Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-06-20-2018

This is devotional thought number 65 in our devotional series titled, “The Gospel According to Paul.”

“This saying is trustworthy: “If someone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a good work.” The overseer then must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, an able teacher, not a drunkard, not violent, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money. He must manage his own household well and keep his children in control without losing his dignity. But if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for the church of God? He must not be a recent convert or he may become arrogant and fall into the punishment that the devil will exact. And he must be well thought of by those outside the faith, so that he may not fall into disgrace and be caught by the devil’s trap. Deacons likewise must be dignified, not two-faced, not given to excessive drinking, not greedy for gain, holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And these also must be tested first and then let them serve as deacons if they are found blameless. Likewise also their wives must be dignified, not slanderous, temperate, faithful in every respect. Deacons must be husbands of one wife and good managers of their children and their own households. For those who have served well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 3:1–13, NET).

I am tempted to share a one-liner as our thought for the day, but do not wish to risk trivializing today’s counsel. Frankly, if I simply said, all spiritual leaders in the faith must be real Christians, that would just about cover it. Ironically, I sat on a panel one time, where even some church leaders said that if we held to the standard in Paul’s counsel, we would not have enough leaders to serve. What? Since when has God needed numbers to accomplish His will on the earth? Salvation was made possible by one Man, Jesus Christ the Righteous. Gideon's army was whittled down to only 300 dedicated soldiers. Only three Hebrew young men stood firm against Nebuchadnezzar’s vitriol and command to worship falsely. Need I say more?

Notice what Paul did not say anywhere as the Spirit guided him through the job description for spiritual leaders. He never said that anyone being considered for service here should generate their own holiness. He never said they needed to be innately holy. He never said they were to trust themselves into perfection. Truth is: if any of us, whether man or woman, were to aspire to the standards written here, we would fall miserably short of the mark, generate our own rules of righteousness, and then oppress others who do not meet our contrivances. That is to say, we would become modern day Pharisees, and that’s not good.

Our thought today is intended to elevate our feeble expectations of our Great God and Father in heaven. It is meant to laud the power and victory of Jesus Christ, the King. It is intended to engender thanks for the blessed Holy Spirit, who seals power within those who are continually submitted to His control. In our own strength, this list might as well said we needed to make ourselves 70-feet tall and leap buildings in a single bound. In our own strength, it would be impossible to live according to God’s standards of righteousness, let alone becoming humble and submitted enough to lead God’s people.

What then? What was the point of this exercise? Consider all that God requires of you. Now consider the blessing of the power of God, unto salvation given...

Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-06-19-2018
This is devotional thought number 64 in our devotional series titled, “The Gospel According to Paul.”
“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. And I have been chosen as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles this message about faith and truth. I’m not exaggerating—just telling the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1–7, NLT).
As the Lord would have it, we are surveying the writings of Paul, and today’s Scripture focus comes up on the radar during a historic time in recent history. Despite the volatile rhetoric spewed in the news among nations, and speculation among political friends and foes, a landmark summit was held in Singapore last week, where the Supreme Leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un and the President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump met to build goodwill and sign a Joint Statement to denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula; among other epic promises. Regardless of our views of the nuances, and prognosticating on persons’ intentions, we must be clear here - this move was monumental! I cannot tell you how thankful I am for this, considering the nearness of the return of Christ.
Notice what our theme text says: Pray for all people! Pray for all in authority. What reason did Paul give for us praying for those in authority? He said so we could live peaceful and quiet lives. Do you think movements toward denuclearizing anywhere on earth is a prospect for peaceful living? Again, we are not forecasting into the future except based upon what the two nations have promised, along with other concerned parties. Paul also said praying for this kind of peacefulness makes way for living in godliness and dignity. Think about what this historic move could mean? Is it possible that momentum could be gained toward more persons in that region experiencing the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ? I think so. Time will tell, but I believe this kind of bold move, at this time, will also create opportunities for people, who have otherwise been sequestered from the message of Christ, to hear of Him. Again, time will tell. History is on our side here. Pray toward that end.
Let’s tie a bow on this. Paul paints a portrait of Christ as the Chief Diplomat of the universe. Answers to our prayers and prayers for those in authority are made possible by the ministry of Jesus Christ, the only Mediator between God and humanity. And as Paul said, I concur for our time, “This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time... I’m not exaggerating—just telling the truth.”
Will you put all suspicion aside, despite the reality that talks can break down, agreements can be broken, and people can change their minds, and PRAY? Pray for our world leaders, and not just the ones I mentioned here because our time on Earth is short. The gospel of Jesus Christ must be preached into all the world before He returns. What better way for the message to penetrate the four corners of the Earth, than in peace, godliness, and dignity?
I’m not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, are you?—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, June 18, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-06-18-2018

This is devotional thought number 63 in our devotional series titled, “The Gospel According to Paul.”

“This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them! But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that in me as the worst, Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life. Now to the eternal king, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:15–17, NET).

Have you ever wondered how you could be helpful to others, especially considering you may have done some things in the past that make you feel ashamed? If you have surrendered yourself to God and turned away from your lifestyle of wickedness, your number one duty, besides continuing to surrender to God, is to show others how to do the same.

I will agree that it is a pity that so many of us have been drunks, drug abusers, violent, prideful, sexually immoral, greedy, selfish, racist, busybodies, etc. These and other unholy activities should always be avoided and renounced. However, for those of us who were guilty of these, and more, when we surrender our lives to Jesus Christ, the unfortunate reality of our past can become a partial basis for encouragement in other people’s lives. If God can save us from ourselves and the allurements of this world, He can save others. They see your spiritual success, and immediately can envision themselves being successful. They figure, if God can deliver you from your sinful habits, surely He deliver others.

So, by all means, repent of your past sins, surrender your will to Jesus Christ, caution people away from life’s pitfalls. But please, also allow your testimony of God’s patience, goodness, and mercy to become a teaching tool to encourage others in the faith. If He can save you, He can also save them.

I’m not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, are you?—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sunday, June 17, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-06-17-2018

This is devotional thought number 62 in our devotional series titled, “The Gospel According to Paul.”

“Now on the topic of times and seasons, brothers and sisters, you have no need for anything to be written to you. For you know quite well that the day of the Lord will come in the same way as a thief in the night. Now when they are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction comes on them, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will surely not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in the darkness for the day to overtake you like a thief would. For you all are sons of the light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of the darkness. So then we must not sleep as the rest, but must stay alert and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But since we are of the day, we must stay sober by putting on the breastplate of faith and love and as a helmet our hope for salvation.” (1 Thessalonians 5:1–8, NET).

Look up! Jesus is on His way! Be honest; did you just look up? What did you see?

When I was a young boy in New York City in the 70s and 80s, people would often conduct a social experiment in large crowds of people; particularly in Manhattan. One or two persons would abruptly start looking up, apparently gazing at something of intense interest. Invariably, no matter how silly passers-by felt, they had almost zero willpower to resist looking too. Some even started pointing as if they discovered something new and exciting. Of course, there was nothing there, and scores of persons were duped into looking into the nothingness of the sky. I steadfastly refuse to allow others to control where my attention goes. Just call me punk proof .

I find myself looking up a lot lately. Unlike those many years ago, when nothingness and duping people were the main features, I am looking up spiritually. Jesus promised to return. He pledged to telegraph His movements so those with keen, sober minds can know, of certainty, that He will arrive quickly. Jesus said that, in the same way, you can discern the changing of the seasons from the development of trees, foliage, and other elements in nature, we can discern Jesus’s approach. Just as a pregnant mother’s contractions increase in frequency and intensity, and we easily observe the inevitable birth of the child of her love, Jesus gave signs and last-day events to forecast the coming of the Lord.

I know; we read that Jesus will come as a thief in the night; however, we also read that He does not come upon His people like a thief. ““Be on your guard, so that your minds are not dulled from carousing, drunkenness, and worries of life, or that day will come on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come on all who live on the face of the whole earth. But be alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man.”” (Luke 21:34–36, HCSB). Paul agrees with Jesus. While we do not know the exact day and hour of His arrival, we have ample evidence that it will not be long, now. The question we all must answer daily is, “Am I really ready for Jesus to come?” If you are not, and you love God, today’s your big day! You can give your life over to Jesus for safe keeping. He is able to preserve everyone who is willing to cooperate with Him. ““For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.” But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own...

Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, June 16, 2018
Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-06-16-2018
This is devotional thought number 61 in our devotional series titled, “The Gospel According to Paul.”
“Now we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you will not grieve as also the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, thus also God will bring those who have fallen asleep through Jesus together with him. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who remain until the Lord’s coming, will not possibly precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout of command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who remain, will be snatched away at the same time together with them in the clouds for a meeting with the Lord in the air, and thus we will be together with the Lord always.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13–17, LEB).
After Paul invested a great deal of time encouraging those to whom he wrote, giving them the tools they needed to live holy lives, love God, love one another, and share the good news of Christ with those who didn’t know Him, he encouraged them about the resurrection.

As in any natural family, the family of believers often suffers the loss of loved ones. This was the case among the Thessalonians. Paul wanted them to know that the God of all comfort would give them hope as they looked forward to the day of Jesus’ appearing. We are sad when loved ones pass away, but we must not grieve like it’s the end of the story. Our loved ones who have surrendered their lives to God are just resting. They sleep in their graves awaiting the shout and trumpet of God to stir them awake at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. And, guess what else: those who have died will be joined in an awesome gravity-defying ride into the sky, and ultimately into the heavenly kingdom. God’s people who were dead will be resurrected and given immortal bodies. God’s people who are alive when Jesus comes will also receive immortal bodies. They, together, will ascend into eternal bliss and righteousness, never more to be assailed by the presence or effects of sin.

Take courage, dear friends, as you await our Lord’s appearing. “He who testifies about these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20, HCSB).

I’m not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, are you?—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Friday, June 15, 2018
Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-06-15-2018
This is devotional thought number 60 in our devotional series titled, “The Gospel According to Paul.”
“Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” (1 Thessalonians 2:10–13).
Jesus said that by one’s fruits we would know of what tree that one is. Oranges come from orange trees. Apples come from apple trees. Pears come from pear trees. Persimmons don’t come from naseberry trees. Star apples don’t come from banana pseudostems. As in nature, with all its predictable order, so with our characters. If we mostly show fruits of corruption, it’s because we are corrupt. If we mostly show fruits of selfishness, it is because we are selfish. If we produce the fruit of the SPirit, it is because the Holy Spirit dwells in us. Such was the case with Paul and his brothers in ministry as they worked in Thessalonica. They bore the fruits of righteousness and pure motives, which both God and people could clearly see.
Not only did Paul and his ministry partners live holy lives among the people, but they also brought a divine message from God, which they could readily accept as God’s Word because it was. This begs the question, “How do we know when people are carrying the message of God’s Word?” When the lifestyle of the messengers coincide with God’s revealed will, the Bible, and their message/prophecies are subject to the biblical prophets, we can accept the messages as from God.
Here’s a case in point: King David lusted after and then had sex with Bathsheba, Uriah’s wife. He then conspired against and murdered Uriah. When the prophet Nathan showed up to share a parable with the king that exposed his guilt, David could readily accept the counsel as from God, because it perfectly aligned with God’s revealed will, the Scriptures. The blessing was that David, having received the message as from God, was transformed by the message. He repented and lived his life according to God’s will.
This underscores the ideal for all of us. If, God forbid, we should lose focus of Christ, and God sends us a direct message as a tender or stern reminder of what He has already revealed, we should be thankful that God invested so much to provide you a way to escape the separation from God that sin creates. This is great news!
I’m not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, are you?—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, June 14, 2018
Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-06-14-2018
This is devotional thought number 59 in our devotional series titled, “The Gospel According to Paul.”
“We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people. For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. And you know of our concern for you from the way we lived when we were with you. So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord. As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Greece—throughout both Macedonia and Achaia. And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere, even beyond Macedonia and Achaia, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God. We don’t need to tell them about it, for they keep talking about the wonderful welcome you gave us and how you turned away from idols to serve the living and true God. And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment.” (1 Thessalonians 1:4–10, NLT).
Do you want the formula for earning the confidence and trust of our youth (or anyone else, for that matter), which more times than not, will lead them to a stable relationship with God? Give keen attention to what Paul says and does in our theme text. It’s a model for success.
First, he endears the people to God and himself by assuring them of God’s love and holy calling in their lives. So many of our youth are not convinced of God’s love for them because of the way they have been treated, their self-perception, misguidance from certain entertainment, etc. Some need to be consistently reassured.
Secondly, Paul shows that He forged a relationship with these folks as he shared the gospel of Christ. Did you get that? He did not just talk about the gospel of Christ; he also lived it out among them with power from the Holy Spirit. He was not aloof and merely instructional. He, Silas, and Timothy lived a holy example among them. He was honest with his new friends about the sufferings they would endure for Christs’ sake, which, since they had learned to be faithful would make them models for moral endurance and holiness for persons far and wide to emulate. Clearly, they fully embraced the good news of Jesus Christ, which is how they were able to become such great examples.
Thirdly, and final, Paul encouraged them concerning their testimony that they were eagerly awaiting the return of their risen Savior who rescued them from the coming judgment. When our youth are eagerly awaiting Jesus’ arrival, encourage them! Tell them that it will not be long now. Soon, the One who shall come will come, and not delay.
If you want to reach youth for the kingdom, demonstrate genuine love, encourage their faith, encourage their success, join in close relationships with them, and pray for them always as people from around your church, community, and around the world recognize God’s good work in their lives.
I’m not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, are you?—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-06-13-2018

This is devotional thought number 58 in our devotional series titled, “The Gospel According to Paul.”

“Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:” (Colossians 4:1–7, NLT).

While the slave and master relationship in the Greco-Roman world was not identical to that of the pre-Civil War Era in North America (and elsewhere), there is still a big ole elephant in the room here in the text. And before you think I am going to attempt to explain away the apparent reality in the text with some imaginative play on words, I am not. Yes, there was slavery. Yes, some of the masters or slave owners were Christians . Now what? What are we to understand from Paul’s counsel?

First, let me talk to you a bit about our relationship with God. The Bible says, and we have cited it during this devotional series, that Jesus took upon Himself the form of a servant. Jesus left heaven, clothed Himself in human form, subjected Himself to the daily needs of being in human form, was ridiculed and mistreated, and surrendered His will to God, our Father. He also served humanity in ways that would take volumes to explain. Jesus was a faithful servant. His servitude brought about right relationships between God and humanity. His slavery engendered right relations, justice, holiness, equity, and integrity among people.

Now, I think we have sufficient guidance to continue the discussion. While there was a type of slavery in the Greco-Roman world, even among believers, inspiration gave strong warnings to both slaves and masters. Masters were called to remember that they were under subjection to a holy God. In effect, this means that human masters were representatives of the great God and Master in heaven. Question? Would God rape, abuse, mock, disrespect, threaten, intimidate, or murder those under His authority? No! Would He deal honestly, fairly, lovingly, and in a holy manner toward us? Absolutely! In fact, again, Jesus identified Himself with our servanthood. Paul made it clear; not that we should keep slaves, but that in a society where persons were slaves to pay off debt, sold themselves into slavery for various reasons, could own property and possess authority, etc., masters must be just, respectful, and prayerful regarding their bondservants. Regarding their slaves, masters were instructed to “...treat your slaves in the same way. Don’t threaten them; remember, you both have the same Master in heaven, and he has no favorites.” (Ephesians 6:9, NLT).

I know this is a complicated subject, full of forebodings because some so-called Christians have misused the Scriptures to subjugate entire races of people, but I assure you, God has never condoned the hateful, violent, unjust, and evil slavery that arose in the pre-Civil War Era in North America. He gave specific and holy counsel to those I cited as well as to the Hebrew people in Leviticus 25:39–43 and Deuteronomy 15:12–14. All of the counsel lead to redemption from slavery and bond servitude, dignity, justice, equity, and humaneness. The...

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-06-12-2018

This is devotional thought number 57 in our devotional series titled, “The Gospel According to Paul.”

“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.” (Colossians 3:1–10, NLT).

We all need reminders sometimes. The way this world is going shows very clearly, that if Jesus does not return soon, we will destroy ourselves. The news cycle is overwhelmed by people behaving badly. Is that an understatement? Persons in positions of trust are being accused of sexual indiscretions and crimes. Our children are taking up arms to lash out at the world, firing indiscriminately into crowds; not to mention those who are targeting their rivals. Some world leaders misuse their positions by spewing foul language, and even fouler activities. Greed seems to be the name of the game as certain countries jockey for economic position, not just to have a competitive edge, which would be quite fine, but to be sly with predatory trade and lending practices.

It’s easy to see these things sitting in a lounge chair and flipping the channels on TV; however, God would have us take an introspective look. He wants us, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to honestly evaluate our own lives. Have we surrendered to Christ in all things? Have we learned to think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth? Have we put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within us? Do we embrace or reject anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language? By whose code of conduct do we live; this world’s or our loving heavenly Father’s?

Take a fresh look at yourself today, as I am doing the same. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. Jesus will return soon. He will put an end to all sin, sickness, shame, and evil. Don’t get weary now. We have been waiting a long time for God to establish His kingdom of righteousness on earth. Why not allow Him to develop the principles of that kingdom in you until Jesus comes. That way, you will be ready to embrace the kingdom in its fullness.

I’m not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, are you?—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, June 11, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-06-11-2018

This is devotional thought number 56 in our devotional series titled, “The Gospel According to Paul.”

“Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” (Colossians 2:16-17).

When we were children, knowing that our parents were there to protect us comforted us. If it was dark and we were afraid, our mommy could have come into the room with only the light from the hallway on, allowing us just to see her shadow, and her voice of assurance would have soothed us. In those cases, the shadow or silhouette of our mother satisfied us. Our feeling of comfort and joy would have increased if she came into the room, and turned on the lights revealing her loving eyes. In that case, we would happily say goodbye to the shadows.

As a result of our deep need for comfort and liberty from sin, God instituted a shadow, a representation of Jesus that would keep His people day-by-day until He fully revealed Himself in Christ (Galatians 3:23, 24). The laws of ceremonies and sacrifices were given as schoolmasters, to lead us to Jesus Christ. When Jesus died, the need for a schoolmaster died with Him. His sacrifice on the cross revealed the only blood that was truly effective for salvation. It was the righteous blood of Christ to which the blood of unblemished sacrifices pointed.

There are some who lack faith in Jesus, and still hold on to the religious ceremonies of meat and drink offerings of the Old Testament (Numbers 29:39). They disregard the Lord, who is our Passover, and cling to the feast days that only represented Him (1 Corinthians 5:7). Do not be discouraged by those who would put you under the burden of relying on the old letter of the law. Instead, be fully persuaded in your mind that Jesus is the One of whom the prophets spoke, and who can single-handedly save you. It is through saving faith in His sacrifice and ministry that we are justified. When we are entirely justified by Christ, we too can say, “Goodbye shadows!”

I’m not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, are you?—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)