4 Pentecost - Sunday

first posted  06/11/05

Deuteronomy 29:16-29,     Warning against idolatry
Revelation 12:1-12,      Conflict between Christ and Satan
Matthew 15:29-39      Healing and feeding

As Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land, Moses warned them of the consequences of idolatry. Moses reminded them of the idolatry of the nations which Israel had passed through and which surrounded them, and warned them not to allow any member of the congregation of Israel to practice idolatry, “lest there be among you a root bearing poisonous and bitter fruit” (Deuteronomy 29:18).

No one should think he could be safe from God’s wrath while following his own stubborn will. Disobedience within the congregation will result in good people being swept away along with the sinful. The Lord will not allow the disobedient to go unpunished, and the curses of God’s Word upon his enemies will be fulfilled. Those who break the covenant of God’s Word will receive the calamities God’s Word warns against. Those who break God’s covenant will suffer God’s wrath and punishment, as did Sodom and Gomorrah, (and Admah and Zeboim; two other cities destroyed along with Sodom and Gomorrah).

God intended for the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah to be an example to the world of God’s judgment against wickedness. Israel was warned that they would suffer a similar fate if they broke their covenant with God and practiced idolatry, which God has forbidden. God warned that Israel would be driven from the Promised Land and would suffer the curses of God’s Word if they disobeyed God’s Word and worshiped other gods. God’s people are to trust God and leave to God’s divine wisdom things which are beyond human knowledge and understanding, but are to obey, and teach our children to obey, what God has revealed to us through his Word.

John described a vision in the sky of a woman “clothed with the sun” (Revelation 12:1), standing on the moon, crowned with a crown of twelve stars (the twelve tribes of Israel; also, the twelve Apostles). The woman was pregnant and cried out in labor pain. Another vision appeared: a great red dragon with seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns. One third of the stars were swept to earth by his tail.

The dragon was poised to destroy the child once the woman had given birth. The woman gave birth to a male child, who is to rule all nations with an iron rod, but God snatched up the child to his throne in heaven, and the woman fled into the wilderness to a place God had prepared for her, where she is to be nourished for twelve hundred and sixty days.

John described a war in heaven, where Michael, the Archangel who is Israel’s guardian, fought the dragon (Satan) and Satan’s angels (i.e. demons), and defeated them. Satan and his angels were exiled to earth. A loud voice in heaven declared that “salvation, power and the kingdom of God and his Christ (Messiah; God’s anointed Savior and King) have come” and the accuser (Satan; Job 1:9-11) has been defeated. God’s people have conquered Satan “by the blood of the Lamb (Jesus, the “sacrificial Lamb” of Passover), and by the word of their testimony” (confessing Jesus as Lord, and proclaiming his gospel), willing to give up their worldly lives for the sake of the Gospel and the kingdom of God. Heaven and God’s kingdom rejoice, but the earth grieves in misery because Satan is plotting evil in anger, knowing that the time of his freedom and power is limited.

Jesus returned from the region of Tyre and Sidon to the hills (on the northern shore) near the Sea of Galilee. Great crowds came to him bringing the lame, maimed, blind, mute, and many others and Jesus healed them. The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute “speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing” (Matthew 15:31) and they glorified God.

The crowd had been there for three days, and Jesus told his disciples that he wanted to feed the crowd because they had nothing to eat and Jesus didn’t want them sent away hungry, or they might faint on the way home. His disciples asked Jesus where they could get enough bread in the wilderness to feed such a large crowd. Jesus asked what bread the disciples had, and they told them they had seven loaves and several small fish.

Jesus had the crowd sit down, and he took the bread and fish and after he gave thanks to God, he broke the bread and fish into pieces and had the disciples distribute them to the crowd. All ate and were satisfied, and the disciples collected seven baskets of food left over. There had been about four thousand men, not counting women and children. Jesus dismissed the crowd and then got in a boat and went to Magadan  (on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee).

God’s Word contains promises and warnings, blessings and curses. God is God whether we acknowledge him or not, but we will either trust and obey him or suffer the consequences. God’s Word is eternal and is fulfilled repeatedly as the conditions for its fulfillment occur. God’s Word was fulfilled when Judah, the Southern Kingdom and remnant of Israel, was carried off by Nebuchadnezzar into exile in Babylon for seventy years from 587 to 517 B.C.  Israel was again driven into “exile” in 70 AD, when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the temple, and the state of Israel ceased to exist, until it was reestablished following World War II.

In one sense, America is the “New Israel,” the “New Promised Land” (on earth). The Church is also the “New Israel,” the “New People of God.” God’s Word is a warning to America and to the Church not to tolerate disobedience of God’s Word and idolatry. Idolatry is any thing which conflicts with obedient trust in the Lord. Money, power, family, hedonism, nationalism, humanism, self-sufficiency are all prevalent idols.

The woman in John’s vision symbolizes Israel, through whom the “child,” the Messiah, Jesus, came. After the coming of Christ, the Church, is under the protection and providence of God in the spiritual wilderness of this world during the time after Satan was defeated by Jesus on the Cross, until Satan is restrained. [Revelation 20:1-3; Daniel 7:25, 12:7. Some believe that the twelve hundred and sixty days, or forty-two months, or three and a half years, is the period of the "Great Tribulation," before the "Rapture" of the Church. My personal conviction is that this is part of the “secret things (which) belong to the Lord our God;” Deuteronomy 29:29a. We should entrust those things to God (Acts 1:6-7) and focus on knowing and doing what he has revealed in his Word].

God’s people have overcome Satan by the blood of Jesus Christ, through his sacrificial death on the Cross, by their confession of faith (obedient trust) in Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and by their testimony to Jesus and his Gospel, by word and deed, to the world. God’s grace (free gift; unmerited favor) of salvation in Jesus Christ must be claimed and received by faith (obedient trust) in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9). God’s people receive salvation and eternal life by surrendering their worldly lives and their own will, in order to live for and serve the Lord and God’s will.

Jesus is our healer of spiritual blindness, spiritual deafness, spiritual lameness, and spiritual muteness (Matthew 10:19-20), and the spiritually maimed, through the gift of his indwelling Holy Spirit which he gives to his disciples who trust and obey him (John 14:15-17). Jesus is our “bread of life (John 6:31-35, 48-51)” which God provides to nourish and sustain us in the spiritual wilderness of this life and give us eternal life in God’s kingdom.

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

4 Pentecost - Monday

first posted 06/12/05

Deuteronomy 30:1-10,        Repentance and restoration
2 Corinthians 10:1-18,         Paul’s defense of his ministry
Luke 18:31-43        The road to Jerusalem

The Lord warned Israel that obedient trust in the Lord was the requirement for life in the Promised Land. The Lord promised to bless those who obeyed him and to punish rebellion and disobedience, and he foresaw that Israel would disobey and be exiled from the Promised Land. The Lord promised to restore Israel to the Promised Land when they acknowledged their disobedience and turned to the Lord with all their heart and soul, in obedient trust.

The Lord promised that he would gather them back to the Promised Land no matter how far they had been scattered, even from the ends of the universe. He will restore them to their land and will bless them and prosper them more than their forefathers. “And the Lord will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live" (eternally; Deuteronomy 30:6).

The Lord promised that it would be the enemy of God’s people who would receive the curses of God’s wrath and eternal punishment. God’s people will return to live in obedience to God’s commands, and God will prosper them in their work and their offspring and the fertility of their livestock and their land. The Lord will delight in blessing his people if they will obey the Lord and his Word with all their heart and soul.

Paul had apparently been accused of having boldness in his letters which he did not possess in person. Paul was replying that he was humbly imploring the Corinthians by letter so that he would not have to demonstrate his boldness in person to the Corinthians, as he was confident that he would demonstrate to those who had accused him of living according to worldly ways.

Paul taught that although we are living in the world, we are not fighting a worldly war but a spiritual war, and our weapons are spiritual weapons with divine power to destroy spiritual opposition. The Christian "soldier" destroys every obstacle of human pride and every argument and resistance to the knowledge of God; we “take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5b).

The Church will punish the disobedient when the Church has grown to spiritual maturity and obedience to Christ. Let those who can recognize spiritual truth see; anyone who thinks he is in Christ should remember that the Apostles are in Christ and have been given authority so that the Church would be strengthened and built up, rather than wasting away and coming to destruction.

The Apostles will be not be put to shame (on the Day of Judgment). Paul doesn’t want to intimidate the Corinthians, by letters, which he cannot accomplish with his personal presence, as his critics have accused. Paul’s conduct in person is no different than what he proclaims by letter. Paul does not want to be categorized by those who commend themselves; the fact that they compare themselves against human rather than divine standards reveals that they have no true (spiritual) understanding.

Paul was committed to accept God’s judgment of his ministry. Paul was confident that he was not exaggerating his ministry as the first to reach the Corinthians with the gospel of Jesus Christ, and he did not take unfair credit for the ministry of others (as Paul’s critics apparently did).

Paul’s hope was that the spiritual growth of the Corinthian congregation might enlarge Paul’s opportunity for evangelism among other Corinthians and Gentiles beyond them, without interfering with the work of others, and without conflict over who deserved the credit. It is not what humans think of themselves that counts, but what is approved by God.

Jesus told the Twelve (original disciples) that they were going to go to Jerusalem, and that every Biblical prophecy concerning the Son of man (Jesus’ name for himself, which allowed his hearers to reach their own conclusion as to who he was) would be fulfilled. For the fourth time (Luke 9:22; 44-45; 17:25; 18:31-33), according to Luke, Jesus foretold his suffering and crucifixion, telling his disciples that he would be turned over to the Gentile authorities, mocked, spat upon and treated shamefully, flogged and killed, and that he would rise again on the third day. But his disciples did not understand what Jesus was saying.

As they approached Jericho (about 15 miles northeast of Jerusalem) they passed a blind beggar sitting along the road. He heard the multitude passing and asked what was happening. When he heard that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by, the blind man called out addressing Jesus as the Son of David (the Messianic heir and eternal king of the line of David), and asking Jesus to have mercy on him.

People preceding Jesus told him to be quiet, but he called out even louder. Jesus stopped and asked for the man to be brought to him, and then asked the man what he wanted Jesus to do for him. The man addressed Jesus as Lord, and asked to regain his sight. Jesus commanded the man’s sight to be restored and his blindness was healed instantly. The man joined the multitude following Jesus, glorifying God, and the multitude also praised God for the miracle they had witnessed.  

Obedient trust is the requirement for eternal life in God’s kingdom. God will reward obedient trust and will punish rebellion and disobedience. God foresaw Israel’s disobedience and prophesied that Israel would be exiled from the Promised Land until they learned to repent and return to the Lord in obedient trust. The Lord promised that when they repented and turned to him in obedient trust he would restore them to the Promised Land and would delight in blessing them.

God’s Word is eternally true and is fulfilled repeatedly as the conditions for its fulfillment are met. Judah, the remnant of Israel, was driven into exile in Babylon from 587 to 517 BC because of their idolatry and disobedience to God’s Word and God’s prophets. The Lord did restore them to the Promised Land as he had promised, when they repented and returned to the Lord in obedient trust.

But Israel forgot the lesson they should have learned in exile in Babylon, and refused to trust and obey Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah and eternal King, the heir to David’s throne. The result was that they were again exiled from the Promised Land, and only began to return following World War II.

The history of God’s dealing with Israel is also intended to be a parable and metaphor for life in this world, written down for our instruction so that we might avoid making the same mistakes (1 Corinthians 10:11). God’s prophetic warning applies to America, the “New Promised Land” and “New Israel,” (nation of God’s people), and also to the Church, which is the “New People of God” and the “New Jerusalem” the “New City of God” on earth.

Paul (formerly “Saul”) is the example of a modern, “post-resurrection” “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) disciple and apostle (messenger; of the Gospel) of Jesus Christ, who did not know Jesus during Jesus’ earthly ministry (Acts 9:1-20; he was also the Lord’s apparent choice as the Apostle to replace Judas, who betrayed the Lord). Paul was carrying out Christ’s commission to his disciples to make disciples and teach them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20).

Paul was falsely accused of “not practicing what he preached.” Paul was personally enduring suffering to preserve and pass on the scriptural (as recorded in the Bible) Apostolic Gospel (as learned by the Apostles, including Paul, in personal fellowship with, and designation as apostles by Jesus). Paul’s goal was to disciple Christians to spiritual maturity through obedience to Jesus and the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, which Jesus promised to his disciples who trust and obey him (John 14:15-17).

The gift of the Holy Spirit is the fulfillment of God’s promise in Deuteronomy to circumcise the hearts of his people and their offspring, so that they can love the Lord with all their heart and soul, and have eternal life with him (Deuteronomy 30:6; Romans 8:9b-13) Paul’s conviction was that the Church would discipline and punish the disobedient among its members when the Church had grown to spiritual maturity and accepted Apostolic authority.

The Church is engaged in spiritual warfare; the “enemy” is human pride, argument and resistance to the knowledge of God. The objective is to achieve obedient trust in Jesus Christ. Anyone who claims to have spiritual sight should recognize the truth and authority of the scriptural Apostolic Gospel. The way to multiply and strengthen the Church is to uphold that Apostolic truth and authority.

Those who use any other standard than the divine standard of that truth and authority demonstrate their spiritual ignorance. Authentic Christians don’t seek personal glory, they don’t interfere or compete with the ministry of others and don’t argue over who deserves the credit. Their goal is God’s approval and the strength and health of Christ’s Church.

Jesus’ disciples didn’t have spiritual maturity and spiritual understanding until they had personally experienced Jesus’ Resurrection and had received the indwelling Holy Spirit (Luke 24:45, 49). Paul didn’t have spiritual maturity and understanding until he encountered the risen and ascended Jesus on the road to Damascus, repented, trusted and obeyed Jesus, and received the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:1-20).

The beggar along the road to Jerusalem was physically blind, but spiritually sighted. The people following Jesus had not decided that Jesus was more than “Jesus of Nazareth” [regarded as an obscure village in a province far from the political and spiritual capital of Israel (John 1:46; 7:52)]. But the blind man cried out in faith, acknowledging Jesus as the Son of David, God’s anointed Savior and eternal King of Israel, and the blind man acknowledged Jesus as his Lord, trusting that Jesus was able to heal his blindness. His healing made it possible for him to follow Jesus and he used it for that purpose.

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

4 Pentecost  - Tuesday

first posted 06/13/05

Deuteronomy 30:11-20,      Choose life or death
2 Corinthians 11:1-21a,        Paul’s response to critics
Luke 19:1-10      Zacchaeus the tax collector

The covenant with God is not beyond the ability of Israel (God's people) to understand and obey. The  Word of God is near to them, in their very mouth and heart. The Lord sets before them a choice between (eternal) life and death; between good and evil. If Israel obeys God’s Word the Lord will bless and prosper them and give them long life in the Promised Land. But if they turn away from serving the Lord and refuse to hear his Word, turning away to worship and serve other gods, the Lord promises that they will perish (die eternally). God’s Word contains both blessings and curses and a choice between (eternal) life and (eternal) death. Choosing to love, obey, worship and serve God rather than practicing idolatry (worshiping or serving any other thing or person than the Lord) results in long life in the Promised Land.

Paul regards the Church as the bride of Christ, and himself as the friend of the groom who has arranged the betrothal, so he is naturally concerned for the bride’s purity and faithfulness. Paul is concerned that the Church not be led astray, like Eve was deceived by the serpent (Genesis 3:1-6), from sincere and faithful devotion to Christ. The Church must be careful not to be led astray by those preaching another Jesus, or a different Spirit, or “another gospel” (compare Galatians 1:6-9) than the scriptural (recorded in the Bible) Apostolic (as taught by the Apostles, including Paul) Gospel of Jesus Christ (which the Apostles, including Paul, learned by discipleship to Jesus and were commissioned by Christ to proclaim). Paul had been criticized by others as unskilled in speaking, but Paul had demonstrated that his knowledge was not deficient.

Paul’s ministry was belittled by some because Paul had made his ministry free of cost to the Corinthians (Paul had supported himself as a tent-maker; Acts18:1-4; Thessalonians 3:7-12; Only the Philippian congregation had voluntarily contributed to his financial support: Philippians 4:14-17). Paul felt like a robber (an exaggeration to make a point) in taking money from the Philippian Christians in order to minister to the Corinthians.

Paul had been accompanied to Corinth by some Macedonian Christians (from Philippi, which was the capital of the province of Macedonia), who provided for Paul’s support in Corinth, so that the Corinthians would not be burdened. Paul was pleased to let it be known throughout Achaia (a territory of Greece, of which Corinth was a city) that he had preached the gospel free of cost because Paul knew the truth of the Gospel of Christ and loved and cared for the spiritual welfare of the Corinthians.

Paul was determined to continue to preach the gospel without charge, so that it could be clearly seen that he was not doing it for money, in contrast to false apostles, who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. Satan attempts to deceive people by appearing to be an angel of light, so it isn’t surprising that the servants of Satan would disguise their real motives by adopting the outward appearance of righteousness. They will receive God’s judgment according to their deeds.

Paul was not really boastful and did not seek his own glory, but he wanted to make a point. He was willing to appear foolish to Corinthians who thought they were wise. Those “wise” Corinthians were being deceived by false apostles acting as though they possessed great wisdom in order to enslave and take advantage of the deceived. Paul was glad to acknowledge that he was too “weak” to indulge in that kind of “strength.”  

Jesus was heading for Jerusalem, knowing that he would be crucified (Luke 18:31-34). As he was passing through Jericho, a few miles from Jerusalem, Zacchaeus, a tax collector (a collaborator who had become rich collecting Roman taxes from his fellow Jews), wanted to see Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. Zacchaeus ran ahead and climbed into a tree to see better. As he came to the tree, Jesus called him by name and told Zacchaeus that he needed to stay at Zacchaeus’ house.

Zacchaeus was glad to have Jesus as his guest. The crowd criticized Jesus for associating with a man they regarded as a sinner. Zacchaeus called Jesus “Lord” and vowed to give half of all his possessions and wealth to the poor, and promised to restore four times whatever he had defrauded anyone. Jesus declared that salvation had come to Zacchaeus’ house that day, “since he also is a son of Abraham.” Jesus declared that his mission was to seek and save the (spiritually) lost.

God’s purpose has always been, from the betinning of Creation, to establish an eternal kingdom of God’s people who willingly trust and obey him. This Creation was designed from the very beginning to accomplish that purpose. This life is our opportunity to seek and find God, who is not far from each one of us (Acts 17:26-27). Sin is anything other than obedient trust in the Lord. Idolatry is worshiping and serving anyone or anything other than the Lord.

All of us have sinned and fall short of God’s righteousness (Romans 3:23). God gave us free will when he designed Creation and God knew that we would all be sinful by nature. Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for forgiveness of our sins and restoration to fellowship and eternal life with God (see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right). Creation was designed with Jesus Christ "built into it" from the very beginning (John 1:1-5:14).

This lifetime is a selection process for eternal life in God’s kingdom, and God has given us a choice. We are all created as eternal beings (John 5:28-29). We can choose to love, obey, worship and serve the Lord in paradise in his eternal kingdom, or we can reject his offer, but the consequence of rejection is eternal death separated eternally from God’s love and providence and everything good.

God has gone to great lengths to demonstrate that he is loving and righteous and that his will is our very best interest. He has given us his Word to guide us. He wants us to find him so that he can reveal himself to us and show us his love and goodness, but he won’t force himself upon us.

Paul and all genuine Christian evangelists are “friends of the groom” Jesus Christ (they have personal fellowship with Jesus through his indwelling Holy Spirit), who are trying to arrange the “betrothal” of their hearers to Jesus Christ. Seekers and new believers are vulnerable to false apostles, “wolves in sheep’s clothing” (Matthew 7:15). There are many false prophets and false doctrines in the world and in the Church today which began in the first-century Church and are refuted in the New Testament. There are many examples of false apostles who appear to be righteous, for whom ministry is a “career choice” or a way to manipulate and have power over people.

Ministers of the Gospel deserve the financial support of their congregations, but they need to be genuine "born-again" (John 3:3, 5-8) disciples of Jesus Christ commissioned and empowered by his Holy Spirit for ministry. There are many false doctrines being proclaimed in so-called “churches,” preaching a different “Jesus” than the Biblical Jesus, another “Spirit” than the Biblical Holy Spirit, another book or “another gospel” than the Biblical Apostolic Gospel recorded in the New Testament.

Since this whole earthly life is about learning to choose right from wrong we should read, know and apply God’s Word so that we have some sound basis for discerning the right choice. Satan knows God’s Word and quoted it to Jesus, the Son of God and the embodiment and fulfillment of God’s Word (John 1:14), to try and lead Jesus astray. Jesus demonstrated that the only defense against Satan is knowledge of God’s Word (Matthew 4:4-11).

This life is our only opportunity to seek and come to personal knowledge and fellowship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, who is God’s revelation of himself in human flesh to the world, through whom we come to know the love, goodness, faithfulness and power of God. As we learn to trust and obey Jesus we receive the gift of his indwelling Holy Spirit (John 14:15-17), who is the fullest revelation of God the Father and the risen Jesus to us personally and individually.

Jesus is near to us. If we make an effort to see him in the Bible scriptures, we can hear him calling us to have fellowship with him, and as we respond to his call by beginning to apply his teachings in our lives, he will reveal himself and come into personal fellowship with us through his indwelling Holy Spirit (John 14:21, 23; Revelation 3:20). When we respond to Jesus in obedient trust we enter God’s eternal kingdom (1 John 5:11-12). The gift of the Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that we are in Christ and have eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

4 Pentecost  - Wednesday

First posted 06/14/05

Deuteronomy 31:30-32:14,      The song of Moses
2 Corinthians 11:21b-33,      Paul’s suffering
Luke 19:11-27       Parable of the pounds

The Lord is great; he is the Rock (solid; dependable); his work is perfect and he is just in all his doings. He is faithful, just and righteous. Israel (and mankind) has dealt corruptly with the Lord; they are no longer his children because of their sin. “They are a perverse and crooked generation” (Deuteronomy 32:5). Are they so foolish and ignorant as to treat the Lord that way? Do they not realize that he is their father and creator?

Remember the days of old; let them ask their elders. The Lord rules over the allotment and boundaries of nations, but he has chosen Israel as his own people. The Lord found Israel in the wilderness and protected and provided for them, and tended them like an Eagle cares for its young. The Lord alone led them; not some foreign idol. He lifted Israel up to the high places of earth and fed him with the produce of the field. The Lord gave them honey and oil from the rock, and provided the finest food from their herds, vineyards and fields.  

Paul (formerly called “Saul”) was not boastful or advocating boasting, but making the point that if he were inclined to boast he would have more reason for boasting than his critics, who had been boasting of themselves in comparison to Paul. Paul was as much a Jew by birth and by training as his adversaries, and had worked harder and suffered more to proclaim the Gospel than they had.

Paul had been imprisoned, beaten, whipped, and stoned. In his missionary travels, he had been in danger on rivers and had been shipwrecked on the sea. He had been in danger in the wilderness and also in cities. He had been persecuted by Jews, Gentiles, and false Christians. He had endured sleeplessness, hunger, thirst, cold and exposure. Added to this was the stress and worry for the churches under his supervision. When any believer under Paul’s responsibility stumbled (spiritually) Paul suffered because of his concern for them.

Paul had empathy for those who are weak, because Paul knew and acknowledged his own weakness. If Paul boasted of anything he would boast of his weakness (so that the Lord’s power might be evident in him). The fact that Paul escaped all these perils illustrates the Lord’s power to deliver him, like the time he escaped from the power of the government at Damascus by being lowered in a basket from a window in the city wall (2 Corinthians 11:32-33; compare Acts 9:23-25).

Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, where he knew he would be crucified. (Luke 18:31-34). As they drew near Jesus told his disciples a parable “because they supposed that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately” (Luke 19:11). A nobleman went to a distant land to receive kingly power and then return (to reign over his own land). He called his servants and gave them each an identical amount of money (a “pound;” a “talent;” compare Matthew 25:14-30) and told them to invest and trade with the money until his return.

The nobleman’s citizens hated him and sent a delegation to try and thwart the nobleman’s appointment as king, saying that they didn’t want the nobleman to reign over them. When the nobleman returned, having received his kingly authority, he called his servants to account for the money he had given them to invest. One servant had used the pound to make ten more pounds. The king commended the servant for doing well, and gave him authority over ten cities. Another servant had made five pounds, and was commended and given authority over five cities. One servant had buried his master’s pound because he was afraid of his master and believed that his master possessed what the master hadn’t earned or deserved. The master condemned the unfaithful servant, saying that the servant should have at least put the pound in the bank where it would be safe and would earn interest.

The king took the pound from the unfaithful servant and gave it to the servant who had gained the ten pounds. Some were surprised and criticized the king for giving it to the servant who had the most. But the king replied that to those who have, more will be given; but to those who have not, even what they have will be taken away. Then the king commanded that the enemies of his kingdom who didn’t want the nobleman to reign over them be brought and executed in the king’s presence.

In one sense we are all God’s people, because he is our Creator, and we have been disowned, separated from God, because of sin. We have all sinned (disobeyed God’s Word) and fall short of his righteousness (Romans 3:23). In another sense Israel was the chosen people of God, whom God brought out of the wilderness into the Promised Land, but who repeatedly disobeyed God’s Word and went astray, worshiping and serving idols.

God’s Word is a warning to “Christian” nations today, particularly America, the “New Israel,” the “New Promised Land,” and also to the Church, which is the “New People of God.” Are we dealing corruptly with the Lord? Are we a crooked and perverse generation? Have we as Church and Nation forgotten what God taught our ancestors and our elders in the “wilderness?” Have we forgotten the care, providence and protection of God for us in the past?

Jesus is the fulfillment and manifestation in flesh of God, the Rock. Jesus is the only solid Rock on which to build, by obedient trust in him, a life that will last for eternity (Matthew 7:24-27). Jesus is the Rock who provides the spiritual water of life in the wilderness of this world (1 Corinthians 10:4b; Exodus 17:6; Numbers 20:7-11; John 4:10-14; John 7:37-39).

The confession that Jesus is the Christ, God’s anointed Savior and eternal King, is the Rock on which his Church is built. (Matthew 16:16-18). Jesus is the Rock of salvation (Acts 4:11-12). Jesus is also the Rock which will cause people to stumble and be destroyed by unbelief and disobedience (Matthew 21:42-44; Romans 9:31-33; 1 Peter 2:7-8; Isaiah 28:16, 8:14-15).

Paul is the example and prototype of a modern, “post-resurrection,” “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) disciple of Jesus Christ. The Lord gave Paul forgiveness and salvation from eternal punishment and spiritual death through Jesus Christ (Acts 9:1-20), and from that moment Paul began investing that gift for maximum yield and benefit for God’s kingdom.

Paul wasn’t seeking his own profit or recognition. Paul was willing to be humble and to admit his own weakness so that the Lord’s power working in and through him could be seen and glorified. He was willing take personal risk and to endure hardship to benefit God’s kingdom, and so that others could also share the gift and the work of God’s kingdom.

The parable of the pounds is the spiritual reality of this life. We are the citizens of this world, and Jesus is the nobleman who has gone to the distant land of God’s kingdom in heaven, where he has received his kingly authority (Matthew 28:18). Some of the citizens of this world have refused to accept Jesus’ kingly authority over them. Those who have accepted Jesus’ kingly authority are his servants.

The Lord has given all the citizens of this world the gift of forgiveness of sin and salvation from eternal destruction, on the condition that they trust and obey Jesus as their Lord and King (Ephesians 2:8-9; see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right). Those who trust and obey Jesus receive the gift which they are to invest by applying the Gospel in their lives, and by sharing the Gospel with others to produce a "profit" for Christ’s kingdom.

There is a Day of Judgment coming, when Jesus will return in the glory and power of his eternal kingship. We will all be accountable to him for the gift God has given us. He will reward his servants in proportion to what they have done with the gift they have been given, and he will destroy those who have refused to trust and obey him (Matthew 25:31-46). Are you the Lord’s servant? What kind of servant are you?

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

4 Pentecost - Thursday

first posted 06/15/05

Ecclesiasticus 44:19-45:5 Abraham and Moses
Song of Solomon 1:1-3, 9-11, 15-16a; 2:1-3a,      Song of Songs
2 Corinthians 12:1-10,       Strength in Weakness
Luke 19:28-40      Entry into Jerusalem

Abraham was a great father of many people; no one (among men) compares to his greatness. He obeyed God’s Word and was faithful to God’s covenant. When tested he was found to be faithful. God promised to bless his descendants and make from them a great nation beyond counting, and promised to give them the Promised Land for an inheritance. God renewed his covenant and blessing with Isaac and Isaac passed it on to his son Jacob, and divided the inheritance of the blessing and land among the twelve tribes.

From the descendants of Abraham God brought forth Moses, who was highly regarded and beloved by God and by all people. God magnified Moses in peoples’ eyes so that his enemies would fear him. God gave Moses power to work wonders, exalted him among kings, gave him the commandments, and revealed a portion of his glory to Moses. God sanctified (purified and set apart for God's service) Moses in Moses’ faithfulness and meekness, and chose him from all people (to be leader and mediator between God and God's people). God allowed Moses to hear God’s voice, allowed Moses to enter into (God’s presence in) the cloud (on Mount Sinai) , gave Moses God’s commandments, the laws of life and knowledge, face to face, so that Moses could teach the descendants of Jacob (Israel) his covenants and judgments.

The love of the King is better than wine or fragrant anointing oil; his “name is oil poured out.” His bride is beautiful and the King will adorn her with finest jewels and gold and silver ornaments. She is truly beautiful and beloved. The King is a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valley, and his bride is a lily among thorns and an apple tree bearing sweet fruit among a forest (of unfruitful trees).

Paul was not boastful nor was he advocating boasting, but was responding to critics who had been building themselves up by criticizing Paul. Paul described a vision of highest heaven which he had fourteen years prior (although he shared it “anonymously”). In that vision Paul heard (secret) things he either could not or was forbidden to share. Paul chose to boast of nothing of himself except his weaknesses, although he had plenty of reasons to boast if he chose. He was content to let people form their own opinion of him from what he said and did.

Paul mentioned a “thorn in the flesh” (a physical or emotional irritant) given him to keep him from becoming too proud of the revelations he had been given. Paul had prayed three times for its removal, but the Lord had told him that the Lord’s grace would help Paul endure it and that the Lord’s power is revealed through human weakness. So Paul would gladly admit his weaknesses so that he could experience and reveal Christ’s power in himself. For the sake of Christ Paul was able to be “content with weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities” (2 Corinthians 12:10). When Paul was weak he experienced and learned to rely on Christ’s strength.

Jesus was going to Jerusalem where he knew that he would be crucified (Luke 18:31-33). When Jesus and his disciples and followers came to Bethphage (on the outskirts of Jerusalem) and Bethany (about two miles from Jerusalem, on the slope of the Mount of Olives) Jesus sent two of his disciples into the village where they would find a young donkey which had never been ridden. Jesus told them to untie and bring the donkey, and if anyone questioned them they were to say that the Lord needed it.

The two disciples found it exactly as Jesus had said; they were questioned, and they answered as Jesus had told them, and they returned with the donkey. They placed their garments on the donkey and Jesus sat on it. Others put their garments on the road for the Lord to ride over. As he drew near to Jerusalem, descending from the Mount of Olives, the disciples and the whole multitude of followers began to rejoice and praise God, saying “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Some Pharisees (legalistic religious leaders) among the crowd told Jesus to rebuke his disciples, but Jesus replied that if people were silent the rocks would cry out.

Abraham and Moses are both examples of the kind of person God can use to accomplish God’s purpose. Both humbly trusted and obeyed the Lord. Neither sought their own greatness. Abraham is also an illustration of God the Father who passes on his blessing and inheritance to his children who keep God’s covenant by obedient trust. Abraham is the father not just of the Jews but of all Christians who trust and obey the Lord as Abraham did (Romans 4:16-17).

Moses is a forerunner and illustration of Christ; Jesus is our mediator between God and his people. Jesus is our leader who leads us through the wilderness of this life and into the Promised Land of God’s eternal kingdom. It is through Jesus by his indwelling Holy Spirit that we enter into God’s presence, hear God’s voice, understand God’s Word, know God’s will, and learn the laws of life and divine  knowledge (in contrast to what the world falsely calls knowledge; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, 2:6-7).

The Song of Songs is a love song of a king and his bride. It can be understood as describing the love between the Lord and his “bride” the Church. Jesus is the Messiah (Christ; both mean “anointed” in Hebrew and Greek, respectively), God’s anointed King of God’s eternal kingdom. The anointing was done with oil, so his name is literally the equivalent of “oil poured out” and the fulfillment of God's Word .  

The love of the King is illustrated and demonstrated in God’s Word and experienced in the gift of his indwelling Holy Spirit, which is an “anointing.” I and all “born-again” Christian disciples can testify that the Lord’s love is far better than any worldly approval, honor, anointing with the most fragrant oil, or the high one gets from alcohol. It’s the Lord’s approval and the anointing with his Holy Spirit that we should be seeking.  

Jesus is the Rose of Sharon; the Lily of the Valley (Song of Solomon 2:1); the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy of God’s people beholding the glory and majesty of the Lord (Isaiah 35:1-2; the “rose” of Sharon is a crocus, or a lily). The Lord loves his “bride,” the true Church, “the body of Christ,” but not every Church and every person that calls themselves “Christian” is part of the true Church. It is the true Church that is “beautiful” in their love of and in obedient trust in the Lord, who produces good fruit, and whom the King will bless with spiritual riches.

Paul is an example of the modern, “post-resurrection,” “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) Christian disciple and Apostle (a messenger of the Gospel). He was obedient and faithful to the Lord. He wasn’t seeking his own glory, material wealth or worldly power. He did not allow himself to become prideful because of his spiritual vision, knowledge and insight He was humble and willing to suffer physically and emotionally for the sake of the Gospel.

Paul accepted the Lord’s discipline. He learned from experience to trust and rely on the Lord’s power and providence. He admitted his weakness and acknowledged and gave the Lord glory for whatever was accomplished through Paul. Paul experienced personal knowledge of and fellowship with the Lord and experienced the Lord’s love and power through the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Paul applied Jesus’ teaching and example in his own life.

Jesus, the Son of God, God’s anointed Savior and King of God’s eternal kingdom, in whom the complete deity of God dwelt bodily (Colossians 2:8-9), willingly entered Jerusalem, the “city of God,” on a young donkey, knowing that he would be crucified. His followers acknowledged and proclaimed him God’s anointed King and Lord. They gave him a “red carpet” welcome. Jesus didn’t come with great demonstration of power and glory; he came humbly, not in the horse-drawn chariot of a king, but on the back of a donkey. He didn’t expect or seek his own worldly praise and recognition, but he would not rebuke his disciples who recognized and acknowledged him.

Jesus is coming again. This time he will come with tremendous supernatural power and glory. Do you realize who Jesus is? Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

4 Pentecost - Friday

First posted 06/16/05

Ecclesiasticus 45:6-16     Aaron's priesthood
Song of Solomon 2:8-13; 4:1-4a, 5-7, 9-11,      The lover comes in the spring
2 Corinthians 12:11-21,        Paul’s approaching visit    
Luke 19:41-48      Cleansing the temple  

God blessed Aaron and gave him the priesthood which was to be passed on to his descendants. God put his perfect glory upon Aaron and strengthened him with a robe of glory. Moses consecrated Aaron and anointed him with holy oil. God chose him out of all people to offer sacrifice to the Lord, to make reconciliation for his people.

The Song of Solomon can be understood as a love song of the King, the Lord Jesus Christ, and his bride, the Church. The Lord’s coming draws near; his voice can be heard. He calls to his beloved to arise and come to the Lord and come away with him. The winter is past and the signs of spring can be seen throughout nature. His bride is beautiful and without flaw. The Lord loves her and desires her love above all.

In all his words and actions Paul was worthy of commendation by the Corinthian church, but instead had been forced to defend his conduct. He had been criticized by (false) apostles within the congregation who were seeking their own glory. The fact that Paul wasn’t seeking personal recognition or using his ministry for financial gain didn’t make his ministry and divine commission inferior to his critics. In the congregation Paul had demonstrated his authentic apostleship and his “anointing” by the Holy Spirit. Paul had dealt no less fairly with the Corinthians than any other church. In fact he had more generous with them because he had not required their financial support of his ministry.

Paul was prepared to visit the congregation again, and he was seeking their spiritual wellbeing rather than any material benefit for himself. Paul regarded them as his spiritual children and, like a good parent, wants to provide for them rather than expecting them to provide for him. Paul was happy to give himself and his resources for their spiritual nurture. Would the congregation love Paul less as Paul’s love for them increased? Was Paul’s generosity a crafty scheme to take advantage of them? When Paul sent Titus and his fellow missionary to them they had behaved exactly like Paul and no one was claiming that Titus and his co-worker had taken advantage of the Corinthians (as they apparently had done to Paul).

The purpose of Paul’s letter was not to defend himself to the Corinthians, but to help them grow spiritually. God’s judgment of Paul’s ministry is the only judgment that matters. Paul worried that when he came to Corinth he might find problems in the congregation and the congregation might be unhappy with Paul. Paul wanted to avoid quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, conceit and disorder within the congregation. Paul didn’t want to be embarrassed in the presence of the congregation and be grieved “by many of those who sinned before and have not repented of the impurity, immorality and licentiousness which they have practiced” (2 Corinthians 12:21).

Jesus had gone to Jerusalem, knowing that he would be crucified (Luke 18:31-34). When Jesus approached and saw the city he wept over it, saying “Would that even today you knew the things that make for Peace! But now they are hid from your eyes” (Luke 19:42). Jesus foretold the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple (fulfilled by the Romans in 70 A.D.), and declared that it would happen because Israel had not recognized and accepted Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus entered the temple and drove out the merchants who conducted business (those who sold animals for sacrifice and exchanged Roman coins for Jewish coins required for use in the temple), declaring that they had made what God designated a house of prayer into a den of robbers (Isaiah 56:7; Jeremiah 7:11).

Jesus taught in the temple daily. “The chief priests and the scribes (teachers of Jewish law) and the principal men of the people sought to destroy him; but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people hung upon his words” (Luke 19:48).

Aaron is a forerunner and illustration of the Christ who was to come. Aaron’s priesthood was to be replaced by a better, eternal high priest, Jesus Christ. Jesus is the one and only Messiah (Christ; meaning “anointed” in Hebrew and Greek respectively). Jesus is the only one who could and did offer a sacrifice, on the Cross, once for all people and all time, to make reconciliation for his people (all who trust and obey Jesus). God put his perfect glory upon Jesus and strengthened him with the robe of glory (through his Holy Spirit; Luke 3:21-22; Colossians 2:8-9).

Jesus passes on that priesthood to his spiritual children, not that they replace or become equal to Jesus, but serving under him and carrying on his ministry. The gift of the Holy Spirit which Jesus promised to his disciples who trust and obey him (John 14:15-17) is the anointing of the perfect glory of God and the “robe of glory” who strengthens his disciples and enables them to carry on Christ’s ministry of forgiveness of sin and reconciliation with God. .

The King is coming! The Lord Jesus Christ has promised to return for his bride, the Church, on the Day of Judgment. (John 14:3; Acts 1:10-11). Like we can tell when winter is over and spring is coming, we can see spiritual indications all around us that his return is drawing near. The Lord loves his bride, the Church, and desires her love for him. Jesus calls his beloved to arise and come to the Lord spiritually through obedient trust and spiritual growth, so that she is prepared to come away with the Lord. When Jesus returns will he find her beautiful and flawless?

Paul had promised to return to his Corinthian Church, and as his visit drew near he was trying to prepare the Church for his coming, so that his visit would not be an occasion for embarrassment and mourning. Paul was an authentic Apostle (messenger; of the Gospel), who testified to, and demonstrated his “anointing” by the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. He wasn’t in it for the money, for worldly acclaim, to manipulate people, or to please himself. Paul was seeking their spiritual growth and wellbeing.

Paul is an example of the inheritance of Jesus’ eternal priesthood by the spiritual children of Christ, and Paul’s fatherly concern for his spiritual children at Corinth emulates Christ’s concern for his Church. Paul is the example of what Church leaders should be, in contrast to the leaders of Judaism at the time of Christ’s earthly ministry. Paul was an authentic “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) disciple and apostle of Jesus Christ, and the Church at Corinth should have been able to recognize that from Paul’s words and actions.

Paul was worried that he would be embarrassed and grieved at his visit by finding a considerable number of members of the Corinthian congregation who were unrepentant and continuing to practice sinful behavior.

Jesus mourned over Jerusalem, “the city of God,” knowing that they were unprepared for his coming. Jesus knew that their city and temple would be destroyed because they had not recognized and accepted Jesus as the Messiah, God’s anointed Savior and King. When Jesus entered the city he went to the temple and began driving out those who were violating God’s  and using religion for their personal profit. The reason that the temple was full of disobedient, unrepentant sinners was because there was tremendous corruption in the religious leaders.

How are we doing, Church? Are we ready for Jesus’ return? Do we tolerate unrepentant sinful behavior like impurity, immorality and licentiousness within our congregations? Are there quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, conceit and disorder within our congregations?  Do we tolerate false apostles? Do we choose preachers who preach only what we want to hear(2 Timothy 4:3-4)? Are we pursuing spiritual growth and the “anointing of the Holy Spirit?” Are we using religion for financial or political gain? Has religion become a “business?” Are we carrying on Jesus’ ministry of forgiveness, reconciliation and discipleship by his call and empowerment by the Holy Spirit?  Are we returning Christ’s love for us with indifference or anger? When Jesus returns, will he find his bride beautiful and without blemish, or will he mourn and be forced to drive out the wicked?

Are you ready for Christ’s return? Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

4 Pentecost - Saturday

First posted 06/17/05

Song of Solomon 5:10-16; 7:1-7a (9); 8:6-7,     The king and his bride  
2 Corinthians 13:1-14,   Paul’s impending visit  
Luke 20:1-8       Jesus’ authority

The Song of Solomon can be understood as a love song of the lover (the king; Jesus Christ) and his bride (the Church). The bride’s lover is the “fairest of ten thousand.”  His words are sweet and he is completely desirable. He is the bride’s beloved and her friend. The bride is queenly and virginal. She is fair and pleasant. She is beloved and pleasing to her lover. “Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is as strong as (or stronger than) death, jealousy is cruel as the grave” (Song of Solomon 8:6). The fire of jealousy is an unquenchable flame. Love cannot be quenched or drowned, and love is worth more than any amount of material wealth.

Paul was planning a third visit to the Corinthian church. Paul’s previous visit had been “painful” because he had to discipline members for sinful and unacceptable behavior (such as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 12:20-21), and had warned them that he would deal harshly with members if he found them continuing such behavior. But accusations would have to meet the standards of God’s  Word (Deuteronomy 19:15), requiring two or three witnesses to substantiate the charges. Apparently some of the congregation had challenged Paul’s “anointing” (with the Holy Spirit) and authority that Christ was speaking through Paul. Christ died in weakness but rose in power, and Paul shared similar human weakness, but Christ worked with divine power through Paul.

Paul urged the Corinthian Christians to examine and test themselves to be certain that they are holding to the true faith (the Apostolic Gospel which Paul had taught them and is recorded in the New Testament). They should know with certainty if they have been “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) by the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, which Jesus promised to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). If they have been “born-again” they should be able to recognize Paul’s “anointing.”  

Paul prayed that the Corinthian Christians would not do wrong, not so that Paul’s authority and reputation would be enhanced, but for their own spiritual welfare. Paul would be willing to sacrifice his own status if it would help the Corinthians grow to spiritual maturity. But Paul couldn’t sacrifice truth to make the Corinthians look good or feel good. God is truth and Christians can’t work against truth. Paul would be glad to be weak so that the Corinthians could become strong through Christ’s Spirit (the Holy Spirit; Romans 8:9) within them. Paul prayed for their spiritual growth.

Paul hoped that, by writing in advance of his visit, he could avoid using his apostolic authority to severely discipline the congregation in person, hoping to use that authority to spiritually build up the congregation, as the Lord intended, rather than for tearing down. In closing Paul urged the congregation to do what Paul urged, to amend their ways and to live in peace with one another “and the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Corinthians 13:11b). “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Corinthians 13:14).

Jesus had come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover, knowing that he would be crucified (Luke 18:31-34). Jesus was teaching and preaching the gospel daily in the temple, and one day the religious leaders demanded to know by whose authority Jesus was teaching, and preaching (and healing; Matthew 21:14-15). Jesus replied by asking the religious authorities whether the baptism (authority) of John was from heaven or from men.

The authorities discussed the question among themselves, realizing that if they acknowledged John’s heavenly authority they were admitting their guilt of sin for not accepting John’s call for repentance. On the other hand, if they denied John’s heavenly authority the people would rebel against the leaders’ authority. So they decided to say they didn’t know. Then Jesus told the leaders that he wouldn’t answer their question either.

Jesus Christ loves his Church and his true and faithful Church loves and desires him. His words are sweet and his will for his Church and people is most desirable and in their very best interest. Jesus is more beautiful and desirable than any other person or thing. Jesus’ is a true friend, whose friendship exceeds any other. The Church is to be “queenly,” to act nobly, and virginal, not tolerating sin, immorality or infidelity.

The Church is sealed in Christ by the gift and “anointing” of the indwelling Holy Spirit within each member. It is the Holy Spirit who is the seal upon our hearts. The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that we are in Christ and that we have eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).

Love is stronger than death because love is eternal (1 Corinthians 13:13). But the Lord will not tolerate any rival for his love and affections (i.e., idolatry; Exodus 20:2-6). Disobedience and idolatry will be punished by eternal fire in Hell (2 Thessalonians 1:5-10). Those who truly love Jesus will trust and obey him (John 14:21, 23).

Paul is the example of a modern, “post-resurrection,” “born-again” disciple and apostle of Jesus Christ. His authority and commission were from the Lord through his “anointing” with the indwelling Holy Spirit, and he was using the authority he had been given to build and strengthen the church by rebuking and disciplining members for sin and wrongdoing. He was not using that authority to build himself up or for any personal or worldly benefit.

Paul knew and wanted his congregations to know that no one who is unwilling to hear the truth, though painful, can come to the Lord. Paul was speaking the truth in love, so that his congregation could receive the spiritual blessings the Lord has promised to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus.

Paul asked his congregation to examine and test themselves honestly against the standard of God’s Word, so that they would not drift away from the sound doctrine and gospel taught by Paul and recorded in the New Testament, and also to honestly assess their level of spiritual growth and maturity. He expected them to know whether they had been “born-again” (Acts 19:2), and expected those who had been “born again” to be able to tell from Paul’s words and conduct that Paul was “born-again” and acting in the guidance and authority of Christ by the Holy Spirit.

Paul’s purpose and goal was to fulfill the “Great Commission” given by the risen Jesus to his disciples to make disciples of Jesus Christ who would trust and obey Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20) and be “born-again,” as Paul (formerly known as “Saul”)  had been (Acts 9:17-18), by the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. (Note also the doctrine of the Trinity expressed in Paul’s benediction: 2 Corinthians 13:14.)

The Jewish religious leaders were so spiritually blind that they could not recognize that Jesus is the Son of God and the promised Messiah (Christ; God’s anointed Savior and eternal King). They demanded to know where Jesus had gotten authority to preach the gospel (and heal the sick and disabled; Matthew 21:14-15). Where had the religious leaders gotten their authority? They refused to accept the truth that Jesus revealed to them in his reply: They loved their own authority over the people more than they loved God or the truth; otherwise they would have accepted John the Baptizer’s authority, repented and been ready to receive the Messiah, Jesus Christ. They were using their authority for their own personal benefit and for power over the people.

Is the Church examining itself to make sure it is practicing, preserving and passing on the true Biblical Apostolic Gospel? Is the Church making “born-again” disciples of Jesus Christ who trust and obey all that Jesus commands? Is the Church rebuking and disciplining members who are doing what is sinful and contrary to God’s Word? Are the Church and each individual congregation making sure that its preachers have the authority and anointing of the Holy Spirit?

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?