When Saul was first converted, he had been blinded on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). Even though he was blind, there were some things he saw.
What did Saul/Paul see? Let's find out together in a sermon preached by Jarrod Jacobs entitled Things Saul Saw In Christ.
I hope it will be a blessing to you.
The Wisdom In God’s Word
Jarrod M. Jacobs
Familiarity and knowledge of God’s word are lacking in our society. Therefore, man must obtain the wisdom of God found in His word. How can this be done? Please read the verses below and note how God’s word is connected to wisdom and understanding.
· “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11).
· “I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word” (Psalm 119:16).
· “Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart” (Psalm 119:34).
· “Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed” (Psalm 119:80).
· “O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients because I keep thy precepts.” (Psalm 119:97-100).
· “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple” (Psalm 119:130).
Based upon these passages above, we know God’s wisdom is accessible to man through the written word. What are some applications we can make to the wisdom found in God’s word?
One application is that we need to remember God’s word. David stated this plainly (Ps. 119:11, 16). The first psalm shows that the righteous will gladly meditate on God’s law (Ps. 1:2). Remembering God’s wisdom is not simply a mental exercise. Remembering God’s word keeps us from sin. Jesus showed us this when Satan tempted him. He used Scripture to overcome (Matt. 4:1-11; I Pet. 2:21-22).
Secondly, God’s word keeps us from shame! David said that when his heart was “sound” in God’s statutes, he would not be put to shame (Ps. 119:80). Sadly, we find people today who are put to shame because they go through life without the wisdom found in God’s word! When our hearts are “sound” (healthy, sincere, undefiled) with God’s wisdom, there is no occasion for shame! We see a New Testament counterpart to Psalm 119:80 in II Timothy 2:15. The workman “needeth not to be ashamed” when he handles the word of truth accurately! Many things can put men to shame, but knowing God’s word will not do it!
It is not enough to simply “know” God’s word. It is necessary to obey what we learn (Ps. 119:34; Rom. 10:16; Heb. 5:9; Rev. 22:14; etc.). We need to “keep” and “observe” what we learn! Jesus taught this when He discussed the wise man that not only heard the word but obeyed it (Matt. 7:21-27). What a tragedy it is to see people who know what to do to please God but refuse to obey! Let us determine to meditate, study, and obey what we learn in God’s word.
Regardless
of the wisdom the world may proclaim, the wisdom found in God’s word makes us
wiser than the world (Ps. 119:97-100). This should not be surprising, seeing
that God’s ways and thoughts are higher than man’s (Isa. 55:8-9). God looks upon
the world’s wisdom as foolishness that passes away (I Cor. 1:18-21; II Jn.
2:17). Let us heed God’s word and thank Him for access to wisdom that will lead
us from earth to Heaven!
In light of the wars and conflicts that have continued to happen in Israel since 1948. some have asked whether or not the Jews received all the land from God. Some insist God has not given the land yet, but this will soon happen. Is this what the Bible teaches?
Jarrod Jacobs preached a sermon on this subject on November 26, 2023.
Did The Jews Receive All The Land? Click on the sermon title to learn the answer.
7 Things That Will Help You Grow Spiritually
Men today want to have that feeling of "worth" and worthiness." They want to feel like their lives are not being spent in vain.
What determines whether or not I have lived (or am living) a worthwhile life? Is it based on the amount of money I have? My friends? My social status? What is it?
God tells us twice, once in the Old Testament and once in the New Testament, what is necessary for a worthwhile life, or a "Life Worth Living." Interestingly, God gives us the same answer in both places!
Click here to learn what God considers a "worthwhile" use of our time while we live on planet earth.
Just a few of the books (classbooks, notebooks, fiction) available from Jacobs Publications.
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“Lord, Lord”
Jarrod Jacobs
When Jesus preached His “Sermon on the Mount,” He said: “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matt. 7:21-23).
Jesus pointed out that simply saying Jesus is “Lord” or merely stating one’s faith in Christ is not enough to save man (Jas. 2:24, 26). The word “Lord” means sovereign, ruler, or master. Since this is true, it is not enough to say Jesus is our Lord. We must live it (Heb. 5:9). The book of Luke records where Jesus asked, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Lk. 6:46). Now that we understand what “Lord” means, we can also understand the frustration Jesus was expressing. Why did people call Him “master” but not do what He said? Was He really their master?
Matthew 7:22-23 says that one day Jesus will confront folks who say “Lord, Lord.” They will plead that they “prophesied,” “cast out devils,” and did “many wonderful works” in His name. Christ will say, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” These people were guilty of acting without authority (law) though they said, “Lord, Lord”! It was not enough to claim Christ was their master and ruler. They had to abide by His will and had not been doing it!
Let us examine ourselves. Are we only offering lip service to God? Are we saying the “right things” but not living the right way (Matt. 5:16)? The apostle Paul warned Titus that there were folks in the first century who “profess that they know God; but in works they deny him” (Titus 1:16). Could we be guilty of this, too? Paul made a similar point to the Romans when he asked, “Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?” (Rom. 2:21-23). This passage shows us how the apostle Paul got to the heart of the matter. In effect, folks said, “Lord, Lord,” but refused to obey. They may have been teaching the truth, but they refused to be submissive! They were wrong! Passages like Romans 2 and Matthew 7 demand we seriously examine our lives (II Cor. 13:5)!
Are we saying “Lord, Lord” but are not doing what the Lord says? Friends, how can we expect to see Heaven if we are acting like those folks in Matthew 7:21 and saying “Lord, Lord” but are not doing what the Lord said? The truth is, we won’t (Matt. 7:23)! Let us learn from Matthew 7:21-23. Let us make sure we are not only confessing Christ as “Lord,” but are also doing what the Lord said (Titus 1:16)! This is not the “easy way,” but it is the best way!If you want to belong to the church of Christ's choice, you need to go back earlier than 1517.
If you want to be saved and know this is the Lord's plan of salvation, you need to go back earlier than 1517.
October 31, 1517, was when Martin Luther nailed the "95 Thesis" to the door of the All Saints Catholic Church, which started the Reformation movement. Jarrod Jacobs preached a sermon entitled "Earlier Than 1517" to remind us where we need to go to get the answer to the above questions and many more.
Our Influence Is Powerful!
Jarrod Jacobs
While Joshua and the people prepared to enter Canaan, he commanded two spies to go into Jericho and return with information (Josh. 2:1). After entering the city; they ended up in the house of Rahab, the harlot and received valuable information about Jericho. Rahab told the spies that those in Jericho had been aware of their exploits for the past forty years! Also, the people have been scared of them for the past forty years! She said she already knew the Lord gave them this land. Jehovah is recognized by them as God “in Heaven above and in earth beneath” (Josh. 2:9-11).
I am fascinated by the sphere and power of influence, and this statement is one of the reasons why. When we go back to Exodus 14 and witness the parting of the Red Sea, we read nothing where Moses or anyone else entertained the idea that maybe what they did would sow fear in the hearts of the Canaanites! When we read that text, we see they were only worried about escape! When they wandered and later conquered kings Sihon and Og, we read nothing about how they hoped these victories would scare the Canaanites, too. Yet, they did! This was a result of doing what God said. God’s words were coming true when He told them that the enemies would approach one way and “flee seven ways” (Deut. 28:7). In the case of Jericho, they were already afraid before the war started!
While Israel was busy doing their work, others were watching. Yes, Israel sinned before God at times, but the enemies saw these people working together and defeating an empire! That got their attention. In Joshua, chapter six, when we read God’s words that He had given the Israelites Jericho, let us make sure and remember that it wasn’t just in this moment that it happened. Rather, these people had been “softened up” for a while now (Josh. 2:11).
What has this to do with us in the 21st century? Simply put, our influence is no less powerful today! Jesus compared our influence to salt and light (Matt. 5:13-16). The apostles added that our influence is often felt even after our deaths (I Tim. 5:24-25; Rev. 14:13). What we say and do can leave an imprint on people that cannot be washed away!
Friend, examine yourself (II Cor. 13:5). Are you leaving an
impression on people that you are God’s servant or Satan’s? As was said of
Peter, does your speech betray you (Matt. 26:73; Mk. 14:70)? This can be
positive or negative depending on the kind of words you are speaking (Eph.
4:31-32; Col. 4:6)! As was said of Peter and John, can people tell you have
been with Jesus (Acts 4:13)?
The influence of parents is seen in the children. Is the influence of our Father in Heaven showing in us as we interact with people (Matt. 5:16; Col. 3:17)? Or is our “father the devil” (Jn. 8:44) showing through in our words and actions?
Influence is a powerful tool. We know it because the
influence of the Israelites was felt by those in Jericho for a generation! It
is no less powerful today. I pray we use our influence wisely.
The Scarlet Rope
Jarrod Jacobs
Joshua 2 is probably most well-known for the record of the spies escaping Jericho by being let down from Rahab’s house by a scarlet line or rope (v. 15, 18, 21). Albert Barnes says, “The ‘line’ or cord was spun of threads dyed with cochineal: i.e., of a deep and bright scarlet color...” (Joshua Commentary).
This rope would have a special meaning for Rahab, her family, and the Jews when the attack on Jericho began. We note that the spies told her, “Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee. And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand be upon him” (Josh. 2:18-19).
Joshua 2:23 says the spies told Joshua everything that had happened, and Joshua 6:25 makes a point of telling us that Joshua saved Rahab that day just as was promised. Bible students know this event ushered in a new life for Rahab. She married a man named Salmon and would, through this union, be in the lineage that would bring us Jesus Christ (Matt. 1:5)!
These spies tell Rahab essentially that the rope which saves us this night will now save you (Josh. 2:19). What once was a common thing was now used for an uncommon purpose! Indeed, it has a new purpose. They told her when you see us coming back, this rope needs to be bound in the window, and make sure all those you want to be saved are inside this house.
This reminds me, in a way, of the Passover (Ex. 12). Instead of a rope in a window, lamb’s blood was painted on the doorpost, and all who wished to be saved waited inside the house. No one was to be outside the house when the Lord passed. So it was with Rahab (Josh. 2:19, 6:25).
The rope, which was a common thing in her house, would be used by the Lord in an uncommon way. This is something we often see with God. He takes the common things and makes them uncommon or special. He did that with the Jews (Deut. 14:2) and with Christians today (Titus 2:14). He did this with the prophets (Heb. 11:38) and the gospel (I Cor. 1:18-31)! God can make the things men consider foolish, common, or unremarkable, special and give them a new purpose (II Cor. 5:17)!
Friend, you may feel like you are
nothing. You may feel as common as an old rope. However, God can make you new.
You can repent of your sins (Acts 17:30) and be born again (Jn. 3:3, 5). You
can start over and access living water (Jn. 4:10) and the bread of life (Jn.
6:35, 48, 51)! What more could you ask for? You can be washed in Christ’s blood
(I Cor. 6:11; Rev. 1:5) and be God’s special person, having a purpose, and
hope. What is stopping you? Turn and be a special person used for God’s special
purpose! Become a Christian today (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; II Cor. 6:2)!
In light of the holiday and folks thinking about "Thanksgiving" and being thankful for the year's blessings, I thought it would be good for us to study what the Lord says about gratitude.
Click here to listen to a sermon about gratitude and what the Lord thinks about this subject. How important is gratitude, and what does it teach us? Let us find out together!
Just Like You??
Jarrod M. Jacobs
What if you knew of people who were trying to be just like you? What if folks wanted to dress like you, act like you, talk like you, be employed at the same place, live in the same town you live in, etc.? What would you think of people like that? Do you think this would be a wise thing for folks to do? Would you encourage people in this pursuit? Why or why not?
Do we realize that there are some people who are exactly like those we have described above? Those who so often want to be just like us are our CHILDREN! How often have we as parents heard our children tell us, “I want to grow up to be just like you.”? While this is nice to hear from a little one, in the back of our minds, parents are thinking, “Oh, no, you don’t! I have this fault, and that fault, etc.” Perhaps we think, “Don’t be like me; be better than me.” Of course, in all things, we need to point our children to Christ (Eph. 6:4), encouraging them to be like Him in all things (I Pet. 2:21-22).
Many times, though, our children will look to us and strive to be like us. Children will often talk, walk, and act like their parents. Much of this is an unconscious act, but there are also conscious choices children make to be like mother or father. I have seen that even into “old age,” some folks still look like their parents and even act like their parents.
Having said this, does this not place some needed pressure on parents to make sure our examples are right before our children? In Matthew 5:16, Jesus says we need to let our lights shine before others so that they may see us and glorify God. Indeed, this passage applies in the home as much as anywhere else! This is also true of Matthew 7:12, where Jesus tells us to treat others as we want to be treated. Shouldn’t this begin at home? Of course, it should! Paul tells us not to lie in Colossians 3:9. Let us make sure to never lie to our children! What do our children see in us? They are often but “mirrors” of what they see and hear in the home. What are they seeing and hearing?
Let us expand this thought a little more. What if other people, not just your children, were looking to you to see how to act? What if folks wanted to be “just like you” in the area of being a Christian? (Are you a Christian yet, Mk. 16:16?) What then? What would they see?
What do
these little ones (and not-so-little-ones) see when they look at you? Are we
teaching them the importance of Bible study (II Tim. 2:15)? Are we teaching
them the importance of worshipping God (Jn. 4:24; Heb. 10:25)? Are we teaching
them to control their anger and their tongues (Eph. 4:26-27; Jas. 3)? Are we
teaching our children the need for acting
on what we have learned (Phil. 4:9; Jas. 2:24, 26)? Or, do they see people who
“say and do not” (Matt. 23:3)? There is someone trying to be “just like you!”
What is this little one going to be when he grows up?
A Bible sermon you might like to listen to:
Click here.
"I Know Thy Works" is a sermon based in Revelation 2-3 and reminds us of what God expects of us while we live upon this earth.
"Keys To Understanding The Bible" has been used in personal/individual studies and in churches (ladies' classes, young people's classes, mixed adult Bible studies) all over the US. Get this book for your study or for a Bible class!
The Crucifixion Of Christ
Jarrod M. Jacobs
The Bible speaks very matter-of-factly about the crucifixion of Christ. We know that this event was a matter of prophecy in the Old Testament (Gen. 3:15; Ps. 22; Isa. 53; Dan. 9:26). We also know that Christ alluded to this event, declaring that He would die by crucifixion (Matt. 16:21, 17:23, 20:19; Mk. 9:31, 10:34; Lk. 9:22, 18:31-33, 24:7). When the time came, the Holy Spirit inspired the writers to say simply, “They crucified him” (Matt. 27:35; Mk. 15:25; Lk. 23:33; Jn. 19:18).
What does it mean to be crucified? Many in the 21st century need to know what this is. What happened when “they crucified him”? Please read the statement below. May it help us appreciate what Christ endured 2000 years ago.
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“The cross was not a gilded and ornamental structure, but one of rude material, hastily and roughly put together.
“Death on the cross was the most cruel, most awful, most shameful, and most disgraceful punishment and death which barbarian brutality could invent. It was common among the Persians, Carthaginians, Greeks, and Romans. It is said that the Romans probably copied this hideous form of punishment from the Phoenicians. Romans did not crucify their own citizens but inflicted it upon slaves and the conquered. The Egyptians simply bound victims to the cross, leaving them there to die of exhaustion and starvation, but Jesus was nailed to the cross.
“The victim was laid on his back on the cross, his arms and legs stretched out, and long nails were driven through his hands and feet, then the cross was raised up and set in its place, or it was first erected, and then the victim was nailed to it. His body was not altogether supported by his arms; for a peg passed through the cross between his legs, which, in part, supported the body. It has been said that burning was preferable to the cross.
“Farrar
graphically describes this suffering and torture: ‘For indeed, death by crucifixion seems to include all
that pain and death can have of the horrible and ghastly — dizziness, cramp,
thirst, starvation, sleeplessness, traumatic fever, tetanus, publicity of
shame, long continuance or torment, horror of anticipation, mortification of
untended wounds — all intensified just up to the point at which they can be
endured at all, but all stopping just short of the point which would give to
the sufferer the relief of unconsciousness. The unnatural position made every
movement painful; the lacerated veins and crushed tendons throbbed with
incessant anguish; the wounds, inflamed by exposure, gradually gangrened; the
arteries, especially of the head, became swollen and oppressed with surcharged
blood;’ and ‘each variety of misery went on, gradually increasing,’ until death
relieved the sufferer.”
(Elam’s Notes On Bible School Lessons 1925,
p. 79-80).
———————————
This description certainly brings matters into focus. Let us never forget the pain, suffering, and all Christ endured as that sacrifice. The blood of Christ (Acts 20:28) flowed that day for our salvation. His sacrifice and suffering were a fulfillment of prophecy. Because of this event, we can be saved from sin! (Rev. 1:5; Lk. 19:10; I Tim. 1:15)
Though
men wish to say sin is nothing, never forget that God required the crucifixion to
save a sinful world! Let the description of the cross by brother Elam sink deep
into our minds, and let us never forget what was meant in the simple statement,
“They crucified Him.”
Mean Mothers
Author Unknown
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A |
mean mother
never allows candy or sweets to take the place of a well-balanced meal. A mean mother insists on knowing where her
children are at all times, who their friends are, and what they do. A mean mother breaks the Child Labor Law by
making her children work — washing dishes, making beds, and other cruel chores.
She makes life miserable for her children by always insisting they tell the
truth. A mean mother produces teenagers who are wiser and more sensible. The world needs MORE MEAN MOTHERS --- AND
FATHERS!
“From Heaven Or Men?”
Jarrod M. Jacobs
When Jesus went to the Temple during His last week on earth, the chief priests and elders tested Him (Matt. 21:23-27). They asked Christ by what authority He had done the things He had done. Jesus then asked them a question: “The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men?” (Matt. 21:25). The chief priests and elders refused to answer, fearing the people. Thus, Jesus never responded to their question.
Asking whether one’s authority comes from Heaven or men is a good question. To have authority from Heaven means our authority comes from the inspired word of God (II Tim. 3:16-17). It is this word that the apostles were given when they were guided “into all truth” (Jn. 16:13), and it is this same word that will save us today (Rom. 1:16)!
Let us beware because if our authority is from men, then it is vain. Vain means worthless, of no profit, or useless. In Matthew 15:8-9, Jesus said that the people’s worship was “vain” because they obeyed the words of men rather than God’s word. In like manner, our worship, and all of our actions toward God, can be vain if our authority is from men rather than from Heaven (Col. 3:17).
Further, if our authority is from men, it will ultimately be destroyed! In Matthew 15, Jesus goes on to say, “Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up” (Matt. 15:13). A similar teaching is found in Colossians 2:22. It is serious business when men submit to the authority of men rather than the authority from Heaven! It will jeopardize our souls and send us to Hell if our authority is not from Heaven!
In contrast, if our authority is from the word of God (Col. 3:17; I Pet. 4:11), we will be able to produce a statement or command telling us to do it. We will be able to find an apostolic example showing us what we must do or find the necessary inference that draws an unmistakable conclusion that our actions are correct. When we study the Scriptures, we find that this is how Christians determine authority in the Christian age (Acts 15:7-19). We must use this same standard to prove whether or not what we are doing is from Heaven or men.
For example, is salvation by faith only? Read God’s answer (Jas. 2:24). Does God expect worship in song or with added instruments? Read God’s answer (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). Is baptism necessary for salvation? Read God’s answer (Mk. 16:16). How are we to treat our fellow man? Read God’s answer (Matt. 7:12). What are we practicing? Is it from Heaven or men?
God’s word gives us “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (II Pet. 1:3). It is the “word of reconciliation” (II Cor. 5:18) that will never pass away (Matt. 24:35; I Pet. 1:22-25). Thus, authority from Heaven is that for which we should strive! Too many follow man’s authority, which leads them away from God and toward destruction!
Having
studied the need for our authority to come from Heaven, let us compare what all
men say (including this author) with the Scriptures (Acts 17:11) so we can know
whether or not what is being said is “from Heaven” or “from men.”
“God Be Merciful To Me A Sinner.”
Jarrod M. Jacobs
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ur title is found in Luke 18:13. In this text, the Lord spoke a parable to those who “trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others” (Lk. 18:9). His parable was about a Pharisee and publican who went to the Temple to pray to God (Lk. 18:10-13). The Pharisee spoke to God, bragging about how great he was. In contrast, the publican said humbly, “God be merciful to me, a sinner.” As He concluded the parable, Christ said that the publican was the one who was justified rather than the Pharisee (Lk. 18:14).
What can we learn from the publican’s prayer? First, let’s understand that this isn’t a prayer offered by an “alien sinner” to God. Many today teach a false doctrine called “the sinner’s prayer,” where they say one can pray “God be merciful to me, a sinner,” or something similar, and be saved from sin. This isn’t taught in the Bible. Nor was this the spiritual condition of the publican, anyway. Remember, both he and the Pharisee were in the Temple (Lk. 18:10). Therefore, both men were children of God. The publican had not come to be saved initially but had come to renew a relationship with God he had lost. The publican’s prayer isn’t declaring what someone needs to do to be saved from past sins. This is because, in order to be saved today, we must believe in Christ as the Son of God, repent of our sins, confess Christ as God’s son, and be baptized for the remission of sins (Heb. 11:6; Acts 17:30; Acts 8:37; I Pet. 3:21).
Now that we know what the publican’s prayer in Christ’s parable is not teaching, let us see what it is teaching. Truly, the publican’s prayer reveals much about him and teaches us valuable lessons. First, notice that he addresses his prayer to “God.” He isn’t praying to a pagan idol. He doesn’t deny God’s existence but looks to One higher and greater than himself for the blessing of forgiveness. He addresses this prayer to the correct One! Secondly, he asks for mercy from God. Mercy is something that God has in abundance (Ps. 136). We, as well, need His mercy daily! The publican declared he had sinned and needed God’s forgiveness, plain and simple. He offered no excuses, no alibis, and did not look to others (as the Pharisee did) for some justification for what he did. He didn’t blame society, his culture, his “employers,” the Romans (for lack of a better word). He goes to the One who can offer mercy and asks for it in a humble manner. Is this not the same with those of us who are Christians? Who among us hasn’t sinned (I Jn. 1:6-2:2)? Seeing that this is true, what are we doing about it? Let us listen to Peter and repent and pray for the Lord’s forgiveness (Acts 8:22). Let us never forget the true source of our mercy and be thankful it is given to us.
The publican made his prayer personal when he asked for God’s mercy to be provided “to me, a sinner.” He didn’t do as the Pharisee did and look at others, noting their sin so he might make himself look better. Many today will justify themselves, thinking or saying things like, “I am not as bad as him!” Let us not compare ourselves with others (II Cor. 10:12). Instead, be honest and confess our sins before a holy God (I Jn. 1:9)! The publican knew he had to look no farther than himself to see sin. May we learn this lesson (Rom. 3:23). It’s easy to blame others for our problems. It’s easy to try to discount or deny our sins by saying, “Look at him! He did worse than me!” What does this solve? Let’s be honest and admit we have sinned. Then, let’s look to God for our strength and our salvation.
If you need to be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38), then do so before it’s too late (Mk. 16:16; II Cor. 6:2). The Lord’s plan for the salvation of the lost is evident when we read Acts 2-19 (See chart below). If you are a Christian who is living in sin and error, then do as the publican and repent of past wrongs as an erring child and pray for God’s forgiveness. He is ready to forgive you, so please do this while you still can (Acts 8:22; I Jn. 1:9). God’s mercy is abundant, but life on earth is temporary (Jas. 4:14). Tomorrow may be too late (II Cor. 6:2; Prov. 27:1)!
How Forgetful We Are!
Jarrod M. Jacobs
Humans are pretty forgetful! The events, places, and sayings we once thought would be forever etched in our memories have faded with time. I am sure we’re all familiar with the old joke that goes: “I was always told that when you get old, the first thing to go is your memory. And, the second thing to go is … is … is …”. While there is something to be said for forgetfulness and one’s memory not being as “sharp” as it once was, I am confident that with many it is “selective” memory that is the problem, rather than actual “forgetfulness.” I say this because often it is those who tell me that their mind is “too old” to remember Scriptures or even Scripture references that amazingly can recall sports scores, recipes, shoe sizes, birth/death dates, “who” did “what” to “whom” and “when,” etc. We can remember what we want to remember and retain what we think is most important.
When one reads the Old Testament, we see that Israel also had a problem with “selective memory.” Just a little over two months after leaving Egypt, the people began to complain about not having food to eat (Ex. 16:2-3). One wonders how it could be that a people whom God had delivered, had protected from their enemies, brought them out of Egypt safely, and were being led toward the Promised Land could then “murmur” against this same God about a lack of food! How forgetful these people were!
Yet, doesn’t the same thing happen today with us? Are there not times in our lives when our faith wavered and we strayed from the Lord, thinking He was either not there or that He wasn’t listening or caring for us? How forgetful we are, considering that He created us (Rev. 4:11), sent His Son to die for us (Jn. 3:16), has given us a plan of salvation by which we can be saved (Mk. 16:16), has provided a way of escape when we are tempted (I Cor. 10:13), and wants us to be with Him in Heaven (II Pet. 3:9; Jn. 14:1-3). How tragic that we push these facts to the side when things do not seem to go “our” way. Let us repent of our “selective memory” and ask God to forgive us today!
Knowing
that humans are forgetful, our Lord established a memorial through which we
“show the Lord’s death til he come” (I Cor. 11:26). It is to be done every
first day of the week (Acts 20:7; etc.). This memorial is the partaking of the
Lord’s Supper (Matt. 26:26-28; I Cor. 11:23-28). May we never become complacent
or have “selective memory” about this memorial. By focusing our minds on the
Lord during this memorial on the Lord’s Day, may this help us focus on the Lord
during the rest of the week. May we remember to “do all in the name of the Lord
Jesus” (Col. 3:17). May we not forget that because He died for us, we need to
live for Him (II Cor. 5:14-15). Friends, read and re-read Romans 12:1-2!
Two Questions Jesus Asks Of Us
Jarrod Jacobs
Questions can be helpful tools when teaching people. Jesus knew the power of questions and asked them often when He taught folks. Let us look at two questions Jesus asked and make some applications to ourselves.
On one occasion, Jesus asked, “Have ye not read?” We find this question asked in Matthew 19:4. When the Pharisees came to Jesus and tried to tempt Him (Matt. 19:3), He asked them whether or not they had read the Scriptures (Matt. 19:4)! Friend, we will never know what pleases God unless we spend time reading the Scriptures! How sad it is to see people who seem to “have it all” and yet have no idea what God has said. This is because they do not know the Bible.
We need to know what the Bible says because these words will judge us one day (Jn. 12:48). Reading God’s word gives us understanding (Eph. 3:4). Possessing proper knowledge of the Scriptures provides us with what we need to handle God’s word correctly and be thoroughly furnished for every good work (II Tim. 2:15, 3:16-17).
How can we know the Truth if we never read the Bible (Jn. 17:17)? We will be confused and groping in darkness if we refuse to examine God’s word daily (Ps. 119:105). Jesus asked the Pharisees whether they had read God’s words. Let us make the application personal. “Have you not read?” Why not decide to commit to reading God’s word every day? Take just 15 minutes from your day and read God’s word. The benefits will amaze you! By maintaining this discipline, you will want to read more!
Another question Jesus asked is, “What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” This is recorded in Matthew 16:26. Jesus asked this vital question when speaking about self-denial. Beginning in Matthew 16:24, we read, “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
What could one give in exchange for his soul? In truth, nothing! Nothing we could exchange would be equal in value to the human soul. Yet, many people exchange their souls daily for drugs, fleshly desires, power, wealth, etc. How sad it would be to pass from this life to the next knowing the Truth and then knowing you exchanged your soul for some temporary pleasure! Moses did not make this mistake (Heb. 11:24-25), and may we not fall into Satan’s trap, either. Let us not exchange our souls for temporary pleasures. Instead, let us make sure our souls are right with God by being forgiven of our sins (Mk. 16:16).
Hopefully,
we can see how powerful questions can be. The asking of questions brought Adam
and Eve out of hiding (Gen. 3:9-11). It was powerful questions that confronted
the Jews’ error in Jesus’ day (Matt. 21:23-27). Let us never forget the
questions Jesus asks us through the written word.
“What Prevents Me From Being Baptized?”
Jarrod M. Jacobs
The above question was asked by an Ethiopian many years ago. As Philip preached Christ to him (Acts 8:35), they came to a certain water, and “the eunuch said, See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized? … and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him” (Acts 8:36-39). The question the eunuch asked is still valid. What is preventing you from being baptized?
False Teaching?
Is false teaching preventing you? Many are taught that baptism is not necessary for salvation. They are told to believe only or to say a sinner’s prayer for salvation. Isn’t it telling that when the preachers of the New Testament taught folks, those listening wanted to be baptized? Yet, when many preach today, people do NOT want to be baptized!
Please read Acts 8 and notice that when Philip preached Christ to the people in Samaria, he taught them about “the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ” and baptism (Acts 8:5, 12). “Simon the sorcerer believed, and after being baptized, he continued with Philip” (Acts 8:13). When Philip spoke to the eunuch and “preached unto him Jesus” (Acts 8:35), the first time he saw plenty of water, he wanted to be baptized. Do we see a pattern? The teaching concerning baptism began with Christ (Matt. 28:19; Mk. 16:16). The apostles and disciples of the Lord then carried this message to the world (Acts 2:38, 10:48, 18:8, 22:16; I Pet. 3:21; Col. 2:12; Gal. 3:26-27). When the people heard the New Testament heroes preach, they wanted to be baptized.
Family/Friends?
Are friends and family preventing you? Depending on who our friends and family are, they can pressure us to do the right things or wrong things. Have they pressured us into not obeying the Lord? To please our Lord, we must abide by His command to be baptized for the remission of sins regardless of what others might say about us (Phil. 3:8; Acts 5:29; Matt. 10:37). What is hindering you from being baptized?
Popularity?
Does the urge for popularity prevent you? It is not popular to be a Christian. Jesus promised His apostles that men would hate them for no other reason than they served the Lord (Jn. 15:18-20). Peter said that some men would be “surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery” (I Pet. 4:4). We need to decide whether we wish for popularity in this world or to be the friend of God. We cannot have it both ways (Jas. 4:4)!
Selfishness?
Could selfishness be preventing you? Some people refuse to do anything unless it is their idea. Could that be my attitude? Have I refused to be baptized simply because I didn’t want to? The Bible says I need to put away such attitudes and place Christ’s kingdom first (Matt. 6:33). I need to love God even more than my own life (Lk. 14:26-27).
Whatever
is hindering you from being baptized, realize that this hindrance is keeping
you from enjoying spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:3), from being in a covenant
relationship with Christ (Gal. 3:27), from having your sins forgiven (Acts 2:38,
22:16), from being a child of God (Rom. 8:16-17); and from a home in Heaven
(Col. 3:1-4; Rev. 2:10). Is this worth it?
