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“Do Not Be Deceived”

By Paul Alberts

The matter of deception runs from Genesis to Revelation. In relation to humans, we first read about it in Genesis 3, when the woman confessed that “the serpent deceived me” (v.13 NASB). We probably know the story well, remembering how satan asked Eve questions, craftily challenging her understanding of the one command God had given for the good of man. Having had her desires stirred, she took and ate of the tree from which fruit was not to be eaten. she also gave of the fruit to her husband and he ate. Thus sin entered the human race.

This certainly was not God’s desire for mankind. He does not want men and women to be deceived by the things in this world. His Word tells us, “Do not be deceived” (Gal 6:7; Jas. 1:16). being deceived is related to our old nature and the state we were in before we trusted the Lord. Titus 3:3-6 says, “For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. but when the kindness of God our savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our savior.”

We may like to suggest that the problem of being deceived is strictly from outside ourselves: the great Deceiver, known as the Devil, or “evil men and impostors [who] proceed from bad to worse, deceiving …” (2 Tim. 3:13). Certainly there are many examples of this in the bible, even stories of family members deceiving one another. However, the Old Testament prophets revealed to God’s people that they were being deceived by “the arrogance of your heart” (Jer. 49:16). Is there not pride in our hearts at times, like the people of old, which leads us away from the things of the Lord, replacing that which gives honor and glory to Him with something evil in His sight? Oh, dear ones, we must be careful and heed the exhortations given to us from scripture!

For The Lord’s Joy Or … ?

By Paul Alberts

When the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, some men were presenting strange teachings in the church at Ephesus. As a result, problems and disputes developed instead of the godly building up of believers and displays of “love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith” (1 Tim. 1:5 NKJV). The situation there was the early stage of what we find today, and the lessons in this book still need to be heeded.

Paul had taken Timothy with him on missionary journeys over the course of several years, and in the process Paul knew Timothy very well. In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul spoke of Timothy as his “beloved and faithful son in the Lord” (4:17). In 1 Thessalonians 3:2, Paul spoke of this servant of the Lord as “our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ.”

Paul knew that Timothy, “a true son in the faith” (1 Tim. 1:2), would endeavor to do what Paul instructed, even when Paul was not present with him. What a challenge this presents to us as we may ask ourselves the question, “Is the Lord’s evaluation of us as good?”

Glancing through the few pages of 1 Timothy one might think, “There isn’t much there for me as I am not going to involve myself with problems in the local church or the matters of elders and deacons.” But the book is about much more, for in those things and in other points it shows us what we need to stay away from and the things which we should seek. The Feature articles in this edition address some of these points, but you would do well to read the six short chapters which make up 1 Timothy. By pondering the verses along the way, you will discover that they have much instruction for daily Christian living. Practicing such things will bring honor and glory to the Lord.

Throughout a day we make many decisions as to how to live and act, and whether it will be for the Lord’s joy or our pleasure. I think that question is one of the central focuses of this magazine issue. Maybe you will find something different as you read it from cover to cover.

At What Age?

By Paul Albert

Have you ever wondered how old some of the people in the Bible were when they started to do things that honored God? What is recorded about John the Baptist is unique, for while he was still in his mother’s womb he leaped for joy when she heard the greeting of the mother of her Lord (Lk. 1:40-44). Truly, in this we are reminded that the lives of the unborn are precious to the Lord.

Reading through Scripture we find others are different ages. Samuel (1 Sam. 2:18) and the captive servant girl in the story of Naaman (2 Ki. 5) were children. Others in the Bible who displayed faith in God during their teens or early twenties, if not before, include Isaac, Joseph, David, Jeremiah and Daniel. Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the disciples all seemed to be rather young as well. Peter was at least 20 (Mt. 17:24-27, Ex. 30:13-14) during Jesus’ ministry years, but John was quite likely younger considering that he wrote Revelation more than 60 years after the Lord was crucified.

We believers should be encouraged to commit our lives to the Lord early in life. There is nothing to be gained in this world, so why live as if there were? God is always interested in our desires and well-being, but He is pleased when we seek to obey and honor Him. Thankfully, as we look around we see young people as well as older ones giving the Lord first place the highest position in their lives. Paul wrote: “Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” (Rom. 12:1 NKJV). Another translation ends the verse by saying, “… your spiritual service of worship” (NASB). Our lives should be lived in worship to Him.

In a time to come when what has been done for Christ is revealed, at what age will it be shown that you began to follow Him as Lord, and not only as Savior? This is something to begin when you are young the sooner the better!

God has given many instructions to help us in this desire, and we need to take heed to His Word (Ps. 119:9). May we be reading it daily, humbly and prayerfully learning from Him.

Never Alone

By Paul Albert

In preparing this edition I repeatedly noticed the idea of being alone. What is it like to be really alone? Dictionary definitions include “separate, apart, or isolated from others” (Dictionary.com) and “without anyone or anything else” (Merriam-Webster.com). We may think of widows or widowers. Prisoners come to my mind as another example, many of whom we pray for at Grace & Truth. Family members find themselves alone during conflicts in the home. Even a youth standing for Christ when no one else does senses what it is to be alone. Many more examples could be given.

Being alone does not always mean a person is lonely, but the two terms have ties with each other. Loneliness includes a feeling – often of being sad or depressed. Do you feel lonely sometimes? I do, but there are others that I know who experience it far more deeply.

What was it like for the Lord Jesus? He was different than everyone else, even to the point that his mother and stepfather, according to Luke 2:41-50, did not grasp what it was for Him at the age of 12 to “be about [His] Father’s business” (NKJV). Jesus’ disciples fled when He was arrested, leaving Him alone (Mk. 14:50). Then there was that work which the Father had given Him to do – it was His work alone (Jn. 17:4). The Lord Jesus, the Son of God, cried out “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Mt. 27:46, see Ps. 22:1). Nothing that we feel in terms of being alone or lonely comes even close to what the Lord experienced.

What is special about this is that He, the One who understands better than anyone what it is to be alone or lonely, is with His people and desires to comfort them with His presence. An unknown Christian wrote:

“How many times discouraged, we sink beside the way;
About us all is darkness, we hardly dare to pray;
Then from the mists and shadows, the sweetest voice e’er known,
Says, ‘Child, am I not with thee, never to leave thee alone?’
No, never alone! No, never alone!He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone!”

May you sense His presence right now.

His Work In Our Lives

By Paul Alberts

All of us go through times of depression or despair. We may be dealing with sad or distressing events. Maybe our expectation of things coming up is somber. Burdens and troubles could be weighing us down to the point where they are just too much for us to bear. Along with these things, sometimes it just seems like no one really cares or is able to understand what we are going through.

We are not alone. Even the Bible records such struggles in the lives of Abraham, Hannah, King Saul, Elijah, Job, David, Jeremiah, Jonah and Paul – to name a few. Jesus, while in the garden of Gethsemane, “began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said [to Peter and the two sons of Zebedee], ‘My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.’ He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed … Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping” (Mt. 26:36-40 NKJV).

The writer of Hebrews was led of the Holy Spirit to share other details about the Lord Jesus: “In the days of His flesh … He offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation” (5:7-9). Applying lessons to us, we see a limitation of these things to the days of life here on earth. We need to pray with all the honesty of our hearts to Him who can save even from death itself. The Father hears the prayers of His children and He will do what is necessary for their learning, causing them to grow and be more useful regarding things of eternal value.

The cave of Adullam, the topic of this month’s Feature articles, was a time of despair for David. As you read the articles you will see how the Lord worked in his life and through it for tremendous blessing. Even better, God was glorified! The same can be true for us if we allow the Lord to do His work in our lives – even during our days of despair.

I Love You

By Paul Alberts

We probably all like to hear “I love you,” especially by someone who we know really means it. In many relationships, though love is present, these particular words are not expressed often enough. Interestingly, some of our favorite Bible verses are the ones that speak of God’s love by using that very word. John 3:16, quite possibly the most known verse in the world, is one example: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (NKJV). Maybe there is someone in your life whom you haven’t told you love for quite a while. It could be your spouse, your child, your brother or sister, your parent – or what about the Lord Jesus? Take a moment and tell these special ones that you love them.

The way of the world tells us that nothing anyone does matters as long as there is love: “It is all right to __________ , because of love.” We should never follow what the world tells us for it is under the power of Satan, who works in many ways against God (Eph. 2:2-3). The Bible tells us that love and doing things rightly go hand in hand. Romans 13:8-10 says, “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘You shall not covet,’ and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” It is never right to sin, and using the justification that it is “all right because of love” is entirely wrong! May we be careful to obey God in all that we do, even in the relationships with those we love.

Love is a powerful and persuasive influence. God has only ever used it in a right way – to draw hearts to Himself (Jer. 31:3). How have you responded to His love? The hymn writer, Isaac Watts (1674-1748), wrote, “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.”

There are many wonderful examples of love shown in Scripture. The greatest of course is found in God, who is love (1 Jn. 4:8,16). We hope you will enjoy His lessons for you in this edition.

Only One Life, ’Twill Soon Be Past

By C. T. Studd, missionary to China, India and Africa (1860-1931)

Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet, And stand before His judgment seat;
Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave, and to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes and fears;
Each with its days I must fulfill, Living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way, Then help me, Lord, with joy to say;
Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy Word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world not let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say, “Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call, I know I’ll say, “‘Twas worth it all”;
Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When Confronted By CULTURE

By Paul Alberts

It is easy to get caught up in the many issues of our world. Sometimes we may feel forced into tolerating views or practices contrary to God’s Word, particularly when a group with whom we are linked takes such a position.

One of our writers this month reminds us that “being a Christian often involves rejecting the influence of the crowd and other sources to stand alone and think for oneself, according to His Word and like many prophets of old.”

You may remember that the December 2015 Grace & Truth Magazine focused on the prophet Jeremiah. We saw in him the struggle of a faithful individual in a culture that practiced what was in opposition to God’s desires. Jeremiah could not simply leave the people, and he was burdened, experiencing physical hardship in his stand for the LORD.

How should a Christian respond to different social issues? What about the local gathering of believers, the church? With some issues the answer is simply to separate. But in other situations separation is not possible. Looking back, we find that believers have already faced many dreadful issues, giving us practical lessons for today. In these examples we can also see characteristics of the day of apostasy which is yet to come, after believers meet the Lord in the air.

Maybe like me, as you read this month’s articles, you will be encouraged. The Lord, even now, is calling sinners to repent and follow Him. Day and night His glory is seen in what He created. He is still using His own to give a testimony for Himself. The Lord Jesus desires that we would faithfully serve Him, taking that humble, servant’s place to fulfill His purposes among those who have no hope. We see Him, having already done the same, “crowned with glory and honor” (Heb. 2:9 NASB). “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come before Him; worship the LORD in holy array” (1 Chr. 16:29).

New Beginnings

By Paul Alberts

This month’s Feature articles focus on “the fear of the Lord.” Like the new year we are entering, this subject is also related to beginnings. Scripture says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of both “knowledge” and “wisdom” (Prov. 1:7, 9:10 NASB). Thinking about these two qualities, we realize that they are desired by the world. To know more, science “researches” and the news media “investigates.” Individuals follow much the same path, driven by an appetite for knowledge.

Wisdom can be defined as applying knowledge in a sound way. Sometimes we find ourselves with a problem and know many details, but in frustration we conclude, “We don’t know what to do!” By contrast, wisdom knows the right course of action. How nice it would be if we always knew how to act or react in situations. Family matters, work issues, community problems and any number of other things may weigh on our minds. We seek and need wisdom.

True knowledge and wisdom do not come naturally or through worldly means. They are only found in the fear of the Lord. For that reason it is important for us to understand and be immersed in the fear of the Lord. Ultimately, knowledge and wisdom are only found in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is not something to take lightly, as King Solomon wrote: “Fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Prov. 1:7).

Do you desire this knowledge and wisdom? The answer is easy: Fear the Lord! Recognize that you are a sinner in need of the salvation offered by God through Jesus Christ (Lk. 23:39-43). Believe on Him and confess Him as Lord (Acts 16:31, Rom. 10:9-11). Live in obedience to Him and for His honor and glory, while confessing your failures and sin (Jn. 15:10; 1 Cor. 10:31; 1 Jn. 1:9).

We are thankful for your interest in the Grace & Truth Magazine. The staff prays regularly for the blessing of its readers. We ask that you pray as well for those connected with this work, in one way or another. Remember also to thank the Lord for those He uses to provide for subscribers unable to contribute toward the cost of the publications.

When I Consider Your Heavens

By Paul Alberts

I remember during my high school days having an interest in how the world came to be. During that time the Sunday school class I was in studied creation from a scientific viewpoint, using the Bible and an accompanying, accurate book on the topic. There are many such resources available to help individuals as well as pastors and teachers to understand the truth of creation and present it to others factually – a valuable endeavor as the subject is so horribly attacked by many today.

If we haven’t read our Bibles very carefully, we may think that Genesis 1-2 is the only place that talks about creation. But there are many more passages on that subject. Personally, I like the chapters near the end of Job when the LORDchallenges him as to “where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding, who set its measurements?” (Job 38:4-5 NASB).

This particular issue of the magazine focuses on the Psalms that speak of creation. Like Job, we will see the greatness of God. among other things, we will see the beauty of His grace, the character of His person, the love of His heart and the praise He is due. as we consider creation, like the writers of Psalms were, our hearts will be drawn to Him.

Believing the biblical account of creation is critical, for we recognize that as a foundation truth. God creating all that has been made affects everything. We see how small and sinful we are, but we also see a Savior who loves us so greatly. Moral values then have significance for we are responsible to our Creator. Marriage, fatherhood and family relationships become important, having been established by God. People, having been intimately fashioned by God Himself, are precious.

We hope the articles of this edition of the magazine will be used of the Lord to bless and strengthen you in this day when what is false and wrong is promoted and what is true and right is so strongly opposed. Men of the world want nothing to do with God. We pray that you will, instead, faithfully follow the Lord, looking in hope for His appearing.