Built to Last 2

Introduction: There is more to this text than space allows. In a few sentences, Paul led by the Spirit, packs a multitude of truth into this chapter.
 
Check it out:
 

1. What Jesus Christ has done “FOR” us! (Eph 2:19) – “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.”

Do you know what this means? Technically speaking, the Gentiles in the early Church era were thought NOT to be as privileged as the “COVENANT” Jews. Remember the Abrahamic Covenant? However, according to this text, once they were redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ they became a part of the body of Christ receiving heir rights; i.e. their full inheritance because they achieved “CITIZENSHIP” in Christ. That meant heaven was included plus adoption, predestination, and full inclusion into the Church. Furthermore, it meant that they were free to obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit instead of the 613 Jewish laws! By the way, this included us! Now we are free, in Christ, from the “penalty of sin,”  the “power of sin,” and one day the very “presence of sin”!
 

2. What Jesus Christ is doing “In Us”! (Eph 2:20-22) – “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”

These verses explain that with Jesus Christ as the “chief corner stone” (holding up the whole structure), the apostles and prophets (the holy Scriptures) as the foundation, then we become the frame built into a “temple” which allows a living God to reside.

Conclusion: This clearly reveals that God had a plan for Israel and He has a plan for the Church. They are not the same. And by that this writer means that before Christ’s resurrection, ascension and outpouring of His Holy Spirit (Acts 2), the Old Testament saints (Israel) were dealt with differently than the New Testament saints (Jews & Gentiles in the Church). So now after Christ’s resurrection and outpouring, we are the temple according to Paul.
 
Isn’t this an interesting analogy that explains our place in God’s economy? Obviously, this helps us to interpret the Word of God accurately, both Old and New Testaments. This is a fascinating insight as to “What Jesus Christ has done FOR us” as well as “What Jesus Christ is doing IN us” – all for His glory!
 
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese


Built to Last

Introduction: Have you ever tried to use a screwdriver for a hammer? It doesn’t work too well does it? Using the right tools for the right job is extremely important. The Ephesians were being schooled by Paul on “What” Jesus has done and “Why” He did it.
 
That deserves an explanation:
 

1. Brought “Out to be Brought In”! (Eph 2:19) – “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.”

The word “strangers” is ξένος, (xen’-os), which means a foreigner, or a guest. It can also mean an alien. The other word “foreigner” can mean the same. The word “fellow citizen” is συμπολίτης, (soom-pol-ee’-tace). This word means POSSESSING the same citizenship as others.

A citizen is someone who inhabits the same place. As a child of God we are “citizens of heaven.” (Phil 3:20,21)

The word “saints” means set apart. And “household” means family.

In other words, the apostle Paul was saying that the Gentiles who were not Israelites thru God’s Covenants in the Old Testament are now made into one body – one family (the Church) with Jews who trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

2. Built “On” to be Built “For”! (Eph 2:20-22) – “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”

Notice the order:
  • Jesus Christ chief corner stone
  • Apostles & Prophets foundation
  • The Church is the frame of the building.
More technically, where Jesus Christ lives both in individuals who are redeemed by His blood and who make up His body the Church.
 
Conclusion: Jesus “Brought us out” to “Bring us in” to “Build us Up”!
 
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese

 



Hold On and Shine Out

Introduction: These are some “power packed verses.” Paul in his inspired prison epistle writes for believers in Philippi and elsewhere to “Finish Faithful”! 
 
Check out the rich but challenging implications of these truth!
 

1. Shine Don’t Whine! (Phil 2:15) – “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.”

The word “shine” is φαίνω: (fah’-ee-no), which means to bring to light, or it can mean to cause to appear. In other words, we are to bring LIGHT to a dark world. Keep in mind, men love darkness rather than light. Since we are living in a warped and perverse nation (mixed up and confused), we need to turn the light on! Are you lighting up your world?

2. Hold Forth and Look Forward! (Phil 2:15) – “Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.”

The word “hold forth” is ἐπέχω, ep-ekh’-o), which means to hold fast, to hold toward, or can even mean to stop. In its usage, it can mean to delay or wait or pay attention. The word “vain” means empty, worthless. The word “laboured” is κοπιάω, (kop-ee-ah’-o). It suggests to grow weary, or to toil. In other words, the message is to every Christian to keep serving the Lord as tiring and weary as it may be because we will stand before Him in glory one day.

Conclusion: Honestly, it does not take a rocket scientist to see that we are living in a “crooked and perverse” nation.
Therefore, as believers in Jesus Christ we are called to be bright lights in a dark world! That means we need to Hold On and Look Ahead because Jesus is coming!
 
Hope you are preparing!
 
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese

 



Prophetical Economics

Introduction: Follow the money trail. How long will it take for the American dollar to be bypassed? Are there signs leading to the death of the dollar? One glance at the geopolitical world events reveal that we are on a crash course heading for an economic boycott.

But where is all this leading?

1. A Mark! (Rev 13:16-18) – “And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.”

This “Mark” will enable the Antichrist to control the world from an economical perspective. It appears with the CBDC movement we are not very far away from this perhaps being fulfilled. 

2. A Man! (Rev 6:1-4) – “And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.”

This third black horse rider with a pair of balances in his hand will gallop on the scene while introducing a system of buying and selling. Without the Mark of the Beast, one will be unable to buy or sale; consequently, people will starve to death. 

3. A Makeover! (Rev 19:20) – “And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.”

All of these Satanic plans will come to an abrupt end as he meets his demise. Jesus’ new economy will be implemented. It will stand forever!

Conclusion: With all this being said, we are witnessing historical events as the world races headlong toward an economic crash. Just look around.

The stage is being set. Jesus is coming. His Kingdom will stand forever.

Love y’all, 
Pastor Randy Reese

 



Stand Your Ground On the Word of God

Introduction: There are a lot of skeptics today who do not believe the Bible is the Word of God. Have you talked with anyone lately? What would you say? Can you “defend” what you believe?

Peter, as an older man, wants to “stir up” our remembrance on why we should embrace the Word of God. He pointed out three reasons why we should be able to “Stand Our Ground” when it comes to the holy Scriptures.

1) The Solid CREDIBILITY of the Eyewitnesses!—“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Peter 1:16). Either it is true or it is not! If it is, and it is—there are dire consequences for not believing.

From a logical, analytical and human perspective, even if it was not true—what are the repercussions for believing the reliability of the Bible; i.e. living a better life morally, relationally, mentally, emotionally and finally and more importantly, spiritually?

But the evidence and proof is overwhelming. These men who were inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16) were CREDIBLE as they proved the authenticity of the Scriptures by laying down their life through martyrdom. Would you be willing to die for something you did not really believe?

2) The Miraculous SOVEREIGNTY of a Living God!—“For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:17-18). Can you imagine the experience that Peter and the selected disciples had with Jesus Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17; Mark 9)?

However, as exhilarating as that must have been, Peter—filled with great wisdom and under the unction of the Holy Spirit—recognized that the “MORE SURE WORD of PROPHECY”; i.e. the holy Scriptures, stood head and shoulders above his personal experiences. Please think about that. Don’t overlook it. Apply it today.

3) The Undeniable AUDACITY of the Overwhelming Fulfillment of Bible PROPHECY!—“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation” (2 Peter 1:19-20). Check out the multiple, pinpointed accuracy of fulfilled BIBLICAL PROPHECY (over 300 with Jesus’ first coming), which have already been fulfilled, not to mention the futuristic anticipation of the RAPTURE, TRIBULATION, ARMAGEDDON, CHRIST’S SECOND COMING, MILLENNIUM, and the NEW JERUSALEM. Jesus will come again! There is hope for both now and the future because of His “PRESENCE and PROMISES”!

Contrary to false teaching, the phrase, “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation,” simply means there is a correct way to interpret Bible Prophecy which can be understood by all with the proper method of interpretation.

4) The Serious URGENCY on the Edge of ETERNITY!—“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21). Eternity is too long to be wrong! To reject the Word of God and ultimately the Son of God will result in being eternally lost and doomed forever in the lake of fire.Refuting the lies that just mere men wrote what they wanted to (errors), Peter clarified that these men were “moved” (φέρω)—carried by the Holy Spirit; i.e. like a sailboat would be pushed along by the wind.

Conclusion: Multiple MANUSCRIPT evidences (Dead Sea Scrolls), ARCHAEOLOGICAL artifacts, and PROPHETICAL fulfillments provide solid evidence that we can trust the BIBLE as the Word of GOD. Therefore, “Learn it. Love it. Live it”!

Storms are coming on the horizon. Is your life built upon the solid ROCK or the sinking SAND?

Are you ready to STAND your GROUND as you defend your faith? Get ready—because the “Living Word” became the “Written Word,” which becomes the “Fleshed Out Word”! (1 Peter 3:15).
 
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy


Understanding the Trinity

Introduction: Have you ever tried to explain the Bible doctrine of the Trinity? Human words do not seem to be adequate.
But with the inspiration and illumination of the Holy Spirit who both inspired writers in the past and illumines us in the present we can get a better grasp on this most important subject.
 
Let’s break it down into 3 brief sections:
 

1. Where are some references in regards to the Trinity? (Eph 2:18) – “For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.”

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen” (2Cor13:14).

“And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Mark 1:9-11).

Clearly these Scriptures confirm the biblical doctrine of the Trinity. Please note: The trinity does NOT teach that there are THREE different Gods; instead, it reveals that there is ONE GOD in three different persons – roles – all being co-equal in power and authority!

2. What practical applications can we draw from the Trinity? – One answer is prayer.

*God the Father is addressed by our Lord Jesus – God the Son – though they are co-equal. “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name” (Matt 6:9). This is called the model prayer.

*God the Son is our “Great High Priest” who ever lives to intercede for us. “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us” (Rom 8:34).

Jesus Christ’s High Priestly prayer is found in John Chapter 17 where He prays for Himself, His disciples, and all believers.  

*God the Holy Spirit helps us to pray. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God” (Rom 8:26-27).

These selected verses verify the different roles played by the Trinity in the matter of prayer for the CHRISTian.

Conclusion: Last but not least, the Great Commission alludes to the Trinity. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matt 28:18).

To deny the Trinity is to deny a major Bible doctrine. But to suggest there are three Gods is to miss the mark entirely.
Keeping the proper interpretational method throughout the Bible by comparing Scripture with Scripture one can conclude that God in His Sovereignty chose to use three different roles in redeeming mankind and thus glorifying His name.
 
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese


Out with the Old – In with the New

Introduction: Do old, bad habits keep trying to creep back into your life? Will they ever go away? What can you do?Why do they keep coming back?
 
Answers to these questions will be addressed in this devotion:
 

1. Being In Christ sends old things away! (2 Cor 5:17) – “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

Once born again, the old condemning penalty for sin passes away. Gone…. never to be remembered anymore. The lake of fire is no longer in view! Whereas, the gift of God is now New!

2. Being In Christ doesn’t mean that some old things won’t try to come back! (Gal 5:16-24) – “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.”

Obviously even though the flesh has been dealt with by the mighty cross of Jesus Christ, its underlying tentacles try to resurface. Howbeit, one fatal blow by the Holy Spirit renders it inoperative.

3. Being In Christ means that one day all old things will pass away, but things will be made New! (Rev 21:1-7) – “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea…..”

Somewhere in the future there is going to be a passing away of the old earth as we know it, but a creating of a new heaven and a new earth. How is God going to do it? Only He knows. Can’t wait!

Conclusion: There is relief being “In Christ Jesus” with the Old going out and the New coming in!
 
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese


Co-Labors in the New Year

Introduction: Imagine….working with God! Jonah learned that you can not RUN “from” God…. you cannot RUN “over” the Lord, but you can RUN “with” God.

Listen to the words of the apostle Paul who was inspired by the Holy Spirit, “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” (1 Cor. 3:9).
 

1. What does it mean to be a co-laborer? (1Cor 3:9) – “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” Are you working with the Lord?

2. Who gets the reward? (1Cor 3:8) – “Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.” God rewards those who serve Him (John 12:26).

3. When will the rewards come? (1Cor 3:11-16) – “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.”

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus!

Conclusion: It pays to serve the Lord Jesus! Now we are co-laborers. Keep serving!
 
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese


A Three-Fold Prescription For a BLESSED New Year

Introduction: Are you looking for a BLESSED NEW YEAR? Join the crowd! But how? Here are ways to experience this goal.
 
Check it out:
 

1. Be GLAD with CERTAINTY! (Rom 12:12) – “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.”

Do you see first of all, “rejoicing in hope”? That means be glad with certainty! We have hope because God is the God of all hope! Have you lost hope? You can be certain that Jesus knows our every need.

2. Be Patient thru ADVERSITY! (Rom 12:12) – “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.”

This is a great word. “Patient in tribulation.” The word patient means here “stand your ground” thru trouble and trials.
Instead of falling down, we are to “stand our ground”! Are you standing or falling?

3. Be Prayerful CONSTANTLY! (Rom 12:12) – “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.”
 
The only way we can “stand our ground,” and “be glad with certainty” is by being “constant in prayer”! Do you feel a need to pray? Why not now?
 
Conclusion: If three daily elements are incorporated into our life then we can expect a BLESSED NEW YEAR!
 
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese

 



Into the New Year Without Fear

Introduction: How can we have confidence going into the New Year? Here are 3 secrets to share with others who are going into the New Year.

1. Confident in spite of the Unexpectable! (Josh 3:4) – “Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore.”

Even though we do not know what to expect, we can have confidence that our God has already been there. He knows what is going to happen from the beginning to the end.

That should bring a sense of Peace in our hearts. Does it yours?

2. Assurance with the Unchangeable! (Josh 1:8) – “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

Some things do not CHANGE! The Bible is the same; Jesus Christ is the same. Therefore living in a world of changes, this should bring security to our hearts because of its promises. 

3. Faithful and Unfearful! (Josh 1:9) – “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

If our God is for us who can be against us?

Conclusion: These three secrets are the way to going into the New Year without fear!

Are you going to be fearful or faithful?

Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese