No Balm in Gilead?
Is there no balm in Gilead? The Lord asks this question in Jeremiah 8:22: “Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?” The problem was the indifference of God’s people to His will and to the law (His Word). Just two verses before this, God, speaking through Jeremiah, makes another observation: “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” We all have grown lax when it comes to serving our God. At times, we do well, but then we seem to “peter out” and slack off on the things of God. We are a busy people, it seems, but perhaps busy in the wrong things!
Remember the old strong smelling salve that was good for wounds and scrapes and burns? You don’t see it any more, modern medicine has consumed it. I remember a balm (we called it “salve”) that my mother used to rub on our sunburned skin to soothe us. It was a smelly, brown salve that was thick and pasty, but it did relieve the pain. The question is asked “Is there no balm in Gilead?” I re-phrase it for us today “Is there no balm in churches?” Is there no balm in our homes, and in our places of work? Where is the soothing ointment that we used to see so frequently? Is there not an aromatic, sweet smelling salve of the Holy Spirit to comfort us, and heal our wounds?
There are spiritual wounds that beset us; some are slight abrasions, and others more severe, even fatal, but there is also a Physician here. There is a soothing Balm in Christ. Jesus is called “The Great Physician” by some, and indeed He is the healer of the body as well as the soul. Jesus is the balm of the church, the “balm of Gilead, if you will. He is able, and willing to comfort us against the spiritual wounds of lust, envy, jealousy, and contentions; He is the balm that will heal us. That is not to say that this old body will not suffer ever again, it wears out through years of use and abuse, but there is an ointment for the soul, and that is everlasting. The comforting hand of Jesus will never wear thin.
There are doctors today who treat illnesses, but they cannot make the body heal. Only God can fuse the skin back together again; only He can make the scrapes disappear, the doctor merely applies the right medication, and then the Lord does the work! Doctors do the right thing to prepare the body for healing, but God does the actual healing. No doctor is truly a healer, give praise where praise is due. There is a balm in the churches today, in the form of the Holy Spirit of God. Balm was a medication to heal pain, but Christ is our medication to heal the anxieties and troubled hearts of His people. All the counseling that doctors do, they cannot give the peace that the Lord gives us; when they experiment with troubled minds, they are, at best, guessing, and “practicing” medicine on us, but Christ is thorough, and He heals the perplexing vanities of our minds and hearts. The old balm that I remember had been perfumed so that it did not give off an unpleasant odor; Christ is a sweet smelling aroma, a perfume for the stench of sin, and the stink of a worldly life.
Take the “Balm of Gilead” and apply it to your life; take Jesus as your Savior and see what wonders he will perform through you. Take Him even while you’re healthy, and not just when aches and pains prevail; He is the Balm of Gilead, the Great Physician for the soul, and the Medicine for our troubled minds. He cures the heartaches and the headaches of life, and comforts us when we are troubled. There is a cure for your “blues”; there is a cure for your worries and your depression; there is a friend for the lonely, a companion for the forlorn, and a hope for the hopeless, all in the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus will carry you through the storms, and set your feet upon solid ground. Won’t you ask Him to save you today? Remember Jeremiah 8:20: “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” Will this verse describe you, my friend? Now is the time of salvation, “(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)”
Call upon the Lord while He is near, Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: (Isa. 55:6)
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Roans 10:13)
I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. (Psa. 116:13)
Jackson Scott
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Friday, November 2, 2012
Calvary
From man’s perspective:
Judgment over death hell, and sin.
Calvary was a judgment in which the entire world is judged.
The Devil Himself fought with Christ for dominion:
The powers of darkness were shaken;
The earth spewed forth her wrath;
The world mocked and turned from Him.
It appeared to be a victory for the forces of evil.
Christ submitted Himself to a seeming defeat!
It had a solid impact on the apostles,
He appeared as just another “savior”.
A time of sorrow for mankind.
Christ died while women cried;
He was buried while the apostles tarried;
He rose from the grave, the sinner to save;
He’s alive evermore on that golden shore.
From God’s perspective:
The Judgment of the law which condemned man.
Judgment for death, hell, and the grave.
The Devil did fight with Jesus--Jesus won!
A humiliated Savior;
A victorious conqueror;
A faithful servant;
He arose a victor over all!
He submitted to the will of God;
He restored the apostles;
He introduced salvation to the world.
Christ died in shame, but rose in glory;
He walked with sinners, but lived with angels;
He was buried in darkness, but raised in the Light.
From man’s perspective:
Judgment over death hell, and sin.
Calvary was a judgment in which the entire world is judged.
The Devil Himself fought with Christ for dominion:
The powers of darkness were shaken;
The earth spewed forth her wrath;
The world mocked and turned from Him.
It appeared to be a victory for the forces of evil.
Christ submitted Himself to a seeming defeat!
It had a solid impact on the apostles,
He appeared as just another “savior”.
A time of sorrow for mankind.
Christ died while women cried;
He was buried while the apostles tarried;
He rose from the grave, the sinner to save;
He’s alive evermore on that golden shore.
From God’s perspective:
The Judgment of the law which condemned man.
Judgment for death, hell, and the grave.
The Devil did fight with Jesus--Jesus won!
A humiliated Savior;
A victorious conqueror;
A faithful servant;
He arose a victor over all!
He submitted to the will of God;
He restored the apostles;
He introduced salvation to the world.
Christ died in shame, but rose in glory;
He walked with sinners, but lived with angels;
He was buried in darkness, but raised in the Light.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Separation
Our separation is three-fold:
We are separated at Calvary
The Lord separates us from judgment when we put our faith in Him. This type of separation is by the blood of Christ. This separation separates us from our sins, it is an instantaneous, and invisible work performed in us.
We are separated by holiness
The Word separates us, either when we withdraw from worldly people or things, or they separate themselves from us! The Word cleanses and rebukes us so that we are given discretion with the wisdom of God. We are no longer under the curse of sin; this happens spiritually first, then mentally, and physically.
We are separated by doctrine
Our beliefs separate us from the world in the sense that we are “different”- a “peculiar people”.
This type of separation separates us from false doctrine, and at times must divide the brethren for the good of man and the glory of God.
We don’t hear much about separation these days, the world preaches unity. We need to get back to Biblical separation, and learn to stand on the principles of the Bible. We must have separate lifestyles, separate philosophies, and separate friendships, all of which describe the social, mental, and physical aspects of our life.
Our separation is three-fold:
We are separated at Calvary
The Lord separates us from judgment when we put our faith in Him. This type of separation is by the blood of Christ. This separation separates us from our sins, it is an instantaneous, and invisible work performed in us.
We are separated by holiness
The Word separates us, either when we withdraw from worldly people or things, or they separate themselves from us! The Word cleanses and rebukes us so that we are given discretion with the wisdom of God. We are no longer under the curse of sin; this happens spiritually first, then mentally, and physically.
We are separated by doctrine
Our beliefs separate us from the world in the sense that we are “different”- a “peculiar people”.
This type of separation separates us from false doctrine, and at times must divide the brethren for the good of man and the glory of God.
We don’t hear much about separation these days, the world preaches unity. We need to get back to Biblical separation, and learn to stand on the principles of the Bible. We must have separate lifestyles, separate philosophies, and separate friendships, all of which describe the social, mental, and physical aspects of our life.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Separation
Our separation is three-fold:
We are separated at Calvary
The Lord separates us from judgment when we put our faith in Him. This type of separation is by the blood of Christ. This separation separates us from our sins, it is an instantaneous, and invisible work performed in us.
We are separated by holiness
The Word separates us, either when we withdraw from worldly people or things, or they separate themselves from us! The Word cleanses and rebukes us so that we are given discretion with the wisdom of God. We are no longer under the curse of sin; this happens spiritually first, then mentally, and physically.
We are separated by doctrine
Our beliefs separate us from the world in the sense that we are “different”- a “peculiar people”.
This type of separation separates us from false doctrine, and at times must divide the brethren for the good of man and the glory of God.
Our separation is three-fold:
We are separated at Calvary
The Lord separates us from judgment when we put our faith in Him. This type of separation is by the blood of Christ. This separation separates us from our sins, it is an instantaneous, and invisible work performed in us.
We are separated by holiness
The Word separates us, either when we withdraw from worldly people or things, or they separate themselves from us! The Word cleanses and rebukes us so that we are given discretion with the wisdom of God. We are no longer under the curse of sin; this happens spiritually first, then mentally, and physically.
We are separated by doctrine
Our beliefs separate us from the world in the sense that we are “different”- a “peculiar people”.
This type of separation separates us from false doctrine, and at times must divide the brethren for the good of man and the glory of God.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Arguing
Jude 1
Contending for the faith…
Arguing edifies! Yes, you read me right, arguing edifies both sides of the argument, if they will both be teachable. It causes both parties to think through their priorities, and search the scriptures more diligently. One of the major problems in the church today is that we have been taught to avoid arguing; a man that will not argue will hide the truth. We are afraid to argue, and we decorate that which we do engage in as “debate” or simply a “discussion”, but never an argument. What we will not defend, we will eventually condone, and what we condone we will learn to embrace. It is imperative then, that we “contend for the faith” as Jude instructs us, and do not be afraid to argue.
Edification is granted to us when we argue because we have to study more diligently for accuracy; it is edifying to the opponent because he is led to see things in a different light. I believe that a good argument bears fruit, and is part of “contending for the faith” (Jude 1:3). Though it often ends in a stalemate, or so it seems, it plants seed for thought and has long range advantages.
There is so much false doctrine in the church today that many have simply given in to it and condone it, but say they do not believe it. Eventually we do begin to believe it as we are exposed to it more and more, unless, that is, we fight against it. It is a gradual and subtle process. Even faith is a matter of growth; we do not begin “walking in faith” completely, but our faith grows as we learn and study the Scriptures. How do you suppose there were only eight righteous people in Noah’s day? It seemed the rest of the world had condoned sin, and allowed it, and eventually were caught up in it. Lot was headed that way himself, until the angels literally pulled him out of Sodom. Be careful of that which you condone, defend the faith “once delivered unto the saints“, and be steadfast in your convictions. In defending the truth, you grow stronger in truth, and you glorify the Father Who is the Truth.
If the preponderance of scripture is there, stand with it! If it is not, then search for it until the Lord reveals His Truth through it. Don’t be afraid to argue for the truth, though it stands on it’s own merit, we cannot ignore false doctrine, and think it is okay. We build stronger lives when we defend Truth.
Jude 1
Contending for the faith…
Arguing edifies! Yes, you read me right, arguing edifies both sides of the argument, if they will both be teachable. It causes both parties to think through their priorities, and search the scriptures more diligently. One of the major problems in the church today is that we have been taught to avoid arguing; a man that will not argue will hide the truth. We are afraid to argue, and we decorate that which we do engage in as “debate” or simply a “discussion”, but never an argument. What we will not defend, we will eventually condone, and what we condone we will learn to embrace. It is imperative then, that we “contend for the faith” as Jude instructs us, and do not be afraid to argue.
Edification is granted to us when we argue because we have to study more diligently for accuracy; it is edifying to the opponent because he is led to see things in a different light. I believe that a good argument bears fruit, and is part of “contending for the faith” (Jude 1:3). Though it often ends in a stalemate, or so it seems, it plants seed for thought and has long range advantages.
There is so much false doctrine in the church today that many have simply given in to it and condone it, but say they do not believe it. Eventually we do begin to believe it as we are exposed to it more and more, unless, that is, we fight against it. It is a gradual and subtle process. Even faith is a matter of growth; we do not begin “walking in faith” completely, but our faith grows as we learn and study the Scriptures. How do you suppose there were only eight righteous people in Noah’s day? It seemed the rest of the world had condoned sin, and allowed it, and eventually were caught up in it. Lot was headed that way himself, until the angels literally pulled him out of Sodom. Be careful of that which you condone, defend the faith “once delivered unto the saints“, and be steadfast in your convictions. In defending the truth, you grow stronger in truth, and you glorify the Father Who is the Truth.
If the preponderance of scripture is there, stand with it! If it is not, then search for it until the Lord reveals His Truth through it. Don’t be afraid to argue for the truth, though it stands on it’s own merit, we cannot ignore false doctrine, and think it is okay. We build stronger lives when we defend Truth.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Properly Growing
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. K. 2:52)
Jesus grew in four ways, physically, spiritually, socially, and of course, in wisdom. If He grew in wisdom and in “grace” with the Father, how much more must we? Let’s examine these four aspects of growth:
He increased in wisdom
Could it be that the Lord had to learn the Fathers’ ways just as we do? He grew from an infant into a man and increased daily in the Truth. Notice that wisdom is the first mentioned “growth” even preceding stature. He learned from an infant, and was undoubtedly born with a greater capacity to know and to understand the will of the Father. We are never too old, nor too young to learn of the grace of God, and the ways of His leading. Start your children out right, by creating in them a desire for the Holy, and point them to the One who knows from His youth, the will of the Father. This would take diligent effort in the Word, daily, seriously, and reverently; it would not hurt to supply the household with good, solid Christian music too, some of the old hymns, and none of this modern day mumble-jumble. Jesus grew mentally.
Jesus increased in stature
Stature is one thing we have not much control over, but it may be important to know that Jesus was human enough to grow physically. It is comforting to know that our Savior and I have a few things in common--we grow mentally, and physically without a lot of effort on our part. Perhaps that is the limit for most of us when we compare our lives to Jesus’, but it need not be that way completely. Disease can hinder growth, just as sin can hinder or spiritual growth.
He grew in favor with God
Jesus grew spiritually. He was obedient to the Father in every way, and because of this, He grew mightily in the Lord. He grew as man grows, but because he was without sin, He grew much quicker. Sin hinders our growth, and “all have sinned”, therefore we cannot attain to the heights that Jesus reached when on earth, but, by the grace of God, we can work toward that goal. The closer we get, the greater our capacity to find favor with God. One man can grow more rapidly than another, as we all know, by abiding in the Word, and way, of the Lord. To obtain the favor and the blessing of God is the greatest accomplishment man could achieve, and ought to desire. Our standing with the Lord will guide the rest of our lives in truth and favor if we will do right by Him. Our testimony will reveal what we really are.
Jesus also grew in favor with man
Not only did He grow in favor with God, but He grew socially, in favor with man. Of course there were those who opposed, but the real men followed Him, and still do. Those who are bent on evil and self seeking, will never find the hidden treasure of the favor of God, not unless they forsake their evil ways by taking Christ as their Savior. To obtain the favor of man we must do right also. Most of us think we have to become what they are to obtain their favor, but most men respect the man that has values and does right at all cost. They may not always understand why we would do it, but they often respect us for it; of course, we may not realize that at the time--they do not grovel at our feet and tell us how much they admire us, but they may never forget the example they have seen in us. How wonderful that the Lord gives us favor with men too.
Jackson Scott
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. K. 2:52)
Jesus grew in four ways, physically, spiritually, socially, and of course, in wisdom. If He grew in wisdom and in “grace” with the Father, how much more must we? Let’s examine these four aspects of growth:
He increased in wisdom
Could it be that the Lord had to learn the Fathers’ ways just as we do? He grew from an infant into a man and increased daily in the Truth. Notice that wisdom is the first mentioned “growth” even preceding stature. He learned from an infant, and was undoubtedly born with a greater capacity to know and to understand the will of the Father. We are never too old, nor too young to learn of the grace of God, and the ways of His leading. Start your children out right, by creating in them a desire for the Holy, and point them to the One who knows from His youth, the will of the Father. This would take diligent effort in the Word, daily, seriously, and reverently; it would not hurt to supply the household with good, solid Christian music too, some of the old hymns, and none of this modern day mumble-jumble. Jesus grew mentally.
Jesus increased in stature
Stature is one thing we have not much control over, but it may be important to know that Jesus was human enough to grow physically. It is comforting to know that our Savior and I have a few things in common--we grow mentally, and physically without a lot of effort on our part. Perhaps that is the limit for most of us when we compare our lives to Jesus’, but it need not be that way completely. Disease can hinder growth, just as sin can hinder or spiritual growth.
He grew in favor with God
Jesus grew spiritually. He was obedient to the Father in every way, and because of this, He grew mightily in the Lord. He grew as man grows, but because he was without sin, He grew much quicker. Sin hinders our growth, and “all have sinned”, therefore we cannot attain to the heights that Jesus reached when on earth, but, by the grace of God, we can work toward that goal. The closer we get, the greater our capacity to find favor with God. One man can grow more rapidly than another, as we all know, by abiding in the Word, and way, of the Lord. To obtain the favor and the blessing of God is the greatest accomplishment man could achieve, and ought to desire. Our standing with the Lord will guide the rest of our lives in truth and favor if we will do right by Him. Our testimony will reveal what we really are.
Jesus also grew in favor with man
Not only did He grow in favor with God, but He grew socially, in favor with man. Of course there were those who opposed, but the real men followed Him, and still do. Those who are bent on evil and self seeking, will never find the hidden treasure of the favor of God, not unless they forsake their evil ways by taking Christ as their Savior. To obtain the favor of man we must do right also. Most of us think we have to become what they are to obtain their favor, but most men respect the man that has values and does right at all cost. They may not always understand why we would do it, but they often respect us for it; of course, we may not realize that at the time--they do not grovel at our feet and tell us how much they admire us, but they may never forget the example they have seen in us. How wonderful that the Lord gives us favor with men too.
Jackson Scott
Sunday, August 5, 2012
3 divine loves
There are three great loves in my life, all others are subordinate to these three:
My first love is the Lord Jesus Christ. Nothing supersedes the Love I have for Him. Men have jeopardized their lives for love of the Lord, because He has blessed them beyond comprehension. Thus, the Lord God Almighty is my first and foremost love, and that only by His grace.
The second great love I have is for my wife, who the Lord has chosen for me, and me only. I love her with all the love my Lord has given me, and there is no other mortal as wonderful as her. There is no one, and nothing that I love on this earth more than the woman that God has given me; and He has allowed us the great privilege of spending eternity together with Him.
My third great love is the love of my country. Though I do not, and would not, put anything on par with my Lord, I see America’s flag as the paradigm of freedom for the world, as one sees Calvary for a Monument for men’s souls. Yes, as Calvary represents the liberty we have in Christ, so the “Red, white, and blue” stands paramount above all other countries and banners; it represents, in the human world, what Calvary represents in the Christian realm.
It is almost as if the Lord Himself designed our flag, and inspired the name “Old Glory”;
The red symbolizes the blood of Christ which makes all men free;
The white represents righteousness, imparted to those who believe;
The blue shows the firmament, and God as Creator;
The stars remind me that he is the eternal God who lives beyond the stars;
And the stripes remind me that it is by His stripes that we are healed.
Yes, “old Glory” speaks of glory, and though it is not worthy to be exalted anywhere near our Lord, freedom is worth dying for.
Our Lord died to make us free; liberty was so important to Him that He made man a free moral agent, giving him the freedom to choose. Many men have also died for the freedom of American people, let us never forget, and always remember to pray for the country that men gave their lives for.
There are three great loves in my life, all others are subordinate to these three:
My first love is the Lord Jesus Christ. Nothing supersedes the Love I have for Him. Men have jeopardized their lives for love of the Lord, because He has blessed them beyond comprehension. Thus, the Lord God Almighty is my first and foremost love, and that only by His grace.
The second great love I have is for my wife, who the Lord has chosen for me, and me only. I love her with all the love my Lord has given me, and there is no other mortal as wonderful as her. There is no one, and nothing that I love on this earth more than the woman that God has given me; and He has allowed us the great privilege of spending eternity together with Him.
My third great love is the love of my country. Though I do not, and would not, put anything on par with my Lord, I see America’s flag as the paradigm of freedom for the world, as one sees Calvary for a Monument for men’s souls. Yes, as Calvary represents the liberty we have in Christ, so the “Red, white, and blue” stands paramount above all other countries and banners; it represents, in the human world, what Calvary represents in the Christian realm.
It is almost as if the Lord Himself designed our flag, and inspired the name “Old Glory”;
The red symbolizes the blood of Christ which makes all men free;
The white represents righteousness, imparted to those who believe;
The blue shows the firmament, and God as Creator;
The stars remind me that he is the eternal God who lives beyond the stars;
And the stripes remind me that it is by His stripes that we are healed.
Yes, “old Glory” speaks of glory, and though it is not worthy to be exalted anywhere near our Lord, freedom is worth dying for.
Our Lord died to make us free; liberty was so important to Him that He made man a free moral agent, giving him the freedom to choose. Many men have also died for the freedom of American people, let us never forget, and always remember to pray for the country that men gave their lives for.
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