" Are Ye Not Carnal ? "

 

1st.Corinthians 2:14-3:4  "But the natural man receives not the things of the SPIRIT of GOD: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who has known the mind of the LORD, that he may instruct HIM ? But we have the mind of CHRIST. And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in CHRIST. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men ? For while one says, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal ?"

     A popular teaching in the church today denies the possibility of a "carnal believer" and claims, rather, that only two groups of people exist: saved ("spiritual") and lost ("natural"). This is true concerning one's standing before GOD, but the question remains: Can a truly born again believer behave in the same manner as an unbeliever ? And, if so, what could this behavior entail ? Answers to these questions are important to the understanding of the entire book of 1st.Corinthians. This was a church not known for godly behavior or for grasping key biblical doctrines. Rather, these believers were notorious for their divisiveness (1st.Cor.1:10-13), toleration of sexual perversion (1st.Cor.5:1-13), and acceptance of serious doctrinal error (1st.Cor.15:12-19). Hence, they were "carnal" (1st.Cor.3:1,3).

     What does it mean to be carnal ? It simply indicates that a Christian is behaving in accordance with the flesh, like a "natural man," as opposed to one who is "spiritual." One who is carnal is an immature believer (1st.Cor.2:15;3:1-2) who has not sufficiently grown in the things of GOD. Despite his righteous standing before the LORD (Romans 4:5 above), having been saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), he is acting in a way that might cause others to identify him as one who is unsaved or unregenerate (1st.Cor.2:14). He is still only able to partake of spiritual "milk" (1st.Cor.3:2) and is failing to grow into the mature believer GOD intends him to be. The carnal person is unable to consume the "meat" of the WORD that he might advance in the things of CHRIST (1st.Cor.3:2). Among many other characteristics, "envying, and strife, and divisions" mark such carnal individuals (1st.Cor.3:3-4). What do others see in your life: spirituality or carnality ? Is your biblical diet "milk" or "meat" ?

     It is, indeed, sadly possible for true born again believing Christians to sin and live according to the fleshly desires (1st.John 1:8 above,10;2:15-17). Believers in the church can behave lustfully, greedily, and divisively (1st.Cor.1:11-13;Romans 16:17), and such sinful conduct is not exclusive to unbelievers. These and many other sins are visible manifestations of carnality, that is, a walk that is according to the flesh rather than the SPIRIT.

     Consider, for example, "righteous" Lot whose soul was "vexed" as he was living among the wicked in the city of Sodom (2nd.Peter 2:8 above). The words "just" and "righteous" identify this man as a believer who was justified before GOD (2nd.Peter 2:7-8). But, after the destruction of Sodom, he got drunk and was seduced into incest by both of his daughters (Gen.19:30-38). Certainly neither drunkenness nor incest characterize the behavior of a spiritual man, yet the Scriptures declare him "just." Furthermore, David multiplied to himself wives in direct violation of GOD's Law (Deut.17:17), and his deeds of blatant adultery and subsequent murder (2nd.Sam.11:1-27) are acts that would cause one to conclude this man had only so-called "spurious faith." And yet, the Bible could not be more clear that David was a man after GOD's own heart (Acts 13:22). In the New Testament, Peter, who had walked on water and confessed JESUS as the MESSIAH (Matthew 14:27-29;16:13-17), later forsook and then denied his LORD multiple times (Matthew 26:56-75). Yes, carnality is a potential, real, and terrible situation for the believer, and those who desire to be godly need to avoid it at all costs. We must allow the meat of the WORD (1st.Cor.3:2) to mature us into saints whose lives, testimonies and ministries glorify GOD. GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.     www.feasite.org

" GOD's Remedy "

 

G O D ' S   R E M E D Y

When I am weak -

"Have mercy upon me O LORD; for I am weak. (Psalm 6:2)

When I am helpless -

"GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1)

When I am afraid -

"What time I am afraid, I will trust in THEE." (Psalm 56:3)

When I am worried -

"Casting all your care upon HIM; for HE cares for you." (1st.Peter 5:7)

When I am lacking in faith -

"With men this is impossible: but with GOD all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)

When I am sinful -

"CHRIST JESUS came into the world to saved sinners; of whom I am chief." (1st.Timothy 1:15)

When I am concerned about my eternal destination -

"He that believes on the SON (JESUS CHRIST) has everlasting life; and he that believes not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abides on him." (John 3:36)

When I am seeking the way to heaven -

"JESUS said unto him, I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man comes unto the FATHER, but by ME." (John 14:6)

When I am searching for deeper meaning in life -

"JESUS said, I AM come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)

When I am tired - 

"JESUS said, Come unto ME, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

When I am unable to sleep - 

"I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for THOU, LORD, makes me dwell in safety." (Psalm 4:8)

When I am upset - 

"THOU wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on THEE: because he trusts in THEE." (Isaiah 26:3)

   By Mrs. Don Brill

  

" Who is the Christian ? "

 

Ephesians 2:8-9  "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD: not of works, lest any man should boast."

     Who is the Christian ? That is a valid question, is it not ? Moral life may belong to any man, but spiritual life and eternal life belong only to those who take GOD's way of salvation. There is no salvation unless GOD HIMSELF has laid down the terms of it. So, as always, we are brought face-to-face with a critical question in this regard: What does GOD's divine WORD say ? If we want to come to some conclusion as to who is the Christian, we must make our appeal to the written WORD of GOD. Let us observe three truths with respect to how GOD identifies a Christian.

     First, a Christian is one who is saved by the grace of GOD. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD" (v.8). GOD's purpose in redemption is not simply to rescue us from a Devil's Hell, as great as that is. The ultimate objective in salvation is that, for all eternity, the church might glorify GOD's grace: "to the praise of the glory of HIS grace, wherein HE has made us accepted in the beloved" (Ephesians 1:6 above,12,14). We have an eternal purpose to fulfill, and HE has saved us forever. We are not justified by our good deeds, and we cannot be lost by our misdeeds. Grace means salvation is completely apart from any merit on our part and that GOD does it all for JESUS' sake. Our salvation is a "gift of GOD" (v.8), not a reward for what we have done. Salvation cannot result from man's efforts because JESUS has already completed the work of salvation on the cross. GOD has done everything for us; it is a finished work (John 17:1-4;19:30). One sacrifice -- the LAMB of GOD -- has accomplished the great work of salvation (Hebrews 10:9-13 below). HE did it all, and HE did it by HIS grace.

1st.Peter 1:18-19  "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; BUT with the precious blood of CHRIST, as of a LAMB without blemish and without spot:"

     As we have been discussing, salvation cannot be "of works" (Ephesians 2:9), for it is all "by grace" (Ephesians 2:8) -- unmerited favor. Paul declared plainly in Titus 3:5, "NOT by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to HIS mercy HE saved us." Thus, a Christian is one saved by the grace of GOD. D.L.Moody once ran after a man saying, "Do you know grace." "Grace who?" the man asked. "The grace of GOD that saves our souls," Moody answered as he told him of the plan of salvation.

     The second thing we must note is that a Christian is one who is redeemed by the blood of JESUS CHRIST. The text above states, "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold . . . but with the precious blood of CHRIST." This was GOD's provision for meeting the sin problem and taking from man's heart and soul the burden of condemnation. The Christian has been purchased and freed from Judgment Day by the precious blood of JESUS CHRIST. Redemption is a once-for-all, finished work that was accomplished by CHRIST JESUS on the cross of Calvary.

     Third, a Christian is one who is sealed by the HOLY SPIRIT: "After that ye believed, ye were sealed with the HOLY SPIRIT of promise" (Ephesians 1:13 above). A seal signified a finished transaction, ownership, security and protection, and authenticity. We heard the Gospel of salvation, believed in CHRIST as SAVIOR, and were sealed with the SPIRIT when we believed. A Christian is bought by the FATHER, saved by JESUS' blood, and sealed by the HOLY SPIRIT. The HOLY SPIRIT within us is "the earnest of our inheritance" (Ephesians 1:14 above): the down payment guaranteeing our complete redemption -- spirit, soul and body. What a GOD we serve ! JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" What You Miss by Being a Christian ! "

 

Hell and the Lake of Fire 

  1. A lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).

  2. A bottomless pit (Revelation 20:1).

  3. A horrible tempest (Psalm 11:6).

  4. A place of everlasting burnings (Isaiah 33:14).

  5. A furnace of fire (Matthew 13:41,42).

  6. A devouring fire (Isaiah 33:14).

  7. A place of torments (Luke 16:23).

  8. A place of everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46).

  9. A place where people pray (Luke 16:27).

10. A place where they cry for mercy (Luke 16:24).

11. A place where they wail (Matthew 13:42).

12. A place where they curse GOD (Revelation 16:11).

13. A place where they never repent (Matthew 12:32).

14. A place of filthiness (Revelation 22:10,11).

15. A place of weeping (Matthew 8:12).

16. A place of sorrows (Psalm 18:5).

17. A place of outer darkness (Matthew 8:12).

18. A place where they have no rest (Revelation 14:11).

19. A place where they gnaw their tongues (Revelation 16:10).

20. A place of blackness and darkness forever (Jude 13).

21. A place where their worm dies not, and the fire is not quenched (Mark 9:48).

22. A place where they are tormented with brimstone (Revelation 14:10).

23. A place from which the smoke of their torment ascends up forever (Revelation 14:11).

24. A place where they do not want their loved ones to come (Luke 16:28).

"How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation ?"

(Hebrews 2:3)

READ ALL ABOUT IT !

GOD SAYS:

  1. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23).

  2. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD." (Romans 6:23).

  3. "But as many as received HIM, to them gave HE power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on HIS name:" (John 1:12).

JESUS HAS PROMISED 

EVERYONE:

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear MY voice, and open the door, I will come in to him," (Revelation 3:20a).

YOUR BIGGEST DECISION:

JESUS has already "PAID IN FULL" the price for your eternal life. However, HE leaves the final decision entirely up to you. So what will you do with JESUS CHRIST ? Will you receive HIM, or will you reject HIM ?

Your servant IN CHRIST,

Julie

" THERE'S NO HURRY ! "

 

     A man once had a vision in which he seemed to be standing in the midst of an assembly of evil spirits. On the throne sat their ruler, Satan, grasping the scepter of wickedness in his hand. 

     Summoning his subjects about him, Satan said in a loud voice, "Who will go to Earth and persuade man to accomplish the ruin of their souls ?"

     One of the attendant spirits said, "I will go."

     "And how will you persuade them ?" asked the grim monarch.

   "I will persuade them," was the answer, "that there is no Heaven."

     But Satan replied, "No, that will not do. You will never be able to force such a belief on the most of mankind. That conviction of a better life to come is too deep-seated in the hearts of men."

     Then a second spoke up and said, "I will go."

     "And how will you persuade them ?" asked Satan.

     "I will persuade them that there is no Hell."

     But again Satan answered: "That will not do. You will never persuade most men that that is so. Man's conscience will witness against you and defeat your ends. We must have something else, something which will appeal to all classes and ages and dispositions and which will be acceptable to the human race as a whole."

     Thereupon a dark spirit glided forward and said, "Satan, I will go."

     "And what will you tell them ?" asked Satan.

 

    "I will tell them, answered the spirit, that there's no hurry -- no hurry to be saved, that tomorrow will be soon enough !"

     He was the spirit chosen to go -- and still he is abroad in the Earth whispering to the hearts of men: There's still sufficient time for religion -- later. There's no hurry. Just have fun while you can. "Eat, drink and be merry . . ." !

     BUT it is not so ! Each passing moment brings new souls going out into Eternity -- many very suddenly -- without the least warning. And then -- The Final Reckoning. The Bible says:

"How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation ?" (Hebrews 2:3) We know the answer. We shall not escape ! Therefore, "Today if ye will hear HIS voice, harden not your heart . . ." (Hebrews 3:15).

Rev. Julius Vanden Hoek

**************************************************************

     "For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life. For GOD sent not HIS SON into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through HIM might be saved. He that believes on HIM is not condemned: BUT he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten SON of GOD." John 3:16-18

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

". . .: BEHOLD ! NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD ! NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b

" Nevertheless the Foundation of GOD . . . "

 

Ephesians 4:11-16  "And HE gave some, Apostles; and some Prophets; and some, Evangelists; and some, Pastors and Teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of CHRIST: til we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the SON of GOD, unto a perfect (mature) man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of CHRIST: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into HIM in all things, which is the head, even CHRIST: from WHOM the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."

     The truth is under attack today like never before. Not only are open denials of GOD's WORD prevalent in our society, but it seems that everywhere we turn we are bombarded with subtle remarks aimed at undermining people's faith in the Bible as the inerrant, inspired, eternal, unchangeable WORD of GOD. The vast majority of scholars, scientists, politicians, and religious liberals have rejected GOD's foundation. They do not want any absolutes whatsoever, for such would restrict their foolish imaginations. "Nevertheless the foundation of GOD stands sure" (2nd.Timothy 2:19 above) ! In these perilous times it should be a great comfort to know that we do have a sure foundation that will stand forever, no matter how stormy the seas may be or how many critics attempt to beat upon it with their pretentious words and theories. What a wonderful promise is ours today: "Nevertheless the foundation of GOD stands sure" !

     It is also a great comfort to be reminded that "the LORD knows them that are HIS" and is concerned about the welfare of each of HIS children; for this very reason HE commands every one who names the name of CHRIST to "depart from iniquity" (2nd.Timothy 2:19). That is why we cannot join in fellowship with false teachers and disobedient brethren - "evil communications corrupt good manners" (1st.Corinthians 15:33 above). Let us thank GOD for HIS sure foundation, rejoice in HIS identification with HIS own, and obey HIS WORD so that we might do HIS will and receive HIS blessing. Praise GOD, HIS foundation stands sure. When we test every issue and make every decision based upon the perfect and unfailing WORD of GOD, we will never be confounded or dismayed (vv.14-15). MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" The Nations as GOD Sees Them "

 

Isaiah 40:9-17  "O Zion, that brings good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that brings good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, BEHOLD your GOD ! Behold, the LORD GOD will come with strong hand, and HIS arm shall rule for HIM: behold, HIS reward is with HIM, and HIS work before HIM. HE shall feed HIS flock like a shepherd: HE shall gather the lambs with HIS arm, and carry them in HIS bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. 

Who has measured the waters in the hollow of HIS hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighted the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance ? Who has directed the SPIRIT of the LORD or being HIS counselor has taught HIM ? With whom took HE counsel, and who instructed HIM, and taught HIM in the path of judgment, and taught HIM knowledge, and showed to HIM the way of understanding ? Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, HE takes up the isles as a very little thing. And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering. All nations before HIM are as nothing; and they are counted to HIM less than nothing, and vanity."

     As wicked nations vie for power and control and dominance, there is great instability on Earth. Alarming news flows steadily from Afghanistan, China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and elsewhere. The Bible predicts a coming time of global distress that will be even more difficult: "and upon the Earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the Earth" (Luke 21:25-26). Oh how we need to see the nations as GOD does, remembering that the GOD of Heaven rules "over all the kingdoms of the heathen" (2nd.Chronicles 20:6 above) ! HE is in total control. To HIM the nations are as "a drop of a bucket" and as "the small dust of the balance" (v.15). If a drop of water falls from a bucket or we fail to remove some dust from the scale as we weigh ourselves, who cares ? It is totally insignificant, and so are the nations to the LORD. Before GOD, the nations are as nothing; indeed, they are "less than nothing" (v.17). How can something be less than nothing ? Not only are the nations nothing, but they are worse than nothing because they are sinful. It is one thing to be nothing; it is even worse to be a sinful nothing ! At the end of this age, all the nations will be gathered against Israel and against Israel's GOD, and this will include even the United States, should it still exist (Zechariah 14:2; Psalm 2:2). The folly of sinful nations seeking to do battle against the ALMIGHTY will cause GOD to laugh (Psalm 2:4 above). As believers, when we consider the dire situation the world is in, let us not leave GOD out of the equation. HE is perfectly working out HIS program and plan, and HE does all things well. GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used with permission.    www.feasite.org