The Ark 01/03/2011
 
The biblical story of the world-wide flood crosses many ancient cultures in this world.  It was a time of great evil against God when people did what was right in their own eyes (Genesis 6: 5-6).  Yet, everyday, people need to be aware of a "flood" that may end their time - death itself.

When people die then, according to Scripture, their eternal fate is sealed.  How important is it, then, for people to choose God now instead wait when it is too late?  Teach yourself and others to be humble before God.

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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The book of Jude lays it out nicely.  It says in singleness of clarity that Christians need to "contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 1:3).

Contend means to fight.  Fight for righteous clarification and understanding from those who teach the word.  Fight against those who attempt to destroy belief in God.  Fight against hypocrisy of all Christians.  Fight against liberalism of the word.  Fight against ungodly secularism of our leadership.  Fight against legalism of faith in Jesus.  Fight against greed.  Fight against sexual perversion of all kinds that are spoken in Scripture.  Fight against those who would destroy the true teachings of what it means to have faith in Jesus Christ.  Fight against stupidity that permeates an immoral and "politically correct" people.

Read the book of Jude and understand how "the lord's humbled" can fight "for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 1:3).

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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"I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings" (1 Corinthians 9:23).

Years ago I worked with an individual who lost his desire to follow God.  He was bitter and angry at God.  He said that he had done everything right and God didn't bless him.

What was wrong with him.  Was he bitter for no reason.  Did he have a "works" oriented salvation concept.  Was he taught wrongly about "name-it-claim-it-faith".  Could it be that his understanding of God was wrong.  Who taught him what is the best blessing for us other than the love of God through Jesus Christ?  Was he humble before God?  Are you humble before God?

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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"Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 'Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.'  But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.  He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish.  So he paid the fare and went on board, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD" (Jonah 1:1-3). 

If you have ever studied the book of Jonah then you know of the difficulty Jonah has in carrying out the commandments of the Lord.  Have you ever had similar failings in following the commandments of God?  Have you ever wanted to "run away" from godly tasks.  Please humble yourselves before God in all ways.

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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"He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him"  (Colossians 2:15).

Jesus triumphed over the dominion of Satan.  Jesus gave gifts to men.  Jesus loves His people.  Jesus shows fruits of His victory.  (see, the article Roman Triumphal Procession).

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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Consume Jesus 07/24/2010
 
So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.  For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.  Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.  As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me.  This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever" (John 6:53-58).

Some people have studied this passage and use it for teachings about the "Eucharist/Communion/Lord's Supper".  But the context doesn't attribute these teaching to deal with worship specifically.

Jesus is stressing the importance of consuming Him; that is, His teachings, godliness, and lifestyle.  If we truly choose Jesus and follow Him we will have everlasting life.  So, consume Jesus and be humbled before Him

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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Above Reproach 07/22/2010
 
"For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.  He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it" (Titus 1:7-9).

What does it mean to be "above reproach"?  Does it mean that no one would accuse such a person of wrong doing?  If that is the case than, of course, all people would be above lying, falsehood, deception, and evil.  But that, unfortunately, is not the case - a work of the Devil to be sure.  So, can an elder/overseer be accused of something? Yes.  The question then is, upon investigation, will the charges of wrongdoing hold up (1 Timothy 5:19)?  Therefor, an overseer who is "above reproach" is not one who is not accused but one who is shown to be without wrong in such and such a matter.

Pity for the one who accuses falsely another for gain or evil (Luke 3:14).  Scary for the one who treates falsely the servant of God for he/she treats God that way (John 15:20).  Strong is the one who stands for Christ by living for Christ (Galatians 2:20; Philipians 1:21).

God will repay the one who lives for evil (1 Peter 3:12).

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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Freedom 07/04/2010
 
"But their (Jews) minds were hardened.  For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil (seperation of God and man) remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away.  Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts.  But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed (no seperation between God and man).  Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  And we (Christians) all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.  For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:14-18).

What happens when Americans of the USA reject the freedom that the Declaration of Independance offers?  It may be similar to what Jews rejected when they refused to follow the teachings found in Christ - freedom.

Interestingly, people come to understanding when they listen to the author of freedom.  People, who become free, grow in that freedom and become more than mere followers but; rather, leaders.  Leaders who understand where true freedom comes from truly are followers of the One who gives freedom - Jesus.  If you give up on freedom and refuse to follow the thing that makes you free; then, you are not free.

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves 
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Frustrated 06/19/2010
 
"Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews" (Nehemiah 4:1).

Have you ever been around those who were jeolous?  Jeolous, or angry people, who live a life of frustration, seek to frustrate others.  This reality is exactly what the Jews were facing when they were building walls of protection. 

"When our enemies heard that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work" (Nehemiah 4:15).

It can be scary when unruly people attempt to demoralize and destroy the plans of others.  This behaviour is evident, even today, within societies all around the world.  Yet, when God is on your side and your plans are good and godly, know that God will be there to see His people through any ordeal.

"From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. And the leaders stood behind the whole house of Judah, who were building on the wall . . ." (Nehemiah 4:16-17a).

Seek God through Jesus.  Let God lead your life.  Be prepared for battle.  Keep you eye on your task and stand firm by being ready to defend yourself.  If God is on your side, and He is if you are living for Jesus, then He will take care to ensure His plan will be realized.

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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"Someone told him (Jesus), 'Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.'  But to the one who had told him this, Jesus replied, 'Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?'  And pointing to his disciples, he said, 'Here are my mother and my brothers!  For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother'" (Matthew 12:47-50).

A proper relationship with Jesus is important; at least, it is important to Jesus.  First, He distinguishes between a physical heratige and spiritual heratige by stating that blood relationship is not what counts; rather, love, dedication, and an obedient faith to the heavenly Father (cf. Romans; Galatians; 1 John).

Second, the spiritual relationship with Jesus is not just based on a "blind" following and meaningless repitition.  (Jesus doesn't want a "blind faith").  He pointed to His disciples.  A disciple is a follower.  A learner in the true sense.  They are those who choose to follow by free will.  They continue to learn, grow, and produce fruit of righteousness.

A person of relationship with Jesus (and God) are those who "does the will of my (Jesus') Father in heaven" (Matthew 12:50).  Other passages in Scripture teach that this obedience is not one that attempts to earn their salvation (Romans; Galatians).  It is a faith that lives a life worthy of the gospel of Christ; i.e., because one desires to wholeheartedly live for Him because of His love that He has already given.

Are you in a relationship with God?

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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