
For to Me to Live Is …

Introduction: How would you complete this sentence? “For to me to live is ____”?
After being a persecutor of the Church and a self-righteous Pharisee, Saul—who later became Paul—discovered life’s most important Treasure: Jesus Christ!
Have you found that Pearl of great price, the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star, the One who was and is and is to come, the Firstborn of the dead, the Lover of our soul, the Creator of heaven and earth, the Rock of Ages, the Great Shepherd of the sheep, the King of Glory, the Chief Cornerstone, the Light of the world, the Word of God, and finally, the One who will come again as the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords?!!
By the way, what did he mean when he said, “To die is gain”?
How would many people finish this sentence?
“For to me to live is ____ to make money? To be happy? To have a bigger house? A fancier car? To have another spouse? To fix my children or grandchildren? To get a better job? To not be depressed or discouraged? To live my dreams? To have fun? To travel places? To not have to put up with others? To retire? To be forgiven? To have a better family?”
On and on…
Well, keep in mind, the man who was inspired to write this was incarcerated in Rome while waiting to die. Circumstances did not look good. No doubt, the words of Jesus concerning his suffering probably echoed in his heart.
After his conversion, he was instructed to go to a house where Ananias lived. As he arrived, Ananias questioned our Lord’s will for this persecutor of the Church named Paul. But here was God’s response:
“But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” (Acts 9:15-16)
Suffering is on God’s agenda. Jesus Christ suffered for us; actually, He was crucified for the payment of our sins! Peter wrote to clarify that believers and followers of Jesus will face the same (1 Pet. 2:21-24).
Think about this: Since Jesus Christ bought us with a costly price—His redeeming blood (1 Cor. 6:19-20)—does it not make sense that our life should focus on His will for us?
If we believe that, then we, along with Paul, can say with a clear conscience, “For to me to live is CHRIST!”
Gain what? How about gaining a better body? Truthfully, our bodies are wearing out! But the good news is one day we will have a brand-new body!
How wonderful will it be to have no more hurts, no pain, no sorrow, and no more death?
Besides that, according to the last chapters in the book of Revelation, we will have a brand-new home called the New Jerusalem. Won’t that be wonderful?!
Conclusion: So we can now honestly say, “For to me to live is CHRIST, and to die is gain.”
You know, that makes life worth the living!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

Resolving Issues


How a Nation or People Get Off Track

What was God’s reasoning for bringing judgment and chastisement? The answer is found in their apostasy—politically, religiously, and nationally. When a nation depends upon and boasts of its wealth and intellectual achievements without giving God credit, know this: they are headed for a fall.
After all, it is the Almighty who gives man the ability to gain wealth, along with reason and understanding. The prophet Daniel confirms this truth: “Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.” (Daniel 2:20-21)
Furthermore, the Psalmist spoke about man’s riches: “And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.” (Psalm 73:11-12)
Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, reveals the danger of not giving God glory because of greed: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:6-10)
Conclusion: Eventually, the nation of Israel learned this lesson. After seventy years of captivity, they returned to their homeland. Yet, in the providence of God, they were overtaken once again in 70 A.D. by the Romans and scattered abroad. However, they returned as a nation on May 14, 1948.
Until this day, they are being blessed, but not without struggles. Futuristically, Israel will be overpowered by the Man of Sin—Antichrist—until Jesus Christ comes in His Second Coming, inaugurating His kingdom, and there shall be no end. Although blinded now, many will look upon their Messiah for their salvation.
Things You Can’t Fix
Obeying God is not always easy, but it is rewarding. Checking our motives constantly is a must—it should be on the priority list.
By the way, some things in Scripture are clearly spelled out as God’s will, whereas other things are not. Therefore, it becomes the task of each believer to search out and seek to know His will in every matter. That tells us that we must master the Word of God in order to discover biblical principles that lead to God’s will.
It seems that we try to figure everything out first and then ask Jesus for His opinion. Is it true that, at times—whether deliberately or not—we have already made up our minds about what we’ve decided to do and then want our Lord to get in on it?

Catching a Glimpse of Something Ahead

The word “salvation” is σωτηρία (so-tay-ree’-ah), which means deliverance. Was Paul talking about deliverance from prison or this life into heaven? Most believe the latter—heaven. Perhaps he knew he would never be released from prison. But he also believed heaven was in the picture, as he makes mention of it in the following verses.
I love the meaning of the phrase “earnest expectation.” It is the word ἀποκαραδοκία, which means an earnest longing. At the same time, it pictures a person straining their neck with all their might to catch a glimpse of something that is ahead.
In other words, Paul was looking ahead to when he would stand before Jesus at the Judgment Seat. More specifically, that he would be ready. And God forbid that he should be ashamed.
Both his goal, as well as ours, should be that Jesus Christ is glorified in our life and death.

AI – The Big Lie – Jesus Coming in the Sky


Using Your Influence

Check out the word “despise.” Do you know what it means? Here is the word: καταφρονέω. It means to dislike, or it can even have to do with scorning or looking down upon. The Lord is saying, do not let anyone look down upon you, Timothy, because of your age or experience. Conversely, he was urged to show others by his lifestyle. In other words, his “walk” and “talk” would be on display for others to see, which should point them to the GRACE of God, the LOVE of Jesus, and the POWER of the Holy Spirit.
What was meant by the phrase “attendance to reading”? In the context of this letter, the phrase ἀνάγνωσις meant recognition. It also had to do with public reading, more specifically the Law and the Prophets in the synagogue or church.
Next, what does “exhortation” mean? Technically, it means to comfort or encourage.
Conclusion: If we are going to use our influence for the glory of the Lord, then we must not only teach the right thing but also live the right life.

Triumphant in Christ

Introduction: As a Christian, do you need encouragement? Try reading this passage while letting its truth sink in! Take a moment out of your busyness to build up your spiritual batteries. If these verses do not recharge your heart, something is wrong.
Writing to the Church of Colossae under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, the deity of Jesus Christ was on the forefront. Why? Because of the misinformation—false teaching—which had infiltrated the Church. However, as a skilled soldier of the cross, the flaming missionary Paul, who was incarcerated at the time, totally debunks the false teaching.
The Bible teaches that every human is born with a sin nature (Rom 5:12). Yet, at the same time, a sinner who is born “dead in trespasses and sin” (Eph. 2:1-4), he or she can be “quickened together” with Jesus. By the way, the word “quickened” is συζωοποιέω, which literally means to make alive. That is, once regenerated or quickened by the Holy Spirit, an exchange takes place. He comes inside of the believer to bring life to the one who was spiritually dead.
What does the word “blotting out” indicate? The word is ἐξαλείφω, and it means to wipe out or to blot out. It can mean to erase or even to obliterate.
Do you get the picture? Through the cross of Christ, including His cleansing blood, the believer’s sins are wiped away, removed, forgotten, forgiven, released, blotted out. Think about it. All the sins that you have ever committed are erased in the eyes of the God of the Bible.
3. Once was dominated by satanic influences but now overcomers through Jesus Christ! (Col 2:15) – “And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”
The word “triumphing” is θριαμβεύω, which pictures One leading in triumphal procession. That One was Jesus Christ. Since He is victorious over the satanic influences, then we too can be overcomers in Him!
Conclusion: These threefold works of Jesus should both motivate us and cause us to evaluate the “gift” of knowing Him and letting Him be known. This is great news in a bad news world!

Resting in God’s Peace

King David was on the run… running for his life. Believe it or not, his own son Absalom was attempting to usurp authority over the king, his father. But as you read, “I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.”
Think about it… Sleeping in peace, feeling secure! The word “safety” is בֶּטַח (betach). It has to do with security and safety. The word can also mean confidence and trust.
Conclusion: Since our security, identity, and destiny are found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we can SLEEP in PEACE because our trust and faith are in Him.

Fully Sanctified

Introduction: Do you know what the word “sanctified” means? Basically, it has to do with setting apart. In other words, God wants to set His people apart from the world. There should be a difference! Can others tell that you are different in your walk and talk?
1. Fully Sanctified Includes Our Body Being Set Apart! (1 Thess. 5:23) – “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
By the way, the word “sanctified” is ἁγιάζω (hag-ee-ad’-zo), which means to sanctify or to make holy. It can also mean to consecrate. But basically, it has to do with being set apart.
2. Fully Sanctified Includes Our Soul—Mind, Will, and Emotions! (1 Thess. 5:23) – “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
When Christ comes into the life of a believer, He changes it from the inside out! Starting in the mind, will, and even emotions, “the hidden life in Christ” is seen. It is an extraordinary life, which is impossible to live outside of the power of the Holy Spirit.
3. Fully Sanctified in Our Final State Will Take Place When Jesus Christ Comes Again! (1 Thess. 5:23) – “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Finally, the process will be finished. When Jesus comes for His children in the rapture, we will take on a brand-new body. That is, it will be a glorified body, not limited or restricted like this earthly body.
Conclusion: Can you say you are being “Fully Sanctified”? Do you look forward to the day when you will be finally and fully sanctified?