Serving Jesus Christ

Welcome to Saturday, August 21st!

This episode of The 7-Minute Cross Talk Bible Study is titled:

The Christian's Armor

For this Bible Study, we are considering the words of this week’s Gospel Lesson - Ephesians 6:10-20.

If you desire further information, it may be requested from [email protected].

If the link to download the worksheet is not present within your podcast feed it may be downloaded at: https://servingjesuschrist.libsyn.com/

Scripture Quotations: New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995).

This podcast is a ministry outreach of Our Savior's Lutheran in Argyle, Minnesota - United States.

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The Christian's Armor

Take a moment now to pause the audio and download and print the 7-Minute Work Sheet before continuing.

The link is located right below this audio player.

For this Saturday Bible Study, we will consider the words of this week's Gospel Lesson: Ephesians 6:10-20.

Hopefully, these studies encourage you to engage in a deeper analysis of the current passage. But, more importantly, I hope these studies deepen your love for the Word of God.

Let's begin:

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I begin this coming Sunday's Sermon on Ephesians 6:10-20 with the following illustration.

Picture a knight in medieval times . . . let's call him Sir LostALot - being told that his mortal enemy is coming up the road to his castle.

This fact brings terror to his heart. He wonders aloud, "What's he doing here? Why has he come?"

Though not wanting an answer, his page pipes up with, "Don't you remember; he said he would be back to kill you."

The knight then asks for his armor. His page comes running back, "Your armor is missing!"

Then picture the knight running around hollering at his page and everyone else, "Where in the world is my armor? Do you remember where I put it?"

Closing his eyes and slapping his hand to his forehead, he tries to remember back to the last time he wore his armor but he draws a blank!

All the while his mortal enemy is getting closer and closer to the castle.

He, his page, and others rush around looking in every room in his castle hoping to spot his armor. This scenario is not very realistic because a knight's armor was his full-body life protection and was well-cared for at all times.

Repairs were made after each battle. It was kept in the castle armory well-oiled and ready for its next use.

We often experience the same problem as this knight. Our mortal enemy, Satan, approaches and we are found to be without our armor.

We remember being told to put it on and keep it in good working order, but we fail to do so for some reason.

As a result, we end up being spiritually wounded and/or almost destroyed.

Unlike the knight who could take off his armor between battles, we must wear our armor at all times.

We cannot see our enemy coming up the road! More importantly, he shows up at the most unexpected times.

This week's Epistle lesson is well-known by most Christians. However, our implementation of what it encourages is another thing.

Listen as I read this week's Epistle Lesson Ephesians 6:10-20.

Ephesians 6:10-20 NAS95

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.  [11]  Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.  [12]  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  [13]  Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.  [14]  Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,  [15]  and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE;  [16]  in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  [17]  And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  [18]  With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,  [19]  and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,  [20]  for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Since the Sunday sermon addresses the overall need for the armor, in this Bible Study I will share a little on each piece of the armor.

Often, when presenting this section to a Sunday School class, a Roman soldier in full armor is used to illustrate each piece.

Verse 14 speaks of being girded with truth. The KJV notes it as the belt of truth. A soldier's belt kept his clothing under control so that it did not interfere with his fighting.

Our belt of truth is Jesus Christ and the Word. When we are foundationally solid in these areas, it keeps us from being tossed around by Satan.

Verse 14 also references the breastplate of righteousness. The Roman soldier's breastplate protected his heart and vital organs from his neck to his thighs. When we remain focused on Jesus Christ and His righteousness, it keeps our heart from being wounded and losing its proper focus.

Verse 15 talks of the soldier’s sandals as the preparation of the Gospel of peace. The soldier’s sandals were created with nails protruding from the sole that gripped the ground. We are to be ready to march into battle bearing witness to the gospel.

Verse 16 moves onto the shield. His shield was used to protect him from fiery arrows, fiery gobstickers. The Roman soldier’s shield is thought to have been able to even ward off a modern small arms bullet. This shield covered him from his head to his feet. They could even be linked together with other shields for safety in certain battle conditions. Our shield of faith protects us from Satan’s fiery darts.

Next, in verse 17, we are told of the helmet, the helmet of salvation. We know that if our head is damaged in battle, we can either be killed or brain-damaged.

We need to protect our mind keeping it focused on our leader, the Lord Jesus Christ. The mind of the saved man is focused upon Christ and His mission of sharing the good news of life, both life abundant and life eternal.

Because of this, Satan launches his fiery darts of temptation against the mind of the believer, trying to draw his thoughts and attention off of Christ and his ministry to souls. The Christian soldier desperately needs the helmet of salvation. The helmet of salvation means the knowledge and hope of salvation. Knowing that we are saved and hoping for the glorious day of redemption.

Finally, in verse 17, we are told of the sword. The sword was a weapon used for both defense and offense. The sign of the Christian soldier is his use of the Word of God. By living in God’s Word, he protects himself from the assault of the enemy; and he fights and wins battle after battle, day after day. The written Word is the one weapon that assures victory for the Christian soldier.

Hebrews 4:12 NAS95

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

We must also never forget the necessity of constant prayer.

As always, read and reread this passage several times in order to fully appreciate its content.

Let’s Pray,

Gracious Heavenly Father,

We often forget how important it is to put on the full armor You have provided.

May we realize we cannot pick and choose which pieces are convenient for us to use.

Strengthen our walk with You.

In the Name of Jesus,

Amen!

 

Welcome to Friday, August 20th!

Today’s episode of The Cross Talk Daily Devotional is titled:

God's Name

Thanks for listening!

If you desire further information, you may request it from [email protected].

Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995}

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God's Name

In today's culture and society, we hear God's name being taken in vain many times a day, whether within a conversation or in the media. It's almost looked upon as a badge of honor to wrongly use the Lord's Name, to include coarse and crude language in a conversation.

Several days ago, I shared a devotional on habits. Unfortunately, taking God's name in vain and using vulgar and offensive language is a habit for many individuals. If we bring it to their attention, they even deny the frequency of such language.

Sadly, their use of such words influences their children to do the same. It especially bothers me when small children use such language.

Listen now to this commandment:

Exodus 20:7 NAS95 says,

"You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.

WHAT DOES GOD REQUIRE OF US IN THE SECOND COMMANDMENT? We should fear and love God so that we do not curse, swear, conjure, lie, or deceive, by His Name, but call upon Him in every time of need and worship Him with prayer, praise, and thanksgiving.

My mother always reminded us of the following:

The English language contains plenty of words with which to express oneself without resorting to using words that dishonor the Lord.

That's very true, isn't it?

Notice that my mother did not refer to only recognizable swear words. Instead, she meant to include any such language that dishonored the Lord.

As with the First Commandment, our obedience is to be more than just outwardly. Outward obedience lends itself to a form of hypocrisy.

Notice in the explanation it says we should fear and love God so that we do not engage in such behavior. Therefore, our overall and daily obedience must be a result of our fear and love of God.

That also makes sense, doesn't it?

Do we like our name used vainly or flippantly? We do not.

Notice that the explanation of this commandment includes more than what we colloquially call swearing. It includes associating God's Name with anything that brings Him dishonor, that lowers His Name, anything that blasphemes His Name.

We break this commandment through profanity, frivolity, and hypocrisy. Profanity refers to cursing, frivolity to superficial usage, and hypocrisy to acting in a way that disgraces Him.

If you still struggle with such language at times, confess it as sin and ask the Lord to help you be more aware of the words you use.

Let's Pray,

Gracious Heavenly Father,

It is our desire never to show You dishonor.

Please help us to guard our hearts and minds so that our tongues only speak what is honorable.

Thank You for the forgiveness of sin.

In the Name of Jesus,

Amen!

 

 

Welcome to Thursday, August 19th!

Today’s episode of The Cross Talk Daily Devotional is titled:

Other Gods

Thanks for listening!

If you desire further information, you may request it from [email protected].

Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995}

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Other Gods

If asked, we adamantly deny that we serve any god other than the one True God. Our instinct is to declare that this is the case. For anyone to suggest otherwise would be fighting words!

Now hopefully, our declaration is the truth. However, is this always the case in our lives? Are we always singularly-minded regarding whom we serve?

First, let's consider God's declaration in:

Exodus 20:3-6 NAS95

"You shall have no other gods before Me.  [4]  "You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth.  [5]  "You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me,  [6]  but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

We first need to thoroughly understand that there is no other god besides the one True God.

Therefore, if we have regard for or worship anything else, we engage in idolatry. As such, God forbids us from having anything or anyone as our god instead of Him or in addition to Him.

Isaiah 42:8 NAS95

"I am the LORD, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another, Nor My praise to graven images.

Of all the commandments, the First Commandment requires our constant hyper-vigilance.

As such, we are to be extremely sensitive to the lure of the world. This is not to say that the other commandments are less important. It only means that the lure of the world is so powerful since we live in this fallen world with a fallen nature.

Luther's Small Catechism includes the following question and answer.

What does God require of us in the first commandment?

We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.

Above all, He must be the only God in our lives, the only one in whom we trust.

You and I fully understand this, and yet we sometimes find ourselves living with a split allegiance between God and the things of this world. We are to worship Him as the only God in our lives, not as one of several. We show this when we revere and honor Him with our lives and shun all that displeases Him.

Perhaps You and I should engage in an ongoing spiritual inventory concerning this area. How should we do that? What might we ask ourselves?

• Are there things I engage in that draw my attention away from the Lord?
• Have I allowed my allegiance to become divided between the Lord and various things?
• What must I do to remain faithfully and fully aligned with the Lord?

If you find that you are living with a divided allegiance, go before the Lord and confess it as sin.

Then, be forewarned as you go forward.

Let's Pray,

Gracious Heavenly Father,

We understand that we are to be singularly-minded on You, focused on You alone, yet we find ourselves attracted to this world.

Help us not to give in to the lure of the world.

Convict our hearts of all sin.

In the Name of Jesus,

Amen!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to Wednesday, August 18th!

This episode of The 7-Minute Cross Talk Bible Study is titled:

Temple Dedication

For this Bible Study, we are considering the words of this week’s Old Testament Lesson - 1 Kings 8:1,6,10-11, 22-30, 41-43.

If you desire further information, it may be requested from [email protected].

If the link to download the worksheet is not present within your podcast feed it may be downloaded at: https://servingjesuschrist.libsyn.com/

Scripture Quotations: New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995).

This podcast is a ministry outreach of Our Savior's Lutheran in Argyle, Minnesota - United States.

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Temple Dedication

Take a moment now to pause the audio and download and print the 7-Minute Work Sheet before continuing.

The link is located right below this audio player.

For this Wednesday Bible Study, we will consider the words of this week's Old Testament Lesson: 1 Kings 8:1,6,10-11, 22-30, 41-43.

Hopefully, these studies encourage you to engage in a deeper analysis of the current passage. But, more importantly, I hope these studies deepen your love for the Word of God.

Let's Begin!

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Though King David sought to build the temple, God forbade him to do so because he had blood on his hands, he was a man of war.

1 Chronicles 28:3 NAS95

"But God said to me, 'You shall not build a house for My name because you are a man of war and have shed blood.'

God says that his son Solomon would be the one to build the temple.

1 Chronicles 28:6 NAS95

"He said to me, 'Your son Solomon is the one who shall build My house and My courts; for I have chosen him to be a son to Me, and I will be a father to him.

This, however, did not stop King David from making preparations and gathering all the materials necessary for the building of God's house.

1 Chronicles 22:2-5 NAS95

So David gave orders to gather the foreigners who were in the land of Israel, and he set stonecutters to hew out stones to build the house of God.  [3]  David prepared large quantities of iron to make the nails for the doors of the gates and for the clamps, and more bronze than could be weighed;  [4]  and timbers of cedar logs beyond number, for the Sidonians and Tyrians brought large quantities of cedar timber to David.  [5]  David said, "My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the LORD shall be exceedingly magnificent, famous and glorious throughout all lands. Therefore now I will make preparation for it." So David made ample preparations before his death.

This week's Old Testament lesson from 1 Kings 8 tells of the account of the temple's dedication.

1 Kings 8:1 NAS95

Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the fathers' households of the sons of Israel, to King Solomon in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD from the city of David, which is Zion.

1 Kings 8:6 NAS95

Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place, into the inner sanctuary of the house, to the most holy place, under the wings of the cherubim.

1 Kings 8:10-11 NAS95

It happened that when the priests came from the holy place, the cloud filled the house of the LORD,  [11]  so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD.

1 Kings 8:22-30 NAS95

Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven.  [23]  He said, "O LORD, the God of Israel, there is no God like You in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing lovingkindness to Your servants who walk before You with all their heart,  [24]  who have kept with Your servant, my father David, that which You have promised him; indeed, You have spoken with Your mouth and have fulfilled it with Your hand as it is this day.  [25]  "Now therefore, O LORD, the God of Israel, keep with Your servant David my father that which You have promised him, saying, 'You shall not lack a man to sit on the throne of Israel, if only your sons take heed to their way to walk before Me as you have walked.'  [26]  "Now therefore, O God of Israel, let Your word, I pray, be confirmed which You have spoken to Your servant, my father David.  [27]  "But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You, how much less this house which I have built!  [28]  "Yet have regard to the prayer of Your servant and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to listen to the cry and to the prayer which Your servant prays before You today;  [29]  that Your eyes may be open toward this house night and day, toward the place of which You have said, 'My name shall be there,' to listen to the prayer which Your servant shall pray toward this place.  [30]  "Listen to the supplication of Your servant and of Your people Israel, when they pray toward this place; hear in heaven Your dwelling place; hear and forgive.

1 Kings 8:41-43 NAS95

"Also concerning the foreigner who is not of Your people Israel, when he comes from a far country for Your name's sake  [42]  (for they will hear of Your great name and Your mighty hand, and of Your outstretched arm); when he comes and prays toward this house,  [43]  hear in heaven Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You, in order that all the peoples of the earth may know Your name, to fear You, as do Your people Israel, and that they may know that this house which I have built is called by Your name.

The temple's dedication begins by placing the Ark of the Covenant in the temple, that is, bringing the presence of God into the temple. It is the time of the Feast of Tabernacles. This festival celebrated the wilderness wanderings when the people of God had to live in tents on their way to the promised land. It also marked the gathering of the harvest at the end of the year. Once all the leaders and people had gathered in Jerusalem, the wonderful, long-awaited celebration began.

Beginning in verse 22, Solomon prays one of the great prayers of Scripture. He raises his hands and arms to heaven and humbly submits himself and his people to the Lord.

He begins by acknowledging that there is no other God like Him, that He is unique and supreme.

1 Kings 8:23-24 NAS95

He said, "O LORD, the God of Israel, there is no God like You in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing lovingkindness to Your servants who walk before You with all their heart,  [24]  who have kept with Your servant, my father David, that which You have promised him; indeed, You have spoken with Your mouth and have fulfilled it with Your hand as it is this day.

Not only that, but He is a promise-keeping God. God had kept His promise to David that he would have a lasting dynasty and that his son Solomon would succeed him and build the temple.

In the remaining verses of the Old Testament Lesson, Solomon recognizes that God's promises are conditional upon obedience.

In the last three verses of the lesson, Solomon asks that the Lord would hear and honor the prayers of those who were not Jews but who sought to know the God of the Jews.

1 Kings 8:41-43 NAS95

"Also concerning the foreigner who is not of Your people Israel, when he comes from a far country for Your name's sake  [42]  (for they will hear of Your great name and Your mighty hand, and of Your outstretched arm); when he comes and prays toward this house,  [43]  hear in heaven Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You, in order that all the peoples of the earth may know Your name, to fear You, as do Your people Israel, and that they may know that this house which I have built is called by Your name.

God had promised Abraham that the whole world would be blessed through Him. People would hear about the Lord and want to be saved. They would see how God worked through the Israelites and be drawn to Him.

As Gentiles, we are the outcome of these promises.

I encourage you to read and meditate upon I Kings 8. Read the chapter several times to fully understand the blessings of what took place.

Let's Pray,

Gracious Heavenly Father,

What a blessing it is to know and serve a promise-keeping God.

We are thankful that the promise of a Savior was borne out in Jesus Christ.

Strengthen our love for You this day.

In the Name of Jesus,

Amen!

Welcome to Wednesday, August 18th!

Today’s episode of The Cross Talk Daily Devotional is titled:

What Are Your Habits?

Thanks for listening!

If you desire further information, you may request it from [email protected].

Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995}

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What Are Your Habits?

Last week, I received an email from a friend which included the following statement.

Habits inform, shape, and expose what we love.

We have been engaging in an online discussion over various topics. Since we are both pastors, we are concerned about the habits our people form and adhere to in their lives.

He included Ephesians 4:22-24 as part of the discussion.

Ephesians 4:22-24 NAS95

That, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit,  [23]  and that you be renewed in the Spirit of your mind,  [24]  and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

The believer is to walk in Christ. He is not to walk as men walk. What are we to do according to these verses?

• We are to lay aside the old self.
• We are to be renewed in the Spirit of our mind.
• We are to put on the new self.

If someone took the time to analyze my life or yours, what would our habits tell them about us?

His statement really got me thinking about my own life. We all tend to view our habits as only a good thing in our lives. That's not always true, is it?

Habits such as bathing, brushing our teeth, and combing our hair are valuable and good habits.

However, habits such as using foul language, being rude, and being prone to anger are not.

Just to be clear, what is a habit?

A habit is an action that is now a regular practice in our lives, often done without any conscious thought.

The word addiction is even sometimes associated with the word habit. For example, a person who is addicted to a drug has a habit.

The last phrase of his statement made me think especially. Perhaps it will do the same for you.

Expose What We Love

The habit of reading, studying, and applying God's Word to our lives would indicate what and whom we love. However, the absence of such a practice would also show what we love.

Spending time in prayer or not spending time in prayer would show the same.

Would a habit analysis of my life show that I love the world more than I love the Lord? How about you? What would such an evaluation show in your life?

Though our progressive sanctification is just that, a progression over time, we are to strive to put off our old self with the help of the Holy Spirit. Habits that are contrary to the things of the Spirit have no place in our lives.

Not only is it good for us to get rid of harmful and sinful habits, but it is also good for others so that we do not present a bad example for them.

Ask the Lord for help in weeding out the bad habits of your life. He will provide the strength to be rid of them and to begin new profitable practices.

Let's Pray,

Gracious Heavenly Father,

We all struggle with bad habits in our lives.

May we, with Your help, be rid of these habits that are damaging our faith relationship with You.

Help us to engage in profitable habits and practices.

In the Name of Jesus,

Amen!

 

 

Welcome to Tuesday, August 17th!

Today’s episode of The Cross Talk Daily Devotional is titled:

God's Blessing

Thanks for listening!

If you desire further information, you may request it from [email protected].

Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995}

 

 

Welcome to Monday, August 16th!

Today’s episode of The Cross Talk Daily Devotional is titled:

Patterns

Thanks for listening!

If you desire further information, you may request it from [email protected].

Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995}

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  Patterns

My wife loves to sew dresses for her granddaughters. An essential aspect of sewing is the pattern. Each piece is cut out according to the design so that it all fits together correctly. The final product depends upon the care with which you cut out these individual parts.

In addition to sewing, patterns are crucial in many creative areas, such as metalworking and woodworking.

Patterns even apply to our lives for which two distinct options exist. We can either live according to the ways of this world or according to God's ways.

As believers, we a cautioned to only live according to the latter.

Romans 12:2 NAS95

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Not conformed to this world!

How should we understand this phrase?

Conformed brings to mind cramming something into a form. For example, have you ever seen a square watermelon or pumpkin? As a novelty item, the farmer encloses the immature watermelon or pumpkin in a square form. These fruits have no say in the matter.

However, we do!

My mother often told us, "Remember, just because your friends are doing it does not mean that you have to." In other words, even though an opportunity presented itself, we did not need to accept or engage in it. We did not need to conform to the temptation.

The Apostle Paul encourages the Christians in Rome to be careful of the world's influences. Rome was the center of all things cultural in the ancient world, and as former pagans, they needed to clearly understand that their former life was just that . . . the former.

The renewing and transforming of your mind is the opposite of being conformed to this world. The reality is that a real battle exists between these two options. The fact remains, however, that the Christian is to be different.

Let's consider the word transformed for a moment.

The English word metamorphosis comes from the Greek word used here. It means to change into another form. A great example is the caterpillar/butterfly transformation. The caterpillar transforms into something completely different.

The believer must undergo a radical change within his inner being. The believer must be transformed and changed inwardly. His real self—his very nature, essence, personality, inner being—must be changed.

When a person receives Jesus Christ into his life, he receives the mind and the image of Christ. The believer's mind and image are renewed, changed, turned around, and regenerated to focus upon God.

The believer is to live a transformed life; he is to walk day by day, renewing his mind more and more.

How are we to do that?

I believe that intentionality is the key. Our all-encompassing desire ought to be to concentrate upon God and the things of God. Therefore, our continuing focus is to be upon living and moving in God.

Adequate time reading and studying the Word of God along with prayer must be continually practiced.

As a final thought, we are not to conform to the world any longer.

Let's Pray,

Gracious Heavenly Father,

It is no secret that the world pressures us to conform from all sides.

We ask for the strength to resist.

Help us to have a singular focus upon You.

In the Name of Jesus,

Amen!

 

 

 

Welcome to Sunday, August 15th!

Today’s episode of The Cross Talk Daily Devotional is titled:

Standing Strong

Thanks for listening!

If you desire further information, you may request it from [email protected].

Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995}

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  "Standing Strong"

Deuteronomy 31:6 says,

"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you."

As Israel approaches the Promised Land, Moses encourages the people to remember that the Lord not only brought them out of Egypt but that He would be with them as they entered and conquered the peoples of the Promised Land.

He also encourages Joshua, the new leader of the Israelites.

Deuteronomy 31:7-8 NAS95

Then Moses called to Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, "Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land which the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance.  [8]  "The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."

This same promise applies to us as well.

Are we ever fearful or dismayed over the circumstances of life? Of course, we are!

Sometimes, our first instinct is to say, "Never!" like it is somehow wrong to admit our struggles. Yet, the Lord already knows our inner struggles or doubts.

For me, our current cultural and societal changes create a certain amount of fear and dismay. Though I am generally not an anxious person, I find myself being precisely that these days.

Does that mean that I am no longer a believer? It does not!

What can and should I do about it?

I learned a long time ago that there is no substitute for prayer. Since prayer is a heart-to-heart conversation with our Creator and Sustainer, I am talking to the one who can help.

Creating fear, discouragement, and doubt are the practical tools of our adversary, the Devil.

I imagine that the Israelites were somewhat fearful of the nations living in the Promised Land. Perhaps they doubted that they could be victorious over them.

God knew their fear and prompted Moses to relay these messages of encouragement to both Joshua and the people.

I noted a moment ago that there is no substitute for prayer when we are fearful and discouraged. Another critical tool is the Word of God. Since we know that other times of fear and discouragement will come, take a moment to create a list of verses to help you combat those times. Keep it in your Bible.

I encourage you to begin your list with:

Isaiah 41:10 NAS95

'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'

Today is the Lord's Day . . . a day set aside to especially honor, worship, and praise the Lord. What better time to take a few minutes to bare your soul to the Lord, expressing the concerns of your life asking Him to provide you with the strength necessary to live out the day.

I know from personal experience that He meets us in our time of need.

Let's Pray,

Gracious Heavenly Father,

May the Psalmist's words in Psalms 46:1 cause us to stand strong in our faith and trust in You.

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.

I ask that you would strengthen the hearts and minds of all who are listening.

In the Name of Jesus,

Amen!

In this episode of Serving Jesus Christ, Pastor Swanson shares a Sunday message titled,

Eating The Right Food!

Did you know that your destiny is to live forever? 

Maybe that thought has not crossed your mind. Perhaps, you think that the statement is false.

Perhaps your first thought upon hearing such an assertion is to think of that funeral you attended last week or last year.

By all accounts the person lying there in the casket is dead. He/she is no longer alive - they did not live forever. 

And yet, though their body is now in the ground or their ashes in an urn, they continue to live - to live for all eternity.

The only question yet to answer is where? Where are they living?

Many today are hopeful that upon the death of their physical bodies nothing remains - that nothing follows them after death.

Such a hope resides in the modern-day philosophical belief of Annihilationism which is the belief that unbelievers will not experience an eternity of suffering in hell, but will instead be extinguished after death.

However, we are immortal beings!

Either we will be in the presence of Jesus Christ for all eternity or living with the devil and his angels.

There is a great difference between these two dwelling places.

If you desire further information, it may be obtained at [email protected].

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If the link to download the worksheet is not present within your podcast feed, it may be downloaded at: https://servingjesuschrist.libsyn.com/

Scripture Quotations: New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995).

The music "Be Thou My Vision" and "He Is Lord" are arranged and played by Don Wigton. Used by Permission. The music "God Leads Us Along" was arranged and played by Greg Howlett. Used By Permission.

Welcome to Saturday, August 14th!

This episode of The 7-Minute Cross Talk Bible Study is titled:

Walking As The Wise!

For this Bible Study, we are considering the words of this week’s Epistle Lesson - Ephesians 5:15-20.

If you desire further information, it may be requested from [email protected].

If the link to download the worksheet is not present within your podcast feed it may be downloaded at: https://servingjesuschrist.libsyn.com/

Scripture Quotations: New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995).

This podcast is a ministry outreach of Our Savior's Lutheran in Argyle, Minnesota - United States.

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Walking As The Wise

Take a moment now to pause the audio and download and print the 7-Minute Work Sheet before continuing.

The link is located right below this audio player.

For this Saturday Bible Study, we will consider the words of this week's Epistle Lesson: Ephesians 5:15-20.

Hopefully, these studies encourage you to engage in a deeper analysis of the current passage. But, more importantly, I hope these studies deepen your love for the Word of God.

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Let's begin with the following thought:

If someone walked up to you and told you to walk like a Christian, what would that mean to you?

We could interpret this statement as meaning we should walk like a Christian since we claim to be one, or it could just be words of encouragement during a difficult time.

If it is the former, it is a sad commentary on our Christian walk.

The point is that as Christians, we should be readily identifiable by the world around us.

No chasm should exist between our claim and the actions of our lives.

Listen as I read this week's Epistle Lesson.

Ephesians 5:15-20 NAS95

Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,  [16]  making the most of your time, because the days are evil.  [17]  So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.  [18]  And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,  [19]  speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;  [20]  always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father.

Though humble in its origins, the church at Ephesus grew rapidly and significantly affected their area in Asia.

The word wise describes a person who has or shows good sense or good judgment. The word unwise describes a person who lacks wisdom or good sense.

Since Paul admonishes the Ephesian believers to walk wisely, it must be possible to walk unwisely. So let's take a moment to illustrate these two options.

How would we describe a believer who is walking unwisely?

First of all, remember that as believers, God forgave us in Christ and has reserved a place for us in heaven. At face value, walking wisely means to remember that truth at all times. As believers, we are new creations in Christ. Therefore, God expects us to walk carefully and accurately, exactly as we should.

An unwise person continues to allow their previous life to influence and at times invade his present life. As such, these individuals are not always concerned about being alert to every temptation and pitfall which comes their way. As a result, they struggle with staying on the path.

Next, let's describe a believer who is walking wisely.

A wise believer understands that there is no room in their life for what came before. Therefore, in light of what God did for them in Jesus Christ, they seek to live disciplined lives. From the moment they arise, they seek to walk in His presence.

Part of walking wisely is to use our time to share the Gospel.

Ephesians 5:16 NAS95

Making the most of your time, because the days are evil.

In every avenue of life, we are encouraged to use our time wisely. However, as believers, we are to use our time for the cause of Christ.

Have you ever commented, "Where did all the time go today?" Though we don't remember what we did, we assume or hope that we accomplished something of value.

Making the most of your time means taking advantage of various ministry opportunities as they arise during the day. You might say, "What opportunities?" How about living as a Christian, witnessing, or even being a good employee?

Persecution is increasing as Paul is writing these words. Soon it would be much more challenging to live as a believer and to engage in ministry. Our culture and society are also changing. Unfortunately, active persecution is right around the corner when ministry opportunities might be few and far between.

Therefore, we are to take advantage of today.

Verse 17 seems to imply that the Ephesian Christians were flitting around the edges of walking unwisely and wasting precious ministry time.

Ephesians 5:17 NAS95

So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Paul admonishes these believers to stop the process they were engaging in or about to engage in. They were being foolish and needed to stop the process before it shipwrecked their faith.

Bible historians date the Book of Ephesians to around 60-63 A.D. At the time, it seems that they responded to the warnings of the Apostle Paul. The church's influence stretched far and wide.

However, thirty years later, as one of the seven churches of Revelation, this church is accused of leaving its first love. Christ was no longer first in their lives.

Revelation 2:4 NAS95

'But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

They were as active as ever. The ministry was thriving from all accounts but became more attached to the church than to Christ. As a result, as its members walked unwisely, the ministry became mechanical and worshiped instead of being attached to Christ.

May we walk as the wise!

Let's Pray,

Gracious Heavenly Father,

We often walk as the unwise throughout the day.

Prompt our hearts to fully understand who we are in Christ and to live as such.

Strengthen our resolve to live joyful productive Christian lives.

In the Name of Jesus,

Amen!