2 Corinthians 3:17 (KJV) Paul’s Antidote for "Lethalism"

2 Corinthians 3:17 (KJV)
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

2 Corinthians 3:6 (KJV)
Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

The Lord Jesus Christ is that Spirit that gives both liberty and life to the New Testament believer.

Jews, entrenched in the letter of Old Testament law, had turned God’s Word into a lethal moral code. Abandoning the Spirit of the Lord, they had reinterpreted and reconstructed the faith God delivered to Moses into something diametrically opposed to the Spirit of the Lord. Faith in Christ restores that Spirit.

Reformed theology, dating back to its very beginning, attempts to preserve the lethal letter while claiming to possess the Spirit at the same time.  One has merely to run into the likes of today’s modern Reformed podcasters to experience this deathly faith first hand. Apparently this same tendency existed in Corinth.

Paul’s antidote was, as it is today, a good dose of Jesus. When we read the Word of God through lens of the Savior we find liberty of conscience and life for all who humble themselves and believe.

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For this and more than 3700 earlier Daily Visits with God visit Marvin McKenzie’s blogger page. There you will find daily visits going back to 2006.

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2 Corinthians 3:17 (KJV) Paul’s Antidote for Lethalism

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2 Corinthians 2:3 (KJV) How To Overcome Heaviness of Heart

2 Corinthians 2:3 (KJV)
And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.

Apostle Paul said in the first verse that he had determined not to come to Corinth in heaviness. There were things that had caused heaviness in his heart. He said there had been many tears and much affliction and anguish. But he took steps to turn that around.

First, he determined to do itNo bout of depression and sorrow will end accidentally. A person is going to have to decide to get out of the funk.

Secondly, he took stepsIf a person is going to climb out of the dumps he is going to have to climb.

Thirdly he wrotePaul wrote the church in Corinth and confronted the situation head on. You’ll have someone else to write and you’ll have different reasons to write, but write. Sometimes it’s not a person we need to write to but a subject upon which we must write. Many times no one else will ever read it for we know we should never publish it. Writing has healing properties all its own.

Fourthly Paul forgaveBitterness, refusing to forgive, is a poison that kills only the one who holds it. Forgiveness is an antidote for depression.

Fifthly, Paul continued preaching the gospelStay active. Stay productive. Positive contributions lead to positive thinking. Especially stay faithful witnessing. The lost need us to do it. It may be that we need to do it even more than they need to hear it.

Sixth, Paul found fellowshipWe need good Christian fellowship when we are down.

Seventh, Paul was thankfulThink about things for which to give thanks daily.

Finally Paul focused on ChristTrue thoughts concerning Christ can only lift the one thinking them.

To my readers:
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For this and more than 3700 earlier Daily Visits with God visit Marvin McKenzie’s blogger page. There you will find daily visits going back to 2006.

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2 Corinthians 2:3 (KJV) How To Overcome Heaviness of Heart

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Jeremiah 14:10-12 (KJV) When Grace Is Used Up

Jeremiah 14:10-12 (KJV)
Thus saith the LORD unto this people, Thus have they loved to wander, they have not refrained their feet, therefore the LORD doth not accept them; he will now remember their iniquity, and visit their sins.Then said the LORD unto me, Pray not for this people for their good.When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I will not accept them: but I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence.

Jeremiah 15:1 (KJV)
Then said the LORD unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind could not be toward this people: cast them out of my sight, and let them go forth.

There is a theme beginning here and running into chapter fifteen that is terrifying to the sober minded reader. Judah comes to a place where God concludes, “…my mind could not be toward this people…”

• No prayers would avail 
• No great men of God would turn Him

They must be cast out of God’s sight.

In our New Testament economy this would be ultimately fulfilled in the Lake of Fire and Brimstone. What a terrible day when death and hell is delivered to God and then cast head long into eternal judgment.

But there are hints enough in the New Testament to indicate that some could find themselves even now outside the mercy of the Lord.

• I cannot tell who it might be
• I praise the Lord that many may appear to be there and still receive mercy
• They most certainly are not elected vessels of wrath

We must therefore forever pray and work to see them saved.

The warning still exists and should frighten any who tread lightly on the grace of God. It could be one day that grace is used up.

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Jeremiah 14:10-12 (KJV) When Grace Is Used Up

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2 Corinthians 1:23-24 (KJV) Don’t Wait For Your Preacher

2 Corinthians 1:23-24 (KJV)
Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

The believers in Corinth expected Paul to visit them. He had said he would, they desired him to do it but he hadn’t done it yet. Instead he wrote this letter. Paul said he did not come for two reasons I can see:

To spare themIt might have been he wanted to spare them of the rebuke they deserved based on his first letter. Waiting gave time for them to make corrections and for any “frustration ” on Paul’s part to subside.

If Paul gave them opportunity they might repent, turn things around and then a future visit could be a joyful reunion rather than a stressful confrontation.

That their faith would growPaul’s hesitation provided time to allow them to work things out without him. They were growing believers. They surely could deal with these issues without Paul’s presence. They must be able to do so. Their faith could not rest in him. It must be on the Lord.

It is far too easy for believers to grow dependent upon their preacher to an unhealthy level. Like the student who would rather ask his teacher for the definition of a word instead of looking it up for themselves, sometimes a Christian would rather call for the preacher rather than wait upon the Lord.

The teacher makes for a good illustration here; a student needs a teacher to guide their education. Early in the learning process that teacher will very likely look up answers right in front of the student. This is meant to give that student an excitement for learning and show them how to find answers. The teacher is vital to the student but the student must not lean too heavily on the teacher or he will never learn to find answers for himself.

Similarly a preacher is there to help guide the believer’s walk with God. He is not there to replace God. Every Christian needs a preacher. Thank God for them! But no Christian is healthy who must have his preacher’s presence to sense the presence of God.

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2 Corinthians 1:23-24 (KJV) Don’t Wait For Your Preacher

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1 Corinthians 16:3-14 (KJV) How To Handle Uncertainty

1 Corinthians 16:3-14 (KJV)
And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.Let all your things be done with charity.

I can’t help but notice all of the uncertainties and variables associated with this passage:

• Whomsoever he shall approve 
• If it be meet that I go also
• It may be that I will abide
• If the Lord permit
• If Timotheus come
• I greatly desire him to come

There are some sure promises for the eternal future. We cling to those. But life on this earth is seldom absolute. It could be described as absolutely uncertain.

• We may believe a thing to be the will of God but it might not come to pass 
• We may instruct a person under us in a particular way but they may not follow us
• We may plan to do a specific thing 

but our plans may be overridden.

What is a person to do in such an certain world? The passage given us two principles:
In the personal case, trust the Lord.He will permit things to happen. Some of them will appear from our perspective to be positive; some of them will appear from our perspective to me negative. In either case, trust Him. He may not permit something we wish to happen. It will always be for our good. Trust Him

In the case of others be charitableIt may be that we wish strongly for one to make this decision or that and they disregard our wishes.

• Sometimes we can see that pain and trouble will be their lot because of the choices they make
• Sometimes they choose a course we consider to be a hindrance to the work of God
• Sometimes they disappoint us and break our hearts

In these cases the rule of the day is “Let all your things be done with charity. “

To my readers:
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For this and more than 3700 earlier Daily Visits with God visit Marvin McKenzie’s blogger page. There you will find daily visits going back to 2006.

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1 Corinthians 16:3-14 (KJV) How To Handle Uncertainty

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Jeremiah 12:14-17 (KJV) God Offers Compassion

Jeremiah 12:14-17 (KJV)
Thus saith the LORD against all mine evil neighbours, that touch the inheritance which I have caused my people Israel to inherit; Behold, I will pluck them out of their land, and pluck out the house of Judah from among them.And it shall come to pass, after that I have plucked them out I will return, and have compassion on them, and will bring them again, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land.And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, The LORD liveth; as they taught my people to swear by Baal; then shall they be built in the midst of my people.But if they will not obey, I will utterly pluck up and destroy that nation, saith the LORD.

There is a warning here to those who are enemies of God; if they will not turn to the Lord and obey they will be destroyed. But the focus of this passage is not concerning judgment but rather compassion.

God’s audience in this case is Babylon, the evil neighbors of Israel.

• They were then
• They are still today

Because of the terminology I believe we can include the Philistines, Assyrians and even nations such as Egypt. The point is that God offered to them compassion.

They were known enemies, they had committed evil atrocities against the people of God and God promised to exact judgment because of it. I believe a case could be made that the judgment has been dealt in part by the rule of Islam in that land. No good thing comes of Islam.

However there is the offer that if they will learn the ways of the people of God then God will include them as His own. This, I think, is fulfilled in the local church where Jews and Gentiles are included together as one.

No matter how much an enemy one has been to the people of God, or for that matter one is currently, there is compassion and inclusion for any who will come to learn of Christ.

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Jeremiah 12:14-17 (KJV) God Offers Compassion

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1 Corinthians 15:12-19 (KJV) Otherwise, It Is Wasted

1 Corinthians 15:12-19 (KJV)
Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

There were apparently people in the church at Corinth who, though they acknowledged the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, denied that there will be a future resurrection of the believers.

The influence of the Sadducees must have crept in.

In their theology, Jesus' resurrection gave way to Christianity but Christianity gave no way for eternal life. They saw the Christian faith, I suppose, as a practical tool for moral good. Like those Paul referenced in 2 Timothy 3:5, they had the form of godliness but denied the power thereof.

Paul's argument turns this around and demands that if there is no power for resurrection then Christ cannot have been resurrected and Christianity is vain - useless.

Worse, it is miserable.

The point is that the force of the Christian faith is its supernatural nature.

• If Christianity offers no future
• If Christianity bears no power through God
• If Christianity is nothing more than a kind of social order

then Christianity is worthless.

The Christian faith looks deeply into life after death. It quickens the dead, gives hope to the most difficult of circumstances and provides power, yes, more than inspiration, supernatural power.

Faith in Christ offers the believer

• Weapons for spiritual warfare
• Directions for traversing darkness and 
• Tools for removing mountains 

If it does not then it is wasted.

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1 Corinthians 15:12-19 (KJV) Otherwise, It Is Wasted

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1 Corinthians 14:2 (KJV) Speaking Into the Air

1 Corinthians 14:2 (KJV)
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

1 Corinthians 14:4 (KJV)
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

The charismatic Christian puts a positive spin on 1 Corinthians 14:2, claiming that to speak in tongues is to speak to God Himself. That’s a hasty and not so sound spin, since 1 Corinthians 14:4 says that speaking in tongues just edifices self.

It seems to me that verse 2 uses the phrase “speaketh … unto God” about the same way we would use a phrase like “speaking into the air.” What we mean is “nobody’s listening.”

The tenor of the whole chapter is, behaving in a manner that benefits the whole church. Speaking in unknown tongues is, according to the teachings of 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14:

• Devilish
• Childish and 
• Selfish

No serious Bible believing Christian should practice it.[1]

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1 Corinthians 14:2 (KJV) Speaking Into the Air

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[1] Or attend a church that encourages it.

1 Corinthians 13:11 (KJV) Put Away Childishness

1 Corinthians 13:11 (KJV)
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

There comes a point in every boy’s life when he must become a man.

• It may be due to the loss of a parent 
• Maybe it will be caused by a traumatic event 
• Frequently it happens when an 18 year old boy is handed a weapon, goes through some quick training, and finds himself in combat

Usually mom and sometimes dad wish their son wouldn’t grow up so fast. Like that doting mother who procrastinates her little boy’s first haircut and then saves a lock of his hair because it is so cute, we would just as soon delay our children’s final step into adulthood as long as possible.

But they do have to grow up. And when they do they must put away childish things.

• Irresponsibility 
• Foolishness 
• Carelessness 

among them. It might be some friendships that hinder maturity that needs to be severed. There may be some games and other secular entertainments that must now be shelved. Certainly there are some incredible notions that must be cast off in “mandom.”

There is nothing wrong with being childlike when you are a child. Just remember that one day we all need to grow up and put away those childish things.

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1 Corinthians 13:11 (KJV) Put Away Childishness

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Jeremiah 10:23-25 (KJV) Is This Hate Speech?

Jeremiah 10:23-25 (KJV)
O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing.Pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name: for they have eaten up Jacob, and devoured him, and consumed him, and have made his habitation desolate.

I can envision someone reading Jeremiah 10:25 and pointing a critical finger at the so-called hate speech it contains. No doubt it is a fearful prayer but a couple of thoughts derived from the context softens the blow (or at least gives it some background.)

I note that the prophet accepts man’s vulnerability.Man is not able to direct his own paths. This does not excuse wicked behavior but it does explain it.

I see that he calls upon God to correct him before he calls for others to be judged.He asks that the correction be merciful but he does ask for it first.

He asks that the enemy be destroyed not because they are different but because they are an enemy.The one he seeks judgment upon is one who has already inflicted judgment against him and his people.

Those who scream against Christians for what they think is hate speech are generally deaf to the hateful things those like them say about believers. This isn’t the case of two cultures living peaceably side-by-side. In this case Christians have nearly two thousand years of persecution backing them. Those who are anti Christian have never been content to simply let Christians exist. They have used overt and covert means of stopping Christians.

We have had a couple hundred years of relative peace here in the United States and the opponents of Christianity have forgotten how hateful those like them have been against us.

For a Christian to pray that God destroys those who would destroy them is not hateful-it is practical and sensible. Especially when it is taken into account that the way Christians wish their enemies to be destroyed is not that they be killed but that they be converted.

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Jeremiah 10:23-25 (KJV) Is This Hate Speech?

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1 Corinthians 12:13 (KJV) Thoughtful Study

1 Corinthians 12:13 (KJV)
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

So much of what passes for Christian thinking is based on misinformation and presupposition rather than Bible doctrine.

This passage does not teach the every Christian is baptized into the Spirit at salvation. It teaches that every Christian who is Scripturally baptized is led to do so by the Holy Spirit.

• The Holy Spirit motivates scriptural baptism
• The Holy Spirit is not the mode of Scriptural baptism

Great care has to be taken that we study the Word of God more than merely read it. When we read it without much thought we will invariably read into what we already think we know.

A thoughtful study will likely reveal wonderful truths we never imagined are there.

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1 Corinthians 12:13 (KJV) Thoughtful Study

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1 Corinthians 11:4 (KJV) Christianity and Culture

1 Corinthians 11:4 (KJV)
Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.

Very frequently the subject of Christianity and culture comes to play in popular discussions.

No one questions whether Christianity is a culture, what they question is whether Christianity ought to influence or bend to other cultures.

The subject has been a big one and, in some respects, considered settled in the world of missions. Beginning, as I understand it, with Hudson Taylor, it has become the normal thing for missionaries to meld their faith into the popular culture of the area. Rather than conforming the converts of a field to the culture of the missionary, the missionary learns to adapt his message to the culture of the field.

This mentality seems to be increasingly obvious here in the United States as we shift to a non-Christian culture. More and more churches are expected to conform to the changes in societal culture. To refuse is to be legalistic and, worse, unchristian. Allow me to say that again. This post-Christian culture believes it to be non-Christian to refuse to adapt faith to their culture.

I don’t think this should surprise us too much given what was the great objection to Christianity in societies like China where Hudson Taylor ministered; they didn’t want the white God to change their way of life, their culture. Isn’t this also the huge attack leveled against missionary work among the Native American Indians over the last couple of centuries? Christianity changed their culture. I am part Native American.[1] When I first became a Christian I had some who tried to turn me from the faith. One was an old chief from the Tacoma area. He drew the Indian medicine wheel. Then he drew a cross inside the wheel and said, “The cross divided the Indian culture.”

What I notice in our text is that Paul didn’t consider the individual cultures of the many people groups he had already preached to and the many more God knew his message would reach. With something as seemingly innocuous as the length of hair a man and a woman wore, he gave a decisive instruction. It would be the same instruction regardless of culture.

I know that there are many cultural issues that are spiritual non-issues. But where the Bible is clear, our cultural preferences, no matter how important they may be to our heritage, ought to be surrendered to the Holy Spirit of God.

It is a controversial subject I know, but it is non-negotiable with God.

[1] I hear the politically correct title is now “Indigenous People.”

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1 Corinthians 11:4 (KJV) Christianity and Culture

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1 Corinthians 10:1-5 (KJV) Common Experiences

1 Corinthians 10:1-5 (KJV)
Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;And did all eat the same spiritual meat;And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

It is striking to see the word “all” so frequently repeated in these verses. I find it impossible to ignore. I am sure God is drawing our attention to it. All of those who left Egypt had common spiritual experiences. No exceptions.

• All were under the cloud 
• All passed through the sea
• All were baptized unto Moses…
• All did eat the same spiritual meat
• All did drink the same spiritual drink

They had all of this in common but still, with many of them God was not well pleased.

The lesson is clear, common spiritual experiences do not prove a common spiritual relationship with God.

• It isn’t church membership 
• It isn’t baptism
• It isn’t religious faithfulness 

As important as these things are, none of these prove a person has a peaceful and loving relationship with the Lord.

Interpret 1 Corinthians 10:12 and 13[1] in the light of this. It’s the reason we are urged to examine ourselves whether we be in the faith and not merely assume it. The temptation expressly meant is to believe you are reconciled to God (when you are not) and the way of escape is saving faith in Christ.

[1] 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (KJV)
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 

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1 Corinthians 10:1-5 (KJV) Common Experiences

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Jeremiah 5:2 (KJV) Hypocrisy

Jeremiah 5:2 (KJV)
And though they say, The LORD liveth; surely they swear falsely.

Here is a biblical example of genuine hypocrisy. The Jews told the truth about God. They were His chosen nation. It was through them that God gave the world the Word. It was also through them that God gave the world a Saviour. They had the heritage of Abraham Isaac and Jacob. They had the amazing birthright to Moses and David. No other people had a greater claim to say, “The Lord liveth.”

And yet, by Jeremiah’s day they said it without knowing it as fact.

• They had lost connection with God. 
• They had gone off in the worship of idols. 

They spoke the truth about God but they did so falsely because they had no personal experience with Him.

How often to we speak the truth falsely?

• We claim the Bible is the Word of God but we do not study it
• We declare that prayer changes things but we do not pray
• We believe the gospel to be the power of God unto salvation but we do not witness 

We can be as guilty as the Jews if our Christian testimony is only words but not real experience.

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Jeremiah 5:2 (KJV) Hypocrisy

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Jeremiah 4:3 (KJV) Christians Must Prepare

Jeremiah 4:3 (KJV)
For thus saith the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.

There is, in this chapter, a little element of hope:

• for Gentiles, 
• for Israel and 
• for Judah

Truth is there is hope in the Bible for everyone who will heed it.

• There is hope for those who repent 
• There is hope for those who return 
• There is hope for those who remain

God gave a message to Judah and Jerusalem, but the message makes sense for us all. Before we plant, we need to prepare. Just as seed placed on:

• hardened, 
• fallow and 
• thorny 

ground can hope to produce little, so it is true in the realm of the spiritual.

The best fruit will yield through preparation.

• A tender repentant heart will hear best the Bible message
• A soft and surrendered life will best walk after the Spirit 
• A prayed up and holy mind will best profit from study

What a blessing it is to see people trust the Lord as Saviour and begin to attend church! We must preach to them, however, that Christian growth requires more than attendance.

Christians must prepare so that they may produce spiritual benefits.

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Jeremiah 4:3 (KJV) Christians Must Prepare

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Jeremiah 1:14-19 (KJV) One Is Worth A Whole

Jeremiah 1:14-19 (KJV)
Then the LORD said unto me, Out of the north an evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land.For, lo, I will call all the families of the kingdoms of the north, saith the LORD; and they shall come, and they shall set every one his throne at the entering of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all the walls thereof round about, and against all the cities of Judah.And I will utter my judgments against them touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshipped the works of their own hands.Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them.For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.

I notice a series of ever shrinking circles drawn around Jeremiah:
The families of the kingdoms of the northThese would be those Gentile nations, most notably Assyria and Babylon.

All the cities of JudahThose of the southern kingdom, the northern being already destroyed.

The gates of JerusalemJeremiah dwelt and ministered in the heart of Jewry. And that heart had become corrupt. It was God’s intention to use the Kingdoms of the north to judge Judah and then Jerusalem just as He had already judged Israel. God revealed His intention to Jeremiah and tasked him with warning the Jews.

Jeremiah himselfThe final part of the text describes Jeremiah as a defensed city. God’s encouragement to him was that, while the judgment raged around him, God planned to protect him. God viewed him as more than an expendable. He was like an entire city in the estimation of the Lord. God would let no harm come to him.

Do we sometimes feel alone and unimportant? In the eyes of God every believer has the worth of a whole city. He would give Himself for just one because he estimates the worth of one as equal to all.

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Jeremiah 1:14-19 (KJV) One Is Worth A Whole

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