Contrasting two kinds of Believers

“For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has spurned the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’ and again, ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’ and again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.’ It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised ‘For, yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.’ But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls” (Hebrews 10:26-39). Throughout Scripture, God’s truth is clearly communicated. Occasionally, a biblical writer will use a particular turn of phrase or style of expression to emphasize a specific truth. One such approach is the use of contrast: placing two scenes, reactions, or people side by side to highlight how different they are. The text we are about to consider places two contrasting groups of people alongside each other for the purpose of emphasis. The first group is featured in vv. 26-31, while the opposite group is set forth in vv. 32-38. V. 39 form a fitting summary, and again use a contrast for clarification: those who shrink back as opposed to those who have faith. These are Christians in contrast to one another. Can you find yourself on this page of God’s Word? First, let’s do a needed review. All true prophets had at least two things in common: they were faithful to comfort the afflicted, and they were faithful to afflict the comfortable. Let’s put this statement in a nutshell. The stern, tough, prophetic warning is this “enter…but come clean.” This place is found within each believer’s spirit, where the Lord Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit, permanently resides. Note the structure of the passage. Hebrews 10: 26-39 breaks down into an outline. A serious warning aimed at the hearer (vv. 26-31). “For if….” An Appeal (vv. 32-38). “But remember…therefore. A Summary of what has been taught (v. 39). : We are not…but….” Second, a contrast that is note worthy to consider (10:26-39). “For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain terrifying expectation of judgment….” There is the question of identity (vv. 26-27). Who are the “we” spoken of here? This applies to believers who are fleshly or backslidden. Note the characteristics (v. 29). The analogy moves from lesser to greater. First, those who shrink, trample under foot the Son of God. Second they profane the blood of the covenant. Third, they insult the Spirit of grace. What do these individuals need (v. 26)? They need repentance, and they need to stop their wrong behavior before they go any deeper into the carnal life-style. Those who stand are commended (vv. 32-38). There are a number of Christians who dance on the borderline of defection. To these the writer says, “Pay attention!” The beautiful part of this chapter is that the author doesn’t stop with the somber scene he’s just portrayed: he switches his focus from those who shrink to those who stand. Let’s take a look at this second group. 1. Identity (vv. 32-35). These are Christians who suffer mistreatment and, although they may get shaky, still stand in the faith. 2. Characteristics. First, these people are familiar with hardship and pain (vv. 32-33). Second, they have concern for others in need, (v. 34). Third, they are free from materialism (v. 34). And fourth, they are confident in God (vv. 34-35). When writing to this group the writer comforts the afflicted. 3. The need (v. 36). In contrast to the former group consisting of people who had a need of repentance, this group needs endurance. This term means “to abide under.” It is so easy for us to lose the “abide under” determination when the going gets tough. A summary of this material is in order (v.39). This chapter ends on a strong, positive note: “But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.” Third, let’s ask a few necessary questions. One can’t read this tenth chapter of Hebrews without asking some tough personal questions. A. Where am I going in my spiritual life? Am I shrinking or standing? B. What if I don’t alter my course? C. When would be a better time than now for either repentance or endurance? Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Building Endurance

"And you shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endures to the end shall be saved" (Matthew 10:22). Have you noticed Christianity is not going to be the dominant culture in America. Jesus gave us the instruction in the verse above because true discipleship can be hard and very demanding. We live in a culture where most folks, believers included want things as to be as simple and easy as possible. Christian values are not going to be dominate our culture. The Lord Jesus is telling us to be ready to face unfair criticism and rejection. It has always been an uphill battle to change the hearts and minds of men and women in any society. We as God's children are the very tools God uses to be a blessing to others. We have been entrusted with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the "Power of God unto salvation for those who believe." We are like beggars telling other beggars where we found bread. Nothing satisfies the starving soul like the "Bread of Life", our Lord Jesus. The ones who "Endure until the end" are believers. Nothing shows what we are made of like persecution. In centuries past it was the blood of the martyrs that became the seed of the church. The Christian life is not a play ground but a battle ground. The hope of America and our world is the Lord Jesus Christ. When I was in Bible College one of my professors had a check up at the Mayo Clinic. The professor was witnessing to the Doctor and the Doctor asked "Do you believe in the literal return of Jesus Christ?" My professor assured the Physician he did. To which the Doctor responded "People like you ought to be locked away." I believe this was a taste of things to come in the way our culture will view believers. I am pleased to proclaim our God will sustain us. Remember the three men in the fiery Furnace. The Son of God walked in with them. The only thing they lost were the bonds that held them. They walked out free men. Let's determine in our hearts that as we walk in union with Christ, we will endure to the end. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Let's Walk the Walk

"That you may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that you may have lack of nothing" (I Thessalonians 4:12). True leadership involves walking the walk, seeing the fruit of walking the walk, and teaching other to walk the walk, and their seeing the fruit of their walk and their teaching others to do likewise. This is how discipleship works. This starts with the authenticity of our walk with the Lord as observed by men. We can be sure that the unbelieving world is watching our walk. We ought to be concerned how our living looks to those outside the body of Christ. They can't see our hearts, nor can they see the work of Calvary as its been applied to our account. What they can see and really want to see is authenticity, that is a walk that backs up our talk. Here God promises to provide our basic needs. Needs include food, clothing, shelter and the basic necessities of life. Part of an honest walk is honest work. Work is never a curse, but rather a real blessing. Work is one way we can use the gifts and talents the Lord has given us in a productive way. As the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, God is a worker (Isa. 40:28). Because we are created in the image of God we have been equipped with creativity and abilities. Work is part of how we experience true meaning in life. Work is certainly not the product of sin. Adam and Eve were given tasks to perform before the fall (Genesis 2:15). God uses our work as a way to serve others in many ways through providing goods and services that supply the needs of one another. The Lord promises to reward a good days work with a good nights sleep. Work is one way the Lord gives us to keep us out of trouble. He said "Let them that stole, steal no more, but rather work with their hands that they may have to give to those in need." God has provided a Model for our walk. We are to walk after the example of the Lord Jesus Christ (I John 2:6). We walk by abiding in Christ, Our walk includes walking in the Light, this means the confession of all known sin. We have a walk of rest in our union with Christ. We walk in the Spirit. We walk by faith, obedience and according to the truth of the Word. We are to walk in love. Love is illustrated in the story of the good Samaritan and commanded throughout the Bible. The standard for our love for one another is Christ's love for us. Love is a matter of having a purified inner being (I Peter 1:22). Agape love is the God given ability to love our enemies. Love means serving and doing, not just talking. It works itself out in mutual affection and respect, which places others above oneself. Love means we show sympathy to those who are suffering. Love leads us to pray for one another. Love is to be the motive behind everything we do as we minister to others in their need. Are you walking and living by the love standard? The world is watching. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Finish the Job

Have you ever had a huge project to do and do you remember how great you felt when it was completed? Years ago I had the privilege of starting a church. We as a church body were given several acres of prime land and I became the general contractor for the new church building. I remember the excitement of helping with the construction of that new building. And I well remember the joy of completing the job. Jesus came to earth to do the work of the Father. This work included His death on the cross. In His Great High Priestly prayer Jesus said "I have brought You glory on earth by completing the work You gave me to do" (John 17:4). Jesus completed every task the Father told him to do in His earthly ministry. Jesus said He brought "Glory" to the Father by completing the work the Father had given Him to do. Paul comments on our life after salvation when he wrote "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do". (Ephesians 2:10). We, like Christ glorify our Father when we obediently do the good works He has prepared for us. We don't have to read the Bible very long before many of these good works come to light. We are to "love God and our neighbor". We are to "Do good unto all people, especially those of the household of faith" . We are to "Give to the poor and care for widows and orphans". As we walk in fellowship with the Lord, He will open our spiritual eyes and show us what He wants us to do. We all have an important place of service in His Church. We as Christians should be actively involved in a solid Bible teaching local church. We must develop a consistent prayer life, read the Bible and meditate on the Scriptures. We will find that knowing the Lord's will comes easy when we are walking in intimate fellowship with Him. I don't believe it's hard to miss the will of God, I believe its impossible to miss His will when we are seeking Him. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Power in Weakness

Please read II Corinthians 12:1-10. The personal experiences of the Apostle Paul as recorded in these verses have deep significance for all who are desiring to grow in grace. Paul's visions and revelations were further proof of his Apostleship. Note several results of this vision. First, a new revelation. This revelation was for Paul alone. He said it wasn't his to share "Not lawful." We can only know the character of this vision by its fruits. The fruit seen here is worthy of God. The Spirit of God may lead us through spiritual experiences that the language of mortals cannot fully express. There are precious seasons of the consciousness of God's presence and the reality of His power that are beyond expression. I remember a young mother, not expected to live, who came to Christ in the hospital. God spared her life and saved her soul. Her experience was such that she could only say "No words can express how real He is." Second, a new trial. Fresh trials usually come after new visions. Spiritual burdens often cure spiritual pride. The crown of thrones Christ wore for us make easy all the thrones in the flesh we may at anytime be afflicted with. God permitted Paul's body to be afflicted. A thorn in the flesh, could refer to a splinter or a stake, thrones come in many sizes. What ever this throne was, we know it was a messenger of Satan personified. Paul knew it was God's will that he suffer with this affliction. Paul was more anxious to preach the Gospel than to glory in his special revelation. His vision did not supersede the Word of God. God teaching us more about Himself is complementary with our being a witness for Him. Third, a new promise. The power of weakness is abundantly evident in Paul's ministry. Paul was told that God's grace is sufficient. God's strength is made perfect in weakness. His power is increased as the weakness grows. This is not the weakness of ignorance or of unbelief but that of conscious self-insufficiency. If God's strength is to be made perfect in weakness, surely there is a blessing for all of us. I have found it is much easier to be self-confident that self-emptied. Human weakness opens the door for more of Christ's power and grace to be manifested in our lives. Slowly, Paul learned the supreme lesson, that God will not give His glory to another for self display. When we humble ourselves, God exalts us. Forth, a new source of joy. Glorying in our infirmities is something far better than merely submitting to them. Sometimes God says no, to one of our prayers, out of love. It is common for believers to find joy in their gifts, but not so common to find joy in their infirmities. Paul said "That the glory of God may rest upon me." Means to cover with a tent." Here, Paul himself is the one being covered, as if the glory of the Lord was overshadowing him. Fifth, a new resolution. Paul took pleasure in every trial and hardship that made him feel more acutely his own weakness. We are told to "Glory in tribulation, knowing that tribulation works patience" (Hebrews 12:11). Paul will choose to be joyous even unto death, for he has learned that when problems come he has fresh access to the power of God. The Apostle learned to glory in every trial, because they made him draw more closely to the Lord. Our trials will make us better or bitter, the choice is ours. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

How to Handle an Attack From the Enemy

"When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed" (Neh 4:1). When any Believer starts doing God's work in God's way the enemy will raise up opposition. Many times it comes from those who feel threatened by the progress being made. Satan is always upset when his kingdom comes under attack. Nehemiah was rebuilding the ancient wall of Jerusalem. It was a major undertaking. Not everyone was pleased with this initiative. Sanballat, another government worker, did not want this to happen. When Jesus began confronting the Pharisees about religious traditions, He was attacked by the religious establishment because they had a vested interest that would be negatively impacted by His teaching. The Apostle Paul confronted a religious tradition that generated income for those in the trade. Opposition arose because he was impacting a vested interest. "About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way. A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in no little business for the craftsmen. He called them together, along with the workmen in related trades, and said: "Men, you know we receive a good income from this business. And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited, and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty" (Acts 19:23-27) . When you share the Gospel of Christ with a spiritually needy person the enemy will attack. Should you show Christian compassion in the spirit of Gal 6:1 "You who are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness..." You may come under the condemnation of the legalistic crowd. Strive to restore a wayward brother or sister to fellowship with the Lord, many times you and the newly restored believer will come under condemnation. Tragically, the attack may come from the church. We must remember that "We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers..." People don't really hurt us, it's the enemy, empowering our attackers, who seeks our destruction. Are you currently under attack? Before you become angry with the person attacking you, remember who the real enemy is. Then give thanks to the Lord for allowing you the privilege of experiencing the "Fellowship of His suffering." Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

How to Keep from Fainting

We read in Isaiah 61:1 "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound." The Lord does not deliver us for our sakes, but for His sake. He frees us so we can fulfill His purposes in and through our lives. One very significant aspect of God's wrath is to destroy that which has been oppressing His people. Many Christians battle with the spirit of fainting (KJV heaviness) others lalck joy, strength and health. God has an answer for all of these. God desires to give us comfort for mourning, garland for ashes, gladness for sorrow, the mantle of praise and thanksgiving instead of weariness and heaviness. The cure for fainting, "Draw close to the Lord and He will draw close to you." Then and only then can you be "Strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

Let's Finish Well

One popular "Red Neck" comedian has coined the phrase "Get er done." God told Israel centuries ago "Get er done." when it came to purging the Promised land of Canaanites. Yet we read "When Israel became strong, they pressed the Canaanites into forced labor but never drove them out completely" (Judges 1:28-29). When I was in college I served in a church that went through a building program. I remember one supporting beam that did not get stained completely. there was a bare sport about the side of a small plate. The dark oak finish stood out in stark contrast to the pale unstained wood. I keep waiting for someone to finish the job, it never happened. The contractor never returned to "Get er done." A job 90% done can be an irritant to say the least. The scriptures tell us "Whatever your hand finds to do, do with all your strength." Your co-workers, boss and customers will be frustrated with 90% when they are expecting and paying for 100%. The hardest place to score from in a football game is the one yard line. Why? Because the resistance is the greatest there. We are glad that Jesus finished His work on the cross. The words "It is finished" gives hope to everyone who will ever live on this earth. Spiritually, what does the Lord want from us? He wants us to grow into spiritual maturity. From day one of our new birth he says "Desire the true milk of the Word that you may grow by it." I Pet. 2:2. Spiritual growth comes by hanging around with Jesus. He is the author and finisher of our faith. He has declared us to be complete in Him, we simply grow into what we already are. It's not legalism that brings maturity it's loving and trusting God. Christ likeness comes from Christ closeness. There is a popular phrase in Christians circles it says "Finish well." To me that means when God calls me home, I will be walking with Him in a relationship of trust. Let's ask ourselves a few questions. Am I doing my best in all God has assigned for me to do? Do I finish every task 100%? Am I walking in an intimate trust relationship with Jesus? Do I seek by His power to obey Him in everything? Is there any unconfessed sin that He and I need to deal with together? Remember Jesus helps us deal with our sin, that is what the cross is all about. Am I willing to trust Jesus in the darkness, when life doesn't make sense, when all I see in front of me is a stone wall? Do I really love and trust the only One who really makes sense. Do I still believe the Lord when He said "Without me you can do nothing." Have I purposed in my heart to walk with the Lord and finish well? Let's "Get er done" in His strength.