Lesson 1399

(Lesson 1399)(07-31-15) Titus Chapter 3

"Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself. When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter. Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them. And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen."

In today's lesson, Paul again stressed that the children of God are to be a special people, separating themselves from earthly things while striving toward good works in everything we do.

Paul also reaffirmed that eternal life comes only through faith in Jesus Christ as opposed to being earned by the physical things we do; "For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH WE HAVE DONE, BUT ACCORDING TO HIS MERCY HE SAVED US, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

There are many who contend that the phrase, "the washing of regeneration" somehow implies that one must be baptized or washed in water to achieve salvation, in reality, nothing could be further from the truth. If one simply reads the rest of that statement he/she learns that "That being JUSTIFIED BY HIS GRACE, WE SHOULD BE MADE HEIRS according to the hope of eternal life. Paul clearly establishes that it is by God's grace that salvation comes to the lost, not by the physical act of being immersed in water.~

Lesson 1398

(Lesson 1398)(07-30-15) Titus Chapter 2

"But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee."

In this lesson we, the children of God, are instructed to conduct our lives in a manner so as to lift up the Christian principles of goodness and mercy toward our brothers and sisters in Christ first and to everyone around us in general.

It is easy to spot a true Christian by the way they conduct themselves in their day to day dealings with their fellow man/woman. A true Christian will do whatever is necessary to make life easier and happier for those around them even at their own expense. Referring to making a determination between a good tree and a useless one, Jesus Said, "by their fruits ye shall know them." (Matthew 7:20) Paul also said, "Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:20-21)

Those of us who represent Christianity today should take this lesson to heart and do all we can do to live our lives in a manner so as to uplift God the Father in everything we do, giving all praise and glory to Him through our Lord Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 1397

(Lesson 1397)(07-29-15) Titus 1:10-16

"For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate."

In today's quote, Paul gave a special warning about the actions and teachings of the Jews of his day and how those erroneous teachings would creep into Christianity.

It is evident that many of today's heretical "church" groups have adopted the very Jewish practices and beliefs Paul warned about in today's lesson. Many insist that in order to remain in the good graces of God and to maintain eternal salvation, one must live a perfect life without sin. That contention is false and in my opinion is a slap to the face of the true doctrine of Jesus Christ.

It is clearly evident, throughout the New Testament, that the physical things we do here on earth have no bearing on our eternal salvation, one way or another. Salvation comes through faith in the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ whose righteousness is imputed into us by faith; "Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin." (Romans 4:6-8)

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Once a person has been saved by the blood of Christ, he/she CANNOT lose that salvation by failing to live up to the laws that were imposed upon the ancient Jews, which disobedience thereof was "sin". In other words, a saved soul is incapable of doing anything that would again stain itself with mortal sin.

It is very true that a saved person must be wholly righteous in order to attain everlasting life, but he/she does not achieve that righteousness by obedience to any law; "Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.(Romans 4:4-5)

It is impossible for a saved soul to commit any sin sufficient to once again condemn that soul; "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. WHOSOEVER IS BORN OF GOD DOTH NOT COMMIT SIN; FOR HIS SEED REMAINETH IN HIM: AND HE CANNOT SIN, BECAUSE HE IS BORN OF GOD."(1 John 3:4-9)

Once a lost soul has been saved, his/her name is entered into the "Lamb's book of life" and sealed therein by the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ; "grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby YE ARE SEALED UNTO THE DAY OF REDEMPTION." (Ephesians 4:30 inpart)

Today's lesson clearly establishes that, just as Paul warned, the old Jewish heresy has been brought forward into the teachings of many of today's so-called churches and is still very much a slap to the face of the true gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 1396

(Lesson 1396)(07-28-15) Titus 1:1-9

"Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers."

Today's quote again outlines the qualifications required of those who would aspire to be an office r in the church that was established by our Lord Jesus Christ.

In essence, those qualifications identified men who were decent in every regard and who were wholly devoted to the pure gospel of Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 1395

(Lesson 1395)(07-27-15) 2 Timothy Chapter 4

"I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren. The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen."

There is nothing I can add to this lesson except to say, Amen. Modern times have proven Paul to be exactly accurate on every prediction.~

Lesson 1394

(Lesson 1394)(07-26-15) 2 Timothy Chapter 3

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

Paul could not have been more accurate when making the predictions that are noted in today's quote.

The vast majority of what is today presented as representative of Christianity is a far cry from the simple doctrine of salvation by grace through faith that was taught by Jesus Himself then and passed on to His Apostles to be presented to us as the New Testament.

Many modern 'isms', have added countless bells and whistles, hoops and jumps, so as to have diluted the original message almost to the point of meaninglessness.

It is our duty as true Christian children of God to untangle the heresy and present the gospel of Jesus Christ as He intended. As was noted in a previous lesson, true Christian people are to, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH." (2 Timothy 2:15)

Our duty to study never ends. With every reading of the gospel the Holy Spirit further confirms the value of our faith in Jesus Christ. With every reading we are also reminded of how we, as born again Christians, are to live out our lives.~

Lesson 1393

(Lesson 1393)(07-25-15) 2 Timothy 2:16-26

"But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will."

Today's is yet another very important lesson for the children of God. Herein, Paul clearly establishes that Christian people are to set themselves apart from those who would argue against the pure doctrine of Jesus Christ by altering His gospel message to fit their own evil agenda. Paul warned that the church is not made up of all good and faithful people, he referred to them as "gold" and "silver" but rather, within the church there are also bad seed, referenced herein as "wood" and "earth".

We should endeavor to teach the pure gospel of Jesus Christ to all those whom are willing to listen. However, we are to abstain from falling into pointless arguments with those who are willfully ignorant of that gospel.~