The Sunday Sermon

By Faith we Walk

R.P.Woitowitz Sr.

13 And because we have the same spirit of faith,

according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have

I spoken, we also believe, and therefore speak,

18 While we look not on the things which are

seen, but on the things which are not seen for the

things which are seen, are temporal: but the things

which are not seen, are eternal.

The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians

Chapter 4 Verses 13 and 18

First dear friend and reader, read again the above, and let it sink into your heart and mind. We, that is to say you, and me, have the same, the very same spirit of faith, that is given to all those who believe. There is none that is given a little nor any that is given more, we each of us have the same, equal amounts. ( James 1:4-8;) The difference may lie in how we utilize it, but we all have been given by God our Father the spirit that exists in Him. And with that spirit within us we are told by God to see things not as they are in THIS world, but how they are in the world eternal.

In 1989 I was saved. I gave my life over to Christ. Before that, I was an agnostic, neither being able to confirm nor deny God. Basically I went with what I could see with my own two eyes. There is of course the old argument of well you can’t see atoms, however the answer was but we can see electrons, (via microscopes) and as such knowing that they revolve around atoms, we can confirm their existence. But how, I would ask, do you prove God? The answer was always the same, we prove it by faith. ( Hebrews 11:1; )

Sadly, I so resisted God, and His attempts to reach out to me. I recall a Bible study, that was being hosted in my home. One of the participants asked if I would like to join. I, being the cynic I was said no thanks, that I just could not believe in something I could not see. We went around for a bit, and finally in a fit of anger I pulled a dollar out of my pocket, and said rather curtly, “See this? This is God!” The other man, looked at me, and I felt so bad for being so short tempered, yet his eyes were filled with pity. He said, “No Richard, that is the god of this world, and he is speaking through you, but it is not the Living God.” ( 2 Corinthians 4:4; Hebrews 10:31; ) I must admit I was not only shamed by my own behavior, but, now looking back on it, I was put to shame by God, for even doubting. ( John 20:24-29;) However praise be to God that He had not given up on me, and in the course of time I came into His light.

Now, one might ask me what does all this have to do with living by faith?

Friends, I am getting around to that straight away. Suffice it to say, that the man above saw life through the eyes of the spirit and not of the flesh. He walked in faith. Had he ever seen God? No, not very likely. He would have seen the works of God’s hands in his life, the manifestations of following in the righteousness of God, but seen God? NO. So how, how, did he know so assuredly that there was a God? He walked by faith.

As the Author of Hebrews pointed out in Chapter 11, many men obtained a good testimony for following God, based on faith, and belief in God, and His ability to do all that He promised. (Hebrews 11:13:) The author names Abraham, Abel, Enoch, Noah, and other patriarchs whom God had chosen to be shinning examples to each of us.

Now, in order to have that faith, and to be a pleasing aroma to God we must first believe that He exists! ( Hebrews 11:6;) Once we acknowledge that He lives and He exists, we begin to walk in faith. As a pastor once said during a sermon I attended “I know, that I know in my heart that I know He lives.” There is no doubt, no wavering, no hesitation, when we may be questioned about do we believe the answer must always be a resounding yes.

Groucho Marx once quipped in a movie; “ Who are you going to believe me, or your lying eyes?” I submit that God could make the same claim. The difference is the word me, for it is with a capital “M” So I ask you friends, who do YOU believe, God, or your lying eyes of the flesh?

Editor’s note - Suggested additional reading Psalm 116

The Daily Meditation

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians

Chapter 6 Verse 14

14 Stand therefore, and your loins girded about

with verity, and having on the breastplate of righteousness,

Related Scripture

Isaiah 11:5;

Luke 12:35;

1 Peter 1:13;

1 Kings 3:6;

Psalm 145:18;

2 Samuel 22:40;

Psalm 18:39;

Isaiah 59:17;

Romans 13:12;

1 Thessalonians 5:8;

The Daily Meditation

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians

Chapter 6 verse 13

13 For this cause take unto you the whole armor

of God, that ye may be able to resist in the evil day,

and having finished all things, stand fast.

Related Scripture

1 Chronicles 28:20;

2 Corinthians 10:4-5;

2 Corinthians 6:7;

2 Corinthians 4:8;

1 Corinthians 16:13;

Galatians 5:1;

Philippians 4:1;

1 Thessalonians 3:8;

2 Thessalonians 2:15;

Deuteronomy 31:6;

Joshua 1:9;

Joshua 10:25;

2 Samuel 10:12;

Ezra 10:4;

Psalm 27:14;

Psalm 31:24;

Isaiah 41:6;

The Daily Meditation

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians

Chapter 6 Verses 11-12

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may

be able to stand against the assaults of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but

against principalities, against powers, and against

the worldly governors, the princes of the darkness of

this world, against spiritual wickedness, which are in

the high places.

Related Scripture

2 Corinthians 6:6-7;

1 Peter 5:8;

Romans 8:34-39;

Ephesians 2:2;

Colossians 2:15;

Colossians 3:6;

John 12:31;

2 Corinthians 4:4;

The Daily Meditation

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians

Chapter 6 Verse 10

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord,

and in the power of his might.

Related Scripture

Deuteronomy 31:6;

1 Chronicles 28:10;

Isaiah 35:4;

Zechariah 8:13;

1 Corinthians 16:13;

Psalm 112:7

1 Peter 5:8-9;

The Daily Meditation

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians

Chapter 5 Verses 22, 25

22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your husbands,

as unto the Lord.

25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ

loved the Church, and gave himself for it,

Related Scripture

Genesis 2:22-23;

Colossians 3:18;

1 Corinthians 11:3;

Colossians 3:19;

1 Timothy 3:2, 12;

Titus 1:6;

Ephesians 5:33;

Editor’s thought - Men, let us not abuse our role as head of the household. For what does it benefit us? We invite strife, anger, resentment. Honor your wife, place her high above you. For it is not the role of one who leads to rule, but to serve. Suggested additional reading for men today. Proverbs 31

The Sunday Sermon

That All Should Come to Repentance

R.P.Woitowtiz Sr.

The Book of Ezekiel Chapter 33 Verse 11

The Second Epistle of Peter Chapter 3 Verse 9

11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God,

I desire not the death of the wicked, but that the

wicked turn from his way and live: turn you, turn

you from your evil ways, for why will ye die, O ye

house of Israel?

9 The Lord of that promise is not slack (as some

men count slackness) but is patient toward us, and

would have no man to perish, but would all men to

come to repentance.

Let me say the gist of these two verses combined;

I desire not the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; that all men come to repentance. Again! That ALL, emphasis on the word ALL should come to repentance. The Word does not say some, or just a few, or just a handful. No, no, no, it says ALL should come to repentance.

So often in these times, I hear, even from those who believe, that there is more than one road to Heaven. They say that a loving God would not, or cannot condemn any of his children to the eternal darkness and as such will in the end allow everyone in to his kingdom. But what does God’s Word say?

Again, let me combine parts of the two above verses;

No man to perish, for why will ye die?

God does qualify His Word, by stating that some will not turn and repent. The next question that should come to mind, is exactly who, will not.

In Chapter 5 verses 5-6 of Ephesians we see exactly who shall not enter into God’s heavenly kingdom;

5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, neither

unclean person, nor covetous person, which is an

idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of

Christ, and of God.

6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for,

for such things cometh the wrath of God upon the

children of disobedience.

Here again is the key of both verses, to which one might answer the above statement about a loving God. I quote again, Let NO MAN deceive you. These things will happen, and will happen as are made plain. We see the same again in Matthew 25:32-41, Matthew 7:21-23, and yet again in Matthew 10:32. The point is simply this, not everyone is going to get to heaven. And the only way one will is unless two things happen. One, one must confess Christ as Saviour, without that, all means nothing. Two, one must likewise after confessing repent, and turn from their ways. We are required to put on the new man, the spiritual man, the reborn man. ( Colossians 3:10, John 3:3, 7; 1 Peter 1:23;)

Now understand this, that yes the new man will stumble, and fall along the way, but he will also get up and walk again, and continue onward. We’re sinful creatures by nature, followers of what the flesh wills us, and whilst we do our best to crucify the flesh, sometimes it gets the better of us. (Romans 7:12-24;) This will happen, but in Christ we likewise have a meditator (Romans 3:23; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 2:18; Hebrews 9:15; 1 Corinthians 10:13; ) Someone who will stand before the Father and confess our names as brothers and sisters.

Brethren, it is my belief that the biggest problem facing those folks mentioned before, is the understanding that God, Who is indeed our loving Creator and Father, Who loves us dearly, is also a God of righteousness, and as such, cannot, I say again No, no no CAN NOT, look upon sin, and allow it to enter into his kingdom. ( Daniel 9:14; Ezra 9:15;) We so puff ourselves up these days, with our knowledge in the sciences, and other disciplines. We pride ourselves on our wisdom, thinking that what we know is more than what God knows. And yet, the simple fact is, is that for all our knowledge, intelligence, wisdom, and intellectual abilities, many of us are not able to grasp the simplest of facts, that our wisdom pales in comparison from that which comes from above. However, God, states the simple and obvious in that He takes the knowledge from men, and makes it foolishness, and makes HIS knowledge whom men deem foolishness true wisdom. ( Jeremiah 8:9; 1 Corinthians 2:5; 1 Corinthians 3:19; Ephesians 5:15, 17; Isaiah 55:9; ) It is amazing that so simple a fact escapes them, and others who live in world and follow after it, that God, is righteous. Yet all they need do, is confess Christ as Saviour, ( Philippians 2:10-11; 1 John 4:2; ) and repent of their sins and afterwards do their best to walk in His righteous ways. ( 1 John 1:9; Proverbs 2:20;) It’s that simple folks. That all peoples should come to repentance. That none should perish, and that all should live with our Creator.

Editor’s note - Just a little extra food for thought. In his writings called the The Apology of Socrates, Plato writes;

“I am called wise, for my hearers always imagine that I myself possess wisdom which I find wanting in others: but the truth is, O men of Athens, that God only is wise; and in this oracle he means to say that the wisdom of men is little or nothing.”

The Daily Meditation

The Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the Ephesians

Chapter 5 Verses 20-21

20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God

even the Father, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the

fear of God.

Related Scripture

Psalm 34:1

Ezra 3:11;

Colossians 3:17;

Hebrews 13:15;

1 Timothy 2:1;

1 Thessalonians 2:13;

1 Thessalonians 5:18;

1 Peter 2:4-5;

John 14:13-14;

John 16:23-26;

Philippians 2:3;

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12, 18;

1 Thessalonians 5:11;

Romans 14:19;

The Daily Meditation

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians

Chapter 5 Verses 15-17

15 Take heed therefore that ye walk circumspectly,

not as fools, but as wise,

16 Redeeming the season: for the days are evil.

17 Wherefore, be ye not unwise, but understand

what the will of the Lord is.

Related Scripture

Colossians 4:5;

Matthew 10:16;

Proverbs 10:8, 23;

Proverbs 12:15;

Proverbs 17:28;

Romans 12:2;

1 Thessalonians 4:3;

Proverbs 10:32;

1 Peter 2:20;

1 John 2:15;

James 4:4;

Luke 12:30;

John 17:16;

Editor’s Note - Suggested reading of The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans Chapter 1 Verses 16-32, as it sums up, what the will of God is not.

The Daily Meditation

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians

Chapter 5 Verse 11

11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful

works of darkness, but even reprove them rather.

Related Scripture

2 Corinthians 6:14;

Romans 13:12;

1 Peter 4:2-4;

1 Corinthians 5:7;

1 John 1:6;

1 John 2:9-11;

2 Timothy 4:2;

The Daily Meditation

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians

Chapter 5 Verses 8-10

8 For ye were once darkness, but are now light

in the Lord: walk as children of light.

9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness,

and righteousness, and truth.)

10 Approving that which is pleasing to the Lord.

Related Scripture

John 8:12;

John 9:5;

John 12:35, 46;

2 Timothy 1:10;

1 John 1:5-7;

1 Thessalonians 5:5;

1 Samuel 2:9;

Isaiah 50:10;

Galatians 5:22;

2 Corinthians 9:10;

Philippians 1:11;

James 3:17;

Psalm 23:6;

Psalm 145:7;

Psalm 33:5;

Proverbs 15:9;

Isaiah 54:17;

Isaiah 56:1;

2 Timothy 4:8;

Romans 12:1-2;

Romans 14:17-19;

1 Peter 2:5;

2 Thessalonians 2:5;

The Daily Meditation

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians

Chapter 5 Verses 3-5

3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or

covetousness, let it not be once named among you,

as it becometh Saints,

4 Neither filthiness, neither foolish talking,

neither jesting, which are things not comely, but

rather giving of thanks.

5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, neither

unclean person, nor covetous person, which is an

idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of

Christ, and of God.

Related Scripture

Ephesians 4:29;

Colossians 3:5-7;

Luke 12:15;

Matthew 12:34-35;

Titus 3:9;

Romans 1:8;

Philippians 4:6;

1 Corinthians 6:9;

Luke 13:28;

Matthew 25:32-34, 41;

The Daily Meditation

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians

Chapter 5 Verse 1-2

1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear

children

2 And walk in love, even as Christ hath loved

us, and hath given himself for us, to be an offering

and a sacrifice of a sweet smelling savor to God.

Related Scripture

Luke 6:36;

Matthew 5:48;

Colossians 1:28;

Colossians 4:12;

Hosea 6:6;

1 Thessalonians 4:9;

John 13:14;

John 15:12;

Mark 12:31;

Romans 13:9;

Galatians 1:4;

Matthew 20:28;

Isaiah 53:10-11;

1 John 2:1-2;

2 Corinthians 2:14-16;

1 Corinthians 1:18;

The Sunday Sermon

Striking While the Iron is Hot

Author Unknown (see note a below)

“Soon you'll be ashes or bones. A mere name at most—and even that is just a sound, an echo. The things we want in life are empty, stale, trivial” - Marcus Aurelius Meditations Book 5 Verse 33

“Do not act as if thou wert going to live ten thousand years. Death hangs over thee. While thou livest, while it is in thy power, be good.” - Marcus Aurelius Meditations Book 4 Verse 17

And so, as Paul the Apostle, once said that we are to meditate on all things that are of good report (Philippians 4:8;), I have taken the liberty to quote from a man, whose insight into human nature was quite extensive. His name was, as you have noted above, was Marcus Aurelius, who was a Roman Emperor from 161 - 180 AD. His book Meditations is considered by many people to be a great work of philosophical musings from the perspective a great general as well as a great ruler and leader. (see note b below)

The title of this small essay is: Strike While the Iron is Hot. What does this mean? To strike something is of course open to many definitions. It could mean to physically assault someone. It also is used in relation to making coins. One has likewise heard the term to “strike a pose”. However in this case, I believe it is meant in such a way as to brand an object. Obviously one cannot brand whilst an iron is cold, it must be heated and used quickly, hence the term.

The Christian Duty

You are all probably asking yourselves “Well good sir, where is this all going?” Indeed I have digressed twice, but it was by design to bring the hearer and reader to the meat of this piece. Which is, we, as Christians are mortal, there is no escaping this fact and we have always been so since the original sin. ( Genesis 3:1-6;) This means quite simply we have a limited time on this earth to do things that are according to His will. (Psalm 102:11; James 4:14;) For the Christian the main goal, while living in this temporal plane, is to spread the news of Gods grace and His plan of salvation to a world that whose people either know not, nor desire to know not His Son Christ Jesus. There is only one way that this can be achieved; The disciple of Christ must act in both word and deed. ( Ephesians 4:1; Philippians 1:27; Colossians 1:10; 2 Thessalonians 1:11;)

Acting in Word

Acting in Word, sounds easy no? Yet each day as we speak, do we really think upon what we say, or do we blurt out words and act more the fool than the Christian. Abraham Lincoln is quoted as saying;

“Better to be silent and thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt”

So, let us, each of us, think before speaking. Remembering to endeavor to edify the listener with our words. I would add here that we can relate much of our speech to scripture. Give yourself over to speaking in the positive of all people. While we may speak critically on certain issues or of people to whom the issue is related, let us refrain from doing so with malice. ( 1 Peter 3:10; 1 Peter 2:1; Titus 3:3;) When entering into agreements let us honor our words. ( James 5:12;)

Acting in Deed

Secondly, we must walk our lives in the Christian manner with Godly ways. This is to say, that we conduct our affairs in life in a way that would reflect best on our Creator. When we show others that our demeanor is one of peacefulness, gentleness, kindness, and self-control, we show the love of Christ to those that do not yet have it. For it is He that instructs us to walk in this way. Let us show our works to the world. They are the works of a loving Saviour and a loving Creator. I so pray that we might also temper them with justice and mercy. ( Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Timothy 6:18; 2 Timothy 3:16; Titus 2:7;)

The Time is Now

Indeed so! Although God has said to us that no man knows the time of His second coming (Matthew 24:36; Mark 13:32;) it is up to us, in fact it behooves to realize that it is our Christian duty, to bring the Gospel to all we meet as if each day were the last day. Be not ashamed, nor be not afraid. Speak with authority, yet mix your authority with gentleness. ( Psalm 34:5; Psalm 119:80; Romans 1:16; John 14:1 Joshua 1:9;)

Some or even many of you may wonder and ask; “Well sir, all well and good for you. You’re in the bully pulpit. You’re up there speaking. You go from town to town preaching the Word. But where is my mission field? I just can’t drop everything and go run around the countryside.” Friends, look around you each day when you arise, and after putting yourself in order, both physically and spiritually, make note that your mission field is a lost world. It is on the street where you live. It is in the place where you work. It is marketplace where you go to purchase foods and goods. It is the neighbor next door. It is the man without hope or home. It is the hospital wherein you visit the ill and infirm. It is in the prison wherein those that have committed crimes are housed. The field of harvest is vast my friends, you need only to look around and decide which way to walk to reap. ( John 4:35; Psalm 35:13; Matthew 25:35-40; Matthew 13:38;) It is large, and in my own humble opinion, growing ever larger and growing rather quickly.

I leave you with these words, for they have served me well. They have always provided me with an opportunity to speak, yes even to brag, about my Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ; STRIKE WHILE THE IRON IS HOT!

Scripture as used above

Philippians 4:8;

Genesis 3:1-6;

Psalm 102:11;

James 4:14;

Ephesians 4:1;

Philippians 1:27;

Colossians 1:10;

2 Thessalonians 1:11;

1 Peter 3:10;

1 Peter 2:1;

Titus 3:3;

James 5:12;

Matthew 5:16;

Ephesians 2:10;

1 Timothy 6:18;

Psalm 34:5;

Psalm 119:80;

Romans 1:16;

John 14:1;

Joshua 1:9;

Titus 2:7;

John 4:35;

Psalm 35:13;

Matthew 25:35-40;

Matthew 13:38;

(a) Editor’s note - Taken from a transcript of a sermon. From where and by whom was not specified.

(b) Editor’s note - For those of you who wish to learn more of him click here for the link - RPW Sr.

The Daily Meditation

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians

Chapter 4 Verses 31-32

31 Let all bitterness, and anger, and wrath, crying,

and evil speaking be put away from you, with all

maliciousness.

32 Be ye courteous one to another, and tender

hearted, freely forgiving one another, even as God

for Christ’s sake, freely forgave you.

Related Scripture

Colossians 3:8-15;

Isaiah 38:17;

Hebrews 12:15;

Psalm 37:8;

James 4:11;

James 3:8-10;

1 Peter 2:1, 16;

1 Peter 3:10;

Titus 3:2-4;

2 Corinthians 6:10;

2 Corinthians 8:9;

Mark 11:25-26;

Luke 11:4;

Luke 23:34;

Acts 13:38;

Acts 26:18;

1 John 4:20;

1 John 1:9;

The Daily Meditation

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians

Chapter 4 Verse 30

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, by

whom ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Related Scripture

Matthew 12:31;32;

1 John 5:16;

Jeremiah 7:16;

Isaiah 7:13;

Psalm 78:40;

Psalm 95:8-10;

Hebrews 3:16;

Exodus 23:21-22;

Jeremiah 7:19;

Jeremiah 25:6;

1 Corinthians 10:22;

The Daily Meditation

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians

Chapter 4 Verse 29

29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of

your mouths: but that which is good to the use of edifying,

that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Related Scripture

Colossians 3:8;

James 1:26;

James 3:5-10;

1 Peter 3:10;

1 John 3:18;

Matthew 15:11, 18-19;

Proverbs 4:23;

1 Thessalonians 5:11;

Romans 14:19;

Colossians 3:16-17;

1 Corinthians 10:31;

The Daily Meditation

The Epistle of the Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians

Chapter 4 Verses 26 - 27

26 Be angry, but sin not: let not the sun go down

upon your wrath,

27 Neither give place to the devil. (see note a)

Related Scripture

Psalm 4:4;

Psalm 37:8;

Proverbs 15:1;

Proverbs 16:32;

Ecclesiastes 7:9;

Proverbs 11:23;

Proverbs 12:16;

Proverbs 14:29;

Romans 12:19;

Ephesians 6:13, 16;

(a) Editor’s thought - I have so often wish I could read Paul’s letters in the original Greek, as sometimes I feel I am missing something in the translation. Herein is such a case.

In Vs 27 we see the words “give place”. In the NKJ translation it is noted that the words mean to literally give opportunity. I looked up the phrase in Strong’s Concordance and found the following word;

eiko i'-ko apparently a primary verb; properly, to be weak, i.e. yield:--give place

In other words we should be strong, and guard ourselves not yielding to the Devil our anger in such a way that it would cause us first to dwell on it, then to plan vengeance, and then act on that plan.

The Daily Meditation

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians

Chapter 4 verse 25

25 Wherefore cast off lying, and speak every man

truth unto his neighbor: for we are members one of

another.

Related Scripture

Zechariah 8:16-17;

Zechariah 7:9-10;

Psalm 15:2;

Proverbs 12:17-19;

Romans 12:5;

1 Corinthians 10:17;

Colossians 3:11;

Galatians 3:28;

The Daily Meditation

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians

Chapter 4 Verse 17, 22-24

17 This I say therefore and testify in the Lord,

that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk,

in vanity of their mind.

22 That is, that ye cast off, concerning the conversation

in time past, that old man, which is corrupt

through the deceivable lusts,

23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind,

24 And put on the new man, which after God is

created unto righteousness, and true holiness.

Related Scripture

Romans 1:21;

John 12:40;

2 Corinthians 3:14;

Ephesians 2:2;

Isaiah 44:9;

Judges 17:6;

1 Peter 4:3-4;

Colossians 3:1-10;

Romans 12:2;

1 John 2:15-16;

Psalm 14:1;

Matthew 12:33;

1 Corinthians 15:33;

2 Timothy 3:8;

Jude 1:10;

2 Corinthians 4:16;

Psalm 103:5;

Romans 6:4;

Romans 7:6;

Job 29:14;

Psalm 4:5;

Psalm 5:8;

Psalm 17:15;

1 John 2:29;

1 Peter 1:16;

The Sunday Sermon

The Blood of Jesus Christ Part 2 (edited)

by Billy Sunday

"For if the blood of bulls and of goats and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh" - Paul argued in his letter to the Hebrews "how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God."

No more of this turtle-dove business, no more offering the blood of bullocks and heifers to cleanse from sin. - The Epistle to the Hebrews Chapter 9 Verses 13-14

There is No Argument Against Sin

.

Sin is something you can't deny. You can't argue against sin. A skilful man can frame an argument against the validity of religion, but he can't frame an argument against sin. ( 2 Peter 2:14; Judges 17:6;) You can't argue against the existence of sin, simply because it is an open fact, the word of God. You can argue against Jesus being the Son of God. You can argue about there being a heaven and a hell, but you can't argue against sin. (John 16:7-11; Romans 5:13;) It is in the world (Genesis 2:17; Genesis 3:6-7; Romans 5:12;) and men and women are blighted and mildewed by it.

Some years ago I turned a corner in Chicago and stood in front of a police station. As I stood there a patrol dashed up and three women were taken from some drunken debauch, and they were dirty and blear-eyed, and as they were taken out they started a flood of profanity that seemed to turn the very air blue. I said, "There is sin." And as I stood there up dashed another patrol and out of it they took four men, drunken and ragged and bloated, and I said, "There is sin." You can't argue against the fact of sin. It is in the world and blights men and women. But Jesus came to the world to save all who accept him. (Matthew 18:11; Luke 19:10;)

You can't argue against sin. It's here. Then listen to me as I try to help you.

When the Standard Oil Company was trying to refine petroleum there was a substance that they couldn't dispose of. It was a dark, black, sticky substance and they couldn't bury it, couldn't burn it because it made such a stench; they couldn't run it in the river because it killed the fish, so they offered a big reward to any chemist who would solve the problem. Chemists took it and worked long over the problem, and one day there walked into the office of John D. Rockefeller, a chemist and laid down a pure white substance which we since know as paraffin wax.

You can be as black as that substance and yet Jesus Christ can make you white as snow. "Though your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow." (Isaiah 1:18;)

The Daily Meditation

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians

Chapter 4 Verses 17-19

.

17 This I say therefore and testify in the Lord,

that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk,

in vanity of their mind.

18 Having their understanding darkened, and

being strangers from the life of God through the

ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness

of their heart:

19 Which being past feeling, have given themselves

unto wantonness, to work all uncleanness, even with

greediness

Related Scripture

Ephesians 2:2;

Galatians 5:16, 25;

Romans 8:1, 4;

Deuteronomy 8:6;

Isaiah 2:3;

Psalm 119:3;

Romans 1:21;

Psalm 78:10;

Daniel 9:10;

1 Timothy 4:1-2;

Proverbs 30:12-13;

Isaiah 5:21;

Matthew 13:15;

Acts 26:18;

1 Peter 4:2-6;

The Daily Meditation

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians

Chapter 4 Verses 11-12

11 He therefore gave some to be Apostles, and

some Prophets, and some Evangelists, and some

Pastors, and Teachers,

12 For the repairing of the Saints, for the work

of the ministry, and for the edification of the body

of Christ,

Related Scripture

1 Corinthians 12:28-29;

1 Timothy 3:1-2;

1 Timothy 5:17;

Titus 1:7;

Galatians 6:1-2;

1 Corinthians 14:26, 33, 40;

Colossians 1:24;

Romans 15:2;

2 Timothy 4:5;

James 1:5-6;

The Daily Meditation

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians

Chapter 4 Verses 4-6

4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye

are called in one hope of your vocation.

5 There is one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism.

6 One God and Father of all, which is above all,

and through all, and in you all.

Related Scripture

Romans 12:5;

1 Corinthians 8:6;

Galatians 3:28;

1 Corinthians 1:13;

Jude 1:3;

Hebrews 6:6;

John 17:11, 21;

Malachi 2:10;

Matthew 23:9;

Romans 11:36;

1 John 5:20;

1 Corinthians 3:16-17;

Romans 8:15;

Galatians 4:6;

The Daily Meditation

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians

Chapter 4 Verses 1-2

1 I therefore, being prisoner in the Lord, pray

you that ye walk worthy of the vocation whereunto

ye are called,

2 With all humbleness of mind, and meekness,

with long suffering, supporting one another

through love,

Related Scripture

Isaiah 57:15;

2 Timothy 2:25;

Zephaniah 2:3;

Colossians 1:10;

2 Thessalonians 2:12;

Lamentations 3:26;

Galatians 5:22;

Psalm 119:116;

Proverbs 29:23;

Ephesians 5:2;

1 Thessalonians 5:13;

1 John 4:18;

This Weekend; Celebrating with Thanksgiving

Dear Reader;

This weekend, as you are well aware, is a celebration here in the USA, of the day we declared our independence from Great Britain. I am not going to interject politics here today, but, I will say, that we, as a group, while celebrating this day with our friends and/or family, take a moment of our time to be thankful to our Creator for giving our Founding Fathers the boldness, courage, and the pledging of their honor to envision and eventually create a nation wherein all people are seen as they are by our Heavenly Father. This to say,that God is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34: Deuteronomy 10:17-18) and that we are ALL equal, in His eyes.

Let us likewise, also remember those that have given their all to protect, and defend our liberties, as set forth in the Declaration of Independence, and later solidified in the US Constitution.

Enjoy, this weekend, and may God bestow upon you his most magnificent blessings.

The Daily Meditation

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians

Chapter 3 Verses 16-19

16 That he might grant you according to the

riches of his glory, that ye may be strengthened by

his Spirit in the inner man,

17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by

faith:

18 That ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

may be able to comprehend with all Saints, what

is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height:

19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth

knowledge, that ye may be filled with all fullness of

God.

Related Scripture

Philippians 4:19;

Colossians 1:11;

1 Peter 5:10;

Psalm 27:10;

Psalm 31:24;

Isaiah 41:10;

Romans 7:22;

John 14:23;

Colossians 1:23;

Revelation 3:20;

Acts 15:9;

Ephesians 1:18;

Psalm 119:18;

Isaiah 42:7;

Acts 26:18;

Romans 8:37-39;

Psalm 111:10;

Colossians 1:9;

Colossians 2:2;

Philippians 4:7;

2 Timothy 2:7;

New Century Translation