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  • The Spiritual Life #22 - Faith to Say

    The Spiritual Life #22 - Faith to Say
    2025/02/23
    Believers are called to engage in various mental activities that align our thoughts with God’s will and deepen our spiritual lives. These activities are essential for spiritual growth, discernment, and maintaining a Christ-centered mindset. One key mental activity is the renewing of the mind, where we are instructed to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rom 12:2). This involves rejecting worldly patterns of thought and embracing God’s perspectives. Additionally, we are encouraged to meditate on Scripture, allowing it to permeate our minds and influence our words and actions. God’s Word describes the righteous person, whose “delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night” (Psa 1:2). Here is a function of the mind, one that is in constant need of recalibration that adjusts to the perfect standard of God’s Word. Believers are also called to take every thought captive to obey Christ, ensuring that our mental life is disciplined and aligned with God’s truth. Paul wrote, “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor 10:5). This requires vigilance in guarding against thoughts that are contrary to God’s will. God’s Word reveals that spiritual warfare begins in the mind, and that the “speculations” and “every lofty thing” refer to human philosophies, false ideologies, and Satanic deceptions that challenge biblical truth. The discipline of “taking every thought captive” means actively using the mind, strengthened by Bible doctrine, to imprison false ideas that undermine divine viewpoint thinking. This verse highlights our responsibility to protect our mental framework from worldly thinking and to consistently apply doctrinal truth, making each thought obedient to the Word of God. The “obedience of Christ” signifies the application of Bible doctrine, bringing our thoughts into harmony with divine revelation as obedient-to-the-Word believers. Furthermore, we are instructed to focus our minds on heavenly things rather than earthly concerns. Paul wrote, “Since you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth” (Col 3:1-2). This mental activity involves prioritizing eternal values over temporary, worldly matters. Paul wrote, “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things” (Phi 4:8). To “dwell on these things” means we intentionally focus our thoughts in a particular direction; namely, on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, of excellence, and worthy of praise. Peter tell Christians to “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Pet 5:7). This is a mental function of giving our concerns to God and letting Him deal with those things that are beyond our capability. In addition, we are called to guard our hearts and minds. Solomon wrote, “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life” (Prov 4:23). Other translations read: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Prov 4:23 NIV), and “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life” (Prov 4:23 NLT). The Hebrew concept of the heart (לֵב leb) is the total inner person; which includes the mind and will. It is the base of operations which determines the course of life. We are also commanded to maintain a mindset of joy, regardless of circumstances, as Paul wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” (Phil 4:4). Filling the mind with God’s Word is another essential activity, as Paul said, “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you” (Col 3:16a). This means implanting Scripture so that it permeates all our thoughts. And we are encouraged to seek wisdom from God, asking Him to guide our thoughts and decisions. James wrote, “if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (Jam 1:5). This involves a humble reliance on God for insight and understanding. Altogether, these mental activities are vital for spiritual maturity, helping us align our thoughts with God’s truth, develop a Christ-centered mindset, and live out our faith in practical ways. Faith to Say When God’s Word controls our thinking, our speech will reveal it, “For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart” (Matt 12:34). Scripture emphasizes the power of words, both for good and for harm, as Solomon wrote, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Prov 18:21a). Sometimes God’s ...
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  • The Spiritual Life #21 - Faith to Know

    The Spiritual Life #21 - Faith to Know
    2025/02/16
    Faith that Sanctifies After being justified by faith, we are instructed to walk by faith. Paul wrote, “we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7). God declared, “My righteous one shall live by faith” (Heb 10:38a). Living by faith is foundational to the spiritual life, as it shapes how believers relate to God, navigate life’s challenges, and grow to spiritual maturity. Every believer has a measure of faith, and this is distinct from the gift of faith that God gives to some Christians after being born again (1 Cor 12:9). This special gift of faith enables some believers “to remove mountains” (1 Cor 13:2), and accomplish great things for God. The gift of faith, according to Ryrie, “Is the ability to believe God for the supply of specific needs. Every believer should walk by faith, and each has a measure of faith, but not all have the gift of faith.”[1] Walvoord states, “As a gift, faith is a blessing bestowed upon some Christians, not all, though all Christians have some faith in God.”[2] Faith as a noun (pistis πίστις) often refers to that which evokes trust. It is used with reference to God who is trustworthy (Rom 3:3; 4:19-21), and of people who possess faith (Matt 9:2, 22; 21:21). It is also used of Scripture itself as a body of reliable teaching (Acts 14:22; 16:5; Rom 14:22; Gal 1:23; 2 Tim 4:7). Faith as an adjective (pistos πιστός) describes someone who is trustworthy or dependable. The word is used both of man (Matt 25:23; 1 Cor 4:17; Col 1:7; 1 Tim 1:12), and God (1 Cor 1:9; 10:13; 2 Tim 2:13; Heb 10:23; Rev 1:5). Faith as a verb (pisteuō πιστεύω) means to believe, trust, or have confidence in someone or something. It is used of trust in God (Heb 11:6; cf. Rom 4:3), Jesus (Acts 16:31; 1 Pet 1:8), and Scripture (John 2:22). Living by faith means we trust God at His Word. Christian faith starts with knowledge, as Paul wrote, “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom 10:17 KJV). The writer to the Hebrews states, “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Heb 11:1). J. Dwight Pentecost states, “In Scripture, hope is never a wish, a dream, a fantasy. Hope is that settled assurance that comes to the child of God who by faith lays hold of the promises of God and claims them for himself. Hope must have a foundation, and in Scripture the foundation of hope is always that which God has promised.”[3] This means that faith involves believing in God’s Word and His promises. Abraham’s life is a prime example of this kind of faith; he believed God’s promise to make him the father of many nations, even when it seemed impossible due to his and Sarah’s old age (Rom 4:18-21). The walk of faith is what pleases the Lord, for “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Heb 11:6). Faith keeps us focused on the eternal perspective, knowing that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us (Rom 8:18). It is possible to learn God’s Word and not believe it. For example, the Exodus generation heard God’s Word and understood it; however, “the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard” (Heb 4:2). Our faith is effective when God’s Word is more real and dominant than our experiences, feelings, or circumstances. As we trust God and His Word, we are transformed and strengthened in our spiritual walk. Living by faith enables us to persevere through trials, knowing that God is working all things together for our good (Rom 8:28). Faith generally concerns what we know, what we say, and what we do. Faith to Know There are times when the walk of faith is only mental, where we are called to actively trust God and rely on His revelation and promises. For example, the account of creation in Genesis 1-2 provides us with essential knowledge about the origin of the universe, but does not call on us to do anything other than know how it all began. By revealing that God created the heavens and the earth in six literal days, Scripture orients our minds to recognize the universe as a product of intentional and intelligent design. The author of Hebrews wrote, “By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible” (Heb 11:3). This verse emphasizes that faith enables us to grasp the reality of God’s creative power, even though it cannot be observed directly. This stands in stark contrast to naturalistic explanations (like evolution) which suggest that the universe is the result of accidental and random processes over time. The atheist’s worldview denies the existence of God and believes the universe and earth happened by a chance explosion billions of years ago. Rather than intelligent ...
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    1 時間 7 分
  • The Spiritual Life # 20 - Faith in Christ

    The Spiritual Life # 20 - Faith in Christ
    2025/02/09
    In the Christian life, faith can be seen in two ways. First, there is the single act of faith in Jesus that results in our salvation (John 3:16; 6:40; 20:31; Acts 4:12; 16:31; Eph 2:8-9). This refers to our justification before God and is a one-time event that is never repeated. Justification is declared because God has imputed His righteousness to us at the moment we trusted in Jesus as our Savior (Rom 5:17; 2 Cor 5:21; Phil 3:9). This results in our eternal salvation and is conditioned only on faith in Jesus (Rom 3:28; Gal 2:16), for “there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved” (Act 4:12). Second, after being born again, God calls us to a walk of faith where we continually trust Him at His Word and obey His directives (2 Cor 5:7; Heb 10:38; 11:6). The walk of faith focuses largely on what we think (Rom 12:1-2), say (Eph 4:15; Col 4:6), and do (Jam 1:22). God’s Word sanctifies us as we walk by faith in Him (John 17:17), and this glorifies Him and advances us to spiritual maturity. Justification sets the ground for sanctification, but does not guarantee it, as the Christian must possess positive volition and make ongoing good choices that are rooted in divine viewpoint. Some believers, like the prodigal son, may turn to a sinful lifestyle. Faith that Justifies us Before God Our righteous standing before God starts the moment we believe in Jesus as our Savior. This is the Jesus of Scripture and history, and not a fake Jesus like those taught by Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, or one we create in our imagination. Jesus is the second Person of the Trinity; He is God in the flesh (John 1:1, 14; 20:28; Col 2:9). Prior to His incarnation, God the Son was involved in planning our salvation with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. God the Father sent God the Son into the world to fulfill a divine mission. God’s Word tells us, “The Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world” (1 John 4:14; cf., John 4:34; 7:29; 8:29; 20:21). The Father’s great mission was to make salvation available to everyone. This act of God was done in love, as it is written, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16), and “He loved us and sent His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10; cf., Rom 5:8). The Son agreed with the Father, saying, “I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 6:38), and “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). When God the Son came into the world and took upon Himself humanity, He executed His mission flawlessly. The divine mission began in time and space nearly two thousand years ago when God the Son took upon Himself humanity. The writer to the Hebrews cites the words of God the Son as He was about to enter the world, saying, “Therefore, when He comes into the world, He says [to God the Father], ‘Sacrifice and offering You have not desired, but a body You have prepared for Me’” (Heb 10:5). The third Person of the Trinity, God the Holy Spirit, facilitated the mission by bringing about the hypostatic union within the womb of the virgin Mary (Isa 7:14; Luke 1:30-35; Gal 4:4). The angel Gabriel told Mary, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35). At the moment of conception in the womb of the virgin Mary, undiminished deity was combined forever with perfect humanity. Eventually, Jesus was born, and God “became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). The apostle Paul tells us, “For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form” (Col 2:9). God’s Word also informs us that Jesus was a Jew, born a son of Abraham, in the line of David (Matt 1:1), the promised Messiah (Matt 1:1, 16-17; John 1:41). Jesus grew in human wisdom (Luke 2:40, 52) and lived a perfectly righteous life before God and man. The record of Scripture is that Jesus “knew no sin” (2 Cor 5:21), was “without sin” (Heb 4:15), “committed no sin” (1 Pet 2:22), and “in Him there is no sin” (1 John 3:5). In His humanity, Jesus walked in perfect conformity to God the Father’s holy character and divine revelation. This is important, for Jesus’ sinless life qualified Him to go to the cross and pay the ransom price for our sins. Jesus said, “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). When the divinely appointed time came for Jesus to go to the cross (John 12:23; 13:1), He went willingly (Isa 53:10; John 10:18). Just hours before the crucifixion, Jesus said to...
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    1 時間 1 分
  • The Spiritual Life # 19 - Factors of Spiritual Growth

    The Spiritual Life # 19 - Factors of Spiritual Growth
    2025/02/02
    As humans, it’s natural to look at our circumstances and pay close attention to our experiences and feelings from moment to moment. We’re happy when our circumstances are to our liking, as our experiences and feelings enjoy this. However, because we live in a fallen world with fallen people (including ourselves), circumstances inevitably produce unhappy experiences and feelings. If we don’t have something greater than our experiences and feelings to stabilize our souls, then we’ll always fall victim to circumstances. As we advance in our walk with the Lord, faith in God and His Word dominates our souls more and more. Biblical thinking replaces human viewpoint. We are governed by biblical wisdom rather than experiences or feelings. The daily insertion of Scripture into our thinking, and our willful meditation on it, causes a paradigm shift in how we perceive the world, ourselves, and our experiences. Having God’s Word as a base of truth provides a platform for managing our thoughts, which is critical for stable spiritual development. Paul wrote, “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor 10:5). In this passage, Paul emphasizes the need to actively combat ideas, philosophies, and mindsets that are contrary to God’s truth. The phrase “taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” suggests a disciplined and intentional approach to our mental life. Rather than allowing thoughts to run unchecked or be influenced by the world’s values, believers are called to bring their thoughts under the authority of Christ. This involves filtering every idea through the lens of Scripture, ensuring that what we dwell on aligns with God’s revealed truth. William MacDonald wrote: "Paul saw himself as a soldier warring against the proud reasonings of man, arguments which oppose the truth. The true character of these arguments is described in the expression against the knowledge of God. It could be applied today to the reasonings of scientists, evolutionists, philosophers, and religionists who have no room for God in their scheme of things. The apostle was in no mood to sign a truce with these. Rather he felt committed to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. All men’s teachings and speculations must be judged in the light of the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ." [bolding his][1] Elsewhere, Paul wrote, “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth” (Col 3:1-2). This directive points to a conscious and ongoing effort to focus on eternal realities rather than temporal concerns. By keeping our minds attuned to God’s Word and His purposes, we cultivate a perspective that is rooted in eternity, which in turn shapes our actions, decisions, and attitudes in the present. The importance of focusing and meditating on God’s Word cannot be overstated. In a world filled with distractions and competing voices, the ability to consistently align our thoughts with Scripture is vital for maintaining spiritual health and maturity. Meditation on God’s Word—thinking deeply and continuously about it—enables us to internalize His truths, which then serve as a guiding light in all areas of life (Psa 119:105). It empowers us to discern truth from error, resist temptation, and respond to life’s challenges with faith and wisdom. In essence, God’s Word provides the framework for a disciplined thought life, which is essential for experiencing the peace that God promises and for growing in Christlikeness. As we focus and meditate on Scripture, our minds are renewed (Rom 12:2), and we develop the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16; Phil 2:5). But the Word of God, to be beneficial to the child of God, must be mixed with faith and applied to everyday life (Heb 4:1-2). James wrote, “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves” (Jam 1:22). Wiersbe states: "It’s in the obeying of the Word that we experience the blessing, not in the reading or the hearing of it (Jam 1:22–25)…If our knowledge of the truth doesn’t result in obedience, then we end up with a big head instead of a burning heart (1 Cor 8:1; Luke 24:32); and truth becomes a toy to play with, not a tool to build with."[2] Believers Experience Varied Rates and Degrees of Growth Some Christians grow more quickly than others. Mature Christians are mature because of practice and training. According to Earl Radmacher, “Not all believers move ahead spiritually at the same pace, and some seem not to grow at all (1 Cor 3:15; 2 John 8). As a result, at the judgment seat of Christ they will lose out on rewards and on positions of service in Christ’s coming ...
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  • The Spiritual Life # 18 - God's Word and Spiritual Sanctification

    The Spiritual Life # 18 - God's Word and Spiritual Sanctification
    2025/01/19
    The New Testament references the gift of teaching in several passages (Rom 12:6-8; 1 Cor 12:28). This gift involves the ability to clearly communicate biblical truths so that others can understand and apply them. A teacher, in the biblical sense, is responsible for expositional teaching and instructing others in the doctrines of the faith, helping believers grow in their knowledge of God and in their walk with Him. This gift requires a high level of dedication to study and a deep understanding of Scripture, as the teacher’s role is to communicate biblical truths with accuracy and authority. The ideal form of teaching is expository teaching—explaining Scripture verse by verse. It is from exegetical study and expositional teaching that Christian doctrines are formulated. This gift is vital for the building up of the church, as it equips believers to live out their faith more fully (Eph 4:12-13). And each teacher will be held accountable for what he teaches, as James wrote, “Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment” (Jam 3:1). Christians have the individual responsibility of studying God’s Word directly as well as through gifted teachers. This will help advance their spiritual life so they can grow to maturity (2 Tim 2:15; 3:16-17; Heb 5:12-14; 6:1; 1 Pet 2:2; 2 Pet 3:18). They are personally accountable to God for what they learn and how they live. If Christians can find a good Bible teacher and learn from him, they are blessed. However, no Bible teacher is perfect in his teaching, so Christians must be like the Bereans, “examining the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11) to verify the teaching is biblical. Furthermore, spiritual growth is a gradual process that requires discipline, perseverance, and a commitment to moving beyond the basics of the faith. The goal is to reach spiritual maturity, reflecting the fullness of Christ, which prepares believers for effective service and eternal rewards. The Word of God Leads to Sanctification A psalmist wrote, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word…Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You” (Psa 119:9, 11). God’s Word is absolutely central to our experiential sanctification, which is the process of being set apart for God’s purpose, growing to spiritual maturity, and living a life that glorifies Him. Our experiential sanctification is directly linked to our consistent intake and application of Bible teaching. Jesus prayed to the Father, saying, “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17). This verse encapsulates the idea that it is through the truth of God’s Word that we are progressively sanctified. Paul wrote of Christ cleansing the church “by the washing of water with the Word” (Eph 5:26), which illustrates how the Word of God purifies and sets us apart in our daily lives. Without the daily intake of Bible teaching, the believer will remain spiritually stagnant, unable to grow in holiness or effectively live out the Christian life. Thieme states, “Experiential sanctification is commanded but not guaranteed. While God in grace provides the resources, opportunities, instructions, and encouragement, the believer himself chooses whether to execute the spiritual life.”[1] If we fail to advance to spiritual maturity, this does not nullify God’s faithfulness to keep us saved eternally, for “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself” (2 Tim 2:13; cf., Rom 8:1, 33-39). The objective of our experiential sanctification is to “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Col 1:10). In this way, the advancing Christian will “be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work” (2 Tim 2:21). Bible Knowledge Should Produce Stable Thinking God wants us to have stable thinking and not be doubleminded. Emotions, like circumstances, rise and fall, they come and go. But God and His Word are stable and eternal. They never change. God Himself tells us, “I, the LORD, do not change” (Mal 3:6), which means He remains constant in character and conduct. Isaiah tells us, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isa 40:8). And Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away" (Matt 24:35). As humans, it’s natural to look at our circumstances and pay close attention to our experiences and feelings from moment to moment. We’re happy when our circumstances are to our liking, as our experiences and feelings enjoy this. However, because we live in a fallen world with fallen people (including ourselves), circumstances inevitably produce unhappy experiences and feelings. If we don’t have something greater than our ...
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    1 時間 4 分
  • The Spiritual Life # 17 - Learning from Bible Teachers

    The Spiritual Life # 17 - Learning from Bible Teachers
    2025/01/12
    Almost anyone can be used by the Lord to communicate divine revelation. Even a jackass can be the mouthpiece of God (Num 22:28-30). Biblically, Christians are directed to “teach and admonish one another” (Col 3:16), which shows that all believers can teach and counsel one another with the Word of God. Of course, this assumes they’ve been “constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine” (1 Tim 4:6), are spiritually mature in their walk with the Lord (Heb 5:14), and can “speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine” (Tit 2:1). New believers are to “long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation” (1 Pet 2:2). Throughout Scripture, God has used various persons to communicate His Word to others for their instruction and edification. God used mothers and fathers (Deut 6:6-7; Eph 6:4; 2 Tim 1:5; 3:15),[1] wise men (Prov 13:14), noble women (Prov 31:26), older mature women (Tit 2:3), prophets (Deut 4:1; 4:5; Eph 4:11), ruling officials and Levites (2 Ch 17:7-9; Neh 8:7-8), and priests (Lev 10:11; Mal 2:7; Ezra 7:10). In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul listed several communication gifts that Christ gave to His church, saying, “And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers” (Eph 4:11). This is a list of gifted men who are tasked by the Lord to provide education to Christians. Jesus gave these men to His church “for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature person, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ” (Eph 4:12-13). Christ gave these gifted men to His church to help Christians advance spiritually so that they, in turn, can serve others in their walk with the Lord. In the New Testament, the apostles were entrusted not only with preaching and evangelism but also with instructing the early church in doctrine and Christian living. For example, the apostle Paul explicitly refers to himself as “a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth” (1 Tim 2:7). Paul’s ministry involved extensive teaching, as he wrote letters to churches (e.g., Romans, Corinthians, Ephesians) explaining theological doctrines, correcting misunderstandings, and guiding the believers on how to live in accordance with God’s will. According to Hoehner: "The apostles include the Twelve, who had the office of apostleship by virtue of being with Christ (Acts 1:21–22) and having been appointed by Him (which would also include Paul; 1 Cor 15:8–9; Gal 1:1; 2:6–9). But “apostles” also included others who were recognized as apostles, such as James (1 Cor 15:7; Gal 1:19), Barnabas (Acts 14:4, 14; 1 Cor 9:6), Andronicus and Junias (Rom. 16:7), possibly Silas and Timothy (1 Th 1:1; 2:7), and Apollos (1 Cor 4:6, 9). This latter group had the gift of apostleship but not the apostolic “office” as did the Twelve and Paul. Apostles, then, were those who carried the gospel message with God’s authority. “Apostle” means “one sent as an authoritative delegate.”[2] In the New Testament, prophets were not only those who received direct revelation from God but also served as teachers of His Word. Their role involved both the foretelling of future events (Acts 11:27-28; 21:10-11) and the forth-telling or proclamation of God’s truth, which included explaining and applying existing Scripture. This dual function meant that prophets acted as teachers in the early church, helping believers understand doctrine and the teachings of Christ. The role of prophets as teachers is seen in passages like 1 Corinthians, where Paul said, “One who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation” (1 Cor 14:3), which were all aspects of instruction and spiritual growth. According to Chafer, “The message of the New Testament prophet is more one of forthtelling than of foretelling. He declares the message of God with exhortation and unto edification and comfort.”[3] Prophets, by God’s guidance, helped to build up the church, teaching what had already been revealed in Scripture while also giving inspired messages. Their role was critical before the completion of the New Testament, as they served as communicators of God’s will and truth, similar to how teachers expound upon Scripture today. Hoehner notes, “New Testament prophets were gifts to the church to provide edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Cor 14:3). They probably revealed God’s will to the church when the biblical canon was incomplete. Since the apostles and prophets were foundational, they did not exist after the first generation of believers.”[4] Wiersbe states: "A New Testament prophet is one who proclaims the Word of God (Acts 11:28; Eph 3:5). Believers in the New ...
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    1 時間 13 分
  • The Spiritual Life # 16 - Biblical Meditation

    The Spiritual Life # 16 - Biblical Meditation
    2025/01/05
    Believers Must Meditate on Scripture The Lord instructed Joshua, saying, “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success” (Josh 1:8). This command involves a deep, reflective engagement with Scripture, allowing its truths to shape one’s thoughts, actions, and decisions. The word “meditate” translates the Hebrew verb hagah (הָגָה), which means “to growl…to moan…to read in an undertone…to mutter while meditating.”[1] According to Warren Wiersbe, “It was the practice of the Jews to read Scripture aloud (Acts 8:26–40) and talk about it to themselves and to one another (Deut 6:6–9). This explains why God warned Joshua that the Book of the Law was not to depart out of his mouth (Josh 1:8).”[2] The practice of speaking the text while reading it implies concentration, allowing the mind to process and absorb its content. Similarly, David wrote of the righteous man, saying, “His delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night” (Psa 1:2; cf. Psa 119:148; Phil 4:8-13). The word “law” translates the Hebrew noun torah (תּוֹרָה), which means “direction, instruction, the law.”[3] Allen Ross states, “To be blessed and remain untarnished in the world, the faithful must live according to God’s word. The word ‘law’ (תּוֹרָה) can refer to instruction in general, or an individual teaching, or the commandments, or the books of the Law, or Scriptures as a whole.”[4] And the one who adheres to this pattern of meditating on God’s Word “will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers” (Psa 1:3). The imagery of a tree firmly planted by streams of water vividly illustrates the stability, nourishment, and fruitfulness that comes from a life rooted in Scripture. Just as a tree by the water remains lush and productive regardless of external conditions, so too does the person who immerses themselves in God’s Word remain spiritually vibrant and effective, no matter the challenges they face. Peter Craigie states: "A tree may flourish or fade, depending upon its location and access to water. A tree transplanted from some dry spot to a location beside an irrigation channel, where water never ceases to flow, would inevitably flourish. It would become a green and fruitful tree. The simile not only illustrates colorfully the prosperity of the righteous, but also makes a theological point. The state of blessedness or happiness is not a reward; rather, it is the result of a particular type of life. Just as a tree with a constant water supply naturally flourishes, so too the person who avoids evil and delights in Torah naturally prospers, for such a person is living within the guidelines set down by the Creator. Thus the prosperity of the righteous reflects the wisdom of a life lived according to the plan of the Giver of all life."[5] James wrote, “The one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does” (James 1:25). The word “intently” translates the Greek verb parakuptō (παρακύπτω), which carries the idea of stooping down or bending over to take a closer look at something with careful attention. The aorist tense suggests a focused and intentional effort at one point to deeply examine the law of God. The active voice means the Christian is performing the action, showing that the believer must actively engage in this careful examination of God’s Word. Once learned, the believer must be “an effectual doer” of what God commands, and the one who obeys the Lord “will be blessed in what he does.” Fruchtenbaum notes, “The blessing lies in the doing, and he will be blessed further in the future life as the future tense of the verb indicates. The voluntary doing of God’s will, as revealed by Scripture, is the secret of true happiness.”[6] Christians who are “doers” of the Word are blessed not merely because they follow God’s rules for life, but because living in harmony with God’s truth brings divine favor.[7] This includes experiencing the benefits of God’s wisdom and protection, a growing relationship with Him, and, ultimately, spiritual fruitfulness (Gal 5:22-23). By obeying God, the believer moves beyond theoretical faith into a transformative, lived experience of grace and divine blessing. Master the doctrines you learn from God’s Word. Let them consciously and constantly circulate in your thoughts. Saturate your mind with Bible doctrine, reviewing and reflecting until it becomes integrated into your thinking. The spiritual life is...
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    1 時間 9 分
  • The Spiritual Life # 15 - The Last Days

    The Spiritual Life # 15 - The Last Days
    2024/12/29
    Eschatology, or the study of the end times, is a significant subject in the Bible. Christians are living in the “last days,” which is a period that began with Christ’s first coming and continues until His return. The writer of Hebrews declares that God, who spoke through the prophets in the past (Heb 1:1), in these “last days has spoken to us in His Son” (Heb 1:2). Prominent features include moral decay (2 Tim 3:1-5), mockery of God and His Word (2 Pet 3:3-4), and spiritual deception, as people turn from sound doctrine, seeking teachers who tell them what they want to hear (2 Tim 4:3-4). Paul instructs Christians to “be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil” (Eph 5:15-16). Prophetically, the Rapture of the Church is the next major event in God’s plan (John 14:1–3; 1 Cor 15:51-53; 1 Th 4:13-18; 2 Th 2:1–3a), as we are “looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus” (Tit 2:13). The Rapture of the church refers to God’s removal of all Christians from the earth at a moment in time and taken to heaven by the Lord Jesus. It will be during our time in heaven that we are evaluated for the life we lived on earth and will be rewarded appropriately (1 Cor 3:10-15; 2 Cor 5:10; 2 John 1:8). The rapture of the church marks the conclusion of the church age, a period in which God has focused on forming the body of Christ, comprised of all believers, Jew and Gentile alike, united by faith in Jesus Christ (Eph 2:11-22).[1] The Seven-Year Tribulation follows the Rapture of the Church. The coming Tribulation is marked by two distinct stages: the first half (three and a half years) and the second half (three and a half years), together making a total of seven years (Dan 9:27; Rev 11:2-3; 12:6, 14; 13:5). The Tribulation begins with the signing of a covenant between the Antichrist and unbelieving Israel (Dan 9:27), signaling a period of false peace. During this time, there will be an increase in wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes, corresponding to the opening of the first four seals in Revelation 6 (Rev 6:1-8). This period is characterized by escalating troubles but is not yet the peak of God’s judgments. During this time, the Antichrist, the man of lawlessness, will rise to power, opposing God and exalting himself above all that is worshiped (2 Th 2:3-4). John wrote that the Antichrist will speak blasphemies and wage war against the saints, ultimately deceiving the nations and demanding worship (Rev 13:5-8). Satan and his false prophet will perform signs and wonders to deceive the world (Matt 24:24; 2 Th 2:9-10; Rev 13:11-14; 16:13-14; 19:20). The midpoint of the Tribulation is marked by the Antichrist breaking the covenant and committing the “abomination of desolation” by setting up an image of himself in the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem, demanding worship (Dan 9:27; Matt 24:15; 2 Th 2:3-4; Rev 13:14-15). This event ushers in the “great tribulation,” a time of unprecedented suffering and divine wrath upon the earth (Matt 24:21; Rev 8-18). During this period, God’s judgments intensify with the trumpet and bowl judgments, culminating in the return of Christ at the Battle of Armageddon (Rev 19:11-21).[2] The Second Coming of Jesus refers to the future event when Christ will return to earth in glory and power to defeat His enemies (Matt 24:30; 25:31; Rev 19:11-21). The Second Coming will occur at the end of the seven-year Tribulation, after the world has experienced unparalleled suffering and divine judgments (Matt 24:21; Rev 19:11-21). Jesus will return in power and great glory, descending from heaven on a white horse as the conquering King (Rev 19:11). His return will be visible to all (Matt 24:30; Rev 1:7), and it will mark the end of human rebellion and the defeat of Satan’s forces. At Jesus’ Second Coming, both angels and Christians will return with Him, as “the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses” (Rev 19:14). After the return of Christ (Rev 19:11-16), Satan will be imprisoned in the abyss for a thousand years (Rev 20:1-3). The Millennial Kingdom will be a time when Christ reigns on earth for a thousand years. God the Father promised to give Jesus the kingdoms of this world, saying, “I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, and the very ends of the earth as Your possession” (Psa 2:8; cf. Isa 2:1-5; Dan 2:44; 7:13-14). This will occur after the Seven-Year Tribulation; at which time it will be said, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever” (Rev 11:15). The Bible teaches that raptured and resurrected Christians will return and reign with Christ (1 Cor 6:2; 2 Tim 2:12; Rev 3:21; 5:9-10; 19:14). Furthermore, those who were martyred for their faith ...
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    1 時間 15 分