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Because You Believe

Ken

We cannot but speak what we believe. In other words, what we do not speak (where there is opportunity) — we do not believe. “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20 KJV).

First, faith is only saving faith, if it is accompanied by works, where there is opportunity. “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?” (James 2:14).  

Second, faith is dead, if not accompanied by works, where there is opportunity. “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:17). 

Third, faith is always looking to express itself with works. “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works” (James 2:18). 

Fourth, faith understands the vanity or emptiness of claiming, “I believe,” without accompanied works. “But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” (James 2:20). 

Fifth, faith is not destroyed but perfected by works. “Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?” (James 2:22). 

Sixth, faith is not the sole condition of justification, unless we can remove the necessity of: 

(a) Repentance and baptism, i.e., “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38), 

(b) Forsaking all for Christ, i.e., “26 If any man come to Me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after Me, cannot be My disciple. 33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26-27, 33), and 

(c) Confession from the heart and the mouth of Jesus as Lord, Master, and Boss, i.e., “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9 KJV). 

Accordingly, “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (James 2:24).

Seventh, faith does not allow for a spiritless body, any more than we would allow the deadness of a demonic spirit to qualify in inhabiting the body. “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:26). 

Father, grant us the courage and understanding to see the Foundation of Salvation and Justification as coming from Christ only, but not to be confused by the Terms and Conditions for Salvation, that we would engage in a fruitless and groundless attempt to establish salvation as only a claim of faith in Christ. Grant us fuller instruction, and preserve us from any form of self-trust as the foundation of our hope for eternal life. Give Your people understanding of the Salvation in Christ Jesus, as able to save them to the uttermost “that come unto God by Him [Christ]” (Hebrews 7:25). Lord Jesus, return quickly and deliver us. Amen.

Humbled By God

Ken

Giving you more than you asked? “Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). What a wonderful problem! Whenever it happens, we need to confess our lack of faith for not asking for more. When Elisha told the widow to gather empty jars to gather a miraculous flow of valuable olive oil for food and fuel (2Kings 4:1-7), they were miraculously filled as “she poured out” (4:5) until she ran out of jars, then the “oil stayed” (4:6). Elisha told the king of Israel to take a handful of arrows and strike the ground before he shot the arrows out of the window, since the arrows represented the “LORD’s deliverance” (13:17) over Syria. The king struck the ground three times, then stopped (13:18). Elisha became angry. “And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed it: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice” (13:19). You suffer, “yet ye have not, because ye ask not” (James 4:2). And, when we ask, we do not ask confidently. LORD, increase our faith that we may realize the superiority of the Holy Spirit working in us and our circumstances far surpasses all of our small requests for things. “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him” (Luke 11:13). Teach us the power of Your Spirit working in us. Lord Jesus, return quickly. Amen.

Cleanse and Maintain a Pure Life by the Word of God (Psalm 119:9)

Ken

“BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man [Hebrew, na’ar, noun masculine] cleanse [Hebrew, zâkâh, to make clean, keep clean] his way? by taking heed [Hebrew, shâmar, keep, guard] thereto according to Thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV). Not just a young man, but any young person can cleanse and maintain a pure life by guarding that life according to the infallible instructions of an Infallible God. Where can such infallible guidance be found? Only from God’s revealed truth, which Israel has guarded for mankind until the Church has accepted the mantle. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2Timothy 3:16). NT writers, such as Peter, understood their NT writings were understood and to be received as Scripture, consistent with the OT Hebrew canon. “As also in all his [Paul’s] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction” (2Peter 3:16). 

Returning to Psalm 119:9, cleansing and maintaining a pure and holy life can only be accomplished by guarding the heart according to God’s Word. “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). Cleansing from even “secret faults” (Psalm 19:12), the innumerable wrongs we have committed that we have inescapably forgotten — but would admit and abandon once remembered — we ask for God’s cleansing. “Who can understand his errors? cleanse Thou me from secret faults” (Psalm 19:12). Then, maintaining a holy life must now be possible by paying attention to and guarding God’s Word in our heart. Under the Old Covenant, Israel had the fear of God to keep them from sinning. “Moses said to the people, Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning” (Exodus 20:20 NIV). 

Additionally, under the New Covenant, we have the Indwelling Holy Spirit to keep us from sinning. “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2). However, our improper understanding of so-called constitutional sin has so hobbled the Church, we cannot advance without constantly confessing and regressing over past events — to the delight of the enemy. “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (1John 3:4). If we can understand this — sin is only active rebellion and transgression of God’s law in our heart — then we would not pine away God’s time, and our opportunity to serve Him, with endless, quixotic attempts at humility and re-confessing all sins real or imagined. 

Father, teach us by Your blessed Holy Spirit how to cleanse and maintain a pure walk with You according to Your Word. Help us to elevate not only our thinking but our expectation from You to make possible a pure walk before You. Take away all pre-conceived notions of perfectionism and replace it with practical holiness. May walking with You be more natural than our daily exchanges with humanity. Continue to move the human experience until “Christ is all, and in all” (Colossians 3:11). Lord Jesus, raise our expectation of You and return quickly. Amen and amen.

God’s Presence Secures Our Obedience (Psalm 119:8)

Ken

“I will keep Thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly” (Psalm 119:8 KJV). Spoken like someone who not only understood how important obedience was but how obedience worked, i.e., God’s presence secures our obedience. Even in the beginning, Adam and Eve walked with Yahweh, but did not possess the key gift only a Resurrected Jesus could give — the gift of an indwelling Holy Spirit. “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). We NT disciples have misunderstood, neglected, and taken for granted a gift greater than Christ’s purchase of our salvation on the Cross, none other than Christ’s endowment of the indwelling presence of God’s Obedience Securing Spirit. Under the Old Covenant, God’s inward presence was not part of the revealed relationship of “obey My voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be My people” (Jeremiah 7:23). Under the terms of our New Covenant, “I will put My spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27). Paul understood a “more excellent way” (1Corinthians 12:31) than “spiritual gifts” (12:1), which was the way of loving obedience (1Corinthians 13). Peter again added his voice, “And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him” (Acts 5:32). Spirit inspired obedience from those whom the Spirit inspires to obedience. Father, You have given us the gift of Your Son to save us. Your Son has given His Spirit to sanctify us in loving obedience. May we understand, respond, and continue until Jesus soon returns for us. Amen and amen.

Daily Loads Us With Benefits

Ken

Who wouldn’t praise someone who daily weighs us down with benefits? “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation” (Psalm 68:19 KJV). How can anyone be so generous? How can anyone be so capable? Who could do such a thing? “Even the God of our salvation” (68:19). Why doesn’t everyone sign up to be His people? You can see why God’s adversary the devil has a full time job of giving everyone, especially God’s people, the impression that the LORD is not as good as He really is. The adversary must take the little he has and entice us that he has more than the Unlimited Almighty God of our Salvation. “Thou hast ascended on high, Thou hast led captivity captive: Thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them” (68:18). Leading “captivity captive” (68:18) is overpowering and delivering from the enemy. Receiving “gifts for men”(68:18) is distributing to us things we have not earned or worked for, like presents for little children. “For the rebellious also” (68:18) means He is willing to use His goodness in giving gifts to attract even His enemies, who still can change sides. LORD, help us to get the word out that You are the greatest benefit in all of existence for humankind! There is none like You! May we overcome the overcomer of our faith, as we untie our tongues in Your praise. May the feebleness of our minds be unfeebled as we search for words to rightly give You the praise for which You are worthy! Lord Jesus, return quickly that we should ever be in Your presence! Amen and amen.

Praise From an Upright Heart for God’s Judgments (Psalm 119:7)

Ken

“I will praise Thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned Thy righteous judgments” (Psalm 119:7 KJV). Praise pours from an upright heart, when learning of God’s judgments. Even without the benefit of the NT Indwelling Holy Spirit, the Old Covenant Psalmist would praise God for His commands and judgments, instead of protesting God’s laws as chains and shackles. It has always been an issue of the heart, more than of our head or understanding. When we take pride in our intellect to the exclusion of our devotion to God, then we fall into the same trap as Lucifer, and need to seek God’s help for deliverance. “13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit” (Isaiah 14:13-15). Father, grant us Your help to avoid Lucifer’s mistake. Guard our heart. Cause Your Spirit’s influence to be felt not just within ourselves but in those around us, for good. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Directed to Keep His Statutes (Psalm 119:5)

Ken

“O that my ways were directed to keep Thy statutes” (Psalm 119:5 KJV). The “grievous wolves” (Acts 20:29 KJV) Paul warned the Ephesians elders about, entered into the flock of the Ephesian Church, though they patiently struggled to maintain fidelity to apostolic doctrine, they lost their devotion to Jesus, who is the True Reason for obedience. Sadly, Jesus had to condemn the Apostolic Church of Ephesus, “Thou hast left thy first love” (Revelation 2:4). Even so, the Psalmist yearned for a devotion to the LORD, which would cause him to keep the LORD’s statutes. “O that my ways were directed to keep Thy statutes” (Psalm 119:5). The form of obedience without the heart of devotion to the LORD is reprobate. But, now we have the NT gift of the Holy Spirit, who is our primary aid in keeping our focus upon Jesus. “And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27). LORD, cause us to be ready for Your appearing. Give us a heart of devotion and love to You that we may walk in True Obedience. Return quickly, in Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Diligently Keeping Precepts (Psalm 119:4)

Ken

“Thou hast commanded us to keep Thy precepts diligently” (Psalm 119:4 KJV). How are we to keep Your precepts? Diligently. We are to treat the keeping of God’s precepts carefully, as if we were handling our own soul. “Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently” (Deuteronomy 4:9). God uses careful language, when He wants our attention about how we should handle our relationship with Him. He invites us to receive deeply from Himself, but we must be aware. “Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” (Luke 12:48). The LORD is willing to show more of Himself to us, but it comes with greater responsibility. Prepare ourselves for exercise. LORD, You know best what we need. We ask for a greater revelation of Yourself and Your glory. And, we ask for the grace, faith, and diligence to receive it. In Jesus’ name, amen.

It’s All About Relationship

Ken

Who He is to us, and who we are to Him. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2Peter 3:18 KJV). Many years ago, I would have  agreed with the word Relationship, but only superficially. I would have actually meant, “Get them saved, ” then repeat the process with the next one. But, they come in through the front door and leave through the back door. We try to solve the problem by social engagement, church member interacting with church member, with the understanding, “They won’t leave, if they have friends.” But, then they leave with their friends. Perhaps we need to be asking one another, “What is the LORD trying to teach us about Himself?” How has our understanding of His Word’s application to ourselves changed our understanding of Him? Paul seems to have captured that understanding. “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death” (Philippians 3:10). Father, stir us out of our lethargy. Cause us not to be satisfied with the way things are. Enable us to see You as our all in all to meet all the difficulties of life that You use to motivate us. May our cries for help fall upon Your hearing ears. May our hearts not be satisfied with mere answers for our deliverance, but may we see Your glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 

Ways of His Words (Psalm 119:3)

Ken

“They also do no iniquity: they walk in His ways” (Psalm 119:3 KJV). Negatively, we do no evil. How can we be so sure? Because, positively, we are walking in His ways. This is positive holiness, for we are separated to “walking in His ways.” In our Unity of Moral action, we cannot be both holy and sinful at the same time. If we are truly doing no iniquity, then we are walking in His ways. Our purpose, intention, or emphasis must be Him. Loss of that intention, all is lost. We must persevere “to the end” (Matthew 10:22) with wholehearted devotion to Him. LORD, make it so. In Jesus’ name, amen.