TIME DOESN'T VOID GOD'S PROMISES

"To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts."

(Heb. 4:7)

It is not my intention to discuss the three rests of the child of God found in the above chapter but rather to call attention to the words, "To day, after so long a time...." God had made a promise through Moses to His saints. David tells those of his day it was for them also, as does the writer of Hebrews in the New Testament to his generation, and ours. 

God's promises are not voided by time. And I might add neither by sin or unbelief. They are valid to any and all who dare by faith appropriate them. "Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also." No matter what age or people in which God gives a promise it is always "Today" that it is to be claimed. 

Therefore it is imperative we heed Habakkuk's words,

"... though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry." Noah waited 120 years; Abraham and Sarah waited 25 years; Isaiah's promise of a virgin bringing forth a Son was 750 years to its fulfillment. And in our key text close to 500 years had passed. Their fathers hadn't entered in through their unbelief, but it was still applicable to their seed; after so long a time. 

Just because it is a long time in coming doesn't mean it won't! "And so, after he (Abraham) had patiently endured, he obtained the promise... For ye (us) have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise." The Good Book says no one who waits for God will be ashamed!

An Old Disciple

THE TRANSFORMING EFFECT OF FEAR

"And David ... was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath. And he changed his behaviour before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard. Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad..."

1 Sam. 21:12-14)

The above account is about David fleeing Saul, running for his life. As you can see the brief narrative is self-explanatory. That is, you need not dig deeper than the surface to get the nugget. Many profound truths in life lie on the exterior. 

In our story, it is clear as crystal: fear brought about a radical change in David's behavior. David's living, as all Bible saints’, didn't always come up to his preaching. But he, like they, didn't bring his preaching down to his living! 

Fear and its kin is found dozens of times in David's writings, as found in the book of Psalms. When fear is present in our lives we can appear to those around us to be, "out of sorts," as they say in Ireland. We can do some crazy things during fearful times.

Hebrew speaks of those who feared all their lifetime. Some of us are more susceptible to this paralyzing plaque than others, although all encounter it at times, but not to the same degree. Some fear without a cause, "There were they in great fear, where no fear was..."

"'What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.' Trust is not the absence of fear; trust trumps it!"

(rds)

By An Old Disciple

NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANS HAD OLD TESTAMENT ROOTS

"But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the Old Testament; which vail is done away in Christ."

(2 COR. 3:14)

SINCERE, BUT SINCERELY WRONG  

I have met saints who believe the Old Testament is not for us today. Nothing could be further from the truth. They mistakenly think because something is old and something new means they're not the same in value, but this is not necessarily so.  An old smudged and worn hundred dollar bill has the same value as a crispy new one. God's treasure box contains both new and old, Jesus tells us. In one sense of the word the two have to do with time and order, not which is the more important.

THE NEW TESTAMENT IS ROOTED IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

It has been said, "The New Testament is enfolded in the Old Testament and the Old Testament is unfolded in the New Testament." Someone has counted over 855 references of the Old Testament as found in the New Testament. Interestingly the last book of the Bible, Revelation, records 249 of these. God didn't give us half a loaf but a full loaf of His Bread from heaven.

WHAT NEW TESTAMENT SAINTS BELIEVED ABOUT THE OLD TESTAMENT

The early New Testament Christians had nothing but the Old Testament, at the first. The child Timothy was saved by reading the Old Canon of Scripture. We're told it was written for our example. Paul says it is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. To prove his point he would say, "What saith the scripture." Other New Testament writers, for the most part, quote it over and again. And Jesus rebuked His followers for not believing all that was written of Him in the Law, the Prophets, and Psalms. And reproves those in the New Testament times when He said, "And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him..."

"Even the devil believes the Old Testament is for New Testament Christians. On the mount of temptation he quoted it to Jesus."

(rds) 

By An Old Disciple

THE EXAMINER

“Examine me, O LORD, and prove me.... Examine yourselves... prove your own selves”. 

(Psa. 26:2: 2 Cor. 13:5)

In our first text David asks God to examine and prove him, in the latter Paul tells us to examine and prove our own selves. Contradiction? Not at all, the one speaks of the Divine side, the second of the human side. The former is asking God to judge his inward life, which no man knows but God. Paul is speaking of us examining outward actions. Throughout the Bible we find this truth, that of the Divine and human, in the life of a child of God. Paul says we don’t know why we do what we do, but our actions are clear.

In today's article I want to discuss only self-examination. There is a healthy and scriptural inventory a believer can and should take of his-or herself, from time to time. But as Martyn Lloyd-Jones brings out, there is a morbid introspection that constantly centers itself around self. This type are always analysing themselves. They worry about everything they do or say: why did I do that? Why did I say that? They are always fretting over the effects of their actions, in spite of the fact they can undo none of those things.

To habitually make a laboratory your stomping grounds, so to speak, is to become morbid in our Christian life. We become a mad scientist. Such people spend all their time dissecting their soul. To regularly be cutting away at the spiritual man will leave one a cripple in time. I like the way my son puts it, “Analysis Paralysis.” Sooner or later you will cut something vital that affects your walk with the Lord. I find the best cure for all this, when tempted, is put down your scalpel, go outside and enjoy people and life!

By An Old Disciple

“FOLLOWING THROUGH ON OUR FOLLOWING”

“From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

(Jn. 6:66-68)

Well over half a century ago the following took place. As a young evangelist, along with my wife, I held a yearly winter retreat for a church in Michigan. Louie Hanner was the pastor’s name. With no Bible schooling other than what he received in his church’ Sunday School, he entered the ministry from his profession as a barber. He built a great church with scores of young people, who loved him dearly. During our first year I preached a series of messages on Mary’s Alabaster Box. It was about being  devoted to Christ, all your lifelong. 

Many years passed and I was preaching at a tri-state summer youth camp in Chautauqua, Ohio. Before the first morning service, while standing in line at the chow hall with my wife waiting for breakfast, we heard a group of servers all lined up in their white coats, singing at the top of their voices. They were singing, “I have decided to follow Jesus — no turning back, no turning back.” It was the kids from previous years at Louie Hanner’s church. They were all grown now. They had families and some were doctors, missionaries, teachers, etc. BUT ALL STILL SERVING JESUS. The song was our theme those many, many years before. And they had not gone back on Him!

I have seen many over the years who have ceased to follow Him. You can spot them easily. They wander about in life, like they have no place to go. 

I have also observed those who have continued following Him, no matter what the cost! They also are easy to discern. They have found a resting place and are content with life and whatever comes their way, whether it be trial or blessing. The theme song of their lives is, “I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS— I’LL NOT GO BACK, I’LL NOT GO BACK!”

To anyone reading this article that is tempted to give up, I ask, “To ‘whom’ shall ye go?” Notice, it is a WHOM not a A WHAT! YOU WILL NEVER FIND ONE LIKE HIM!

By An Old Disciple

GOOD NEWS IN DARK DAYS

"As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country."

(Prov. 25:25)

There is little to no good news in this earthy country in which God's people sojourn at present; but there is nothing but good news coming in our heavenly country, in which we hold citizenship. It is not only like a breath of fresh air, but the wise man tells us it is,"As cold waters to a thirsty soul." 

An excellent Bible illustration of this is found in one of my favorite chapters of the Word. In Acts chapter twenty-seven we have the account of the great storm that arose called Euroclydon. The storm of all storms, as far as the mariners were concerned. 

Paul had warned all of the impending danger if they set sail. But rather than listening to the man who listened to God, they chose rather to listen to the professionals, the master and owner of the ship. Because all seemed well, they thought all was well! 

Not long after departing, they experienced tempestuous winds that ran them smack-dab into  the typhoon. Dr. Luke's historical account describes them as being exceeding tossed by the gigantic waves. He tells us they cast out all non-essentials, and that neither sun or moon shined for many days. Then he says, during these long dark days, "All hope was then taken away."  These professional seaman had, no doubt, been in many a storm; but this was the mother of them all. Thus, they would have given an "AMEN" to Luke's record.

Paul appears in the midst of the storm, after being alone with God for some time. The first words that come out of his mouth, that we hate to hear, "I told you so." But he then adds, "Be of good cheer." At this point you may want to consider the dire situation. He continues telling them that God told him to fear not, that all was going to be fine in the end. Then he adds those memorable words, "I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me." 

AND SO DO I, MY FRIENDS!

By An Old Disciple

Talking to a Mountain

“Say unto this mountain, Be thou removed…” 

(Mk. 11:23) 

Jesus taught His disciples they were to be mountain-movers. I think it’s plain this was not to be taken literally (although there are cases where it actually happens). Nevertheless, there are other things in our lives just as immovable as a mountain.

Zerubbabel of the Old Testament is a good illustration of a mountain-mover. He realized the task that lay before him could not be done in his own strength, for the Lord had said unto him, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the lord of hosts.” And so, in the following verse we read, “Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain.”

Did you notice Jesus told us to speak to the mountain of our difficulties, and command it to be removed?” Is there something standing in your way today, keeping you from accomplishing God’s will, and living a fuller, richer, more victorious Christian life? Rather than passively accepting it, why not, on the authority of Jesus’ Word, command it to be removed, so that you can move on, going forward for God.

"Faith can make a mountain a molehill."
(rds)

FOUR NECESSITIES IN THE SAINTS LIFE

"For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things."

(Acts 15:28)

I attempt, for the most part, in my writings to keep before my readers the necessary things in the Christian life, that is, those things that matter. I think the council at Jerusalem would have agreed with my early mentor (Dr. Joe Henry Hankins) saying, "I try not to put more of a burden on a man than he already has."

I have observed, generally speaking, that most defeats come into the saints’ life when they fail to put into daily practice one or more of the following. They need to be indelibly written into our hearts and minds. They're the road to victory. When conscious of these four factual truths no amount of darkness, depression, etc. can get you off course.

WHAT YOU WERE

Hopelessly, helplessly lost. Without Christ and God, in the world.

WHAT YOU ARE

A child of the King. Dug from the hole of the pit and seated in heavenly places. 

WHERE YOU'RE HEADED

Peter says you have reservations in heaven. 

By An Old Disciple

OUR EVER PRESENT GOD

OUR EVER PRESENT GOD 

"God is...present..."

(Psa. 46:1)

I do not know a subject I have studied more over the years than living the Christian life. It may be because of the background I came from or possibly my natural temperament: I wouldn't rule out a little of both. It is known by various names: The Normal Christian Life, The Deeper Life, The Overcoming Life, The Victorious Christian Life, The Higher Life, The Daily Christian Life, etc. I've come up with another, "The Present Tense Christian Life." 

It is not the sweet by and by I am concerned with, but the nasty now and now. I'm sure I will have no problem with the  former; it is the latter I need help with. I have come to see, with other saints such as Andrew Murray, Francis Schaeffer, and Elisabeth Elliot, that the Christian life is to be lived moment by moment. In fact Moment by Moment was Andrew Murray's favorite song. And a scripture he used much was, "I the LORD do keep it; I will water it every moment .... I will keep it night and day." 

 

What a wonderful revelation: that at any given moment of time God is present with us! His promise is,"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Jacob found this truth to be so. He discovered He is a God at hand and not afar off, "Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not." 

You will not achieve this moment-by-moment walk overnight, but if one will keep plugging away, trusting the Holy Spirit to keep you trusting, it will become part of your spiritual nature. It is the cure for worry, fear, and victory, to mention just a few. We're told, "His grace IS sufficient,” and faith is NOW! ("now faith"). The Present Tense Christian Life, I say.

"THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS TO BE LIVED FROM BREATH TO BREATH."

(rds)

THE BLESSIN' BUSINESS

"...thou shalt be a blessing."

(Gen. 12:2)

In a recent correspondence with one of my readers he mentioned our being a blessing. I responded by using one of my oft-quoted sayings, "I'm in the blessin' business; when I can no longer be such, I'll leave the business." For 60+ years now that has been my main goal in life. I literally exist for that! No greater compliment can be given a saint than, "You're such a blessing to me."

Jesus excelled in this business. He said, while here on earth, "I must be about my Father's business." And Peter tells us what that involved, "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good...for God was with him." The last thing He did as He was ascending was to bless His people. "And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven."

The Old Testament speaks of God leaving a blessing behind Him; this should be true of us everywhere we go. 

An Old Disciple

A Lifter-Upper

Dear Readers, 

The following song is by my grandson, Joseph Habedank. He is a gospel singer, and has written several award winning songs. I led him to Christ when he was five. He and his dear wife are two of the most godly people I know. I hope this song meets a need in your life today.

An Old Disciple

https://youtu.be/gi2yGomZWyQ

OUR SPIRITUAL EGO

“Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on. And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?”

(1 Sam. 15:16-17)

In today’s vernacular we would say of Saul, “He got too big for his own britches.” Whenever we suppose our manufactured and substituted way is superior to God’s planned way we have outgrown our usefulness. A dear departed preacher friend, Dr. Tom Malone, used to say, “Big shots are made out of little squirts.” Like Saul, whenever we do such a hideous deed, we always whitewash it with the veneer of spirituality. Jacob also was expert at tagging God's name to his own plans.

You can always know when we are becoming spiritually inflated; whenever it is important for us to be important, it is a sure sign! Or as Paul put it, “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith,” Rom. 12:3. Personally, I don’t think the hat of humility will fit on any “big head.”

“Sometimes a man has to be big enough to see how small he is.”

(from the movie: 3:10 to Yuma)

BLESSED WORDS-FROM/UNTO

"[The] Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee … To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, to turn them from … the power of Satan unto God, "

(Acts 26:17-18)

These two blessed words jumped out at me as I read them about 2:00 in the morning, having been awaken from sleep; they seemed engraved upon my mind. From, where I was, and unto, where I am. God has changed our geography and history.

In the Scripture, Satan is represented as the prince of this world, the ruler of darkness of this world, the prince and power of the air, etc. Is it any wonder then John tells us, "The whole world lieth in wickedness." 

Thus the peoples of the world are subject to Satan's kingdom, and are led captive by him at his will. But not so with God's elect, "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son." Col. 1:13 

Jesus defeated Satan at every turn of His life: at His birth, at the Temptation, during His daily tasks, at the Cross, and at the empty tomb. "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil." The Lord Jesus entered the strong man's house, bound him, spoiled his goods, and took his armor, leaving him armorless!

At present He is still making a fool of him as our intercessor and advocate. Concerning the former, like in Peter's case, He is praying for us. And in the latter, He is our defense lawyer against the accuser of our souls. He has never lost a case in over two thousand years.

The conclusion of the matter? We are not to cower in a corner like whipped dogs. We are more than conquerors through Him that loved us; thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ; and thanks be unto God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

W.A. Criswell, the late and great preacher, took his grandson's globe into his study in preparing for a sermon. Shortly afterward, a knock came at the door, as the young boy entered he said, "Grampaw, I've come to take my world back!" This earth is not Satan's, he has simply invaded it for s short time, ("He knoweth he hath but a short time"). We're told the earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof. God is taking it back! And so we are to occupy till He comes. WE ARE TO FIGHT FOR WHAT IS RIGHTLY OURS! The lost of this world are squatters, on God's property!

By An Old Disciple

CHANGING THE UNCHANGEABLE

"Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil."

(Jer. 13:23)

Only God can change the unchangeable. And all our efforts to do so on our own will only prove futile. Although the Lord could change the color of an Ethiopian’s skin, as well as remove the spots from a leopard, in His wisdom He has chosen not to do so. And He can also, in a second, if He so desired, alter any and all circumstances in our lives. But again, many, if not most of the times, He doesn’t.

Paul prayed fourteen years for God to take the painful thorn in his flesh from him, only to have the Lord tell him, it was till “death do us part.” And what of Moses’ deep desire and request to enter the Promised Land, after God had told him he would not, was met with, “Speak no more unto me of this matter”?

Why is it we refuse to accept what we cannot change, while, at the same time refusing to change what we can? Like spoiled children, if we can’t have it our way, we don’t want it any way. I may not be able to drive a Rolls Royce across America and enjoy some of the great breathtaking sights of our Country, but I can still find the same pleasure in viewing them from the back seat of an old clunker.

By An Old Disciple