August 2010

A New Creation

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;

old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new”

2 Corinthians 5:17.

Have you ever wanted a clean slate, a ‘do-over’ in life? Many people have expressed a desire to change at some point in their life. Dissatisfaction of who they are, their life’s circumstances, or the presence of guilt ignites this desire. The Bible presents everyone with an opportunity to begin again with a clean slate!

 

Why does one need to be changed into a new creation? In the third chapter of Romans, the Bible describes the condition of a person outside of a relationship with God. The Scriptures declare ‘all under sin’, ‘none righteous’, ‘none who understands’, and ‘none who seeks after God’, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. Jesus said in John 3:3 a person needed to be “born again” in order to enter the kingdom of God.

What produces this change? It is one’s relationship with Jesus Christ! Our text verse states ‘if anyone be in Christ’, not if you belong to a church, have been baptized, or live a good life. Jesus left heaven, clothed Himself in human flesh, suffered vicariously on the cross, shed His sinless blood as payment for your sins and mine, died, was buried, and arose physically and victoriously from the grave on the third day. This is the good news, the Gospel! When an individual realizes their sinful condition and with a repentant heart confesses Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, trusting in the Gospel, believing God has raised Him from the dead, he/she will be saved from the wrath of God (Romans 5:8-9; 10:9). The moment this takes place the Holy Spirit of God places the repentant sinner ‘into Christ’ (1 Corinthians 12:13, 27).

What changes? One’s spiritual position changes, becoming a child of God (Romans 8:16). Believers receive a ‘new divine nature’. God’s Holy Spirit takes up permanent residence within one’s life. The Lord imputes His divine nature to His new child which provides the power to live a life of godliness for His glory (2 Peter 3-4). Believers receive a ‘new mind’ that they might know God (1 Corinthians 2:10-16). Believers are given a ‘new heart’ that they might love God (Romans 5:5; 1 John 4:8-9). Believers receive a ‘new will’ that they might obey God (Romans 6:13).

These changes will produce within every believer a ‘new desire’. There should be a desire to obey God (1 John 3:24; John 14:15, 21, 23-24). As one lives an obedient life, this desire for God will strengthen, while the desire for the allurements of this world should weaken (1 John 2:14-15). A believer should have a desire to fellowship with God and his fellow believers (1 John 1:1-3). Believers should develop a stronger desire for purity from sin (1 John 3:1-3).

“Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s”, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.

If your ‘profession of faith’ has never produced a significant change in your life and there is no desire for God or the things of God within your life; I encourage you to examine your relationship with Jesus. Christians will not be perfect until they get to heaven, but they/we need to live now as if we are already there—to the glory of God!

Learning to serve,
Robert Finley

July 2010

The Church of Laodicea

The Church of Laodicea is described in Revelation 3:14-22 as the church that made the Lord sick! This lukewarm church had completely departed from the truth and had become utterly distasteful to “the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God.”

This apostate church had allowed material riches to blind it and create a false security in its wealth and affluence. This church exhibited a prideful spirit, an attitude of self sufficiency, and a very materialistic nature. Yet the Lord revealed they were “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.”

This church was more interested in ‘programs’ instead of the Person, Jesus Christ. The people were more concerned about their rituals than their relationship with the Lord. It would do the church well to remember; there is no effective ministry apart from the power and ministry of the Holy Spirit of God. He works in conjunction with the Bible, God’s written Word. Our preachers and teachers need to return to expository Bible preaching and teaching. The Bible is God’s chosen method of feeding His children and maturing His disciples. Individual Christians need to have a daily disciplined intake of God’s Word. Without it, Christians will remain weak and powerless against evil.

There are no commendations expressed to the Church of Laodicea, only condemnations! However, the gracious Lord offered counsel to invest in gold, purified by fire, which depicts spiritual wealth from Christ. Lay up treasures in heaven! He instructed the church’s membership to cover their nakedness with the “white raiment” that was purchased by the blood of Jesus for them. They needed salvation from Christ through repentance! Jesus urged them to allow the Holy Spirit to anoint their spiritual eyes with eyesalve that they may see in faith.

It is a sad testament to any church where Jesus is standing outside knocking, waiting to be invited in as Lord of the church He paid for with His blood. Jesus grants a call and season to repent! “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” To the overcomers, Christ promised they would be allowed to sit with Him on His throne: eternal enthronement!

Each letter to the seven churches concludes with the admonition; “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.” Are we listening?

Lord, we repent of our lukewarmness and making You sick. Forgive us for placing rituals and traditions before You. Enable us to return to You and live in close daily fellowship in Your presence. As we are, so is the church. As the church is, so is our nation. We need a fresh breath from You. Forgive us. Restore us. Reignite within us our love for You.

Learning to serve,
Robert Finley

June 2010

The Church of Philadelphia

One is introduced to the Church of Philadelphia in Revelation 3:7-13. Philadelphia is the second church to which the Lord had nothing negative to say. Christ identified Himself as the One holy and true, having the key of David, and who opens and shuts the doors of opportunity.

Right doctrine and right living were characteristic of the Church of Philadelphia. The right doctrine and belief system will manifest itself in right living. This church was known as the loving church and its name carried the meaning of brotherly love. The love expressed was the agape love, God-like love, not the world’s kind of love.

The Christians of the Church of Philadelphia were evangelistic and engaged in missionary activities. Yet, they encountered persecution. Regardless of the persecution, the saints continued to hold fast and remain obedient to the word of God. “Yes, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution”, 2 Timothy 3:12 (KJV). The Christians persevered through the persecution and remained faithful to Christ.

The Lord made several promises to the Church of Philadelphia. First, He promised to humble their enemies, the false Christians, and cause them to know of His love for the saints of Philadelphia. This may not happen until the time when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, nevertheless, the promise will be fulfilled. Jesus will be glorified and the enemies of righteousness will be humbled.

Second, Christ promised to deliver the church from the “hour of temptation.” Many believe this to refer to the Christian’s deliverance out of the Great Tribulation. The saints of God will be delivered from the wrath to come, 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10. This seems to be evident from the Lord’s following statement, “Behold, I come quickly.” What a beautiful reminder of our Lord’s soon and certain return!

Third, Jesus promised the overcomers He would be their security and stability, symbolized by the pillar in the temple. O what comfort is issued forth to the faithful children of God! We are secure and safe from the devil’s grasp. Jesus is our strong tower, our shield, and our place of refuge! Christians are covered in the blood of Jesus, secured in the hand of God, and sealed with the Spirit of God!

Fourth, the Savior would write upon the believers the name of His God, the name of the New Jerusalem, and His new name. These names could be a depiction of relationship, citizenship, and ownership.

Lord, help us, Your children, to exemplify Your love in ministry to others and sharing the gospel of Jesus. Enable us to live godly obedient lives, to live surrendered to the Holy Spirit’s control, and remain faithful to You.

Learning to serve,
Robert Finley

May 2010

The Church of Sardis
Revelation 3:1-6

To the Church of Sardis there were no commendations given, only condemnations presented. What a sad epitaph to have nothing good to be said about your existence. Referring to the church, the Lord pointed out, “. . . thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.” There is nothing good about a dead church! Sardis was a powerless church!

Jesus issued five imperative admonitions: First, to “be watchful”. Wake up and be alert! Do not remain in a dead state. Revival needed to take place!

Second, “strengthen the things which remain”. Return to the fundamentals of the faith as the foundation upon which to stand. Re-ignite the fire of devotion to Christ the Lord. Rekindle the love for the Savior.

Third, “remember therefore how thou hast received and heard”. Remember the truths that lead to the Redeemer. Reflect upon past blessings from God. Re-live the past experiences enjoyed in walking with the Lord.

Fourth, the church was admonished to “hold fast”. Obey those foundational and fundamental beliefs. Do not lose anything else spiritually. Guard the truth “with seriousness of heart and obedience”.[1]

Fifth, “repent” of their sin and wrongs. Jesus calls for an extreme makeover! To repent is to turn completely around in attitude and heart, and repentance results in a renewed life.

Return to the Lord and reconcile your relationship with Him. Surrender to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to empower you to be an ambassador for Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:20.

The church desperately needs a fresh anointing of God’s power upon her ministry. For too long the world has influenced the church instead of the church impacting the world for the glory of God. God will not empower a worldly church! “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord”, 2 Corinthians 6:17.

To the overcomers, Jesus promised eternal acknowledgement to the Father and to clothe them in white raiment, which symbolized righteousness.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Lord, help us hear! Produce in us, Your church, godly sorrow that leads to repentance. Help us repent of our worldliness and powerlessness. Help us to become the salt and light of the world for Your glory.

Learning to serve,
Robert Finley


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[1] Jim Combs, Rainbows From Revelation, (Springfield, MO: Tribune Publishers, 1994), 43.

April 2010

The Church of Thyatira

John’s letter to the Church of Thyatira is found in Revelation 2:18-29. Thyatira was
the smallest church, but received the longest letter of the seven. The Son of God identified
Himself as the One with eyes as flames of fire and feet as fine brass. These symbols represent Jesus’ omniscience (His seeing and knowing all) and omnipotence (His authority and judgment).

The Church of Thyatira was commended for her works of ministry, service in love, patience and faith. The word “Thyatira” connotes the meaning of a sweet smell of sacrifice of labor. A working church is wonderful, unless works take preeminence in the church and are allowed to become before the worship of Christ.

Christ’s complaint to the church was twofold: a false prophetess was allowed to teach heresy and seduce the servants of the Lord into committing fornication; the people were encouraged to join with the world and eat things sacrificed to idols. Under the flag of tolerance the church allowed evil to co-exist with truth! This resulted in immorality and idolatry.

God always allows an opportunity for repentance. Time had been given and there was no evidence of repenting. Judgment was to be passed upon the false prophetess, those who sinned with her, and her children (disciples). The Lord Jesus said He would fight against them with the sword of His mouth! How terrible that would be!

The Lord always has a witness and those who have remained faithful to Him and overcome the temptations are promised an eternal reward. They will receive positions of eternal authority over nations and the morning star. Overcomers will rule and reign forever and enjoy eternal life with Christ!

Once again the Lord admonishes, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Are we listening?

Learning to serve,
Robert Finley

March 2010

The Church of Pergamos

The letter to the Church of Pergamos is found in Revelation 2:12-17. To this assembly, Christ identifies Himself as “he which hath the sharp sword with two edges.” This sword represents truth, judgment, and authority.

The Church of Pergamos is commended for their works and faithfulness to their faith in Christ, even when Antipas was martyred for his faith. While dwelling in the midst of an evil environment, “where Satan’s seat is”, they remained true to the name of Christ.

Nevertheless, Christ exposes and condemns two doctrinal errors that had crept into this church. The Lord rebuked the doctrine of Balaam and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.

“The doctrine of Balaam means no separation between the godly and the ungodly, free intermingling with no standards of righteousness, always a sad condition in any church.”[1]

Holy and righteous living needs to be preached from the pulpits and practiced by everyone claiming the name of Christ. The world must be able to recognize a difference in Christians.

The doctrine of the Nicolaitans taught the clergy was to be over the laity. The Nicolaitans attempted to use Christian liberty as an excuse for self-indulgence and immorality. Pastors are to be shepherds, leaders and examples, to the church body; not dictators and rulers.

These doctrines produced idolatry, immorality, and infidelity within the church.

The counsel of the Lord was for the Church to repent! The gracious Lord always offers a season to repent of sin. Repent, or else there would be severe punishment. Jesus would come and fight against the proponents of these heretical doctrines.

This passage concludes with a promise of eternal reward to all overcomers. Each would receive provision of hidden manna and a white stone with a new name from the Lord. A white stone meant acquittal and was symbolic of eternal life.

Jesus Christ “loved the church, and gave Himself for her, that he might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish”, Ephesians 5:25-27.

The Lord said, “Be holy, for I am holy”, 1 Peter 1:16. How are we doing, Church?

Learning to serve,
Robert Finley

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[1] Jim Combs, Rainbows From Revelation, (Springfield, MO: Tribune Publishers, 1994), 26.

February 2010

The Church of Ephesus

Revelation 2:1-7

The Church of Ephesus was begun by the Apostle Paul and was the first of seven churches addressed by the Lord. Ephesus was the most prominent city in Asia and the home of the greatest Greek temple in the world, dedicated to the idol Greek goddess, Diana. The Lord commended the Church of Ephesus for her good deeds, hard work, perseverance, intolerance of wicked men and false ministries, their discerning of false apostles, and for hating, as did Christ, the deeds of the Nicolaitans (clergy establishing a hierarchy over the laity).


In spite of all the commendations sited by the Lord, He had a complaint. “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love”, Revelation 2:4. Shortly after the martyrdom of the Apostle Paul, the Church of Ephesus left, not lost, their love for the Savior. Their ministry became mechanical, their worship became their work, their devotion turned to duty, and their relationship with the Lord became routine. One reads in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 that if one does not have God-like love, regardless of what one can accomplish, it profits nothing.

Christ offers counsel to the faltering Church of Ephesus. Remember your salvation and passion for the Lord. Repent of your coldness and rekindle your love for Jesus. Repeat what you did in the beginning of your walk with God, with Calvary in mind. Return to your first love, Jesus!

The Lord issues this admonition, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches”, Revelation 2:7a. What does this mean? It simply means we should listen very attentively and take personally what the Holy Spirit has said. We must examine ourselves, a spiritual checkup, and make sure of the reason for what we are doing. Do you worship God in spirit and in truth, or are you routinely going through the motions? Are you serving with a heart of compassion for others, or is it because you feel obligated? We get to serve the Lord; it is a wonderful privilege! Is there a relationship being cultivated between you and Jesus, or are we Christian in name only? Why do you read your Bible, or do you? These are self examination questions to assist in keeping our love for Jesus from growing cold. The summation is: have you gotten over getting saved?

This passage ends with a promise to all who overcome. The Lord Jesus offers eternal provision and access to eat of the tree of life. What man lost because of sin in the Garden of Eden, Christ regains through His redemptive sacrifice and provides free access to all overcomers.

Learning to serve,
Robert Finley

January 2010

Eternal Security
“And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God”, 1 John 5:11-13..

The doctrine of the eternal security of the believer, or ‘once saved, always saved’, is founded upon the very definition of the phrase ‘eternal life’. How long is ‘eternal’? It is everlasting, perpetual, infinite duration! To be eternal implies never ending! In Romans 6:23b one reads, “. . . the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This doctrine does not advocate a license to sin, but is a motivator to sin-less. Out of hearts full of gratitude Christians choose to live holy and righteous lives pleasing to the Savior!

Eternal life is in Jesus Christ. Eternal life is now. Eternal life is a gift from God. Eternal life means the recipients will never perish or go to hell, John 10:28. Eternal life means God has the believers securely in His hands, John 10:29-30. Eternal life means the repentant believer is forgiven and cleansed from all sin, 1 John 1:7; Hebrews 8:12. Eternal life means salvation from the wrath of God to come, John 3:36; Romans 5:8-9. Eternal life means there is no condemnation in Christ, John 3:18, 5:24; Romans 8:1.

The eternal security of the believer in Christ is a truth found throughout Scripture. It is unfortunate that many people have been deceived to doubt this great truth and promise from God. To doubt the power of God to keep saved those whom He has saved, is to doubt His power to save in the beginning. In Philippians 1:6, the writer assures the reader he is confident that God was more than able to complete within him the work that He had began. This truth is reiterated in 2 Timothy 1:12, “. . . I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him until that Day.” One must clearly understand God’s salvation of repentant sinners in order to understand God’s eternal security of the believer. No one works and earns salvation and no one works to maintain salvation, Ephesians 2:8-9. It is all by God’s Amazing Grace!

When people begin to look at the actions of others, take an experience from someone else’s life, or believe the words of a preacher/teacher over the Word of God, then doubt and confusion enters and clouds the understanding of the security of every repentant believer in Jesus Christ. Never base your salvation on feelings, emotions, or circumstances, because they will change everyday. Rest upon the unchanging Word of God!

Lord, thank You for saving us and keeping us saved! It is assuring to know that salvation is all from You and by You. Enable us to trust in You and not our feelings. Your word is truth. You are truth! We believe, but help now our unbelief!

Learning to serve,
Robert Finley