“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:9‬ ‭ESV

Too often we are tempted to look at the circumstances and be discouraged, or, worse, look at the circumstances of other people who seem to be getting blessed over and above what we think they are really due.

If we do not give up, God promises we will reap a harvest. Our problems arise when we think that we are owed something for obedience or for not giving up whatever it is we are asked to attend or do. We keep trying to put the armlock on God to give us a blessing because we’ve done what we should do anyway.

Let’s start with the notion that we deserve nothing except condemnation and eternal separation from God. Paul says in Ephesians we were darkness. Elsewhere we were dead in our sins. As John points out, without Jesus we stand condemned already. Everything we have is a blessing, an unearned gift from God. He sustains us. And most importantly has provided Christ to give us Life in Him, cleanse us from iniquity and to forgive. He has accomplished–by taking upon Himself the body of flesh as a man–that which we could not accomplish ourselves.

You have no doubt heard “justified” defined as being just as if we had never sinned. But, we submit to you–based in part on Romans 5–that to be justified in Christ is to be living just as if there is no law! We obey the law of love. We worship God because He loved us first and put His Holy Spirit in us. With the Holy Spirit bearing fruit in our lives we come to understand, against such there is no law!

Until we grasp deeply within the core of our being the meaning of the teaching that our own righteousness is as filthy rags, we do not begin to understand Grace. When we stand under Grace, we do not see ourselves as being due anything for our repentance. We are promised all as Sons, as joint heirs with Christ. And, we are told to “not give up” our faith–which is a gift from Him in the first place!

Hang in there whatever the outward appearance or circumstances–whether plenty or want. He says we will reap in due season.‬‬

“Surely this came upon Judah at the command of the Lord, to remove them out of his sight, for the sins of Manasseh, according to all that he had done, and also for the innocent blood that he had shed. For he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, and the Lord would not pardon.”

‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭24:3-4‬ ‭ESV

When we think about God being no respecter of persons, it is difficult to imagine how He can wink at our tolerance of such sin continuing in our day. Then, it was Manasseh who misled the people with his sin but it was ultimately the people who tolerated that sin and the shedding of innocent blood who were removed.

Abortion tops the list, obviously, but is not alone as a shedding of innocent blood. How often do we allow injustice of any kind to force the innocent or less culpable to pay what they can not afford to lose? Manasseh gave his son to the fire! For what? What are we doing? Do we have a mission here? Can we just walk on the other side of the road?‬‬

Thank God for His complete forgiveness and cleansing in Christ for those who believe. We must not, therefore, continue in sin. He has forgiven our sin even before we were born, let alone thought to sin. When we believe in Him and see the Cross for its victory, He cleanses us–including our conscience. But then, we must depart from sin. Have no more to do with sin. Do we compromise for fear of being reviled? Are we ashamed to be seen with Jesus?

The sin we tolerate among us is the sin for which we must answer. As James said, “He that knows to do good and doesn’t do it, to him that is sin.”  James 4:17. We will answer in judgment if we have not repented and recognized that Jesus paid for that one too. Or, we will answer under the discipline of the Lord if we cannot figure out how to rid ourselves of the blight–if we are slow to learn or dragging our feet. Either way, if we know God and receive His redemption we must not continue in sin.

It is one thing to live in the world and deal with others still wallowing in sin. It is quite another when we cherish sin in our own hearts. If getting along–in the sense of not risking being outcast or ostracized for our belief–is more important than living out the holiness of God, in Love and gentle conduct, reproving and admonishing our nation then we may have a very big surprise awaiting us. We may hear the words, “Sorry, I never knew you. Depart you workers of iniquity.” Heaven forbid.

Let’s decide this day whom we will serve. Can we each say, as Joshua of old, “As for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord?”

Yes and amen.

In  Christ there is no slave or free, Jew or Greek, circumcised or uncircumcised, male or female. So, these comments are for everyone. Blogging and putting one’s thoughts into written words and self-publishing in an open forum setting like the world-wide-web is fraught with dangers and pitfalls. We could mean one thing, but in our choice of words convey a completely different thought to a reader–particularly so if the reader has an innate bias or pre-conceived notion about the topic. Certainly, every piece can have typos and poorly chosen words and be open to criticism regarding grammar and any number of other nits one might want to pick.

Hopefully, in these pieces the readers can see some value and hear the hearts of the writers.

The purpose of this site and blog is to lift up Jesus Christ, magnify His praise, glory and honor, and continue His ministry into the world. The blog posts are meant to encourage and, at times, admonish, instruct, or reprove. They may sound like peevish scolding occasionally. Chalk that up to poor writing skill. Sincere love for Christ and for His disciples, the Body of Christ, is our motivation. Our texts are primarily addressed to men. We want to always encourage and embolden men in their responsibilities for ministry, for service, holiness and commitment in prayer before God, their families, their coworkers and neighbors, and in their local churches.

This is not a men’s club posting site. It is about man in the sense of mankind. There is only one race–the human race–that concerns us here. Women are surely welcome to read and to comment. They are undoubtedly included in the Gospel message and the importance of women is not diminished. There is no intent to do so here. It is, on the other hand, clearly intended to encourage men specifically.

Likewise, this is intended to encourage men who are already naming Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, men who already worship God and call themselves Christians. But, certainly there is no attempt or desire to exclude the searching man among our readers and commenters. Realistically, we also expect an occasional scoffer and even a mocker or two from time to time. Hopefully, all will find edification in these posts. We hope to demonstrate and see respect even if preferences and opinions may differ. Here, the common ground is Jesus, the Son of God, our Redeemer.

We are not talking about any specific denomination, although you may see here some teachings or doctrines to which your denomination does not subscribe. We ask that you examine those doctrines, traditions, and dogmatic viewpoints in light of Scriptures. We confess, we may have it wrong, but fully believe that God does not. We will be happy to search out the Scriptures together.

Looking forward to your feedback. Praying for your blessing. Proceeding with some considerable trepidation. Trusting fully in His Word and the power of the Holy Spirit to keep us true and correct us when we stray.

“Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.” Proverbs 19:27

As soon as we drift away from regular devotion, time with God, time in fellowship with the Church, or reading and study of God’s Scriptures–the very revelation of His Almighty and Sovereign nature to the crown of His creation–we will begin to lean upon our own understanding. We will have begun to stop listening to instruction. Our comprehension is so limited by its frail and flawed perceptions, it’s faulty and biased recollections that it cannot be considered reliable–particularly with respect to our relationship with God. So very soon we find ourselves flailing in ignorance, our conscience darkened in rebellion.

It just happens. It is so natural. It’s the way we were made. We have the capacity to commune with the Almighty Creator of the universe. And, we have the capacity to turn away. Moses and Abraham, men who talked with God as a man would talk with a friend, were just like us. They had the same feelings and failings as we do. They may have been in a different culture, dressed differently or talked differently, but they were men just like us. They had their own stumbling and distractions. But, they sought after God with their entire being (loving God with all their mind, heart, body and soul) and God met with them. He used them, led them, and blessed them. He continually blesses us through them. And because of their faith and the actions they took based upon that faith, i.e., their obedient commitment to do the works God prepared for them, they grew even closer to Him. Their faith itself is the very same gift from God that we received. The same yesterday, today and forever!

We have the same access to God made perfect now by the blood of the Lamb which Abraham and Moses saw only in the distance by the Spirit.

As Jesus pointed out when He referred to the God (i.e., the Great I Am) of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, He is the God of the living and not of the dead. Because He lives, they do also. Likewise, we live and will live.

We cannot live apart from Him. So, when we stop reading His Word, stop listening to instruction, grow rebellious or doubtful in our hearts, we will fall away. We must abide in Him.

There is no choice in the outcome. The choice is to abide in Him, continue listening to His instruction or allow ourselves to drift away. The outcome is as sure as gravity. If you jump off the roof, you will go down! Stop listening to instruction, stop meeting together as some are inclined to do, stop reading the Word, stop spending more than a fleeting few moments in prayer conversing with and listening for God and you will stray. The next thing you know you will be relying on your own understanding and falling in ignorance still thinking all is well.

So, please get back into the Word if you’ve stopped. Start praying again. He’s always listening. Get into fellowship with a Bible-believing Church. Listen to sound teaching from Scripture. If you have been doing these things, don’t drift away. Be encouraged. And, encourage others.

Praying for you. In Love.

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:1‬ ‭ESV

What does he means by “caught” in any transgression? Does he mean “found out” like being “caught red-handed” in sin? Were you caught with your hand in the cookie jar? Who thinks he is not caught this way? God sees always. And, we always catch ourselves because we have to see what we’re doing–even though we make immediate excuses for our conduct.

Or, does he mean caught from their perspective, being “trapped” or “ensnared” or “entangled” in sin?

Does he mean only a physical involvement with sin or transgressing? Or, does he also intend to cover the mental trap that some of us find ourselves dealing with–like continual temptations and returns to pornography or to gambling or to excessive drinking–on a daily or other seemingly regular basis? Or, does he mean to include the occasional straying from the path of righteousness and holiness too?

Perhaps it covers all these and more! Whatever the circumstances of the sin or step in the development of the transgression (James 1:14-16), it is a spiritual matter. And it is not beyond restoration!

Just as one rescuing a drowning swimmer or fallen climber or even a cat in a tree, the rescuer must first take care to protect himself–physically and emotionally and in attitude and thought, spiritually. A rescuer must not be distracted. A rescuer must be prepared. A rescuer must focus on the person in need of help, not the accolades for saving the other. So, keep watch.

And, work gently. You do not want to further entangle or cause the one in need of help to further endanger himself or herself. If you do not go gently, it could soon be two, not just one, needing rescue.‬‬

Our notes do not indicate whether this was a direct quote or not. There is absolutely no intent to claim any of this as our own. It is attributed to Ryle completely. We can tell you that J.C. Ryle’s writings, particularly his encouragements in Holiness have been and continue to be instructive.

Some thoughts from JC Ryle, on the topic of love for Christ. Recalling the question asked of Peter by the Risen Lord, “Do you love me?”

• If we love a person, we like to think about him. We do not need to be reminded. We do not forget his name, his appearance, his character, his opinions, his tastes, his positions, or his occupation.
• If we love a person, we like to hear about him.
• If we love a person, we read about him. What intense pleasure a letter from an absent husband give his wife, or a letter from an absent son to his mother.
• If we love a person, we like to please him. We are glad to consult his tastes and opinions, to act upon his advice, and do the things which he approves.
• If we love a person, we like his friends.
• If we love a person, we are jealous about his name and honour. We will defend him if we hear his name disparaged.
• If we love a person, we like to talk to him.
• If we love a person, we like to be always with him. We like to be near him.

“I speak of things that are familiar to everyone. I need not dwell upon them any further. They are as old as the hills. They are understood all over the world. There is hardly a branch of Adam’s family that does not know something of affection and love. Then let it never be said that we cannot find out whether a Christian really loves Christ. It can be known; it may be discovered; the proofs are all ready to your hand. You have heard them this very day. Love to the Lord Jesus Christ is no hidden, secret, impalpable thing. It is like the light—it will be seen. It is like sound—it will be heard. It is like heat—it will be felt. Where it exists it cannot be hid. Where it cannot be seen you may be sure there is none.”

Ryle, J.C.. Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots.

God is no respecter of persons. It does not matter whether one is a king, a rich man, ruler, pauper, beggar, tax collector, prostitute, the same rules apply to all. He is the origin of equal protection. Similarly situated people deserve similar treatment under law absent at least a rational distinction can be made.

So, when we look at the judgments of God for various wrongs, moral failures, rebellions, hasty decisions and so on in the Old Testament, and even Ananias and Sapphira in the New, how are we to be treated differently and still do justice by them?

Jesus makes the difference. And the election of God. Can the clay say to the potter you made me wrong? We are God’s workmanship. Grace is greater than all of our sin. If I had cherished sin (not just whether I had sinned, but “cherished” sin) in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. Psalm 66:18.

So now, if we know the redemption from sin in Jesus and have been forgiven, how can we continue in sin after that?

Thanks for Joining Us.