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“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)

Happy New Year’s Eve! Can you believe another year has come and gone so quickly as 2018? It seems it was just January 1 of this year as we are less than 24 hours away from January 1 of next year. Once every 365 days we stand poised to complete another annual seasonal cycle of winter, spring, summer, and fall before we begin another annual cycle of the same.

I am sure that you can look back upon 2018 and recall joys and sorrows, laughter and tears, accomplishments and defeats, along with various conclusions coupled with new beginnings. As one author wrote, “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.”

Perhaps you find yourself on this New Year’s Eve in what is sometimes referred to as “God’s waiting room.” God’s waiting room is that time, or times, in your life when God calls you to patiently wait on Him before the next chapter of His plans for you to begin. Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!”

You may be waiting for your unborn child to be born, for a new job to begin or an old one to end, or perhaps for tat all too often taken for granted health to return. I recently discovered this poem by Deborah Ann Belka entitled God’s Waiting Room.

 In God’s waiting room . . .
I sometimes have to stay
at first I don’t understand
the reasons for His delay.

But while I am in there,
it becomes obvious to me
and He shows me why
I have to wait and see.

He wants me to learn,
how to depend just on Him
and my pride and conceit
He has to pare and trim.

He uses this waiting time,
for me to focus on His face
so that I can experience
the full measure of His grace.

He wants my every thought,
to be centered on His peace
though He takes His time
His love for me doesn’t cease.

He wants me to understand,
that waiting has its due season
and soon I will gather and reap
the answers to His reason.

In God’s waiting room . . .
I’ve learned about delay
and now I understand
how to trust Him every day!

 I so appreciate the New American Standard Bible translation of Romans 8:28. It is the only English translation, that I know of, that includes the phrase, “And we know that God causes…” The incidents we encountered this year, both good and bad, are ultimately due to a prior sovereign causality: God. He and He alone is in sovereign and in providential control of everything which happens in our lives. This certainly includes the experiences in which we understand what God is doing but especially those experiences in which we do not understand what His purpose is.

However, we can take comfort in knowing that everything which occurs in our lives, God causes to work together for good for those who are in Christ Jesus. Even when those good things involve waiting upon the Lord.

May God’s truth and grace reside here.

Soli deo Gloria!

“You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:14-15).

One of the most popular songs Michael W. Smith ever wrote was entitled Friends. It is hard to believe now, but it was sung so often in churches and played on Christian radio so much that it soon became annoying to some people. Its popularity was based on the song’s theme of lasting friendships and the pain of saying goodbye to a dear friend. It also contained a singable melody.

When my wife and I were attending and serving at our home church in Southgate, MI, I often sang duets with a mutual friend of us both. My friend and I sang together in Christmas cantatas and provided special music sometimes for Sunday evening services.

When Diana and I left to serve in West Michigan, the farewell service held in our honor featured my friend and me singing, or at least me attempting to sing, the song Friends. While separated by the years and miles, social media enables my lifelong friend in Christ and me to still communicate and maintain our friendship.

As one pastor writes, “Friendship truly is one of the great joys of life. Everyone wants at least one good friend with whom to share joys and sorrows. Friends encourage us when we are down, and we encourage them when they need their spirits lifted. We work together with friends on common aims and interests. Whether we are rich or poor, young or old, male or female, we all treasure friendship.”

A friend is one with whom one associates and for whom there is affection or personal regard. This is what Jesus meant when He said to His disciples that they were His friends. Friendship with Jesus, and the mutual affection or personal regard we have for Him and He for us is demonstrated by our obedience to Him and based upon His substitutionary death on the cross for us.

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “Just as Abraham was called the “friend of God” (2 Chronicles 20:7; James 2:23) through God’s revelation to him, which he believed, so also those who follow Christ are privileged with extraordinary revelation through the Messiah and Son of God and, believing, become “friends” of God also. It was for his “friends” that the Lord laid down his life (John 15:13; 10:11-17).”

Show people today that you are their friend as you show them that you are the friend of Jesus Christ. Oh, by the way, here are the lyrics to an old song about Friends.

Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
Can’t believe the hopes He’s granted
Means a chapter in your life is through
But we’ll keep you close as always
It won’t even seem you’ve gone
‘Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

And friends are friends forever
If the Lord’s the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
‘Cause the welcome will not end
Though it’s hard to let you go
In the Father’s hands we know
That a lifetime’s not too long
To live as friends

With the faith and love God’s given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you’ll live in
Is the strength that now you show
But we’ll keep you close as always
It won’t even seem you’ve gone
‘Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

And friends are friends forever
If the Lord’s the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
‘Cause the welcome will not end
Though it’s hard to let you go
In the Father’s hands we know
That a lifetime’s not too long
To live as friends

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers. This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.” (John 10:1-6)

What are some of the characteristics of a true and faithful shepherd? The qualities which a literal shepherd of sheep in ancient and present Israel certainly apply to the Lord Jesus Christ and His relationship to his followers or disciples. In the immediate aftermath of healing a man born blind in John 9, and the dialogue which followed with the unbelieving Jewish religious leaders known as the Pharisees, Jesus shared a parable in John 10:1-21 regarding a typical or faithful shepherd and his relationship to his sheep. One of the most significant characteristics of the shepherd was being a guardian and protector of the sheep.

The IVP Background Commentary states, “It (John 10) is based on Old Testament images of God as the shepherd of Israel (Genesis 48:15; 49:24; Psalm 23:1; 28:9; 77:20; 99:6; Is 40:11; Ezekiel 34:11–31), of Israel as his flock (Psalm 74:1; 78:52; 79:13; 100:3) and of abusive or unfaithful religious leaders as destroyers of his flock (Jeremiah 23:1–2; Ezekiel 34). Faithful human shepherds (Jeremiah 3:15) included Moses, David (2 Samuel 5:2; Psalm 78:71–72) and the Davidic Messiah (Micah 5:4).”

Pastor Burk Parsons explains that, “When we hear the word shepherd, we typically think of a gentle, mild-mannered man in a relaxed posture surrounded by sheep grazing in a serene valley with beautiful hills. But that’s only part of the picture. Shepherds are first and foremost guardians and protectors of the sheep. They must be gentle and strong, tender and courageous, caring and fierce. Today, in many parts of the world, as in the ancient Near East, shepherds are some of the most skilled hunters and warriors among their people.”

I discovered that shepherds carry not only rods but also staffs (Psalm 23). What I once thought were two words referring to the same instrument, I discovered I was mistaken.

The rod was a short club that could be thrown with great speed at a fast-approaching predator. The rod was also used to discipline the sheep when they were fighting, to examine the sheep, beneath their wool, to ensure they were free from skin diseases, and to also number the sheep (Ezekiel 20:37).

The staff, on the other hand, was a much longer, narrow rod with a crook on the end that was used for many purposes. It was primarily used to guide the sheep and to rescue them from thickets or from the crag of a rock.

The shepherd’s rod and staff were always visible to the sheep. The shepherd always walked and dwelt among his sheep, rather than sit on a hillside overlooking the sheep. He was always with them. His rod and his staff, the tools he used to guard, rescue, and protect his sheep, were a constant comfort to his flock. In John 10, Jesus describes in His parable the characteristics of the true shepherd.

First, true shepherd enters by the gate to the sheepfold and not by another way, as would a thief or a robber. During the cold winter months, sheep were kept inside a pen at night. The pen, or corral, usually had a stone wall, which might have briers on top of it.  Remember, winter was approaching at the time of the Feast of the Tabernacles (John 7-9). Jewish law distinguished thieves from robbers in that the former broke in, whereas the latter often lived in the wilderness and would have no reason to enter the sheep pen other than by the gate. Jesus said, “But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens.” Jesus is the true shepherd of believing sinners.

Second, the sheep know the voice of the shepherd. “The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” We follow and hear the voice of the Lord when we obey His Word.

What is true of literal shepherds is also true of our spiritual shepherd: the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the true Shepherd and Savior of our souls. His voice, or word, we are to follow and obey.

Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the only Savior and Shepherd of your soul? Are you following Him by obedience to His Word: the Bible?

Soli deo Gloria!

The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.’  Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?” Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” (John 8:52-56.

As we continue to work our way through John 8, we witness a recurring pattern in John’s account of Jesus’ dialogue with the Jewish religious leaders of His day. The more questions Jesus answers, the more questions the religious leaders pose. Their appetite for contention is never satisfied. Their aptitude for unbelief is beyond belief.

The same may be said for our discussions with unbelievers today. The more questions believers answer, the more questions the unconverted ask. They are never, ever satisfied.

The questions the Jews posed to Jesus included (1) Are you greater than our Father Abraham, and (2) who do you make yourself out to be? The obvious answers are that Jesus is greater than Abraham and He has testified that He is God in the flesh. As God, He is able to conquer death; something Abraham and the prophets were unable to accomplish.

Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus did not seek the honor which was and is due Him. He made Himself of no reputation (Philippians 2:5-11). However, as Jesus approached the culmination of His ministry He asked the Father to restore to Him the majesty which rightly belonged to Him (John 17:1-5; I Timothy 3:16). It is this glory which all will see when Jesus returns in power, might and glory (Matthew 24:30; 2 Thessalonians 1:9-10).

Jesus spoke personally of Abraham and declared to the Jews in attendance that the Jewish Patriarch rejoiced to see Jesus’ day. Dr. R. C. Sproul explains that, “This statement shows clearly in OT times, believers were saved through faith in Christ, who was presented to them in the shadows and types given by God to reveal His redemptive plan (Acts 4:12; Hebrews 10:1-18). Our Lord’s teaching astonished the Jews, for it meant that He viewed Himself as greater than Abraham and the prophets. After all, they died and their words could not prevent other Jews from dying (8:53). Jesus, however, is far different, and the Jews would soon learn just how different from the old covenant saints He is.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

What does the Old Testament contribute to our understanding of the person and work of Jesus Christ? There are those who would say and teach that the OT is unnecessary regarding our understanding of the Gospel. All the church needs, they say, is the doctrine of the resurrection to truly be converted.

However, the Old Testament mightily contributes to not only our understanding of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but also to everything else which is necessary for us to believe in order to be truly converted unto salvation.

We begin with the proto-evangelion which is also known as the first gospel (Genesis 3:15). This verse is the first promise of redemption found in Scripture. Jesus is the seed of the woman (Galatians 4:4) who will destroy Satan (I John 3:8) Noah’s Ark pictures Jesus Christ as the true ark who keeps believers safe from the waters of divine judgment (I Peter 3:20-21). The ram Abraham offered instead of Isaac is a picture of substitutionary atonement which is provided solely through Jesus Christ (Genesis 22:13).

In the Book of Exodus, Jesus Christ became the fulfillment of the Passover Lamb (Exodus 12; Numbers 9:12; I Corinthians 5:7; John 1:29). He is the manna from heaven, the true bread of life (Exodus 16; John 6:32-35). He is also pictured as the water from the rock (Exodus 17:1-6; Numbers 20:1-11; John 4; I Corinthians 10:1-4).

In the Book of Numbers, Jesus is like the bronze serpent who was lifted up (Numbers 21:1-9; John 3:14). From the Book of Leviticus, Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the five major offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt). Jesus Christ is also the fulfillment of the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:7-10).

The story of Jonah, and his three days in the belly of the great fish, is the prophetic picture of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead (Matthew 12:39-41; John 2:18-22).

The Old Testament refers to Jesus Christ in several metaphorical comparisons. These include the following: Jesus is the rejected cornerstone (Psalm 118:22; Matthew 21:42; Acts 4:11; Ephesians 2:20). He is the shepherd of the flock who is slaughtered (Zechariah 11:4-14), the stone cut without human hands (Daniel 2:34-45), and the branch of David and stump of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1-5; Jeremiah 23:5; 33:15; Ezekiel 17:22-23; Zechariah 3:1-8; 6:12).

Jesus Christ is the millennial king (Psalm 72), and the fulfillment of the Davidic kingly line (2 Samuel 7; Jeremiah 30:1-9; Ezekiel 34:23-24; 37:24-25; Hosea 3:1-5). He is the Great Prophet (Deuteronomy 18; Numbers 24:17-19; Acts 3:22-23). Jesus is also the Son of Man (Daniel 7:13-14) who will return on the clouds of heaven (Matthew 24:30; Mark 14:62; Revelation 1:7).

Jesus is from the lineage of Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3; Galatians 3:16), the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10; Revelation 5:5), and the family of David (2 Samuel 7:12-16; I Chronicles 17:11-13; Matthew 1:1). He was born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14) and in the tiny village of Bethlehem (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1-6). His birth would provoke violence by His enemies (Jeremiah 31:15; Matthew 2:16-18).

John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus, was also predicted in the Old Testament (Isaiah 40:1-4; Malachi 3:1, 4:1-6; Matthew 3:1-3, 11:10-14, 17:12-13; Luke 1:17; John 1:23). Psalm 69:1-8 predicted the Jesus’ own family would reject Him (Matthew 12:46-50; John 7:1-5).

Jesus is proclaimed to be the incarnate God (Psalm 45:1-7; Hebrews 1:8-9) and the sovereign King and Priest (Psalm 110:1-7; Matthew 22:43-44; Acts 2:33-34; Hebrews 1:3, 5:6-10, 6:20). He would also be cursed (Deuteronomy 21:22-23; Galatians 3:10-14).

Jesus’ return to earth from heaven is predicted in Daniel 9:24-27. Zechariah 9:9 predicts His triumphant entrance into Jerusalem prior to His crucifixion (Matthew 21:1-5).

The Old Testament prophesies the betrayal by Judas (Psalm 41:1-9, 55:12-14) including the amount of money involved and what was eventually done with the blood money (Zechariah 11:1-13). Also predicted was the scattering of the disciples after Jesus’ arrest and trial (Zechariah 13:1-7; Matthew 26:31-56), Jesus’ beatings and abuse in the court of the high priest (Micah 5:1; Matthew 26:67-68), by the temple guard (Mark 14:65) and the Romans (Matthew 27:27-30).

The Old Testament also previews the scene of the cross (Psalm 22) which includes the casting of lots for Jesus’ clothing (Psalm 22:18), the giving Him of sour wine (Psalm 69:21), His legs remaining unbroken (Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12; Psalm 34:20; John 19:31-36), and the piercing of His side (Zechariah 12:10).

Jesus’ resurrection is prophesied in Psalm 2:7 and 16:1-10. Psalm 109:1-8 even predicted Judas’ replacement (Acts 1:20). Psalm 68:18 refers to Jesus’ ascension.

Dr. John MacArthur states, “But nowhere in the Old Testament is the coming Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, more fully and clearly revealed than in the prophecies recorded by Isaiah. Isaiah reveals Him as the incarnate Son of God, Immanuel (7:14; 8:8); the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace (9:6); the Branch (4:2; 11:1); and most frequently the servant of the Lord (42:1; 49:5-7; 52:13; 53:11).

My conclusion is that it is ridiculous to even consider detaching ourselves from the wealth of God’s revelation contained in the Old Testament concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. May we continue to do plumb the depths of this rich testament from God.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

It was one year ago to the day when His Word Today began. This daily blog was the result of a suggestion given to me by a colleague in ministry. I am forever grateful for my friend’s inspired encouragement for me to present biblical truths and insights God has given me in over 40 years of preaching and teaching.

The vision of hiswordtoday.org is simple. First, everything written will be about God: who He is and what He does. Second, we seek to faithfully examine what God has revealed to us in His Word, the Bible, about who He is and what He does. Third, we want to see how God in His Word practically impacts us each day we live because of who He is and what He does.

I am grateful to all of you who faithfully follow this blog. Your words of encouragement have been a blessing. Your comments have proved helpful. They have strengthened me to continue this daily discipline: not only for your edification but my own.

I am grateful to my family who proved pivotal in creating this site and who continue to help me maintain its vision for excellence.

Finally, I am grateful to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without Him, I could do nothing. With Him I can do all things for which He has called me to do (Philippians 4:13).

As we enter a second year of Bible study, we will begin with an examination of the Doctrine of Sola Scriptura. Thereafter, we will continue to study the Gospel of John. I’m not sure what we will study after that, but your suggestions are most welcome. Are their questions your need answered? Are there biblical truths that need explaining? Is there a biblical book you would like for us to study? Let me know what you think and we will proceed from there.

Finally, let the words of I Corinthians 10:31 ring loud and true: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Soli deo Gloria!

 “Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:1-3)

Theologian J.C. Ryle once wrote, “Are you born again? This is one of life’s most important questions. Jesus Christ said, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).

No one is physically born a Christian. We must never have the idea that just because we, or our children, are born into a Christian family that this means we, or they, are automatically Christians. What is necessary is for a person, even one born into a Christian environment, is to be born again. What does it mean to be born again?

The phrase “born again” comes from the Greek words γεννάω ἄνωθεν (gennao; anothen) meaning to experience a new birth or a rebirth, to be born from above, and/or to be born or God. The verb form in the Greek indicates that this rebirth consumes the entire person and is an event or action which happens upon the individual. The person who is born again is a passive recipient of an act of God.

The phrase “born again” refers to the biblical doctrine of Monergistic Regeneration. Monergistic Regeneration is the new birth or rebirth. This compound word contains the root word “generation” meaning creation, invention, initiation and origination. The prefix “re” means once more, afresh or anew. Therefore, regeneration refers to an afresh or new creation or origination.

Pertaining to a sinner’s relationship to the holy God of the Bible, it is a new birth resulting in justification and reconciliation with God. Where once God was the sinner’s enemy (Romans 5:10) through regeneration the sinner becomes a child of God.

The noun regeneration occurs only twice in the Scriptures: in Matthew 19:28 regarding the renewal of the world immediately prior to the return of Christ and in Titus 3:5 where baptism is a sign and seal of regeneration. However, there are numerous texts which refer to regeneration by using various images and expressions. One such description is the new birth.

Ezekiel 36:25-26 says, “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleanness’s, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”

This is what Jesus was referring to in John 3:3 when He said, “…Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Notice that Jesus said that if the new birth does not occur, the sinner in question cannot see or understand the rule of God over man. In other words, unless the new birth occurs first in the sinner’s soul, they cannot trust, depend, commit and worship God through the person and work of Jesus Christ.

It is not that they “will not” exercise faith in Christ, but it is that they “cannot” exercise faith in Christ. The order of the language surmises the new birth or regeneration occurs prior to one’s placing faith in Christ. Only when an individual is born again, or regenerated, can that individual exercise repentance and faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ and therefore be justified.

As Dr. R. C. Sproul recalls, “One of the most dramatic moments in my life for the shaping of my theology took place in a seminary classroom. One of my professors went to the blackboard and wrote these words in bold letters: “Regeneration Precedes Faith.” These words were a shock to my system. I had entered seminary believing that the key work of man to effect rebirth was faith. I thought that we first had to believe in Christ in order to be born again. I use the words in order here for a reason. I was thinking in terms of steps that must be taken in a certain sequence. I had put faith at the beginning.”

Regeneration is called “renewal of the Holy Spirit” in Titus 3:5. It results in sinners becoming “new creations” in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), being commanded to put on the “new self” because of Christ (Ephesians 4:24) and to being referred to as “newborn babies” through Christ (I Peter 2:2).

Dr. John MacArthur explains, “The phrase (born again) lit. means “born from above.” Jesus answered a question that Nicodemus does not even ask. He read Nicodemus’s heart and came to the very core of his problem, i.e., the need for spiritual transformation or regeneration produced by the Holy Spirit. New birth is an act of God whereby eternal life is imparted to the believer (2 Corinthians 5:17; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:3; 1 John 2:29; 3:9; 4:7; 5:1, 4, 18). John 1:12–13 indicates that “born again” also carries the idea “to become children of God” through trust in the name of the incarnate Word.”

Is this new birth necessary? It is not only necessary but occurs only through the means and methods God has appointed resulting in a new pattern of living.

What was Nicodemas’ response to this statement by Jesus? What is yours? Are you born again? Unless you are, you cannot be converted and be justified.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

Is the Protestant Reformation over? Some would say that it is. Recent overtures resulting in theological agreements between Evangelical Protestants and Roman Catholics would seem to support this idea that little is left of the theological disagreements which occurred in the 16^th century.

On October 31, 2016, Pope Francis said that after five hundred years, Protestants and Catholics “have the opportunity to mend a critical moment of our history by moving beyond the controversies and disagreements that have often prevented us from understanding one another.” In light of the pope’s statement, one evangelical professor of theology commented, “From that, it sounds as if the Reformation was an unfortunate and unnecessary squabble over trifles, a childish outburst that we can all put behind us now that we have grown up.”

Tell that to John Wycliffe who the Catholic Church persecuted for translating the Bible into English. Tell that to Jon Huss who was burned at the stake for speaking against the abuses of the Roman Catholic Church. Tell that to Martin Luther, Huldrych Zwingli, John Calvin and others who were hounded, hunted and hurt by the Catholic Church who refused, and continues to refuse, to acknowledge its errors. People have asked me is the Protestant Reformation over? I say no!

The Latin phrase Semper Reformanda applies here. Rather than mean that churches should always be changing in order to conform to the ever-changing culture, instead it means “always being reformed” or “The church reformed and always being reformed according to the Word of God.” God’s Word should always be reforming God’s people, and for that matter God’s churches. Each and every generation must return to God’s Word each and every day so that the Scriptures would continue reforming our lives, and keeping us from heresy.

Pastor Burk Parson explains, “The Reformation isn’t over, nor will it ever be over, because reformation –God’s Word and God’s Spirit reforming His church—will never end.”

Soli deo Gloria!

 ^“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials so that the tested genuineness of your faith —more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ (I Peter 1:6-7).

The blessings we have from God, which Peter spoke of in 1:3-5, are eternal. This is in contrast to the problems believers face here on earth. These problems, or various trials, are only for a little while. That is to say they last for only a short or brief time.

Today, I want us to examine the two word phrase found in I Peter 1:6. It is the expression “if necessary.” What does Peter mean by this statement?

The verb “if necessary” is one word in the Greek (δεῖ; dei). It means that which must take place or that which is essential, needed, required, crucial or indispensable. The context in which Peter uses this word means that God sees that the various trials which grieve us are absolutely necessary for us as believers to experience.

While God never tempts us to sin (James 1:13-15) He does purpose, or sends, trials into our lives when He perceives them to be indispensable. Such was the case with Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 50:20). This refers to the providence of God.

There are some believers who recoil at the idea that God would ever be directly, or even indirectly, involved in sending His children trials. Yet Peter, and James (1:2-4), teach this important truth. Why would God do such a thing? Why would the Bible teach such a doctrine? We will answer that question when next we meet. Read today Genesis 50, James 1 and Romans 5.

Soli deo Gloria!