Matthew 5:14a

Verse of the Day Devotion.  Matthew 5:14

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew 5:14

When Jesus came in the flesh to this world, it was to help the people here, both Jews and Gentiles, to understand the grace of God through His sacrifice in paying the penalty for all our sins. And by understanding this truth we can then accept this sacrifice that covers our sins if we believe Him and the one who sent Him. The first chapter of John lays this out beautifully. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being by Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.” John 1:1-3. He starts by declaring Jesus to have been since the beginning and existed when everything was created. In fact all that came into existence was through Him. And then we come to verse 4. “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” John 1:4. What He is saying here is that because He came, we have access to eternal truth. When we walk into a dark room, we have no idea what is there because all we see is blackness, for there is no light. However, when we turn on the light, we then see clearly what is there. It is essentially the same idea we see in verse four above. Jesus came here to reveal the truth to all people, especially since the Jewish leadership were not.

Now there are several clues that ‘shine a light’ on who this light is. We read again in John the following. “There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. He came for a witness, that he might bear witness of the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light but came that he might bear witness of the light.” John 1:6-8. This could be none other than John the Baptist who came to declare that Jesus was the promised Messiah; to be a witness that Christ is this promised light. He was not the light but was a witness to the light. And this light was intended for all people. “There was the true light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.” John 1:9. This light that reveals truth was not intended only for the Jews, but all who are in the world. But unfortunately many, including God’s people the Jews, would not know Him. “He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.” John 1:10-11. But those who believe would receive a great honor. “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13. This incredible honor was the right to be adopted as sons and daughters of God.

Jesus tells them later that He will not always be the light. “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:5. While He is here on the earth, He is the one who shines the light of truth in this world. But who is it that will do it after His ascension?  This is seen in our focus verse. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14. The disciples became the light in this world after Jesus’ ascension. Jesus, knowing that His Spirit and righteousness are found in them, declares they are the light of the world, shining the light of Jesus who is the true light of the world. And since they did not live forever, this blessing has fallen on all true Christians to this day and going forward till His return. This light is the same light that shined forth from Christ. But now we are to be a reflection of this light. People when they see us must see the truth of the gospel being lived out in us. And when they see us living it out, they will be able to see their need for Jesus to provide salvation to them. For just as the moon has no light of its own, reflecting the light of the sun, so are we, true believers, to reflect the Light of Christ so that all can see this light in us. This light is proven to others by the good deeds we do in faith and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The focus here is Christians are to maintain an obvious and credible witness to the world that shows we are true believers, faithful and true to God in all ways. And this evidence must be sincere and trustworthy regarding everything about us. “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.” 1 Peter 3:14-16. We are to have such a love for unbelievers that we will do all we can to show the truth of the gospel by reflecting the light of Christ to all people. This is our calling. So let us go out and make it happen.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

Romans 4:2

Verse of the Day Devotion.  Romans 4:2

“For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about; but not before God.” – Romans 4:2     

There are many today who believe that if they are good enough they can attain salvation, therefore they do many good works thinking that if they do enough they will earn salvation. However, this is not the case. We see this in the writings of Paul where he said, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10. Now the Jews in the first century Church struggled with this idea. Therefore, Paul spent a lot of time trying to get this point across. But we see he also had to address the false idea that due to this, they did not need to obey the law if they had faith. And he addressed this in the last verse of the prior chapter. “Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law.” Romans 3:31. Paul then clearly lays out how this all works.

He starts by mentioning Abraham their forefather. “What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh?” Romans 4:1. This was essentially an objection of the Jews. ‘How does your doctrine of justification by faith agree with what the Scriptures say of Abraham? Was the Law set aside in his case? Did he derive no advantage in justification from the rite of circumcision, and from the covenant which God made with him?’ Paul starts by countering this idea. In our focus verse we read, “For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about; but not before God.” Romans 4:2. The Jews of Jesus’ day considered Abraham the primary example of justification by works. The apostle James could ask without fear of rebuttal, “Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar?” James 2:21. So the claim that God accepts people on the basis of personal trust rather than adherence to the law seems to run counter to the principle in force with Abraham. Therefore, it can be seen how the Jews would believe this way.

However, Paul then shows them that this was not the case. “For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” Romans 4:3. We find this in the Book of Genesis. “And Abram said, Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir. And behold, the word of the LORD came to him: This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir. And he brought him outside and said, Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them. Then he said to him, So shall your offspring be. And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.” Genesis 15:3-6. As we see in this passage, because Abraham believed what God told him regarding his offspring, God counted his faith as righteousness. And Paul uses this to teach the Jews the truth. “Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,” Romans 4:4-5. Paul proceeds to contrast the way of works with the way of grace. When one works, his wage is his as a right; it belongs to him. It is not a free gift. Whereas grace is a free gift. And then Paul refers to David. “And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” Romans 4:5-8. As we see here, as Abraham’s faith and not his works, was credited to him as righteousness, so is our faith credited to us as righteousness. A system of works seeks to put God in debt to us, making God owe us His favor because of our good behavior. In works-thinking, God owes us salvation or blessing because of our good works. But this is not the way it works. “But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:21-23.

We have all sinned, some more than others, but we all have sin that negates our righteousness. No  amount of good works will take this unrighteousness away. Only the grace of God can, and this through our faith in God in the substitutionary death on the cross. We must understand that only perfection will save us. And if we are not perfect, we need a perfect one to pay the penalty for us, and this is Jesus. There is nothing we can do to gain salvation and no amount of good works can erase our sins. We must completely place our trust in Him by accepting His work on the cross, where He died for us and thus paid our penalty. We are not worthy of salvation by doing good works, but we should do good works because we believe and thus He deems us worthy through the grace He gives to us. Let us not forget this, and then tell the world of this love and grace. And this is a good work indeed.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

2 Thessalonians 1:8

Verse of the Day Devotion.  2 Thessalonians 1:8 

“Dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.” – 2 Thessalonians 1:8

In this section of Paul’s second letter to the Church in Thessalonica, he speaks of two groups of people who will receive the judgement of God. But before this, let us look at the type of judgement to be meted out upon Christ’s second coming. “This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering. For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire,” 2 Thessalonians 1:5-7. The judgement of God will be a righteous judgement. Charles Spurgeon declares that “the clearest proof of the judgment to come is to be found in the present sufferings of the saints through persecutions and tribulations. For if they, for the very reason that they love God, have to suffer here, there must be a future state and time for rectifying all this that is now so wrong.” This was definitely true for Paul’s time when the Romans and Jews persecuted the true believers, but it will be just as true for our time as Christians will suffer due to antichristian leaderships around the world. What Paul is laying out is that if we will remain faithful during these persecutions, then those who are the source of these persecutions will pay an enormous penalty for their actions. However, when we get to our focus verse, we see the two groups that will experience the retribution of God; those who do not know God, along with those who do not obey the gospel.

The first group mentioned are those who do not know God. These are those who choose not to accept the fact there is a God, and thus do not know Him. They do not believe that the true God exists and thus will not take the time to know Him. These people either do not believe there is any gods out there at all, or they believe in another so called ‘god’ whom they worship and serve. This may be idols, or it may be themselves. They do not acknowledge the true God but worship another which fits their desires, or they reject the idea of any god.

Then there is the second group, “and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.” 2 Thessalonians 1:8b. Now, this includes the first group which are the unbelievers. However, because of the word ‘and’, this also includes those who believe in the true God but refuse to obey the gospel. In other words, they claim to be true Christians, but continue to live their lives as before their claimed salvation experience. They say they have accepted Christ, but there is no evidence in that they continue to live as before. One way this is exhibited is in ‘antinomianism’ which comes from two Greek words, ‘anti’ and ‘nomianism’ meaning ‘against the law’. Theologically, antinomianism is the belief that there are no moral laws God expects Christians to obey. Antinomianism takes a biblical teaching to an unbiblical conclusion. The biblical teaching is that Christians are not required to observe the Old Testament Law as a means of salvation. When Jesus Christ died on the cross, He fulfilled the Old Testament Law. The unbiblical conclusion is that there is no moral law God expects Christians to follow. In other words, they can continue to sin, for all their sins have been forgiven; past, present, and future. Paul addressed this in the sixth chapter of Romans. “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace might increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?” Romans 6:1-2.

And this idea is contrary to everything the Bible teaches. God expects Christians to live a life of morality, integrity, and love. Christ set us free from the burdensome Old Testament law, but that is not a license to sin. Rather, we have a covenant of grace with God. We are to do all we can to overcome sin and live  righteously, depending on the Holy Spirit to help us. The fact that we are graciously freed from the demands of the Old Testament Law should result in us living our lives in obedience to the law of Christ. If we do not do this, then we are like the first group; not really knowing God. John lays this our perfectly. “My little children, I am writing these things to you that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. And by this we know that we have come to know Him if we keep His commandments. The one who says, I have come to know Him, and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.” 1 John 2:1-6.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

1 Thessalonians 5:4

Verse of the Day Devotion.  1 Thessalonians 5:4.

“But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:4     

Paul continues his discourse regarding the end when Christ returns. “Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:1. His first point is that they really need no instruction about the time. He had spoken of this when he was with them and he evidently counted on their having learned well what he was teaching, for he had no need to write on the topic. They should have everything they need to understand and be ready. They know it will happen, but not when it will happen. “For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.” 1 Thessalonians 5:2. In essence, He will come when He said He would, and which he, Paul, had taught them. And like a thief coming to steal your property, He will come when they least expect Him. “But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into.” Matthew 24:43. He has not told us exactly when He will come back, but we know He is coming back.

Therefore, “While they are saying, peace and safety! then destruction will come upon them suddenly like birth pangs upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” 1 Thessalonians 5:3. While the wicked and unbelievers declare there is peace and safety abounding; that all things are going well, suddenly unforeseen destruction will happen. This is reminiscent of Noah and the flood, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. “And just as it happened in the days of Noah, so it shall be also in the days of the Son of Man: they were eating, they were drinking, they were marrying, they were being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. It was the same as happened in the days of Lot: they were eating, they were drinking, they were buying, they were selling, they were planting, they were building; but on the day that Lot went out from Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. It will be just the same on the day that the Son of Man is revealed.” Luke 17:26. And this day and time will come suddenly, like a woman with birth pangs. We know it is coming, but we do not know when.

But we have the information we need for it was given to us. As our focus verse states, “But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness;” 1 Thessalonians 5:4-5. Those who do not believe do not see the truth of this occurrence and thus will not look for it, for they walk in darkness. But we who truly believe are not in darkness, but we are in the light. We are sons of light and the day. Theologian John Gill puts it this way, “We are the children of the day; of the Gospel day, in distinction from the night of Jewish darkness; and of the day of grace which was come upon their souls, in opposition to the night of ignorance and infidelity, which was past; and of the everlasting day of glory, being heirs of, and having a right unto, and a meetness for the inheritance of the saints in light:” We as true Christians will be the ones who will benefit when this day arrives. Those in darkness will not.

Then he tells us not to sleep. “So then let us not sleep as others do but let us be alert and sober. For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.” 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8. We are all called to stay awake while keeping our spiritual senses intact. We must always be alert because we know this time is coming. We do not know when, but we know it will. We must continue to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to God, and one that unbelievers can see and possibly turn to God. We must keep focused. “For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him. Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11. God has called us to, in these difficult times, encourage our brothers and sisters, helping them to stay true and positive. Many need this, and we are the ones who can provide it. Let us shine our light so that unbelievers see it and can be saved, while believers can be encouraged knowing tough times will soon end.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

1 Thessalonians 4:15

Verse of the Day Devotion.  1 Thessalonians 4:15.

“For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, and remain until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep.” 1 Thessalonians 4:15     

This section in the Book of Thessalonians speaks about the return of Christ for His people. The Thessalonians probably did not know or understand about the end times. “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve, as do the rest who have no hope.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13. Paul speaks of the departed Christians, those who have died. as having fallen asleep. This has the idea that it eventually will result in a future awakening of those who have died. Jews and even pagans sometimes spoke of death as ‘sleep’, but this is particularly apt for Christians, since for them the whole concept of death has been transformed into the idea of sleep. Therefore, since they are simply asleep, there is no reason to grieve as if a non-Christian dies. The contrast is not between one degree of sorrow and another, but between Christian hope and pagan despair.

Then Paul clarifies this hope. “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 4:14. Believers have a hope when Christians die; they will awaken. They will come back with Christ as He returns for the final time. And we see this in our focus verse. “For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, and remain until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep.” 1 Thessalonians 4:15. This may have been a revelation received from God. But however he received this word, what He is saying is that those who are alive at His return will not meet Jesus first in the air. The living will have no advantage over those fallen asleep; they will not meet the returning Christ ahead of the dead, nor will they have any precedence in the blessedness at His coming.

Then we read how Jesus will return. “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. This is the fullest description of His return in the New Testament, and when we reflect on the little that is said here we are warned against undue dogmatism about what will then happen. Paul’s main point is that it is none other than the Lord himself who will come. The dead in Christ shall rise first, then His followers will join them in the air with those who woke up. And the last part of this verse is the most wonderful. ‘and thus we shall always be with the Lord.’ The end of the age is not to be ushered in by some intermediary, but by God himself. “For behold, the LORD is coming forth from His place. He will come down and tread on the high places of the earth.” Micah 1:3. This will no doubt be awe-inspiring.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

1 Thessalonians 2:7

Verse of the Day Devotion.  1 Thessalonians 2:7

“But we proved to be gentle among you. As a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children,” 1 Thessalonians 2:7     

Paul, in these scriptures, was defending his own ministry as well as his character before the people of Thessalonica. It was not because Paul was insecure regarding his ministry to them, but because of all the enemies he had in Thessalonica who spoke evil of him in his absence. This was especially because of his quick departure from Thessalonica. Paul when arriving there, went out and declared Christ to the Jews. “Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.” Acts 17:1-3. Some of them believed and joined Paul. But many became jealous and sought Paul to arrest Him. However, he was warned and helped to escape. “And the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea; and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.” Acts 17:10.

After a time, He returned to Thessalonica and Paul he needed to show his integrity and that he could be trusted. “For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain.” 1 Thessalonians 2:1. When he had first come there many heard the truth and believed. Paul strongly repudiates any thought that he had wasted his time in aimless pursuits. He had come with a definite purpose and had been successful. They had suffered much in Philippi, but in boldness they were going to speak the gospel as well. And they were doing it in a way that pleases God. “For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit; but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men but God, who examines our hearts. For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed, God is witness, nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority.” 1 Thessalonians 2:3-6.

There were three things Paul was no-doubt accused of which he needed to address. First, that he was preaching things of God that were not true. “For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit.” They were declaring that Paul was seducing the people by telling them lies in such a way that would appeal to their sinful human nature. However, they were not trying to deceive the people, but to help them understand the truth that God loves them and has provided a way of salvation. God has approved them to preach the gospel, but not in a way that pleases men necessarily but pleases God. He was not trying to lead people into error, but to the truth of the gospel. Nor did they approach them with words that made them feel good about themselves through flattery. Also, they did not come to make themselves look good in the eyes of people. They did not seek approval from anyone but God. They had not preached for worldly gain or popular applause; and he reiterated they preached for God’s approval and the testimony of a good conscience.

The point is this. While Paul served men, he did not live to serve them. His service was primarily to God, and he delighted to refer to himself as ‘the slave of God. In every age this needs emphasis, for the Christian preacher is always tempted to accommodate his message to the desires of his hearers. Preachers and teachers today must be careful not to water down the truth in order to give people what they want to hear rather than what they need to hear. And those who are not preachers or teachers but are those who witness to people regarding the truth of the gospel must do the same, in love for both God and men. This is our calling. One of my absolute favorite verses lays out God’s great commission to us. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20. And as seen above, this is to be done in love for God, and for the people we reach out to. And with all honesty, integrity, and humility. When we do this we may come under attack by those who hate our message, but who knows the affect we may have on them as well as those we are ministering to. 

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

1 Thessalonians 1:4

Verse of the Day Devotion.  1 Thessalonians 1:4

 

“For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, and remain until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep.” 1 Thessalonians 1:4 

The apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Church in Thessalonica, along with his friends Silvanus and his student Timothy. “Paul and Silvanus and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.” 1 Thessalonians 1:1. Notice here that Paul does not use the title apostle, which shows his care for the people by not denoting a position they probably would not understand. He then continues by thanking God for them. “We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father,” 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3. When Paul thought of the Christians there, he was filled with gratitude. Paul started the church there under non-ideal circumstances, being run out of town after only three weekends with them. We read in Acts, “And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a great multitude of the God-fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women. But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the marketplace, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and coming upon the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them out to the people. And when they did not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brethren before the city authorities, shouting, these men who have upset the world have come here also.” Acts 17:4-6.

Yet the church was strong and full of life. Paul knew that this work was beyond him and his abilities and it was the work of God. “knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you; for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.” 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5. Going back to verse three, we read again “constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father,” Paul constantly thought of the good work they were doing and commended them for it. And then he adds, ”knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you.” Paul is not saying God chose them for salvation, but for the work He was calling them to. The phrase beloved by God was a phrase which the Jews applied only to supremely great men like Moses and Solomon, and to the nation of Israel itself. Now the greatest privilege of the greatest men of God’s chosen people has been extended to the humblest of the Gentiles. God chose them because He loved them and they gave themselves to Him. This phrase ‘chosen people’ once only referred to the people of Israel, but now it refers to those who gave themselves to Christ. And through Paul, and now also the Church in Thessalonica, they professed the gospel not just in written or spoken words by conviction and in power via the Holy Spirit working through them.

And finally in verse six, “You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.” 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7. Essentially, Paul was saying that as I suffered and endured trials in my work of spreading the truth of the gospel, you were doing the same. They were living Godly lives in the midst of tribulation in joy through the of the Holy Spirit in them.

And as time moves forward, we will find life becoming much more difficult as our belief in the true God who sent Christ to die for us, become less desired and at some totally rejected and banned. We see our culture moving in this direction quickly. We must remember that God will not leave us, but will always be with us, guiding us in reaching out to the lost. We all will no-doubt suffer in some way for the cause of Christ. We must be, as Paul said referring to the Church of Thessalonica, constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father.” It may not always be easy, but it will always be worth it.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

Mark 16:11.

Verse of the Day Devotion.  Mark 16:11.

And when they heard that He was alive, and had been seen by her, they refused to believe it. – Mark 16:11 

When the Sabbath was over, they were then able to prepare the body of Christ for burial. “And when the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him.” Mark 16:1. This was not done to prevent bodily decay, as was the custom in Egypt, but to perfume the decaying corpse as an act of devotion. This was brought on Sunday, the first day of the week, after the Sabbath, and after the sun arose. And while they were traveling, they were asking one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb? And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away, although it was extremely large.” Mark 16:3-4. They had seen the stone put in place, with a seal placed on the stone and soldiers placed there to ensure no one took the body out and declare a resurrection.

However, when they arrived, they saw the stone was already rolled away, “And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away, although it was extremely large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting at the right, wearing a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here; behold, here is the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter, He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, just as He said to you.” Mark 16:4-7. When they got there, the stone was already rolled away. So they enter and see a young man sitting there on the right side, with a white robe on. Joseph, whose tomb this was, and who closed the tomb was not there. He would not have been able to do this alone but would have had servants and slaves to aid in this. Therefore, because of the size of the stone, a young man alone could not have opened the tomb.

Then the young man says to them. “Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here; behold, here is the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter, He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, just as He said to you.” Mark 16:6-7. This young man confirms he is not Jesus. Then He tells them that Jesus has risen from the dead as promised, and they are to go to the disciples and Peter, that He is on His way to Galilee.

It is remarkable that Peter is singled out for special notice, and it was proof of the kindness and mercy of the Lord Jesus. Peter, just before the death of Jesus, had denied him: not once or twice, but three times. Peter would have understood if Jesus had from that moment cast him off and noticed him no more. But he still loved him. And having loved him once, he loved him unto the end. And as proof that he forgave him and still loved him, he sent him this ‘special’ message, the assurance that though he had denied him, and had done much to aggravate his sufferings.  And because He had risen He was still his Lord and Redeemer. We are not to infer because the angel said, “Tell his disciples and Peter,” that Peter was no longer a disciple.

The meaning was they were to tell his disciples, and especially Peter, sending him a particular message. Before his fall, Jesus had prayed for him that his faith should not fail. “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers. And he said to Him, Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death! And He said, I say to you, Peter, the cock will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.” Luke 22:31-34.

Now, after hearing what the young man said, those who were there left and told the disciples what they saw and what the young man said. “She went and reported to those who had been with Him, while they were mourning and weeping. And when they heard that He was alive, and had been seen by her, they refused to believe it.” Mark 16:10-11. When they were told all these things, they did not believe. They had been mourning His death and were unable to accept what they heard.

Then Jesus appears to the eleven. “And afterward He appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table; and He reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who had seen Him after He had risen.” Mark 16:14. And then He shows His grace and forgiveness by giving them a calling to serve Him. “And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15. Even though they lacked belief in His declaration He would rise from the dead, He knew their hearts. They had not given up on Him, they simply had a short time of struggling to believe He was alive again.

Jesus did not give up on them, for He knew their hearts. Judas turned Him in because of true unbelief, but the other eleven had a period of unbelief, but realized their doubt was wrong when Jesus met with them. And we may fall into a period of doubt now and then, but when this happens, we must go to Christ and ask for assistance in overcoming our period of doubt. And just as He helped the eleven through their period of doubt, He will help us. If we believe that Christianity is 100% true, then we must hold this truth, sometimes with His help. Do not give up but let Him guide you. He is willing and able to bring you through any difficulties you may find yourself in.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

Matthew 26:49.

Verse of the Day Devotion.  Matthew 26:49.

“And immediately he went to Jesus and said, ‘Hail, Rabbi!’ and kissed Him.” – Matthew 26:49   

After Jesus’ time in prayer in Gethsemane, He went to His disciples and urged them to wake up, for the time had arrived to fulfil the purpose for which He had come. “Then He came to the disciples, and said to them, Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Behold, the hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Arise, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!” Matthew 26:45-46. Jesus fully understood what Judas was doing, for he was working with the Pharisees to have Him arrested. And all this for a paltry sum as his reward, thirty pieces of silver.

Now Judas gives the guards a sign as to whom to arrest. “Whomever I shall kiss, He is the one; seize Him.” Matthew 26:48b. And Judas wasted no time in giving this sign. “And immediately he went to Jesus and said, Hail, Rabbi! and kissed Him.” Matthew 26:49. Judas goes to Jesus and warmly greets Him, even giving Him the customary kiss. Now it was getting dark, and therefore Judas needed to show the soldiers who Jesus was in a way they could get Jesus without Judas simply handing Him over. Also, he addressed Jesus by the title Rabbi rather than as Lord. It appears Judas had already stopped believing Jesus was God’s son, or actually never did from the beginning.

Jesus then responds to Judas in a way that was not condemning. “Friend, do what you have come for. Then they came and laid hands-on Jesus and seized Him.” Matthew 26:50. Jesus is being quite calm here. Judas betrayed Him and turned Him over to the soldiers, and even after this He still referred to Judas as friend. After this, the soldiers took hold of Jesus to take Him away. But before they could leave, we read, “And behold, one of those who were with Jesus reached and drew out his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest, and cut off his ear.” Matthew 26:51. Here in Matthew we are not told who this was, nor in Mark or Luke. But John declares who this was. “Simon Peter therefore having a sword, drew it, and struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear; and the slave’s name was Malchus. Jesus therefore said to Peter, put the sword into the sheath; the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?” John 18:10-11. Jesus tells Peter to put the sword away, for this was ordained by His Father for the purpose of paying the penalty for all. And besides, Is the Father’s hands tied? No! “Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? How then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen this way?” Matthew 26:53-54. Then Jesus said to the people there. “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as against a robber? Every day I used to sit in the temple teaching and you did not seize Me. But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets may be fulfilled. Then all the disciples left Him and fled.” Matthew 26:55-56.

The apostle John wrote the following, “the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.” 1 John 2:6. Jesus accomplished exactly what His Father sent Him here to do. And He trusted His Father to be there with Him, knowing that everything that happens to Him is allowed by His Father for the express purpose of providing salvation to all who believe and live it. And we must do the same. Do we believe God would leave us on our own during times of trial and tribulations? He would never do that. Moses wrote to the Israelites. “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6. And the writer of Hebrews wrote, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we can confidently say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6. And finally, Paul wrote that whatever we go through will end good. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28. There is nothing that happens that surprises God, or that He did not know about before it happened. “Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,” Isaiah 46:8-10. As Jesus trusted completely in God the Father no matter the circumstances, we should as well. He is always with us, and He can do anything. Therefore, we can rest in this trust. And as the end comes closer, we can trust that He will help us through all that comes our way. What more could we ask for?

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

Matthew 21:13

Verse of the Day Devotion.  Matthew 21:13.

“He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” Matthew 21:13

After Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, He entered the Temple and was not happy with what He saw. “And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the moneychangers and the seats of those who sold pigeons.” Matthew 21:12. The purpose was to drive out the merchants, who in cooperation with the priests cheated visitors to Jerusalem by forcing them to purchase approved sacrificial animals and currencies at high prices. What would happen is that people would be told their sacrifice was not worthy to be offered in the temple, and thus would be sold another deemed acceptable for a high price along with the offering brought to them, which many times they would sell to another at a high price. For example, it was not unusual for a dove to be sold in the temple for 15 to 20 times what could be purchased elsewhere. “

This was a serious issue for Jesus, which is shown by what He did. He drove out those who bought and sold wrongly in the temple and overturned the tables and chairs of those who cheated the people. And our focus verse clearly shows why He was angry. “He said to them, It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” Matthew 21:13. He is quoting Isaiah here. “And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, to minister to him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it and holds fast my covenant. these I will bring to my holy mountain and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” Isaiah 56:6-7. Isaiah calls the Temple a house of prayer for all people, not just Jews. However, the Jewish leadership used it as a place to cheat the people by stealing from those who came to give their sacrifice to God.  

After this, many came to Jesus in the Temple. “And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them.” Matthew 21:14. The bold action of Jesus when He drove out the merchants and money changers from the temple courts did not discourage the needy from coming to Him. The blind and the lame were restricted to the court of the Gentiles; they could not go closer to the temple and could not go to the altar to sacrifice. After purging the court of the Gentiles of merchants and robbers, Jesus then ministered to the outcasts who congregated there. He did the work of the Messiah, a significant part of which was showing the power of God in the context of compassion and mercy to those who so needed this. 

We do not have the temple today, but we do have Churches where the Body of Christ meet to praise God, hear needed teachings, pray together, and in all ways lifting each other up. We must never, whether we are leaders or not, take advantage of anyone for our own benefit. We should never limit good things and deeds to only those who donate up to certain expectation. And we should never deceive anyone into giving with promises we will or cannot deliver. God, in no way approves of this. Paul laid this our clearly. “and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you.” 1 Thessalonians 4:6. Today, church is a place for ‘the Church’ to honor God, giving Him praise and worship as well as growing our knowledge such that we build up our faith. It is not for anyone to take advantage of anyone for his/her own advantage and gain. I believe God abhors this, and will, as the above verse shows, avenge those who take part in these things.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.