A Devotional Look at the Book #507

A Devotional Look at the Book #507

by Jesse Abel

A Devotional Look at the Book #506

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

At the Throne of God is absolute Wisdom, at the Right Hand of the Throne of God is applied Wisdom and in the courtyard of the Temple of God is Spiritual Understanding. Psalm 84:10

A DAY IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE

The world we live in is cruel and abusive and we do not normally experience the full extent of this evil dimension. What I am about to tell you is real, I tell you because the Peace of God which surpasses all of our understanding in these moments is there to help. Philippians 4:6-7. On one of the submarines I was on the Chief of the Boat claimed to be a Buddhist. We both were Chief Petty Officers and on most ships we are a close group of middle managers who are devoted to the ship, the crew and each other. Once in Scotland while we were boarding a jet to come home, he had set it up for me to be stripped searched for drugs by the Scotland Airport Security. You see I was the ship’s protestant Lay Leader; I held Sunday Services and weekly Bible Studies while the ship was at sea. The Chief of the Boat did not like Jesus so this was his way to persecute Him and ridicule me. A strip search is just what it means; you are required to strip off all of your clothing and stand before a group of men while they inspect you. While they did this another opened my duffle bag and found my Bible and some notes on the top of the clothing; the Chief of the Boat was standing only a few feet from this incident and said; “anyone with a Bible is always up to no good”. With this thought in the inspector’s mind; he turned the duffle bag upside down and all the contents spilled out. Everyone laughed; I was there, but it was as if I were a spectator; I felt peace and I felt protected so I just stood and watched as it all played out. When it was over; I put on my clothes, repacked my duffle bag and boarded the plane for home. Before it was time (90 days) to board another plane and return to the ship for another submarine patrol; the Chief of the Boat fell ill and he was replaced. To God be the glory!

2 Peter

2 Peter 2:10-11 – Well there is for sure, much that I do not know about the doom of false teaching; but what I do know is that we must be cautious. As I have said many times; I love the Word of God and I am always interested in saying a thing or two about the wisdom of God. One thing I have strived to do is to be correct and to always back up what I say with scripture. One thing I learned is that the only real test of Truth is how one presents the Gospel. Sort of like this; if the gospel you hear from the pulpit extends to the lust of your eyes; or the lust of your flesh; or the pride of your life; then you should be looking for another church. 1 John 2:15-17; I also want to note that this section of 1 John is written to qualify our spiritual estate of salvation. 1 John 2:12-17 in context.

Notice if you will: The lust of the eyes is a prosperity gospel; the lust of the flesh is a legalistic gospel and the pride of life is a contemporary gospel, or new age. Satan has a gospel that will appeal to anyone who loves the world which is passing away. But he who is willing to do the will of God abides in Grace forever; there is only one gospel. It is this: For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present age. (Please take the time to read Titus 2:11-15 on your own) Also see Acts 20:24

If you are not being taught to deny ungodliness and to live soberly in this present world, then the gospel you are being taught is tainted with the false teachings of doomed pastors and teachers. 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 and 11:5-15.