will happen or that something is true. Conceit is holding to the notion that somehow I am better than others or that due to my own good qualities I have set myself apart. I happen to be a little too honest for conceit. If arriving in heaven was due to my performance here, you would all have to enjoy it without me. I have too many faults to make it to heaven on my own. Perhaps this accounts for the difference between the priest and me. My salvation has everything to do with what the Lord has done for me, not the other way around.

The Scriptures tell us to be assured when we have embraced the Lord in faith. It requires no departure from humility as it is our faith that informs us that being heaven-bound is all about Jesus Christ and his sacrifice on our behalf. Paul asks the question, "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?" 1 Corinthians 3:16. We should know this.

In speaking of the outcome of his ministry, Paul makes an observation that could serve us all well as we contemplate the confidence we have in our own salvation, "Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God." 1 Corinthians 3:4-5.

"It is written: 'I believed; therefore I have spoken.' Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself." 2 Corinthians 4:13-14. Our faith should provide us with confidence to know this for ourselves.

Here is something we should take great confidence in, "For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands... Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:1, 6-8.

Perhaps, if we lack confidence, we may need to pray about some things we should know and be convinced of, "I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe." Ephesians 1:17-19a.

Our faith should provide us freedom and confidence to approach God, "In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." Ephesians 3:12. Also, "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16.

We should draw near to God with the assurance that faith brings, "...let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings..." Hebrews 10:22. Our confidence richly rewards us, "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded." Hebrews 10:35.

Confidence and assurance is the essence of our faith, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for." Hebrews 11:1-2.

John wants us to know of our salvation, "This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit." 1 John 4:13. Also, "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life." 1 John 5:13. He tells us we should know, "We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one." 1 John 5:19-20.

How wonderful that we can know here and now about our destination following this life!

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

The Lord's patience - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Timothy 1:16,

"But for that very reason [Paul being the worst of sinners] I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life."

The patience of the Lord is an amazing thing. Here Paul tells Timothy of the "immense patience of the Lord.

The patience of God relates to his agenda to populate his kingdom. Mankind, living in disobedience and rebellion to God, worthy of God's wrath in his compulsion and celebration of sin is deserving of his wrath. Indeed, we read of those who never flee to the mercy of God we find in Jesus Christ as being thrown into a fiery lake of burning sulfur, Revelation 21:8. 

Why is it God just doesn't express his wrath when we sin, right then and there? Why does he defer our punishment until later? The answer to that seems to me to be found in his desire to build his kingdom of us for eternity. He has chosen for himself all who will embrace him in faith. If he were to destroy us at the moment we first sin, the opportunity to embrace him in faith would be lost. This is the patience of the Lord. God's plan of redemption exploits his magnificent and wonderful patience!

Here are some fascinating observations of this: "Do you show contempt for the riches of his [God's] kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?" Romans 2:4. "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9. "Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him." 2 Peter 3:15.

God's patience provides us opportunity for salvation!

"God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus." Romans 3:25-26.

How thankful I am for the patience of the Lord! Without it I would have had no hope!

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

The Saint and Sin - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Timothy 5:19-20,

"Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning."

Elders are to be "above reproach", 3:2, so how is it they may become ensnared in sin? Why would Paul provide instructions for an occasion that an elder might sin?

I suspect many of us have run into those within a fellowship with stature as an elder, a pastor, the leader of some ministry, etc. who tend to reflect an attitude that might be viewed as something of a "spiritual superiority", beyond the shortcomings, weaknesses and frailties the rest of us may struggle with from time to time. Is that possibly an unwarranted confidence? On the other hand, I suspect there may be plenty of hard working leaders within fellowships who feel very uncomfortable with an unjustified assumption, a misplaced expectation others may hold of them, that they are somehow beyond falling, slipping into a sin.

This goes to the issue of understanding where born-again believers, regenerated members of God's kingdom, stand in relation to sin. Paul clearly teaches that where sin used to dominate our lives before placing our faith in Jesus Christ and becoming indwelt with the Holy Spirit, we now are no longer enslaved by it. He says, "Sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace." Romans 6:14. Because of this we are no longer to "let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 6:12. John puts it this way, "No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him." 1 John 3:6. Where we once lived in sin as a lifestyle, we no longer continue in the practice of it when we become indwelt with the Holy Spirit. Our sinful nature still remains with us as believers in Jesus Christ, however, with the Holy Spirit we are no longer dominated by it. There is a struggle between the two we read of in Galatians 5:17, "The flesh [our sinful nature] desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want."

We also read of the wonderful resource we have in God in our struggle with sin as believers, "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." From this we learn believers do not ever have to fall in to sin.

However, the Scriptures anticipate we may sin from time to time. While the Scriptures never provide berth for sin in our lives and clearly condemn the sinful acts of saints, provision and direction are provided. Our verse above is one example. When an elder is caught in a sin, he is to be reproved before the whole fellowship as a warning. If those of us who are "above reproach", can slip into a sin, the possibility exists that any of us can.

Here are a couple of other verses that anticipate sin in the life of a believer, "My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins." James 5:19-20. "My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." 1 John 2:1-2.

John provides a surprising insight into our relationship with sin, "No one who lives in him [Christ] keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him." Here John speaks of that lifestyle dominated by sin before our rebirth. John tells us that if we continue to live in that lifestyle, it is a clear indication we do not have the indwelling Holy Spirit, and therefore we have not "known him [Jesus Christ]." People who profess to having placed their faith in Jesus Christ prove otherwise by their lives, if they continue in a sinful lifestyle, and manifest a truth about real believers: when we sin, we cannot live with ourselves. The Holy Spirit will not allow us to continue in it. Guilt and personal conviction of that sin prompts us to get up, dust ourselves off, and resume our walk with the Lord. We can simply not continue to live in sin as a lifestyle. We may have our weak moments and we may sin, be we cannot live there as the Holy Spirit will have his way within us.

It is a difficult subject, and one in which I suspect are extreme circumstances that may fall outside the bounds of the general truths about sin in the life of a believer that the Scriptures I've noted provide. However, it is important to note that while I may be saved, my body, within which my own sinful nature resides, as well as the Holy Spirit, is not. It is facing death. As such, that opportunity for temptation and sin remain as a believer. Listen to this interesting perspective Paul provides in Romans 8:9-11,

"You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh [sinful nature] but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you."

How wonderful is that?! Here is when and where all believers will find their ultimate freedom from sin!

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

Thirteen ugly ones - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Timothy 1:8-11,

"We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me."

Paul tells Timothy to confront false teachers who were using the Old Testament laws in ways God did not intend. Here he reminds Timothy of the purpose of the law and those for whom it was given. The laws of Moses were not given for the righteous (those who are now saved and forgiven), but for those who need to become aware of their sinfulness. Those for whom the law was given are:

lawbreakers
rebels
the ungodly
the sinful
the unholy
irreligious
killers of parents
murderers
the sexually immoral
homosexuals
slave traders
liars and perjurers
those who practice whatever is contrary to doctrine that conforms to the gospel

This is a sordid list, culprits who participate in one or more of thirteen ways to intimately encounter God's horrific wrath. In Revelation 21:8 we read of these being cast into a "fiery lake of burning sulfur." The purpose of the law was to inform us of our sinfulness, as we all can find ourselves somewhere in this list. I know I have. It is the fulfillment of this purpose that should prompt us to flee to the feet God's mercy and find salvation in the sacrifice Jesus Christ made of himself on that miserable cross, paying the penalty due us on our behalf.

Note number eleven on that list, "slave traders". How many times have you heard the Bible is silent on slavery? I have many times! Where do people come up with such ideas? I have to think people are not reading their Bibles as they should. Other translations provide the terms: "enslavers" ESV, "kidnappers" TEV, NASB, NKJV, "menstealers" KJV, "slave traders" NRSV, NIV.

Of course, we have all kinds of folks attempting to convince us the Scriptures do not condemn number ten, "homosexuals". This, I am sure has less to do with an unfamiliarity of the Scriptures and more to do with trying to "declassify" homosexuality as a sin. They will need to take the matter up with our Creator... good luck on that!

In any event, yes - I am to be found on that list! Having realized my plight as a sinner before a righteous God as my judge and executioner, I fled to the feet of his mercy! How wonderful he has made a way for us through Jesus Christ!

It is my prayer we all find God's mercy and forgiveness!

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

God's choice: Faith! - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Timothy 1:4,

"Such things [false teaching] promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith."

"God's work" is by faith. Our salvation is by faith, "Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life." John 3:24. It is impossible to please God apart from faith, "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6.

We are introduced to God's choice, that he would select for himself all who will place their faith in him in the very first book of the Bible, Genesis. There we are presented with Abraham, whom God holds up for us as the "parade ground example" of faith, "Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness." Paul uses this verse to demonstrate the way of salvation, "This is why 'it was credited to him as righteousness.' The words 'it was credited to him' were written not for him [Abraham] alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification." Romans 4:22-25.

Likewise, the last book in our Bibles continue the message of the imperative of faith, "with him [the Lamb - Jesus Christ] will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.” The Scriptures primary message is the salvation we are offered is secured through faith. I am reminded of Paul's observation, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand." Romans 5:1-2. It is all about faith.

Have you ever wondered why faith is the criteria for salvation? Why is it the Lord requires us to embrace him in faith if we wish to spend eternity with him? This is not some theological scheme presented us by those who might have wished to spawn a new religion. It was God's choice that those who would embrace him in faith would be those he would choose for himself.

This is what is meant by the term "election". When the Scriptures speak of God's election, contrary to the pop theology having its heyday in many churches these days, God's election, his choice, are all those who will embrace him in faith.

God could have chosen only the beautiful. He might have chosen only the intellectual ones, the accomplished ones, the popular ones, the rich ones, only those with green eyes and red hair, or only the tall ones. But he did not. God has chosen for himself all who will choose him, embrace him in faith, "For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe." 1 Corinthians 1:21.

No, it isn't the beautiful, the smart, the accomplished, the popular or rich ones. Here is what Paul has to say, "Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him." 1 Corinthians 1:26-29.

Yes, this is the camp I come from. He saves people just like me: not wise, not influential, not noble, but foolish, weak, lowly and despised. How about you?

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

Where did we come from? - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Timothy 2:13,

"Adam was formed first, then Eve."

Paul makes reference to God's creative acts as given in Genesis 2:7 and 21-22, "Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being... the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man."

The Genesis account of God's creation of Adam and Eve was Paul's perspective on the beginnings of the human race as provided in this verse. Jesus Christ, as well, vindicated the account of creation when he was here. Both Old and New Testaments acclaim the veracity of Moses' account of creation in Genesis.

However, many today find fault with the account of creation in Genesis. Many do so in an attempt to deny God's very existence. The thought of having to face their Creator and give an account of their lives brings an unbearable conflict. How can one cling to their sin, reject God's Son and his offer of forgiveness, and still face life? Imagine the foreboding outlook of looming judgment, an eternity in a "fiery lake of burning sulfur", Revelation 21:8. The remedy many take is to deny God's existence and any reference to God in the beginnings of mankind. Such is the relief Darwinism provides those who reject God to cling to their sin, John 3:19, "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil."

Those who refuse to embrace the God of creation and reject even the notion of his existence, those who turn to Darwinism (and other remedies) have a real problem: their denials fade in the face of the vast testimony provided by all of God's creation. Psalm 19:1-4 says,

"The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
    night after night they reveal knowledge.
They have no speech, they use no words;
    no sound is heard from them.
Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
    their words to the ends of the world."

Paul quotes this psalm in Romans 10:16-18, where he answers anyone who may object that God has not left us enough proof of his existence, (such as Penn Jillette, the comedian, has complained),  "For Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed our message? Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: 'Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.'"

In another place Paul explains the delusion atheists engage will not thwart any consequence they face in rejecting God's Son, "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." Romans 1:18-20.

While the testimony of creation falls just short of precluding the opportunity for faith, there is plenty there for any reasonable person to understand God's existence and his creative acts. It is the desire to avoid having to face him to whom we all must give account that provides berth for the delusion God does not exist.

While we have those among the ranks of church-goers who can't seem to get their big-boy faith pants on, there is simply no coherent synthesis of the account of creation with evolution, Darwinism or any other deception. Our account of creation in Genesis is straightforward and simple. No need to compromise it with the delusions of mankind. This account, after all, is provided us by God through Moses. Why attempt to correct or challenge those two? 

"And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day." If this is not a twenty-four hour period, I'll eat my hat! I promise!

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

The Agenda - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Timothy 2:8-10,

"Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God."

I sometimes wonder if we miss the point from time to time, of what is being said in Scripture. With the above passage in mind, I have often heard it said, and I have often thought myself, that men need to knock off the arguments and anger and to pray. That is the moral way God wants us to live. The same for women: don't dress provocatively. That is the moral way God wants us to live. That is simply the long and the short of it.

While I am still sure these things are true, there is something else afoot here. What I see in Paul's letter to Timothy is that fussing and fighting is not what we should be pursuing as believers in this life, that adorning ourselves in effort to impress or attract is not what we should be pursuing here... Why? Because God has his agenda for us. A focused agenda that he wants us plugged into and he wants us to further. That agenda is God's program of redemption with the priority of pursuing the faith of everyone. There are those things in life that work toward that agenda, and those things in life that simply take time, talent, treasure and strength from that agenda, that effort.

There is much in this letter from Paul to Timothy about the damage done by false teachers. What is interesting is that Paul observes the false teaching as that which mitigates against the promotion of the gospel, the potential to reach others for "the faith." Paul says, "Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith." It is the advancement of God's work Paul has in mind. God's work. God's agenda. Paul refers to a goal in his concerns, "The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."

There just may be those things in our lives that detract from the priority God has given us to advance the gospel, or that do not contribute toward it. Paul addresses some of these things in this letter.

Paul speaks of the strength the Lord gave him to pursue this agenda as one of his apostles, "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service." 1:12. Paul speaks of fighting the battle well, and those who hindered this agenda were dealt with in firm manner by Paul, "Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme." 1:18-20.

Paul told Timothy to promote the agenda, 4:6, to command and teach accordingly, 4:11 and to be diligent in these things, "Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." 4:15-16.

Jesus Christ, our Lord, has an agenda and he wants us all to be focused on it. It is the promotion of his kingdom, to populate it with all who are willing by faith. Something here to consider...

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

The food we eat: does it make us godly or ungodly? - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Timothy 4:3-5,

"They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer."

What are these dietary restrictions Paul speaks of here? Paul foresees a day when religious people will forsake "the faith" and adopt teachings spawned by demons and malevolent spirits. Among these teachings will be dietary restrictions that find their origin in the Scriptures themselves. In Leviticus 11 we read of foods identified by God as "clean" and "unclean". For instance, in speaking of meat, "Of all the animals that live on land, these are the ones you may eat: You may eat any animal that has a divided hoof and that chews the cud. There are some that only chew the cud or only have a divided hoof, but you must not eat them." Leviticus 11:2-4. As examples: camels, rabbits, and pigs were "unclean" (unacceptable to eat). Venison, goats, and sheep were "clean" (acceptable to eat).

However, the time came when God declared everything "clean" to eat, no more dietary restrictions. "'Don’t you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them? For it doesn’t go into their heart but into their stomach, and then out of the body.' (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.)" Mark 7:18-19. We also see God using the motif of "clean" and "unclean" foods used as a prophetic metaphor in a vision he gave Peter to inform him he was to no longer consider Gentiles as "unclean" people. The Gentiles were now to be considered acceptable in God's offer of his kingdom through the gospel. In that vision God told Peter, "'Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.' 'Surely not, Lord!' Peter replied. 'I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.' The voice spoke to him a second time, 'Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.'" Acts 10:13-15. While the message to Peter was about the acceptability of Gentiles, the primary message used by God in the metaphor still holds true. All things are clean to eat. Paul also speaks of full faith and weak faith measured by what a person finds acceptable to eat, "One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables." Romans 14:2.

Many have only seen issues of health and hygiene as cause for God's dietary laws. However, when God removed his dietary restrictions, it was not as a result of these animals now becoming healthier to eat. Something else was the point of God's earlier declaration of certain foods being unclean. He wanted to teach Israel a basic concept: there is that which is "clean" and that which is "unclean"; there is that which is holy and that which is profane; there is that which is acceptable to God and that which is unacceptable to God; there is that which is godly and that which is ungodly. God was teaching Israel the concept of sin. God has a problem with sin (sin being whatever is inconsistent with his moral character and nature) and wanted to teach the world through Israel the problem of sin inherent within us and our need for salvation. God used a variety of means to teach the concept of duality in terms of what is godly and what is profane in what we think, do and say. It is the concept of this duality God was teaching when he provided dietary restrictions (as well as other things).

Now that Jesus Christ had paid the redemption price for our sins on the cross, and promoted the gospel of faith, returning to dietary laws to find God's acceptance becomes a threat to his message. Hence, it is to demons and malevolent spirits that Paul attributes various religious practices, such as dietary restrictions. These restrictions become a counterfeit to the gospel of faith. Salvation is by faith, not works, such as adherence to dietary restrictions (including ones found in the Scriptures.)

Today I celebrate the freedom we have from the law, the freedom we have to enter into God's kingdom apart from our performance relative to laws and restrictions. God has made his salvation available to us freely: all we need do is embrace him in faith. He has done all the work!

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

Activities of demons and malevolent spirits today! - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Timothy 4:1-3,

"The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth."

Here is a fascinating and sobering concern voiced by Paul two thousand years ago. It is an observation of "later times", times I would associate with our day. I certainly do not know when the end of this age will fall, but clearly, these days are "later times" relative to when Paul penned these words.

Paul's tells us that the Holy Spirit warned of deceiving spirits and demons in our day. These malevolent spirits will advance "teachings" that will be followed by some who "abandon the faith." These teachings are of a religious nature, proscribing the denial of things to be enjoyed in this life such as "certain foods" or a spouse.

The objective of the religious teachings of these malevolent spirits could not be clearer: those who follow them will abandon the faith. I am quite certain that what these deceiving spirits intend to accomplish is to hinder, and if possible, destroy the gospel of faith. Why teach that a person should not marry? The false notion that faith is not the way - celibacy and asceticism is the way to earn God's favor! Why teach that a person should follow dietary laws? Faith is not enough - if you want to earn God's acceptance, denial of certain foods, as well as other enjoyable things proves you worthy!

We are all aware of religions that demand the clergy abstain from marriage and seen the abomination of what that has led to. Many of us have been exposed to religions where folks are busy earning their way into heaven (as if they could), by following dietary laws and many other restrictions. Such religions have side-tracked people from the truth and replaced God's gracious gospel of faith for a gospel of works, which is no gospel at all.

Yes, today demons and malevolent spirits are alive and active. Their agenda is to deceive as many as possible to abandon "the way and the truth and the life" for one of the many religions they have spawned. We need to stand strong against such and proclaim the gospel as given us from God, "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9. 

As Paul says in Romans 3:28, "For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law." We must maintain this as well.

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

What do you know about Jesus Christ? - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Timothy 1:17,

"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen."

Here in Paul's doxology, he acknowledges some things about Jesus Christ. The first is Jesus Christ is God, the only God. In what is an inconceivable reality for me, Jesus Christ exists as fully man and fully God all at the same time. He is the second person of what we call the Trinity, so Paul acknowledges Jesus Christ's deity. As such, Paul calls Jesus King -  the supreme authority over all that exists on the planet, and especially mankind. In Revelation 19:16 we read that on his robe and on his thigh Jesus Christ has the name written "King of kings and Lord of lords." Paul tells us this King, Jesus Christ, is eternal, immortal and invisible. As King he is due honor and glory for all eternity.

Paul has much to say about Jesus Christ in this letter we call 1 Timothy. Here are fourteen observations I have made:

Christ Jesus is our hope, 1:1.

Jesus Christ gives strength, 1:12.

Grace, faith and love are in Christ Jesus, which he provides or bestows abundantly, 1:14.

Christ Jesus came to earth to save sinners, 1:15.

Christ Jesus displays "immense patience", 1:16.

As mentioned above, Christ Jesus is eternal, immortal and invisible: he is God, 1:17.

Christ Jesus is due honor and glory "for ever and ever", 1:17.

Christ Jesus is the only mediator between God the Father and mankind, 2:5.

Christ Jesus gave himself as a ransom for all people, 2:6.

The Son of God appeared in the flesh as Jesus Christ, 3:16.

Jesus was vindicated by the Spirit, 3:16.

Jesus was seen by angels, preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, and ascended in glory, 3:16.

As God, Christ Jesus is pleased when we care for the helpless in our families, 5:4.

The Lord Jesus Christ is coming back to planet earth, 6:14.

How instructive this letter is in helping us understand who Jesus Christ is and what he has done! How striking, how remarkable, how arresting these things of Jesus Christ are that Paul has shared in this letter.

I identified fourteen things Paul had to say about Jesus Christ in this letter. What can you add to this list?

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

The vindication of Jesus Christ - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Timothy 3:16,

"Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:

He appeared in the flesh,
    was vindicated by the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
    was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
    was taken up in glory."

This passage, most likely a well known confession of faith adopted by the early church, and possibly sung as a hymn, (given, what is felt by many, the "rhythm of its phrases") is sweeping in its claims.

The passage begins and ends with the visit God made to planet earth through his one and only Son, Jesus Christ. The Creator visited his creation as a member of it! "He appeared in the flesh..." The arrival of Jesus Christ to this world was attended with great glory and heavenly fanfare. Of the original Christmas we read, "Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:13-14.

When his mission was completed, Jesus "was taken up in glory", returning, in a glorious ascension, from whence he came. The stunning account is provided for us in Acts 1 where we read of his followers "looking intently up into the sky as he was going" when "he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight." There we read of angels appearing to his followers, assuring them Jesus would return a second time in the same way they just saw him return to heaven.

This confession identifies four things about the Son of God relative to his visit here. He was:
vindicated by the Spirit
seen by angels
preached among the nations
believed on in the world

What captures my attention this morning is that Jesus was vindicated by the Spirit. Some may interpret this as "vindicated in the spirit", but either way, it is that "vindication" that strikes me. Merriam-Webster defines "vindicate" as "to show that (someone or something that has been criticized or doubted) is correct, true, or reasonable."

While here, Jesus Christ brought a message of redemption, "the Kingdom of God is at hand." This is a redemption that becomes ours through faith. Jesus said, "whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life." John 5:24. While here Jesus claimed, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." While here, Jesus vindicated both his offer of salvation, as well as the claims he made of himself. Jesus Christ is God the Son and is the only way, the truth and life.

The attestation of the Scriptures, authenticating the claims and the deeds of Jesus Christ are beyond compelling. The fulfillment of the many prophecies concerning his coming are remarkable. We have in our hands a copy of the book of Isaiah from the Dead Sea Scrolls dated two to three centuries before the birth of Jesus Christ. In chapter 53, as well as many other places, the life and mission of Jesus Christ are clearly laid out, as originally penned by Isaiah some seven centuries earlier.

In addition to the many fulfilled prophecies of Jesus Christ are other factors vindicating his claims and deeds. While here Jesus clearly demonstrated his transcendent control of the laws of physics that govern his creation. His many miracles attest to his role as our Creator (see John 1:1-3 and Hebrews 1:2). The first of which sets the table for many others as he turned water to wine, John 2:1-12. 

Jesus' dominance of the spiritual realm is seen in many places, such as Matthew 8:28-34. While here he forgave people their sins, (and attested the forgiveness by miracles of healing, etc.) See Matthew 9:1-8. Jesus raised people from the dead, Matthew 8:11-17 and John 11:38-44.

Many other items could be added to the list of attestations for the vindication of Jesus Christ. What would you add? The vindication of all Jesus said and did as our Messiah and Savior is amply provided to all who will listen and take note.

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

Shyster Evangelists on TV - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Timothy 5:9-10,

"No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds."

The church was (and is) to take care of widows within the fellowship who were godly and left without family to support them. I note that it is either the family of a widow, or in the absence of family, the fellowship that is to provide for the widow in need. In fact, our fellowships have been asked by God through the Scriptures to care for any needy person that comes our way.

Now, I have had an earful (and I suspect you have had as well), of TV "evangelists" who promote the notion that if we would but just send in our "faith promise pledge" of a thousand dollars or more to them, "casting our bread on the waters", God will bless us with a financial miracle. All I need do is send in my check to so-and-so's "ministry" and sit back and await God's miraculous and wonderful financial blessing. Meanwhile the TV evangelist will send me a little booklet, or some phony "holy water" straight from the river Jordan, or some "holy anointing oil" in a little plastic tube, or some cheesy special edition of the Scriptures containing their odd-ball perspectives, or whatever the gullible and/or desperate will jump for.

Didn't Paul know this? Why did he ask Timothy to ensure the widows be taken care of when all the widow had to do was send in what paltry sum she had to the tele-evangelist? In this way, the widows could take care of themselves, right? Since God loves us, he doesn't want us poor, does he?

How is it these shyster "evangelists" are so successful (they make millions with their scams)? Doesn't anyone read their Bibles? All who subscribe to these wacky schemes are either being fleeced or are fleecing others. Of them, Paul's warning to Timothy could not be truer, they "have been robbed of the truth and ... think that godliness is a means to financial gain." 1 Timothy 6:5.

Here is a good tip: either don't, or stop, sending your money into these kinds of scams. Worship the Lord with your finances at your local fellowship and care for the needy when they appear. Follow the Scriptures, not these "wolves in sheep's clothing."

Yes, God does live us, and he does care for the widows, the orphans, the helpless. That is why he is sending you and me. It is the other spiritual camp that is sending the shyster evangelists. Trust me - you can take that to the bank!

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.

Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com