*Light*

You are hitting the leftist nail on its head my friend:
Trump Derangement or something much darker?

There are always unbelievers who attack the God of the Old Testament, and accusing Him of being some sort of tyrant. What they fail to realize is that the God of the OT is the SAME God of the NT. God's righteous indignation was poured out on those who hated God and despise His ways. Furthermore, we find that the more sin abounded, God's Grace also flourished (cf. Rom. 5:20) -- especially in the Incarnation of the Son of God.
God less!

Pentecost was the empowering of the already existing church. The disciples were instructed to wait for this empowering. The church was already in existence at pentecost.
The following are some scriptural evidences that the Church did not begin in the days of Abraham, or on the day of Pentecost, but rather during Christ's earthly ministry. The Church clearly existed before the day of Pentecost.

1. Jesus Christ said, "I will build my church" (Matt. 16:18) which He did during His earthly ministry.

2. The authority of disciples was placed in the church during Christ's earthly ministry (Matt. 18:15-19).

3. Jesus sang the praises of God "in the midst of the church" (Heb. 2:12; Matt. 26:30).

4. They had a commission to preach the Gospel before Pentecost (Matt. 10:5-7).

5. They had "the keys of the kingdom of heaven", and these were given to His church (Matt. 16:18-19).

6. They were baptized believers before Pentecost (Matt. 3:5-6; Jn. 4:1).

7. They had authority to baptize before Pentecost (Jn. 4:1; Matt. 28:18-20).

8. There was an ordination service before Pentecost (Mk. 3:13-14).

9. There were apostles before Pentecost; and the office of apostle was a church office (Eph. 4:11; I Cor. 12:28; Lk. 6:12-13).

10. They had a church roll of 120 members before Pentecost (Acts 1:15).

11. They had the Great Commission before Pentecost (Matt. 28:18-20).

12. About 3000 were added unto His church roll on the day of Pentecost; You cannot add to something that does not already exist Acts 2:41).

13. They had a business meeting before Pentecost (Acts 1:23-26).

14. They had a church treasurer before Pentecost (Jn. 13:29).

15. The ordinance of the Lord's Supper was instituted and observed before Pentecost (Matt. 26:26-30).

 

"... that he went into a mountain to pray and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day he called unto him his disciples and of them he chose twelve whom he named apostles. --- Luke 6:12-13.

"And God hath set some in the church, first apostles. --- I Corinthians 12:28.

Thank you for the fine study. I am glad that I belong to the Lord's assembly (church).
It is also refreshing for you to bring out 1 Corinthians 12:28 (most folks forget this verse). 
God bless!

Thanks for the devotional, Jim!
It really gets my blood boiling once Christmas season begins. It's all about what sort of presents will I be receiving; instead of the Greatest gift that God the Father purchased for us: His One and Only Son who bore our sins on the Cross. This world is becoming more paganized as the Coming of the Lord draws near!
God Bless!

Jim,
Thank you very much for this devotion on, 'Contrary Doctrine,' based on Romans 16:17
You hit the nail on the head on the following observation, "Why are there different doctrines among professing churches? We have possession of God’s Word. We also have division, sects, creeds and denominations, Why? Because they refuse to submit their whole moral being to the authority of the Scripture."
As you mentioned, the "contrary doctrines" from the false teachers, in the false churches, stem from the commandments of men, "The ‘so called’ church has wholly departed from the authority of the Word of God. In these churches, things are taught that have no foundation in the Scripture. They not only tolerate, but sanction and defend that which is in direct opposition to the mind of Christ. He spoke of them in Mat.15:8-9. This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."
God bless!
Alan
 

Thank you for posting this, Jim! We know that TRUE Christianity is the ONLY "religion" that is not based on "human achievement" -- but through the imputed righteousness from Christ as you pointed out very well. I am exasperated by all these "cults" that attempt to attain a righteous standing before God on their own merit; not knowing that their "righteousness" is nothing more than a menstrual cloth in God's sight. Matthew 7:21-23 gives an example of those who call Jesus lord, and then "boast" about their works (v.22); such false converts like SDA's, Jehovah's Witness, and Mormons will be in for a rude awakening on that day. Their "works" are nothing more than an "abomination" unto our Lord and God -- and a stench in His nostrils.
God Bless!

Thank you for posting this, Jim! We know that TRUE Christianity is the ONLY "religion" that is not based on "human achievement" -- but through the imputed righteousness from Christ as you pointed out very well. I am exasperated by all these "cults" that attempt to attain a righteous standing before God on their own merit; not knowing that their "righteousness" is nothing more than a menstrual cloth in God's sight. Matthew 7:21-23 gives an example of those who call Jesus lord, and then "boast" about their works (v.22); such false converts like SDA's, Jehovah's Witness, and Mormons will be in for a rude awakening on that day. Their "works" are nothing more than an "abomination" unto our Lord and God -- and a stench in His nostrils.
God Bless!

Thanks to Jesus Christ for the devotion that you have shared by Him, Jim_Alaska.
"   Mat.5:6. shows that becoming righteous by the grace of God is no accident. The words, “hungering and thirsting”, as it pertains to righteousness, comes only as one desires it. There must be an active choice on your part, salvation is no accident, and those who receive God’s salvation have made the choice to do so. It is also not just a determination on your part to become religious, the Pharisees were religious and Jesus condemned their religion. "  ~ Jim_Alaska
Although there is a seemingly active choice on our part, I cannot help but have my sights be lifted up higher by Him in regards to that seemingly active choice on our part to believe in Him. 
I agree that our believing in Jesus Christ by the grace of God is no accident.  John 3:18-21 testifies how God the Father knows whom is seeking Him from those that prefer their evil deeds as it is God the Father that reveals His Son to those that prefer Him ( Matthew 11:25-27 ) & the Father gives them to the Son to keep ( John 6:37-40 )
So I do not see it as an active choice on my part when my believing in Him is a work of God as well.  John 3:21
There wasn't even an active choice on anyone's part to choose to follow Him as His disciple.  John 15:16
The hardest thing for any believer & for myself to accept that I find is that there are vessels unto honor in His House AND there are vessels unto dishonor in His House.  2 Timothy 2:19-21  And although, one reads the vessel unto dishonor as mayhap pertaining to Israel, in Romans 9:11-21 , I cannot help but see by His grace that He is talking about believers that do not follow Him as His disciples as they shall be the vessels unto dishonor as well for not departing from iniquity.
Romans 9:11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) 12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. 13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. 14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. 15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. 17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. 18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. 19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? 20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? 21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? 
Feeling small as I should & I am, I hope in Jesus that He has chosen me to be His disciple, as I am recognizing that my hoping in Him that He has chosen me to be His disciple is also a work of God as well.  Even one of the fruits of the Spirit is faith ( Galatians 5:22 ) as that testifies to His workmanship in me for it is by Jesus Christ that I have faith in Him & He is keeping me when I continually have faith & hope in Him.  Philippians 1:6 &11
Many wise men after the flesh, the mighty, & the noble do respond by making an active choice of determination; of commitment; of promises to be seen by men to receive the praises of men, but not the elect. 
1 Corinthians 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
I give thanks to the Father in Jesus's name for my believing in Jesus Christ as I give thanks to Jesus for keeping me in the faith as I continually hope in my Friend that He is keeping me as His chosen friend in following Him as His disciple by abiding in Him & His words in loving others & bearing fruit by Him.
2 Timothy 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

The more often we submit ourselves to the will of God, the more we become sanctified through His truth. This brings about spiritual growth and obedience to His commandments -- and separation from the world. This also draws us nearer to Him -- and as a result, we become conformed and transformed to His likeness and treasure the things which He loves -- and despise the things that He despises.

That is a beautiful bird, Bro! There's so much *creativity* just in that one bird alone. This reminds me of the Tree of Life.
And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare [twelve manner of fruits], and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. (Revelation 22:1-2)
I not only believe that the *Tree of Life* has literal fruits -- but the fact that there are 12 fruits which are produced (simultaneously in the Greek) shows variety and creativity. Which means that Heaven will not be a BORING place by any means . . . but full of variety and creativity.
God Bless!

That picture resembles the same type of flowers that surrounds my home. It started out as a few of those flowers; but then they began to spread and blossom to other areas of my home. 

I think that so many Christians get caught up in their daily mundane activities that they fail to hear the voice of God. If God is our primary focus, and knowing that He is in control of all our circumstances and trials in our lives, then we can rejoice and experience the joy of the Lord even in the midst of all hardship and persecution.

Very good devotion.  Thank you for bringing out the differences between being childlike and childish.
Alan
Very good devotion.  Thank you for bringing out the differences between being childlike and childish.
Alan

Brethren,
Hope you like the accompanying photo.
The Red Peacock Flower
or sometimes referred to the Red Butterfly Flower
the National Flower of the island of Barbados

Fortunately for us on Taiwan, the Peacock Flower grows wild. The photo is for you to enjoy, is not copyrighted, so use it as you please.
God Bless!
Alan
 

Many times the storms of life are the catalyst that causes people to look to the only hope of salvation that can carry them through the storm. Peter is a fine example of Christian life experiences; though the storms of life may at times cause us to falter, our faith in our Savior God will always carry us through.  Ps 119:116  Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
Thank you for this fine devotion Alan; we all need to be reminded that He who created and upholds all things is more than able to hold us up amid the storms of life.

What a blessing...and a very timely one too!  I had just read this account in Mark 6 this morning!  Yesterday, I had been praying specifically about some trials that I've been struggling with, and so I believe the Lord has comforted, reassured, and encouraged me with this account of Jesus in both Matthew and Mark today!  Truly....praise Him from Whom all blessings flow!  It's so very exciting to me when there is no question that the pecious Saviour has answered my prayers.  Proof positive...AGAIN...that He is ever there for me!  I'm praising Him for working in and thru you, Alan....to put forth this devotional!  I'm blessed beyond words, and greatly encouraged!  Thank you!

Brethren,
I had a request for the song, "I Come to the Garden Alone." I hope that it will bless you soul.
 
May the Lord bless your walk with Him.
Alan

Our little blue planet (not green) is not even a speck of dust in the vastness of the Universe; something which is virtually unseen. I find it utterly amazing that a being with such grandeur and awe would stoop to our level to express just how much He loves us. The heavens truly do declare the Glory of God; and the firmament His handiwork. We look forward to the new heavens and the new earth which will be more glorious than our present one. The gates of the eternal city of God will never be shut; and we will zip across the infinite Universe recreated with splendor and majesty far beyond anything we can possibly comprehend at the present time.
God Bless!

Interesting-the difference with my study, however, is that I was working from the point of the blood covenants-the Edenic, Adamic, Noahidic, and others were not covenants of blood, and the point there, is that they are very specific as to whom they apply. It is a very legal matter when dealing with the blood covenants. But there are interesting to read, and certainly true.

I did make a couple scribal errors I need to fix-I included the clean creeping things, (grasshoppers, locust), with the unclean creeping things, (mice, lizards, moles, etc).
Yet as clear as those are, when I use them with any person who believes we have to keep the law, they ignore them, or try to explain them away-never successfully, of course, but they are so stuck in it. I have recently begun to use the blood covenant position because it makes it abundantly clear. To ignore it is to ignore something that our entire salvation is dependent upon. The term "dispensation', really could just be coined as blood covenants-the covenant with Abraham, the covenant at Sinai and the covenant at Calvary.

Brethren,
I do hope that the devotion on King Solomon, 1 Kings 4:29-34, and the scripture verse, is a blessing to you.
Bishopwood Tree - Chinese 茄苳樹
Scientific Name: Bischofia javanica
Location: Kenting Forest Recreation Area, Taiwan, the Republic of China
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bischofia_javanica

 
Photo by Alan
As usual, the photo is not copyrighted.
God bless!
Alan
 
 
 

Brethren,
I hope the hymn, 'Sweet Hour of Prayer,' is a blessing to you.
Sweet Hour of Prayer
by William Walford and Tune by William Bradley
 
God bless!

Amen bro!

Dan, I appreciate your thoughts. All of the good things that come in our life are from God in heaven; James 1:17
God is our heavenly Father who desires to bless His children. Matthew 7:11,  says, "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" The Sermon on the Mount story of the father in Matthew 7:9-11 who gave his son his desires is a testimony of the goodness of God to His children who ask Him for the desires of their heart as according to His will.
Thanks!