Roots by the River

“We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited” (2 Cor. 6:3). “Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God” (2 Cor. 10:32). “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander” (1 Peter 3:15-16). One of the most effective means of evangelism is to keep from stumbling unbelievers. Read how Paul does it in 2 Corinthians 6:4-10: “Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and...

And when the strife is fierce, The warfare long Steals on the ear The distant triumph song And hearts are brave again And arms are strong. Alleluia, alleluia. - William W. How, 19 th Century “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?” (2 Corinthians 2:14-17). The song in my head caused me to think of the Scripture. Triumph is more than just victory. It is the celebration of victory. Paul says that it is in the present, and the song says that it is in the future. In any case, it is a sure thing. This post coordinates with tomorrow's reading in the To the Word! Bible Reading Challenge . If you are not in a daily reading plan, please join us at totheword.co...

It is relatively easy to believe great things of God as in Psalm 33:6, 9: “By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth…. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.” It seems more difficult to believe great things of God when it has to do with us: “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Cor. 9:8). “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20). “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25). “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand” (Romans 14:4). “That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, be...

Recently,* a friend asked a question about Christians of today, which got a ready answer from me. There is a prayer in Psalm 19 that does not seem to me to be applied by many of us. “Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression” (Psalm 19:12-13). We do not confess known sins (1 John 1:7-9) nor request cleansing from secret sins. We do not request help for obedience in small things nor for deliverance from addiction to them. If we did, then there would be no danger of us committing any great sin. Great sins are caused by a multitude of unconfessed, willful sins that are now ruling over us. A great transgression is the next event. In many evangelical churches, there is a great transgression happening somewhere right now. We do not understand how it could have happened. The answer is easy. The guilty person did not pray verses 12 and 13 of this Ps...

I received the following comment from a friend on 2 Peter chapter 1: "Dear Jim, I’ve read and reread the passage in 2 Peter, but I find myself being overwhelmed because the goal is so high—I’ll never reach it. - Your Friend." Dear Friend, You commented about the impossibility of the passage in 2 Peter: “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 1:5-8). Really it is not impossible. It just says add to your faith these things, and if you have them, add in increasing majority. In other words, it doesn’t say that if you have them in some absolute form—just if they are always increasing , yo...

"But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called 'today,' that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin" (Hebrews 3:13). Sitting over a cup of coffee at one time or another, almost every woman has been called upon to listen to someone else tell their troubles. As Christians, what does God expect of us in these times? Certainly, we ought to be good listeners and be able to keep a secret where warranted. Both of these are good qualities—but are we not required to do more ? Even in a Bible study, it is not uncommon to find people sharing their difficulties and feeling refreshed for having done so. However, talking about our problems brings only temporary relief. In order for us to take an effective step forward, the Word of God must be brought to bear on the particular problem or temptation and prayer made for God’s help in meeting the problem in His way. But who is to exhort in this fashion? Exhortation seems to be a rare art among Christians. B...