"Taken A Vow" (Acts 18:18-19:7)

“So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow.” (vs18)

Here we see that Paul was wrong, because we're forbidden to make vows, letting our “yes” be “yes”, and our “no” be “no” (vs18-28).  We read, “He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow”, but Christians always mean what we say, so we don’t vow or offer oaths .  Jesus said, “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord’.  But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool... Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your “yes” be “yes’, and you ‘No’, ‘No’.  For whatever is more than these is from the evil one” (Matt 5:33-37). Therefore, when Paul failed, we see that God uses the imperfect, and we check with God, never accepting man’s word over His, not even from an apostle, as Paul himself (Gal 1:8-9). Like Paul, we can be used, though we're sinners, so don’t let your faults defeat you or shut you down.

Likewise, bear patiently with others. Do they have the gospel in life and truth? Then they ARE used of God, even though they're imperfect like you. Let us love as brethren, and like Priscila and Aquila, help each other.  We read, “So Apollos began to speak bodly in the synagoge. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately” (vs24-28). Like Apollos, let us be improved, not too proud, and learn!

It is RIGHT for us to oversee, care for, and help the brethren, directly and boldly (Acts 19:1-6). We read, “And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. and finding some disciples he said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’  So they said to him, ‘We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit’.  And he said to them, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’  so they said, “Into John’s baptism’.  Then Paul said, ‘John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus’.  When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.  and when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied”.  No, we are not to be indifferent or feel bound to leave people alone, wrong and misguided. We are right to diligently help others grow, learn more, and practice better,helping other saints see God more. If you know something, share it. If you see weakness, build them up. Don't think, “ I'll leave them alone and see what happens”, but give knowledge and help to the ignorant and the unseasoned. We are helping each other put on Christ, not leaving it to God, as if He doesn't use means.

Finally, it doesn't matter a groups size! They may have apostles teaching them, the Spirit

supernaturally manifest to them, and the presence of Christian love among them (vs7-10)! We read, “Now the men were about twelve in all”. This group was only 12 men, far too small for many to notice, but not for God or the apostle!  I don't know the size of your church, if it will ever become large before men, or if you'll have the power to become mighty before many, but I know assuredly that we may have God. He doesn't say, "You're small and not needed". He gives Himself to all who ask, seek, and knock, so that your brethren and your life may have the fullness of power and love.  He says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matt 7:7). You may be small in number, but you can be as mighty in the gospel as possible. He won't forbid you, but He gives His blessings generously, so that unknown saints and tiny churches may have HEAVEN in their midst!

This is wonderful news for the despised and forgotten. I can have God, fully, and
I don't care about anything else. Honor Him and pray to advance His cause, but RECEIVE Him fully for your own joy.

“Upon Your Own Head” (Obadiah 1)

"For the day of the LORD upon all the nations is near; as you have done, it shall be done to you; your reprisal shall return upon your own head.” (vs15)

The reality of the gospel and Judgment Day is that as you've done to others, it shall be done to you. He says, “your recompense shall return upon your own head”. Matthew 7:2 says, “For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you”. If you have believed on Christ and loved, then you'll be rewarded in this life and the next, having peace that leads to eternal pleasure! If you have hated your neighbor, been proud and self-righteous (because you have NOT trusted Christ), then you'll be punished and cast down, no matter how safe you think you are. How do you treat God's people? Do you love for Christ's sake, or are you under wrath?

The gospel is life changing. It takes the mind to Jesus Christ, receives grace, sees the richness of the inheritance, and it deals with men as possessing unmerited favor. It is God's grace to the sinner that looses him from self-righteousness, so that he can love. He says, “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Gal 5:13). We don't hear our freedom and then hate others, looking down upon their faults, or using them for self-glory. But, we see others as LESS privileged than ourselves, so that the spiritually rich always love the poor. James says, “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descent from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic” (James 3:13-15). Those who have Christ in His fullness love both sinners and saints. They love the church and do good to God's elect, because we're brothers of the same household with Jesus as the Eldest and the King (Rom 8:29). We don't have anything to brag about, and obtaining mercy means that we're conformed to His Son, because God doesn't save us to look like Satan, but He makes us like Christ.

How you treat people reveals who you really are. You may say that you love God and know the gospel, but if you don't love the church, if you're not loving to your neighbor (even your enemies), then you have not learned grace correctly. God says, “For violence against your brother Jacob, shame shall cover you, and you shall be cut off forever. In the day that you stood on the other side – in the day that strangers carried captive his forces, when foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem – even you were as one of them” (Obadiah 1:10-11). Grace does more than change my doctrine. My heart and life are directly affected by what I believe, so that LOVE is the fruit of faith, and without love, faith has no existence! We read, “If someone says, I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he loved God whom he has not seen?” (1 John 4:20). Be wise, children of God. Perfect love, grow in grace, and count your behavior crucial.

I've seen many who would go to heaven and be happy, but they won't love their wife, submit to their husband, or forgive the brethren. God says, “But you should not have gazed on the day of your brother in the day of his captivity; nor should you have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction; nor should you have spoken proudly in the day of distress. You should not have entered the gate of My people in the day of their calamity. Indeed, you should not have gazed on their affliction in the day of their calamity, nor laid hands on their substance in the day of their calamity. You should not have stood at the crossroads to cut off those among them who escaped; nor should you have delivered up those among them who remained in the day of distress” (Obadiah 1:12-14). It cannot be that we have GOD'S peace and treat people sinfully. I can't hate you and love Him, for we read, “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:8). It's hypocrisy. Everyone who tastes grace will love, and you MUST go to GRACE to get this love that you need.

“Bear Them Up Forever” (Ps 28)

“The Lord is their strength, and He is the saving fortress of His anointed. Save Your people, and bless Your inheritance; shepherd them also, and bear them up forever” (vs8-9)

The Lord and Savior Jesus Christ desires that all who believe the gospel be saved.  We desire this also, because God's deliverance provokes us to love.

The Son of God bowed to God the Father (vs1-5). He said, “To You I will cry, O Lord my Rock: do not be silent to me, lest if You are silent to me, I become like those who go down to the pit”.  He is the perfectly dependent Man upon whom salvation was laid. We are saved by His work alone, and He only wants a righteous verdict from God. He says, “Do not take me away with the wicked and with the workers of iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors, but evil is in their hearts. Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavors; give them according to the work of their hands; render to them what they deserve”.  By faith, we cleanse ourselves from wickedness and appear before God justified for blessings, believing in forgiveness, newness of life, and gospel privileges unearned, undeserved, but freely given (2 Tim 2:20-21).  We say with Christ, “Bless me.  I'm clean, but don't bless wickedness”.

Secondly, in confidence we acknowledge that we've been heard (vs6-7). He says, “Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplications!” God is faithful, so we encourage ourselves and others by making it known. He said, ““The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him”.  We worship a Savior, so let it be known!  The world needs to hear, you need to proclaim it, and it pleases God to be honestly remembered for His love (Luke 17:11-19).

Thirdly, we love our brothers in Christ because of the salvation we receive (vs8-9). He says “Save your people, and bless Your inheritance; shepherd them also, and bear them up forever”. Jesus never forgot us, even in victory, for His love is real.  Likewise, we learn to examine our victories by this fruit: Does it lead to love for God's people and desire they be saved? Love truly received from God makes us give love to His church.

When We Receive One Another - John MacArthur

 When we receive one another it should be with gladness, not with condescension, not with reluctance. I remember when I was in the south in Mendenhall, Mississippi, a pastor of a church there, white fellow, opened his heart to teach the Bible to a black man. And I remember driving by the church and seeing the sign, "Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest," this was the sign in front of the church. A black man came who was heavy laden and who was laboring and who needed help. And this pastor began to disciple this black man and the church told him to stop because he was creating a racial problem.

And the pastor continued to do it and so he couldn't buy gas at the gas station, groceries in the grocery store, cancelled his insurance policy, they harassed his children. This is at the church that says, "Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." And finally he had a total nervous breakdown, they put him in a hospital in Jackson, Mississippi. And the second day he dove out of the third floor and killed himself. I was...extreme trauma, I don't know all of the dynamics that made him take his life, I can't know what built up all of that and I do not commend what he did, obviously, it's a tragedy of tragedies, but it's illustrative of the fact that we can have a theology and can even hold it out as if it's the identifying mark of our fellowship, and in our hearts be living something in the exact opposite realm. We are to receive one another, not reluctantly, not condescendingly, but with gladness, with gladness.

Secondly, Christ not only receives sinners with gladness but he receives sinners in spite of their sin. He receives them in spite of their sin. They don't have to clean up their act first. God doesn't say, "Look, if you can get your life cleaned up I'll take you." No, that's heresy. Not for a minute do we believe that there are some pre-salvation works which man can do for himself to make him receptive....uh, receivable, if you will, to make him acceptable to Christ. He receives sinners in spite of their sin. That's the beauty of grace, that's the wonder of Christ's attitude. Go back to Matthew and back to the house, many tax collectors, many sinners sitting down and Jesus is there.... He receives them in spite of their sin, not because they clean their act up. 

When You're In Love - Francis Chan (Crazy Love)

When we are focused on loving Christ, it doesn't mean we do less. I used to do many of the same things I do now, but I was motivated by guilt or fear of consequences. When we work for Christ out of obligation, it feels like work. But when we truly love Christ, our work is a manifestation of that love, and it feels like love.

In reality, not one of us will ever be worthy. It is useless to attempt earning it; you will never feel ready. It is unknown and uncomfortable. But there really is a God who forgives everything and loves endlessly.

(Francis Chan, “When You're In Love”, from his book, “Crazy Love”)

“A Witness Between Us that the Lord is God” (Josh 22)

And the report was good in the eyes of the people of Israel. And the people of Israel blessed God and spoke no more of making war against them to destroy the land where the people of Reuben and the people of Gad were settled.  The people of Reuben and the people of Gad called the altar Witness, “For,” they said, “it is a witness between us that the LORD is God.” (vs33-34)

This witness is zealous love for God and salvation, which shows itself in our love to brethren.

First, handle unfaithfulness directly (vs10-20). We read, “And the people of Israel heard it said, “Behold, the people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh have built the altar at the frontier of the land of Canaan, in the region about the Jordan, on the side that belongs to the people of Israel.'And when the children of Israel heard of it, the whole congregation of the children of Israel gathered together at Shiloh to go to war against them”. We aren't to let it slide, but we openly deal with heresy, confronting those we THINK have offended, warning and instructing people who APPEAR to be wrong.   Don't let their position in the church or your cowardice keep you from dealing truthfully with sin, lest it spread to the church like leaven, and the Lord departs, fights against you, and misery is the result.

Secondly, we plead our case before the Lord, if we're innocent (vs21-29). We read, “Then the people of Reuben, the people of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh said in answer to the heads of the families of Israel, “The Mighty One, God, the LORD! The Mighty One, God, the LORD! He knows; and let Israel itself know! If it was in rebellion or in breach of faith against the LORD, do not spare us today for building an altar to turn away from following the LORD. Or if we did so to offer burnt offerings or grain offerings or peace offerings on it, may the LORD himself take vengeance”.  We don't violate scripture. We openly confess our rightness by opening the bible, God's word, and declaring that our actions are pleasing to Him. We honor His worship and word.

He is worshiped as He declares, and we know this. We read again, “Far be it from us that we should rebel against the Lord, and turn from following the Lord this day, to build an altar for burnt offerings, for grain offerings, or for sacrifices, besides the altar of the Lord our God which is before His tabernacle” (vs29). It isn't how, where, or with what I choose, but it's in the Son, by faith, and unto love.  True worship must be had at all costs, so we're wise, even if people hate us, to ensure that we obey God. Jesus said, “Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt 10:27-28).  He hasn't said, "You're blessed.  Do whatever you want".  He's said, “But take careful heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul” (Josh 22:5). Godly fear triumphs over the fear of being judged or misjudged by men.

Thirdly, coming together to reason before the Lord keeps brethren united (vs30-34). We read, “ And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said to the people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the people of Manasseh, “Today we know that the LORD is in our midst, because you have not committed this breach of faith against the LORD. Now you have delivered the people of Israel from the hand of the LORD... So the thing pleased the children of Israel, and the children of Israel blessed God; they spoke no more of going against them in battle, to destroy the land where the children of Reuben and Gad dwelt”.  Suspicion and lies didn't lead the day. Instead, concern, fear of God, and mutual love conquered.  Israel offered their land.  They said, "Nevertheless, if the land of your possession is unclean, then cross over to the land of the possession of the Lord, where the Lord's tabernacle stands, and take possession among us; but do not rebel against the Lord, nor rebel against us, by building yourselves an altar besides the altar of the Lord our God" (vs19).  Likewise, the three tribes east of Jordan gave heart-warming confession of love to Christ. The result of love is peace.  Obedience produces happiness.

Some blame God for misery and sin, but God is the hope filled remedy, the Reconciler, and the Giver of blessings.  When eyes are open, we see God's ways produce peace, while humans bring misery on ourselves by sin. Isaiah 59:8 says, “The way of peace they have not known, and there is no justice in their ways; they have made themselves crooked paths; whoever takes that way shall not know peace”.

Learn the joys of obedience, fearing God above human relations and opinions!

“Not Knowing What He Said” (Luke 9:32-50)

“And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of His departure, which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tents: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah' – not knowing that he said” (vs30-33).

Only the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is to be worshiped, not Elijah, Moses, or anything else. Christ saves the soul, and the law and the prophets speak of Him.

Yet, we are ignorant, even after all that we know (vs33). The most privileged believer stumbles around blindly at times, faltering, sinning, falling down, and showing how evil and weak we are. We read, “Peter said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make THREE tents: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” (vs33). Yet, Christ and the Father stay with us because Christ DIED in our stead, and God's love is secure. We ought to be humbled, however, by our sinfulness and folly. We ought know that we are not the Christ and come down from Mt. Pride. It is not wise for know-nothings to pretend that we know all things, as if we stand by our power and wisdom. We are heirs of grace, taught by God, and yet foolish. If I am spared wrath IN SPITE OF what I am, then let you and me be gentle teachers, humble souls, and let us EVER lean on God for strength (2 Tim 2:24-25).

Secondly, the Lord answers our problems, because we cannot (vs37-40). I was lying in bed thinking, “How can I overcome sin?”, when this text opened to me. Jesus said, “Bring your son here”, “Bring the problem to Me, I'll do it. I'll fix it. I'm God” (vs41-42).

Yes, the DEVIL is stronger than us, and he whips us to prove it. We read, “And behold, a spirit seizes [my son], and suddenly cries out; it convulses him so that he foams at the mouth; and it departs from him with great difficulty, bruising him. So I implored your disciples to cast it out, but they could not” (vs39-40). Yet, Satan is not stronger than our Savior, and He shall arise, just like Joshua and Israel defending the Gibeonites, and He shall rescue you (Josh 10:12-130. Power greater than human ingenuity and human zeal will FORCE Satan away. Christ GIVES you and me fighting strength, as we bring the issue to Him. We say, “Lord, help me with this”, and He says, “I will. Trust me completely. Trust me for the power of “no” and the reality of supernatural strength to keep this avowed obedience. Trust Me to undo the devil and throw him down”.

You can't whip sin, but the Son subdues you. You can't hope in your circumstances, but the Son makes you able. See everything by the light of God's Gospel, the Son.

Thirdly, do away with sectarianism and all the categorizing of Christians (vs49-50). People are either in or out of the kingdom, and all who are in are the same: brothers. We read, “Now John answered and said Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us. But Jesus said to him, Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is on our side”. It isn't, “My group is better than yours, but we're both saved”; it is “My group is different than yours in some ways, but we are equals and to help each other”. We lift up all who preach Christ (Rom 14:1).

If the bible calls a man wrong or heretical, then we agree. Free will works religion is not the gospel, for it depends on the will power of men (Rom 9:11-15). Signs and wonders are not of God in this generation. They do not have the apostles signs or speak with tongues according to scripture, etc. We must WILLINGLY castigate false doctrine as evil, and yet, when men obey the gospel, we must get off our high horses and humble ourselves as brothers. They love Christ, too.

“Because Their Sister Had Been Defiled” (Gen 34)

(vs25-27) “Now it came to pass on the third day, when they were in pain, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, each took his sword and came boldly upon the city and killed all the males. And they killed Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah from Shechem’s house, and went out. The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and plundered the city, because their sister had been defiled.”

The Lord Jesus, the Son of God, forgives our sins at the cost of His own blood. He takes the blame, bears what we've done away, and reconciles us God-ward, even though He did not sin Himself. He is GRACIOUS in justice and mercy.

Yet, you and I can be merciless, refusing to forgive, refusing to look upon others in the pity that we want for ourselves. This shouldn't be. We should not be mercy beggars, and yet mercy with-holders at the same time. Let our actions be weighed, and let us line up with Christ in more than word, but in deed. James says plainly, “But be you doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22).

First, the grace of God deals with real sins of real people, sin that He is right to punish. We read, “Now Dinah the daughter of Leah, whom she had borne to Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land. And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her and lay with her, and violated her”(vs1-2). Shechem should never have lain with Dinah. She did no wrong, and he violated her, because of his sin. He saw her and took her, rather than heeding God. He would be saved, if he'd only believed.

Secondly, fornication and wickedness must not be done. We read again, “And the sons of Jacob came in from the field when they heard it; and the men were grieved and very angry, because he had done a disgraceful thing in Israel by lying with Jacob's daughter, a thing which ought not to be done” (vs7). Let no one think that justice lets us off the hook with sin, as if we can do it, and it won't matter. Sin is to be fought wholeheartedly because it repulses God, separates between friends (God and man), and brings misery in the end. The grace of God is holy grace. It doesn't leave in sin. Paul writes, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?”

Thirdly, be sure to forgive. You and I have sinned, and we have no right to deny mercy to others. We read, “two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, each took his sword and came boldly upon the city and killed all the males (vs25-27).” We read Jacobs commentary on the matter, “Simeon and Levi are brothers; instruments of cruelty are in their dwelling place. Let not my soul enter their council; let not my honor be united to their assembly; for in their anger they slew a man, and in their self-will they hamstrung an ox. Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce; and their wrath, for it is cruel! (Gen 49:5-7)”. Genesis 34:27 continues, “And they killed Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah from Shechem’s house, and went out.”

How we treat people is how we REALLY think about God (Matt 18:22-35). The world has been cruel, be good to it (1 Pet 3:13-14; Matt 5:11-12). Your neighbor sins, love him regardless. Your brother has said, “I'm wrong”, receive him (Luke 17:3-4).

Don't sit on a throne of judgment, as if you have a right to deny the pleas of others.

“Go in Peace” (Luke 7:36-50)

vs47-50, “Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little. Then He said to her, Your sins are forgiven. And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, Who is this who even forgives sins? Then He said to the woman, Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

Forgiveness, assurance, and love to Christ go hand in hand.

First, salvation is for sinners (vs36-39). The goal of salvation is saving the sinner from his sins, and getting love and glory to God because of it. The Pharisee disdained Him wrongfully, thinking, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner” (Luke 8:39). We are wrong to think that salvation is for anyone other than sinners, people who can't help themselves, failures, and people worthy of wrath. Sin won't keep you away from Christ any more than sickness keeps you away from a doctor or hunger keeps you away from free food.

The sinner is forgiven and cleansed when he comes to Christ, freely.

Secondly, forgiveness produces love, so the Master forgives us of our sins, so that we can love Him (vs40-47).

He doesn't produce love by the whip of the law, but by the compassion of grace. He illustrated, “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred (days wages), and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more? Simon answered and said, I suppose the one whom he forgave more. And He said to him, You have rightly judged” (vs41-43). He takes the man that ought to be in hell, and He takes his place beneath the wrath, atoning for the sins. He takes the man who can't obey God, who can't see His glory, and He unfolds the forgiveness in such a way that the man is changed, being made a new creation (2 Cor 5:17-18). He forgives us continually to stir up love in us, for those who are highly forgiven and know it are always loving and show it. The intimate connection between forgiveness and love can't be denied. It doesn't mean there is no reproof and correction, but the FORGIVENESS rules the day.

Forgive each other and experience the best of life. Don't hold grudges unnecessarily, but as much as possible, live in peace with your fellow man, understanding he is wicked like you, and like you, he'll perish eternally apart from electing love.

One thing that makes forgiveness produce love is the fact that we did nothing for it. We didn't deserve it, earn it, or even seek after Him. It was given us freely in the covenant, when God promised to forgive us. When we were not even born, Christ had already paid the debt of sin. Then, when others heard no glory in Christ, He came to us powerfully, unfolded our redemption, and He gave us new hearts to respond in love to the most amazing thing in the galaxy, forgiveness by God through Christ in the power of the Spirit.

Forgiveness produces every good work and everything that you want to see. Forgive people if you want the help of God in dealing with them. Be like God, not Satan.

Thirdly, we are forgiven and assured of it, so go in peace (vs48-50). Do not carry the weight or guilt of your sin any longer. He says to us, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace” (vs50). The fact that you love Him is the proof you are forgiven, and like Peter, we say, “Lord, you know that I love you”. When we ponder what He has done for us and embrace His assurance, then we go in peace as commanded; it is right.

The past is atoned and the future is handled in reconciliation. The God who rules everything is on your side now to help you do His will. He has reconciled you, made you loving, and He is with you now. He is not a God to bless men partly and say, “You are forgiven, but stay worried about it, fearful, and fretful”. He knows rejoicing in Christ strengthens us, that assurance breeds exploits. Spurgeon, on the assurance of believers quotes from Joshua 1, “Only be you strong and very courageous”, and says, “From this text it is plain that our Master would not have us entangled with fears. He would have us without carefulness, without doubt, without cowardice.” And, He gives this assurance for our good, as we do His will.

This woman was loving Christ BECAUSE of forgiveness, and she got MORE assurance, so that she could go in peace and love Christ more. The tears may be gone, and she may see how clearly His work is for her, but the love will not abate by the clearness of the vision; it will grow by the command, “Go in peace”. This isn't, “Go in sin” or “Go in rebellion” or “Go and live as you please”, but this is “Go in the peace of forgiveness that produces love for Me. Go and do My will”.

Lastly, the gospel must be clearly preached so sinners can be comforted, saved, and enabled to walk assuredly forgiven by God.

“All the Brethren” (2 Tim 4:21)

“Do your utmost to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, as well as Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren”. (vs21)

The brethren are all involved in the gospel. It isn't one or two, or preachers and deacons only, but EVERY child of God loves the gospel, loves those born of God, and lives for the glory of Christ.

First, in many religions, the preacher is paid to serve God, and people think they've done enough to come and hear. In the gospel, however, the preacher is paid, but the people come to hear so they can LIVE the message, becoming involved themselves. My deacon wrote a poem and said, “God’s servants serve Him, OK? We don’t just observe, we partake.” True believers are involved, and we want to stir up this flame in the hearts of all, so that we can help each other in Christ's cause. Paul told Timothy to, “stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands”, so that we help others powerfully serve God (2 Tim 1:6). Paul is alone in prison, but he isn't alone in the gospel. He is loved, and he expresses his love for the Church, and the Church for her own.

I heard a great message this week on the new covenant family being higher and more devoted to each other than we are to our natural family. He quoted the Lord's words from the cross, “Woman, behold your son. Then He said to the disciple, Behold your mother”, so that familial relations are not as important as the NEW relation in the kingdom as equals in Christ, justified by the Spirit, and followers of the Lamb (John 19:26-27). Believers love the house of God more than their own house, even as Lot offered his daughters to spare the messengers of God, showing what he favored most. He said, “See now, I have two daughters who have not known a man; please, let me bring them out to you, and you may do to them as you wish; only do nothing to these men, since this is the reason they have come under the shadow of my roof”, for comfort (Gen 19:8).

Secondly, we are not a people who love Christ and don't love each other. We are all brothers. We have been commanded to feed his sheep, if we love Him, and we do express His electing love by choosing to lay down ourselves for the church. He said to Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these? He said to Him, Yes, Lord; You know that I love You. He said to him, Feed My lambs” (John 20:15). We are not soloist concerned with self only, but we are members, concerned with the Body as a whole, the Body of Christ.

Thirdly, don't be concerned about what you don't have and allow that to cloud your thinking. Receive what you do have. Paul was forsaken by all, even brothers, but he still had brothers to lean on. He said, “At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me” (vs16-17). He continues, “Eubulus greets you, as well as Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren”, so that even though forsaken by many, he took comfort in the brethren he had (vs21).

Your family or circumstance may be small, your earthly prospects may be meager, but you and I have the family of devoted saints, the family of those that know God, and we're to give ourselves to this family and receive what this family gives. Paul didn't turn to ungodly men for comfort. He sought no psychiatrist or fleshly counsel. He received comfort from the sheep. He didn't grow sour on the church because some sinned against him, but he expresses the love of the church, builds up the church, and takes refuge among the usefulness of people who love Christ. He charged Timothy to bring his coat, his reading material, and his love. He said, “Be diligent to come to me quickly; for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica – Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry. And Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come – and the books, especially the parchments” (vs9-13). Paul uses Timothy, helps Timothy, and uses the family to help the house be filled.

Finally, we have the same Father, so we are brothers. We have the same acceptance, the same forgiveness, and the same right to power. Scripture says, “For you are all the sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:26-28). Neither of us brings anything to the table. We are all freely and graciously received, so we are gracious, Christ-loving people. Our Lord says, “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give” (Matt 10:8). You are a member of the only family that lasts eternally. Being included, you are a helper to someone else, even as you're helped by brothers in your need.

My Last Resource – From “The Story of John G. Paton”

(please read beyond opening paragraph for full context)

Having saved 10pounds (English money) by my teaching, I returned to Glasgow, and was enrolled as a student at the College; but before the session was finished my money was exhausted -- I had lent some to a poor student, who failed to repay me -- and only nine shillings remained in my purse. There was no one from whom to borrow, had I been willing; I had been disappointed in attempting to secure private tuition; and no course seemed open for me, except to pay what little I owed, give up my College career, and seek for teaching or other work in the country. I wrote a letter to my father and mother, informing them of my circumstances; that I was leaving Glasgow in quest of work, and that they would not hear from me again till I had found a suitable situation. I told them that if otherwise unsuccessful, I should fall back on my own trade, though I shrank from that as not tending to advance my education; but that they might rest assured I would do nothing to dishonor them or my own Christian profession. Having read that letter over again through many tears, I said, -- I cannot send that, for it will grieve my darling parents; and therefore, leaving it on the table, I locked my room door and ran out to find a place where I might sell my precious books, and hold on a few weeks longer. But, as I stood on the opposite side and wondered whether these folks in a shop with the three golden balls would care to have a poor student's books, and as I hesitated knowing how much I needed them for my studies, conscience smote me as if for doing a guilty thing; I imagined that the people were watching me like one about to commit a theft; and I made off from the scene at full speed, with a feeling of intense shame at having dreamed of such a thing! Passing through one short street into another, I marched on mechanically; but the Lord God of my father was guiding my steps, all unknown to me.

A certain notice in a window, into which I had probably never in my life looked before, here caught my eye, to this effect -- "Teacher wanted, Maryhill Free Church School; apply at the Manse." A coach or bus was just passing, when I turned round; I leaped into it, saw the Minister, arranged to undertake the School, returned to Glasgow, paid my landlady's lodging score, tore up that letter to my parents and wrote another full of cheer and hope; and early next morning entered the School and began a tough and trying job. The Minister warned me that the School was a wreck, and had been broken up chiefly by coarse and bad characters from mills and coal-pits, who attended the evening classes. They had abused several masters in succession; and, laying a thick and heavy cane on the desk, he said:

"Use that freely, or you will never keep order here!"

I put it aside into the drawer of my desk, saying, "That will be my last resource."

There were very few scholars for the first week -- about eighteen in the Day School and twenty in the Night School. The clerk of the mill, a good young fellow, came to the evening classes, avowedly to learn book-keeping, but privately he said he had come to save me from personal injury.

The following week, a young man and a young woman began to attend the Night School, who showed from the first moment that they were bent on mischief. On my repeated appeals for quiet and order, they became the more boisterous, and gave great merriment to a few of the scholars present. I finally urged the young man, a tall, powerful fellow, to be quiet or at once to leave, declaring that at all hazards I must and would have perfect order; but he only mocked at me, and assumed a fighting attitude. Quietly locking the door and putting the key in my pocket, I turned to my desk, armed myself with the cane, and dared any one at his peril to interfere betwixt us. It was a rough struggle -- he smashing at me clumsily with his fists, I with quick movements evading and dealing him blow after blow with the heavy cane for several rounds -- till at length he crouched down at his desk, exhausted and beaten, and I ordered him to turn to his book, which he did in sulky silence. Going to my desk, I addressed them and asked them to inform all who wished to come to the School, -- That if they came for education, everything would be heartily done that it was in my power to do; but that any who wished for mischief had better stay away, as I was determined to conquer, not to be conquered, and to secure order and silence, whatever it might cost. Further, I assured them that that cane would not again be lifted by me, if kindness and forbearance on my part could possibly gain the day, as I wished to rule by love and not by terror. But this young man knew he was in the wrong, and it was that which had made him weak against me, though every way stronger far than I. Yet I would be his friend and helper, if he was willing to be friendly with me, the same as if this night had never been. At these words a dead silence fell on the School: every one buried face diligently in book; and the evening closed in uncommon quiet and order.

The attendance grew, till the School became crowded, both during the day and at night. During the mid-day hour even, I had a large class of young women who came to improve themselves in writing and arithmetic. By and by the cane became a forgotten implement; the sorrow and pain which I showed as to badly-done lessons, or anything blameworthy, proved the far more effectual penalty.

“Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord” (Gen 18:13-14)

Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age; and Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, “After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?” And the LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?’ "Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son."

You can count on God's word and promise: He will do as He has said, both in wrath, and in mercy. If we believe, then the mercy is ours, surely, for FAITH is the link with God.

But, never say that what He said He cannot or will not do. Never doubt God. Live by His word, and you live miraculously and wonderfully. You live for eternal life, and you will RECEIVE Him in the end.

First, God's promises are NOT dependent on me and you. He says, “Is anything too hard for the Lord”. It doesn't matter what weakness you have. In fact, our WEAKNESS is the door whereby the miraculous happens. Our Lord told that weakling Paul, “My strength is made perfect in weakness”, and he responded, “Therefore, most gladly, I will rather boast [in God] in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Cor 12:9). When I can't do it, then God comes and helps me, causing me to look to Him.

Indeed, Sarah and Abraham are too old, and it is IMPOSSIBLE with men, but not with God.

Shall not the Creator bring forth life? Shall not the God of all the earth RULE the elements, the adversaries, and rule in such a way whereby His promise is known? Our Lord quiets the seas, and they were amazed, saying, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!” (Luke 8:25).

Can He who cannot lie, fail? Can the Almighty need permission or strength? No, what God says is true. Bank on it.

Secondly, the promises are given to people who have no faith, and He persuades us. The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?” (Gen 18:13).

God doesn't come to us and say, “You are worthy and capable”. He comes and says, “You're going to be blessed, the sinner that you are, because of Me – My love and grace. I'm doing you good from My own heart, and I find no reason in you at all”.

He says elsewhere, “Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Rom 3:24-25). Thus, the merit is Jesus' blood, the reason is God's unfathomable love, and the power is God's only. He CHOOSES to do wicked people good, giving them Christ to pay for sins, and giving the Spirit to subdue the flesh.

Thirdly, don't be hard on the saints. Like you, we have unbelief and faults because of it. We have our Ishmael's, just like you, and our fleshly ideas. Like you, Sarah, and Abraham, we are SINNERS, too. She laughed at God and even denied it when confronted, saying, “I did not laugh, for she was afraid” (vs15).

Thus, as you teach, warn, and pray... as you live by example, be patient and know that we can laugh at God one day and bow to Him the next. We can doubt what He has said and pay for it, but He doesn't give up there.

Today, I received a gracious email from a friend whom I'd corrected, not by name, but publicly. Of the emails I was expecting this morning, his was not on my list. But, there it was, less than 24hours after my rebuke, he tenderly, graciously, and willingly admitted that I'd been true.

He said, “Great article... and true”. I've known this man for years, and yet correction took less than a night. Let me be EVER gracious in rebuke, willing to receive all who repent, and mindful of my own wickedness as I lovingly instruct others. Our Lord said, “If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.” (Luke 17:3).

God is gracious, why not you?

Finally, life is promised to us. He said, “Sarah shall have a son” (Gen 18:14). The essence is that God will give life to those who could not produce it ourselves.

He will give obedience, love, joy, and peace. He will give heaven, for sure. He will give us all that we need to live godly, “as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us through glory and virtue” (2 Pet 1:3).

Love’s Power - James S. Stewart

It was Jesus who first proved that love, which in a world given over to force looks the weakest of weapons, is in reality the strongest.  Love gains victories which the hard, critical, censorious attitude never gains. The Pharisaic attitude to shamed and broken sinners never had and never has any redeeming power about it.  Indeed, it works all the other way and serves only to bind on the fetters of bitterness and despair more securely than ever.  “God, I thank you”, said that Pharisee of Jesus’ parable, “that I am not as other men are… even as this publican” (Luke 18:11).  That is loveless religion, entirely powerless to bring any souls into the Kingdom.  But Jesus loved the publican and by loving him gave him back his manhood and his self-respect, brought he cowed, shamed soul onto his feet again, put the light of hope into his eyes, and saved him.  If Peter after his denial had been met with hard censoriousness, in all probability there would never have been a Peter in scripture today.  But the love of Jesus, which even after the most terrible failure went on loving him (Mark 16:7; John 21:15), lifted him right out of the fearful pit of his sin and the miry clay of despair and set his feet on the rock again.  And here Jesus was a pattern for all his followers forever.  Love is not only better than criticism; it is also infinitely more effectual.  It is redeeming power.

“Brought Back All The Goods” (Gen 14:16)

“So he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his brother Lot and his goods, as well as the women and the people” (vs16)

We help our brothers, even as the Lord Jesus helps us, delivering us from slavery and captivity to sin. Paul said, ““O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Rom 7:24-25) Therefore, we do the same to others. We don't say, “It is his own fault” and leave him there. We don't say, “It is more trouble than it is worth”, but we PURSUE our fallen brethren, like Abram, even unto Dan and “as far as Hobah”, even unto where they are. It is written, “Now when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his three hundred and eighteen trained servants who were born in his own house, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. He divided his forces against them by night, and he and his servants attacked them and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus” (vs14-15). We do whatever we can to save them, recover them, and deliver them.

First, the Son of God did and does this for you. You were enslaved to sin, the devil's whore, and He came to you, casting out Satan and delivering you from slavery, “For Jesus said to him, Come out of the man, unclean spirit!” (Mark 5:8). You didn't, “Pull yourself up by your bootstraps”, for you had no straps, no boots, and no love for God. You may have fled from one form of sin to another, but you never sought God. “As it is written: There is none righteous, no, not one; there is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God” (Rom 3:10-11). He came to you freely in electing love.

Secondly, He delivers you now. You are not a person above sin in your own strength. You conquer by the Spirit. Paul says, “you who are spiritual restore such a one [a brother overtaken in a fault] in a spirit of meekness”, so that the Spirit makes us able to help (Gal 5:22; Gal 6:1). He fixes us, so that rather than us being the fallen saint, I'm able to help him.

Our present condition is not by might, but we have learned the KEY to obedience is helplessness, need, and ultimately FAITH in the Lord Jesus Christ, that what He has died to give, He will give, and what He gives is better and mightier than sin, so that we don't serve its evil snares.

Yes, as believers, we are taken captive. We are not perfect, and we keep conscience of our own failures in dealing with others. We would not TRUST Christ, if we weren't desperately needy because of sin.

Thirdly, there is a reward to the righteous. Not only does Abram get the joy of saving Lot, but he also gets a reward from God as Melchizedek the priest comes to him. Genesis 14 continues, “Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. And he blessed him and said: Blessed be Abram of God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hands” (vs18-20). As we love the brethren, recovering and helping them, teaching them by example and counsel, by rebuke and instruction, the Lord God unfolds His glory to us.

He comes both freely, without us obeying, and He comes faithfully in response to obedience, the obedience He has caused.

Finally, live to save others. Live that saints and sinners know God. Live to be the kind of person that can correct another, help another, and loves people, pursuing after them. Paul writes, “in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you” (Titus 2:7-8).

Trust the Almighty for strength to help your brother, even as you believe Him for strength to help you.

“Do To Them Likewise” (Luke 6:27-31)

"Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. "And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.

Love others, and do them good, even if they wrong you.

We are not “eye for an eye” people. We have obtained mercy, so we're under orders to be gracious and merciful. We can't take the water of life without being changed into the image of Him who gives it.

The gospel isn't a message that makes the character less important than the law. The law makes your behavior the basis of salvation; the gospel makes it the fruit or evidence, the result. The law demands holiness or punishes; the gospel GIVES holiness because Christ died for you, and there is no condemnation, no eye for an eye from God, for He paid you back in the Son, unto death.

Don't live a hateful, judgmental life. Jesus said, “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven... For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:37). Therefore, deal with people upon the basis of the mercy that you've received. This doesn’t mean you tolerate wrongs without reproof. He says elsewhere, “Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgiven him” (Luke 17:3). We are allowed to stand up for ourselves and call for help if someone harms us. But, our attitude is love towards your vilest enemies. He teaches us plainly, “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you” (Luke 6:27). Live to win them over God's way, doing GOOD to those who've harmed you.

We hear of horrible things happening to people, but when they forgive, the damage is unable to keep them down. They've conquered.

You hear stories of reconciliation, how love prevails in the end. Someone was offended or angry, and perpetual love broke them. Even the prodigal came back because he knew his father treated the servants well.

Be loving, not vengeful or indifferent. Stretch yourself out to those who've smitten you, turning the other cheek, and loving again (1 Kings 17:21). He who is our King says, “To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also” (Luke 6:29). Give to those who need it, even if “thanks” isn't on their tongue, and give in the freeness of your soul.

Merit makes men mean; mercy makes them godly.

"Love Not The World" Henry Mahan

  "Love not the world, nor the things that are in the world."  The believer loves relatives and friends in the world, he loves and pities all people of the world, he loves the blessings of fellowship and the good things that God gives to us and enables us to enjoy in the world; but he does not love the world nor the things of the world ABOVE GOD AND CHRIST.  He doesn't take satisfaction nor contentment in them, nor make idols of them, nor prefer them to heavenly and spiritual things!  His citizenship and interests are in the kingdom of God.  His true family is the family of God, and he knows that the fashion of this world passes away.  He prefers nothing and no one in this world to Christ.  If a man's affections and interests are set upon the world, the things of the world, and the companionship of worldly people, it is clearly evident that he does not have the love of God in him.  No man can serve two masters.  (II Tim. 2:19; Luke 14:25-33)