SATURDAY September 26, 2020

The Irrevocable Call of God

Romans 11:28-32

Paul declared God had chosen the Jews; He had made a covenant with them. They are the beloved of God. God has not cast Israel away. Think about your own family for a moment. Maybe there is a family member who refuses to show love toward you. In turning their backs on you; they are a castaway, but that does not change the fact that they are still your family. In the same way, Israel still is God’s people! God continues to love them even though they have rejected Him.

God never goes back on what He has said in His Word. God does not change His mind like you and I. In fact, God knows the past, present and future. God is omniscient. Imagine if you were in an airplane looking downward, and you could see a parade. You would be able to see the parade from beginning to the end. However, if you were watching the parade from the ground, your view would be very limited. You could not see the middle or end of the parade, but you know it is coming. God has the divine ability to see everything––beginning, middle and end.

Knowing the beginning and the end of all things, God, in His mercy, chose the Gentiles to demonstrate His great love toward them, but in doing so, He also showed Israel, His mercy. Even though they had been disobedient, they had that same opportunity to receive God’s mercy. Remember, God can do whatever He wants to do.

No man acts with true wisdom till he fears God
and hopes in his mercy.
~William S. Plumer~

FRIDAY September 25, 2020

A Mystery Revealed

Romans 11:25-27

These Scriptures are so exciting, Paul unravels a great mystery; he declared it. What is the mystery Paul was speaking about? It is the mystery of Israel. Underline this Scripture in your Bible: …that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. Who does this mystery begin with? Israel, they are blinded. When did the time of the Gentiles begin? It began when Nebuchadnezzar made first of three sieges against Jerusalem, and the people of God went into captivity for 70 years. How long will the time of the Gentiles last? It has now been about 2000 years, and we are almost coming to the end!

What Paul has written has placed anticipation and a godly fear in my heart. When I do the altar call, I begin to think, Is that one person who is getting up out of their seat the last Gentile person to be saved? The last Gentile male or female, young or old who comes to Jesus Christ the time of the Gentiles is over. Then the Rapture of the Church happens! The time of the Gentiles will then be over! So there is no confusion. There is no possible way that the Church can be here for the tribulation period. The Tribulation is the wrath of God on an unbelieving world.

Remember, in the tribulation period people will have to be killed––beheaded––to enter into heaven. When Paul says, “blindness in part,” this means Israel is going to have yet another opportunity to be saved. During this terrible time Israel is chastened, only two thirds will survive, (Zechariah 13:8-9), the rest, it is believed, will find refuge in Petra. All Israel, the remnant, will be saved during the Tribulation Period. They will return back to the Lord.

God has not given us Bible prophecy to scare us but to prepare us.
~Joel C. Rosenberg~

THURSDAY September 24, 2020

God’s Goodness

Romans 11:22-24

Notice what Paul was saying here. God loved the Jews so much, but although God is good, in severity, He cut them off. Knowing this, what makes you think He will not cut you off? There are people who believe God will not cut them off. Do not be deceived by living in this misconception. A person cannot be a true Christian unless they live a life of holiness. A genuine Christian has to believe and obey the Word of God; otherwise they can be separated from God.

That is why I love the balanced teaching of John 15. Abiding is a key doctrine in the Bible. Abiding in Christ brings a balanced teaching between the dispensationalists who believe in eternal security, and the Pentecostals whose focus is on the movement of the Holy Spirit. A person must abide in Christ on a daily basis––each day is a new relationship in Him. I believe I am eternally secure as long as I daily abide in Christ.

Think about God’s goodness. How can people say God has given up on Israel? They have the opportunity to be grafted in again! God cast them off for a season. God chose the Jews, not the Gentiles; they are the original branches. We are not, as Gentiles, we are grafted in to them. God is so good in extending His salvation to us.

With the goodness of God to desire our highest welfare, the wisdom of God to plan it, and the power of God to achieve it, what do we lack? Surely we are the most favored of all creatures.
~A.W. Tozer~

WEDNESDAY September 23, 2020

The Fear of God

Romans 11:19-21

As we, the Gentiles have been grafted into the Holy Root––Jesus; know that we have nothing to boast about. It is a miracle of God that we are grafted in as God’s chosen people. Salvation is a miracle of God, a free gift––we do not deserve it. What were the Jews trusting in for salvation? Works! Salvation is not of works, it is by placing our faith in Christ.

Christians are saved because of God’s grace. So do not boast. He used His elect––Israel to make known His salvation to other nations, but they fell away. God judged Israel because of their unbelief. Many were lost, as branches that were broken off, because they did not abide in the Branch (Isaiah 11:1). The message of salvation is God came to us––so fear God!

Notice, Paul spoke of God’s judgment. If a believer continues in God’s goodness, love, grace and mercy by living a life of obedience, they are abiding in Jesus Christ––they are saved. You see, salvation is conditional. You cannot continue to live a life of sin; otherwise you will be cut off. Paul warned Christians, not non-believers when he said:

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9)

We cannot take advantage of the grace of God. We must be holy––set apart for God. If you are living a life of sin––practicing sin––then know this, the wrath of God comes upon the disobedient.

Worldings may well be afraid, for they have an angry God above them, a guilty conscience within them, and a yawning hell beneath them; but we who rest in Jesus are saved from all these through rich mercy,
~C. H. Spurgeon~

TUESDAY September 22, 2020

God Loves Israel

Romans 11:16-18

Paul referred back to Israel’s patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and Moses––all the way through to Jesus Christ. Who were the branches that were broken off? Israel, the Jews. Who is the wild olive tree? The Gentiles ––you and me. We are grafted in with Israel, and have become partakers of salvation with them.

It is beautiful to see gardeners as they cut a branch from off of one tree to graft it into another. It is amazing because it will actually take root and grow. You see, originally we were not of the main tree, but we have been grafted into Israel––the olive tree.

Spiritually speaking, we are spiritual Jews being born again of the Holy Spirit––grafted in as the wild branch. Who supports us? Jesus! We are only here because the Jews rejected Jesus Christ. Imagine, the Jews are the apple of God’s eye: For thus says the Lord of hosts: “He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye (Zechariah 2:8). God loves Israel.

God warns nations to be careful not to come against Israel. Yet there are so many nations who hate Israel.

May God bless the state of Israel and may God bless
the United States of America.
~Benjamin Netanyahu~

MONDAY September 21, 2020

God Can Be Found

Romans 11:13-15

Paul was called to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. His office was that of an Apostle, “one to be sent out.” He declared his ministry to the Jews and they hated him for it. Yet Paul never gave up his countrymen. His love for them is seen when he tried to provoke them to jealousy in an attempt that some may be saved. Paul knew he would have to give his life for Christ; he knew he would eventually be killed. Those around him hated him; especially the Jews, he could feel the tenseness of their hatred.

Paul had made a distinction between the Jew and the Gentile. He taught them both––faith in Christ. The Jews were caught up in the Old Testament sacrifices, ordinances––works. Yet there was a new requirement, faith in Christ––not works. Some Jews came to Christ, just as some Gentiles had––but not all. God had cast away Israel for a little while, but in the end, a remnant will be saved.

Israel rejected Jesus as their Messiah. This made a way for the Gentiles to receive salvation. How is the world reconciled? John the Baptist declared, Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:9). The Jews sacrificed a lamb to cover sin, but Jesus, as the Lamb of God, takes away sin––once and for all (Hebrews 10:1-18). The Jews could not accept it.

The Church has been called to go out into the world to preach the Gospel. Christians need to reach the nonbeliever. They are outside of the Church! What has God called you to do? Know that He will equip and empower you. When God opens doors to serve Him, in obedience, you must take a leap of faith knowing you have a mission to accomplish! Time moves so quickly––days, weeks, and months. Will your mission be accomplished?

Expect great things from God––attempt great things for God.
~William Carey~

SUNDAY September 20, 2020

Provoked to Jealousy

Romans 11:11-12

Paul felt that the subject of the Jews’ rejection of Jesus Christ, and the Gentiles’ salvation was of utmost importance. He was compelled to tell people about the Jews. You see, the Jews had failed to see Jesus as the Messiah. Yet the Gentiles received Him, and they have gained salvation. Thank God for the Jew! They are His chosen people through whom came the Messiah. God is not through with the Jews; He will once again work through Israel.

Paul turned his attention to the Gentiles to say how blessed they were to be saved. However, can you imagine the time when God calls Israel back to Himself and revival breaks out in Israel? It is written in Zechariah 13:6, when they recognize Christ as their Messiah, that “‘…one will say to him, ‘What are these wounds between your arms?’ Then he [Jesus] will answer, ‘Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.’ ” When they fully understand, Israel will start weeping and crying. One day, they will have a great revival.

When the time of Israel’s fullness comes, they will enter into the kingdom age and be rewarded. Jesus Christ will reign over the whole world, and Israel will rule and reign with Him. In these last days––God is beginning to do a great work!

“At that time shall arise Michael, [an archangel] the great prince who has charge of our people [Israel]. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found
written in the book.”
~Daniel 12:1~

 SATURDAY September 19, 2020

Spiritual Darkness

Romans 11:9-10

Paul knew that even though Israel had knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures, they were utterly blind to the truth. He quoted from Psalm 69:22-23, repeating what David had said about Israel’s rejection of Christ. They stumble on this precious Stone––the Chief Cornerstone (Isaiah 28:16). God spoke prophetically through David. In his time, David saw Israel’s apostasy, even as Paul brought to light the Jews rejection of God in his time. The Jews could have had the blessing of salvation, but instead they remained for now in the darkness of their unbelief.

God chastened Israel for their disobedience. Now as Israel remains in spiritual darkness, in their great trials and testings, the Gentiles have been given a great opportunity––the door of salvation is open to them. You see, God has allowed the Jews to be blind for a long period of time so that the Gentiles could be saved.

There are a number of people, a remnant of the Gentiles that are going to be saved, and when that last person, whoever that maybe comes to Jesus Christ––then it is done. The dispensation of the Gentiles will now be over, and the beginning of the last seven years of world history begins. God loves Israel, and during the Tribulation Period, He has a certain number of Jews, a remnant that He will save.

People become discouraged, but we have to walk by faith. Intellectual darkness comes through ignorance; spiritual darkness comes because of something I do not intend to obey.
~Oswald Chambers~

FRIDAY September 18, 2020

Spiritual Blindness

Romans 11:7-8

In Israel, there are some––a remnant who have by faith received Christ––who are under grace. Others are still bound to the Law. When you come to Jesus Christ by faith, you can relax––resting in Him for your salvation. Paul quoted from Isaiah 29:9-10, 13, and Deuteronomy 29:3-4. These Scriptures reveal Israel has suffered spiritual blindness because of their disobedience .

If we look back at our own personal lives when we were in sin, we will realize we were in spiritual darkness––blind. Once we say yes to God and no to the devil, the Word of God takes full effect in our lives. According to 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, Satan is the one who blinds people to the truth of the Gospel:

But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age [Satan] has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them

It is important to pray for people’s eyes to be spiritually open to the Gospel. We are living in dangerous times, and the tide is changing against the Church. I am shocked that people are so passive. Can they not see the terrible things happening in the world? People are worried about who is going to be the next President. Yet God is in control.

I thank God He has given each one of us the opportunity to vote and make a stand for righteousness. Yet we cannot stop preaching the Gospel to those who are spiritually blind–– lost. Are you forgetting Jesus is coming soon? Let us keep our eyes on the main thing––the Gospel of Jesus Christ. God has His remnant. Thank the Lord that you are a part of the remnant He has saved during these perilous times. May God give you His peace.

Satan has no fear of the light as long as he can keep his victims sightless.
~A.W. Tozer~

THURSDAY September 17, 2020

God’s Wonderful Grace

Romans 11:4-6

Paul continued to speak about a remnant of Jewish people who God would work through according to the election of grace. God had worked through a remnant of His people in Israel’s past, and He will in the future.

The Prophet Elijah felt all alone. He said to the people: “I alone am left a prophet of the Lord; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men” (1 Kings 18:22). The prophets of Baal worshipped a false god––an idol. Elijah executed the prophets of Baal, and, in revenge, wicked Queen Jezebel sought to kill Elijah (1 Kings 18:20-40). Elijah wrought a great victory in Israel, but in fear, he had fled for his life. He cried to the Lord to take his life––it would be better just to die. He had been zealous for God, but to what purpose? His life was in imminent danger (1 Kings 19:1-4).

In loving kindness, God replied to Elijah’s cry. God was for him! God had not only been working in his life, but there were others loyal to Him: “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” God always has His remnant; He preserves His people.

Are you downcast today? Do you feel as if you are all alone in this world without hope? Never doubt God’s love and care for you. As a Christian you belong to the body of Christ––the Church. You are a part of His remnant saved by grace: For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). We worship Jesus by faith.

Remember, no matter the circumstances, you are not alone. God is for you, He will never leave you or forsake you.

Our salvation is all of grace. The one thing necessary is the one thing we ourselves cannot perform!
~Sinclair Ferguson~

WEDNESDAY September 16, 2020

Signs of the Times

Romans 11:2-3

Has God cast away His people? Paul answered this question plainly–– unequivocally, “No possible way! God loves Israel.” God had a meaningful relationship with Israel, and His faithfulness to them is evident. God’s relationship with Israel is seen throughout the Scriptures. Paul referenced 1 Kings 19:10, 14. This is when Elijah felt alone in his worship of God, but God had His remnant. It is seen in what Elijah and Moses have written.

It is really important to understand, God established Laws in the first five books of Moses. They were given to the people of God so they would set themselves apart to serve God in their worship, prayers and reading of His Law. Israel was to be an example of salt and light to the unsaved world, but they failed.

As Israel rejected God, through His grace and mercy, salvation was extended to the Gentiles. We have been given salvation, and we have been grafted into Israel––amazing. The Church has only been in existence for 1900 years. The next expected prophetic event to take place is the Rapture of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

I am so glad that God is still speaking to the Church. Once the Church is taken out of this world, the Lord will say to Israel, “I am coming after you now; you are going to be My people. I have died for your sins.” In response, the Jews will be amazed (Ezekiel 39:29; Zechariah 13:6).

As a Christian, it is important to enjoy a meaningful, close relationship with Jesus Christ. You have to ask yourself, especially because of what is happening in the world today, “Is it time for Jesus to take us home?” It is possible that we are close to the last seven years of world history. Jesus told His disciples about His Second Coming: “But of that day and hour no one knows… but My Father only” (Matthew 24:36).

The world and you must part, or Christ and you will never meet.
~Thomas Brooks~

TUESDAY September 15, 2020

God Loves Israel

Romans 11:1

Paul began with a good question, “…has God cast away His people?”  He then answered his own question, “God forbid!” Paul presented proof that God has not finished with Israel yet. Paul, as a Jew, was a witness of his Jewish history. As an apologist, he systematically used theology to show how Israel was God’s people, and He still had a purpose for them.

False statements have circulated in the Church saying God does not love Israel, and they will never be God’s people again. That is not true. They are still God’s people. He has only cast them away for a time––just a little while. Knowing this, Pastor Chuck Smith never had a goal to evangelize the Jews. He loved them, but Chuck understood the Scriptures, and he knew God has the perfect time to save the Jews.

In Israel, if you gather around the soldiers and the majority of people who are not orthodox Jews, they will tell you that they do not believe in God. Yet there are Jews who have been saved. Many of the Jews in Israel are atheistic today. When you are among them, you can sense it and hear it. So why do we still support Israel? It is because they are God’s people.

God is not through with Israel yet. In fact, the Jews are going to suffer a great deal, especially in the last seven years of world history. It is because they have denied Christ and rejected Him. They will choose the false Christ. When their eyes are opened, and they understand that the Antichrist is not the Messiah, the Anointed One of God, then, God will begin to deal with Israel. Jesus will reveal to them that He is the Savior of the world, and how he had died for Israel.

I pray God would open their eyes––maybe not now, but in the future. When this happens, they will ask Jesus, “Who pierced your side?” He will answer, “This was done in the house of my friends” (Zechariah 13:6).

It is not the people or the Roman soldiers who put [Jesus] on the cross–– it was your sins and my sins that made it necessary for Him to volunteer his death.
~Billy Graham~

MONDAY September 14, 2020

God Can Be Found

Romans 10:20-21

Paul spoke of Isaiah’s boldness as recorded in Isaiah 65:1-2. Who was found by God? Those other than Israel––the Gentiles. Who did God manifest Himself to? Again, it was the Gentiles. Isaiah told of God’s greatest invitation of salvation. He stretched out His hands, not only to the Jew, but to the Gentile as well. God had been calling out to Israel from the very beginning, but what did they do? In disobedience, they rejected God.

What is the main problem with the Jew and Gentile? They do not believe in God. People will say, “I will believe when I see it.” How much evidence do they need scientifically? Scientists cannot see farther into the vast universe even with the most powerful telescopes. There is an infinite unseen universe. God is its Creator. In Him is all wisdom and knowledge. What knowledge does God want the world to know? It is the Gospel of Christ. God desires to save people and keep them out of hell.

People do not have to reach out to a holy God through religion. That is self-righteousness. God desires a personal relationship with us. God, in His love, grace and mercy, has reached out to us by sending His Beloved, Only Begotten Son. He willingly died on the Cross for our sins (John 3:16). All a person needs to do is reach back to Him by faith, saying, “Here I am; by faith, I want to repent and receive Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior.” Then God will hear and accept them.

Remember, salvation is freely given to anyone who calls on the name of the Lord. Salvation is not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). A person can hear the Gospel, but it is their decision to accept it or reject it.

Your salvation depends on what [Christ] has done for you, not on what you do for Him. It isn’t your hold on God that saves you;
it’s His hold on you.
~Billy Graham~

SUNDAY September 13, 2020

Sharing the Gospel

Romans 10:18-19

Paul quoted from Psalm 19:4, and Deuteronomy 32:21. Israel had knowledge of God, but they had become idolatrous. God would provoke them to jealousy in that the Gospel of salvation would be extended to the Gentiles. They heard Paul’s preaching, but they had no faith. Paul had a genuine love for Israel. He told them about Christ, but they rejected him, despised him, and wanted him killed, so he went to the Gentiles.

What do people do today? The same thing––they reject us, but do not get offended. In reality, they have rejected Christ. People would rather live in darkness and confusion––clinging to temporal pleasures and material things that lead them astray. They are often lost, unhappy souls. Yet the Lord has given me such a passion to reach them.

Millions of people need to be reached with the Gospel. They are dying without Christ. Those called to be missionaries should go to unreached places around the world. A missionary needs to be able to share the Gospel message in a way people can understand. God will minister to a person’s heart and begin to prepare them. He equips them and opens a door to the mission field.

Yet some people will not obey the call of God to go. I believe there are Christians who like to remain in their comfort zones. They ignore the voice of God calling them to go. Is it because they really do not want to make the necessary sacrifices or face the hardships they may have to endure? Yes, it is a challenge, but they have to have faith.

God desires we do His perfect will in taking the message of Jesus Christ wherever He leads us. God has His ways and purposes for each one of us. What about the call of God in your life? Has He called you to go?

"The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed"
~Hudson Taylor~

SATURDAY September 12, 2020

Obeying the Gospel

Romans 10:16-17

Notice the problem. Not all people have believed or obeyed the Gospel. Paul quoted Isaiah 53:1. Then he concluded, faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. As we listen to God’s Word, it builds and strengthens our faith. The teaching of God’s Word brings us to maturity (2 Peter 3:18). ?

Israel did not believe or obey the Gospel message. As a nation, Israel was chosen by God to become a light in the darkest of places around the world. They should have influenced the surrounding idolatrous nations toward God, but instead, they influenced Israel and eventually led them into idolatry.

Paul gave the remedy for the rejection of the Gospel. People have to listen and accept the Gospel message by faith according to what is written in the Word of God. Why would people choose to believe or have faith in anything or anyone else? God reigns eternal over the universe, and He desires to rule over our lives.

The Word of God is needed in this world. As you diligently study the Scriptures, your faith will grow, and you will be able to take the Gospel to a lost and dying world. God loves humility. Ask Him to use your life for the Gospel’s sake. Be willing to go wherever God wants you to go––to reach the world for Jesus Christ. I believe it is important to live your life for Christ and to proclaim His Gospel.

Seriously, you only have one life to live for Christ, and then your life is over––done. Your lifetime is so short; it moves so quickly. Then you will be with the Lord forever and forever. I am sure you want your family, friends and even your enemies to come along with you!

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain
that which he cannot lose.”?~Jim Elliot~

FRIDAY September 11, 2020

Never Forget

Psalm 9:9-10

Today marks 19 years since the 9/11 attacks shocked our great nation and the entire world. As a nation, we have promised never to forget the atrocities of 9/11. On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, people stood in disbelief, and watched in horror, as two of four hijacked planes were flown into the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center in New York City.

The two other hijacked planes flew toward their planned targets. One was intentionally crashed into the Pentagon, while the other, it is believed, was rapidly heading toward America’s capital city––the White House itself. Due to the bravery of the passengers and crew who sought to regain control, the plane crashed into a field in Pennsylvania.

These suicide terror attacks were attributed to al-Qaeda Islamic extremists. In one day nearly 3,000 Americans were killed, which was the greatest amount of lives lost due to a foreign attack on United States soil. Our nation was plunged into a time of immense mourning and grief. Churches around America were full of people seeking God for comfort, and, as a nation, we have vowed never to forget! But many people have forgotten. Yet God never forgets those precious lives lost.

People tend to seek God only when trouble comes, but we need to search Him out every day of our lives. How we need to follow the example of passion shown by the Sweet Psalmist of Israel: One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple (Psalm 27:4).

One thing we must never do is to forget our God. He is our refuge in times of trouble. More than ever before churches in America should be full of people seeking the Lord. God is faithful. He has not forsaken us, may we never forsake Him. As a nation, we must place our trust in the Lord.

…He [God] avenges blood, He remembers them;?He does not forget the cry of the humble.
~Psalm 9:12~

THURSDAY September 10, 2020

The Gospel of Peace

Romans 10:14-15

This Scripture has been greatly used for those who are called to be missionaries. It is also the basis for missionary activity in the Church. How can anyone come to believe in Christ, if they have never heard about Him? Think about all the people in the Amazon, in China, in South and Central America, in Mexico or India. All these different places and other countries all around the world need the Gospel.

How are people going to hear about Christ if missionaries do not go out into the mission field to reach these people with the Gospel message? A missionary is a person called to go out and teach people about Jesus, even in the remote areas of the world. They have even translated the Bible into different languages. The call of God and the desire to see people saved has to burn in the heart of a missionary.

People have to catch the vision and passion for missions. That is why churches have mission trips; they help train people. Evangelism is important. In the Church, teaching will perfect the saints. It brings them to maturity, whereas preaching is for the unbeliever, so they can hear the message of the Gospel and be saved. How beautiful it is when someone becomes a missionary. They are bringing glad tidings of good things to people who need Christ.

As Jesus’ disciples, each one of us has received the call to reach the lost for Christ. Jesus gave us all this Great Commission: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Everyone should be a missionary at heart. We each have the opportunity to share with someone the Gospel of Christ.

“If a commission by an earthly king is considered an honor, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?”?~David Livingstone~

WEDNESDAY September 9, 2020

Calling on the Lord

Romans 10:11-13

Those who believe in five point Calvinism think that only a select few are elected to be saved. They have a big problem with these certain Scriptures because it becomes very plain that the Bible teaches, “Whoever believes” or “whoever calls… shall be saved.” In his teaching the Apostle Paul was referencing the Scripture in Isaiah 28:16 NLT:

Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken.”?    

Notice, the statement “whoever” is a phrase found throughout the Scriptures. In John 3:16, the door of salvation is open to anyone: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. That means Muslims, Buddhists, Catholics, Protestants or Atheists––whoever it is, they just need to call upon the Lord. Paul also quoted from Joel 2:32:

And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, as the Lord has said, among the remnant whom the Lord calls.

If any person desires to be saved, then they just need to call on the name of the Lord: “ ‘And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved’ “ (Acts 2:21). It takes faith to be saved––faith is an action. Have you called on the name of the Lord to receive salvation?

If Christ comes into our hearts we are not ashamed.
~D.L. Moody~

TUESDAY September 8, 2020

Confession of Christ

Romans 10:8-10

Paul preached the Gospel to both the Jews and the Gentiles. He preached the Good News to anyone who needed Christ. Notice again Paul’s thorough knowledge of the Scriptures as he masterfully quoted Deuteronomy 30:14, from the Old Testament.

We have God’s Word! How far is God away from anyone? He is not far away or distant. He is right here! All a person needs to do is believe and confess Christ. The thief on the cross confessed Christ before he died and gained entrance into paradise (Luke 23:43). It was not too late for him. Christ assured him of his salvation.

Until death happens, it is not too late for a person to accept Christ. Anybody can come to Christ and be saved. Salvation is not for a few select people. God desires all men to be saved; His invitation for salvation is available to anyone in the whole world: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Understand, people are responsible for their decisions. God rejects no one, a person has the free will to reject Him or accept Him. It is with the heart and with the mouth that a person makes a true confession. Anyone who repents of their sins and accepts Christ is saved, and they can go to heaven. A person needs to always come to a place of faith in Christ.

Christ had reasons for demanding that people openly follow Him. He knew that an unwitnessed vow is no vow at all. Until you have surrendered to Christ by a definite act of your will, you are not a Christian.
~Billy Graham~

MONDAY September 7, 2020

Labor Day

1Timothy 6:6-8 RSV

Today is Labor Day. In the late 19th century the trade union and labor movements grew. It was proposed that a day be set aside to celebrate labor. They created a labor movement that set aside a “workingmen’s holiday.” The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor.

It is believed that either Peter J. McGuire, co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, or Matthew Maguire, a secretary of the Central Labor Union, first proposed the holiday. Congress passed an act to make Labor Day a legal holiday. By 1894, thirty U.S. states officially celebrated the official holiday. What is interesting is that the Sunday before the Labor Day holiday was called Labor Sunday and attention was given to the spiritual and educational features of the labor movement.

In the United States this public holiday honors the American worker for all the contributions that workers have made to strengthen, and prosper our great country. The American workforce is recognized for their efforts in a yearly tribute on the first Monday in September. Many people enjoy a well-earned day off.

Being on a Monday, the holiday has become known as Labor Day Weekend. It is considered to be the unofficial end of summer. It also marks the time when many children go back to school, although, this year, because of the pandemic, many children will resume lessons online.

It is good to be content and enjoy the temporal benefits of our earthly labor. Yet we must consider the eternal gains in our steadfast service to the Lord.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor
is not in vain in the Lord.
~1 Corinthians 15:58~

SUNDAY September 6, 2020

Christ from Heaven Above

Romans 10:5-7

Israel was God’s chosen nation, but they have forsaken their God today. They do not honor His name. When you go to Israel, you will see orthodox Jews who wear the black coats and hats, having traditional side curls, as they go to the Wailing Wall to pray. They are very zealous for God, but they are without knowledge. These self-righteous Jews have refused to come by faith to Jesus; they trust in their own merits.

The orthodox Jews believe in the five books of Moses and the Old Testament. Israel rejected Jesus Christ as their Messiah. Jesus was not God. They believe their Messiah did not come. In Matthew 23, Jesus spoke to the leaders of Israel––the Pharisees, the Scribes and the Sadducees. In authority, He rebuked them as He gave them eight woes. Jesus then stood on the Mount of Olives and looked toward the city of Jerusalem. He began to weep and gave a prophecy about the Romans who would come and destroy the city (Matthew 23:37-39).

Salvation is not according to our merits or knowledge, but according to our faith––period. Our righteousness comes only by faith in Christ. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Believing that Jesus is the Messiah is a matter of the heart. Whether a person rejects or accepts Christ, know this; at the name of Jesus every knee will bow (Philippians 2:9-10).

Even though Israel has rejected God, there is a day coming when God is going to save a remnant of the Jews––it will be a miracle.

Christ uncrowned himself to crown us, and put off his robes to put on our rags, and came down from heaven to keep us out of hell. He fasted forty days that he might feast us to all eternity; he came from heaven to earth that he might send us from earth to heaven.
~William Dyer~

 SATURDAY September 5, 2020

Christ the End of the Law

Romans 10:3-4

Paul nailed the problem right on the head. Many Jews thought they could become righteous before God through works. This false assumption not only applies to Jews, but for anyone who has placed their trust in good works. Salvation has nothing to do with us––it is all of God. Jesus Christ, the Messiah, fulfilled the Law. Righteousness comes through faith in Him.

In Israel’s history, Paul knew the nation had rejected God, but God never rejected Israel. Presently, Israel does not accept Jesus Christ as their Messiah. Israel seems to have been placed on the shelf for about 2000 years, but God will once again pour out His Holy Spirit on them. He will use them in these last days. As a Christian, I support Israel, and pray for them all the time because they are the people of God.

There is a minority among the Jews who do believe in Christ, but for the most part, the majority of Jews are atheistic. If a Jewish person becomes a Christian, they can be kicked out of their home. Sometimes a family will have a personal burial for them, and they become as a dead person to their family. They cease to exist. Those who do not believe in Christ are still caught up with the Law. Yet according to the Scriptures, how can they not see Christ is their Messiah, by faith? In their blindness, I believe Israel has placed their confidence in the power of their army––sad.

The name of Jesus offends people tremendously. People can use the name of Buddha or Krishna or Mohammad, and it will not bother anyone, but if you use the name of Jesus Christ, it is an offense.

“Great names come and go, but the name of Jesus remains. The devil still hates it, the world still opposes it, but God still blesses it and we can still claim it! “In the name of Jesus” is the key that unlocks the door of prayer and the treasury of God’s grace.”
~Warren W. Wiersbe~

FRIDAY September 4, 2020

Do You Have a Burden for the Lost?

Romans 10:1-2

Paul began Romans 10 with such a sincere prayer. His heart’s desire was for people to be saved, especially the people of Israel. Yet the Jews hated Paul. Even though God had called Paul to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles, he fervently prayed that salvation would come to the people of God. Paul knew they had a zeal for God, but in reality, they were going nowhere because they remained ignorant of the knowledge of salvation. They had not received the righteousness of God through Christ by faith.

Like Paul, Christians are set apart and called by God to preach the Gospel. We need to be His servants and missionaries. How many missionaries have paid the ultimate price and have given their lives for the Gospel’s sake? There are many of them. Believers must know the full Gospel of Jesus Christ as proclaimed in the Scriptures; then they can be used by God to preach the Gospel with power.

Seriously, if you see that someone is drowning in a pool, your instant reaction is to jump into the pool to save them. But if you hesitate, it could become seconds too late––the person could drown. Sharing the Gospel should be natural without hesitation. When Christians are given an opportunity to share the Gospel, we should not have to think about it, but just react to give people the saving message of the Gospel!

Do you have a burden for people to be saved? What about your friends and your family? The opportunity is right now! Once they die it is too late.

Preach with authority. The authority for us is the Word of God. Preach with simplicity . . . Preach with urgency . . . heaven and hell are at stake. Preach for a decision.”
~Billy Graham~

THURSDAY September 3, 2020

A Stone of Stumbling

Romans 9:32-33

When you speak with a Jew about Jesus Christ, they do not believe the Gospel by faith. Who is the Stumbling Stone? Jesus Christ. The Jews stumble at Him. Most Jews do not accept that Jesus is the Messiah, yet some do. God has said in His Word that Christ would be a stumbling stone to the Jew:

He will be as a sanctuary, but a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel... (Isaiah 8:14).

Therefore thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes will not act hastily (Isaiah 28:16).

Those who do not accept Christ will be eternally damned, yet those who believe by faith in Jesus Christ are home free because of the grace and mercies of God. In the New Testament, the Apostle Peter explained that our faith is secure when we build upon the foundation of Jesus Christ for of our salvation:

Coming to Him [Jesus] as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious… Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone,” and “a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed (1 Peter 2:4-8) .

The Scriptures are very clear. Without the sovereignty and grace of God, there is no salvation apart from Jesus Christ––the Chief Cornerstone.

Christ is our Cornerstone, on Him alone we build; with His true saints alone the courts of heaven are filled….
~John Chandler~

WEDNESDAY September 2, 2020

The Righteousness of Faith

Romans 9:30-31

What does this mean? Paul was stating that the Jew was trying to live according to the Law. However, the Law of God condemned them. The Law has no power to set anyone free. Whether a person is a Jew or Gentile, salvation is only by faith in Jesus Christ. In Christ, we are set free from sin: Then Jesus said to the Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).

Down through the ages, man has objected to the doctrine of justification by faith and the finished work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the Cross. In Christ we are made righteous. The doctrine of justification by faith contradicts the Law. Many Jews did not believe in Christ’s sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. They wanted to keep to the Law. Yet the Law could not save them; it was a schoolmaster to bring them to Christ. Paul explained:

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster (Galatians 3:24-25 KJV).

When Christ left this world, He sent the Holy Spirit to convict the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgment (John 16:8). We are so rich in His mercy and grace.

Here is the paradox in history. The Old Testament teaches us about the coming Messiah––Christ. Many Jews trusted in their own righteousness, and the Gentiles who came to Christ trusted in God’s righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ. The Jews trusted in their works. Make that clear in your mind because that is what separates us.

The righteousness which is by faith in Christ is a loving heart and a loving life, which every man will long to lead who believes
really in Jesus Christ.
~Charles Kingsley~

TUESDAY September 1, 2020

The Lord of the Sabaoth

Romans 9:29

During World War II, Hitler intended to kill every Jew. Yet today, you can find a Jew everywhere. God has kept them from complete annihilation.

The Jews are God’s people, and Paul knew they needed the Lord. Yet they depended on the Old Testament Law––works.

God’s purpose in election is to make it possible for both Jew and Gentile to be saved by the grace of God. That is a key in the Scriptures.

Only a remnant of Jews and a remnant of people in the Church will be saved. In the last days, during the seven-year Tribulation period, there will be 144,000 Jewish virgins (Revelation 14:1-5), and God will use their lives.

It is also written there will also be two prophets: “And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth” (Revelation 11:3). Maybe these prophets could be Elisha and Moses. They will preach the Gospel to the whole world. The nations will rise up, and they will be killed and lie dead in the

streets of Jerusalem for three days:

When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves (Revelation 11:7-9).

As the whole world is watching, the two prophets will rise again and go to heaven (Revelation 11:11-12). How many miracles and wonders do you want to see? I already believe in my Master. God has done the greatest miracle in saving my life!

Miracles are the great bell of the universe,
which draws men to God’s sermon.
~John Foster~