Set your hope fully on the grace

 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

1 Peter 1:13 NIV

Peter is talking about being an active believer. He wants believers to be ready when Jesus comes again. He wants everyone to be alert and full of hope and living as they should for Jesus.

He says prepare your minds for action; prepare to be able to deal with all that this life will throw your way. Be ready to give a defense of your faith, be ready to help where needed, be ready to show Jesus to those around you.

Peter said that we should be self-controlled. That means it our responsibility to live as we ought to. Self-control literally means control of self. We cannot let outside influences guide us in how we should behave as christians, we need to take control of that. We need to know for ourselves what is appropriate for us and live it out.

He also said we should set our hope fully on the grace we will receive when Jesus comes again. He wants us to remember the great and glorious gift we will receive when Jesus returns, eternity with God.

Peter wants his readers to live in the hope of Jesus return and the inheritance of eternal life that has been promised to us.

These words of Peter can be a great encouragement for us if we take them to heart. We need to make up our minds to be ready for action, self controlled and hoping for our eternal reward. When we do this we will be living as we need to.

© 2012 Leo J. Woodman

Be Faithful

Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Revelation 2:10b NASB

Jesus said that if we are “faithful until death”. He will give us “the crown of life”. He is saying that if we are faithful to Him in this life until we die, we will have eternal life with Him. Sounds conditional doesn't it? That's because it is. If we hope to be with Jesus in eternity then we was must live this life to His glory. We must remain faithful in our relationship with Him.

Over the past few days we have looked at several different topics concerning salvation. Hearing the gospel, believing in Jesus, repenting of our sins, confessing that Jesus is the Son of God and being baptized. The last subject in this discussion is faithfulness.

We know that a relationship cannot last if both parties are not faithful to that relationship. If one becomes unfaithful in the relationship, the relationship will never be the same. What Jesus wants us to know is that when we commit to Him it is for life. He wants us to be dedicated to Him for life.

Jesus made this clear during His earthly ministry as well; But Jesus said to him, "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." Luke 9:62 NASB Jesus was speaking in response to a statement someone had made; "I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home." Luke 9:61 NASB Jesus wanted His followers to understand that following Him was their priority for this life in order to join Him in the life to come.

So we see that, once we make that commitment to Jesus it is for a life time. If we lose our faith and we walk away we will not be in relationship with Him anymore. Remember He said “Be faithful until death”. That statement doesn't allow for a temporary faithfulness or on and off again faith. He wants us to be as faithful to Him as he is to us.

Paul said this in 2^nd Timothy chapter 2 and verses 12 and 13; “If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us; If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.” Paul understood that Jesus faithfulness will never cease, but we are capable of denying Him and losing our opportunity to reign with Him. Paul knew it was a matter of endurance, seeing it through to the end. That is how our faith is to be; enduring till the end.

© 2012 Leo J. Woodman

Be baptized

Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:38 NASB

Peter makes it clear in his response to his hearers on the day of Pentecost that baptism is essential for the forgiveness of sins and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Baptism followed after several things occurred first. They had heard the gospel message about Jesus. When Peter finished his gospel sermon they believed in Jesus. “Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, " Brethren, what shall we do?" Acts 2:37 NASB That is when Peter gave them the answer in verse 38. Peters audience had become convicted of their sins and wanted to know what to do about it. Peter gave them a straight forward answer. He told them to do just what Jesus had told His apostles to do to make disciples. Read Mark 16:15,16 and Matthew 28:19,20. The day of Pentecost is the first time we observe the disciple making process.They were making disciples from all around the world that day, “Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven.” Acts 2:5 NASB

That first gospel sermon produced thousands of new disciples. “So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.” Acts 2:41 NASB Visualize that, thousands converted in one day.

The apostles also followed through on the other part of the great commission, “teaching them to observe all that I commanded you” Matthew 28:20a NASB The apostles got right to work on teaching all of these new disciples what Jesus had taught them. “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42

As we look at the making of disciples we have to realize it's not the teacher that really makes a disciple and it's not the individual that adds themselves to the body it is the Lord that does the adding. “And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 2:47b Did you catch the last part of verse 47 it says “those who were being saved”? So it appears the way one is saved is through baptism. Peter wrote about this later in his letter to the church. Read 1^st Peter 3:20,21 “baptism now saves you”.

It is obvious that baptism is significant for the removal of sins. If one wants to be free of their sins, one must be baptized.

Tomorrow we look at the importance of remaining faithful to Jesus.

© 2012 Leo J. Woodman

Confess with your mouth

that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

Romans 10:9,10 NASB

Today's subject is confession. We are not looking at confession of sins. We are looking at confessing Jesus as the Son of God as Peter did in Matthew 16:16. Some folks get this confused when studying about coming to Christ. They are afraid of the confession part, they don't want to have to confess their sins before the entire congregation. If that is what we had to do to come to Christ, how may of us would be in Christ today? I would dare say not too many. Fortunately God already knows all those gritty details and He wants to get rid of them for us in Jesus.

Paul says that if we proclaim Jesus as the Lord and believe in His resurrection we will be saved. Confessing Jesus aloud is part of God's plan for our salvation. We also see this early on in the book Acts when the Ethiopian eunuch is converted to Christ in Acts chapter eight. As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, "Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?" And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." Acts 8:36,37 NASB Philip had been studying with the ethiopian eunuch and when the man decided he was ready to come to Christ he asked Philip about being baptized. Philip said "If you believe with all your heart, you may." The man then confessed Jesus; "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." Following his confession Philip baptized him.

So we see the eunuch after hearing about Jesus came to believe in Him. He then repented and decided he wanted to follow Jesus. He decided he wanted to be baptized, after Philip received his confession he baptized him. The ethiopian eunuch received salvation.

Next week we will look at the final subject in this series, baptism. What is it and what is its significance in the salvation plan?

© 2012 Leo J. Woodman

But unless you repent

But unless you repent, you too will all perish.

Luke 13:3 NIV

In the past few days we have discussed hearing about Jesus and believing in Jesus, today we are discussing repentance and its significance. Repent, Jesus said if we don't repent we will perish. So what does it mean to repent? It means to regret our sinful past and make up our mind to change our ways and follow Jesus. So, if we have heard the good news about Jesus and come to believe in Him as the Son of God and our savior we should be painfully aware of our need for forgiveness. In order to truly seek forgiveness one has to come to the conclusion that the way they have been doing things hasn't worked and its time to make a change. That's where repentance comes in, and we decide its time to turn around and go in the right direction.

Once we come to the point of repentance we are no longer ignorant about the ways of God and how sinful we truly are. Have you ever heard this statement before? “Ignorance of the law is no excuse”. When it comes to forgiveness of sins we cannot claim ignorance as an excuse before God. We will be held accountable for the evil that we have done.

Paul said this as he was addressing a crowd in Athens,”The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”Acts 17:30,31 ESV Paul said this to his audience after he proclaimed to them the unknown God. “What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.” Acts 17:23b So after Paul had proclaimed God to them they were no longer ignorant, and were now aware of their sin. Paul said “he commands all people everywhere to repent”. Why? Because there is a day of judgement coming. On that day the world will be Judged by Jesus the one God raised from the dead.

Repentance is very significant, without it we cannot be forgiven. It is a part of the God given plan of salvation. If we follow His plan we can be assured of forgiveness and mercy when the day of judgement comes.

© 2012 Leo J. Woodman

He who has believed

He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. Mark16:16 NASB

In the previous verse, Jesus had given the great commission to the apostles. He told them that they were to preach the gospel and then He let it be known that those that hear the gospel and believe in Jesus are to be baptized in order to be saved. The other side of the coin is, after hearing the gospel and a person disbelieves they are condemned. Strong words from Jesus to say the least.

Obviously Jesus wanted people to hear about Him and all that he had done before coming to a conclusion about their belief in Him. When you think about it, it makes good sense that one should not jump to conclusions concerning Jesus. Ones eternal destination relies on an informed decision.

Jesus had told His apostles to go and preach the gospel to all creation. So, what they did was to go everywhere and tell people all that they had witnessed concerning Jesus. Then it would be up to the hearer to make a decision. Today we have the four Gospels to do that for us. So, it would make good sense for us to read through at least one of the gospels and let Jesus apostles or disciples tell us what they witnessed. When we have done that we then can make an informed decision.

Remember what Jesus said; He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. Today read a gospel account and make a decision about your belief in Jesus. If you decide to believe in Him, it is then up to you to make some decisions concerning what you will do about it.

Tomorrow we will discuss repentance.

© 2012 Leo J. Woodman

Faith comes by hearing

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Romans 10:17 ESV

Faith comes from hearing. Hearing what? The word of Christ. In order to believe in Christ, we need to hear what He is saying. The way to hear what He is saying is to read the gospels and hear the lessons from the gospels. That is where the word of Christ is to be found.

Jesus said many times, “he who has an ear let him hear”. Jesus always wanted his audience to truly hear what He was saying. He wanted them to take it to heart, to really absorb the truth's He was sharing with them.

Two thousand years later Jesus still speaks to us through the gospels. The word gospel means good news. We all need the good news. We live in a world of bad news. We need to hear what Jesus has to say.

The good news is that Jesus overcame the grave. In Him we too can overcome the grave. We can find peace with our heavenly Father through Jesus.

Read one of the gospel accounts today. Read it in one sitting and take it in as a whole. Enjoy the richness of God's love as it is shown in Jesus. Hear the good news!

Tomorrow we will look at belief.

© 2012 Leo J. Woodman

Guard your heart

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

Proverbs 4:23 NIV

Solomon in all of his wisdom warned us that above everything else we need to guard our hearts. Later Jesus spoke of the heart and what comes out of it; “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” Matthew 15:19 NIV The reason such things as these come out of the heart is because we don't guard our heart as we should and we allow these things to come into it. Jesus also said; “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” Matthew 12:13 NIV

It is absolutely important that we take care as to what we allow to take up space in our heart. Because whatever we allow to fill our heart will over flow from it. If it is good, good will flow. If evil, evil will flow. We must be cognizant of what we are absorbing day in and day out.

Paul in his letter to the Philippian church said this; “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 These are the things we are to meditate on and allow to fill our heart. True, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy, quite the list of things that are good for us to think about. But, how many of us truly spend enough time thinking about theses things?

Today, listen the words that come out of your mouth and the thoughts of your heart and judge yourself. Are there things you need to change? What is pouring forth from your heart today? Is it good or is it evil?

Guard your heart and your thoughts will reflect the light you allow into it.

© 2012 Leo J. Woodman

Repetitve teaching, why?

Have you ever noticed how repetitive the bible can be? As you read through the bible it becomes obvious that God is teaching the same lessons over and over again. From generation to generation, covenant to covenant God has the same lessons for us. Why do you suppose that is? Perhaps for the same reason the Hebrew writer penned theses words; “We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” Hebrews 5:11-14 NIV

This has always been mankind’s problem, we are slow to learn. As you read through the Old Testament you see that God had to teach His people the same lessons over and over again. In the New testament we see the apostles teaching the same things repeatedly. Retention has always been the bane of man's existence. This is why lessons are repeated in the bible. Repetition is they way we learn. Think back to your school days. How often did you think to yourself, haven't we heard this before? The answer to that question was yes. Because before the next level of teaching could be tackled, the teacher had to remind you of what you had learned thus far, then you would be ready for the next level. The purpose of repetitive teaching is to is to bring the learner along incrementally.

Look at the second sentence in the Hebrews quote. He is saying that his readers should be teachers by now, but are still in the early stages of learning about the truth of the word. But, if you think about it, how often do we see in the gospels Jesus teaching the teachers of the law, because they had not understood what really mattered. They hadn't even gotten the basics of what God really wanted from man. Yet they presumed to be able to teach others the right way of living. Jesus had to teach them the basics before they were ready to move on to the next level. The problem appears to be that both the first century christians and the teachers of the law had not spent enough time in the scriptures and were weak in their understanding and spiritual maturity because of it.

In the last sentence of the quote, we see that the mature are feasting on the solid food, they are making constant use of what what will continue to nourish them and grow them, so they will be better at distinguishing good from evil. So, the next time you find yourself reading the scriptures or hearing a lesson and you ask yourself; haven't I heard this before? Know that you have and that you will again because you need to, to mature and grow and be able to teach it yourself.

© 2012 Leo J. Woodman

All aboard!

because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ

1 peter 3:20,21 ESV

The apostle Peter compares baptism to the ark that Noah built, that saved Noah and his family from the great flood. The reason God flooded the earth was because mankind had become so sinful. Only a few were saved from destruction because Noah obeyed God and built the ark. Peter says they were “brought safely through the water”, while the rest of humanity perished in their sins.

Peter then says “baptism which corresponds to this, now saves you”. What Peter is saying is that just as the ark saved Noah and his family from destruction, today baptism will save you from destruction.

It was by faith that Noah built the ark, filled it with all the animals and his family saving them from certain destruction. God commanded the ark be built, Noah obeyed the command, God gave salvation.

Today we need to act in faith, God has commanded baptism for the forgiveness of sins, through Jesus, Matthew 28:19 and the apostle Peter Acts 2:38 as well as in other scriptures in the New Testament. Peter said baptism now saves you. It would seem that it is a good idea to get on board with God's plan for salvation today. His plan for salvation in Noah's day was the ark, today His plan for salvation is baptism.

Peter said that baptism is not a “removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ”. If you want your conscience cleared and all you sins removed, it happens when one responds to Jesus command to be baptized.

Get on board!

© 2012 Leo J. Woodman

the Critical Care Unit

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:24,25 NIV

The church is the spiritual Critical Care Unit for those seeking much needed spiritual care. The church is the body of Christ, it is where we get what we need to keep us spiritually healthy. If one doesn't meet together with the church it is hard to maintain a healthy walk in Christ.

The Hebrew writer shares some important thoughts in chapter ten. He speaks about considering how to spur one another on to love and good deeds, not giving up on meeting together and encouraging one another. Really he is talking about what is necessary for a Christian's spiritual well being.

When he says “let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds”. He saying let's put our heads together and find ways of helping one another love as Christ did and find ways of doing good for others as He did.

He then says “let us not give up meeting together”, because not meeting with the church is a bad habit to get in to. It is when we are together that we are the strongest. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says this; “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken”. NIV There is strength in numbers. When we meet together regularly we grow stronger, we are better equipped to withstand all that the world has to throw at us.

His final point is to remind us that our meeting together is how we encourage one another to remain faithful until the end. Just like crowds gather at a sporting event to cheer their team on to victory, we need to gather to cheer each other on to victory in Christ.

So visit the Critical Care Unit when they gather, get the much needed spiritual care to help you on your way. Not only will you get the help you need , you will be giving help to others as well.

© 2012 Leo J. Woodman

We're all terminal

We're all terminal

For every living soul belongs to me, the father as well as the son--both alike belong to me. The soul who sins is the one who will die.

Ezekiel 18:4 NIV

As stated in the above verse “the soul who sins is the one who will die”. We're not just talking about physical death here, we're talking about the death of the soul. Without Christ that is the destiny of the soul. This really points out the effects of sin, sin goes deep. It destroys the soul.

Jesus said this, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell”. Matthew 10:28 Physical death isn't what we need to worry about, it is the death of the soul that we need to be concerned with. Because without Jesus we are terminal, we are going to die a spiritual death. The apostle Paul said this, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. So, if all have sinned then all are in danger of death.

Physical death always looms before us we know our time is limited. The psalmist said “You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath”. So consideration of our souls condition must be dealt with while there is still time. The only hope we have for our souls wellbeing is Jesus.

Ezekiel told us that the soul who sins will die, Jesus said God can destroy the body and soul in hell, and Paul said we all have sinned. We all need Jesus. You, me, everyone needs Him to cure us of our souls disease, sin.

If your sins have been washed away and you are in Christ, your soul is safe. But if not, your soul is in danger. Consider today what the status of your soul is. If you have any doubts, its time to do something about it. "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38

Only the soul that is forgiven of its sins will be saved.

© 2012 Leo J. Woodman

The Keys to the Kingdom

The Keys to the Kingdom

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

Matthew 16:19

Keys, they’re used to unlock something and gain access to it. After Peter proclaims "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus tells Peter I will give you keys to the Kingdom of heaven. He says, I will give you the ability to unlock and give access to the Kingdom of God! He then goes on to tell Peter, whatever he binds on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. He is promising to put great power and authority into Peter's hands. This humble fisherman will be given this awesome responsibility. But what was Jesus talking about, the keys to the kingdom of heaven?

He was talking about access to the kingdom, he was talking about entrance into the kingdom of heaven. I doubt Peter knew what Jesus was talking about at that very moment, but it wasn't very long before he came to understand Jesus statement. Peter probably began to understand a little more when Jesus made this statement before going to the cross,Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matt. 28:19 NIV Jesus gives the great commission to His disciples. Jesus told them what they must do to make more disciples for the King and His Kingdom.

The first opportunity to do this presents itself shortly after Jesus ascension into heaven, on the day of pentecost. Peter gets to present the first gospel sermon to a massive crowd. Jews from every nation of the world were in Jerusalem for the festival and thousands heard Peter proclaim Jesus as the Christ. When they heard what Peter said they wanted to know what to do about it. Peter told them, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call." Acts 2:38,39 Peter implemented the Keys to the Kingdom and they were bound on earth and in heaven. Obedient sinners were loosed from sin and granted access to the Kingdom of Heaven when they obeyed Peters response to their question. They repented of their sins and were baptized in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins and received the gift of the Holy Spirit. Three thousand were added to the kingdom that day.

The great commission still stands and the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven are still available. It is the duty of Christians to present the gospel to those that will hear. When they believe that Jesus is the Son of God, are convicted of their sin and repent, they must be baptized in order to gain access to the Kingdom. What was bound that day in Jerusalem was bound in heaven. That process for entry into the Kingdom heaven was used in every conversion story in the book of Acts. Today the process for entry into the kingdom remains the same. There is not a second set of keys, the originals must be used.

© 2012 Leo J. Woodman

I stand at the door

 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

Revelation 3:20 NIV

This statement by Jesus follows up what he has to say about the lukewarmness of the church at Laodicea. They had become lukewarm in their faith and relationship with the Lord. He had told them because of their being lukewarm He was about to spit them out of His mouth. In other words they had become distasteful to Him and were about to lose there place.

We all understand what lukewarm is, this is why Jesus used the term. Think back to a time when you experienced something lukewarm. Maybe you had been looking forward to a hot cup of coffee and when you took that first sip and it was luke warm. Kind of ruined the coffee experience didn't it? Or on a hot day, you went to a water fountain for a cold drink of water and as you took that first sip you discovered the water was room temperature. Not very refreshing, was it? Lukewarmness is not a pleasant experience, it doesn't satisfy. What Jesus was saying is that He was no longer satisfied with His relationship with the church at Laodicea. They needed to change or He would “spit them out”.

We too can become lukewarm in our relationship with the Lord. When we find ourselves there, we find it unsatisfying. But it is not the Lord's fault that we feel unsatisfied. It is ours. We have come to a point of contentment that is not healthy for that relationship. When we start feeling lukewarm, we need to take a spiritual inventory. We need to look back to where we came from, before Christ and realize we are oh so subtly heading back there. If we head back there, then Jesus will no longer be satisfied with us and we will be spit out.

Lukewarmness will not be tolerated by our Lord. But we know this, Jesus said “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” Jesus is always seeking to have the best possible relationship with us.

If today, you find yourself drifting away in a sea of lukewarmness, know that Jesus is knocking. Open the door to Him. Let Him come in and fellowship with you again, as He once did.

© 2012 Leo J. Woodman

keeping it simple

 Keeping it simple

I have often wondered why it is, that so many people want to see the New Testament as complicated or mysterious. So many claim that there are hidden things that need discovering and so on. I admit that sometimes the scriptures can be a little confusing. But for the most part the New testament is pretty straight forward. Just think how it would be if we took a more simplistic approach to reading and studying the NT.

Lets look at the layout of the NT. Its put put together quite simply. The gospels, Acts, the letters and the revelation which really is a letter as well. Although revelation is written in a far different format than all the rest of the letters. Maybe we should to look at the NT in this way... The gospels and the book of Acts are the reference and history books, the letters are the instruction manual and the revelation is the Lord's letter of encouragement to His people. If you want to learn about Jesus and what He said and did it's in the gospels. If you want to learn about where and when the church began and how it grew it's all right there in the book of Acts. If you want to know what the original church was like, read Paul's letters. If you want to know what the original teachings of the church were on what it is to be a Christian and how to live as one, it is in all of the letters. If you want to learn about how intimate Jesus is with His church and their struggles, read the revelation. It is such a love letter for believers, as well an encouragement to remain faithful to Jesus.

We have complicated the NT, because we tend to over think things. One of mans problems has always been that we don't take God's instruction at face value, we aren't content to say to ourselves, He said it so that settles it. If we had been, the problems in the garden never would have arisen. God had given Adam and Eve one simple rule to obey and they didn't do it.They fell prey to an influence outside the word of God. When they fell under that influence and began to question God's word in their minds it was all over, but the crying. Their choice to think it over and to look at God's word from a different perspective caused them great grief. One of the biggest issues in christendom today is man wants to look at God's word from societies perspective and impose that on what God has stated clearly in His word.

Many today want to say that the bible was written for different people at a different time. Society and science has shown us things that we need to apply to God's word. We need to rethink what we read and look at it from our modern and enlightened perspective. But if people would just read God's word and take it at face value they would see that many of the things they think acceptable, go directly against God's instruction.

If we keep our reading and study of God's word simple and straight forward and take God at His word and apply it to our lives we will be far better off than if we try to apply our perspective to His word. Simply put, we need to accept God's word with a child-like faith. He said it, that settles it.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15 NIV

© 2012 Leo J. Woodman

a lost coin

"Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?

Luke 15:8 NIV

(Read Luke 15:8-10)

Jesus parable of the lost coin. A short but significant parable about seeking that which is lost. A short parable about one that repents.

Its not only about repentance, but seeking out those that are in need of repentance. Jesus tells this parable in response to the Pharisees attitude toward Jesus interaction with sinners. The short parable falls in the middle between the parable of the lost sheep and the parable of the prodigal son. It is one of three examples that Jesus uses to teach the pharisees the importance of seeking the lost, not turning your back on them. In all three parables Jesus uses examples of what is precious in our sight, property, wealth and children. He uses these to show the preciousness of one soul.

In the parable we're looking at Jesus describe the woman as lighting the house sweeping it completely and searching all over until she finds the coin she lost. When she does find the lost coin she calls everyone she knows to have them share in her joy of finding what she lost.

What Jesus is saying to the religious elite is, do what you see me doing. Let the light of God shine forth from you. Go and search for the lost where they are and let them know you care. When you find those that were lost and they repent, celebrate the fact that you found them.

Just like a coin that is lost, doesn't know its lost most people don't know they are lost either. They need to be enlightened by hearing the gospel. When they have heard it from someone that cares enough to bring it them, they then have the opportunity to repent of their ways.

Jesus knows the value of every soul, do you? After reading the parable do you feel the urgency to search for what is lost? Think of what Jesus says in verse 10, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." Don't you want to cause rejoicing in heaven, when the one you shared the gospel with turns again to God?

Lets go out today and do a thorough search for the one that is lost.

© 2012 Leo J. Woodman

come near to God

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

James 4:8 NIV

Have you ever wondered why you don't feel close to God? I have. Any time I felt that way, I have discovered that it was me keeping the distance.

James touches on this subject in James 4:8 “come near to God and He will come near to you”. He is basically saying, if you want to have a good relationship with God, work on your side of the relationship. He says this because God is near to us, if we are near to Him. Its never God that backs off in the relationship, its always us. It is our sinful state that needs to be worked on if we want to feel nearer to God again.

Look at what James says in the last half of the verse, “wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded”. He says that there are two things we need to take care of, to fix two problems that we have. We need to wash our hands because we are sinners. In other words we need to repent of our sins, ask forgiveness and wash our hands of the filth we have allowed ourselves to get into. We need to purify our hearts because we are double-minded. We also need to clean up our hearts, and get rid of whatever is sitting in God's place in our hearts. He says its because we are double-minded. We are double-minded because we don't have a singleminded focus on our relationship with God. We are trying to serve two masters, the world and God. We can't do both. Because we, “will be devoted to the one and despise the other”. Luke 16:13

So as always it takes a conscious effort on our part to to feel nearer to God. Today if you are feeling like distance has come between you and God, do what it takes to close that gap.“Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded” and come near to God.

© 2012 Leo J. Woodman

two men went up to the temple to pray

"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.

Luke 18:10 NIV

(Read Luke 18:10-14)

In this parable Jesus presents us with two men, presenting themselves to God. Two men that have two different attitudes about themselves before God. The first one says “God, I thank you that am not like other men”, I am religious. The second says “God, have mercy on me, a sinner”, I am hopeless. Two men with two totally different heart attitudes. One exalts himself before God, the other humbles himself before God.

When I read this parable I think of how spiritually dangerous it is to think that we are better off than others simply because we put on the appearance of righteousness. When we exalt ourselves in our minds and before God because we believe just because we don't participate in certain sins, we aren't guilty of any. We cannot justify ourselves before God, He does the justifying. Jesus makes this statement; "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 18:14 NIV Jesus says the man that admitted that he was a sinner is the one that went home justified. He had come before God in humility and was rewarded for it. One man prayed about himself, the other prayed for himself. God heard the latter.

Most of us probably don't pray the way the Pharisee did. But, we may behave in the same way when we look down on others for things they do. The interesting thing about our behavior is we have this attitude toward non-christians a lot of times. We have this strange idea that if we point out our religiosity and the sinful behavior of non-christians it will some how make them want to be like us. If you have ever acted this way toward someone, did it win them over? Probably not. Most likely it sent them in the opposite direction.

Our job as Christians is to win people over to Christ. The way to win people over to Christ is to present Him in our actions. Jesus humbled himself all the time. Just the fact that He came and lived among us shows us how humble He was. Jesus didn't say look at me and how good I am. He went to people where they were and helped them out of the mess they were in. He showed them mercy, love and compassion, not a judgmental attitude. Let us remember these three words in our interactions with others: mercy, love and compassion. This is what we all need, because as Paul said “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23 NIV Not one of us guiltless when comes to sin. If we are in Christ we have experienced mercy, love and compassion. Let others experience these things in us. Humble yourself and remember God does the justifying, not you.

© 2012 Leo J. Woodman

no one comes to the Father except through me

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”.

John 14:6

The great proclamation made by Jesus. He is the Way. He is the Truth. He is the Life. This is why Christians were called followers of the way in Acts 9:2.

Let's break down His emphatic statement. He said “I am the Way”, this precludes any other way. There are not multiple ways to the Father. Only through Jesus can we find the Way to our heavenly Father.

He then said “I am the Truth”, this also precludes any other “truth”. The only “truth” we need to know is Jesus. Today many say there is no absolute truth. Jesus was the embodiment of truth. When He said “I am the Truth”, that was an absolute statement, of pure truth.

He followed up that statement with,“I am the Life”. The life He speaks of is eternal life in Him, James 1:12, speaks about it as the crown we receive after this life. This precludes eternal life with the Father for those that do not accept Jesus and His teachings.

If you noticed I used the word precludes in reference to Jesus three proclamations about Himself. The word preclude means to make impossible. Which brings us to the last part of Jesus proclamation. “No one comes to the Father except through Me.” We cannot come to the Father in and of ourselves. We cannot find another way, we cannot find another truth, we cannot achieve eternal Life outside of Jesus. It is impossible. So, when Jesus says no one He means just that, no one. Not a single person can come back into a relationship with the heavenly Father without following Jesus, THE WAY. Without Jesus it is impossible.

So, the next time someone says to you what is truth, just like Pilate did in John 18:38, point them to the gospels and show them Jesus. Help them to see when they come to know Him and begin to follow Him they will have found truth.

So, today share the truth with someone. Tell them about Jesus.

© 2012 Leo J. Woodman

they may be won over without words

Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives,

1 Peter 3:1 NIV

Peter is talking about the power of a good example. Peter is talking to wives specifically here and the effect they have on their husbands. Peter knows what he is talking about. I know of many strong christian men that had been unbelievers, but were won over for Christ by their wife's example.

More often than we would like to think about, our behavior as christians speaks more to people than our words do. My wife has a saying about this; "your walk talks and your talk talks, but your walk talks louder than your talk talks". So, good christian behavior speaks loudly without saying a word. Read 1 Peter 3:1-6 and get more input from Peter on the type of behavior he is talking about.

Peter uses these terms to describe this powerfully influential behavior; purity, reverence, gentle and quiet spirit. The christian wife is to exhibit purity in her life, living out a godly example for her husband to see. She is to show reverence to her God and His teachings as well as respect for her husband. Peter finishes up with what is the true beauty of a christian woman, "the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit". A gentle and quiet spirit is the most powerful behavior a christian woman can show toward her husband.

To show this gentle, quietness is to teach in the subtlest of ways. Imparting God's truth and love in such a way as to gently show the way of the Lord. It is living for for Jesus in a non-contentious way. Letting your husband see Jesus in your actions and hear Jesus in your words.

If one is married to an unbeliever remember these qualities and strive to live them out, he may be won over by your behavior. 

(C) 2012 Leo J. Woodman

Jesus is coming again

“Jesus Is Coming Again!”

After Jesus had completed His saving work here on earth He returned to His heavenly Father.

These are the words the angels spoke to Jesus' apostles that day. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." Acts 1:11 They promised the return of the savior. His coming to the world again, will be as visible as the day He left .

Jesus return will be unmistakable. Not only will His return be visible, it will be audible. “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, ” 1 Thessalonians 4:16a

There will be no warning, it will just happen. Just like when a thief breaks in. “For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.” 1 Thessalonians 5:2,3 With Jesus return comes destruction and those that are not ready, they will not will not escape His wrath.

The apostle Paul says this about believers; “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9 Paul also tells the church at Rome, “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!” Romans 5:9

The day is coming when the Lord will come again for those that are His. That day will come quickly and with out warning. Only those that are in Christ will be saved from His wrath. Knowing this about Jesus return, tells us to be prepared. There will not be another chance after that day. So, when we think about it today is the only day we have to make up our mind. The choice is ours. The day is coming. If we wait for that day it will be too late to ask "what shall we do?" Acts 2:37b

Jesus is coming again. Are you ready? If not, see Acts 2:38. Be ready.

An article in Christ for Today

(C) 2012 Leo J. Woodman