Ascension Day Is Institutional Church Day Verse for Today

Ascension Day Is Institutional Church Day

Ephesians 4:11-13  “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ….”

Today is the Institutional Church Day… or perhaps more commonly known as Ascension Day.  This is the day the Christian Church has historically marked as the day Christ ascended up into heaven.  One can and should read of this in Acts 1:1-11 (if not now when?). 

From the lack of attention this “holy” day receives from the Church (let alone the World), we might suppose that it’s not actually that important.  Even religious calendars often fail to include reference to it.  However, if we assume that what the World says and does is generally wrong and the opposite of what Biblical Christianity should say and do, we should probably take note. 

In Ephesians 4:7-8 we’re told, “But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.  Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.”

It might be a little hard to see but the flow of thought is clear.  Christ suffered and died for the sins of his people.  He rose victorious on Easter morning.  Having prepared and taught his apostles for 40 days, he returns to heaven and sends the promised Holy Spirit to establish, build and inhabit the New Testament Church.  This Holy Spirit was poured out upon the church on Pentecost Sunday.

The question then becomes, ‘How has He chosen to do this?”  Well, this is what Ephesians 4:11 is talking about.  “He Himself gave officers (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers) to establish the New Testament Church.  The Apostle and Prophets laid the foundation of biblical truth (see Ephesians 2:19-20).  Their role was unique in that they were inspired by God write the New Testament Scriptures.  As the New Testament unfolds we see God continues to call and use godly men to lead and care for his flock.  These leaders are identified by various names: pastors, elders, bishops, elders, teachers, evangelists and deacons. 

All these have the responsibility of caring for church of the Lord Jesus Christ.  They are told to shepherd, feed, watch, and oversee the congregations of our Lord.  This they do primarily by teaching and preaching the Holy Scriptures (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and 2 Timothy 4:1-4. 

So, Ascension Day really is the Institutional Church Day.  Christ’s Kingdom is REAL.  It is manifest (seen) wherever God calls and gathers His People together by His Spirit and Word. Jesus Christ is the Only Head of His Church.  His Word is the sole authority by which Spiritual Truth is known.  Not every assembly or gathering that calls itself Church or Christian is true.  Christ’s Church will be built on the only true foundation (remember Ephesians 2:19-20)… the Truth of the Word of God. 

The Faith has been once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3).  It has been boldly proclaimed and clearly taught throughout history.  The Ancient creeds and historic confessions of Christianity demonstrate a continuity of true and living faith throughout history.   The Apostle Paul warns the Galatians and all churches that if anyone comes to you and preaches any other Gospel or message than what he had taught (and wrote) to them… even if it’s an Angel from heaven, you should not listen.  They are accursed--damned (Galatians 1:8,9).  The Scriptures are the only sure foundation for spiritual truth.  

Verse for Today - Hebrews 9:27-28 "EAGERLY WAITING FOR HIM?"

"And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation."

Biblegateway.com Hebrews 9:27-28

Biblegateway.com Hebrews chapter 9

This is an important verse.  For a long time I have understood it as primarily focusing on the fact that men live and die once... And that after this living-and-dying-once it is too late to change one's spiritual state or future.

As I reflect on this passage today... it does teach what I always thought, but there's two additional points to be made by what follows.

1. Christ's atoning death is a once and done event.  It was and is a wholly sufficient payment for all the sins of His people (those who hope in and receive God's grace).

2. His people are then described as "those who eagerly wait for Him."

I guess this is the part that intrigued me... Do we eagerly wait for Him? What does, or what should, that look like?  As Chapter 9 concludes and Chapter 10begins, it is clear that we should trust in Christ's perfect sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins.  

Verses 19-25 are worth a careful reading.  Look for the words: "faith," "hope," and "love."

Then notice his final exhortation.  "...not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as is the manner of some..."  Wonder why?  Short answer: God says so and we can trust He knows what we need.

Verse for Today - Psalm 18:1 How We Ought to Think of God

"I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."

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Read all of Psalm 18

Psalm 18 begins with this preface... which is part of the inspired text: 

"To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David the servant of the Lord, who spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day that the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. And he said:...."

In other words the Psalm is a memorial to his escape from his enemies.  Notice he doesn't give himself the credit... his cunning, speed, agility or strength.   Even though he may have had those, he gives credit to God.

He begins with words of affection... even love. "I love you, LORD, my strength."   His words are (as are ours) a reflection of his heart.  He recognizes that God's grace has brought him safe thus far and rightly says so.

This leads into a string of affirmations that further describes David's understand of God.  This is valuable for us to think about, because God doesn't change.  As He was David's God, He has become our God.  Just think... He is our rock, our fortress, and our deliverer.  Through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we find protection and a sure place of safety.  Nothing in all creation can loosen His grip upon those who come to Him with sincere faith.  In Christ, the promise has become reality.  

Remember Romans 8:38,39   "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,  nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Amen.

Verse for Today 2 Corinthians 12:9-12 (click to read mini-blog)

I've been thinking about a quotation I heard from Allistar Begg in a recent message I heard a while back:  

"If dependence on God is the objective, then weakness is advantage."

I think this is quite profound. It certainly seems to be corollary to the Apostle Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 12:9-12

"And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

How often don't we resist or even resent weaknesses, trials and troubles? Yet, these are the very means by which the Lord draws us closer to Him. Any trial or adversity that draws us nearer to the Lord or causes us to depend more upon Him, is in the bigger picture, a blessing.

Ironically, in recent months, one of my recurring prayers has been that the Lord would mold me into a more effective and faithful minister of the Gospel. My hope is that the Lord would use me to strengthen the church I pastor and advance the broader work of the Kingdom. In recent weeks I've faced a few trials and discouragements, and have concluded that these were in affect the Lord's answer to my prayers.

"For when I am weak, then I am strong."

When we recognize our own inadequacies or weaknesses, we learn afresh our need of God and His grace.  When we recognize this, we will the more earnestly seek His aid and depend upon Him.

Truth be told we all need to believe and endure like Job. He endured loss of loved ones, financial ruin, and even his health, and responds to his exasperated wife, "Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” The Lord works in mysterious ways. He is pleased when we persevere through trials, when we trust His Word and hold fast to our integrity for His sake. As Peter says, “Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.”

Seems the point is that we should trust in God all the time, especially when going through trials.

Verse for Today - 2 Corinthians 13:14 (click for mini-blog)

"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen. "

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Read all of  2 Corinthians 13

This is perhaps the most common New Testament benediction.  And what, you might ask is a benediction?  Well, it literally means "to speak well of."  It is a pronouncement of blessing or favor toward another.   It is sometimes (and I might add should be) spoken by parents to their children and by grandparents to their  grandchildren, but perhaps most commonly pronounced at the end of a church worship service.  We should never underestimate the affect of our words on those who hear them.  

In Today's Verse, the words are spoken by the Apostle Paul to the believers in ancient Corinth and with official authority.   That is to say, while the Apostle Paul is speaking, he is really speaking with "Apostolic" authority.   He is declaring that those who come to God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are really and truly the recipients of this "grace," "love" and "communion" with the Triune God. 

While we might might hear such a blessing, and even take it for granted, it is really a remarkable thing.   The God of all grace, who from all eternity determined to save a people for himself through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, has in the present time extended His grace and mercy to us.

The Grace of Christ is the extension of God's undeserved favor in Christ to guilty sinners.  The Love of God is the embrace and acceptance of those purchased by Him.  The Communion of the Holy Spirit is incorporation of those who were lost into the fellowship of His own special people-- His Church.  Pretty remarkable.  Amen?  Amen!

Verse for Today - Ephesians 2:19,20 (Click for mini-blog)

Ephesians 2:19,20

"Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,

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Read all of Ephesians 2

These two verse from Ephesians 2 are important.  They anchor a number of essential truths that affect how we're supposed to think about ourselves, the Church, and the Scriptures.

1. Ourselves.  The Book of Ephesians is written to essentially a "Gentile" church.  Most of the members were not of Hebrew or Jewish descent.  They are no longer "strangers and foreigners" but "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God."   In other words, they are not second class citizens, but are fully on par with other members.  While this might not sound like that big a deal, it really is.  It identifies believers (regardless of race) as belonging to God... as those who have been bought and paid for by the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. The Church.  The Church is composed of individual believers who become inter-related with each other..."fellow citizens and members of God's household" or family.  Pretty remarkable.  These words describe the core of our identity.  We really, truly, and genuinely become co-heirs with each other through the Gospel of grace in Christ.

3. The Scriptures.  Here's the zinger.  1 and 2 are amazing, but don't yet distinguish those who assume they are the Church from those who actually are.  3. The Scriptures are the only foundation on which the Church is built.  "The Foundation of the apostles and prophets" is the objective standard of the Word of God, such that our relationship to them determines our relationship to God.

Not everything that calls itself the Church is.  Only those who hold to the Scriptures and its message are true.  Paul affirms this in Ephesians 4:4f "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;  one Lord, one faith, one baptism...." And with earnestness in Galatians 1:8 when he says, "But even  if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed."    

So be like the Bereans in Acts 17 and search the Scriptures daily to see if these things are so.  :)

Verse for Today - Psalm 66:1-4 (click to read mini-blog)

"Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth!  Sing out the honor of His name; make His praise glorious. 

Say to God, 'How awesome are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power your enemies shall submit themselves to You.  All the earth shall worship You and sing praises to You; they shall sing praises to Your name.'”

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Read all of Psalm 66

In many places throughout the Psalms we're told to sing, praise, bow down and worship the LORD, and even to shout, glory and tremble before Him.  We were created for no less, and such we should do.

In distinction from these general or broader exhortations, These first verses of Psalm 66 are quite particular.  They not only provide an exhortation to us as God's people to shout and sing to the Lord, and to make His praise glorious, they also provide some of the content of what we should say.  I don't know that this is a really big deal, but it seems to me that if we're told to do or say something like this, we should probably do it.  I think it's sort of like the Lord's Prayer.  It's not the only prayer we should pray, but certainly it is a prayer that we should pray fairly frequently (daily?). 

There are only a few other places where we are told explicitly what to say.    If my count is right, I think it's only four times in the Book of Psalms (Psalm 40:16, here, Psalm 70:4, and Psalm 96:10).   Each of these urge us to recognize God's great power and glory and to vocalize our recognition it.

I suppose this raises a pretty valid question, when was the last time you've said these (or similar) things to God?  By yourself in prayer?  In the assembly of public worship with your brethren?   And if you've not, it's time you should.

As I think about this... maybe the Conclusion to the Lord's Prayer insures that we think and address these things properly:

"For Thine is the Kingdom, and Power and the Glory Forever.  AMEN." 

Verse for Today - Psalm 46:10

Psalm 46:10

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” 

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Read all of Psalm 46

This Psalm gives us a glimpse behind the scenes of time and history.  Almost by definition we look at life and our place in it from the perspective of day to day life.  Psalm 46 urges us to look higher.  To see that God is exalted above all and fulfilling the purposes of His holy will.  

Despite the fact that the earth and our lives in it can be hectic and hard... and even appear hopeless.... "though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea..."  

We are told to remember that the LORD is God.... that our Refuge and Strength, our Fortress is with us.   He provides comfort and hope for His People, His Church.  These are ones that God loves and love God.   An important consideration!

We're then told to be still...  to be quiet... to be silent.   And then we're exhorted to know (remember) that God is God.  Ironic in a way... we're commanded to do what we should do by definition.  He will vindicate Himself and His Name among the nations.    He will be exalted in the earth.  

Reminds me of Philippians 2:9-11 

"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

    and gave him the name that is above every name, 

 

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, 

    in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 

 

and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, 

    to the glory of God the Father."

Verse for Today - Revelation 21:2-4 (click for min-blog)

Revelation 21: 2-4

"I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

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Read all of Revelation 21

I saw a quotation from John Piper this week that I've been thinking about about.  He said one of the dangers of watching TV and movies is that we become accustomed to not thinking about God.  These verses from Revelation 21 are also easily forgotten. 

We're told of the remarkable deliverance and future that awaits the children of God... and what do we do?  We loose sight of it.  Instead we spend our time, our thoughts and energy on everything but these things.  

These verses were part of the vision that was given to John for us all.  We are the Bride of Christ.  We are the Church He came to save... the ones purchased by His blood will dwell with Him forever.  What is heaven going to be like?  There will be no more pain, crying, tears, or death.  

Seems to me we should be living and dressing the part now.

Verse for Today - Romans 10:9-10 (click to read mini-blog)

"If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."

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Read all of Romans 10

These verses from Romans 10 are HUGE.  They proclaim several of the key elements to true or saving faith.  We don't find here a magic formula, which if we say or do it just right can change our relationship to God.  No, we read here about what saving faith looks and sounds like.

It really just confirms the words that Jesus himself had taught.  "From the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks."  In Mark 7 where this verse is found, he is telling his listeners how uncleanness (or evil-ness) does not come from the outside and defile us... it actually arises from within us.   

Well, Today's Verse shows that this works both ways.  If the heart is renewed--born again, and now believes that God raised up the Lord Jesus, "the mouth" will proclaim its allegiance by saying "Jesus is Lord."   It is in this way that you believe and are justified and profess with your mouth and are saved.  PTL.  :)

Have a great weekend.

Verse for Today - I Corinthians 13:1-3 (Click to read mini blog)

"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing."

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Read all of 1 Corinthians 13

These verses are beautiful, as is the chapter as a whole.  The Apostle Paul is describing the necessity, nature and value of LOVE.  In these first three verses he mentions several acts of piety and religious zeal, but indicates that the essential element is love.  So much is this the case, that if any or all of these things are done without love, they lack any value or worth.

The Corinthians were contentious.  They sought to build up their own esteem and importance.  The Apostle had spent most of chapter 12 admonishing them regarding spiritual gifts and how they were to use them for the benefit of others.  When he comes to this chapter, he extols the virtue of love.  He describes how love acts, what it looks like, how a person with love thinks and treats others.

Of course one of the important points in this chapter is that reveals the nature and character of God and His love... and of course how we should love each another. In John 15:2 Jesus said,

"This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." 

Think about that. 

Verse for Today - Deuteronomy 6:4,5 (click to read)

"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."

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Read all of Deuteronomy 6

This verse should be familiar to most.  I'd like to draw your attention to three parts of these verses.  

1. The last part is quoted by the Lord Jesus as part of what we call the Summary of the Law.  Any effort or exercise of the Christian faith the doesn't begin and end with the desire to love, honor and please God is something else.

2. The affirmation of Oneness is that God the One True and Eternal God has revealed himself in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  This is called the Doctrine of the Trinity. The three persons are not mentioned here, but the affirmation of Oneness is.  They are mentioned elsewhere.   We hold and believe what the Bible teaches.  Period.

3.  I remember reading a Morning and Evening meditation by CH Spurgeon years ago where he says he things the most amazing part of this verse is the pronouns "OUR" and "YOUR"   The Almighty Lord and Master of the Universe has identified Himself with His people.  The same is true today.

"To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."  Rev. 1:5a, 6

Verse for Today - Ephesians 6:12,13

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on thefull armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."

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Read all of Ephesians 6

The Apostle Paul is reminding the Ephesian Christians (and us) that we live in a spirit (aka demonically) influenced world.  He had just concluded and extended series of exhortations (5:21-6:9) of how the Christian ethic involves submission to rightful authority. 

In the verses just preceding today's verse he exhorted his readers to be strong in the Lord and His power by putting on the armor of God.   Doing this will enable us all to stand against the wiles (or trickery) of the devil.   The unstated premise is that if we don't put on the armor of God we will not be able to stand.

Today's verses, 12 and 13,  explain why this armor should be diligently worn.   There's a spiritual host of wickedness (many evil influencers) that wants you to fail... and fall.  Many times life seems monotonous and routine, but don't be confused.  Our enemy is real and  pretty tricky.  If he can get you to give in or to give up, he wins.

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."

Verse for Today - James 4:10 (Click to READ)

James 4:10

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."

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This verse in James 4 is found amid of exhortations in which the inspired author instructs believes how to see themselves and live in the world.  I remember when I first read and preached on this passage I was almost embarrassed by the strong language and forceful words.  Verse 10 is mild by comparison.

We're told to humble ourselves before the Lord... we do this by recognizing his greatness and our sinfulness.  He is the Lord and Master of all and we are unworthy and undeserving creatures.  I've said before that when we pray with out faces to the ground, we are modeling the proper relationship between ourselves, others and God.  

A little earlier in this passage an important verse from Proverbs 3:34 is quoted: . 

"God opposes the proud 

 but shows favor to the humble."

That should be reason enough for us to obey today's verse... and yet there is also a promise... "and He will lift you up."  How cool is that.

Verse for Today - James 1:5 (Click to Read Brief)

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." 

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Read all of James 1

James 1 is a profound chapter on many levels.  In this first section he is explaining how trials and troubles are commonplace in the Christian faith.  With a tinge of hyperbole he says we should count it a joy when we face these difficult times.  This exhortation is not based on the idea that we should "enjoy" the difficulties, but rather the beneficial affect of them.  

The exhortation of Today's Verse is a good reminder and concludes with an encouraging promise.  If these difficult times are leaving you at a loss, pray to God... ask him for wisdom and understanding.  Lean on Him and He will supply what you need.  

Earlier today (before even thinking about sending out this verse) I found myself singing the verse of "How Firm a Foundation."  Notice the question in Stanza 1 is answered in Stanzas 2-5 (especially 4).  I think they fit.

1. How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
   Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!
   What more can He say than to you He hath said—
   To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
2. “Fear not, I am with thee, oh, be not dismayed,
   For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
   I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
   Upheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand.
3. “When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
   The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
   For I will be with thee thy trouble to bless,
   And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
4. “When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
   My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply;
   The flame shall not harm thee; I only design
   Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.
5. “The soul that on Jesus doth lean for repose,
   I will not, I will not, desert to his foes;
   That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
   I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.”

Verse for Today - John 4:23 (click to read mini-blog)

"God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

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Read all of John 4

As Jesus is talking to the Samaritan woman in John 4, He speaks about the nature of God and the nature of true worship.  God does not have a body like us.  God is spirit.  In another place we're told Christ as the second Adam became a Life-giving Spirit (I Corinthians 15:45).   The mutual identification of God the Father and God the Son is clear.

The nature of true worship is equally profound.  Those who would worship the truth God, must worship Him in an acceptable manner.  There are right and wrong ways to worship.  From Jesus broader teaching ministry we learn that God is not impressed with self-righteousness and/or ritualistic worship.  Those who draw near to God must do so with humility or meekness... and Godly fear... they must also do so with a diligent true or genuine faith.  Here are a couple verses that speak of this pretty directly:

I Peter 5:⁵ Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for

“God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.”

⁶ Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, ⁷ casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Hebrews 11:⁶ But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Verse for Today - Matthew 7:12 (click to read mini-blog)

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."

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Read all of Matthew 7

I mentioned the other day that this verse, which we frequently call the Golden Rule, is in a sense, a summary of the Summary (of the law) of the Summary (the Ten Commandments).   There are hundreds if commands in first five books of the Bible (the Pentateuch)... according to some rabbi's count over 600.  The Ten Commandments are a distillation of God's revealed will... most all of the other 600+ commands can be arranged under the primary Ten Commandments.

The Summary of the Law, is stated by Christ in the New Testament, but he actually is quoting from Leviticus 19 and Deuteronomy 6.  

"Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”  Matthew 22:37-40

In today's verse Jesus states all this even more plainly.   If you ever want to know how you should treat others or whether you should do, pass your decision through this filter and the way will be clear.  Would you want others to do this unto you? 

 "FOR THIS SUMS UP THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS."

Verse for Today - II Corinthians 5:18-20 (click to read mini-blog)

"All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God."

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Read all of 2 Corinthians 5

In these verses the Apostle Paul is emphasizing the centrality of God in providing salvation.  How much more clearly could he state it?  "All this is from God." He is the one that provided His Son as our Savior. And Jesus would be true to His name, "For He would save his people from their sin" (Matthew 1:21).  

These truths become the basis for what the apostle says next.  God does it all, but He administers His grace through the ministry of Gospel preaching... "the message of reconciliation."  Ambassadors represent those who send them.  They don't have authority beyond their charged responsibility.  In the case of Christian ministers, they plead the Gospel message on behalf of God and Christ.  They are exhorted to exhort you: 

"BE RECONCILED TO GOD!"

(If you haven't already, know that your present and future happiness depend on it.)

Verse for Today - Psalm 118:5-6 (click to read mini-blog)

 "I called on the LORD in distress; the LORD answered me and set me in a broad place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"

Read at Bible Gateway

Read all of Psalm 118

Psalm 118 is a Psalm of distinction for a number of reasons.  

1. It's overall message and theme are edifying and encouraging.  The first and last verse of the Psalm urge us to "Give thanks to the Lord; for His mercy endures forever."

2. It is located between the shortest and the longest Psalms, #117 and #119.

3. More than this (and I'm relying on an article I once read), Psalm 118 is said to be middle chapter of the Bible.  Incidentally, this is why if you take your bible in hand and open it to the middle, you will probably open to one of the 150 Psalms. 

 

4. The Psalm progresses from the writer's personal experience of deliverance (vss. 5,6), to the Messianic expectation of Christ and His ultimate victory over all his enemies (and ours) (vss. 21-28)... esp. verses 22,23 and 26:

²² The stone which the builders rejected
         Has become the chief cornerstone.
²³ This was the LORD’s doing;
         It is marvelous in our eyes.

²⁶ Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!
         We have blessed you from the house of the LORD.