1-17-2025 Devotion

 Recently I was called to the house of a man dying of cancer. He was in the final stages and would most likely not survive 90 days. His wife was with him. As I was traveling to see him, I prayed for God's guidance and that I would speak His words not mine. You can imagine the thoughts in my head; would he give the remainder of his life to Jesus Christ? Would he and his wife be transformed by the power of God? I saw a valuable truth that day. People generally die as they lived. Everyone has a "god;" it just depends on what you choose to worship. The dying man's only concern was a debt from 17 years ago that had been repaid only he had forgotten it. At one point the wife took the Lord's name in vain and he cussed (not about the debt but just in the normal course of the conversation). I spoke firmly about the language and stated that if it occurred again I would depart immediately. Their "god" was money. He actually had a large paper cup by his bed within arm's reach filled with $100 bills. Here was a man about to slip into eternity with no concern for his soul. His devotion was to money and not the true God. The Bible is true when it says: "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Matthew 6:24 This man had served money his life and that was his "god."

 

Where is your heart's devotion? What has your heart? Is it God or something else? The point I want to make today, is that whatever you spend your life serving is mostly likely what you will die serving. If you are a child of God, then you need to spend your life serving your Savior. That service begins with devotion. Pray for passion for the Word, for prayer and for a closeness with Him. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. (James 4:8 "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."

 

Today examine your heart. Find out where your passion is; when you find that passion, you will find your "God." Don't wait until you are on your death bed, because most likely by then your heart is settled and will not change. Give your life for Christ! Live your life for Christ! Have a passion for Christ! When you do, your heart will have true devotion for God.

1-16-2025 Devotion

 The justice of God demands the enforcement of God's law.  All have sinned and therefore all deserve death and hell. However, in a show of love, God has sent His grace into the hearts of many showing the bestowal of His grace upon the undeserving. 

Justice said: "I demand an impartial enforcement of the law.

Love said: "My elect must live."

The Second Person of the Trinity the Lord Jesus Christ said, "Father, I will interpose for Your elect; I will pay their sin debt. Our Lord Jesus Christ was successful in His mission: He was born a baby, grew to be a man, was crucified, died, buried, rose from the dead, ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father. That is love! The Lord Jesus Christ sent the Holy Spirit to call out His chosen ones and to reveal to their hearts that they were corrupt, lost and headed to hell. The Spirit showed them their lost condition and the truth about their heart. He awakened them and brought them to Christ to see His sacrifice and the narrow way. The lost soul sees Christ as his substitute and his only hope. He clings to the Savior and becomes a new creation in Christ. 

That is God's Sovereign love for the lost. He would not leave His children to face judgment, but in love, chose them for salvation. You know you are among those chosen if you want Christ. How can I say that? Because the Scriptures tell us, He will never turn anyone away that comes to Him. That is how you know you are among the elect, because you want to be! 

The life lesson is: God’s Sovereign love for you will not change.

1-15-2025 Devotion

 Listen to Ephesians 1: 3-5: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: having predestined us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will." The Father's election was "in love" before the foundation of the world. Before you ever were born, did one act or had one thought, the Father had chosen you. It was "according to the good pleasure of his will." Whose will, was it? Was it your will? No, it was the Father's will! God did not choose you because of some good in you. You get to take no credit with the true gospel message. 

To me this is one of the greatest, most comforting truths in God's Word--to think that I have been an object of His love before the foundation of the world, and that He knew me before I was ever born. This position takes all your pride away, it deflates your ego, and exposes your depravity. 

I want you to take a few moments today to thank God that He chose you before you were born. He chose you before you responded to the Gospel message. He chose you in spite of every sin you have or will commit. This fact of His choice of me makes me humble, thankful, grateful, and desirous of being obedient to Him. What about you?

1-14-2025 Devotion

 Ephesians 2: 3 states: "We all...were by nature the children of wrath."

According to John 8: 44, we are all the children of the devil, and
according to Matthew 3: 7 we are all the offspring of vipers, and according
to the 16th chapter of Ezekiel we are all illegitimate children born out of
wedlock, dead in trespasses and sins, totally corrupt and discarded on the
garbage heap of the world as fit subjects for hell. There is nothing in us
that would be attractive to God in His Holiness.

Someone is surely to say, what about John 3:16: "For God so loved the
world." In the preceding verse, we learn that the whosoever believes are
the people being referenced in verse 16. Let me paraphrase, "For God so
loved the ones that believe, that He gave...." The "world" in verse 16 are
not the lost, but rather the ones that believe. The Scriptures call these
people the "elect." God's love for the elect is traced to His Sovereignty.
Follow me now, God does not love by rule. If God loved by rule, God would
be under law; and if God were under law, He would not be supreme, i.e.,
Sovereign.

God is a law unto Himself. Romans 9: 13 reads: "Jacob have I loved, but
Esau have I hated. God said this even before they were born. He did that so
we would know that His love was based on Himself and not the actions or
will of Jacob or Esau. His love is manifested in the ones He selects and
chooses to be the objects of His love. I have no understanding of why He
chose to shine His light into my heart. I didn't deserve it. I didn't want
it, nor did I desire it. However, when the Holy Spirit awakened me to my
sinful condition, I knew I had no hope but in the Lord Jesus Christ and I
came running to the foot of the cross. He chose me, accepted me in the
Beloved (Ephesians 1:6). He drew me with the lovingkindness of an
everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3) and shed abroad His love in my heart by
the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5).

If you are a Christian today, know that He chose you before you chose Him.
You loved Him because He first loved you. This truth has enabled me to
stand against oppression, heartache, disappointment and defeat. May you
embrace His Sovereignty and stand strong against evil spirits and
influences. It has worked for me and His Sovereignty will do the same for
you.

1-13-2025 Devotion

 We saw yesterday that the Lord Jesus Christ was walking by the Pool of Bethesda and chose to heal the man who had been crippled many years. However, He healed no one else. When you read the Scriptures, the Sovereignty of God jumps off every page. Why did God pick out Naaman to be healed of leprosy, yet leave all the others to suffer? Because He is Sovereign. We need to grasp the idea that God does not have to show mercy on you. God only has to leave you alone for you to go to hell. We don't deserve to be saved. But PRAISE GOD THAT HE EXTENDS HIS GRACE TO YOU TODAY BY ALLOWING YOU TO HEAR THE TRUTH!

God is Sovereign in the exercise of His love. When I say He is Sovereign in His love, I mean that God loves whom He chooses. God does not love everybody the same. If He did, He would love the devil. Do you realize that no fallen child of Adam's race has anything that would attract the love of God? God loves whom He will and the cause of this love is found only in God. He loves you in spite of you. That is good news!

The life lesson to embrace is: When we trust in God’s Sovereignty, it causes us to not compare ourselves with others and to endure hardships as He desires for us. We trust Him.

Bible Study 3 John 1: 1-15

 

Commentary of the Book of 3 John 

By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins

Text Used: Legacy Standard Bible

Bible Study 3 John 1: 1-15

1917 Scofield Reference Bible Notes

3 John 1

Book Introduction

The Third Epistle of John

WRITER. The Apostle John.

DATE. Probably about A.D. 90.

THEME: The aged Apostle had written to a church which allowed one Diotrephes to exercise an authority common enough in later ages, but wholly new in the primitive churches. Diotrephes had rejected the apostolic letters and authority. It appears also that he had refused the ministry of the visiting brethren (3Jo 10), and cast out those that had received them. Historically, this letter marks the beginning of that clerical and priestly assumption over the churches in which the primitive church order disappeared. This Epistle reveals, as well, the believer's resource in such a day. No longer writing as an apostle, but as an elder, John addresses this letter, not to the church as such, but to a faithful man in the church for the comfort and encouragement of those who were standing fast in the primitive simplicity. Second John conditions the personal walk of the Christian in a day of apostasy; Third John the personal responsibility in such a day of the believer as a member of the local church. The key-phrase is "the truth" (see 2 John, Introduction).

There are three divisions:

I. Personal greetings, vs. 1-4 II. Instructions concerning ministering brethren, vs. 5-8 III. The apostate leader and the good Demetrius, vs. 9-14

Text:

Walking in the Truth

1 The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.

2 Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and bore witness to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth. 4 I have no greater joy than [a]this, to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

5 Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever [b]work you do for the brothers, and are doing this though they are strangers; 6 and they bore witness to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7 For they went out for the sake of the Name, receiving nothing from the Gentiles. 8 Therefore we ought to [c]support such men, so that we may [d]be fellow workers [e]with the truth.

9 I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not welcome [f]what we say. 10 For this reason, if I come, I will bring to remembrance his deeds which he does, unjustly disparaging us with wicked words. And not satisfied with this, he himself does not welcome the brothers either, and he forbids those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.

11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius has received a good witness from everyone, and from the truth itself; and we add our witness, and you know that our witness is true.

13 I had many things to write to you, but I am not willing to write them to you with pen and ink; 14 but I hope to see you shortly, and we will speak face to face.

15 Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.

Verse by verse commentary:

Verse 1: “The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.”

John identifies himself as “The elder,” as in 2 John. He is writing to his friend Gaius to commend him for his hospitality and to discuss with him the situation in the congregation of which Gaius is a part. Recall that hospitality was an important part of 2 John. It is equally important in this letter.

Verse 2: “Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.”

John’s prayer for Gaius was significant. Gaius’ spiritual state was so excellent that John prayed that his physical health would match his spiritual vigor. To ask about one’s health was standard custom in ancient letters. I have seen this verse abused by some charismatics and all prosperity preachers. They will take the verse out of context and argue that everyone should be healthy and wealthy. The greeting used by John would be the equivalent to me saying, “Good morning” or “have a nice day.” This verse is not to be interpreted as a promise of health and wealth for all.

Verse 3: “For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and bore witness to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth.”

Many of these traveling evangelists and missionaries reported to John the graciousness of Gaius and his walk in the truth. “Your truth” is actually the doctrine and the teaching of the apostles. Gaius was remaining faithful to what he had been taught and it was manifested in how he lived his life, i.e. “walking in truth.” May the same be said about us. 

Verse 4: “I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”

John’s personal affection for Gaius was a result of his holy walk. Isaiah 35: 8 speaks of a “highway of holiness.” Gaius was a traveler there. When we walk in obedience, it impacts those that have oversight over us in the Lord.

Verse 5: “Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever work you do for the brothers, and are doing this though they are strangers;”

Genuine faith produces genuine good works. Gaius' hospitality was not only toward those whom he knew, but also to those whom he did not know. May we do the same.

Verse 6: “and they bore witness to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.”

Gaius’ reputation for hospitality, kindness and obedience was also well known throughout the churches. “Manner worthy of God” refers to treating people the way our Lord Jesus Christ did.  “You will do well” was John’s way to encourage Gaius to continue his acts of hospitality to others. 

Verse 7: “For they went out for the sake of the Name, receiving nothing from the Gentiles.”

“They went out” refers to their trusting the Lord, and believers’ homes were opened to them. The evangelists and ministers received no salary and had to have faith to continue their service for the Lord. “Receiving nothing from the Gentiles” means they would not take financial support from nonbelievers. When pastoring, I did not have a plate passed. There was a box at the back of the sanctuary for people to give if their hearts were willing to give. At times, I would say that if someone had issues with their brothers or sisters, don’t give an offering until the situation is resolved and the dispute ends. 

Verse 8: “Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth.”

“Support such men” is literally “receive such men as guests.” “Be fellow workers” means “prove ourselves to be.” “With the truth” meant “for the truth.” John is making the point that when the believer receives the Christian workers, they prove themselves to be laboring alongside them for the sake of the truth of the Gospel.

Verse 9: “I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not welcome what we say.”

We can assume that a previous letter was written, but did not survive. Diotrephes may not have shared it with the congregation. Most likely, it would have been on the topic of hospitality. The phrase “loves to be first among them” communicates the idea of someone who is selfish, self-centered, and self-seeking. In other words, Diotrephes was a prideful leader who denied John’s spiritual authority. 

Verse 10: “ For this reason, if I come, I will bring to remembrance his deeds which he does, unjustly disparaging us with wicked words. And not satisfied with this, he himself does not welcome the brothers either, and he forbids those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.”

John’s response to Diotrephes’s severe disrespect and provocation reveals his pastoral concern, but also leaves no doubt that his visit will put a decisive end to Diotrephes’s behavior. Those in the ministry need to have a backbone and rebuke the disobedient when it is necessary.

Verse 11: “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.”

John is telling Gaius to not act like Diotrephes has been acting. Instead, he should respond as God would respond. That response is love. John doesn’t want Gaius to take any vengeful evil actions towards Diotrephes.

Verse 12: “Demetrius has received a good witness from everyone, and from the truth itself; and we add our witness, and you know that our witness is true.”

Like Gaius, Demetrius had a good reputation and was well known in the region. “From the truth itself” refers to the fact that Demetrius was an excellent role model mainly because he practiced the truth of God’s Word in his life. The Old Testament requirement of two or three witnesses to establish a fact was met in Demetrius’s case. John added his witness to establish a fact.

Verse 13: “I had many things to write to you, but I am not willing to write them to you with pen and ink;”

Though John wrote a Gospel and the Book of Revelation, he writes that he would much prefer to speak in person as opposed to writing. The Christian life is a journey. You are either advancing in the faith or backsliding away from Christ. There is no neutral gear. John had more to say to Gaius, but John wanted a personal touch.

Verse 14: “but I hope to see you shortly, and we will speak face to face.”

John confirms the intentions from the previous verse. He wants a personal time with Gaius.

Verse 15: “Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.”

John concludes this letter to Gaius with a very warm and personal greeting.

1-12-2025 Devotion

 

God is Sovereign when it comes to mercy. GOD IS SOVEREIGN IN THE MANIFESTATION OF HIS MERCY TO THE SOULS OF MEN.  No man deserves mercy. No individual has a right to God's mercy. Every person is wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked (Revelations 3: 17), and deserves to be so because man is completely depraved. We all deserved to be damned. Let that sink in! Ezekiel 18: 4 reads: "the soul that sinneth it shall die." Romans 3: 23 states: "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God."

God is Sovereign in the exercise of His mercy. God bestows His mercy upon whom He pleases. Look at the two thieves on the cross. One went to paradise, and one didn't. The sentence of death was passed on Moses for one act of disobedience. He asked God to remove it, but God in His Sovereignty said, "NO!" Look at Hezekiah who was sick unto death. He asked God to spare his life. God added fifteen years to his life (2 Kings 20: 1-6). Why did answer Hezekiah's prayer but not Moses' prayer? Because He is Sovereign. 

One day the Lord Jesus Christ was walking by the Pool of Bethesda, where a multitude of sick people were waiting for the moving of the waters. The first one in would be healed. In that large group was a man who had been cripple for many years. The Lord Jesus Christ healed him and told him to, "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk...." Christ healed that poor man. Why didn't He heal any others? The man He healed exercised no faith, did not ask to be healed and was not expecting to be healed. Why did Christ heal him? Because of the Sovereignty of God. 

My friend, when you trust God's Sovereignty to do what is best for the Kingdom, that will include what is best for you. Embrace the God of all Creation. Everything begins with God and so it should be in our lives.