October 26, 2015
Seventy years later this prophecy was fulfilled as Cyrus came from the North and destroyed Babylon. The latter part of the prophecy, that no one would live there again, is still true over 2,400 years later. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, but now there is only desert in its place. It is said that Saddam Hussein planned to rebuild Babylon anew in his modern Iraq, yet the sand still blows over the supposed site. God’s Word continues to stand, but Babylon has fallen never to rise again.
October 25, 2015
Paul’s final charge to Timothy: “Preach the word!” Pastors wear many hats, but preaching is job number one. And not just preaching anything, but preaching the Word of God. Not politics or philosophy, nor self-help tips, but Word proclaiming, Christ-centered, gospel preaching. Pastors are to “be ready.” This means they are to prepare. To study and pray, so that they are always prepared to preach. They are to use every tool in an effective communcator’s toolbox to proclaim the Word which is able to lead people to salvation. Their preaching is to be “convincing” (using argumentation, persuasion), “rebuking” (correcting sin, illustration), and “exhorting” (application, calling out) and this with great patience and a willingness to teach and explain. Do you support the preaching of the Word?
October 24, 2015
Paul told Timothy that there is a time to retreat and a time to advance. As it regards “youthful lusts,” the command is to “flee.” Unlike the instruction to “stand firm” against the devil (Eph. 6:11), lust is not defeated by direct assault. It is to be avoided. When an image in a movie or magazine causes arousal, turn it off or throw it away! When the stomach growls for the apple, get out of the orchard! Run away! And run towards “righteousness.” “Pursue” it. Chase after it. Pursuing righteousness leaves less time for lustful temptation. Pull your affections off your idols and put them on Jesus. Pursue Christ!
October 23, 2015
This is the powerful, world-changing strategy of discipleship through the process of multiplication! Paul told Timothy to disciple others in the same way he had been discipled. We all need a Paul to mentor us. A Barnabas to walk alongside as a peer to encourage us. And a Timothy that we can invest in and disciple. Are you seeking these three powerful relationships?
October 22, 2015
This Mosaic psalm encourages us to be aware of the fleeting nature of life and to determine not to waste our days. This is not a morbid instruction, but one that faces reality. We have a finite number of days appointed unto us. Number them, be aware that each day is a gift from God and a holy stewardship. The promise of eternal life should not release us to waste this season, but should pull us toward investing every moment we have for God, so that we store up riches in heaven.
October 21, 2015
Even after the King had allowed Jeremiah to be thrown into a miry pit, he still had compassion for the ones who heard his preaching. This is the mark of a true prophet. He preaches the Word of God without apology, whether blessing or judgment, yet retains the compassionate heart of God for his hearers. Jeremiah was ready to warn or plead in his preaching. He genuinely cared that people repent and return to the Lord. But in Jeremiah’s day, no one did. His preaching went unheeded and the nation fell to Babylon.
October 20, 2015
Elders are to lead and feed the flock. Or as Paul taught, they are to “rule well” and “labor in the word and doctrine.” In return, the members of the flock are to count them “worthy of double honor.” The word honor has the meaning of both respect and reward. It is appropriate that a pastor who devotes himself to full time ministry be given appropriate respect and financial support. He is worthy of a double honor. Yet, elders should not serve in order to receive this honor, rather they should be ready to sacrifice all for the privilege of fulfilling Christ’s call. Elders should sacrifice to serve and members should sacrifice to support.
October 19, 2015
I have joined the psalmist whom the Spirit inspired to write this. The Lord’s mercy has caused me to sing of Him. He has given me eternal life, so that in spite of worldly woes, my singing need never cease. He has filled my mouth with His Word, so that I desire to proclaim God’s faithfulness to my children, grandchildren, and to every generation He allows me to see. Have you joined this chorus that sings and speaks of God’s mercy and faithfulness?
October 18, 2015
Paul wrote two letters to Timothy to instruct him on how to pastor the church at Ephesus. In chapter three of his first letter, he gave qualifications for the selection of church “overseers” (ἐπίσκοπος, episkopos). The qualifications included several concerning a man’s family life. Why was family life so important one might ask? Paul explained that the same competency used to lead a family well was necessary in leading the church well. Why? Because the church is God’s family (Eph. 2:19).
October 17, 2015
Jesus Christ is unique. He is God incarnate, fully human and fully divine. He is the only One able to reconcile us to the Father through His sacrificial death and resurrection. He is both our Advocate and Lamb, standing before the Father in our place of judgment. He took our sin, separation and death. And offers His righteousness, sonship and eternal life in exchange. Without Christ, a great chasm of spiritual separation continues to exist between God and humanity. With Christ this chasm is bridged. Christ is our only Mediator!