July 31st - Troubled But Not Distressed

“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed…always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body” (II Corinthians 4:8-10).

Paul is talking about our situation in this age. It is sometimes troubling and as we grow old we realize that life is temporary. HOWEVER, we are not “distressed” when we remember that just as Jesus died and was resurrected to immortal LIFE, so shall we be raised as well.

“...this mortal must put on immortality… when this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory…thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore be steadfast…knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:53-58)

July 30th - The Gospel is Not an Advertising Gimmick

“The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

“Being justified freely by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:24)

The GOSPEL of God is not an advertising gimmick to get you to join an institution of men. The Gospel is a declaration of the SALVATION of sinful humanity by the GRACE OF GOD. It is proclaimed to us in the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

“Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you accepted, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved IF you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also accepted, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was entombed, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

An individual benefits from this good news of salvation IF you accept the good news that Christ died for your sins, was entombed, and was raised from the dead. The Salvation of the sinner is FREE.  One does not acquire salvation by responding to an “offer”. Again, Salvation is given "freely by His grace" as a result of the “redemption that is in Christ Jesus”.

Salvation from death comes as the result of the grace of God and it is our expectation (hope).

"...because of the expectation laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the GRACE of God in truth." (Colossians 1:5-6)

July 29th - Mercy to All

"For He says to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. So then it DOES NOT DEPEND on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.” (Romans 9:15-16)

Many Christians are convinced that obtaining mercy and compassion from God requires a decision to follow Jesus. Yet above, God clearly says His compassion and mercy is NOT dependent on "the man who wills” , or how a man chooses to live his life. God's mercy and compassion is dictated by who God is and what He wants.

“For God has shut up all in disobedience so THAT HE MAY SHOW MERCY TO ALL. Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:32-36)

Did you get that? "mercy to ALL"! Not just members of churches.

"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, His mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning." (Lamentations 3:22-23)

July 28th - Sanctification

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it”. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)

God Himself will completely "sanctify" those who die…their spirit, soul and body…they are "preserved BLAMELESS" at the second coming of Christ Jesus. God is faithful and He will do it.

“Behold, I tell you a mystery…in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye…the dead will be raised imperishable…then will come about the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?...Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:51:58)

Always “be abounding” in “the work of the Lord”.  The various “toils” that we experience in this life…will NOT be in vain.

July 27th - The Sequel to this Life

"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to humanity; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

When you look at the Greek words translated “temptation” and “way of escape” above you learn that they could (and should) have been translated “trial” and “sequel”. This fits the context of the "end of the ages", as well as my personal experience with life. The experiences of Israel in the wilderness…

“...were written for our instruction, upon whom the end of the ages have come.” (1 Corinthians 10:11) 

The contrast between good and evil is what humanity is learning about in the ages. Evil reveals humanity’s failure when left to his own will, resources and wisdom. At the end of the trials we experience in this life, all humans die for their sins…and need to be saved from death or all will perish forever!

The good news is that God has prepared a SEQUEL to the present drama we experience in this evil age. That sequel is the resurrection where God makes “all things new” and God becomes "All in all".

“But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order…so that God may be all in all.” (1 Corinthians 15:22-28)

"The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23)

July 26th - The Worst Sinners - Saved!

 “…Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance, Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst…” (1 Timothy 1:15)

How did Jesus get the worst sinner to believe in Him? 

“About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul!” (Acts 1:6)

OK, that would do it - and Paul believed. 

How is God going to get the rest of the really bad sinners to believe?

“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from His presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened…” (Revelation 20:11-12)

It takes a miraculous act for most sinners to believe in Jesus. The Great White Throne is when most sinners are destined to believe in Jesus. All will "confess" that Jesus is Lord and all will "believe" the good news - and be "saved".

"If you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved..." (Romans 10:9-10)

To summarize:  Those who die without believing in this age will be "saved" before the "great white throne"- where all will "confess that Jesus Christ is Lord".  

How do I know? The bible tells me so...

"...every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-11)

Paul eventually died after his Damascus road experience and is sleeping in death until the return of Jesus to resurrect him from the dead and change him.

"...we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable." (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). 

Unbelievers die the SECOND death after confessing before the great white throne by means of the Lake of Fire. I think it will be painless and instantaneous. They will remain asleep in this second death until "made alive"  when the second death will be "abolished" so that "God may be All in all".

"As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive...The last enemy that will be abolished is death...so that God may be All in all." (1 Corinthians 15:22, 26, 28)

It is amazing what you can learn from reading the Bible for yourself.

"For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and humanity, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed as a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying)" (1 Timothy 2:5-6)

"It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance...we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all humanity, especially of believers." (1 Timothy 4:9-10)

July 25th - Dark Times End

“And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 5:10-11)

Peter was speaking to dispersed Jews who were undergoing severe persecution. But history tells us that suffering comes to all humanity. What follows the suffering and death is Glory - that is our hope.

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us…for the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope…for we were saved in this hope…if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.” (Romans 8:18-25)

Our dark times will end!

“…for our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all…weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.” (2 Corinthians 4:17: Psalm 30:5)

July 24th - No Exceptions

"Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God" (Romans 3:19).

The whole world is guilty before God…

“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God...The wages of sin is death.” (Romans 3:23; 6:23)

 The penalty for sin is death, that is the law of God. Thus, all of us will eventually die…no exceptions. 

However, humanity is assured in the Bible that the law of sin and death is temporary…

“The law has dominion over a man as long as he lives…But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the SPIRIT and not in the oldness of the letter." (Romans 7:1, 6)

When we die we will have “died to what we were held by" - our present flesh and blood bodies that fall short of the glory of God because we all sin. God designed us that way.

“…but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin.” (Romans 7:14)

God has promised humanity that our mortal body will be saved and changed into an immortal "spiritual body" that cannot sin. Jesus will return to resurrect the dead, and in due time all will be changed from earthly to heavenly, from “natural” to “spiritual”. 

“How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?”…The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body…The first man is from the earth, earthy; the second man is from heaven. As is the earthy, so also are those who are earthy; and as is the heavenly, so also are those who are heavenly. Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly.” (1 Corinthians 15)

Humanity will be remade into His image - No Exceptions!

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."  (Romans 6:23)

July 23rd - Jesus Will Come Again

Speaking to His followers, Jesus promised…

“I will come again and receive you to myself…” (John 14:3)

As time went by and some of His followers began to die, some of His Jewish followers begin to wonder if He would actually return. The Apostle Peter told them…

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise… but is longsuffering toward us not willing that any should perish (stay dead)…” (2 Peter 3:9-13) 

Peter told them that just because Jesus had not yet returned did not mean he had changed His mind. Peter warned them that there would be “scoffers” among them as time went by, but to trust His promise to return…

“…we, according to His promises, hope for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells...” (2 Peter 3:13)

Jesus will return or the Bible cannot be trusted to be the inerrant word of God, so we should patiently wait for Him to return and make everything new and righteous…

"Behold, the tabernacle of God is with humanity, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. And He who sits on the throne said, Behold, I am making all things new. And He said, Write, for these words are faithful and true."(Revelation 21:3-5)

July 22nd - Grace and Judgment

Before the great worldwide flood described in Genesis God made this statement concerning humanity…

"Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of humanity was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of heart was only evil continually."  (Genesis 6:5)

God had told Adam and Eve what the judgment for disobedience would be…

“…you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die." (Genesis 2:17)

God's destruction of humanity by the flood did not rid the world of sin, just reduced the number of evil people…

"So the LORD said, I will destroy humanity whom I have created from the face of the earth" (Genesis 6:7)

With that flood God introduced how He intends to finally deal with humanity - His GRACE…

"But Noah found GRACE in the eyes of the LORD" (Genesis 6:8)

Humanity continues to be sinners falling short of the glory of God, and the judgment of God is still death, but in His Grace He intends to save humanity out of death.

“…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life…for the GRACE of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all humanity.” (Romans 3:23; 6:23; Titus 2:11)

The ARK delivered Noah and his family from the flood but they eventually died. Jesus will deliver all of those involved in the flood, and the rest of humanity from death into a n ew immortal life without sin. That is the promise of God, whether people believe it now or not.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly…it is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…God our Savior…wills that all humanity be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and humanity, the human Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all…It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all humanity, especially of believers.” (John 10:10; 1 Timothy 1:15, 2:3-6; 4:9-10)

July 21st - Want Your Prayers Answered Every Time? Then Ask for God's Will To Be Done

"And whatever you ask in my name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in my name, I will do it” (John 14:13-14)

God will have all humanity to be ransomed and saved, so pray for what HE wills.

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for ALL HUMANITY...For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; Who WILL have ALL humanity to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave Himself a ransom FOR ALL, to be testified in due time.” (1 Timothy 2:1-7)

Human government and religion cannot save anyone…but God can and will save everyone!

“…we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of ALL humanity…” (1 Timothy 4:10)

July 20th - Enjoy Life the Best You Can

The freest of people, the noblest of people, the most virtuous of people, and those among humanity who reason the best and accomplish the most have one thing in common with the worst of people - they all die and in time are forgotten. The writer of Ecclesiastes therefore determined...

“So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 8:15)

The best that people of this world can do is to enjoy life as best they are able and try to be the best they can be. Then, leave the judging of themselves and others to God.

"Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.” (1 Corinthians 4:5)

July 19th - When You Pray...And Nothing Happens

Jesus told His followers...

“...I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you...In that day you will not question me about anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in my name, He will give it to you...I am leaving the world again and going to the Father...In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:16-33)

Jesus was speaking of His return at the close of this age. It is after the resurrection that we will we be able to ask the Father for anything and He will give it to us. In this age we sometimes have "tribulation"and our prayers are not always answered. But this age will end...

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is among humanity, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away. And He who sits on the throne said, Behold, I am making all things new. And He said, Write, for these words are faithful and true." (Revelation 21:3-5)

At the close of the ages, when death has been abolished, we will ask and receive what we ask for.

“As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive...each in his own ORDER. Christ the firstfruits, then those who are alive at His coming, then comes the end...death is abolished...that God may be ALL IN ALL.” (1 Corinthians 5:22-28)

For now I often pray and ask for what I desire - but sometimes nothing happens!

Nevertheless, I keep asking, for asking brings me peace.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the PEACE of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

July 18th - Humanity Will Not Perish

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that ANYONE should perish but that ALL should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

It appears obvious to me that the word “perish” as used in Scripture simply refers to a person staying dead after becoming deceased. If there is no resurrection then death wins and nothing follows. However, the above Scripture says that the Lord is “not willing that any should perish” and that all “come to repentance”. The Bible teaches that there is to be "victory" over death, the last enemy.

God says that NONE will perish and that ALL will come to repentance….because it is the WILL of GOD.

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for ALL…For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; WHO WILL HAVE ALL HUMANITY TO BE SAVED…For there is one God, and one mediator between God and humanity, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for ALL...” (1 Timothy 2:1-6)

There is a term for those who do not agree with what God says in the Scripture…the term is “unbeliever”. 

Yet though they do not believe now, they will, for no human will “perish", all will “come to repentance” at the "resurrection of both the righteous and unrighteous".

“And I have a hope in God…that there is going to be a resurrection, both of the righteous and the unrighteous…” (Acts 24:15).

 “…we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all humanity…” (1 Timothy 4:10).

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ the Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

“For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive….The last enemy that will be abolished is death…so that God may be All in all…when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “death is swallowed up in VICTORY.” (1 Corinthians 15:22-54)

July 17th - Commend Them To God

“And now I commend you to God and to the word of His GRACE, which is able to build you up and to GIVE you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” (Acts 20:32)

Humanity is a work in progress, marred by sin to be remolded by the great Potter Himself into His image. So I do not worry about the eternal destiny of my loved ones. I have learned from studying the Bible to just relax and "commend them to God”. 

God will finish His work and when done, He will have reconciled my family, friends and all others to Himself. In the meantime, I try to enjoy life, treat people the way I want to be treated, and grow in the grace of God.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus….grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6; 2 Peter 3:18)

From time to time I ask myself whether I have grown “in grace and in knowledge of our Lord”. I only grow as my perspective of God shows Him to be more loving, merciful and gracious than I had previously thought. Few people actually care about the good news of the salvation of all humanity, so sometimes I just quit talking about it. Then I recall this verse….

"You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen.” (Ezekiel 2:5)

So, I will keep sharing the good news in various ways with people – and then “commend them to God”.

"This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance. To this end we labor and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of everyone, and especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things." (1 Timothy 4:9-10)

July 16th - I Am Not Ashamed

“…I AM NOT ASHAMED of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation…who wills all humanity be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (Romans 1:16; 1 Timothy 2:4)

God has the power to save, and in fact "wills" that humanity be saved. I am not ashamed of this good news. God...

“…saves us and calls us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages of time, yet now is being revealed through the advent of our Savior, Christ Jesus, Who, indeed, abolishes death and illuminates life and immortality through the gospel...I AM NOT ASHAMED; for I know Whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.” (2 Timothy 1:9-14)

I have entrusted my salvation and that of my family and friends to God. He will do what he "wills" - save them. Who is going to stop Him? Certainly not the opposing doctrines of men!

July 15th - The Riches of God's Grace

“The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29)

Under the Law given to Israel, once a year the high priest would make s sacrifice to atone for ALL the sins of the people of Israel, intentional and unintentional. That day was called the day of Atonement and God would forgive all sins committed during the previous year. (Leviticus 16) 

We are told that these offerings were temporary in that they did not “take away" future sins.

“Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.” (Hebrews 10:11)

The Law requires sacrifices to be made year after year for the sins of the people. BUT not anymore! God the Father brought the final sacrificial offering to atone for the sins of the whole world, past and future. That offering was His Son, the sacrificial perfect Lamb of God, Jesus. That sacrificial offering has taken away the sins of all humanity!

“He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2) 

“…'He said, ‘behold, I have come to do Your WILL.’ ...By this WILL we have been SANCTIFIED through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ ONCE for ALL. Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time onward until His enemies be made a footstool for His feet. For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified." (Hebrews 10:9-14)

God the Father has saved humanity by His GRACE! We are to have faith in our salvation. His compassion and mercy never fails, they are new every morning.

“So that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:7-9)

"The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness His compassion begins afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The LORD is my inheritance therefore, I will hope in him! The LORD is good to those who depend on Him, to those who search for Him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD. And it is good for people to submit at an early age to the yoke of His discipline...For no one is abandoned by the LORD forever. Though He brings grief, He also shows compassion because of the greatness of His unfailing love. For He does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow." (Lamentations 3:22-33)

July 14th - The Temporary and Eternal Kingdom of God

"But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of God’s grace." (Acts 20:24)

The gospel of the coming kingdom of Israel on the present Earth was preached to the Jews until Jesus was rejected as their Messiah as we read in Acts 28:28. The restored kingdom of Israel has been postponed for almost two thousand years while "the Gospel of God's grace” is preached to all nations. However, Jesus will return and set up the restored kingdom of Israel which will last one thousand years.

The gospel of grace is about the the eternal kingdom of God in a New Heaven and New Earth where God will dwell with the humans of all nations, Jew and Gentile.

Failure to distinguish between the restored one thousand year kingdom of Israel that is coming on this earth from the eternal Kingdom of God in the New heaven and New earth has caused much confusion and false doctrine within institutional Christianity.

Concerning Israel and the one thousand year kingdom to come on this earth...  

“The LORD says, “I will give you back what you lost to the swarming locusts, the hopping locusts, the stripping locusts, and the cutting locusts. It was I who sent this great destroying army against you. Once again you will have all the food you want, and you will praise the LORD your God, who does these miracles for you. Never again will my people be disgraced. Then you will know that I am among my people Israel, that I am the LORD your God, and there is no other. Never again will my people be disgraced.” (Joel 2:25-27)

“Therefore tell the house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says…I will take you from among the nations and gather you out of all the countries, and I will bring you back into your own land. I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances. Then you will live in the land that I gave your forefathers; you will be My people, and I will be your God.” (Ezekiel 36:22, 24-28)

“…the Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob (Israel). This is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins.” (Romans 11:26-27)

In the gospel of grace, God has promised to save ALL humanity out of death, make them a new immortal creation, and place them into the eternal Kingdom of God - a New Creation where all humanity has been transformed into the image of God.

“Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must be clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come to pass: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” (1 Corinthians 15:51-54)

“It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all humanity, especially of believers. Prescribe and teach these things.” (1 Timothy 4:9-11)

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.” And the One seated on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are faithful and true.” (Revelation 21:1-5)

The kingdom promised to Israel on this earth will last one thousand years and will begin with the return of Jesus as king of kings and Lord of lords. It will come to an end after one thousand years and God will destroy the present Earth and create a New Heaven and New Earth as the eternal home of redeemed humanity in the Kingdom of God. It is the gospel of the Kingdom of God in the New Heaven and New Earth which will be "preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations" during the thousand year kingdom of Israel. 

"This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:14) 

July 13th - Boasting

Did God save you by His grace, or were you saved by accepting His offer of grace?

Be mindful of how you answer. For that answer will reveal whether you are “boasting”.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-10)

A BELIEVER is a person who believes God, not the doctrine of an institutional Christian church...big difference. Humanity is justified and saved by His grace.

"Being justified gratuitously in His grace, through the deliverance which is in Christ Jesus...toward the display of His righteousness...for Him to be just and a Justifier of the one who is of the faith of Jesus. Where, then, is boasting? It is debarred!" (Romans 3:24-27)

"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)

Boasting is evidence of unbelief.

July 12th - A Successful Life

A Successful Life - what does it look like?

I like Ralph Waldo Emerson's definition of success…

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

Humanity too often measures success by power and wealth, but Jesus said this about power and wealth.

"What good is it for a human to gain the whole world, yet forfeits the soul? Or what can a human give in exchange for the soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in His Father's glory with His angels, and then He will reward each human according to what they have done." (Matthew 16:26-27) 

Worldly success is "meaningless" says the writer of Ecclesiastes.

“I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind." (Ecclesiastes 1:14)

His advice was to try to find satisfaction in your work, and  "enjoy life with the wife, whom you love" - it has worked for me!

A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil… Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love...For this is your lot in life…” (Ecclesiastes 2:24; 9:9) 

July 11th - Keep it Simple

“And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life…And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” (1 John 2:25; 5:11)

“...we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all humanity, especially of believers. Prescribe and teach these things.” (1 Timothy 4:9-11)

“God demonstrates His own LOVE toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us… while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son…For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 5:8-10; 6:26)

"For by GRACE you have been SAVED through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the GIFT of God, not as a result of works...” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people." (Titus 2:11)

It is just that simple! I reject teaching that does not harmonize with the above.

July 10th - The Last Day

"And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have age lasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:40)

There will be a time when everyone “sees" the Son and believes in Him. 

“For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and EVERY TONGUE WILL CONFESS that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)

There is coming a time when everyone will bow and acclaim Jesus is Lord. 

“In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him…the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.” (Ephesians 1:8-10)

It is my view that on that future last day God will have “summed up all things in Christ”. All humanity will be saved, justified, reconciled and glorified. God the Father will be All in all.

“As in Adam ALL die, even so in Christ shall ALL be made alive…that God may be All in all.” (1 Corinthians 15:22-28)

This is the gospel of God for humanity as I understand it - the Good News. It will happen whether humanity believes it now or not….THEY WILL then!

July 9th - We Need Not Fear the Fiery Furnace

“Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace…” (Daniel 3:17)

King Nebuchadnezzar threw people into the “burning fiery furnace” if they refused to bow down to him. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, however, were not afraid of such threats. They knew the one true God, and that He could deliver them from the inventions of mere men if He so desired.

“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:17)

God is not like Nebuchadnezzar, He saves humanity from the wages of sin…which is death. He did not create a fiery furnace for those who refused His salvation. He has not given humanity a choice in the matter at all.  Just as God saved His Son Jesus from death, Jesus has promised to return and save the rest of humanity from death. 

Jesus will then judge humanity in righteousness, not in anger. Humanity will be made into a new creation of immortals, so, humanity does not need to fear death!

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  (Isaiah 41:10)

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27)

"The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you." (Romans 8:11)

July 8th - "I Can't Wait to Get to Heaven"

There are some people who will be alive when Jesus returns. We should live with joy that it may be us - like little children!

"It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners...Who gave Himself a ransom for all..." (1 Timothy 1:15; 2:6)

"Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed...." (1 Corinthians 15: 51-54)

After I had discussed the wonder of our salvation and the return of Jesus with my oldest grandson a few years ago he said "I can't wait to get to heaven."  I silently prayed "please God, guard him from those who would rob him of that JOY".

Jesus is coming, maybe in our lifetime, and He wants us to be in a place of joy, like little children, not in a place of fear imposed by religious institutions. 

"And Jesus said to them, "Watch out and beware...of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees." (Matthew 16:6, 12)

When Jesus came the first time He was successful in saving humanity. In fact, He chose to eat and drink with the "sinners" even though the religious folks were saying that Jesus was...

"...a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!" (Matthew 11:19)

When Jesus comes again He will resurrect and change humanity - returning us to the joy that children have when told about Jesus their savior.

"I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to children....Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light..." (Matthew 11:25-30) 

"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."(Romans 6:23)

July 7th - A Reminder

The grace of God is our only hope.

"For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people...We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with HOPE to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God, and Savior Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave His life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us His very own people doing good deeds." (Titus 2:11-15)

God is the Savior of all humanity. We should share this good news with other sinners without adding anything to it. And, we should daily thank Him for such a wonderful free gift and try to live life in appreciation for what he has done for us.

"This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers. Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them." (1 Timothy 4:9-11)

July 6th - Everlasting Mercy

“Now Thomas, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to Thomas, we have seen the Lord. So he said to them…I will not believe." (John 20:24-25)

Thomas is called "doubting Thomas" because he refused to believe what the others told him. He had to see the resurrected Jesus himself. Actually, that was true of all of the disciples. None of them believed until they saw Jesus after His resurrection. Such is the case for all humanity in my view. We do not fully believe until we SEE Him.

"And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came… and said be not be unbelieving, but believing. And Thomas answered…My Lord and my God!" (John 20:26-28)

When Jesus raises the dead, all will see Him just as Thomas did - the result?...

"...every knee shall bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-11)

In this present age, only a few hear about their salvation and even fewer believe what they hear. Happy are those few.

"Jesus said to him, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Happy are those who have not seen and believe.” (John 20:29)

Humanity is saved by the grace and mercy of God. Most must wait to see him after their resurrection.

"For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that He might have mercy upon all....O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for His mercy lasts for ever." (Romans 11:32; Psalm 136:1)

Again, humanity, all of us, are destined to believe and enter into the Kingdom of God - the result of God's Everlasting Mercy!

July 5th - Do Not Be Afraid

“Hear, O Israel: Today you are on the verge of battle with your enemies; do not be afraid…for the LORD your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.” (Deuteronomy 20:3-4)

Before they entered the promised land Israel was told they would have to do battle with their enemies, but not to fear for the LORD would “save” them…and He did.

Today we are told that the struggle of humanity is with another kind of enemy - "spiritual forces"…

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

Again, the Lord has overcome these "world forces of darkness". Humanity does not have to fear the various tribulations we encounter if we simply believe the "word of God".  

“In the world you have tribulation, fear not for I have overcome the world." (John 16:3)

"...put on the full armor of God…take up the shield of faith…take up the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Ephesians 6:13, 16,-17)

It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all humanity…”  (1 Timothy 4:9-10)

Humanity can only "take up" the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation when they hear about it and trust that it is a free gift from God. Trusting calms our fears.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

"God has not given us a spirit of fear..." (2 Timothy 1:6)

July 4th - Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day! This is a day to celebrate American independence and the founding of our Republic. Yet there is coming a greater day in which the whole world will declare their independence from sin - it is the plan of God, the founding Father of humanity.  

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted… to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified." (Isaiah 61:1, 3).

“His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)

God allows humanity to be broken, divided and bruised because of its sin. However, God intends to change humanity into a new creation, “trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified". All humanity will one day bow before Jesus in grateful thanksgiving for their salvation. 

“...at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:10-11)

"It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all humanity, especially of believers. Prescribe and teach these things.” (1 Timothy 4:10-12)

Jesus will liberate humanity from death in Hades. It will not prevail against us.

"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God...on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:16-18)

"Hades" (hell in the KJV) is the state of people after death. It means “unseen” or “grave”. The word "church" is the Greek word “ecclesia” and means “called out ones”. Christ Jesus is the first to die and be called out of death never to die again. He is the “rock” and foundation stone of our faith. 

“If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:3)

The day of our salvation is coming, and it will be Independence Day for Humanity!

"...as sin reigned in death, so also grace would reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 5:21)

July 3rd- Forgive Them

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)

Did God answer this prayer of Jesus? Of course, God forgave those who tortured and killed His Son.  

What sin then will be left unforgiven?

"He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." (1 John 2:2)

"This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." (1 John 4:10)

"And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world." (1 John 4:14)

Jesus is not the Savior of humanity if He fails to save even one human!

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, eager for good deeds. These things speak and exhort, and rebuke with all authority." (Titus 2:11-15)

July 2nd - Jesus Christ's Faith is for All Humanity

"Yet now, apart from law, a righteousness of God is manifest (being attested by the law and the prophets), yet a righteousness of God through Jesus Christ's faith, for all, and on all who are believing, for there is no distinction, for all sinned and are wanting of the glory of God. Being justified gratuitously in His grace, through the deliverance which is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:21-24)

Up until verse 21 of Chapter 3, the book of Romans has condemned all humanity for failing to live up to the righteous standards of the law of God. Yet, beginning with verse 21, the apostle Paul tells us the good news that God will save humanity because of "Jesus Christ's faith". His faith is "for all", and will be "on all" when they believe this good news. In Chapter 5 Paul summarizes what Jesus has done for all humans...

"Consequently, then, as it was through one offense for all humanity for condemnation, thus also it is through one just award for all humanity for life's justifying. For even as, through the disobedience of the one man, the many were constituted sinners, thus also, through the obedience of the One, the many shall be constituted just...where sin increases, grace superexceeds, that, even as Sin reigns in death, thus Grace also should be reigning through righteousness,  for everlasting life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord." (Romans 5:18-21)

Jesus Christ's faith freed humanity from sin and the law, and enslaved us to the free Grace of God...

"Yet, now, being freed from Sin, yet enslaved to God, you have your fruit for holiness. Now the consummation is everlasting life. For the wages of Sin is death, yet the gracious gift of God is everlasting life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:22-23)

When I first realized this truth I began "loving God" for the first time, rather than being afraid of Him. I became aware that He is working all things for the good of humanity, and that it is God's plan to conform humanity into the image of His Son at our resurrection.

"Now we are aware that God is working all together for the good of those who are loving God, who are called according to the purpose that, whom He foreknew, He designates beforehand, also, to be conformed to the image of His Son, for Him to be Firstborn among many brethren. Now whom He designates beforehand, these He calls also, and whom He calls, these He justifies also; now whom He justifies, these He glorifies also. What then shall we declare to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? Surely, He Who spares not His own Son, but gives Him up for us all, how shall He not, together with Him, also, be graciously granting us all?" (Romans 8:28-32)

July 1st - The Time Has Come

"The Bible is a book that has been read more and examined less than any book that ever existed." --Thomas Paine (Author, 1737-1809)

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires.” (2 Timothy 4:3)

What is the "sound doctrine" which has been abandoned by those "wanting to have their ears tickled"?

Paul taught that salvation will come to everyone.

"For the wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eonian life..." (Romans 6:23)

"This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all humanity to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and humans, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all humanity, the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the nations in faith and truth." (1 Timothy 2:3-7)

"...we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all humanity, especially of believers. Prescribe and teach these things." (1 Timothy 4:9-11)

"As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all humanity be made alive." (1 Corinthians 15:22)

I rest myself and my family in the grace I find in the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ.

"For the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation to all humanity..." (Titus 2:11)