February 15th - A False Teaching

Some Christians are convinced in their own minds that they are a little closer to God than others, like the Pharisee in Luke's gospel.

"The Pharisee, standing, prayed this to himself: "God, I am thanking you that I am not even as the rest of men, rapacious, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tribute collector. I am fasting twice of a sabbath. I am taking tithes from all whatever I am acquiring." (Luke 18:11-12)

The Pharisees considered themselves the most righteous sons of Abraham. So, imagine how they felt when a poor carpenter from Nazareth told them that they were not sons of Abraham, but were sons of the Adversary - Satan.

“You are of your father, the Adversary, and the desires of your father you are wanting to do…He who is of God is hearing God’s declarations. Therefore, you are not hearing, seeing that you are not of God.” (John 8:44-47) 

"Thus you, also, outside, indeed, are appearing to men to be just, yet inside you are distended with hypocrisy and lawlessness..." (Matthew 23:28)

"And you invalidate the word of God because of your tradition. Hypocrites! Ideally Isaiah prophesies concerning you, saying...in vain are they revering Me, teaching for teachings the directions of men." (Matthew 15:6-9)

If Jesus entered a Jewish synagogue today, what would he say?

And what if he entered a Christian church today?

The Apostle Paul warns of false “apostles of Christ” who teach about "another Jesus".

“For if, indeed, he who is coming is heralding another Jesus whom we do not herald, or you are obtaining a different spirit, which you did not obtain, or a different gospel, which you do not receive, you are bearing with him ideally….such are false apostles, fraudulent workers, being transfigured into apostles of Christ. And no marvel, for Satan himself is being transfigured into a messenger of light. It is no great thing, then, if his servants also are being transfigured as dispensers of righteousness.” (2 Corinthians 11:4-15) 

Paul taught that the real Jesus would save "all mankind" and "reconcile" all creation to God.  So, anything less than the salvation and reconciliation of all is a "different evangel" about "another Jesus".

I once read an almost forgotten piece of literature from 1890 written by Thomas Allin entitled “Christ Triumphant” where he speaks of the most egregious false teaching of modern day Christianity.

“The consequences of the false teaching of eternal torment are now the fabric of society...The consequences of the false doctrine of eternal torment are so all pervasive, so closely connected to the invisible and nearly universal undercurrent of human thinking concerning God, that they are impossible now to separate and calculate.”

That was written almost 130 years ago and today, avoiding eternal torment is still the basis for most Christian evangelism. Nevertheless, God's salvation of all will come to pass rather than the "directions of men". 

Here is the truth about Jesus from the Scripture...

"...through Him (Jesus) to reconcile all to Him (making peace through the blood of His cross), through Him, whether those on earth or those in the heavens.  And you, being once estranged and enemies in comprehension, by wicked acts, yet now He reconciles by His body of flesh, through His death, to present you holy and flawless and unimpeachable in His sight." (Colossians 1:20-22)

“I am entreating then,  first of all, that petitions, prayers, pleadings, thanksgiving be made for all mankind...for this is ideal and welcome in the sight of our Savior God, Who wills that all mankind be saved, and come into a realization of truth." (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

"For there is one God, and one Mediator of God and mankind, a Man, Christ Jesus, Who is giving Himself a correspondent Ransom for all (the testimony in its own eras)." (1 Timothy 2:5-6)

"Faithful is the saying and worthy of all welcome (for for this are we toiling and being reproached), that we rely on the living God, Who is the Savior of all mankind, especially of believers.  These things be charging and teaching.” (1 Timothy 4:9-11)

All Scripture must be harmonized with the above in an evangelist's zeal to preach the true gospel about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

February 14th - Is your God Inside Aladdin's Lamp?

Is your God in Aladdin's Lamp?

“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….” (Romans 8:28-29)

I get mad sometimes because I rub the lamp with much prayer and do not get even one of my three wishes. But that lamp does not contain the God of the bible. He is not waiting for me to get His attention by rubbing the lamp with just the right amount of prayer and faith. That is the Genie in Aladdin’s lamp, not the God of the bible. Biblical prayer gives me "peace" as I toss my worry on Him knowing that He cares about me.

“…toss your entire worry on Him, for He cares about you." (1 Peter 5:7)

"Now, faithful is God, Who will not be leaving you to be tried above what you are able, but, together with the trial, will be making a sequel also, to enable you to undergo it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

God written a "sequel" to our struggles in this life that we pray about, and that sequel is the immortal life that will be ours when we enter and see the new heavens and new earth - the eternal Kingdom of God.

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things will not be remembered or come to mind." (Isaiah 65:17)

"He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel...I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.” (2 Timothy 1:8-12)

Paul told us how to pray to have the peace of God.

"Do not worry about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, that is superior to every frame of mind, shall be garrisoning your hearts and your apprehensions in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

My immature nature will keep s rubbing the lamp from time to time, but my faith remains in the God of the bible, not the Genie of Aladdin's Lamp.

February 13th - Be Diligent

"Yet be growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory now, as well as for the day of the coming eon. Amen!" (2 Peter 3:18)

What I say is what I believe at the time, but I change those views as my ongoing study and experience requires. That is because I would like my views to be "approved" and be “unashamed” at the coming of the Lord.

"Have a pattern of sound words, which you hear from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. The ideal thing committed to you, guard through the holy spirit which is making its home in us." (2 Timothy 1:13-14)

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

"All scripture is inspired by God, and is beneficial for teaching, for exposure, for correction, for discipline in righteousness, that the man of God may be equipped, fitted out for every good act." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

I have made the assumption that the Bible is infallible when properly translated. However, we do not possess a perfectly translated version, so my views about what I read may change as I grow in "grace and knowledge of our Lord". Day by day I let my thoughts flow - willing to change my view as I grow in grace..

"May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the recognition of God and of Jesus Christ, our Lord!" (2 Peter 1:2)

February 12th - The Teaching of Paul the Evangelist

The apostle Paul was a tentmaker and, he was an evangelist in the true meaning of the word - a bearer of the good news from God. Here is a summary of the teaching of Paul the Evangelist in his own words, and in the order of the books of the Bible Paul wrote.

"God is commending this love of His to us, seeing that, while we are still sinners, Christ died for our sakes.” (Romans 5:8)

“For if, being enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much rather, being reconciled, we shall be saved in His life.” (Romans 5:10) 

"For even as, through the disobedience of the one man (Adam), the many were constituted sinners, thus also, through the obedience of the One (Jesus), the many shall be constituted just." (Romans 5:19)

“For the ration of Sin is death, yet the gracious gift of God is everlasting life, in Christ Jesus, our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

“For since, in fact, through a man came death, through a Man, also, comes the resurrection of the dead.  For even as, in Adam, all are dying, thus also, in Christ, shall all be made alive...that God may be All in all.” (1 Corinthians 15:22,28)

"Thus also is the resurrection of the dead. It (the body) is sown in corruption; it is roused in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor; it is roused in glory. It is sown in infirmity; it is roused in power; It is sown a soulish body, it is roused a spiritual body. If there is a soulish body, there is a spiritual also. Thus it is written also, the first man, Adam, became a living soul; the last Adam a life giving Spirit. But not first the spiritual, but the soulish, thereupon the spiritual.” (1 Corinthians 15:42-46)

"Lo! I secret to you am I telling! We all, indeed, shall not be put laid to rest (entombed), yet we all shall be changed, in an instant, in the twinkle of an eye, at the last trump. For He will be trumpeting, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal put on immortality...then shall come to pass the word which is written, Swallowed up was Death by Victory." (1 Corinthians 15: 50-54)

“God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, not reckoning their offenses to them, and placing in us the word of reconciliation...for the One not knowing sin (Jesus), He makes to be a sin offering for our sakes that we may be becoming God's righteousness in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:19) 

"Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who did bless us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, according as He did choose us in him before the foundation of the world, for us to become holy and unblemished before Him, in love, having foreordained us to the adoption of sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, in which He did make us accepted in the beloved, in whom we have the redemption through His blood, the remission of sins, according to the riches of His grace, in which He did abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known to us the secret of His will, according to His good pleasure, that He purposed in Himself, in regard to the dispensation of the fulness of the times, to bring into one the whole in the Christ, both the things in the heavens, and the things upon the earth—in Him; in whom also we did obtain an inheritance, being foreordained according to the purpose of Him who is working all according to the counsel of His will, for our being to the praise of His glory, even those who did first hope in the Christ, in whom ye also, having heard the word of the truth—the good news of your salvation—in whom also having believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of the promise, which is an earnest of our inheritance, to the redemption of the acquired possession, to the praise of His glory." (Ephesians 1:1-14)

“And He (Jesus) is the Head of the body, the church, Who is Sovereign, Firstborn from among the dead, that in all He may becoming first, for in Him the entire complement delights to dwell, and through Him to reconcile all to Him (making peace through the blood of His cross), through Him, whether those of the earth or those in the heavens.” (Colossians 1:18-20)

“In everything be giving thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

"Faithful is the saying and worthy of all welcome, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, foremost of whom am I." (1 Timothy 1:15-16)

“...our Savior, God, Who wills all humanity be saved and come into a realization of the truth. For there is one God, and one Mediator of God and humanity, a Man, Christ Jesus, Who is giving Himself a correspondent Ransom for all (the testimony in its own eras), for which I was appointed a herald and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the nations in knowledge and truth." (1 Tim. 2:4-7)

“Faithful is the saying and worthy of all welcome (for for this are we toiling  and being reproached), that we rely on the living God, Who is the Savior of all humanity, especially of believers.These things be charging and teaching." (1 Tim. 4:9-11)

"For the saving grace of God was manifested to all humanity, teaching us, that denying the impiety and the worldly desires, soberly and righteously and piously we may live in the present age, waiting for the blessed hope and manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ..." (Titus 2:11-13)

There you have it - study this teaching from Paul until you get it - then pass it along!

February 11th - Paul the Working Man

“I covet no one's silver, or gold, or vesture. You know that these hands provide for my needs, and those who are with me.” (Acts 20:33).

Paul was not ordained by a church or synagogue. He worked as a tentmaker, as did Aquila and Priscilla.

"...because of his being of a like trade, he remained with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade." (Acts 18:3)

Those who traveled with him most likely worked for him in making tents. It is interesting that God chose a 

working man to deliver to the world a secret previously hidden. Yet, it makes sense because tentmakers traveled around from town to town, and such persons would be ideal to share good news with the world.

"To me, less than the least of all saints, was granted this grace: to bring the good news of the untraceable riches of Christ to the nations, and to enlighten all as to what is the administration of the secret, which has been concealed from the eons in God..." (Ephesians 3:8-9)

Jesus Himself was an "artisan" by trade, making things with His hands. Jesus was kicked out of His synagogue and city for what he taught there.  

"...His disciples are following Him. And at the coming of the sabbath He begins to teach in the synagogue. And the majority, hearing, were astonished...what wisdom is being given this man!...Is not this the artisan, the son of Mary." (Mark 6:1-3)

"And filled with fury are all who are in the synagogue at hearing these things, and rising, they cast Him outside of the city." (Luke 4:28)

Those who followed Jesus were the working class and despised people...yet they were the ones who recognized Him as the Savior of the world.

"Now out of that city many of the Samaritans believe in Him...we are aware that this truly is the Savior of the world, the Christ." (John 4:42)

Jesus laid down his life for all sheep - and became Savior of the world. 

"I am the Shepherd ideal and I know Mine and Mine know Me, according as the Father knows Me, and I know the Father. And My soul am I laying down for the sake of the sheep. And other sheep have I which are not of this fold (Israel). Those also I must be leading, and they will be hearing my voice, and there will be one flock, one Shepherd." (John 10:14-16)

"And I, if I should be exalted out of the earth, shall be drawing everyone to Myself." (John 12:32)

"They took Jesus along, then, and led Him away.  And, bearing the cross Himself, He came out to what is termed a Skull's Place, which is termed, in Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucify Him...He said, it is accomplished! And reclining His head, He gives up the spirit." (John 19:17-18, 30) 

Paul the hard working tentmaker tells us the secret that Jesus "accomplished" on the cross for humanity. He says we were...

“...justified for free in His grace, through the deliverance which is in Christ Jesus...Who was given up because of our sins...For the one not knowing sin, He makes to be a sin offering for our sakes that we may be becoming God's righteousness in Him” (Romans 3:24-25; 4:25; 2 Corinthians 5:21)

Before Paul the tentmaker died, he told his friend Timothy...

"You, then, child of mine, be invigorated by the grace which is in Christ Jesus. And what things you hear from me through many witnesses, these commit to faithful men, who shall be competent to instruct others also." (2 Timothy 2:1-2)

Paul did not tell Timothy to build places to worship, he told him to share the good news about Jesus and instruct others to do the same. Two thousand years later, a few working men still do.

February 10th - Grace and Peace from God

"Grace to you and peace from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, Who gives Himself for our sins, so that He might extricate us out of the present wicked eon, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory for the eons of the eons. Amen!" (Galatians 1:3-5).

Pretty simple.

The Lord, Christ Jesus, gave Himself for the sins of humanity. He did so as a result of "grace" from God the Father, giving humanity "peace" from God.

Jesus Christ died on the cross for the sins of the world. His death atoned for all sins.

“...if anyone should be sinning, we have an Entreater with the Father, Jesus Christ, the Just.  And He is the atonement for our sins, yet not ours only, but for the whole world.” (1 John 2:1-2)

Christ Jesus will deliver humanity from this present wicked age. How?

"...the Lord Himself will be descending from heaven with a shout of command, with the voice of the Chief Messenger, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead shall be rising first, then we, the living who are surviving, shall at the same time be snatched away together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air." (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)

"Lo! a secret to you am I telling! We all, indeed, shall not be put to repose (sleep), yet we all shall be changed, in an instant, in the twinkle of an eye, at the last trump. For He will be trumpeting, and the dead will be roused incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal put on immortality." (1 Corinthians 15:51-53)  

First we die…then we are given new immortal life at our being awakened out of sleep (made alive) - the result of FOR FREE!

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

Grace and Peace from God!

February 9th - Parables and Secrets

“And, approaching, the disciples asked Him, Why are you speaking in parables to them? Now, answering, He said to them that 'to you has it been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of the heavens, yet to those it is not given'.” (Matthew 13:10-11)

Many teach that a parable is a simple story with a heavenly meaning inferring that it helps common people understand the truth. Obviously that is not what Jesus said. Jesus clearly taught that the parables were given to hide the "secrets of the kingdom of the heavens" from those who did not need to understand. The Apostle Paul  told us about a "secret" revealed to him.

"To me, less than the least of all saints, was granted this grace: to bring the good news of the untraceable riches of Christ to the nations, and to enlighten all as to what is the administration of this secret, which has been concealed from the eons in God, who creates all..." (Ephesians 3:8-9)

Paul was chosen to share a "secret" previously "concealed". It is about the change that is coming to our bodies.

"Lo! a secret to you am I telling! We all, indeed, shall not all sleep, yet we all shall be changed, in an instant, in the twinkle of an eye, at the last trump. For He will be trumpeting, and the dead will be roused incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal put on immortality." (1 Corinthians 15:51-53)

The vast majority of humanity have never seen a Bible, and will not hear about their salvation until AFTER their resurrection. At that time all secrets will be revealed, and all will realize God is not reckoning their sins against them.

"...God was in Christ, conciliating the world to Himself, not reckoning their sins to them..." (2Corinthians 5:19) 

"...and of their sins and their lawlessness should I under no circumstances still be reminded" (Hebrews 8:12)

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners...This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wills all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth...we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people... " (1 Timothy 1:15; 2:3; 4:10)

So why did Jesus speak in parables? Well, for many of us, it is not our business to know the secrets of the Kingdom of heavens. But I am sure, when it becomes our business, God will let us know.

February 8th - Believe Paul

"For at present, am I persuading men or God?  Or am I seeking to please men? If I still pleased men, I were not a slave of Christ." (Galatians 1:10)

What does Paul teach that so many Christians refuse to believe?  Here are some examples.

"...seeing that out of Him and through Him and for Him is all:  to Him be the glory for the eons!" (Romans 11:36)

They do not believe that "ALL things" are from God. They insist Paul meant all "good things".

"...our Savior, God, Who wills that all humanity be saved and come into a realization of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator of God and humanity, a Man, Christ Jesus, who is giving Himself as a correspondent ransom for all." (1 Timothy 2:3-6)

"Faithful is the saying and worthy of all welcome (for for this we are toiling and being reproached), that we rely of the living God, Who is the Savior of ALL humanity, especially of believers." (1 Timothy 4:10)

Most Christians  do not believe all humanity will be saved as the result of the ransom Christ Jesus paid for all. They insist Paul meant that God is "offering" to save all people, and will ransom only those who accept His offer.

"...reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the message of reconciliation..." (2 Corinthians 5:19)

They do not believe God is reconciling the world to himself. They insist Paul meant that only those in the world who choose Christ are reconciled to God.

So, do you believe God or someone else?

February 7th - Enemies and Friends of the Cross

"For many are walking, of whom I often told you, yet now am lamenting also as I tell it, who are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose consummation is destruction, whose god is their bowels, and whose glory is in their shame, who to the terrestrial are disposed." (Philippians 3:18-19)

So who are “enemies of the cross”?

The “enemies of the cross” are those who insist it takes the cross of Jesus PLUS something else to be saved. To me, it is this doctrine of limited salvation that will meet its "destruction" when the cross is shown to have “accomplished” the salvation of all humans.

"...for we ourselves have heard Him, and we are aware that this truly is the Savior of the world." (John 4:42)

"And I, if I should be lifted out of the earth, shall be drawing all to Myself." (John 12:32)

"Jesus is saying to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one is coming to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6)

"Then Pilate turned Jesus over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus away. Carrying the cross by Himself, He went to the place called Place of the Skull (in Hebrew, Golgotha). There they nailed Him to the cross...After this, Jesus, being aware that all is accomplished, that the scripture may be perfected, is saying...It is accomplished. And reclining His head, He gives up the spirit." (John 19:16-18, 28-30)

Humanity was saved by our Savior on that cross, that was the will of His Father, and all are destined to become friends of the cross when God's plan is consummated.

"For our realm is inherent in the heavens, out of which we are awaiting a Savior also, the Lord, Jesus Christ, Who will transfigure the body of our humiliation, to conform it to the body of His glory, in accord with the operation which enables Him even to subject all to Himself.” (Philippians 3:20-21)

Friends of the cross believe in the salvation of all.

February 6th - The Man Adam and and the Man Jesus are Prototypes

“Yet now Christ has been roused from among the dead, the Firstfruit of those who have fallen asleep (1 Corinthians 15:20-22)

The body of Adam was the prototype for humanity in its present mortal condition. 

“The LORD God formed the human out of soil from the ground, and He blew into his nostrils the breath of life; and the human became a living soul." (Genesis 2:7)

Adam's body was made “out of soil”. When the LORD God added the “breath of life” to that body, Adam became the first man who was a living soul of “flesh and blood”. 

However, this MORTAL prototype “is not able to enjoy an allotment in the Kingdom of God”.

"The first man was out of the earth, made of soil...Now this I am averring, brethren, that flesh and blood is not able to enjoy an allotment in the Kingdom of God." (1 Corinthians 15:47, 50)

All humans have bodies like Adam. It is mortal, eventually dies and returns to the soil of which it is made, and the soul sleeps. However, that sleeping soul has been promised a new body. That body will be a“spiritual” and immortal "new creation".  We will have been born again to enter the Kingdom of God!

"Jesus answered, "Verily, verily, I am saying to you, If anyone should not be begotten of water and of spirit, he cannot be entering into the kingdom of God. That which is begotten by the flesh is flesh, and that which is begotten by the spirit is spirit." (John 3:5-6)

"Thus also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is roused in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor; it is roused in glory. It is sown in infirmity; it is roused in power; It is sown a soulish body, it is roused a spiritual body.  If there is a soulish body, there is a spiritual also.  Thus it is written also, the first man, Adam, became a living soul; the last Adam a vivifying Spirit. But not first the spiritual, but the soulish, thereupon the spiritual. The first man was out of the earth, soilish; the second Man is the Lord out of heaven...And according as we wear the image of the soils, we shall be wearing the image of the Heavenly.” (1 Corinthians 15:42-49)

"For our realm is inherent in the heavens, out of which we are awaiting a Savior also, the Lord, Jesus Christ, Who will transfigure the body of our humiliation, to conform it to the body of His glory." (Philippians 3:20-21)

"For if we have become planted together in the likeness of His death, nevertheless we shall be of the resurrection also." (Romans 6:4)

“So that, if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: the primitive passed by. Lo! there has come new!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)

This born again spiritual, immortal, and sinless living soul will “enjoy an allotment in the Kingdom of God”.

Again, the mortal human cannot “perceive” or be “entering” the Kingdom of God. The mortal will be born again - as an immortal. When our mother's water broke, we were born the first time of "water" as we came into this world in humiliation. At our resurrection from death, we will be born again "of spirit".

"Now this I am averring, brethren, that flesh and blood is not able to enjoy an allotment in the Kingdom of God...Lo! I secret to you am I telling!...we all shall be changed, in an instant, in the twinkle of an eye, at the last trump...  For this corruptible must put on incorruption and this mortal put on immortality." (1 Corinthians 15: 50-53)

We now have a mortal body like the prototypes Adam and the man Jesus. After God is through with us we will have an immortal body like the risen prototype Christ Jesus. Humanity will not only be living souls, but life giving spirits!

February 5th - The Gospel - We're all in!

Here is the gospel according to Paul in a nutshell...

“Now I am making known to you, brethren, the gospel which I bring to you, which also you accepted, in which also you stand, through which also you are saved, if you are retaining what I said in bringing the gospel to you, unless you did not actually believe. For I give over to you among the first what also I accepted, that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that He was entombed, and that He was resurrected on the third day according to the scriptures.”      (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

The fact that Christ died for my sins, was entombed, and then resurrected on the third day is what saves me. That salvation is by the GRACE of God, through faith, My faith and salvation is a "gift" from God . 

"For in grace, through faith, are you saved, and this not out of you; it is God's gift, not of works, lest anyone should be boasting." (Ephesians 2:8-10)

God's MERCY and LOVE, and the "transcendent riches of His grace"  for all humanity, will be shown throughout the ages to come.

"God, being rich in mercy, because of His vast love with which He loves us (we also being dead to the offenses and the lusts), vivifies us together in Christ (in grace are you saved!) and resurrects us together and seats us together among the Celestials, in Christ Jesus, that, in the oncoming ages, He should be displaying the transcendent riches of His grace in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:4-7)

"...through Him to reconcile all to Him, whether those on the earth or those in the heavens."  (Colossians 1:20)

Humanity is destined to have a seat "among the Celestials" where they will display "the transcendent riches of His grace in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus".

So, the result of the gospel of grace in a nutshell - we're all in!

"...we have hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all humanity, especially of believers. These things be charging and teaching." (1Timothy 4:10)

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone." (Titus 2:9)

February 4th - Agreement with the Devil

The Corinthian believers were called "saints" by Paul and he referred to them as "the body of Christ".

"...to the ecclesia of God which is in Corinth, hallowed in Christ Jesus, CALLED SAINTS...Grace to you and peace from God..." (1 Corinthians 1:1-3)

"Now you are the body of Christ..." (1 Corinthians 12:27)

Saints are not perfect people, and the Corinthians were a good example. Paul reminds them of who they were and lays out the sins they were still doing even after God had declared them "saints" and placed them in the "body of Christ".

"...you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers and sisters." (1 Corinthians 6:8)

Paul tells these saints they have been "washed" by the blood of Jesus, "sanctified" by Jesus, and "justifed" in the name of Jesus and the Spirit of God.

"But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God...

These saints told Paul...

'I have the right to do anything,' you say—but not everything is beneficial. 'you have the right to do anything'—but you should not be mastered by anything..." (1 Corinthians 6:11-12)

Paul acknowledged that they were free to do as they please, most likely having told them the same thing he told the Romans...

"Yet where sin increases, grace superexceeds..." (Romans 5:20)

But Paul insists that continuing to live like that does not "honor" God, reminding them that their bodies were now temples of the Holy Spirit...

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Saints have freedom because the Lord, Christ Jesus, dwells in us...

"Now the Lord is the spirit; yet where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." (2 Corinthians 3:17)

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1)

Going to church does not make anyone a saint, and some church denominations have enslaved their members to their church doctrine. Such is the power of deception.

"For Satan himself is being transfigured into a messenger of light. It is no great thing, then, if his servants also are being transfigured as dispensers of righteousness - whose consummation shall be according to their acts." (2 Corinthians 11:14-15)

Saints have freedom to join religious organizations, however, they should pay attention to what it teaches or they may find themselves unintentionally becoming a servant of Satan. I know, it happened to me.

February 3rd - Christians Will Give Account to God

"Paul, a called apostle of Christ Jesus, through the will of God, and Sosthenes, a brother, to the ecclesia of God which is in Corinth, hallowed in Christ Jesus, CALLED SAINTS, together with all in every place who are invoking the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, both theirs and ours: Grace to you, and peace from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 1:1-3)

There is no doubt to whom this letter is written - the "ecclesia" in Corinth, and everyone in "every place" who are "invoking the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ."

So, let's take a look at what these "saints" were doing. Were they a bunch of perfect people gathering together to sing "Kum ba yah"? - heck no, not this bunch. Here is the background of some members of this church - fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, effeminate, thieves, coveteous, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners.

"And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." (1 Corinthians 6:11)

"Now you are the body of Christ..." (1 Corinthians 12:27)

These sinners were "saints" and members of "the body of Christ" because, in the grace of God, they had been justified "in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God", not by their own righteousness. Being a "saint" does not mean you are doing more godly works than others. The word "saint" means "holy" - set apart by God. Not set apart because of what we do, but set apart because of "Jesus Christ's faith".

"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)

It is the faith and blood of Christ Jesus that "justifies" sinners (makes them righteous).

"...having perceived that a man is not being justified by works of law, except alone through the faith of Christ Jesus, we also believe in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by the faith of Christ." (Galatians 2:16-17)

Again, human beings become "saints" and members of the "body of Christ" by the grace of God.  When human beings hear about and accept the following good news about Jesus they become members of the body of Christ - aware of the good news (evangel) of teir justification, salvation, and reconciliation to God.

"Now I am making known to you, brethren, the evangel which I bring to you, which also you accepted, in which also you stand, through which also you are saved....what also I accepted, that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that He was entombed, and that He has been roused the third day according to the scriptures." (1 Corinthians 15:1-5)

Every "saint" will still give an account for the things done in the body, whether good or bad. The Lord will be examining all of us, including the Pope and the Apostle Paul.

"Now He Who is examining me is the Lord. So be not judging anything before the season, till the Lord should be coming, Who will illuminate the hidden things of darkness and manifest the counsels of the hearts. And then applause will be coming to each one from God." (1 Corinthians 4:5-6)

Paul tells these carnal Corinthian "saints" that they should shape up, correct their bad behavior and do what is right so they won't be ashamed when Jesus returns to examine them. John told Jewish believers the same thing.

"And now, little children, remain in Him, that, if He should be manifested, we should be having boldness and not be put to shame by Him at His presence." (1 John 2:28-29)

God will illuminate everyone's "hidden things of darkness and manifest the counsels of the hearts". The result - "shame" or "applause". Yet after that account to God, the judgment (decision) of God is to transformed all of us into the image of Christ Jesus, the first begotten Son of God.

"For our realm is inherent in the heavens, out of which we are awaiting a Savior also, the Lord, Jesus Christ, Who will transfigure the body of our humilation, to conform it to the body of His glory, in accord with the operation which enables Him even to subject all to Himself." (Philippians 3:20-

"...whom He foreknew, He designates beforehand, also, to be conformed to the image of His Son, for Him to be Firstborn among many brethren." (Romans 8:28-29)

February 2nd - The Bibles of Men

"No man ever believes that the Bible means what it says: He is always convinced that it says what he means." - George Bernard Shaw

"I am marveling that thus, swiftly, you are transferred from that which calls you in the GRACE of Christ, to a different evangel...but if ever we also, or a messenger out of heaven, should be bringing an evangel to you beside that which we bring to you, let him be anathema!" (Galatians 1:4-8)

I think George Bernhard Shaw was correct. But I would put it this way...

"No religious institution of man believes what the Bible says, instead, they are convinced the Bible says what their Theologians tell them it says."

The Bible has been translated into hundreds of different versions. As the result, the Bible we possess has become an abstract of the various opinions of Theologians. I think the original Scripture was infallible, but the versions created by men are not. They are filled with the biases of the translators. 

The first English version of Scripture came around 1380 A.D. by John Wycliffe, more than a thousand years after the Scriptures were canonized.  His and all others are biased toward the traditions of the Theologians of Catholicism. We should remind ourselves what Jesus pointed out to the Theologians of His day...

"Then, coming to Jesus from Jerusalem are Pharisees and scribes, saying, "Wherefore are your disciples transgressing the tradition of the elders? For they are not washing their hands whenever they may be eating bread. Now He, answering, said to them, "Wherefore are you also transgressing the precept of God because of your tradition?" (Matthew 15:1-3)

To elevate a tradition to the inspired and inerrant word of God is not good according to Jesus...

"You invalidate the word of God because of your tradition. Hypocrites! Ideally Isaiah prophesies concerning you, saying, "This people with their lips is honoring Me, Yet their heart is away a distance from Me. Yet in vain are they revering Me, teaching for teachings the directions of men.” (Matthew 15:6-9)

It is hard work to determine which of the many versions of the Bible come closest to the actual words of God because there are no original manuscripts in existence. The Concordant Version of the New Testament has become my go to version because the way it was translated removes most of the personal bias of the translator.  

The good news ("evangel") came to the Apostle Paul "by direct revelation of Jesus Christ".

"For I am making known to you, brethren, as to the evangel which is being brought by me, that it is not in accord with man. For neither did I accept it from a man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ."(Galatians 1:11-13)

Did you notice Paul did not consult Peter, James, and John to get the good news  that he taught. He received it directly from the risen Christ Jesus!

Below is the good news for humanity revealed to the Apostle Paul by Jesus.

1. GOD LOVES SINNERS AND CHRIST DIED FOR US...

“God is commending this love of His to us, seeing that while we are still sinners, Christ died for our sakes.” (Romans 5:8)

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” (1 Timothy 1:15)

“Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and He was entombed, and He has been roused the third day according to the scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-5)

2. GOD WILLS THAT ALL HUMANITY BE SAVED AND SAVES THEM...

“...our Savior, God, who wills that all humanity be saved and come into a realization of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4)

“...we rely on the living God, Who is the Savior of ALL humanity, especially of believers.” (1 Timothy 4:10)

3. EVERYONE WILL BE RECONCILED TO GOD...

“...while we were enemies we were reconciliated to God through the death of His Son.” (Romans 5:10)

“...God was in Christ, reconciliating the world to Himself, not reckoning their offenses to them...” (2 Corinthians 5:19)

“...through Him to reconcile ALL to Him (making peace through the blood of His cross), through Him, whether those on the earth or those in the heavens.” (Colossians 1:20)

4. LIFE AFTER DEATH IS A free GIFT FROM GOD TO ALL HUMANITY...

“For even as, in Adam, all are dying, thus also, in Christ, shall ALL be vivified.” (1 Corinthians 15:22)

“...the gratuitous gift of God is life eonian, in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

So, what should we do with these good news originally given to Paul?

"These things be charging and teaching." (1 Timothy 4:11)

“In everything be giving thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

February 1st - Is Sin is a Good Thing?

Is it better to sin and be forgiven, than never to have sinned at all?

“Then Paul said to him, God is about to beat you, whitewashed wall!" (Acts 23:3)

"Would that those who are raising you to insurrection struck themselves off also!” (Galatians 5:12)

Paul had a temper and sometimes it just could not be contained. It was probably this “thorn in the flesh” that he pleaded with God to remove.

“…there was given to me a splinter in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, that he may be buffeting me, lest I may be lifted up. For this I entreat the Lord thrice, that it should withdraw from me. And He has protested to me, sufficient for you is my grace, for my Power in infirmity is being perfected.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9)

To reveal the "grace" and "mercy" and "patience" of God, humans have to become "sinners", and Paul thought himself to be the worst sinner around.

"Yet the grace of our Lord overwhelms, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.  Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all welcome, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, foremost of whom am I.  But therefore was I shown mercy, that in me, the foremost, Jesus Christ should be displaying all His patience, for a pattern of those who are about to be believing on Him." (1 Timothy 1:14-16) 

Paul learned that when sin increases, God's grace was is greater than that sin.

"Yet where sin increases, grace superexceeds, that, even as sin reigns in death, thus Grace also should be reigning through righteousness, for life eonian, through Jesus Christ, our Lord." (Romans 5:20-21)

It was Yahweh who planted the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Again, it was Yahweh, not Satan! It was the tree of the knowledge of both GOOD and EVIL. Yahweh knew what He was doing when he created evil and wicked humanity. 

“I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create EVIL: I Yahweh do all these things." (Isaiah 45:7)

"Yahweh has made everything for its own outcome, Yea, even the wicked for the day of evil." (Proverbs 16:4)

So, sin happens according to the will of God; and the result is death because humanity is lacking in the glory of God.

"...for all sinned and are wanting of the glory of God...the ration of sin is death, yet the gracious gift of God is life eonian, in Christ Jesus, our Lord” (Romans 3:23; 6:23)

The human race learns by experience so God planned for people in this "present evil age" to experience evil so that they could appreciate the GOOD that comes from His hand - His love, peace, and grace. 

"Grace to you and peace from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, Who gives Himself for our sins, so that He might extricate us out of the present wicked eon, according to the will of our God and Father." (Galatians 1:3-4)

So, yes, I think it is better to sin and be forgiven, than to have never sinned at all.

January 31st - Peddling the Word of God

“For we are not as the majority, who are peddling the word of God...”
(2 Corinthians 2:17)

Here is Strong’s definition of the word "peddling" used above:

2585 kapēleúō – properly, to act as an unscrupulous merchant, i.e. "a huckster" who profits by "peddling the Word of God" for personal gain. 2585 /kapēleúō ("peddler") is only used in 2 Cor 2:17 – of people "marketing the ministry" (the Word of God) for fast gain.

"There are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain" (Titus 1:10-11)

We should take care of our own family and those dependent on us!

"Now if anyone is not providing for his own, and especially for his family, he has disowned the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever."  (1 Timothy 5:8)

"For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you may be wanting, you can always do well to them..." (Mark 14:7)

Hucksters want you to think that giving to their various ministries is giving to God, and promise those gifts will come back "squeezed down and shaken together, and running over". However, it is my observation that giving to these ministries makes the peddler rich, and those who depend on you poorer. 

The Bible tells me that if you give to hucksters when your family has unmet needs, you have "disowned the faith".

January 30th - Religion, what is it?

"...they had certain questions concerning their own RELIGION..." (Acts 25:19)

"Now Paul, standing in the center of the Areopagus, averred, Men, Athenians! On all sides am I beholding how unusually RELIGIOUS you are. For passing through and contemplating the objects of your veneration, I found a pedestal also, on which had been inscribed, To an Unknowable God. To Whom you are ignorantly devout, This One am I announcing to you." (Acts 17:22-23)

The Greek word for "religion" is the noun "deisidaimonias" and means "superstition". The Greek word for its adjective, "religious", is "deisidaimonesterous" which means "very fearful of god". The word is actually two words together meaning "dread" and "teach".  This Greek noun and its adjective are used only two times in Scripture. 

Religion is superstition and fear of a god or gods who then become "objects" of  "veneration".

Paul, at the Areopagus in Athens some 1,950 years ago, told these religious people about the unknown God whom they were afraid of. Such is needed among religious institutions today.

"The God Who makes the world and all that is in it, He, the Lord inherent of heaven and earth, is not dwelling in temples made by hands, neither is He attended by human hands, as if requiring anything, since He Himself gives to all life and breath and all. Besides, He makes every nation of humanity dwelling on all the surface of the earth, specifying the setting of the seasons and the bounds of their dwelling, for them to be seeking God, if, consequently, they may surely grope for Him and may be finding Him, though to be sure, not far from each one of us is He inherent, for in Him we are living and moving and are..." (Acts 17:24-28)

The true God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is spirit and is all around us. It is He who gives life and breath. The nations of the world are part of one single "race" created by God called humanity.

"The race, then, is inherently of God; we ought not to be inferring that the Divine is like gold, or silver, or stone, a sculpture of art and human sentiment. Indeed, then, condoning the times of ignorance, God is now charging humanity that all everywhere are to repent, forasmuch as He assigns a day in which He is about to be judging the inhabited earth in righteousness by the Man Whom He specifies, tendering faith to all, raising Him from among the dead." (Acts 17:29-31)

Paul told the Athenians that the real God is not like the gods "objects of your veneration". The real God judges "humanity" "in righteousness" by the "Man" whom he raised "from among the dead", Christ Jesus.

The God of Scripture does NOT give us a "spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and a sound mind".

“God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7) 

Christ Jesus pronounced His "righteous" judgment on sinful humanity from the cross as He was dying for their sakes...

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

"...Christ died for our sins according to the Scripture..." (1 Corinthians 15:3)

Religious people are to "repent" from the "veneration" of the false gods they worship and turn to one and only God, who gave His Son to save us from Lord Jesus Christ. 

So, if you fear a god who might eternally torment you in hell, then repent and turn to the true God. Be as our Apostle Paul who said...

"For to this end we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe." (1 Timothy 4:10)

January 29th - Those Who Seek God will Find Him - and be Rewarded

"The ration of Sin is death, yet the gracious gift of God is everlasting life, in Christ Jesus, our Lord."  (Romans 6:23)

"For in GRACE, through faith, are you SAVED, and this is not out of you; it is God's gift, nor of works, lest anyone should be boasting." (Ephesians 2:8)

Being "SAVED" refers to what happens to people after they die. Jesus died as the "wages" for our sins (since he had none of his own) and was buried. Yet three days and nights later God raised him to life. This salvation from death shows the righteousness of God through the faith of Jesus the Messiah.

"Yet now, apart from law, a righteousness of God is manifest...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 lack the glory of God. Being justified gratuitously in His grace, through the deliverance which is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:21-25)

The Greek word for "JUSTIFIED" is "dikaioo" and means "I regard as righteous". By the Grace of God, sinners are regarded as righteous "in Christ Jesus". 

Salvation from death is freely granted to sinners as a "gift" to all for "Jesus Christ's faith". We deserve to perish (stay dead), but God is going to save us anyway. This is the gospel, the good news we are to trust and proclaim.

"Christ has been roused from among the dead, the Firstfruit of those who are reposing.  For since, in fact, through a man came death, through a Man, also, comes the resurrection of the dead.  For even as, in Adam, all are dying, thus also, in Christ, shall all be made alive...that God may be All in all." (1 Corinthians 15:20-22, 28)

The cross of Christ is sufficient. Those who require sinners to become righteous in order to be saved are "enemies of the cross".

"...for many are walking, of whom I often told you, yet now am lamenting also as I tell it, who are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose consummation is destruction, whose god is their bowels, and whose glory is in their shame, who to the terrestrial are disposed." (Philippians 3:18-19)

Those "enemies" think sinners must DO something themselves to become righteous, therefore denying the sufficiency of the cross. They are...

“...hypocrites, for they are fond of standing in the synagogues and at the corners of the squares to be praying, so that they may appear to men.  Verily, I am saying to you, they are collecting their wages! Now you, whenever you be praying, enter into your storeroom, and, locking your door, pray to your Father." (Matthew 6:1-6)

In seeking God with all our heart we find "the righteousness of God" in "Jesus Christ's faith".  We find what the sinless Jesus did for sinners according to the will of God - He made peace with God for on our behalf.

"...God was in Christ, reconciliating the world to Himself, not reckoning their offenses to them...For the One not knowing sin, He makes to be a sin offering for our sakes that we may be becoming God's righteousness in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:19-21)

God has a plan for sinful humans. Our only "hope" is HIS plan, not the plans conceived by political or religious institutions.

"For I know the plans that I have for you declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart..." (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

All will one day joyfully confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory to God our Father.

"God highly exalts Him, and graces Him with the name that is above every name, that in the name of Jesus every knee shall be bow, celestial and terrestrial and subterranean, and every tongue shall acclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord, for the glory of God, the Father." (Philippians 2:10-11).

January 28th - The Kindness of God Leads to Repentance

Paul informed the Romans who were judging the sins of others...  

"Do you really think—anyone of you who judges those who do such things (sin) yet do the same—that you will escape God’s judgment?" (Romans 2:3)

This is true of everyone in the human race. So, what judgment is being talked about that humanity will not escape? The answer is DEATH and Paul later tells them plainly... 

"All sin and fall short of the glory of God...the wages of Sin is death..." (Romans 3:23; 6:23)

The only reason we are not dead yet is God's kindness, patience, and tolerance.

"Or are you despising the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, being ignorant that the kindness of God is leading you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4)

It is the "kindness of God" that leads us to repentance rather than the fear of what God might do to us. 

"Repentance" is a word that means to stop and think about where you are heading, and then turn around IF you find you are heading in the wrong direction. 

"Repent, then and turn about for the erasure of your sins, so that seasons of refreshing should be coming from the face of the Lord..." (Acts 3:19)

We all need to think about what we do daily. Yet, we also need to think about what we believe about God from time to time - and be willing to turn around and head back toward the truth that God sacrificed His Son as the final sacrifice for the salvation of all humanity.

"...these things am I writing to you that you may not be sinning.  And if anyone should be sinning, we have an Entreater with the Father, Jesus Christ the Just. And He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, yet not only ours, but the sins of the whole world also." (1 John 2:1-2)

"...trust in the living God who is the Savior of all mankind, especially believers. These things be charging and teaching..." (1 Timothy 4:10)

In Old Testament times, God laid all the sin of Israel upon a sacrificial animal once a year on the day of atonement which cleansed the people of their sins that year. But that is no longer necessary because the blood of Jesus has "taken away the sin of the world".  And His blood has redeemed and washed every sinner clean, both Jew and Gentile, believer and unbeliever, "for all time". 

"Lo!, the lamb of God Which is taking away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29)

"…not through the blood of he-goats and of calves, but through His own blood, He entered once for all time into the holy places, finding everlasting redemption." (John 1:29; Hebrews 9:12-26)

God is not the angry god of man made religions. Rather, He is a loving Father whose love for you is everlasting. Such love leads to thanksgiving, not fear. 

"Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting." (Psalm 136:1)

When people realize "the kindness of God" they repent and turn from worshiping the false gods of religion - and embrace the true God's free gift of eternal life.

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