The Carpenter's Chapel (5)

[Jim1999]

Thursday, Aug 5, 2004

Galatians 3:20

“Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.”

When we think of a mediator, imediately comes to mind is a stalemate in union
affairs and the company’s negiators. The negotiations have come to an impasse.
There are three possible solutions. (1) Both sides can just plain give up; (2) The
union members can go out on strike; and (3) A mediator can be appointed to go
between the two parties.

Now, a mediator requires more than one party. Paul is talking about a mediator, but
he throws a wrench into the machinery. “God is one.” In other scriptures we learn
that the law came by the mediation of angels. I would be foolish to say that God had
no hand in the law, but I am here distinguishing between the law, a mirror unto
sinfulness, and the promise of God unto salvation.

The law could have a mediator between man and the angels, but it would be
impossible to have a mediator between man and God. God is one. He does not
negotiate the terms of redemption. Jesus Christ is our Mediator between God and
man. Either we come by the cross under God’s terms, or we are passed by unto
eternal damnation. The sentence has been pronounced. It is a sure thing. In order for
us to be saved, we must have a mediator, we must have a Saviour. We cannot attain
this by ourselves. This Mediator, Jesus Christ, stands, as it were, before God
clothed in His righteousness. It is here He is our Mediator,,this is imputed
righteousness,,He alone speaks in our behalf and we are carried into the presence of
an holy God, cleansed and renewed in the robes of Christ....I am washed in the
blood of the Lamb...

Again, I wanted to make the conection between the law and the promise, and Paul
does this in verse 29, “And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs
according to the promise.” We can lay hold to the Abrahamic Covenant, the
Promise, and the Seed, which is Jesus Christ. We have inalienable rights through
the mediation of Jesus Christ.

Thank you Lord for standing between me and God so that my filthiness, revealed by
the law, is purged by the promise, and I am an heir in Your righteousness.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

Praise God for my mediator - I would be hopless with out Him!

 

[Dan Todd]

Just had opportunity to read the last two devotionals. Thank you both for your thoughts!

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

Friday, 6th August, 2004

The men told them that they were pilgrims and strangers in the world; and that they were going to their own country, which was the heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 11v13-16); and that they had given none occasion to the men of the town, nor yet to the merchandisers, thus to abuse them, and to let them in their journey. Except it was, for that when one asked them what they would buy, they said they would buy the truth. But they that were appointed to examine them did not believe them to be any other than lunatics and mad, or else such as came to put all things into a confusion in the fair. Therefore they took them and beat them, and besmeared them with dirt; and then put them into the cage, that they might be made a spectacle to all the men of the fair. There, therefore, they lay for some time, and were made the objects of any man's sport, or malice, or revenge; the great one of the fair laughing still at all that befell them. {/QUOTE]

Hebrews 11v13-16 “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.”

Christian and Faithful never did fit in to the life of Vanity Fair. When asked where they were from they gave the ideal answer –“We are on our way to our country – the heavenly Jerusalem.”

As I write these thoughts the BB has just learned of the homegoing of our brother Chris Lofton (Acts 1:8). From his testimony here I imagine Chris was much like the characters in our story. His love for the Lord and his desire to see folks saved reminds us that he was a citizen of a heavenly city while here on earth.

Praise God that our dear brother is now residing in that heavenly city! His journey to the Celestial City. The faithful Pilgrim named Chris is in the very presence of the great Saviour! May the Lord be with his family in these days in a very special way.

 

[Watchman]

Thanks guys, I too am catching up on things here.
I am thankful that we have such a mediator as the Lord Jesus Christ. The same mediator as our departed brother Chris has.

 

[Watchman]

Saturday August 7, 2004

Then He spoke a parable to them saying: "The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?' So he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, "Soul you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink and be merry."' But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those thing be which you have provided? So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." (Luke 12: 16-21)

Fool!
It is worthwhile to look in the Word of God at another place where this term was used:
"The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." (Psalm 14:1) Truly, if one has money as
their god, they have no god. This is what the Lord Jesus taught us in Matthew 6:24:
"No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and dispise other. You cannot serve God and mammon." I don't know how else you can interpret that but to say that to LOVE money is to HATE God; to be LOYAL to money is to DISPISE God.

Years ago I thought that I would read one of those books on how to be rich. It was written by one who should know, for he was one of the worlds' wealthiest men at the time. The basic premise of the book was that you can do it, and here's how:
"Work, work, work and when you're through with all your work, work some more." Give yourself totally to making money, you will make it. The scariest thing in all of this is that he is probably right, after all, he did it. But the Lord Jesus warns us again:
"For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul? (Matthew 16:26)

Several months ago someone close to me was approached by a supervisor you wanted to change some figures around, taking from one category, and adding to another; in essence, "Cook the books." Make things look a little better. A little more bonus money for everyone; nothing wrong with that, right? Well, this someone courageously refused. Even more tragic-this supervisor is a Deacon at his Church.

The first commandment is, "You shall have no other gods before Me." (Exodus 20:3)
What great sorrow and woe for those who, in their hearts, change the commandment to, "You shall have no other gods before money"

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

Much needed thoughts in a day when mammon and God too often vie for the mastery in the lives of God's people.

 

[Jim1999]

Indeed, ethics begin with God, including areas of monetary gain. Blessings on the deacon who dared to choose God.

With Bev Shea we sing: "I'd rather have Jesus than anything this world affords to-day..."

Cheers, and thank you, Charles,

Jim

 

[Dan Todd]

Thank you Roger and Charles for the last two devotionals. God blesses my heart with the writings in this devotional forum.

Dan

 

[Watchman]

Sunday August 8,2004

And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
(Genesis 45:7)

The story about Joseph, his being sold into slavery by his brothers, his rise to authority and power in Egypt, and his being reunited to his brothers and father is both heart-wrenching and spirit-lifting, but there is a more compelling story behind it.

A glimpse of this deeper story manifests itself in the words, "posterity" and "deliverance." Both point back to the Garden where the Lord, soon after being rejected by Adam and Eve (through disobedience), first spoke of hope and deliverance. He revealed that someone would be born of a woman that would reverse the Fall. (Genesis 3:15).

All through the Scriptures we see Satanic opposition to this promise. Cain, Eve's first born, murdered her second born, but then Seth came on the scene (Genesis 5:3). Lamech boasted of his murderous exploits (Genesis 4:23), but Noah found grace in God's eyes.

In our passage today we see how the promised seed of Jacob continued to be preserved: the children of Jacob would not die of famine in Canaan. The Lord was working all things together for good (Romans 8:28), even when Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery. They indeed acted with malice, but underneath were the everlasting arms.

In addition, even on the surface Joseph's brothers were learning that sibling rivalry and boastful pride were ugly sins. They were learning that the Lord of grace was training them in humility for their own good. Much more was being accomplished, however. The Lord was preserving "a posterity," even THE posterity-His only begotten Son who would accomplish the ultimate work of deliverance.

 

[Dan Todd]

Thank God - for the preservation of His posterity!

 

[Jim1999]

Monday, August 9, 2004

Galatians 4:5

"To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons."

Paul continues to talk about the law. He reminds the Galatians about the efficacy of the work of Christ on the cross, in removing a temporary law of conviction and condemnation, unto the adoption of a servant unto sonship in Jesus Christ.

Paul talks about the duties of a servant in relation to a son. "Thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ...." What a mervellous estate to find ourselves,,,,an heir of God...Yet, these people dared to fall back into their old ways, not that they had denied Christ or the work of Christ, but they had added their old ways. We often hear the expression "once saved; always saved." No single expression has done more harm in Christendom than that one. It leaves the impression that we can accept Jesus into our lives, live that for a season, and then do as we please. Paul says in verse 6 that we have received the Spirit of God's Son in our lives from the moment of our salvation, and our adoption is complete. Yet these people had without doubt fallen away. Paul does not talk about them losing their salvation, but rather says they have become weak and reattached themselves to the beggarly elements of the servant.

So, what's wrong with "once saved; always saved"? It leaves the distinct impression that we can do as we please. The believer is preserved unto complete sanctification. There is the word which contains the truth. Sanctification. The very word tells us that there is to be progress in the believer unto full sanctification. A state where we are justified; just as if we never sinned. Throughout the word we are told about the fruits of a believer and James dares to remind us that we are "to work out our own salvation." He is not talking about our redemption. That was done by Christ on the cross. It was sealed by His resurrection. So what does he mean? We are to continually work and show the fruit of our redemption. The two go hand in hand. We want to work because we are saved, and not to obtain our redemption. If we don't show these fruits, are we really saved? Well, Paul says there is a possibility that we can fall away so that the appearance of being unsaved is possible. In verse 20 he says, "I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you." Paul is saying again that our witness should prevail. We should continually show forth the Christ as evidence of our conversion.

Lord, help us to continually show forth what Christ has done in us and for us, that we may indeed be the sons of adoption, secured by your right hand.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[Dan Todd]

I thank God that this one time slave to sin - has become a servant of the Most High God!

 

[Watchman]

Thank You Jim. I still like the saying:
"We are saved by grace through faith alone, but not by a faith that is alone."

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

Tuesday, 10th August, 2004

And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes; Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.
(Daniel 1v3-4)

As I study through Daniel many things catch my eye. A couple of things stick out in this passage.

1) The king sent Ashenaz to bring “children” of Israel. We can not know for sure how old Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azzariah were. We do know this – they were young. The king wanted to bring in young men.

2) He had a plan for them. They were to be taught “the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans”

Our Chaldea of today is the world system. From this we learn the best time to form minds is in childhood. Notice the king did not call for the elders, he called for the young men. If anyone’s minds could be shaped it was these young men. We must be constantly on guard for our kids.

Look at what the king wanted. He wanted these young men to be taught the “learning and language of the Chaldeans.”

How sad it is when Christian young people know more about the “learning and language” of the world that they do the “learning and language” of God. Mixing in with the world has become an accepted way of reaching the world. Our children often know more about rock stars, movie stars, and sports stars than they do the things of God. Our churches are becoming filled with young people who are well versed in the learning and language of the world.

God gave us a clear picture of the tactics of Satan, reach them while they are young. O that we would learn that lesson and give our children the attention they are due.

 

[Dan Todd]

A warning we need to heed - thank you Roger!

 

[Jim1999]

Wednesday, Aug 11, 2004

Galatians 6

"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."

"For every man shall bear his own burden."

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not"

These three verses leaped out at me as I read the 6th chapter of Galatians. If one reads these two verses in isolation and without thinking, it appears that Paul is contradicting himself. Just what is Paul saying?

In Verse 2, we are exhorted to "bear one another's burdens..." Think back to verse one and Paul talks about spiritual men restoring those who have fallen away. This indicates that Paul is talking about spiritual shortcomings. We have a responsibility to "bear" those burdens of others. We can be so quick to see clearly the sins of others. We can be so critical by times. Paul is saying that it is our responsibility to bear these burdens and uphold the brethren no matter how they may fall apart. We can make much ado about nothing within the church body, when in fact, we are to uphold each other in spiritual matters. When was the last time you/I took a brother aside and offered prayer fellowship right there and then? When was the last time you or I placed an arm on their shoulder and told them what their lives meant to us in the Lord Jesus?

In verse 5, Paul talks about us bearing our own burden. In brief, verse 5 is saying...whilst we have a duty in Christ to uphold the brother...the guilt of another person is not excuse for us to sin. We must bear our own burden. We are obligated by the laws of CHrist to be a spiritual people. We sometimes look at the world and pity the poor sods who know not the Christ, and we determine their lost estate. We can easily determine it is their own fault. Yet, Paul says we are to bear one another's burden...then every man is responsible for his own burden. We are to be separate from the world, and yet we are to be integrally responsible for the world.

And this brings me to the last verse of attention. Verse 9 "Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

We must keep on going on to reach the lost and to reach the brethren who lack the spiritual acumen with which the Lord has blessed us. The harvest does not come without labour and insight. We must ever be conscious of the needs around us. The needs of the world and the needs of the brethren; equal responsibility, according to Paul, as I see it.

Lord, help us not to be weary in well doing that we may indeed experience the harvest in Christ Jesus.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[Dan Todd]

Thank you Jim for those reminders!

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

Thursday, 12th August, 2004

And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king. Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego
(Daniel 14v5-7)

In here find four young men in the kings palace. The officials came to their tents and told them “The kings wants you!” Can you imagine how the felt? Its kind of like hearing over the load speaker – “Roger, report to the principle’s office.”

But then they get to the palace – now they are made an “offer they can’t refuse.” Can you imagine how the felt now?!? They were offered – “the king’s meat, and the wine which he drank.” What a temptation for these young men” Captives in Babylon there were being offered the very best food. From eating in the tents of their exiled families they had a chance to eat at the king’s table. No more tuna casserole, but steak and fries. No more dusty tent floor, but silk sheets. No more obeying Mom and Dad, but a chance to feted like royalty. What would you do if you were in their sandals?

To make matters even worse they were given names so that they would “fit in” with everyone else.

· Daniel (God is my judge) – Belteshazzar (may Ba’al protect his life)
· Hananiah (Jehovah has favoured)- Shadrach (the inspiration of the sun)
· Mishael (he who comes from God) – Mishach (belonging to the goddess Sheshach)
· Azariah (Jehovah has helped) – Abednego (servant of Nebo)

Lets move forward 2600 years. The world has plenty to offer today. Fancy clothes, fast cars, fine eating, and fleshly satisfaction are all there for the taking. There is a constant attraction away from the things of God. With all of that appeal what does it take to stand for God? How can the things of God compare to the things the world has to offer? Why would anyone in their right mind forsake all of that to be willing to follow the Lord?

These young men knew a vital truth. They were, in a very real way, the only thing that stood between Nebuchadnezzar and God’s people. If they gave in, the memory of God’s people would be wiped out. What are they going to do?

Come back Monday to find out!

 

[Jim1999]

Friday, August 13, 2004

Galatians 6:14

“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by
whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.”

The Galatians had been boasting about the things in which they gloried. Paul says, I
glory in something also. They gloried in the fact that they kept the law. They did
marvellous works, they had gone the step beyond other Christians. Paul says he
cannot boast about what he has done or what he can do. His glory is in one
direction only; the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul not only talks about the
cross, but in verse 17 he states: “For I bear in my body the marks of the Lord
Jesus.” You show me your good works and I will show you my scars in the name of
Christ.

Paul is not only crucified unto Christ, but he is crucified unto the world, and all the
material benefits it may afford. All my gains, I count lost. You can have all the
physical and temporal gains. I will advance in my suffering for Christ. In Paul’s
day, they could look at physical sufferings. He was jailed. He was whipped. He was
beaten to within an inch of his life. We know little of this suffering to-day in the
free world. It is hard for us to comprehend the sufferings of Paul and the other early
disciples. It cost them dearly to be a believer. Oh that we would appreciate what we
have in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Spurgeon writes of this passage: “He (Paul) cared nothing for the marks in his flesh
which proved him to be a Jew, he valued far more those scars which he had
received while engaged in the service of Jesus; these he looked upon as being the
Lord’s brand upon him, like the ear mark which was received by a Hebrew servant
when he resolved to abide with his master for life. It is useless to oppose a man of
Paul’s order, he is too resolute to be turned aside, it is wisest for the enemy to let
him alone.”

When we talk about sorrows and suffering, far too often it is personal, and most
likely something we have imposed on ourselves. Not so Paul. He had much to
complain about, but he counted it a gain to suffer for Christ. This was the driving
force in his life. He did not allow private ailments to cause him pain, but counted
only the stripes which were placed upon Jesus’ back for him and us.

It was Jim Elliot, a young missionary, who would tell fellow students at Wheaton
College: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot
lose.” In just a few short months, Jim Elliot would give his life in the service of the
Lord Jesus Christ. Not many are called to this noble a service, but I wonder how we
would respond. It was like the quip we often used when a difficult and
life-threatening mission field needed servants. “Here am I, Lord, send her.” We
scorned women seeking a preaching role, but we dispatched them to the mission
field.

I am reninded of the hymn:

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God;
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his blood.

Lord, help us to focus on the things that matter most in our lives; the cross of
Christ, and all that should mean to us.

Cheers,

Jim