Thoughts

Current As Today's News

It’s amazing, isn’t it, how a letter written more than 2,000 years ago sounds so current?

We Are Under Attack

Jude talks about the importance of standing up for the faith. Never has it more important to do that than it is today, when Christianity is under attack as it has not been in many years, and never, I believe as it has been here in the United States. I’ve heard it said that Christianity is always only one generation away from extinction. If we don’t stand up, if we don’t share our faith with the next generation, there will be no one to share the Good News of a Risen Savior.

We Have A Mission

But of course we know that God has promised to always have a remnant in each generation, so that won’t happen. But that does not take away our responsibility to heed what Jesus said just before he ascended into Heaven.

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. So you must go and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And you can be sure that I am always with you, to the very end.Matthew 28:18-20 NIRV

This is the great commission. This is the job he gave to each of us. He didn’t say to do this when it is easy, or convenient, or politically correct. There was no opportunity given for a way out of doing everything we can to accomplish the job. We must do what Jesus said.

Guard Against False Teaching

And Jude spoke, as others did, about false teachers. But here, Jude talked about those who abuse God’s grace and excuse sexual sin. Doesn’t that sound familiar? Today they say, “How could a loving God condemn me for who I love? This is the way He made me.” Which addresses the point Jude made about how they “do what comes naturally to them”.

Listen, it might “come naturally” to me to have multiple women. But that is not God’s plan, and I chose to follow God’s teaching about marriage and I am joyously faithful to one wife.

Remain

Jude encourages the believers to remain in God’s love. To pray with the leading of the Holy Spirit and to live lives that please God, and praise Him for who He is, and praise Jesus Christ our Lord.

Jude’s message was written to the early church, the church of today, and the church of tomorrow without a doubt.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 1 NIRV

Support

Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here.

When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission, and you will earn our gratitude.

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Todd Cravens on Unsplash

Thoughts

What If?

Did you ever look at someone famous who is supremely talented, but is not a believer and think, “Just think of the impact they could have if they would live their life for the Lord?”

I have, many times. I was born just about the same time as rock & roll. I remember doo wop music playing on the radio, I remember Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Drifters, Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper, Elvis and so many others in the 50s. And then came perhaps the greatest decade of music…the 60s. The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Ray Charles, Jefferson Airplane, Otis Redding, The Doors, Sir Douglas Quintet, Hendrix, Three Dog Night,  Aretha Franklin. I could go on for hours.

Anyway, when I was younger I often thought, “It’s too bad these guys don’t see that their gift, their talent, is from God. Man, if they would only believe and use that talent for Him! What an impact that would make on the world.”

Here's What!

The Apostle Paul, when he was still Saul, was famous in his time. His talent was in studying the Law and persecuting Christians. He was well known as a hater of Christians. Until he met Jesus. Once Jesus changed his life, Paul had the greatest impact of anyone since, besides the Lord Himself.

Your Past Is Past!

Is there something in your past that you are ashamed of? Something that holds you back from proclaiming your story with boldness? Do you think the people that knew you before will say, “He talks a good talk, but I’ve seen him do some really bad things.”

Well guess what. Those things you did before have been forgiven. Sure, they’re part of your history…part of your story…but if Jesus could take a person like Paul and use him, He can surely use you. 

Paul didn’t hide his past, did he? He acknowledged it, and then he said, “But then I met Jesus!” 

Your past does not define you. Your relationship with Jesus defines you. Because of that, you are perfect in the sight of God. You have nothing to be ashamed of. 

Be like Paul. Share your story with confidence. Make an impact in your world.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 25-25 NLT

Support

Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here.

When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission, and you will earn our gratitude.

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Daniel Burka on Unsplash

Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents

By Rod Dreher / Sentinel

Aleksandr Solzhenitzyn once noted that people often assume that their democratic government would never submit to totalitarianism---but Dreher says it's happening.

Thoughts

What If?

Did you ever look at someone famous who is supremely talented, but is not a believer and think, “Just think of the impact they could have if they would live their life for the Lord?”

I have, many times. I was born just about the same time as rock & roll. I remember doo wop music playing on the radio, I remember Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Drifters, Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper, Elvis and so many others in the 50s. And then came perhaps the greatest decade of music…the 60s. The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Ray Charles, Jefferson Airplane, Otis Redding, The Doors, Sir Douglas Quintet, Hendrix, Three Dog Night,  Aretha Franklin. I could go on for hours.

Anyway, when I was younger I often thought, “It’s too bad these guys don’t see that their gift, their talent, is from God. Man, if they would only believe and use that talent for Him! What an impact that would make on the world.”

Here's What!

The Apostle Paul, when he was still Saul, was famous in his time. His talent was in studying the Law and persecuting Christians. He was well known as a hater of Christians. Until he met Jesus. Once Jesus changed his life, Paul had the greatest impact of anyone since, besides the Lord Himself.

Your Past Is Past!

Is there something in your past that you are ashamed of? Something that holds you back from proclaiming your story with boldness? Do you think the people that knew you before will say, “He talks a good talk, but I’ve seen him do some really bad things.”

Well guess what. Those things you did before have been forgiven. Sure, they’re part of your history…part of your story…but if Jesus could take a person like Paul and use him, He can surely use you. 

Paul didn’t hide his past, did he? He acknowledged it, and then he said, “But then I met Jesus!” 

Your past does not define you. Your relationship with Jesus defines you. Because of that, you are perfect in the sight of God. You have nothing to be ashamed of. 

Be like Paul. Share your story with confidence. Make an impact in your world.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 25-25 NLT

Support

Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here.

When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission, and you will earn our gratitude.

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Daniel Burka on Unsplash

Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents

By Rod Dreher / Sentinel

Aleksandr Solzhenitzyn once noted that people often assume that their democratic government would never submit to totalitarianism---but Dreher says it's happening.

Thoughts

As we read Revelation and try to understand the prophecies contained in it, like the fall of Babylon and the mark of the beast, it’s natural to try to understand them and put them into a familiar frame of reference. 

For example, let’s consider the number 666. Throughout history believers have thought that it was Nero to Mohammed to Henry Kissinger, to Barak Obama and so many others. If we are in the last days, there is every possibility that he is alive now, but to guess at his identity is just a guess. We can know this, the number does represent a very real person, and when the time comes all will know who he is.

These prophecies will come tp pass, just as the prophecies of Jesus’ first coming did. 

What should we do in the mean time? Should we sell everything and move to the desert or the mountains? No. We should do the work He called us to. Love God with all our heart and soul and mind, love others. and share the Good News until the day of his coming, or until we are called home.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 12-16 WEB, Ch. 17 NLV

Support

Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here.

When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission, and you will earn our gratitude.

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Felix Mittermeier on Unsplash

Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents

By Rod Dreher / Sentinel

Aleksandr Solzhenitzyn once noted that people often assume that their democratic government would never submit to totalitarianism---but Dreher says it's happening. Sounding the alarm about the insidious effects of identity politics, surveillance technology, psychological manipulation, and more, he equips contemporary Christian dissidents to see, judge, and act as they fight to resist the erosion of our freedoms. 304 pages, hardcover from Sentinel.

Thoughts

As we read Revelation and try to understand the prophecies contained in it, like the fall of Babylon and the mark of the beast, it’s natural to try to understand them and put them into a familiar frame of reference. 

For example, let’s consider the number 666. Throughout history believers have thought that it was Nero to Mohammed to Henry Kissinger, to Barak Obama and so many others. If we are in the last days, there is every possibility that he is alive now, but to guess at his identity is just a guess. We can know this, the number does represent a very real person, and when the time comes all will know who he is.

These prophecies will come tp pass, just as the prophecies of Jesus’ first coming did. 

What should we do in the mean time? Should we sell everything and move to the desert or the mountains? No. We should do the work He called us to. Love God with all our heart and soul and mind, love others. and share the Good News until the day of his coming, or until we are called home.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 12-16 WEB, Ch. 17 NLV

Support

Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here.

When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission, and you will earn our gratitude.

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Felix Mittermeier on Unsplash

Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents

By Rod Dreher / Sentinel

Aleksandr Solzhenitzyn once noted that people often assume that their democratic government would never submit to totalitarianism---but Dreher says it's happening. Sounding the alarm about the insidious effects of identity politics, surveillance technology, psychological manipulation, and more, he equips contemporary Christian dissidents to see, judge, and act as they fight to resist the erosion of our freedoms. 304 pages, hardcover from Sentinel.

Thoughts

Literal And/Or Allegorical

As I have already mentioned, this book can be read on at least two levels: As just an account of a bride and groom from the purely human level, or as an allegory of the love of Christ for the church. Both interpretations are beautiful, and both have merit. 

As I was studying it again, in preparation for how to present it to you, I came upon an interesting fact. Jewish teachers often advised their young people not to read it till they were thirty years old, because they were afraid that the book would stir up feelings of lust in them. 

Reading the language with our very different vocabulary, it’s a bit difficult to imagine it having that effect on us, I suppose, but their concerns are understandable, don’t you think? 

Allegory

But if we look at the book from the allegorical perspective, we see how much Christ loves His church, and how much we ought to love Him. I ran across the following excerpt from the great 19th century preacher, Charles Haddon Spurgeon. He said, in reference a portion of chapter 5:16, which reads in the KJV: 

Yea, He is altogether lovely. Song of Solomon 5:16

“Looking at my text I felt much humbling of spirit, and I hesitated to preach upon it, for I said in my heart,"It is high, I cannot attain unto it." These deep texts show us the shortness of our plumb line; these ocean verses are so exceeding broad that our skills are apt to be driven far out of sight of land where our timid spirits tremble to spread the sail. Then I comforted myself by the thought that though I could not comprehend this text in a measure, nor weigh its mountains in scales, or its hills in a balance, yet it was all mine own, by the gift of divine grace, and therefore I need not fear to enter upon the meditation of it. If I cannot grasp the ocean in my span, yet may I bathe therein with sweet content; if I cannot describe the King in His beauty, yet may I gaze upon Him, since the old proverb says, "A beggar may look at a prince." Though I pretend not so to preach from such a heavenly Word as that before us, as to spread before you all its marrow and fatness, yet may I gather up a few crumbs which fall from its table. Poor men are glad of crumbs, and crumbs from such a feast are better than loaves from the tables of the world. Better to have a glimpse of Jesus, than to see all the glory of the earth all the days of our life. If we fail on this subject we may do better than if we succeeded upon another; so we will pluck up courage, seek divine help, and draw near to this wondrous text, with our shoes from off our feet like Moses when he saw the bush aglow with God. This verse has been translated in another way: "He is all desires"; and so indeed Jesus is. He was the desire of the ancients, He is the desire of all nations still. To His own people He is their all in all; they are complete in Him; they are filled out of His fullness. He is the delight of His servants, and fills their expectations to the full. But we will not dispute about translations, for, after all, with such a text, so full of unutterable spiritual sweetness, every man must be his own translator, and into his own soul must the power of the message come, by the enforcement of the Holy Spirit. Such a text as this is very like manna which fell in the wilderness, of which the rabbis say it tasted after each man's liking. If the flavor in a man's mouth was very sweetness, the angel's food which fell around the camp was luscious as any dainty he had conceived; whatever he might be, the manna was to him as he was. So shall this text be. To you with low ideas of Christ the words shall but glide over your ears, and be meaningless; but if your spirit be ravished with the precious love of Jesus there s...

Thoughts

Literal And/Or Allegorical

As I have already mentioned, this book can be read on at least two levels: As just an account of a bride and groom from the purely human level, or as an allegory of the love of Christ for the church. Both interpretations are beautiful, and both have merit. 

As I was studying it again, in preparation for how to present it to you, I came upon an interesting fact. Jewish teachers often advised their young people not to read it till they were thirty years old, because they were afraid that the book would stir up feelings of lust in them. 

Reading the language with our very different vocabulary, it’s a bit difficult to imagine it having that effect on us, I suppose, but their concerns are understandable, don’t you think? 

Allegory

But if we look at the book from the allegorical perspective, we see how much Christ loves His church, and how much we ought to love Him. I ran across the following excerpt from the great 19th century preacher, Charles Haddon Spurgeon. He said, in reference a portion of chapter 5:16, which reads in the KJV: 

Yea, He is altogether lovely. Song of Solomon 5:16

“Looking at my text I felt much humbling of spirit, and I hesitated to preach upon it, for I said in my heart,"It is high, I cannot attain unto it." These deep texts show us the shortness of our plumb line; these ocean verses are so exceeding broad that our skills are apt to be driven far out of sight of land where our timid spirits tremble to spread the sail. Then I comforted myself by the thought that though I could not comprehend this text in a measure, nor weigh its mountains in scales, or its hills in a balance, yet it was all mine own, by the gift of divine grace, and therefore I need not fear to enter upon the meditation of it. If I cannot grasp the ocean in my span, yet may I bathe therein with sweet content; if I cannot describe the King in His beauty, yet may I gaze upon Him, since the old proverb says, "A beggar may look at a prince." Though I pretend not so to preach from such a heavenly Word as that before us, as to spread before you all its marrow and fatness, yet may I gather up a few crumbs which fall from its table. Poor men are glad of crumbs, and crumbs from such a feast are better than loaves from the tables of the world. Better to have a glimpse of Jesus, than to see all the glory of the earth all the days of our life. If we fail on this subject we may do better than if we succeeded upon another; so we will pluck up courage, seek divine help, and draw near to this wondrous text, with our shoes from off our feet like Moses when he saw the bush aglow with God. This verse has been translated in another way: "He is all desires"; and so indeed Jesus is. He was the desire of the ancients, He is the desire of all nations still. To His own people He is their all in all; they are complete in Him; they are filled out of His fullness. He is the delight of His servants, and fills their expectations to the full. But we will not dispute about translations, for, after all, with such a text, so full of unutterable spiritual sweetness, every man must be his own translator, and into his own soul must the power of the message come, by the enforcement of the Holy Spirit. Such a text as this is very like manna which fell in the wilderness, of which the rabbis say it tasted after each man's liking. If the flavor in a man's mouth was very sweetness, the angel's food which fell around the camp was luscious as any dainty he had conceived; whatever he might be, the manna was to him as he was. So shall this text be. To you with low ideas of Christ the words shall but glide over your ears, and be meaningless; but if your spirit be ravished with the precious love of Jesus there s...

Thoughts

Praise the Lord!

The last six chapters of the book of Psalms are psalms (songs) of praise. Beginning with Psalm 145, which is the last Psalm attributed to David, and ending with Psalm 150, God is praised. I find that appropriate. Don't you?

Twentieth century theologian James Montgomery Boice said of the final five chapters of Psalms,

In the earlier psalms, we have studied the writers’ griefs, shames, sins, doubts, and fears. We have witnessed the people of God in their defeats and victories, their ups and downs in life. We have encountered rebellious words and struggling faith. All this is behind us now. In these final psalms every word is praise.James Montgomery Boice

Because God Can Be Trusted

Psalm 146 praises God for his trustworthiness. Oh, how I agree with that! I have discovered this to be so very true in my own lifetime. So many times, He has demonstrated that He is always there, always able, always loving, always true. 

Because He Cares

Psalm 147 praises God for the way He cares for us, and for His power over creation itself. There is nothing that He cannot do.

Because He Created All That Is

Psalm 148 calls for all of creation to praise the Lord. And there will come a day when that will indeed happen.

Because He Alone Is Worthy

Beloved, the older I get, the more I realize that He is worthy of praise. I love Him more today than the day I received Him as my Savior over 50 years ago. When you think about it, that makes sense. I love my wife, the Lovely Lady LeeAnn more than the day I married her coming up on 32 years ago. Why? Because we have gone through so many things together. And I know her better now than I did then. She has never left my side, she puts up with my idiosyncrasies, my faults, my moods, my rough edges and on and on. She loves me despite my many faults. God knows me even better than my wife does, and yet He loves me. And just as I still discover new things about my wife, I discover new things about God. Though He never changes, He reveals new things to me about Himself. The depth of our relationship continues to grow deeper as I walk with Him. 

Yes, the Lord is worthy of praise.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 146-148 NCV

Support

Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here.

When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission, and you will earn our gratitude.

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Sabeer Darr on Unsplash

Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents

By Rod Dreher / Sentinel

Aleksandr Solzhenitzyn once noted that people oft...

Thoughts

Praise the Lord!

The last six chapters of the book of Psalms are psalms (songs) of praise. Beginning with Psalm 145, which is the last Psalm attributed to David, and ending with Psalm 150, God is praised. I find that appropriate. Don't you?

Twentieth century theologian James Montgomery Boice said of the final five chapters of Psalms,

In the earlier psalms, we have studied the writers’ griefs, shames, sins, doubts, and fears. We have witnessed the people of God in their defeats and victories, their ups and downs in life. We have encountered rebellious words and struggling faith. All this is behind us now. In these final psalms every word is praise.James Montgomery Boice

Because God Can Be Trusted

Psalm 146 praises God for his trustworthiness. Oh, how I agree with that! I have discovered this to be so very true in my own lifetime. So many times, He has demonstrated that He is always there, always able, always loving, always true. 

Because He Cares

Psalm 147 praises God for the way He cares for us, and for His power over creation itself. There is nothing that He cannot do.

Because He Created All That Is

Psalm 148 calls for all of creation to praise the Lord. And there will come a day when that will indeed happen.

Because He Alone Is Worthy

Beloved, the older I get, the more I realize that He is worthy of praise. I love Him more today than the day I received Him as my Savior over 50 years ago. When you think about it, that makes sense. I love my wife, the Lovely Lady LeeAnn more than the day I married her coming up on 32 years ago. Why? Because we have gone through so many things together. And I know her better now than I did then. She has never left my side, she puts up with my idiosyncrasies, my faults, my moods, my rough edges and on and on. She loves me despite my many faults. God knows me even better than my wife does, and yet He loves me. And just as I still discover new things about my wife, I discover new things about God. Though He never changes, He reveals new things to me about Himself. The depth of our relationship continues to grow deeper as I walk with Him. 

Yes, the Lord is worthy of praise.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 146-148 NCV

Support

Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here.

When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission, and you will earn our gratitude.

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Sabeer Darr on Unsplash

Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents

By Rod Dreher / Sentinel

Aleksandr Solzhenitzyn once noted that people oft...

Thoughts

Moses is near the end of his life and he has brought the people to the threshold of the Promised Land. However, because of the disobedience we read about in Numbers 20:7-12, it will not be Moses who leads them in. As a matter of fact, God will not allow him to even set foot in it. 

But after leading these people for forty years, he doesn't just fade away. He has parting words for the people; for Joshua, whom God has appointed to be Moses' replacement; and for the priests. 

Moses knew these people, but more than that, God knew these people. Once more, Moses wrote the Law down and told the Levites to keep it beside the Ark of the Covenant. He knew these people, and that they would stray from the Law, and would need to be reminded yet again what God requires. 

I believe that Moses felt a heavy burden of responsibility for these people, even when he knew that his time with them was drawing to a close. And I think that is why he wrote the song that we will read next week, which, by the way, will close the book of Deuteronomy and be our last Monday in this year long journey through the Bible. More about that over the next few days.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 29 CEV, Ch. 30 ERV, Ch. 31 NCV

Support

Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here.

When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission, and you will earn our gratitude.

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Donald Teel on Unsplash

Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents

By Rod Dreher / Sentinel

Aleksandr Solzhenitzyn once noted that people often assume that their democratic government would never submit to totalitarianism---but Dreher says it's happening. Sounding the alarm about the insidious effects of identity politics, surveillance technology, psychological manipulation, and more, he equips contemporary Christian dissidents to see, judge, and act as they fight to resist the erosion of our freedoms. 304 pages, hardcover from Sentinel.