1 Peter 2:13

Verse of the Day Devotion.  1 Peter 2:13

“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority,” –  1 Peter 2:13

One of the main things we need to understand in this verse is the first word, ‘submit’. The idea of this word in the Greek is closer to subordinate then submit or obey. It means to find our proper place in this relationship and then to act accordingly, which is counter to being called upon to obey unquestionably to whatever anyone, including governing authorities, command. While its intention is as much to counter any tendency of Christians to withdraw from contact with secular society and to calm revolutionary desire, it is intended to warn the readers against assuming that as Christians they are free from normal political and moral restraints.

Looking at our focus verse we see, “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.” 1 Peter 2:13-15. And as we see here, those go beyond just the king. Civil government is necessary for the well-being of mankind, and those who delight in the law of the Lord are among the last to wish to see its power weakened or its executive despised. We would sooner suffer wrong than see our country the prey of lawless mobs. Look at what we are seeing today. What Peter is saying is that Christians are to subject ourselves to civil authorities. True religion is always the friend of order as well as liberty. The gospel is not a doctrine of anarchy; therefore Christians are no fomenter of strife. And besides, God allowed and instituted it. “Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.” Romans 13:1-2.

So, as we see above we are called to obey officials that are over us. For example, speed limits, payment of taxes, etc. But what happens if what they require goes against God’s laws? Peter and the apostles ran into this situation found in the Book of Acts. “But someone came and reported to them, Behold, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people! Then the captain went along with the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for they were afraid of the people, lest they should be stoned). And when they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. But Peter and the apostles answered and said, We must obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:25-29. Some of the apostles were put in prison by the high priest because of the success of their teachings which were in opposition to the priests. While there an angel came and opened the prison gates letting them out, telling them “Go your way, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life.” Acts 5:20. When the priests saw them preaching what they gave strict orders for them not to, Peter said “We must obey God rather than men.” 

God wants us to obey all authorities over us. If we do not then we may suffer the consequences put in place for those who dis-obey. However, if what they require goes against what God says, then we are not to obey it. We should obey those over us, but not when they contradict God. And this may be difficult, but it is what is called for. For God is our ultimate ruler. He has told us to obey our rulers here, however, being our God and supreme ruler, we are called to obey Him over all else.  

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

1 Peter 2:1

Verse of the Day Devotion.  1 Peter 2:1

“Therefore, putting aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisy and envy and all slander,” –  1 Peter 2:1    

The ‘therefore’ refers back to chapter one where Peter spoke of being born again to a living hope, that being life everlasting with God. As well as His calling on us to live a holy life. He is saying, because of all this, we are to put away all malice and guile, as well as hypocrisy, envy, and slander. As Christians and thus children of God, we must not participate in these things, for in doing so we are not acting in love for our fellow man. Let take a look at each of these.

By definition, malice is the intention or desire to do evil due to enmity against someone in our heart. While in some contexts this term simply means evil, depravity, or vice, the intent here regards ill-will. This refers to something that destroys fellowship which is harmful and could destroy Christian communities. It is often associated with grumbling, bitterness, and envy. This is an internal heart issue that eventually shows up in negative behavior.

Next comes guile, essentially saying one thing but meaning another. The idea here is that the person is speaking or acting with evil ulterior motives, which would in some way cause harm if the person accepted it. Next, comes a similar idea, hypocrisy. This is the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one’s own behavior does not conform. This is where people are not so much robbed or injured as deceived.

Next we see envy, a feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else’s possessions, qualities, luck, etc. This is looking at someone and either wishing you had something they had, or wishing they did not have it. And finally, slander. This is the idea of spreading something false about someone that injures a brother or sister’s reputation.

None of these should be done or promoted in the Christian community. These are the ways of the world, not of believers. As Peter wrote earlier, “Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy.”   1 Peter 1:13-16. We are to be holy in our conduct and our thoughts. None of these are holy activities and should not be in us.

We are to be as infants who when hungry go for the mother’s milk. We should desire the word of God in the scriptures and learn how we are to live, and how not to live. We are called to love everyone; God, our brothers, and sisters in Christ, and those who are not saved. If we have malice, envy, and/or deceit in our hearts, or are hypocritical and slanderous, how can we say we love others? Jesus told the disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35. Do not take on these sinful activities, for in no ways are these characteristics of love, and if people see or hear of us doing them, it will cover the light we are to be in the world. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16.  

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

1 Peter 1:6

Verse of the Day Devotion.  1 Peter 1:6

“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,” – 1 Peter 1:6     

Peter was encouraging the Christians who were scattered throughout the land. “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in fullest measure.” 1 Peter 1:1-2. Peter then encourages them to remember that because of Jesus’ great mercy, He has provided us the ability to be born again to a living hope through the death and resurrection of Jesus. And this living hope is, “to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:4-5.

And because of this living hope, “you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,” 1 Peter 1:6. We who love the Lord have our joy even in our present adversity. We have heaven here because Jesus is with us and in us, and after we leave here,  we will be with Jesus in the eternal heaven. Though sometimes cast down in our trials, we are glad at heart because a wonderful eternity awaits us. If we were not distressed during our troubles we would not be like Christ Jesus. It is a rule of the kingdom that all the members must be like the Head. They/we are to be like the Head in that day when He shall appear. We will be like him because we will see him just as he is. But we must be like the Head also in His humiliation, or else we cannot be like Him in his glory. “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is.” 1 John 3:2.

Now in verse 7 we see what proves we have faith. “that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold, which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:7-9. In these verses, Peter gives a fuller explanation of the divine purposes behind the grief which Christians now experience. They may have to experience grief in various trials, so that the genuineness of our faith may result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Think of it this way. You shall go into the woods when you please, but if you are very quiet you will not know whether there is a partridge or a pheasant or a rabbit in it. But when you begin to move about or make a noise, you very soon see the living creatures. They rise or they run. So when affliction comes into the soul and makes a disturbance and breaks our peace, up rise our graces. Faith comes out of its hiding, and love leaps from its secret place.

Peter thus shows grief and joy to be normal in the Christian life. Grief arises because of many difficulties encountered in this fallen world, but faith looks to the unseen reality beyond this present existence and rejoices. Christians are being watched by the world. And during trials and tribulations, if we show our faith by remaining true to Jesus, some will look at us and desire to know how we do it. And this may open the door to share with them the truth, and maybe lead them to salvation through Christ.

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

Philippians 1:12

Verse of the Day Devotion.  Philippians 1:12

“Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel,” Philippians 1:12  

This is a very powerful verse, for it shows Paul’s thoughts on what is really important. He was in a Roman prison, a place that was not where anyone wanted to be for the harshness of the guards was well known. But look at what he says. “Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel. so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else,” Philippians 1:12-13. Paul was more concerned about the gospel spreading throughout the land then the fact he was imprisoned. And because of this, he did not mind where he was, or what he suffered. In fact, because he was there, many who would never have heard the truth were given the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was able to witness for Christ among the Praetorian guards, who were in charge of the prison where he was confined, and who also, in their turn, were on duty in Caesar’s palace. Paul says that, through his being in bonds there, the particulars concerning his imprisonment were talked about even in the imperial palace, and by that means the gospel was made known to many in Caesar’s household.

Next, we see, “and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.” Philippians 1:14. Because he was in prison, many had been persuaded by his imprisonment to be more daring in their proclamation of the word. They understood that calling attention to the faith might expose Paul to ridicule and abuse by his guards and might even prejudice his case. But they also know that he has been appointed for the defense of the gospel and is prepared to suffer in its cause. Charles Spurgeon gives a great image of this. “You have sometimes seen a widely spreading oak tree cut down, and you have missed its grateful shadow. Yet afterwards you have discovered that many little trees, which would have been dwarfed beneath its shade, have grown more rapidly in its absence.  In like manner, the removal of some eminent servant of the Lord Jesus Christ has frequently made room for others to spring up, and more than fill his place.”

Next, we read, “Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment.” Philippians 1:15-17. It seems that even in Rome there was a party which was jealous of the influence Paul had, and they thought his imprisonment was a good opportunity to diminish his influence and to strengthen their own cause. But Paul did not let this upset him, for he was confident that over time it would succeed. It is desired that all who preach Christ should preach in a right spirit. But even if they do not, let us be glad that Christ is preached anyhow. Again, Charles Spurgeon illustrates it so well. “You have, perhaps, sometimes seen a little fire kindled among the dead autumn leaves, which are dank and damp. You have noticed that, despite all the smoke, the fire has continued to live and burn. So it is with the eternal truth of God. Notwithstanding all the error with which it is often damped, and almost smothered, it will live, and the truth will conquer the error that is piled upon it.”

In closing, we may go through difficult times, but who knows why God allows or orchestrates it. He knows everything and allows some things to happen for an overall good. Paul was in prison, and it gave him the opportunity to share the gospel with the prison guards, and ultimately to the imperial palace through them. Many Christians have been imprisoned for their faith, which gave them the opportunity share the gospel with those imprisoned there, along with the guards and anyone else they had contact with. And sometimes, things happen to us in order for someone to see God working through us. Be at peace, for as one of my favorite verses states, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28. We must trust Him that ultimately it will end with His will being accomplished. Remember, God’s calling to us is to preach the gospel and spread His truth to everyone. And if He knows hard times will make a positive difference, accept it, knowing these times will eventually go away forever.

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

Philemon 1:16

Verse of the Day Devotion.  Philemon 1:16 

“No longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.” – Philemon 1:16     

The main theme in this book is Onesimus, a runaway slave from Philemon. He was a fugitive who had robbed his master and then fled to Rome, where he believed he could hide in the large city and thus not be found. Onesimus encountered Paul, who was in prison, who helped him become a Christian. Then finding out that he was a slave of Philemon, Paul wrote this letter to him regarding Onesimus. “Therefore, though I have enough confidence in Christ to order you to do that which is proper, yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you. since I am such a person as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus “ Philemon 1:8-9. Paul starts by saying he does not want to enforce compliance with his words but wants Philemon to do this of his own accord, in an attitude of love which governs the Christian. And by  mentioning his age and imprisonment, he can expect that Philemon will pay due respect to what he has to say.

Then he brings up his request. “I appeal to you for my child, whom I have begotten in my imprisonment, Onesimus, who formerly was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me. And I have sent him back to you in person, that is, sending my very heart,” Philemon 1:10-12. Paul had led Onesimus to salvation through Christ while he was imprisoned. Obviously, his conversion was real, and Paul wanted to get this truth across. Then he uses a play on words. ‘who formerly was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me’. The name Onesimus means useful or profitable. It was a common name for slaves in that day. Prior to his salvation, Onesimus had been useless or unprofitable to Philemon, but now he had become beneficial to both Philemon and to Paul. Upon becoming saved Onesimus lived up to his name.

Paul wrote this letter to Philemon, asking/pleading him to accept Onesimus back, but not as simply a slave but as a Christian, a brother in Christ. Paul really loved Onesimus because of the great blessing he had been to Paul. In fact, in the next verse he would have liked him to stay. “Whom I wished to keep with me, that in your behalf he might minister to me in my imprisonment for the gospel; but without your consent I did not want to do anything, that your goodness should not be as it were by compulsion, but of your own free will. For perhaps he was for this reason parted from you for a while, that you should have him back forever,” Philemon 1:13-15. Paul would have liked to keep Onesimus with him, for he had rendered faithful service and could continue to give to him. Nevertheless, he does not want, under any circumstances, to encroach upon the decision which only Philemon, as the slave’s rightful master, could make. He wanted Philemon to make the decision on his own without any compelling by Paul.

Then he says, if he goes back, the following in our focus verse, “no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.” Philemon 1:16. He asks him not to receive him back as a slave, but as a brother in Christ. That is how Paul saw him, and he was encouraging him to feel the same. And then finally, “If then you regard me a partner, accept him as you would me.” Philemon 1:17. Paul wanted Philemon to accept Onesimus as he has and would accept him. Their fellowship is grounded in their belonging to one Lord. This deeply binding relationship draws them together into common activities, in faith and love. On the basis of this bond, Paul makes his request in which he not only intercedes for Onesimus, but even identifies himself with him. All the love that Philemon will give to Onesimus will be considered as love that he had given to Paul himself.

We need to exhibit these characteristics in our lives. Employers, political leaders, and parents must follow the spirit of Paul’s teaching by treating Christian employees, co-workers, and family members as members of Christ’s Body. Christians in modern society must not view helpers as ways to achieve their ambitions but as Christian brothers and sisters who should receive gracious treatment. Also, all Christian leaders must recognize that God holds them accountable for the treatment of those who work for them, whether the helpers are Christians or not. We all will eventually answer to God for our actions toward others.

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

Philemon 1:4

Verse of the Day Devotion.  Philemon 1:4 

“I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers,” – Philemon 1:4  

There are only five books in the entire Bible that only have one chapter: one in the Old Testament, Obadiah, and four in the New Testament, second and third John, Jude, and Philemon. This is the only book which was written to an individual. But it is understood by this that he was a beloved friend of Paul. At this time Paul was a prisoner of Rome, of circumstances brought on the religious leaders. “Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker, and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philemon  1-3.

So, in our focus verse we read, “I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers,” Philemon 4. Paul was a man of prayer. He was thankful for his relationship with Philemon and often lifted him up in prayer. He makes a similar statement to the Church in Ephesus. “For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you, and your love for all the saints, do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers;” Ephesians 1:15-16. And why is he thankful to God for him? Paul then says, “because I hear of your love, and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints; and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake. For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.” Philemon 5-7. Paul says there are two things he has heard that make him thankful to God for Philemon: his love for all of God’s people and his faith in the Lord Jesus. Now he may have heard this from Onesimus, or others who Paul has heard from, but either way, he was told Philemon had strong faith in the Lord Jesus, and ardent love towards all who were Christians. So much so, that he had a church in his home. Note in his opening statement above, “and to the church in your house”.

Paul was a radical believer in Christ.  Before this he was a Pharisee and is known today as a Pharisee of Pharisees. He hated the disciples of Jesus for a long time, to the point that he requested permission and letters from the synagogues at Damascus to bind and bring to Jerusalem anyone who was a follower of Jesus (See Acts 9:1-2). But he was converted to a follower soon after. “And it came about that as he journeyed, he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; and he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? And he said, “Who art Thou, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, but rise, and enter the city, and it shall be told you what you must do.” Acts 9:3-6.

Paul, formerly Saul, became so devoted to Christ that he left everything else behind in order to serve Him. And one thing he did was pray for the Church and the believers. The Church was going through much persecution and Christians everywhere, just as Paul and other leaders in the Church spent their time. And with things going in the direction it is going, we all need to be praying for our fellow Christians and the Church itself as well. The enemy is focusing on dividing the Church, and we need to pray that God will intervene and help us keep our unity.

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

Hebrews 13:1

Verse of the Day Devotion.  Hebrews 13:1 

“Let love of the brethren continue.” – Hebrews 13:1     

When we read this verse it implies that brotherly love already exists within the church, but the writer was telling them it was important to continue in it. And we must be careful that we today do the same. There are many things that can do away with it, and we must eliminate them in order to keep brotherly love alive. Jesus felt this was so important, He declared it a new commandment. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35. This is important regarding how the world sees us. If people see two Christians arguing and speaking harshly to each other, they may decide the Christian life is no different than what they see now.

We must see others better than ourselves; therefore we must seek our brother’s and sister’s good to their edification. Unfortunately, the church today is divided into various denominations, and unfortunately beliefs as well. We must look for peace and unity with all those who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Hold firmly on to what you believe, for we must not change what we believe on a whim. But wherever you see anything of Christ, confess relationships there, and act as a brother or sister in Christ with all who declare Christ as Savior.

Brotherly love is a major theme of the New Testament. In a healthy family, brothers and sisters love one another and look out for each other. If one family member is in trouble, the whole family rallies around to help. The old adage “He ain’t heavy; he’s my brother” captures God’s ideal for His children. We are to be kind to each other the way brothers and sisters in a loving family are.

Scripture gives examples of people practicing brotherly love. After David ascended to the throne of Israel, he said, “Is there yet anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” 2 Samuel 9:1. He had no relationship with Saul’s extended family, yet, because of his close friendship with Saul’s son Jonathan, he wanted to show brotherly love to Jonathan’s family. When the church at Antioch heard that the church in Jerusalem would soon be suffering from a famine, they gave sacrificially to help relieve their brothers’ and sisters’ financial burden. “Now at this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them named Agabus stood up and began to indicate by the Spirit that there would certainly be a great famine all over the world. And this took place in the reign of Claudius. And in the proportion that any of the disciples had means, each of them determined to send a contribution for the relief of the brethren living in Judea. And this they did, sending it in charge of Barnabas and Saul to the elders.” Acts 11:27-30.  Churches in Macedonia and Achaia also contributed to the poor in Jerusalem. These are all examples of brotherly love.

And one last thing. We are actually called to love everyone, including our enemies. “You have heard that it was said, YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR, and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax-gatherers do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48.

I want to encourage everyone reading this to be kind to, and love all of our brothers and sisters in Christ. However, we are also called to love the unsaved, to bring them to the Lord, including our enemies. When we love everyone, we will show the reality of our Christian walk. When we as a church are in unity, we show that the body of Christ is a good and safe place to be, and when we love our enemies, we may make a big difference in their lives by making them not an enemy anymore. Love is the solution for reaching the lost and working together as the body of Christ. We will be amazed at what we can accomplish if we do all.

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

Hebrews 12:1

Verse of the Day Devotion.  Hebrews 12:1 

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” – Hebrews 12:1 

Because of the word ‘therefore’ that begins this paragraph, this is referring back to a previous chapter, namely chapter 11. To start, both the Greeks and Latins used the term ‘cloud’ to speak of a great number of persons or things. Therefore, what is referred to here is a great number of people who have witnessed something. This does not necessarily mean they are witnessing something that is happening now. Here, this probably refers to what they have seen back in their time. And what did thy witness? True unadulterated faith in the one who was coming: the Messiah. And this was faith in something they never saw. “And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they should not be made perfect.” Hebrews 11:39-40. They may not have seen the coming Messiah, but they believed the promises of God delivered to them. One definition of witness is ‘knowledge’ from what you already experienced.

So, what did they witness? Here are a few of what is meant. With Moses we see, “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin;  considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that he who destroyed the first-born might not touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned.” Hebrews 11:24-29.

Then with others, “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace. And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, in order that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mocking and scourging’s, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.” Hebrews 11:30-38. And as stated above, they did not receive what was promised, for what was promised was still in the future. In faith, they persevered because they had witnessed the power of God, if not the culmination of their faith.

In a courtroom, a witness may not necessarily be one who saw a particular action, but has seen an equivalent action before, and knows the inevitable outcome. This is what is meant here by witnesses. These men lived by faith in God, not wavering, and ultimately witnessing the faithfulness of God. And this is what we are to do. Knowing that God is faithful in whatever He says, we can be sure we have an incredible future ahead of us, if we remain strong. Many Christians are looked down upon, and many times hated because the life we live is counter to the life they live. And in some countries, the penalty for their belief is torture and death. And there is no evidence to say this will not happen here as well. Therefore, as the writer of Hebrews wrote regarding what we are to do, “let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1b-2. And if we do all we can to accomplish this, we will join our Savior in heaven and spend eternity in our glorious new Home with Him.

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

Hebrews 10:23

Verse of the Day Devotion.  Hebrews 10:23 

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” – Hebrews 10:23    

This is such an important verse. We should never doubt what God has done for us through Christ. Looking back we read the following. “Since therefore, brethren, we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh,” Hebrews 10:19-20. Under the Jewish Law in the Old Testament, there was an ordinance stating that no man should ever go into the holiest of all places in the temple, with the one exception of the high priest, and he but once a year on the Day of Atonement. and not without the blood of the sacrifice. If any man had attempted to enter there he must have died, as guilty of great presumption and of profane intrusion into the secret place of the Most High.

However, with the death of Christ on the cross we can now enter by a new and living way, that being through the veil, Christ’s flesh, signified by the tearing of the veil at the moment He died. “And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up His spirit. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, and the earth shook; and the rocks were split, and the tombs were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered the holy city and appeared to many.” Matthew 27:50-54. At no time prior to this did anyone but the High Priest, and then only once a year, was anyone allowed into the Holy of Holies; the inner sanctum of the Temple. But with His death, the veil is torn giving access to God the Father through Him. In a sense, the veil was symbolic of Christ Himself as the only way to the Father. “Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.” John 14:6. 

Now we see in the next couple of verses, “and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful”. Hebrews 10:21-23. The Israelite could not pass through the veil that hid from public gaze the glory of the Shekinah, and Jesus Christ’s humanity was a veil that somewhat concealed the glory of His Deity. But the flesh of Christ having been crucified, the veil has been rent being His body, and now we may come right up to the throne of God without trembling. We may come even with holy boldness and familiarity and speak to God without alarm. Having such a privilege as this, let us not neglect it. It was denied to prophets and kings in the olden time; but now that it is given to us, let us avail ourselves of it.

We come before God with humility due to Christ’s sacrifice, not in our character. Therefore, we may come as perfect at all times, knowing that God sees no sin in us. In this sense, Christ has perfected forever every consecrated vessel of His mercy. Is this not a delightful thought: that when I come before the throne of God, I feel myself a sinner, but God does not look upon me as one? When I approach Him to offer my thanksgiving, I feel that I am unworthy in myself, but I am not unworthy in that official standing in which He has placed me. As a sanctified and perfected thing in Christ, I have the blood upon me; God regards me in my sacrifice, in my worship, and in myself as being perfect.

Take time to go before Him as often as possible. Because of what Christ did for us on the cross, we have access to God the Father, to fellowship with Him and to present our sins before Him in repentance. This was something no man had access to until the sacrifice from God of His son Jesus. And we can partake of this at any time. So, as the author of Hebrews said, draw near to God with a sincere heart in faith knowing that, as Christians, we are clean and thus have full access to Him. This is His promise and gift to us. Take advantage of it, for there is nothing better than coming before God and fellowshipping with Him.

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

Hebrews 6:6

Verse of the Day Devotion.  Hebrews 6:6 

“And then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame.” –  Hebrews 6:6  

The idea found in Hebrews 6:4-6 is one of the most difficult and controversial one to understand in all of scriptures. Lets look at verses 4-5. “For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come” Hebrews 6:4-5. This here speaks of ‘spiritual enlightenment’: understanding and acceptance of the truth. We know these are Christians for it states they are ‘partakers of the Holy Spirit’. They have the Holy Spirit dwelling within them. These are not simply those who declare they are Christians when actually they have never given their lives to Christ. These are actual Christians.

Then, it is in our focus verse where the major difficulty comes. “and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame.” Hebrews 6:6. Many people see this as a losing of their salvation. But this is not what it is saying. They are not ‘losing’ their salvation, they are ‘leaving/walking away from their salvation. They are becoming ‘apostates’, which are those who abandon or renounce Christianity, and ultimately Christ Himself. Remember what John wrote. “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8-9. Unfortunately, as Christians we will sin from time to time. However, if we go before Him and ask Him for forgiveness, He will grant it to us. Therefore, this is not what the author was speaking of. Falling away refers not to sin in general, but to the specific sin of apostasy. By backing away from the faith, you essentially back away from what He did for you. Thus, the idea regarding be crucified again.

The next two verses give us an illustration using farmland. “For ground that drinks the rain which often falls upon it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God; but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned. ” Hebrews 6:7-8. The rain that falls from heaven corresponds to the enlightening blessings of verses 4–5. If the seed of the word of God is truly present in the soil, the hearts of men and women, the rain causes fruitful crops to grow, fulfilling the blessing intended by God. But where the word of truth, though heard, has been rejected, the rain can only quicken that which is already in the soil, that being thorns and thistles. And continued rain will only make matters worse, not better. Such fruitless land will merit the ultimate cursing of God and be finally given over to burning.

Such a scenario parallels the condition Jesus describes of certain branches of the true vine which do not abide in him and are therefore cut off and gathered into the fire and burned. Jesus says essentially the same thing as written by John. “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch, and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” John 15:1-6.

In closing, those who stay true to Christ and follow His ways are guaranteed eternal life with Him. “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” John 5:24. However, there will be some who will reject the faith they had believed in. Their eternal future is not glorious. But will be eternal punishment in the lake of fire. Spend time in the scriptures, strengthen your faith through study and prayer. And also use this time as preparation to be ready to help and strengthen those who need assistance in keeping their faith. “Brethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:1-2. If you see someone drifting away, do what you can, in love, to draw them back to the truth. You will be blessing them, yourself, and ultimately God.

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