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November 20, 2023 · 9:00 am

Incarnation

One of the great tenets of the Christian faith surrounds the person of Jesus Christ. We proclaim that He is all God and all man. Somehow, through the miraculous power of God, Jesus received humanity in the incarnation.

Today, let us think about the one who came to identify with us. He felt the emotions we feel and Christ experienced life as we experience it. Let us look as some examples.

**He became hungry.

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry.  Matthew 4:1-2

**He became tired and rested.

So He came to a city of Samaria called Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph; and Jacob’s well was there. So Jesus, being wearied from His journey, was sitting thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.  John 4:5-6

**He was thirsty at times.

There came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.”

John 4:7

**Jesus cried.

“Where have you laid him?” They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept.

The mystery of the incarnation is deep and profound. Jesus experienced the entirety of humanity and yet remained without sin for us. He loves us today. And He understands because, He’s been there.

Tony French

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November 16, 2023 · 9:00 pm

Process

But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.

James 1:14-15

In this section of Chapter 1, James get to the heart of the sin playbook. If we can learn how this process works, we can learn to recognize and defeat it. Let’s examine the process of sin for a moment.

Desire—All sin begins with desire. Not all desires are evil. Often, wholesome and good desires can be perverted to lead us into sin. Desire is not sin, but, desire can be used to begin the temptation process in our lives.

Deception—Once desire is established in our minds, temptation moves to deception.  When we are deceived, we have a tendency to get a skewed outlook on life. Our desires lead to us to believe the wrong things about God, about the Bible, and about ourselves. We begin to believe that we know better than God and that we can ignore the Bible. Deception is dangerous and deadly.

Disobedience—The next step is outright disobedience to God’s Word and commands. Sin leads us away from God and towards ourselves. Sin allows us to become our own god! What a terrible sequence this process of sin reveals.

Death—The final stop for the sin process is death. All sin leads ultimately to death. When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden of Eden, it lead to death. They lived for many years after their sin. Yet, eventually, inevitably, they died. Sin leads to death and destruction. (Romans 6:23)

How do we overcome sin and temptation? Realize that God’s Word and God’s ways are best. When desires well up within you, remember what God’s Word tells us. Remember His commands and avoid deception in your life. Recall that God gives us commands and boundaries to protect us and help us to live Godly, peaceful lives.

And then fight it! We are not helpless in this matter. God’s Spirit lives within us (1 Corinthians 6) and He helps us overcome. Trust God to help you endure the temptation and overcome by the grace of God (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Tony French

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November 13, 2023 · 9:00 am

In Christ

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight 9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him 10 with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.

Ephesians 1:3-12

In Christ Jesus, Believers have…………………

**Redemption. We are forgiven and set free from sin in order to live for Christ. We are forever and always redeemed by the blood of Jesus.

**Inheritance. The Believer’s inheritance is safe forevermore and eternally secure. The promises of Heaven and the hope of the presence of God are wonderful beyond measure. Jesus is preparing a place for us (John 14:1-4) and we will be with Him for always.

**Sealed.

The sealing of the Christian makes our salvation secure. No can take it away. Paul tells that this truth; “you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Corinthians 6:20) We are His eternally and our life with Him is everlasting.

In Christ, Christians have redemption, inheritance, and the promise of security through the seal of the Holy Spirit. Hallelujah!

Tony French

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November 9, 2023 · 9:00 am

Temptation

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.

James 1:13-14

A warning is issued as James begins to define how to overcome temptation. The Apostle tells us that God never tempts us to sin. God cannot be tempted and He doesn’t tempt us to sin.

God will test us and try us in order to grow us in Christ. He will allow difficulties into our lives from time to time. But, He will never tempt us to sin. Our flesh tempts us and the Devil will tempt us. God never will.

When tempted, Child of God, know that the Lord will never tempt us to sin and disobey His Word. The Spirit of God will always lead us to be obedient to the Bible. Thanks be to Lord!

Tony French

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November 6, 2023 · 9:00 am

Refuge

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:1

People today are fond of saying “our times are troubled.”  On certain days, such a pronouncement would be an understatement. Violence, carnage, and mayhem reign in our streets and our hearts. Each new tragic episode is said to be the worst episode that has ever taken place. Well, it’s the worst at least until the next tragedy comes around.

As each tragedy comes and goes, humans become more despondent and distressed. We ask “what causes these things to take place?” and “how do we stop this?” Unfortunately, from a human perspective, there are no easy answers.  Each side on the political spectrum simply doubles down on their arguments. But nothing seems to change.  Tragic, terrible, events teach us that there will never be true peace on earth until King Jesus rules and reigns.

In the meantime, what are we to do? Remember, the truth of God’s Word. When tragedy and hurt come our way, be cognizant of God’s unchanging truth and unchanging love. Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Why?

He is our refuge. Christ is the one we can turn to in every situation. He experienced pain, sorrow, injustice, betrayal, and even death for us. Turn to Him as your refuge from the tragedy, the violence, the pain. Pray, trust, and keep believing in the goodness of God despite what you see going on around you.

He is our strength. He is the reason you and I are able to keep going. Jesus is the cause of our worship, our service, and our obedience. And He is the reason you’re able to get out of bed in the morning. Trust in Him—He is your strength.

He is our help.  Christ has been your help, He is your help today, and He will always be your help. He is our might and He will carry us through.

God never promised perfection in this life. Evil will always be a part of this world until Jesus returns. Keep recalling what God has declared. He is your refuge, your help, and your strength.

Tony French

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November 2, 2023 · 9:00 pm

Persevere

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

James 1:12

The apostle gives Believers everywhere assurance and hope as face the worst days of their lives. Trials and tribulations will come to everyone. Christians, however, persevere during the difficulties because they have the promises of God. True Christ-followers receive eternal life with Jesus. And nothing can take that away.

The crown mentioned in verse 12 is the crown of life, or the crown of eternal life. Those who are truly saved will persevere. We may sin and we may make mistakes. But, the true Believer will not quit and give up. They keep on going even when it’s tough. The ultimate reward is life with Christ for all eternity.

Are you ready to give up? Realize that God is with you and that your trials are leading you to Christ.

Tony French

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October 30, 2023 · 9:00 am

Our Refuge

The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble, And He knows those who take refuge in Him.

Nahum 1:7

The Lord is good. Our Lord is good every day, every hour, and every moment. And God is good no matter the problem or circumstance. The Lord is very good.

God is a place of refuge for His people. The people of the Lord can take refuge in God’s power, His personal presence, and His promises. The Lord is our stronghold in the day of trouble and in the time of triumph. Yahweh is our refuge forever.

The Lord knows His own. Our God knows His children and cares for His children. Dear Christian, the Savior knows every aspect and circumstance of your life. Jesus sees even when others can’t perceive all that is happening to you. The Lord knows His beloved ones. We can take comfort in that fact.

How can we apply these truths to our lives? Believer the Lord, trust the Lord, and obey the Lord. Why? Because God knows us, sees us, and shelters us. Praise be to His glorious name!

Tony French

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October 23, 2023 · 9:00 am

Power

We live in a world that values power. Our culture is in love with physical power, military power, and economic power. Power is the objective and power is sought by many in our day.

God’s power is altogether different. How so? The Bible tells us.

**God’s power saves………..

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.   

Romans 1:16

**God’s power resurrects……..

So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power.     1 Corinthians 15:42-43

**God’s power is infinite………..

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Ephesians 1:18-23

**Gods’ power is everlasting………..

Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ ; and He will reign forever and ever.” And the twenty-four elders, who sit on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying, “We give You thanks, O Lord God, the Almighty, who are and who were, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign. 

Revelation 11:15-17

God’s power is greater than any earthly power. I don’t know about you. But, I’ll seek to live in God’s power every day. Be blessed with this thought!

Tony French

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October 19, 2023 · 9:00 pm

No Doubt

But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

James 1:6-8

Our belief in God will be key in overcoming problems. Praying in faith requires more than just words. Faith is demanded as we seek communion with the Lord.

James qualifies verse 5 by giving us a stern warning. When we ask for wisdom, we should not ask in doubt. We are to ask for wisdom through faith believing that God will answer our prayer. We shouldn’t expect anything if we pray insincerely and half-heartedly. Believe and trust are paramount in having power in prayer.

James describes the doubting prayer as unstable and double-minded. The phrase double-minded refers to a divided allegiance. Christian, we will never have power in prayer until we give up on doubt and trust God completely.

Overcoming problems requires a belief in God’s purposes and a need for God’s wisdom. How about you? Will you commit to praying with supreme trust in Christ? Will you let go of your doubts and trust God?

Tony French

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October 16, 2023 · 9:00 am

The Presence of God

In Exodus 25, God commanded the people of Israel to build what would be known as the ark of covenant. It was an ornate chest that symbolized the greatness and might of God. This “ark of the covenant” is featured prominently in Israel’s history at different points in the Old Testament.

The ark still teaches us much today even though we are no longer under the law. It still has meaning and teaches us principles for our time. An examination of these principles will follow.

First, the ark symbolized the purity of God.  The ark was to be overlaid with pure gold inside and out. (Exodus 25:11) The purity of God would be memorialized through the purity of the gold. God is pure and holy and the ark would serve as a reminder of that fact.

Second, the ark symbolized the presence of God. The ark would dwell in the most holy place of the tabernacle and later in the same place in the temple. (Exodus 40:20-21)  It would remain as a perpetual illustration to remind the people that God was with them. They would be His people and He would be there God. 

Also, the ark symbolized the purposes of God. The ark would serve as an illustration of the covenant of God with His people. The mercy seat or “atonement cover” was placed on the top of the ark and there the High Priest would place the blood of the sacrifice to atone for the sins of the people. (Leviticus 16:14) The mercy of God would be found through the sacrifices remunerated each year on the Day of Atonement.

What does this mean for Believers today? We need to be in awe of the purity of God. In a world that is filled with impurity, God’s purity shines forth like the sun.

We should realize that God dwells with us as well. He indwells us through the power of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 3:16) We no longer look to an object because He is with us at all times.

Finally, the ark instructs us about Jesus. It is through the blood of Jesus that our sins are ultimately removed and we are forgiven. (Hebrews 10) His sacrifice was accepted and fulfilled the entirety of the law for us.

As Paul says “but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  (1 Corinthians 15:57) Be blessed today!

Tony French

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