Now

               In 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 quoted below, I see the word “now” in a usage that denotes urgency.  We are warned that we should NEVER be in a place of having “…receive[d] not the grace of God in vain.”

               In order for us to understand this phrase in context, I have taken the liberty to quote J. Vernon McGee.  “To receive His great goodness and to rejoice in the salvation of the grace of God and yet live carnal, worldly lives is what it means to receive the grace of God in vain.”

               This is likely what Paul was referring to in these verses.  We as Christians must “walk a different walk” than a carnal, worldly person.  God helps each of us and we accept all that He gives; yet we are unwilling to honour Him.

               Our scripture tells us that “now is the accepted time.”  (Regardless of individual thought,) “now” is not tomorrow or the next day, or some day down the road.  If we put off the “now” it will never happen, just like tomorrow never comes.

               We as individuals must realize that before we accepted Jesus, we were sinners.  Romans 3:23,   “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”  Regardless of what we have become, we are still sinners, and we will always be sinners as long as we reside here on earth.  It is the nature given by (Not Mother Nature) but Adam, who sinned and consequently passed it on to us.  With this knowledge, we find the consequence of sin:

Romans 6:23  For the wages of sin is death;..

What is this “death?”  It is not our physical bodily death.  It is death of the soul, in total separation from God and His Son Jesus.   It is an everlasting death abiding in hell.

John 3:36  He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Yet, we can know that eternal life is for the asking.

Romans 10:9  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

God teaches us through Paul, if you (reader) will confess to others (including yourself) that you do believe that God has raised Jesus from the grave, God will save you eternally.

John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

That everlasting life is an eternal life.  Dear reader, there are no variations of those words which show that everlasting is shorter than eternal.  Accept Him “now.”                                                                                             

Bro. John R. E Chastain

2 Corinthians 6:1-2  We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.  2  (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) 

Learn of Me

              In Matthew 11:28-30 quoted below, my initial thoughts were to write with an emphasis on “rest.”  After pondering the verses, the phrase “…learn of me…” seemed to be where God was leading me.   

              As a Pastor, there are times when I wonder, “Have I taught enough in my Preaching? Have I relayed enough information that those listening are learning about Jesus and His Father?”  Considering the stories and parables of the Bible, I find though Jesus spoke to the multitudes, many did not learn of Him. 

              It is sad to think we have people attending Church on a regular basis, who have, (per their testimony) accepted Jesus the Christ as their personal Saviour, yet have no substantial knowledge of Him.        We know to be accepted by God doesn’t take a Biblical degree.  We know with a small knowledge Salvation does happen.

Romans 10:9  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

God tells us through Paul, that if we will just believe God has raised Jesus from the grave, and if we will confess that belief to others (as the woman at the well did) God will save us.  The unfortunate thing about this is most stop with just a bit more knowledge, and are surprised when told that Jesus the Christ is God. 

              (We as Americans are appalled at the thought of arranged marriages, where a man and woman are married for life without a lot of knowledge about each other.   Yet, as a Bride of Christ, many Christians have no more knowledge of Jesus the Christ than this bride has of her arranged husband.)

              We as Christians need more knowledge of Him.   We need to grow in our knowledge.  Jesus said “…learn of me…” which is understood as a commandment.

John 14:15  If ye love me, keep my commandments.

              So where is our love for Him?   Many claim Jesus as their personal Saviour by their saying a prayer, by their Baptism, or choosing other things which define their Salvation.  Yet, they know nothing of the Man Christ who died on the Cross for their souls.  They no longer go to Church, (may never have started.)   They never read their King James Bible, nor do they attend any Sunday School.  So, where is their love for Him?  Where is their learning of Him?

              If you have claimed Jesus and know very little about Him, this Sunday purpose in your heart to go to a Church that teaches Jesus, and shows the way to follow His commandments.

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Matthew 11:28-30  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  (29)  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  (30)  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

GOD Is Our Refuge and Strength

              In Psalm 46:1-3 quoted below, and considering the worldwide devastation we have seen in this year 2011, it is amazing to note how the world refuses to involve GOD as the Maker of the Heavens and this earth.  It is generally always, “Mother Nature.”

              It seems, (at least in my mind) the “World” can only describe the beauty and the love that ensues from GOD.  Yet, in reading my King James Bible, I find many times the wrath of GOD portrayed.  (I cannot say that these horrendous occurrences happening now are the Will of GOD,) but along with our failing economy, our weather has caused great devastation in our country, and it has affected thousands of families.

              Our verses tell us that GOD is “…a very present help in trouble…”  Yet when these times come, where do we look?  We look to Big Brother Government that does not know its right from its left.  FEMA seems to be the answer.  (FEMA ordered thousands of mobile homes and had them sent to New Orleans, and then

realized there was no water, electricity, or sewer service available.  No one had checked to see if these services were available.) 

              Big Brother Government only knows the god of spending tax dollars, regardless of the need.

              Now I have severely digressed from what I wanted to discuss. 

Psalms 46:1  God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

GOD “…is our refuge,..” He is our corner, (our cover we can snuggle under and know GOD is with us.)  “He is where I know I am safe and have the security of His wisdom and His protection.  Not only my refuge, He also gives me the strength I need to get through the trials and tribulations of this evil world.”

              He is our “help” in time of need.  If we wrap ourselves within GOD’s refuge (knowing His strength,) what else do we need?  We don’t need our government, and certainly not FEMA, nor any of our other government agencies, which are vanity.

              What we need is GOD.  (He is our Only help.)  We can endure through His strength, and His strength alone.

Isaiah 41:10  Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

              Look to Him, and remove your discouragement.  Look to Him, and rejoice that He and He alone is holding you up with His strength and His power.  He is with you.  Call on Him for help before you call on anyone else.

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Psalms 46:1-3  God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  (2)  Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;  (3)  Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

Eternal Life, What Is It?

              In Romans 6:23 quoted below, the word “eternal” seems to be a word that to some, has a variable definition.  Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines “eternal” as “Without end of existence or duration; everlasting; endless; immortal.”  Therefore, I thought I might look for some synonyms, which are “ageless, eternal, everlasting, perpetual, unending, and unceasing.”

              So with these definitions, (all from secular sources, yes, I Goggled them) why do so many want to change the words’ definition to a redefined meaning which would mean something less than eternal?

              Jesus tells us:

John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

The secular world also shows that the word Jesus uses, “everlasting,” to be a synonym of the word “eternal.”  Jesus also tells us in a later chapter:

John 10:27-29  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:  (28)  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.  (29)  My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

Now, Jesus uses the word “eternal” with His definition, “they shall never perish.”

              It seems odd to me that Jesus defines His own usage time and time again, yet men usurp the knowledge of God.  (They pretend to know better than the Word of God.)

              The authority of the Church comes from the Word of God, (in my heart, The King James Bible,) and is led by Jesus the Christ.  As a Baptist, a Fundamental Baptist, (I believe the Bible,) and an Independent Baptist, and an OSAS (Once Saved, Always Saved) Baptist. (I have no need for the secular definition.)  The Bible defines “eternal” as the world has defined it.  Yet, some men have redefined and stated that you cannot have the Gift of God eternally. (They say even though God has given it eternally, that you can lose it.) 

              So where does your definition of “eternal” come from?  If it comes from The King James Bible, and backed only with the secular definition, you are on the right track.  Otherwise, usurpers, (charlatans, blasphemers, wolves in sheep’s clothing), are leading you.   Look for yourself, actually read your Bible, and pray God will show you “eternal life.”

Romans 6:23  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Blessed Is The Man

              In Psalm 1:1-6 quoted below, (v 1) gives us a description of the perfect Father. 

Psalms 1:1  Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Now be it known I have not been a perfect Father, and I will never be a perfect Father.  However, we have in (v 1) been given the goals with which we should strive to achieve.  (If we ever expect to receive the Blessings of God,) our task as a Father is to look to these lofty goals and set our minds to achieve them.  As men and as the head of a household, we are the leader of our family, and as such, we should set the example for our wives and children to follow.  We will never achieve perfection, (at least not on this side of Glory.)    

              We recognize every Father on this National Father’s Day.  My Father had no spiritual influence in my life, and very little physical influence.  Yet, I recognize him as a National Hero as he went to war and never came back.  For many years, my Mother kept him in front of me as my guide.  To my knowledge, my Father was not a spiritual man, but he was a good man, yet I do not know if he is in Heaven or wallowing in Hell.  I pray he is in Heaven with my Mother, and waiting to reunite with my sister and me.

              As a Father, some of you may have fond memories, and others may have memories that are not as memorable.  I have found that since my walk with the Lord, not only have my daughters memories been shortened, but have been reduced to vague memories.  Regardless of what we remember, (or what we once were,) our task today is to erase the bad by working for Christ Jesus.  

              Our last verse tells us that The LORD knows the way of the righteous.  (You and I cannot do more than cover up our past, and Jesus erases it from our memories.)  We are left with just enough memory (of our past) to know we did in fact change.

              Does your wife and children know you are a Godly man?   My fear is my wife, daughters, and grandchildren will suddenly remember or find out about the worst.  (That is something I cannot do anything about, but it is a fear I have.)  All I can do is walk in the proper counsel, The Word of God, (The King James Bible).  Father’s, where do you stand?                                   

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Psalms 1:1-6  Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  (2)  But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.  (3)  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.  (4)  The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.  (5)  Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.  (6)  For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Ye Shall Know

                                    Joel 2:27-30 quoted below is a prophetical set of verses, (mainly tied to Judah, the Southern Tribes,) prophesying of their near and distant future. 

              There are many things “Ye Shall Know” and I dare not attempt (in this small devotion) to tackle all or even many of them. 

              So, my question is where to begin?  I direct this to those of you who call yourselves Christians.  A part of our knowledge is we “Shall Know” that all those who call themselves Christians are not necessarily Christian.  Jesus covers this particular subject many times. 

Matthew 7:21  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

              All our efforts must be “in His will.”  This is not a command to the unsaved, but for the knowledge of the Christian.  When we proclaim Jesus as our Saviour, our whole life should change.  Our focus should be doing God’s Will.

Luke 6:46  And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

              However, the norm in most Churches is that many do not serve Him.  They may serve by going to Church (in their minds “reasonably” regular),  yet, their tithes and offerings are non-existent or minimal.  Their efforts to physically work (during off hours) within the Church just isn’t there.  The 80/20 rule always applies.  (The application is 80% of the work is done by 20% of the people.)  Yet, they all call themselves Christians.  How can that be if they “do not the things which I say.”  Jesus’ commandments are to do “the will of my Father” our God in heaven. 

              What kind of profession have you made?  Do you rely upon your emotions, (allowing your emotions to steer you?)  God steers each of us by the sweat of our brow, and us knowing (by the Holy Spirit) to do the “the will of my Father.”

              Have you accepted Jesus as your Saviour?  Has your life changed in a way that others can see the change?  God loves us no doubt, yet He expects us to toil for Him.  Do you?

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Joel 2:27-30  And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.  (28)  And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:  (29)  And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.  (30)  And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.

Whosoever?

                                    When I read, 1 John 4:15-18 quoted below, my initial thoughts are:

John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

              My first thought is the word “whosoever” and its implication.  A “whosoever” is anyone regardless of their faith, religion, or lack of religion.  A “whosoever” is anyone regardless of their sin, when they were born, or what they have done in their personal lives. 

            The second word I mulled over is how the word “fear” is used.  It is as we might surmise, fear and trembling.  However, it is more of a “doubt in our mind.”  All this “fear” concerns our personal lack of faith.  (I don’t want anyone to think that we should not “fear” the LORD with trembling knees, because in our reverence we should know what He is capable of allowing.)  

            When we have sin (small or great) come into our lives, we suddenly find a fear of where we stand.  We start doubting (“fear hath torment”) our faith, our God, and our Saviour Jesus the Christ.

            We find ourselves out of the Will of God, (out of church, out of the Bible, out of our prayer life) and cannot seem to find our way back.  All that is required to rekindle the flames of God’s love is to go back to where we walked away from Him.

            Drop to your knees, beg God for forgiveness, repent of your sins, and now know the love of God that exceeds the love of anything. 

            It is not that God departed from you, because once called upon in faith, He dwells within you.  Rekindle your love for God, step back into His Will, and know that love that He is.

Bro. John R. E Chastain

1 John 4:15-18  Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.  (16)  And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.  (17)  Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.  (18)  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

What Shall I Render?

                                    When I read, Psalm 116:12-17 quoted below, my primary thoughts are on this coming Memorial Day: (that day we have set aside Nationally to recognize those valiant men and women who fought and died so we here in The United States of America can retain the freedom God has bestowed on us. 

              I first think about my Father, 1^st Lieutenant R E Chastain, who on April 26^th, 1951, died in Korea.  A soldier with many honours, he was one of many who valiantly gave his life for those of us who “stayed by the stuff.”

              As I ponder all this, and consider that the Lord God has given Sharil and I now 50 years together. He has given us two wonderful daughters, three grandsons, and one, only one, wonderful granddaughter.

              Therefore, the question remains:

Psalms 116:12  What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?

God has taken away; yet He has given abundantly.  God has been so gracious.  He has extended His grace and mercy to all my family.  We have lost, and benefitted in all He has given.

              One thing that I haven’t given to Him is my total devotion, my total heart.  (In retrospect, that is what He wants of each of us.)

Joel 2:13  And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

We as a rule want to give Him “our things,” which in fact are already His.  God wants us to “search our hearts” and look deep within and remove all the junk, and restore ourselves to His Glory.  We must look within and with the help of The Holy Spirit repent of the ways we have (maybe unwittingly) walked.

                       

Romans 12:1-2  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  (2)  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

              “Reader, did you notice that Paul was speaking to the “brethren,” Christians?”  God has given us The Holy Spirit to guide us to His Glorification.  So, to answer my own question, “What Shall I Render?” The answer is “myself.”   I have nothing in God’s sight except my heart and soul, and that is what He wants.  Will you “…render unto the LORD…” today?  Our sacrifices to God are of  even greater importance than the sacrifice for man and country.

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Psalms 116:12-17  What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?  (13)  I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.  (14)  I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.  (15)  Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.  (16)  O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.  (17)  I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.

The Beginning and the End

                                    When I read, Revelation 21:1-6, quoted below, I am considering the existence of God.  (I do not doubt His existence.)  As I consider both phrases, “the beginning” and “the end,” it is hard to visualize the concept of “the beginning and the end of God.”    The main reason is that our King James Bible teaches us that God has always been, and will always be.

              So what is God telling us in these verses?  You and I, we are creatures of nature.  We were conceived in sin, and we understand how we were born.  We have seen both conception and death throughout the years of our lives. Consequently, we have seen a limited time between life and death.  Time has become our limit to our paradigm.  The vastness of His entity escapes our thought capability. 

            Now, down to the question, “Why does God use these phrases to tell us about Him?”  (He simply states His existence within our grasp.)  In addition, He is the beginning of the miracle of our conception and our life.  At the other extreme, He is The One who calls us into eternity thereby being the “the beginning” and “the end” for each one of us.  Without Him, “Where would we be?”  Jesus the Christ is the “Alpha…the beginning” and the “Omega…the end.” He always has been and always will be.

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Revelation 21:1-6  And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.  (2)  And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  (3)  And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.  (4)  And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.  (5)  And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.  (6)  And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

Jesus The Christ Is God

                                                  When I read, John 10:22-30, especially (v 30) quoted below, I remembered a discussion I had with a Muslim woman.  My portion of the discussion was to witness to her, and hopefully lead her to Jesus the Christ.  (At this juncture, I cannot say I have been successful.)  

John 10:30  I and my Father are one.

              Our discussion led to her telling me about the Jesus of Islam.  I believe she thought we were discussing the same entity.  The Jesus she referred to was a man taken up (as was Enoch and Elijah).  Her Jesus is a man, a prophet of high caliber, such as Elijah.  (He did not die on this earth for the sins of man, as did our Jesus.)

              When I showed these verses in John, Chapter Ten to her, she exclaimed, “He (Jesus) is God!”  This revelation really surprised her.  I do understand her surprise, not ever hearing the Gospel before.

              The first Church I visited “in view of a call” was supposedly a Fundamental Independent Baptist Church.  That morning I taught on John 1:1-5 in Sunday School.  I also used John 10:30 as a part of my lesson.  The Deacon of the Church exclaimed, “Brother John that is hard to take, Jesus being God.”

              So where were his former Pastors in their teachings?  Were they simply teaching Jesus is love, and left out the hard meaty portions? 

              In my search for texts to preach recently, I found in the months since January, I have only preached out of The Book of Matthew one time.  (We are to preach the whole Gospel.)  I know sometimes it is difficult to keep the “weighty portions” of our scriptures “balanced with the words needed” by a young Christian, or a person seeking the Lord, but we must get the difficult portions “out to the sheep.”

              Reader, do you study to show yourself approved of God? 

2Timothy 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Do you read to the point that you know the big heavy thoughts of our Faith?  Do you still ask the questions in which you should know the answer?  Were you surprised by the title, “Jesus The Christ Is God?”  Seek His Word.

Romans 10:17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Bro. John R. E Chastain

John 10:22-30  And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.  (23)  And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.  (24)  Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.  (25)  Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.  (26)  But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.  (27)  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:  (28)  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.  (29)  My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.  (30)  I and my Father are one.

The Way Of The LORD Is Strength

                                                  When I read Proverb 10:29 quoted below, my thoughts went back to last Friday, at the Memorial Service for my Aunt Inez.  I witnessed this “strength” in those Mothers who attended. 

            However, the real test was the next day when we received the news our cousin Brian Boyle was missing, and he was found alive 72 hours later in a hospital.  I saw a Mother and a Grandmother show strength outwardly, yet I am certain that strength within was shaky at best.  (I am certain there was a desire to cry out, yet the need to “stay strong” outweighed the cry.)

            As Fathers (we are doers,) and have a way of “moving the emotions aside,” and get on with what is required.  Mothers have a more “emotional base,” yet ithin they are emotionally stronger.  Even in that emotional state, Mothers have an ability to stay strong and pursue the need.

            As Solomon wrote, “The way of the LORD is strength to the upright…” All this innate strength can only come from the LORD.   (Mothers have an abundance of this God given strength.)  It comes from the valuable knee time in prayer, and refreshment from the LORD in His WORD.

            What about those Mothers who do not spend any prayer time with the LORD or in his WORD?  God has given all Mothers the ability to withstand emotional shock.  Yet, the release of that emotion is softer and quicker when one is with the LORD.  He is full of grace and mercy. 

            We cannot say that God had a Mother, but He knew what a Mother would need.  He created women to become Mothers, and gave them the strength it would require.

Isaiah 41:13  For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

            I pray you will ask God to bless your Mother. We should all praise God for our Mothers’.  Praise Him.

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Proverbs 10:29  The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.