by David Long
"And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" (Mk. 16:17-18). There are those today who claim to have such powers as Jesus mentioned in these verses. They claim that they can heal people. Some of them will even have big healing services. Well, where are they now with this pandemic? Are they healing anyone with covid-19? Right now would be a good time to have a big healing service and heal people with the virus. But you know what? They are just as scared of getting the virus as everyone else is. No one today has such powers as mentioned in Mk. 16:17-18. They were for a limited time (1 Cor. 13:8-13; Heb. 2:3-4). They are not "faith healers." They are fake healers. They won't heal anyone now with covid-19 but when the virus is under control they will go back to claiming they can heal. And you know the really sad part? People will believe them.
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
walk as wise
by David Long
"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is" (Eph. 5:15-17). If we are to walk as wise then we must understand what the will of the Lord is. That means we must consult God's word, the Bible. Can't treat the Bible like a doorstop and walk as wise. If we are to walk as wise we must make decisions based on sound reasoning and not emotions. If we are to walk as wise our choices must be based on what God's wants and not what I want.
"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is" (Eph. 5:15-17). If we are to walk as wise then we must understand what the will of the Lord is. That means we must consult God's word, the Bible. Can't treat the Bible like a doorstop and walk as wise. If we are to walk as wise we must make decisions based on sound reasoning and not emotions. If we are to walk as wise our choices must be based on what God's wants and not what I want.
Monday, July 27, 2020
cancelling God's commandments
by David Long
Who can cancel God's commandments? The state of California has made a rule to cancel singing in churches. Is that a rule that the church of Christ should obey? No! God says to sing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). God says, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (Heb. 10:25). That is negative command from God telling us to not forsake the assemblies of the saints. Who can cancel that command?
Who can cancel God's commandments? The state of California has made a rule to cancel singing in churches. Is that a rule that the church of Christ should obey? No! God says to sing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). God says, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (Heb. 10:25). That is negative command from God telling us to not forsake the assemblies of the saints. Who can cancel that command?
Thursday, July 23, 2020
return to the dust
by David Long
"In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return" (Gen. 3:19). Those must have been some sobering words for Adam to hear from God. You know what? Those are still sobering words. Physically speaking we are dust. Our fleshly bodies came from the dust and they will return to the dust. That should cause any right thinking person to consider how they live in the flesh. "That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God" (1 Pet. 4:2). Only those who do the will of God will make it to heaven (Matt. 7:21). We are going to return to the dust and our souls shall be required of us (Lk. 12:20). Are you ready?
"In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return" (Gen. 3:19). Those must have been some sobering words for Adam to hear from God. You know what? Those are still sobering words. Physically speaking we are dust. Our fleshly bodies came from the dust and they will return to the dust. That should cause any right thinking person to consider how they live in the flesh. "That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God" (1 Pet. 4:2). Only those who do the will of God will make it to heaven (Matt. 7:21). We are going to return to the dust and our souls shall be required of us (Lk. 12:20). Are you ready?
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Hazarded their lives
by David Long
Christians should never be afraid of dying. Christians don't have a death wish but they are not afraid to hazard their lives for the name of Jesus Christ.
"It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 15:25-26).
"Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles" (Rom. 16:3-4).
The apostle Paul faced death daily (1 Cor. 15:31).
Missionaries go to places where they risk their health and some have even died from diseases that they got at those places. Should covid-19 keep us locked up in our houses?
Christians should never be afraid of dying. Christians don't have a death wish but they are not afraid to hazard their lives for the name of Jesus Christ.
"It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 15:25-26).
"Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles" (Rom. 16:3-4).
The apostle Paul faced death daily (1 Cor. 15:31).
Missionaries go to places where they risk their health and some have even died from diseases that they got at those places. Should covid-19 keep us locked up in our houses?
Monday, July 20, 2020
Things not cancelled
by David Long
The year of cancellations. Because of covid 19, events have been and are being cancelled. But here are a few things that will not be cancelled. Death and the Judgment Day (Heb. 9:27). The return of Christ and the end of the world (2 Pet. 3). The resurrection of the dead (1 Cor. 15). These events will happen no matter what. The question we need to be asking ourselves is: are we ready for these events? When will they happen? Don't know but they will happen!
The year of cancellations. Because of covid 19, events have been and are being cancelled. But here are a few things that will not be cancelled. Death and the Judgment Day (Heb. 9:27). The return of Christ and the end of the world (2 Pet. 3). The resurrection of the dead (1 Cor. 15). These events will happen no matter what. The question we need to be asking ourselves is: are we ready for these events? When will they happen? Don't know but they will happen!
Thursday, July 16, 2020
What does it mean to believe or not believe?
by David Long
"And it came to pass in Iconium that they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake that a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed. But the Jews that were disobedient stirred up the souls of the Gentiles, and made them evil affected against the brethren" (Acts 14:1-2).
"He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life; but he that obeyeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him" (John 3:36).
"And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that were disobedient? And we see that they were not able to enter in because of unbelief" (Heb. 3:18-19).
Do you see what it means to believe or not believe? So when the jailor asked "Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved, thou and thy house" (Acts 16:30-31). Did it mean faith only? No. Read the following verses in Acts 16:32-34.
"And it came to pass in Iconium that they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake that a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed. But the Jews that were disobedient stirred up the souls of the Gentiles, and made them evil affected against the brethren" (Acts 14:1-2).
"He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life; but he that obeyeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him" (John 3:36).
"And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that were disobedient? And we see that they were not able to enter in because of unbelief" (Heb. 3:18-19).
Do you see what it means to believe or not believe? So when the jailor asked "Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved, thou and thy house" (Acts 16:30-31). Did it mean faith only? No. Read the following verses in Acts 16:32-34.
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Don't do something unauthorized
by David Long
"And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD. Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace. And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them, Come near, carry your brethren from before the sanctuary out of the camp. So they went near, and carried them in their coats out of the camp; as Moses had said. And Moses said unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons, Uncover not your heads, neither rend your clothes; lest ye die, and lest wrath come upon all the people: but let your brethren, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning which the LORD hath kindled. And ye shall not go out from the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: for the anointing oil of the LORD is upon you. And they did according to the word of Moses" (Lev. 10:1-7).
Boy, the Lord doesn't mess around, does He? You do something that you don't have authority to do and you are in trouble. Better make sure you have Bible authority.
"And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD. Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace. And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them, Come near, carry your brethren from before the sanctuary out of the camp. So they went near, and carried them in their coats out of the camp; as Moses had said. And Moses said unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons, Uncover not your heads, neither rend your clothes; lest ye die, and lest wrath come upon all the people: but let your brethren, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning which the LORD hath kindled. And ye shall not go out from the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: for the anointing oil of the LORD is upon you. And they did according to the word of Moses" (Lev. 10:1-7).
Boy, the Lord doesn't mess around, does He? You do something that you don't have authority to do and you are in trouble. Better make sure you have Bible authority.
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
If I perish, I perish
by David Long
"Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai; All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days. And they told to Mordecai Esther's words. Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:10-13).
Do the right thing regardless of the cost!
"Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai; All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days. And they told to Mordecai Esther's words. Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:10-13).
Do the right thing regardless of the cost!
Monday, July 13, 2020
Get your priorities straight
by David Long
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matt. 6:19-21).
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matt. 6:33).
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth" (Col. 3:1-2).
Get the point?
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matt. 6:19-21).
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matt. 6:33).
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth" (Col. 3:1-2).
Get the point?
Thursday, July 9, 2020
All is vanity
by David Long
Read Ecclesiastes 1:2. The Preacher declared, "all is vanity." One could read the book of Ecclesiastes and become very discouraged, disappointed and despaired of life. One would think that life is not worth living. But keep in mind that "things under the sun" are under consideration and they are shown to be inadequate to satisfy or meet man's greatest need and that is a right relationship with God. The pursuit of happiness without God is vanity. On this side of the cross the only life that matters is the Christian life (Acts 26:28-29). Any other way of living and "all is vanity."
Read Ecclesiastes 1:2. The Preacher declared, "all is vanity." One could read the book of Ecclesiastes and become very discouraged, disappointed and despaired of life. One would think that life is not worth living. But keep in mind that "things under the sun" are under consideration and they are shown to be inadequate to satisfy or meet man's greatest need and that is a right relationship with God. The pursuit of happiness without God is vanity. On this side of the cross the only life that matters is the Christian life (Acts 26:28-29). Any other way of living and "all is vanity."
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
The one's of unity
by David Long
"Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Eph. 4:3-6).
The religious world is divided and it will always be divided until it gets these one's right. The divided religious world will never be pleasing to God as long as it is divided on these one's. There can be no disagreement on these one's. These are the one's of unity.
"Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Eph. 4:3-6).
The religious world is divided and it will always be divided until it gets these one's right. The divided religious world will never be pleasing to God as long as it is divided on these one's. There can be no disagreement on these one's. These are the one's of unity.
Thursday, July 2, 2020
Dimensions of God's love
by David Long
"That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God" (Eph. 3:17-19).
1. The breadth of God's love.
2. The length of God's love.
3. The depth of God's love.
4. The height of God's love.
What would the measurements be for God's love?
"That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God" (Eph. 3:17-19).
1. The breadth of God's love.
2. The length of God's love.
3. The depth of God's love.
4. The height of God's love.
What would the measurements be for God's love?
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
God's eternal purpose
by David Long
"and to make all men see what is the dispensation of the mystery which for ages hath been hid in God who created all things; to the intent that now unto the principalities and the powers in the heavenly (places) might be made known through the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Eph. 3:9-11).
What was God's eternal purpose? It's the church of Christ. The church that Jesus built (Matt, 16:18) is not an after thought of God but it was always His plan to build it. It was not God's plan B but His plan A. God never had a plan B.
"and to make all men see what is the dispensation of the mystery which for ages hath been hid in God who created all things; to the intent that now unto the principalities and the powers in the heavenly (places) might be made known through the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Eph. 3:9-11).
What was God's eternal purpose? It's the church of Christ. The church that Jesus built (Matt, 16:18) is not an after thought of God but it was always His plan to build it. It was not God's plan B but His plan A. God never had a plan B.
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