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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for October 2019
November 1, 2019
II Peter 3:9 – The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Thought: Peter confirms yesterday’s words with the opening words of this verse. Regardless of how much time passes, the Lord will fulfill His promises. He is not like men. The reason He has delayed Jesus’ coming is because of His longsuffering. He knows when His Son returns that the destiny of all men will be sealed. As long as time remains, there is hope, hope that more will come to repentance.
Isaiah 30:18
November 2, 2019
II Peter 3:10 – But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
Thought: The Lord’s coming had been delayed at the time of Peter’s writing, and continues to be delayed. “But the day of the Lord will come.” It is a guarantee! When it comes, it will be unexpected. It will come like a thief in the night. This present world will come to an end. The heavens, the elements of the universe, the earth, and all the works therein will be burned up. All that so many hold dear, will be destroyed. At that time, what will really matter? What will really be important?
Luke 12:37-40
November 3, 2019
II Peter 3:11 – Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness?
Thought: Knowing that this world will one day be destroyed, what kind of life should we really be living at this time. Our riches will perish when the Lord comes. All of our assets: cars, houses, land, bank accounts, businesses, rental properties, etc. will all be gone. Power, rank, culture, race, gender, and social status will mean nothing. Peter reveals that only holiness and godliness will be important. Peter asks: “What manner of person ought ye to be?” We ask: “What manner of person are you?”
Hebrews 12:14-15
November 4, 2019
II Peter 3:12 – Looking for and hastening unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
Thought: The day of destruction is coming. Christians should always be thinking about and looking toward and preparing for that day. God will show all men that He exists and that He is truly Lord of heaven and earth. He will destroy His creation. Man will stand before God with only his heart and the kind of life he lived on the earth. So again, we ask: “What manner of persons ought ye to be?”
Matthew 24:42-44
November 5, 2019
II Peter 3:13 – Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
Thought: Peter comes back to the promise made by the Lord. We know He is faithful to His promises. He will come again. Therefore, we look for “new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” The phrase, “new heavens and new earth” is figurative. It involves a new dwelling place for the faithful. In fact, in that place the only thing that dwells therein is righteousness. There is nothing that defiles or works abomination or makes a lie. Jesus is coming to take us home to heaven.
Revelation 21:22-27
November 6, 2019
II Peter 3:14 – Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
Thought: If Christians really believe that the Lord is coming again, they need to live like it. In fact, they need to put a lot of effort into how they are living. Peter encourages his readers to “be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” How we live makes a different in our eternal destination. When Jesus comes, He will be seeking a certain group of people: His people, saints, the called out ones, the church, the faithful.
I John 3:2-3
November 7, 2019
II Peter 3:15 – And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you.
Thought: God suffers long with sinful man. He longs for all men to be saved. He provides them ample opportunities to turn from their wickedness and obey the gospel of Christ. His longsuffering, therefore, “is salvation” for many. Those who would not repent yesterday will today. Peter notes that he is not the only New Testament writer to affirm this. By inspiration, Paul taught such things as well.
Romans 2:3-4
November 8, 2019
II Peter 3:16 – As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures, unto their own destruction.
Thought: Most Bible doctrines are established by several inspired writers. Peter said Paul wrote about the things he was affirming. He also said that some of Paul’s writings were “hard to be understood.” The hard things take time and deep contemplation. If not done, we can wrest the Scriptures, that is, twist them and make them say things never intended. When we do this, it is to our own destruction.
Matthew 22:29
November 9, 2019
II Peter 3:17 – Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.
Thought: Peter had been warning these Christians about the false teachers who would lead many astray. The purpose of a warning is so individuals can be prepared. They can take measures to ensure their safety. If individuals are not warned they can be “led away with the error of the wicked,” not only can they be led away, but they can fall from their steadfastness in Christ. Dear readers, it is foolishness to think one cannot fall from grace. If so, Peter’s warnings would be senseless.
Galatians 3:1
November 10, 2019
II Peter 3:18 – But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Thought: The key to steadfastness in Christ is growth. If we grow, we are secure. The moment we cease growing, we become vulnerable to the evil one. Peter counselled his readers to grow in grace and in knowledge. Grace involves numerous Christian qualities. The knowledge Peter wants his readers to acquire is from the Word of God. Peter closes this brief epistle with a statement of praise regarding the Christ. “To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.”
II Thessalonians 1:3
November 11, 2019
Jude 1 – Jude the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called.
Thought: Jude is another brother of Jesus Christ. He does not emphasize his family relationship with Jesus. Instead, he refers to himself as “the servant of Jesus Christ.” He was also the brother of James. He writes to those who are “sanctified,” that is, set apart for a holy purpose for God, and to those who are “preserved” in Christ Jesus, and “called,” having been called by the gospel. We examine this book now because the false teachers about whom Peter warned have now entered into the congregation.
Luke 6:16
November 12, 2019
Jude 2 – Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.
Thought: It is interesting that when the writers of the New Testament address their readers they always wish upon them spiritual blessings instead of material blessings. Jude wants his readers to have mercy, and peace, and love. What three things could bring greater joy and comfort to life? Jude did not want them to possess these in small amounts. He said he wanted them to be multiplied. He truly understood the importance of these things to life.
I Timothy 1:2
November 13, 2019
Jude 3 – Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto of the common salvation it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
Thought: There are times when things can be talked about, and there are times when things must be talked about. Jude wanted to write about the common salvation. This would have been a scriptural and upbeat topic to address. The situation at hand, however, warranted a change in subject. Because of false teachers, he needed to exhort his readers to earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. Sadly, some will never address what is desperately needed. Shame on them.
I Timothy 1:3-4
November 14, 2019
Jude 4 – For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thought: Jude knew false teachers had entered into this group of believers undetected. Instead of overlooking them, he exposed them. He described the teachings and actions of these “ungodly men.” They turned the grace of God into lasciviousness. Since God would forgive sins, they believed the more a person sinned, the more God’s grace was manifested. They also denied the Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. These were evil, dangerous men. Jude would not fail in his duty as a watchman.
Romans 6:1-2
November 15, 2019
Jude 5 – I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
Thought: There are two reasons to remind individuals of Biblical teaching. First, we sometimes forget. Second, hearing things again impresses their importance upon our minds. The children of Israel exited the land of Egypt. Then, in the wilderness they manifested disbelief in God. Their disbelief was greatly manifested when the ten spies said the land could not be taken. God’s reaction was strong. He “afterward destroyed them that believed not.” Dear reader, disbelief condemns and destroys.
Numbers 14:26-29
November 16, 2019
Jude 6 – And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
Thought: Jude now reminds his readers of an even high order of beings that fell from the grace of God, the angels. For some reason, they rebelled against their Creator. Thus, they were cast out of their first estate. Now, they are reserved in everlasting chains waiting for the judgment of the great day. Peter’s lesson is simple. If angels can fall from grace, God’s people certainly can. Beware! And, take care!
II Peter 2:4
November 17, 2019
Jude 7 – Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
Thought: Sodom and Gomorrah are well-known cities of the Book of Genesis. They were destroyed with fire and brimstone by God because of their grievous sins, fornication and going after strange flesh. The concept of “strange flesh” involves homosexuality and lesbianism. Dear reader, God will punish the ungodly. These cities are an example of sinners “suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.”
Genesis 19:23-25
November 18, 2019
Jude 8 – Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignitaries.
Thought: The false teachers exposed by Jude are referred to in four ways. First, they are filthy dreamers. Dreams may have been one way they claimed to receive their teachings as false prophets. The word “filthy” is supplied by the translators, but it fits their lifestyle. This is seen in the second description. They defiled the flesh. Third, they rejected dominion. Fourth, they spoke evil of dignitaries, that is, those in authority. When evil men serve the flesh, they hate all manner of authority.
Exodus 22:28
November 19, 2019
Jude 9 – Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
Thought: The Bible teaches that we are to have a healthy respect for those who are in positions of power. False teachers do not. They have a disdain for authority, especially the authority of God. They need to learn a lesson from the archangel Michael. When he contended with the devil about the body of Moses, he did not bring against him a railing accusation. He was content to let the Lord deal with this evil power. Many today would do well to follow the example of Michael as well.
Deuteronomy 34:5-7
November 20, 2019
Jude 10 – But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
Thought: This is a very pointed description of the false teachers. It points to the direction of their life. Spiritual things they degrade and mock because they have no understanding of them. They are good, however, at following their brute instincts. They live to satisfy the flesh. Peter tells us that “in those things they corrupt themselves.” Purity and holiness do not occupy their lives. Instead, their lives are polluted with sin and ungodliness.
Romans 1:21-24
November 21, 2019
Jude 11 – Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perish in the gainsaying of Core.
Thought: There are been many evil people who have lived in the past. It seems evil has a way of repeating itself. Such was true of the evil false teachers about whom Peter was writing. They have gone in the way of Cain. Cain was jealous of his brother. In his anger, he slew his brother. They ran greedily after the error of Balaam. Balaam was willing to curse the people of God for riches. They set themselves to perish like Core. Core rebelled against the divinely appointed leadership of Moses.
Isaiah 3:11
November 22, 2019
Jude 12 – These are spots in your feasts of charity when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots.
Thought: It is scary to think that these false teachers were in the midst of these Christians and dwelled there without fear. These individuals were dangerous and offered nothing to the church. They were like clouds without water. They were useless to the church and to God. They were dead five times over: withered fruit, without fruit, dead and dead (twice dead), and plucked up by the roots. Why would such individuals be allowed to function within the congregation?
Mark 11:12-14
November 23, 2019
Jude 13 – Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
Thought: The writer used descriptions his readers could easily understand. They used the sea for travel and employment. They had seen the raging waves bring devastation to property and people. The stars were used for navigation purposes. However, some stars, like shooting stars, were unpredictable and worthless. They would shine brightly for a moment then fizzle into complete darkness. Destructive and worthless. These were accurate descriptions of the evil men among them.
Isaiah 57:20
November 24, 2019
Jude 14 – And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints.
Thought: God has had prophets as far back as Abel. These were men of God who were not ashamed to proclaim the truth of God’s Word. It is said that Enoch prophesied of the evil doers about whom Peter wrote. He foretold of their doom. He prophesied of the time when the Lord would return with ten thousand of his saints to bring evil doers to their ultimate demise. Enoch, the seventh from Adam, foretold that there is a great day coming! (NOTE: The seventh from Adam is historically accurate).
Genesis 5:18
November 25, 2019
Jude 15 – To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their heard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
Thought: A person cannot read this verse without hearing the emphasis on the word “ungodly.” Anything that is ungodly is minus God. A person, deeds sinners, and speeches can all be minus God. The ungodly await the execution of God’s judgment. They have opposed Him all their lives. In the last day, they will face the opposition of God.
Ecclesiastes 12:14
November 26, 2019
Jude 16 – These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having man’s persons in admiration because of advantage.
Thought: When men get into the grip of sin, the sins just continue to multiply. These false teachers constantly murmured and complained. They sought to fulfil their carnal lusts. They boasted great things with their mouths. Too, they were respecters of persons. They knew the right person to cuddle in order to get things for themselves. Remember, sin takes us father than we really wanted to go.
Proverbs 28:21
November 27, 2019
Jude 17 – But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thought: There are times when we need to be reminded of things that have been said in the past. The warnings of the greats of the past need to echo in our ears again. We need to hear their words ringing with urgency. They did not speak just to hear themselves speak. They spoke for our benefit. This was the true of the apostles of Jesus Christ. Their words were intended to prepare Jude’s readers for the events he was confronting.
Ephesians 2:20
November 28, 2019
Jude 18 – How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
Thought: The apostles of Jesus Christ had warned about the coming of false teachers. They described them as mockers. They also informed their hearers that these individuals would walk after their own ungodly lusts. Power, control, self, and fulfilling the desires of their flesh were their priorities. They would manifest another front. They would claim a holy agenda. Their intents, however, were evil. The saints of God had to be warned.
Acts 20:29-31
November 29, 2019
Jude 19 – These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
Thought: There are some descriptions of people that are simple, but are not flattering. Peter describes the false teachers about whom he warns his readers in such a way in this verse. They separate themselves. They usually view themselves as better than others. They are sensual. They constantly seek to satisfy the demands of the flesh. They are Spiritless. These men do not seek to follow the teachings of the Spirit of God. One word accurately describes them, wicked.
Isaiah 65:5
November 30, 2019
Jude 20 – But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.
Thought: Jude now gives his readers instructions that will protect them against these evil men. He tells them to build themselves up on their most holy faith. This is done through a constant, diligent study of God’s Word. He also exhorts them to pray in accordance with the dictates of the Holy Spirit. Prayer will ignite the forces of heaven. Prayer will unleash the resources of an Almighty God.
Colossians 2:6-8
Read devotionals for December 2019