Grace in One Gospel (Galatians 1:6)

Today’s scripture: Galatians 1:6

We live in a world of spiritual “buffets.” Take a bit of this, a little of that. Put it all together and create what works for you.

Even those who call themselves Christians say that the Bible isn’t God’s inherent word or there is more than one road to salvation.

They don’t want truth because it doesn’t line up with what they want to hear. Paul warned of this very thing: “The time is coming when people won’t listen to good teaching. Instead, they will look for teachers who will please them by telling them only what they are itching to hear” (CEV, 2 Tim. 4:3).

The Bible makes it very clear: There is one gospel, one faith, one way of salvation. (See Eph. 4:4-6; John 14:6).

Follow the Bible or don’t. It’s your choice. But if you choose to follow the Bible, then know that there is one gospel, one way of salvation.

One gift of grace.

Peter's Words ... Our World (2 Peter 2:1-3)

Today’s scripture: 2 Peter 2:1-3

I read these words, and it’s as though Peter had a view into our world today. False prophets and teachers introducing “destructive heresies.” Many who call themselves Christians say that Jesus is just one way (of many) to heaven. Or that the Bible was inspired by God, yes, but with so many copies and translations, it’s certainly not infallible; therefore, you can pick and choose what you want to believe.

Then there are the “religions” who deny Christ as Messiah. He was merely a good man or a wise teacher. But not the Savior. And if Jesus isn’t Savior and if the Bible is open for interpretation, then anything goes. And again, even those who call them Christians see nothing wrong with “sensual” behavior that goes against the Bible because the “truth [is] maligned.”

Finally, so many people are being “exploited with false words.” They’re asked to give to a cause or invest in a plan … and find out later they’ve been scammed. Church leaders live in mansions and drive Mercedes when their congregants are still striving for “prosperity.”

It can be quite painful to watch how God’s word is being relegated to just a nice book with some good sayings, and our Savior is just a good man. But we know that God will judge those who have willfully skewed His word. And we pray that those who are sincerely seeking the one true God will find Him, that they will look beyond the misguided and downright liars and find truth. Real truth. 

The Bible ... God's Inspiration (2 Peter 1:19-21)

Today’s scripture: 2 Peter 1:19-21

These verses are full of richness and affirmation and explanation.

First, Peter reminds us that we can be assured the “prophetic word” in God’s word is “sure.” It is a “lamp shining in a dark place.”

Next, he asserts that any prophecy in God’s word is God’s. Not men’s. Each and every word in the Bible was inspired by God. They were written down by men, yes, but they were “moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”

Many skeptics assert that the Bible is full of contradictions or that so many translations or interpretations have diluted its original meaning. But I believe that, just as the Spirit wrote through the pens of men, He worked through the pens of those who faithfully copied each word. And He continues to work through interpreters or translators today.

We can be assured that God’s is truth. We read His words. And through those words, we learn about Him and His will. We learn about His heart and love for His children.

What an amazing gift with which we've been blessed!

Eye-Witness (2 Peter 1:16-18)

Today’s scripture: 2 Peter 1:16-18

I love these verses! I know I write that a lot, but there’s so much to love about God’s word!

Peter tells us truth. Everything he writes is truth. He’s not relating folklore or fairy tales. He’s sharing what he himself witnessed.

He was with Jesus during His earthly ministry. He was with Jesus, and watched Him heal and bring life from death. He was with Jesus when He taught kingdom truths.

He was with Jesus when the soldiers arrested Him. And with heart breaking, Peter remembered denying knowing Jesus. And not being with his Master during the horrific trial and execution.

But he experienced forgiveness, and he was with Jesus during His last days on earth. He was with Jesus when the Father blessed the Son. He was there when Jesus ascended into heaven.

Peter was with Jesus. So everything he wrote was truth, based on fact. Based on his own experience. Based on his eye-witness. We can trust what he writes. We can learn from his words. Because it’s truth.

Never-changing Word (2 Timothy 2:1-2)

Today’s scripture: 2 Timothy 2:1-2

We learn so that we can teach and encourage others. God inspired the pens of men to leave us a rich and wonderful book of lessons and stories and examples of godly men and women. As we read the Bible, we learn more of who God is and what He expects of us.

We learn of His grace and mercy and love. We learn of His righteousness and justice. We learn of His plan of salvation.

And as we learn, we internalize and become more like Christ.

Then we can share God’s truths with others. We can help them know God and His plan for their lives. You don’t have to be a Bible scholar to tell people that God loves with an everlasting love (Jer. 31:3). That He is their Shepherd and Protector (Ps. 23). That He will never leave them or forsake them (Heb. 13:5). That He never changes (Heb. 13:8). That He is greater than any enemy or threat (1 John 4:4).

The Bible and its truths will change lives. If it’s changed yours, then teach it to others. It’ll change their lives as well.

What Guides You? (1 Timothy 1:8-11)

Today’s scripture: 1 Timothy 1:8-11

The law was written to guide us, to let us know how God wants us to live. When we study and meditate on God’s word, we learn to live rightly. Loving others. Serving God. Being kind and good. Gentle and patient.

And we learn how He does not want us to live. Don’t be wrathful or immoral. Or jealous. Or cause disputes. Or be drunk or carouse.

So why is there so much immorality? And jealousy? And fighting? And anger? And war? Because the majority of the world doesn’t even know God’s word. They’ve never heard God’s commands. They have no idea of how God desires they live.

The only way we can instruct others is to live out God’s commands. If we serve our community with joy, if we are kind and gentle, if we refuse to respond in anger, the world will be attracted to us. And then we can share God’s truth.

On the other hand, if we judge and point fingers and yell at our children and cheat on our tax, the world will, at best, think we’re just like them so why should they change. And at worst, their suspicions—that Christians are just hypocrites—will be confirmed.

Yes, the law was written to let the sinner know he sins. But it was also written so that, when we follow it, the sinner will see a difference in us. And will want that difference for himself.

Fruitless Discussion (1 Timothy 1:6-7)

Today’s scripture: 1 Timothy 1:6-7

Oh my goodness … I read these verses, and I thought, “Yes! This is so true!” So much “fruitless discussion” takes place in religious circles because so many “do not understand what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions.”

They’ve heard someone say sometime that, for example, there’s a verse in the Bible that says “God helps those who help themselves.” Well, we are definitely called to do the work God has called us to do, but there is no such verse.

Or they argue about traditions that aren’t spelled out clearly in the Bible, but they’re sure they’re right. Sprinkling versus immersion. Bread and wine versus crackers and juice. My way is right, and yours is not … although I’m not quite sure why.

Again, it comes down to one key thing: Do you know God’s word through diligent study and meditation, or are you just repeating what you’ve heard—or what you’d like to be true? When someone asks you about what you believe, are you able to answer with biblical support? And if you don’t know the answer to a question, do you stop to find it? Or confidently assert something about which you know little?

Think of it this way: You wouldn’t teach French if you didn’t speak it. You wouldn’t teach biology if you didn’t have a firm foundation in the science. You wouldn’t teach math if you hadn’t learned math from the very basics to calculus.

So why would you instruct others in biblical faith if you weren’t fully grounded in God’s word? Only then can you truly be confident in your assertions and have fruitful discussions.

This "Spiritual" World (1 Timothy 1:3-4)

Today’s scripture: 1 Timothy 1:3-4

“… strange doctrines … myths and endless genealogies … speculation …”

Any of these words sound familiar when you think of our “spiritual” world? The pure truth of the Bible has been distorted and watered down and misinterpreted for so long, people seem to believe just about anything.

And since so many so-called Christians don’t read and study God’s word themselves, they’re easily convinced by false teaching. They’ve become so much a part of the world that they have created a sort of Christianity that allows them to live pretty much however they choose.

I’ve written in other devotionals how some who call themselves Christians don’t believe that Jesus lived a sinless life. They don’t believe the Bible is God’s inspired word. They don’t believe in absolute truth.

They’ve bought into the “pick and choose your religion” hype. Why? Because it allows them to think their eternity is set, but while here on earth, anything goes.

They look at those of us who believe in the inerrancy of God’s word as naïve. When we assert that Jesus—God the Son—came to earth, lived a sinless life, died to pay the penalty for our sin, and then rose again …well, we’re childish. And worst of all, when we call out sin, we’re intolerant or judgmental.

All because so many have been instructed in “strange doctrines” and have “speculated” about truth.

And how God’s heart must break.

Empty Deception ... (Colossians 2:8-15)

Today's scripture: Colossians 2:8-15

We are bombarded these days with "philosophy and empty deception" that strive to take our focus off of Christ. Some of it sounds viable. Or interesting. Or compelling. However, their only purpose is to make us question biblical truth.

Anything that isn't of Christ, anything that proclaims Him as being anything less than what He is needs to be discarded.

Someone says He was just a good man or teacher? That can't be because He Himself claimed to be one with God (John 10:30).

Someone says He was just another human being and sinned just as we do? No. The writer of Hebrews, whose words were God-breathe, wrote, "For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin" (4:15). That "high priest" is Christ Himself. 

Someone says Christianity is just one of many ways to get to heaven? Not if you believe the Bible. Jesus made it very clear that He is the only way to get to the Father (John 14:6).

If you're a true Christian, a Bible-believing Christ follower, than you cannot believe anything that contradicts what Christ Himself said or what God breathed through the pens of men. Jesus Christ, God the Son, our Savior, is the foundation of our faith. Read His words. Meditate on His truths.

Follow Him and Him alone.

No Other Way (Ephesians 4:4-6)

Today's scripture: Ephesians 4:4-6

Today's devotional is short ... but not many words are needed to talk about this particular truth: There is one God. There is one faith.

One.

Many people would tell you that there are many ways to salvation. That it doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you’re sincere. That as long as your good outweighs bad, you’re set.

Even many who call themselves Christian say the same. They even say Jesus never claimed to be the only way of salvation.

Now you can certainly choose to believe what you will, but if you believe in the God of the Bible, you’re not given any other option but one:  “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me …’” (John 14:6).

No other way. 

Foolishness ... (Galatians 3:1-4)

Today’s scripture: Galatians 3:1-4

I’ve probably written this before, but I love how Paul gets to the heart of the matter … and doesn’t mince words.

The Christians in Galatia had been “bewitched.” Many of them had actually seen Jesus crucified, yet they’d fallen prey to false teaching. Works, they were told, “perfected” their faith. They were taught that they received the Spirit through works, not faith. And Paul called them “foolish.”

And rightfully so. Jesus Himself made it clear. Eternal salvation comes through the His own sacrificial death (John 3:16). The Father, part of the triune God, gives each of His followers the Spirit—also part of the triune God (Luke11:13), and it is through the Spirit we are reborn (John 3:6).The Spirit gives life (John 6:63) and dwells in us (John 14:17). He teaches us truth (John 14:26).

Jesus didn’t even mention “works.” But somehow, some in the early church decided that what Christians did was more important than who they were in Christ. Works were more important than faith.

It was foolish then. And it’s foolish now. 

Speak Truth (Galatians 1:6-9)

Today’s scripture: Galatians 1:6-9

The gospel is this: Jesus Christ—God the Son—came to earth and put on flesh. He preached about God the Father’s love, grace, and mercy. He took the sin of all mankind on Himself when He offered His own life as a sacrifice. Then He conquered death itself when He rose from the grave. He lives today, and salvation comes through the acceptance of His sacrifice and the commitment of our lives to the will of the Father.

So many so-called Christian churches are preaching a different gospel. If you’re good enough (whatever that means), you’ll make it to heaven. If you just believe that God exists (or some “higher power”), you’re going to be okay. If  you make it to the occasional church service, you can check off your list that you did your “Christian duty.”

Paul made his feelings about those who are “preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received.” They aren’t just wrong; they’re “accursed.”

This is serious, folks. And I believe one of the reasons he was so adamant about this, is that those who preach a contrary gospel aren’t just wrong for themselves. No, they’re guilty of dragging others away from God’s truth.

It’s heartbreaking to see the gospel—a beautiful story of God’s grace and redemption—so distorted. It’s even more heartbreaking to think of souls that have been lost by contrary gospels.

What can we do? We can share God’s plan of salvation—the true story—with as many people as God brings across our paths. We can lovingly guide those who’ve heard those contrary gospels.

We can make certain we always speak truth.

For the Truth (2 Corinthians 13:7-10)

Today’s scriptures: 2 Corinthians 13:7-10

In our age of relativism, many say there is no absolute truth. You believe what you believe; I believe what I believe. No one can be 100 percent sure of anything.

The lines are blurred between right and wrong. In fact, there really is no such thing. If I believe it’s right, then it’s right for me, no matter what you may think.

The problem is that when it comes down to it, most people do have an innate sense of right verses wrong. Unless one is psychopathic, he will agree that killing another human being for sport is wrong.

Most people would agree that living by the “golden rule” is good. Most people want to conduct business with people of integrity, with those who won’t cheat and who will behave honestly. Most people want to marry spouses who will be loyal and faithful.

Each of us has been endowed by our Creator (sometimes the old phrases do work the best!) with a sense of morality. Even more, we have been given a guidebook by which we can learn what it means to “love our neighbors” (Mark 12:31).

God’s word is Truth (yes, with a capital “T”). Its words of wisdom help us to know how to live moral, upright lives. To be good citizens. To be faithful spouses. To be supportive friends. To be honoring children. To be wise parents. To be loyal employees. To be fair employers.

In its 66 chapters, the Bible helps us to be the men and women God has created us to be, and that’s why it’s so very important that we study its words. Meditate on its precepts. Live by its truths.

Don't Be Deceived (2 Corinthians 11:1-6)

Today’s scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:1-6

It is so very important that we keep our hearts and minds fixed on biblical truth and that we filter everything through the scriptures. Some preach “another Jesus,” even to the point of saying that Jesus may not have lived a sinless life. Some say that many roads lead to heaven. Some say that a God of love would never send anyone to hell.

Then there are those who downplay sin. As long as no one is hurt, they say, you should be able to live as you choose. The Bible is wide open to interpretation, they claim, and you can take what makes sense and disregard the rest.

The Bible is God-breathed truth. The Holy Spirit inspired the hearts and minds of the Bible’s authors and the hearts and minds of those who compiled the 66 books it contains. It is full of history, poetry, parable, imagery, and symbolism, and each and every word speaks to one central theme: God’s plan of redemption.

Yes, there are some parts that give historical or cultural context that don’t necessarily apply to modern-day Christ-followers. For example, much of the levitical law was written because people of Israel needed guidelines by which they could be ritually cleansed. They hadn’t the blessing of salvation through the shedding of Christ’s blood.

The real issue? If we don’t know God’s word, we can’t know if someone is preaching something that goes against it. We are responsible for our own study. We need to spend time really digging into the Bible. And when we come to passages we don’t understand, we need to find wise mentors of faith who can help guide us.

We must not be like Eve who was so easily deceived. We must be wise and discerning, not giving the enemy a toehold. We must remain focused on having a “simple and pure devotion to Christ.”

99 Words (1 Corinthians 15:3-8)

Today's scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:3-8

Yesterday, Paul wrote of how the gospel needs to be received and then stood by and held fast. Today’s verses are the gospel in a “nutshell.”

You may have heard of the “elevator speech”? It’s when you’re able to describe or illustrate something in the time it takes to ride an elevator up a high-rise building. In just 99 words, Paul defines “gospel,” which could definitely be said in less than a minute. We Christians should memorize these verses so that we’re prepared to quickly and succinctly share the truth.

So many of us are intimated when we think of sharing the gospel. We’re content to let preachers and teacher do the work for us. Yet we’re all called to share God’s truth. In fact, we’re commanded to do so. Jesus’ final words to His disciples apply to us as well: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15).

Yet it’s not easy. We’re not quite sure what to say, and we’re afraid we might be asked something we can’t answer. Perhaps having just 99 words that completely encapsulate the truth would help: Jesus died for our sins and was buried and was resurrected according to the scripture. And we know this to be true because He appeared to many—many—before He ascended to heaven.

Share the truth. Share the gospel. Share the 99 words.

The Word of God (Psalm 12:6-8)

Today's scripture: Psalm 12:6-8

I absolutely love the Bible. I love how I can read the same portion of scripture over and over again, and each time learn something new. I love how one verse can both affirm and convict.

God's word is indeed "pure" as today's scripture asserts. It is truth and helps us to know Him better. We learn about Him and His will for us as we study and meditate on His word.

It is "living and active" (Hebrews 4:12, NASB), and works in our hearts to help us be more Christlike. We know how God wants us to live, what breaks His heart, and what delights Him.

The key words, though, are "study and meditate." We don't learn about God and His ways by merely owning a Bible. We must take time to really study and meditate on its truths ... and we need to do so every day.

I know it can be difficult to fit time with the Lord in our busy schedules, but I know from experience how important it is to ponder on God's word and apply what we learn. When I neglect focused, disciplined time in the Bible, I find myself becoming less content and less patient. Daily pain is more difficult to handle.

However, when I spend quality time with the Lord in His word, I remember how much He loves me. I desire to serve Him more and seek His will.

I encourage you to pick up your Bible and study His word. Focus on what He wants to tell you. Be encouraged by His love for you, and allow its truths to convict you so that you can be more and more like Christ.

God's Truth (Psalm 111:6-8)

Today's scriptures: Psalm 111:6-8

“The works of His hands are verity …”

Verity isn’t a word we use much these days, but it has rich meaning: “the quality or state of being true or real” and “a fundamental and inevitably true value” and “the quality or state of being truthful or honest.”

God is truth. He is real. He has infinite value.

“The works of His hands are … justice … “

God is just. He is holy and righteous. 

And He inspired a written account of His precepts, His commandments, His assurances, His encouragements. His word, the Holy Bible, is “trust and righteousness,” and it will “stand fast forever and ever.”

Do you know this God? Do you know the one true, real, holy, righteous God? Read His word. Read the history of His people. Read about His plan of reconciliation for you. Read about His love—an everlasting love.

Just for you.

God Is Not Dead! (Psalm 13:3-4)

Today's scripture: Psalm 13:3-4

In 1882, Frederick Nietzsche wrote the now infamous words, "God is dead. He remains dead. And we have killed him." In the over 100 years since, atheists and agnostics have argued against the existence of the God of the Bible.

He doesn't exist, they say. They say Christianity is, in fact, dying. A simple Google query on that question has over 15 million results. Those who are anti-Christian seem to think they're "prevailing" against the faith.

Well, as a "religion," perhaps Christianity is dying. Statistics indicate that many, especially young people, are leaving the church. But guess what? Being a Christ-follower isn't about following a religion or attending a certain church. Being a follower of Christ, being a child of the one true God, is about a relationship with the Savior of the world.

I know, I know. You've heard that before.

But the real point is that Christ is alive, and those who follow Him are alive in Him—now and for all eternity.

So, we cannot die. Our beliefs cannot die. The truths of the Bible cannot die.

Our enemies will never prevail against us. Never.

Foolishness (Psalm 53:1)

Today's scripture: Psalm 53:1

So many people today say there is no God. They cite science or the “fact” of evolution. They point to pain and suffering throughout the world. They decry natural disasters. If there is a God, they say, He certainly isn’t a God of love and compassion. So there must not be a God.

And if there isn’t a God, well then, anything goes. I can live exactly how I choose. Do exactly what I want. Eat, drink, and be merry. Sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Whatever. Whenever. With whomever.

Such a description of our world today. As long as it doesn’t hurt anyone, it’s okay. As long as I don’t get caught, it’s okay. Even worse, as long as it doesn’t hurt me, it’s okay.

No absolute truth exists. Moral ambiguity abounds. No black and white.

And where has “there is no God" brought us? Babies murdered in the womb. Children abused and neglected and abandoned. Teens cutting and purging and starving. Families disintegrating.

Corrupt politicians. Deceitful leaders. Self-serving. Selfish.

Foolish.