Wednesday, September 30, 2009

THERE IS A GOAL!

THERE IS A GOAL!

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil 3:13-14)

"I PRESS TOWARD THE MARK," Paul confessed. It was "THE mark!" So far as he was concerned, there was no other worthy objective; no other goal so compelling and rewarding. It was "the MARK!" Something identifiable, not vague. It was something he could perceive and understand. When his heart was fastened upon it, he adjusted the course of his life appropriately. It allowed him to get his spiritual bearings and marshal all of his strengths, focusing them on a single goal.

ELSEWHERE HE USED GLORIOUS PHRASES to denote its reality. He referred to a "blessed hope and glorious appearing" (Tit. 2:13). He mentioned an "anchor for the soul, both sure and steadfast" (Heb. 6:19), and a "city which hath foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God" (Heb. 11:10). He spoke of receiving a "crown of righteousness" (2 Tim. 4:8), and "ever" being "with the Lord" (1 Thess. 4:17).

THE FUTURE WAS NOT AMBIGUOUS or vague for Paul, and it should not be for you! One of the undeniable marks of a degenerate and failing church is its lack of confidence concerning the future. What is coming is the dark spot on the horizon of the fearful and unbelieving.

BUT WHAT WAS "THE MARK" or "goal" toward which Paul pressed? Note that it is immediately related to "the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:14). This is the objective of the heavenly calling. It is the reason for the remission of sins. It is the motivation for Christ saving His people from their sins. This is WHY people believe. It is WHY they obey God. It is why they perfect "holiness in the fear of the Lord" (2 Cor. 7:1). It is why they "run with patience the race that is set before them" (Heb. 12:1). It is WHY they "fight the good fight of faith" (1 Tim. 6:12). It is because of the prize!

IT IS ETERNAL LIFE. The "mark," from one point of view, is "eternal life." That is the sum and substance of the blessing. It is the "gift of God" (Rom. 6:23). That is a summary view of our involvement in "the world to come" (Mark 10:30). Your "continuance in well doing" will be rewarded with "eternal life" (Rom. 2:7). We are "justified by His grace" in order that we might "be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life" (Tit. 1:2). The "exceeding great and precious promises" that have been given to us can be compressed into a single promise. "And this is THE PROMISE that He hath promised us, even eternal life" (1 John 2:25). The "eternal life" that we have now is a pledge of the fullness we will enjoy in the world to come. That is a "mark" worthy of consistent and unflagging effort! Lay hold on eternal life! (1 Tim 6:12).

IT IS LIFE'S FINISH LINE. From another point of view, you might view "the mark" as life's finish line. It is the point at which the race ends. Paul caught a glimpse of it before he left his body. It prompted him to say, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing" (2 Tim. 4:7-8). You must aspire to do the same! Strive to end life on a high note! Labor to be able to step happily and confidently into eternity when you die, all the while looking forward to the mark of the prize for which you are running.

– Given O. Blakely

Monday, September 28, 2009

THE QUALITY OF OUR WORK

THE QUALITY OF OUR WORK

". . . every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it . . . " 1 Cor 3:13)

THOSE WHO HAVE BECOME INVOLVED in the inner workings of sectarianism know of its great emphasis on recruitment. "Evangelism" is the byword among such people, even though the word is not even found in Scripture. Courses are frequently offered that guarantee to make people adept in the art of winning souls. All of this sounds good enough to the naive person. However, there are some factors that will cause the individual to approach "evangelism" more soberly. These factors will not cause one to draw back from "compelling" people to come to Christ, but it will radically alter how it is done. Heaven takes notice of our efforts in this matter."

BUT LET EVERY AN TAKE HEED how he buildeth thereupon" (1 Cor 2:10). God never intended for inferior spiritual materials to be placed upon the Foundation of His Son. Jesus is the basis for a "spiritual house" in which God Himself dwells (Eph 2:22; 1 Pet 2:5). It is possible to have a message or procedure that actually produces followers that will not stand the test of Divine judgment or assessment! The present condition of our churches substantiates this to be the case. The Spirit warns us about the manner in which we build on the Foundation, which is Christ Jesus; i.e., what kinds of people are produced by our message and procedures. "Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is" (1 Cor 3:13 KJV).

"THE DAY" OF JUDGMENT WILL REVEAL the quality of our "converts." They will each pass through the fire of Divine judgment. Those who pass the test will be proved to be "gold, silver, and precious stones," each of which can endure fire. But "wood, hay, and stubble" are consumed by fire. They cannot endure under that circumstance. It will be revealing to see how the "numbers" that are boastfully reported in this world hold up in the day of judgment! The quality of every professed believer will be revealed in that day.

BUT THAT IS NOT THE END OF THE MATTER. The outcome of the "fire test" will directly affect the status of every laborer in the Lord's vineyard. For example, the quality of the evangelist's converts will have a direct bearing upon him. "If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire" (1 Cor 3:14-15). I can tell you, the spiritual knowledge of this sobering reality will affect what you preach, and the manner in which you do it.

DO NOT THINK FOR A MOMENT THAT THIS IS AN IDLE WORD. It is a divine alert to absolute reality. This is why Paul was so concerned about the Galatian brethren. In their reversion to a system of Law, they were becoming "wood, hay, and stubble." Therefore, Paul wrote, "I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labor in vain" (Gal 4:11). Paul did not want to "suffer loss" in the day when every man's "work" is "revealed." It is grievous to observe a remarkable absence of this way of thinking in the contemporary church.

A SOLEMN WARNING IS ISSUED to every person laboring in the whitened fields, and we do well to take heed to it with fear and trembling. "If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are" (1 Cor 3:17). This is no idle threat! Before you become overly tolerant of carnality, or begin to compromise the message of salvation in order to make it attractive to the disinterested, consider this warning! Those who corrupt the dwelling place of God, which is the church, the pillar and ground of the truth, will be destroyed by God. "The day of judgment" will expose the quality of all purported evangelistic and congregational efforts. Make no mistake about it, those who regularly contributed to the defilement of the body of Christ will not be able to escape divine judgment.

ONE LAST THOUGHT – the quality of the churches is a sterling commentary on the message and emphasis they have received.

– Given O. Blakely

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

THE REWARD OF THE RIGHTEOUS

THE REWARD OF THE RIGHTEOUS"And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." (Revelation 22:12)

BELIEVERS ARE OBSCURE IN THIS WORLD. It "does not yet appear" who they are, or what they will be (1 John 3:1-3). The whole creation, inflicted with mortality because of man's sin, is waiting for "the manifestation of the sons of God" (Rom 8:19). They are still waiting because the sons of God are presently incognito, or under cover. Only those who are reconciled to God have any idea who the sons of God are – and even they possess only partial knowledge.

HOWEVER, IT SHALL NOT ALWAYS BE SO. The return of our blessed Lord, and the consequent "day of judgment," will be a time of reward for the saints of the most high God! Ranking highest in the rewards will be the Lord Himself who is, as He was with our father Abraham, our "exceeding great Reward" (Gen 15:1). As it is written, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him" (Heb 11:6). And what is the ultimate reward for those who seek HIM? "God Himself shall be with them, and be their God" (Rev 21:3).

IN THAT DAY GOD WILL "PRAISE THOSE who have left all to labor for Him. How glorious the affirmation! "Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God" (1 Cor 4:5). In this world, there are those who seek the praises of men. Others seek the praise of God – and they shall receive it. As it is written, "For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God" (John 12:43). How provocative are the words of Jesus, "How can ye believe, which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that cometh from God only?" (John 5:44). Whose praise do you seek? And, how zealous are you in the matter?

REWARDS WILL BE INTENSELY PERSONAL. Every man shall "receive his own reward, according to his own labor" (1 Cor 3:8). Throughout the chambers of eternity, praise will resound as Divine judgment results in the rewarding of the faithful. Think of the preciseness of these rewards. "He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward" (Matt 10:41-42).

THE REWARD SHALL BE IN DIRECT PROPORTION to the labor and faithfulness of the servant. Though unrecognized and often unrewarded in the earth, their labor has not gone unnoticed by the Lord of heaven and earth. "His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord" (Matt 25:31). Who dares to imagine the extent of becoming a ruler over "many things!" Let the saints ponder the greatness of what is to come.

THE PEOPLE OF GOD DO WELL to emulate their Father in honoring His servants here. Of the Lord, it is said, "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister" (Heb 6:10). As a practical observation, it is ALWAYS unrighteous to forget the work and labor of God's people. God certainly does not do it, and neither should we. Count as precious those who have expended themselves for the work of the Lord.

– Given O. Blakely

Monday, September 21, 2009

HE SAW THEIR FAITH

HE SAW THEIR FAITH

"And when He saw their faith, He said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee." (Luke 5:20)

WHEN JESUS ENTERED into a mainstream of humanity, He brought a freshness that had never before been realized. John the Baptist prepared the way for the Savior, awakening men to their need for a Savior, and holding forth the hope of remission (Matt 3:1-3; Mark 1:4). When Jesus returned from the wilderness, after being "tempted for forty days by the devil" (Lk 4:2), He came "in the power of the Spirit," and "there went out a fame of Him through all the region round about" (Lk 4:14). He "taught in their synagogues," transforming that environment into one pulsating with new life. The people had never heard anyone speak like He did (Lk 4:15; John 7:46). He did not give learned disquisitions like the scribes, but spoke "as one having authority" (Matt 7:29).

SHORTLY AFTER THE COMMENCEMENT of His prodigious ministry, "the people pressed upon Him to hear the word of God." Once, by the Sea of Gennesaret, He had to get into a boat and push out a little distance from the land in order to teach the people without distraction (Lk 5:1-3). Later, in Capernaum, He entered into a house to teach the people. When word got around that He was there, immediately many people rushed together. Quickly the house was filled, and there was room for no more, even around the door. Jesus did not move to a more commodious place, but remained there, preaching "the Word unto them" (Mark 2:2).

SOON FOUR MEN ARRIVED on the scene, carrying a paralytic on a portable bed. Finding no way to transport the man through the unyielding multitude, "they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus" (Lk 5:19, NKJV). It is at this point that our text occurs – and a glorious point it is!

THE MAN WAS LET DOWN through the roof, caused to rest "before Jesus." It was the kind of thing that could not be ignored by anyone, much less the matchless Son of the Living God! This was nothing less than a revelation of faith– hearts that trusted in Jesus, and did not question His power and grace. But Jesus is not said to have seen this faith in the paralyzed man. Rather, He saw the faith of the four men who brought him! They had been diligent to pick up the man on his bed and bring him some distance to Jesus. When confronted with the obstacle of a crowd, they were ingenious to find an unusual way. They refused to be turned back by circumstance, and Jesus "saw their faith." They had carried the man to the roof of the house. They had disassembled the roof, providing access to Jesus. They had patiently lowered the man so precisely that he ended up right before Jesus. That took faith, and Jesus "saw their faith."

BUT JESUS DOLES NOT APPLAUD their faith directly. Instead He says to the debilitated man, "Man, thy sins are forgiven thee." That is what he needed to hear first! But it did not end there, the man who was carried to Jesus, and lowered through the roof, would be fully blessed that day. When the Lord said, "Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house," it is recorded, "And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God" (5:24-25). And all because Jesus saw the faith of those four compassionate men!

WHAT DO YOU IMAGE the Lord would do if He saw YOUR faith? Surely you know that He has not ceased to work because people believe in Him. Ponder your faith!

– Given O. Blakely

Friday, September 18, 2009

CAST OUT, YET FOUND

CAST OUT, YET FOUND

"They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out. Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?" (John 9:34-35)

THE BLESSINGS OF THE LORD are not always recognized as blessings. Some hearts are so calloused they see them as a threat to their religion! The healing of an unnamed blind man is a case in point. On one occasion, when the people had taken up stones to stone the Lord, "Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by" (John 9:59). Although the people meant to do Him harm, they were unable to recognize Him as He walked through their midst. As He "passed by," He saw a man who had been "blind from birth." Immediately, His disciples sought a clearer understanding of why maladies were extant among men. They asked if this man was blind due to personal sin or the sin of his parents. Jesus did not say that such postulates were foolish, or that they could never happen. Instead, He declared this man's blindness was in order that "the works of God should be made manifest in him" (9:1-3).

RECOGNIZING THAT THE FATHER was about to work, He declared "I must work the works of Him" that had sent Him. Then "He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. And He said to him, ‘Go, wash in the pool of Siloam'" (vs 6-7, NKJV). He did not tell the man he would be healed, but the blind man seemed to sense he would be, and thus made his way to the pool, even though he was blind. The Scriptures declare, "So he went and washed, and came back seeing." We then learn that this man was not only blind, but that he was a beggar. Some of the people recognized him and asked, "Is not this he that sat and begged?" Some could not bring themselves to believe this. They said, "He is like him." The blind man himself resolved the difficulty by confessing, "I am he." When asked about the details, he simply said, "A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight" (v 11).

ALL OF THIS CAUSED A GREAT CONTROVERSY among the people, especially those who were opposed to Jesus. They interrogated the former blind man relentlessly, finally saying his word could not be trusted, charging "You were completely born in sins, and are you teaching us?" (V 34). The outcome was that they "drove him out" (NRSV) of the temple and the rights thereof. And why was he "cast out?" Simply because he had experienced something none of them had experienced, from One whom they did not approve. Such a procedure is not uncommon in this day of purported enlightenment!

THE DEEDS OF THE ENEMY are certainly not the conclusive ones! Jesus "found" the rejected man and asked him if he believed on the Son of God. The man did not even know who the Son of God was, and confessed to his ignorance. His faith erupted through his mouth, "Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on Him?" The Scriptures then record, "And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen Him, and it is He that talketh with thee. And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshiped Him" (vs 35-38). What a glad day that was! Cast out, yet found!

JESUS IS STILL FINDING PEOPLE He has delivered, explaining to them more fully what has happened to them, and enlarging upon His own matchless Person. Those who have been touched by Him have the privilege of being taught by Him.

– Given O. Blakely

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

PERFECTED BY ONE SACRIFICE

PERFECTED BY ONE SACRIFICE

"For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified." (Hebrews 10:14)

THE SACRIFICE, OR VOLUNTARY DEATH, OF CHRIST achieved the Divine objective regarding perfection. God's nature required perfection in His creatures, and Christ's sacrifice achieved it. This is the declaration of our text.

THE WORD "PERFECT" is translated from a word meaning to complete, i.e., accomplish, or consummate (in character): consecrate, finish, fulfil, (make) perfect (Strong's). For what it is worth, Liddell and Scott define the words as "to make perfect: to inaugurate, consecrate, to complete, bring to accomplishment: to make successful . . . generally, to fulfill, accomplish, effect." While doctrine cannot be built upon the lexical definition of words, I give this to show you the etymological strength of the word.

IT MAKES LITTLE DIFFERENCE how YOU look at "perfection," Hebrews 10:14 is an arresting statement of what Jesus accomplished in His death. What is more, that accomplishment, namely the perfection "forever" of those who are "sanctified," is scarcely known among the people with whom I have companied! It simply is not something that is discussed or expounded.

I WANT TO STATE THIS as strongly as I am capable of stating it; namely, that Christ's vicarious death "perfected forever them that are sanctified." Jesus has done everything that is necessary for your acceptance by God! He has met God's requirement for perfection in your behalf. God has received you in Christ "without sin," having forgiven you of "all trespasses" (Col 2:13). Nothing more needs to be offered to God for your acceptance! You are not working for Divine approval, nor are you commanded to do so! Your work is to "abide" in His love and acceptance, fully aware of your endorsement by Him (John 15:10)! You are fully justified in Jesus!

BY SAYING "PERFECTED FOREVER," the Spirit provides God's perspective of the situation. By the grace of God, that view--which is the true one--can also be ours! Christ, through His death, removed everything that stood between God and man. The lack of perfection is nothing more than the presence of sin, which is the only inhibiting factor in our universe. Were there no sin, there would be no imperfection! When Jesus "put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself" (Heb 9:26), He did, by that very act, "perfect forever" those that are "sanctified." Here, the word "sanctified" is synonymous with "made holy." The idea is that holiness, or acceptance of, and recognition by, God proceeds from the effective removal of our transgressions.

NOTE, THE PERFECTION IS "FOREVER." As you must know, this does not mean "once in grace always in grace," nor is such an absurdity ever suggested in God's Word. The "forever," like remission, is only "in Christ." It is Christ, and Christ alone, who enables us to be "sanctified," or holy – and only those that are "sanctified" are "perfected forever." It is written, "But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption" (1 Cor 1:30, NASB). Simply put, "abide," or remain, in Jesus (John 15:4,7), and you are fully accepted by God, perfect and complete in Him (Col 2:10). Of course, abiding involves infinitely more than mere talk.

TO ENSURE THAT YOU CAN ABIDE IN HIM, the Holy Spirit of God is given to you to tutor you in the truth revealed in Scripture. God has anointed those in Christ with the Holy Spirit (2 Cor 1:21-22). S the Spirit teaches us, we do abide in Him. As it is written, But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, YE SHALL ABIDE IN HIM" (1 John 2:27).

IF YOU DO NOT "grieve," "quench," or "resist" the Holy Spirit of God, you WILL remain in Jesus! It is the Spirit's ministry to ensure that takes place. However, if you do quench, grieve, and resist the Holy Spirit, there is not the slightest chance that you will continue to abide in Christ. All of the concocted doctrines of men cannot effectively contradict that circumstance.

– Given O. Blakely

Monday, September 14, 2009

GOD CHOOSES PEOPLE

GOD CHOOSES PEOPLE

NONE SHOULD STUMBLE at the thought of God selecting, picking out, or electing. He selected Abraham to be the progenitor of a race of blessing. Moses was chosen to lead the people of God from Egyptian bondage. Aaron was selected of God to be the high priest. David was chosen to be king of the people of God. Zacharias and Elizabeth were chosen to have John the Baptist, and Mary was chosen to bear the Son of God. The Lord chose prophets like Jeremiah, John the Baptist, and Paul before they were born (Jer 1:5; Luke 1:41-44; Gal 1:15). None of the Prophets were volunteers for the office, nor were any of the Apostles. They were all "picked out," so to speak. No Scripturally informed person questions these statements.

ISRAEL WAS CHOSEN. Israel was a chosen people. As it is written, "For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto Himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The LORD did not set His love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people" (Deut 7:6-7). Again it is written, "For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto Himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth" (Deut 14:2). Surely no one will affirm He chose them because they were worthy, or because they measured up to His expectations. The choice was not made because they excelled, were greater than other nations, or had more natural abilities than the peoples surrounding them. The reason for the choice was God Himself – in particular, His graciousness or favor. They were chosen because He wanted them. That is the highest of all reasons!

THE APOSTLES WERE CHOSEN. In an extensive dialog with His disciples, Jesus spoke of divine choice. "Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My He may give it you" (John 15:16). The Apostles of the Lamb could not boast of earning their office, or deserving it by their moral or spiritual achievements. Their involvement in the "eternal purpose" of God was because of Christ's choice! The remarkable accomplishments they realized were due Jesus' choice of them. The duration of their fruit is also traceable that choice.

GOD CHOSE THOSE WHO WOULD PREACH THE GOSPEL; TO THE GENTILES. When the early church was discussing the acceptance of the Gentiles, Peter explained how they had heard the Gospel. "And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: ‘Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe'" (Acts 15:7).

HOW BEFITTING THAT THOSE IN CHRIST are also declared to be "chosen in Him (Christ)" (Eph 1:4), "chosen to salvation" (2 Thess 2:13), and "a chosen generation" (1 Pet 2:9). Rufus is said to be "chosen in the Lord" Rom 16:13). Spiritual soldiers are also said to be "chosen to be a good soldier" (2 Tim 2:4). God has also "chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith" (James 2:5). What marvelous grace has been extended to us! This is not something about which men are to argue or speculate. It is a simple statement of the facts in the case.
– Given O. Blakely

Friday, September 11, 2009

THE GREATNESS OF GRACE

THE GREATNESS OF GRACE" That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:7)

IN THIS WORLD, the grace of God has never been comprehended in its fulness. There is even indication that this is the case among created personalities in the eternal realm. Little wonder God's grace has drawn the attention of angelic hosts. Angels have never received the grace of God, or had a message of its effectuality declared particularly to and for them. How tragic it is that men have chosen to dispute about grace rather than receive it! You will find wherever the grace of God is denied or minimized unusual levels of variance and enmity exist. It is as though God will not allow spiritual advancement where His grace is unknown or neglected.

HERE IS AN ASPECT OF THE DIVINE NATURE that is the basis of His "eternal purpose." In reconciling the world to Himself, God is displaying this hitherto little known aspect of His Person – His grace.

THE MARVELOUS COMPLEXITIES of nature declare God's "power and Godhead (Divinity)", Romans 1:20. The administration of the Law convicted the world of sin by comparatively showing the impeccable holiness of God. But grace shows humanity a side of God not adequately seen prior to Christ. It also reveals to heavenly hosts the exceeding greatness of the One they serve.

NOTE THIS MARVELOUS STATEMENT: "That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace . . . " Vivid phrases like this cannot be used to describe any created person or thing: "exceeding," "incomparable," and "immeasurable." We are speaking of something that goes beyond the capacity of the human intellect! At the best, we only touch the border of this magnificent garment! However, we do well to give ourselves heartily and completely to comprehending more of the grace of God. If God is showing it, we can see it. God has purposed to reveal Himself through those who are in Christ Jesus. Let us join the heavenly hosts in the perusal of His matchless grace. Be like Barnabas who, "when he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad" (Acts 11:23). If evidence of the grace of God can be perceived in people, let every believer determine to be a vehicle through whom God's grace can be known. After all, in salvation God is showing this aspect of His Person!

IT IS NO WONDER THAT EARLY BELIEVERS were exhorted to "continue in the grace of God" (Acts 13:43). Not only would they be preserved by that means, thereby they also became participators in the purpose of God Almighty.

FROM THIS PERSPECTIVE, the Gospel is truly "the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24). It is "the grace of God" that is "given" to us "by Christ Jesus" (1 Cor 1:4). The grace of God "brings salvation," and then effectively teaches us to "say ‘No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" (Tit 2:12-13, NIV). Peter admonishes us to remain firm in God's grace, not allowing ourselves to be drawn away from it. "I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it" (1 Pet 5:12, NIV).

GOD HAS DETERMINED that the "exceeding riches" of His grace will be displayed throughout the "ages to come." They have been chosen as the arena in which the RICHES of God's grace will be unfolded. Note it well, not merely the grace of God, which is marvelous of itself, but the RICHES of that grace.

THE THOROUGHNESS AND COMPLETE ADEQUACY of God's grace is being delineated in our salvation--and it will continue to be expounded in the ages to come. When Jesus said "my grace is sufficient for thee" (2 Cor 12:9), He revealed a startling aspect of His Person. Grace is peculiarly an aspect of Deity. While we possess grace, it is borrowed from Him; we have none of our own.

THE EXECUTION OF DIVINE INTENT is made possible by the grace of God. This is an aspect of the Lord that systematized theology fails to grasp. It can speak of the Omniscience of God (all knowingness), and His Omnipresence (unhindered by time or space). The Omnipotence of God (all powerful) also sets Him apart from all personalities. As great and indispensable as these Divine qualities are, they are not the target of Divine exposition! When God chose to unfold an aspect of His Person, He chose His grace. Because of the greatness of that grace, the "ages to come" are required as the arena for its fuller exposition.GRACE MUST BE SEEN as the most advantageous and productive quality of God. For some, this might be difficult to receive, but it is still so. God is more clearly and precisely seen when we perceive His grace. We are made more like Him when we receive His grace. The Scriptures become more clear to us when we stand in His grace. Grace makes us stronger, wiser, and more effective. It makes us better workers, and enables us to receive more from the Lord. Thank God for His rich grace! It is clearly indispensable and effective.

– Given O. Blakely

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

SOMETHING VERY BIG

SOMETHING VERY BIG

WE ARE APPRIZED THAT GOD MADE "the worlds" through our Lord Jesus Christ, and He is "Heir of all things" (Heb 1:2). The "glad tidings of good things" proclaim Jesus to be "Lord of all" (Acts 10:36). The Savior Himself confessed, "All things that the Father hath are Mine" (John 16:15). It is no marvel we are told of "The unsearchable riches of Christ" (Eph 3:8).

INDIVIDUALS MUST CEASE TO THINK within the framework of their own persons. God's Kingdom is bigger than any one person being saved. Congregations must also extend themselves beyond the perimeter of their own fellowship. Salvation is not confined within geographical boundaries or regional provinces. Those who attempt to restrict the sphere or extent of Divine influence do greatly err. Remember, it was said of Israel, "Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel" (Psa 78:41). Restrictive thinking, particularly in the matter of salvation, is infinitely more serious than surface-thinkers dare to imagine.

THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IS THE CREATOR of all things. As it is written, "For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him" (Col 1:16). An expression like this does not conform to minuscule religious thought! "Invisible" things, together with "thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers" were created by Him, and for Him! His domain extends far beyond our fondest imagination, and we do well to stretch our minds and hearts to comprehend it. There are realms over which Jesus reigns that extend beyond the perimeter of human sensitivities. Yet, that dominion is not unrelated to our salvation! There is no aspect of "the Man Christ Jesus" that is unrelated to our redemption from the curse and preparation for the world to come! His reign is extensive because salvation is far-reaching in both its intent and implications.

JESUS SUSTAINS ALL THINGS. As the "Captain of our salvation," Jesus is the Sustainer of all things (Heb 1:3). As it is written, He is "upholding all things by the word of His power" (Heb 1:3). It is true, Christ sustains the individual, but His ministry is much larger than that. Having been "delivered from the power of darkness, and translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son" (Col 1:13), you are occupying the realm of "all things."

YOU ARE IN A WORLD DESTINED FOR DESTRUCTION. You are also in a moral universe, in which good and evil are locked in mortal combat. The god of this world is aligned against you, together with his diabolical hosts, including "principalities and powers, spiritual wickedness in high places, and the rulers of the darkness of this world" (Eph 6:11). These are some of the things that are "present." Besides this, there are "things to come," and the larger context of "life and death" (1 Cor 3:20-21).

IN ADDITION TO THESE THINGS, we are a miniature cosmos within ourselves. We have "another law," or principle, within our members, warring against the law of our renewed mind (Rom 7:23). Our natural "members" must be mortified through the power of the Spirit, because they are not subject to the Lord (Rom 8:11-13; Gal 5:24; Col 3:5). The Spirit and the flesh wage relentless war within us (Gal 5:17).

THROW INTO THIS SCENARIO that we "are come" to a society of staggering proportions. Included are all the redeemed currently "in the body" 2 Cor 5:6; Heb 13:3), the "spirits of just men made perfect," an "innumerable company of angels," "God the Judge," and "Jesus the Mediator of a new covenant" (Heb 12:22-24). We do well to stretch our minds and hearts to be more aware of these surroundings than those monitored by our fleshly senses. This aggregation of personalities are all alive, acutely aware of things transpiring in the earth. We are told of the martyrs, who laid down their life for Christ Jesus. They are portrayed in association with the heavenly "altar" aware that their blood has not yet been avenged (Rev 6:9-10).

BLOT FROM, YOUR MIND the notion that, in Christ, you have merely adopted a new pattern of living. You have been made to "sit together" with Christ "in heavenly places," surrounded by a moral cosmos in which intense activity is taking place. There is a sense in which we, like the Apostles, are "exhibited . . . as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men" (1 Cor 4:9, NASB). The battlefield into which faith ushers us is seen by both men and angels.

HOW IS IT THAT THIS COMPLEX spiritual environment has not been our undoing? Why has faith been able to survive the onslaughts of the evil one? It is because Jesus is holding everything together, sustaining it by the Word of His power. But this means more than merely keeping things from spinning wildly out of control. These things are all being upheld for the good of His people. To put it another way, the Lord is working "all things together for our good" (Rom 8:28). He is marshaling all Divine resources and power for your good, to ensure you remain a part of His eternal purpose. All of these "things" are being sustained in the interest of your salvation, and are realized through your faith.

– Given O. Blakely

Monday, September 7, 2009

THE BLESSED HOPE

THE BLESSED HOPE"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13).

THE RETURN OF OUR BLESSED LORD is the joyous anticipation of the body of Christ. "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works" (Titus 2:11-14).

GRACE HAS BROUGHT US SALVATION, and that salvation is not limited to this world and time. It begins with deliverance from sin. It will be consummated when Jesus returns. Grace brought us salvation, and grace effectively teaches us to prepare ourselves for the return of the Savior. It shows us how to avoid involvements associated with the curse. It also teaches us to live in consonance with God – "soberly, righteously, and godly" though in an alienated and cursed world.

HOWEVER, AVOIDING SIN AND BEING HOLY is not the conclusion of the matter. Under the old covenant, Solomon provided a summation of that economy. "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man" (Eccl 12:13). Nevertheless, this is not "the conclusion of the whole matter" now – not since Jesus died, arose, and ascended back to heaven. The "whole duty of man" from Solomon's perspective was to "Fear God, and keep His commandments." He does not include loving God, worshiping God, serving God, or believing on Christ. Eternity is not in His expression. It is not that Solomon was obtuse; he lived under an inferior covenant that did not have "better promises." In spite of this condition, I continue to hear a number of sermons on Solomon's sayings, when "a greater than Solomon" has spoken (Matt 12:42).

WE SHUN EVIL AND CLEAVE TO THE GOOD in expectation of the Lord's return; "looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ." This is an anticipation blessed by God: a "BLESSED hope." It is expectation that rejoices the heart: a "blessed HOPE."

WE ARE NOT LOOKING FOR A SECRET APPEARING, but a "glorious appearing." If God's glory could not be hidden at Sinai, what can be said of the greater glory of our Lord's return! The Word of God knows nothing of a unrevealed return of Christ. Such a thought is unacceptable, although men have attempted to sanctify it with complex, but uninspired, explanations of Scripture.

A "GLORIOUS APPEARING" is one that cannot be hidden. Jesus declared that unimaginable glory would attend His return. "For whosoever shall be ashamed of Me and of My words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when He shall come in His own glory, and in His Father's, and of the holy angels" (Luke 9:26). How marvelous! His own glory! The glory of the Father! The glory of the holy angels! That is all the glory there is! How could something like that be hidden? The very thought is preposterous! And, we are looking for this unequaled revelation of divine glory. We are looking forward to the time when nothing about Jesus will be obscured; nothing about the Father will be hidden; nothing about the angels will be veiled.

THIS IS THE "BLESSED HOPE" OF THE CHURCH. Unity is not its hope! The evangelization of the world is not its hope! The salvaging of our nation is not its hope! The stabilization of the home is not its hope! All of these things are fine, and we are certainly not opposed to any of them. We are for them, and will exercise as much influence as we can to bring them to pass. Still, our hope is not in them! When we see a divided and fractured church, we still have a "blessed hope." When we see a world steeped in sin, we still have a "blessed hope." Even when we see our nation descending into a quagmire of iniquity, we still have a "blessed hope." We want our families to reflect the glory of the Lord. Yet if, after we have wholeheartedly devoted ourselves to the Lord, they do not, we still have a "blessed hope."

THE FULNESS OF SALVATION is not ours until it's Captain appears "without sin unto (in order to) salvation." Then we shall testify to an assembled universe "that He which hath begun a good work in" us did, indeed, "perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil 1:6). Any religious posture that does not ascribe preeminence to this consideration is your enemy! Do not allow yourself to be distracted from "the blessed hope," the return of your Lord.

– Given O. Blakely

Friday, September 4, 2009

YOU CAN HAVE ASSURANCE

YOU CAN HAVE ASSURANCE

"And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end." (Hebrews 6:11)

HERE IS A BLESSING all of God's people can realize–"the full assurance of hope unto the end" of life, or this world, whichever comes first. These days, "assurance" is a rare commodity in any measure, to say nothing of a "full" measure of it. For some people, "hope" waxes and wanes, comes and goes, and is rarely, if ever, consistent. But "every one" of us can have a full-grown assurance that escorts us all the way to "the end," when there will be no further need of assurance in the midst of difficulty.

IN OUR TEXT, "assurance" is associated with "hope."Later in Hebrews, it is connected with faith (Heb 10:22). The "full assurance of hope" has to do with being confident of our destiny, and of Divine enablement to safely arrive on the other side. "Hope" is a firm persuasion, an anchor for the soul (Heb 6:19), that brings the believer to live expectantly, confident of good things to come. Assurance convinces the heart of safety, security, and the guarantee of glory.

THE HOLY SPIRIT EXTENDS HIMSELF to assure the saved of God's favor toward them. The reason for this procedure is obvious: Satan works tirelessly to deprive the saints of this persuasion. He realizes that his effectiveness is brought to an abrupt halt by the "full assurance of faith" (Heb. 10:22), the "full assurance of hope" (Heb 6:11), and the "full assurance of understanding" (Col 2:2). He simply cannot dethrone one of God's king-priests (Rev. 1:5-6) that has embraced the truth of Divine acceptance. Little wonder our adversary is so aggressive to distract believers to things that make absolutely no contribution to faith, assurance, or hope. Under his leadership, much, I fear, of the dialog that goes on among professed Christians has very little to do with the Divine agenda.

ANCHORING YOUR FAITH. Ephesians 1:3-6 anchors our faith in an eternal God. With determination that characterizes Deity alone, He has blessed us with "ALL spiritual blessings." These are benefits required to overcome this world and obtain the one that is to come (Matt 12:32; Heb 2:5; 6:5). They are "spiritual" because they are effectively brought to us by the Holy Spirit. They are "blessings" because they bring joyful and undeniable advantages to those who receive them.

THE REGIONS IN WHICH these benefits may be realized are called "heavenly places." These are realms uncontaminated by sin. They are real, and are therefore called "places." They are transcendent to time and sense, and are therefore called "heavenly." Because of the exceeding broadness of this domain, it is called "places." This is more a term of diversity than of quantity, and is intended to underscore the availability and extent of the blessing of God.

AS A PERSON IN CHRIST JESUS, God has "raised" you up together with other believers to "sit together with Christ in heavenly places" (Eph 2:6). From another perspective, this is the grand place to which we have come in Jesus. How wonderfully it is stated in Hebrews 12:22-24. "But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel" (NASB).

CAN YOU BELIEVE, child of God, that you have come to such a holy place? It is not that you SHOULD come there – it is that you ARE come there. That is where God has placed you, by His matchless grace. There is no need to question the reality of this placement, it has been made known to us through the Holy Scriptures. "But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption" (1 Cor 1:30, NASB). He, and He alone, has "placed the members in the body as it has pleased Him" (1 Cor 12:18).

YOU HAVE BEEN PLACED where unspeakable advantages are provided. With shouts of joy, you can identify with the Psalmist, "Thou hast set my feet in a large place" (Psa 31:18b). There is no reason why you should lack confidence, be fearful and timorous, or reluctant to "draw near" to God. In Jesus, you have been accepted by God--and that acceptance is total, and without any reservation whatsoever! If you have received His Son without any reservation (John 1:12), He has received you without any.

FOR THOSE WHO IMAGINE receiving Christ (Col 2:6) allows for disobedience and a sloven life, they greatly reproach both the Father and the Son by such distortion of the truth. It is written, "The love of Christ constrains us . . . " (2 Cor 5:14), and indeed it does! An understanding of Divine acceptance will never gender slothfulness. That is the fruit of unbelief, never of faith! "Full assurance" will bring joy and consistency to your life. It will reduce debilitating cycles of discouragement and fear. It will put strength and determination into you, and give you a reason to live confidently and expectantly. Make it your personal aim to have "the full assurance of hope," and to have it "to the end."

– Given O. Blakely

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

CONFIDENCE IN TROUBLE

CONFIDENCE IN TROUBLE

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me." (Psalm 138:7)

FAITH ENABLES THE ONE POSSESSING IT to rise above trouble, perceiving it as an opportunity for God to work. As the Scripture affirms, "My strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor 12:9). Even though crisis and stress are difficult and inconvenient, those in Christ can negotiate through them with confidence. This is another marvelous benefit of being in Christ. Faith takes hold of reality, even when circumstance seems to contradict it. Coupled with hope, faith peers beyond the veil – beyond the situation – to the time of deliverance.

NOT MURMURING OR COMPLAINING, the believer can stand under remarkable stress. Confidence provokes supplication and praise; doubt and unbelief are the parents of murmuring and complaining. Rather than getting "angry at God," the believer anticipates deliverance from trouble. Those with faith may go into the furnace, but they also will come out of it. They may walk through the Red Sea, yet they will not be overcome by it. They may sit in a den of lions, but they will not be ultimately harmed. This is the heritage of the trusting ones.

HOW WONDERFULLY THE PROMISE COMES TO US. Take hold of it, and do not let it go! "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee" (Isa 43:2).

THE LANGUAGE OF FAITH. Faith has a language of its own. It speaks with God in mind, not the circumstance. It sees beyond the present into the future. "For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock" (Psa 27:5). Faith looks squarely in the face of circumstance and shouts, "I will rejoice and be glad in Thy lovingkindness, Because Thou hast seen my affliction; Thou hast known the troubles of my soul" (Psa 31:7). Trust walks into the iron furnace of trouble and confidently confesses to God, "Thou art my hiding place; Thou dost preserve me from trouble; Thou dost surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah." (Psa 32:7). Faith causes hope to blossom and grow.

THERE ARE THINGS FAITH KNOWS that contradict circumstance and stabilize the soul. It does not deny that days of challenging trouble will come. Yet, it confesses, "But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in time of trouble." (Psa 37:39). It knows God becomes both a hiding place and a source of strength in the time of trouble. "God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble." ( Psa 46:1). Faith is confident God will answer its cry when every earthly resource and personal abilities fail. "In the day of my trouble I shall call upon Thee, For Thou wilt answer me." (Psa 86:7). Faith realizes that salvation can be from all trouble, and not just a few of them. There is no difficulty in which we are left helpless or alone. Thus David testified for all believers, "This poor man cried and the LORD heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles." (Psa 34:6).

THERE IS NO REASON WHY these confessions cannot be yours! The only thing that stands between you and their realization is faith. A choice is set before you, and you do well to ponder it. You can be impressed by your circumstances or you can be impressed by your great God. You can think in terms of the present, or you can anticipate what God has prepared for them who love Him! I can tell you from Scripture and from personal experience, "No one who believes in Him will be put to shame" (Romans 10:11).

THIS DOES NOT MEAN we pretend the trouble is not there, or that we will not be faced with circumstances so challenging we nearly despair of life (2 Cor 1:8). It DOES mean that, because of faith in God, we will recover and rise up, coming back from brief setbacks.

TESTIMONY OF DIVINE HELP. The perception of the hand of God in your past is strengthening to the soul. Like Samuel, you want to look over your past and acknowledge you have come this far with God's help. He actually took a large stone, set it up in a specific place, and gave it a name that signified God had helped him. "Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us" (1 Sam 7:12).

MAY THESE WORDS BE FOUND in your heart and mouth! "But as for me, I shall sing of Thy strength; Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Thy lovingkindness in the morning, For Thou hast been my stronghold, And a refuge in the day of my distress" ( Psa 59:16). "In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord; In the night my hand was stretched out without weariness; My soul refused to be comforted" ( Psa 77:2).

WEARY SOUL, YOU HAVE NOT BEEN LEFT ALONE! You may be on a stormy sea, but if you will look, you will see Jesus coming to you, walking on the waters! If you are in the furnace of affliction, look about – there is One with you that sticks closer than a brother. You will come out! You will come out! You will come out! The only thing that is really unknown is WHEN you will come out. And, ponder this, you have at least three possibilities set before you. (1) God can end the trial even while you remain on the earth. (2) You may pass from this world in death to a better place. (3) Jesus may come again, not only removing all trouble debilitating, but destroying the wicked one who caused it as well. Look up, saint of God! Look up!

– Given O. Blakely