Wishful Thinking or Biblical Truth?

Let’s address a common misunderstanding based on wishful thinking, but first, read these verses and absorb the meaning:

1 John 3:6: “No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.”

1 John 5:18: “We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin…”

Romans 6:1-2: “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?”

1 John 2:4: “Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.”

1 John 1:6: “If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.”

Hebrews 10:26: “Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins.”

I often hear Christians say a loved one is saved because they prayed to receive Christ and were baptized, even though they’re living an ungodly life. 

Instead of trying to convince ourselves this is true, we should be doing our best to warn such people that “the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power” (1 Corinthians 4:20).

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I also encourage you to read Why Salvation Always Leads to Good Works and Why Salvation Requires Repentance. 

 

Warning: A reader recently brought to my attention a ministry called Grace Evangelical Society that teaches the heresy that you can be a believer saved for eternity even if you never obey, never show sorrow for your sins, and never submit to the Lordship of Christ. In seminary, I wrote a report for one of my theology classes on Zane Hodges. He taught this strange belief. Hodges is praised by GES ministries for his impact. I share this in a one-minute video HERE.

If the passages above were not enough to convince you that genuine salvation always involves a changed life, please read on:

John 14:21: “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

1 John 2:3 (BSB): “By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.”

John 15:10:  “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.”

James 2:14-24: “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.”

 

 

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7 Things We Learn From Acts 8:26-39

In Acts 8:26-39, when Philip speaks with the Ethiopian eunuch, God highlights these truths:

1. The gospel is for all nations and races. 

This conversion of a black foreigner proved to the early church that everyone is equal in the kingdom of God. Revelation 5:9-10

If you read all of Acts, you will find that accepting non-Jews into the faith was a hard truth for the Jews to accept, even some of the apostles. See Galatians 2. 

2. The gospel is for all classes of people. 

The Ethiopian was  “important,” a high official in the Ethiopian government (v. 27). Sometimes we concentrate on the poor and needy; but rich, important people also need Jesus. 1 Timothy 6:17-19

3. Without God's Spirit, Scripture is hard to understand (vv. 30-31). 
1 Corinthians 2:14; John 14:26

4. Both the Old and New Testaments are about Jesus. 

Philip started in the Old Testament to explain Jesus (vv. 32-35), just as Jesus did in Luke 24:27.

5. Sincere seekers find Jesus. 

The Ethiopian wanted to know the truth. Jeremiah 29:13
 
6. Genuine conversion is more than words. 

The Ethiopian wanted to be baptized immediately (v. 36). 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10

7. Knowing Jesus brings joy.   

The Ethiopian “went on his way rejoicing” (v. 39). John 15:10-11

What a truth-packed story from God's Word!

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I hope you'll take time to read Why I Must Speak Up. It shares my heartfelt concerns about racial attitudes in our world.

To do a short Bible study on this passage check out today's Bite Size Bible Study. This study has the full text of this wonderful Bible story with additional insights. And it explains why Acts 8:37 is omitted in newer translations of the Bible. 

Image from La Vista Church

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Who Ate the Snakes?

Second Timothy 3 addresses false teachers. Verse 8 says, “Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected.” 

We know Paul is referring to the two magicians in Exodus 7:11 even though the names Jannes and Jambres aren't found in Exodus. But they’re found in various Jewish historical writings such as the Talmud. In Exodus 7, Aaron miraculously turns his staff into a snake to prove to the Pharaoh that the Israelites had a powerful God who demanded that Pharaoh set His people free from Egyptian slavery. Jannes and Jambres duplicated the miracle, but their victory was short-lived when Aaron’s snake swallowed both of theirs (Exodus 7). 

Why is this important to know? 

It’s good to know who Paul refers to in this verse. But more importantly, it gives us confidence in the validity and trustworthiness of God’s Word.

The Bible is supported in history, archaeology, and literature. 

There are more manuscript copies and more historical evidence for the Bible than any other document in the history of the world! (source)
 

If 40 human authors wrote about something over a span of 2000 years, there would be tons of contradictions, but the divinely inspired Bible authors don’t contradict each other. Compare this to the Quran, which was dictated by only one man, Muhammad, and completed in 23 years. It contains multiple contradictions (Contradictions in the Quran).*

 
So when you read about Jannes and Jambres, remember how interesting and trustworthy Scripture is! 

 

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For more encouragement about God's Word, see Believing God's Word Is Inerrant and Count on It!

What is the Talmud? “Christianity does not consider the Talmud to be inspired in the same sense that the 66 books of the biblical canon are ‘God breathed’ (2 Timothy 3:16). While some of the teachings from the Talmud may be ‘compatible’ with biblical teachings, the same can be said for many different writings from many different religions. For the Christian, the study of the Talmud can be a great way to learn more about Jewish tradition, history, and interpretation, but the Talmud is not to be considered the authoritative Word of God.” 

 

For more study: Is the Bible truly God’s Word? 

 

*Many Muslim resources seek to explain away these contradictions as well as the hate promoted in the Quran, but the evidence in the Quran refutes their propaganda.  

💙 Free Subscription to 1-Minute Bible Love Notes. Have a one-minute devotion like this one delivered to your email each weekday.

💙 10 Reasons You'll Love the book Wisdom for Life. A collection of 100 one-minute devotions from Psalms and Proverbs and a great gift for people who love God's Word.

💙 Full description of the book Lies in Disguise. A much needed book to uncover half-truths that misuse Scripture and weaken Christian faith. 

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Blessed Music Never Grows Old — Part 1

These one-minute devotions offer interesting insights into well-known old hymns that still bring joy and comfort today. 

The Old Rugged Cross
Find out the story behind the lovely old hymn. It will inspire you!

 

It Is Well with My Soul

Don't miss the story behind this famous hymn. It is tragic, beautiful, and inspiring. 

 

Should We Be Offended by "Onward Christian Soldiers"?
Learn the story behind the hymn "Onward Christian Soldiers" and see if you agree with my belief that it's a good hymn.

FREE SUBSCRIPTION: Would you like a devotion like these sent to your email each weekday? It only takes one minute to read but can give your day an extra "Bible boost." Your address is only used for subscription and blog stat purposes. The only ads you'll see are for Gail's books below the devotion. No pop-ups. Subscribe: HERE.

  

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Paul's View of Suffering Can Rock Your World!

Paul suffered continually for His faith (2 Corinthians 11:16-33). 

When he wrote Philippians, he was imprisoned for preaching the gospel. The Philippians were also dealing with persecution, and Paul encouraged them to stand firm in their faith, explaining, “It has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him” (Philippians 1:29).

Some false teachers claim God promises health and wealth. Others claim that those who reflect Christ will be popular. Scripture says persecution and suffering are part of true faith, and our real rewards are in heaven, not here on earth:

 

2 Timothy 3:12: “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 

2 Corinthians 1:5: “For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.”

 

1 Peter 4:13: “Rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”

Paul knew persecution was inevitable for those who love Christ more than they love the world. He saw it as a privilege and understood it brought eternal rewards. 

“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” ~ Paul, in Philippians 3:10* 

 

Few of us will suffer like Paul, but will we stand firm and speak truth in a culture that promotes lies and calls biblical truth hateful? 

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For more confirmation on this important truth, see When Evil Triumphs, It's Not Because Good People Did Nothing and Truth with Love, Love with Truth.

* The Greek word koinōnian (κοινωνίαν), which is translated as “participation” in the NIV, means “fellowship, association, community, communion, joint participation, contact.” I especially like the use of the word fellowship because it helps me better understand that Paul wants to share in Christ's sufferings to show his love, belief, and loyalty to Christ.

Check out the Amplified Bible translation of Philippians 3:10 below:

“And this, so that I may know Him [experientially, becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Him, understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely] and [in that same way experience] the power of His resurrection [which overflows and is active in believers], and [that I may share] the fellowship of His sufferings, by being continually conformed [inwardly into His likeness even] to His death [dying as He did].”

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Cantaloupes and Spiritual Compromise

Most of Colorado is mountainous and breathtakingly beautiful. But the area around my birthplace (La Junta) is flat and unremarkable … except when it comes to cantaloupes. 

The little town of Rocky Ford is known for some of the best cantaloupes in the country. They're juicy, fragrant, and sweet.

Unfortunately, their reputation was temporarily ruined in 2011 by an outbreak of a foodborne bacteria called listeria, which not only made a number of people sick but killed some elderly cantaloupe-eaters. A case was brought against farmers who used a handling process that allowed the dangerous bacteria to thrive. 

It is hard to gain a reputation, but easy to lose one.

These farmers skipped an important safeguard, thinking it wouldn't matter, but the results were deadly. 

We can do this same thing spiritually, thinking that some of God's commands are optional or unimportant. But when we cut corners, we allow the bacteria of deception and compromise to damage our faith.

That’s one reason God tells us:
"Above all else, guard your heart … Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil." Proverbs 4:23-27 

Do you have safeguards in your life to help you stay spiritually healthy? Take time to memorize and apply this proverb.

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To examine some popular compromises that affect faith, see Do You Have "Subtle Idols" in Your Life? and Questions Christians Should Ask Before Doing Yoga. 

 

Read about this cantaloupe problem HERE.  

 

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From False Motives or True

In 4 Characteristics of Genuine Christian Teachers, I addressed Paul's statement in Philippians 1:16-17. Following his warnings about those who were preaching Christ out of selfish ambition, Paul adds:

“But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice” (verse 18).

We know Paul would never have said this if those who were preaching for selfish gain were preaching bad doctrine. His letters are filled with warnings against false teachings.

Typically, false motives and bad doctrine go together, but the people Paul was addressing in Philippians apparently were teaching the Word, but not living it. 

This happens today as well. For example, Ravi Zacharias and Philip Yancey taught helpful biblical truths while involved in sexually immoral relationships. 

A desire for wealth is also a common temptation for well-known teachers (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:7; 1 Peter 5:2).

John MacArthur, a well-respected Bible teacher, often condemned the selfish gain of false teachers like Joel Osteen, yet he had questionable financial practices himself.*

Does this mean that nothing these men taught was helpful? No. Despite their personal sins, they did preach some sound Bible truths: “whether from false motives or true, Christ [was] preached.”

When their ungodly choices are revealed, I think it's wise to find other teachers and authors since their sins could be mildly reflected in some of their teachings. But we need not forget the accurate Bible truths they taught. 

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See Why Philip Yancey's Book Is Backward on My Bookshelf and The Popular Teachings of Joel Osteen: Beware.  

* MacArthur's church belonged to the respected ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability), but when asked to comply with ECFA standards in 2021, they resigned, keeping their salaries and other finances secret. (Source) Several readers have become quite bothered that I shared something negative about MacArthur. If you are one of them, please read my response to the first comment below this devotion. It will give you more information about my research and findings.

 

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Prospering in Prison—Or Whining in Freedom

As much as we'd like to claim justice here on earth, Scripture doesn't promise it (2 Thessalonians 1:6-7). 

But we don't need justice to prosper spiritually. 

Unjust circumstances can sometimes lead to our greatest growth and ministry. Joseph is an example: 

• Mistreated by family—his jealous brothers ignored his cries for mercy (Genesis 42:21).  

• Mistreated by his captors—chained, enslaved, lonely (Psalm 105:17-18).

• Put in prison for doing the right thing—the vengeful lie of Potiphar's wife (Genesis 39). 

Have you been hurt by someone close to you? 
Have you been abused, cheated, or mistreated? 
Have you been slandered for doing the right thing?

Joseph probably had deep emotional and physical scars (Genesis 43:30), but he was an overcomer.

He prospered in prison: 
1. He believed God had a plan (Genesis 50:20).  
2. He believed God could use the sins of others for his good (Genesis 50:20). 
3. He always did his best because he knew God would bless his efforts (Genesis 39:2-6, 20-23, 41:41-44). 

Today's culture and many modern counselors encourage us to build our lives around victimhood. They assure us that we're deeply handicapped by people who didn't treat us perfectly. There's a great example of someone in Scripture who bought this lie. His name is Cain (Genesis 4:1-13).

Our culture will encourage us to be like Cain, but let's choose victory over victimhood and choose to be like Joseph instead. 

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To read about Cain's attitude, see Cain: The Ultimate Pouter. And don't miss the insights in today's Bite Size Bible study HERE.

Free Subscription to 1-Minute Bible Love Notes. Have a one-minute devotion like this one delivered to your email each weekday.

10 Reasons You'll Love the Book Wisdom for Life. A collection of 100 one-minute devotions from Psalms and Proverbs and a great gift for people who love God's Word.

Full Description of the Book Lies in Disguise. A much-needed book to uncover half-truths that misuse Scripture and weaken Christian faith. 

 

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4 Characteristics of Genuine Christian Teachers

In Philippians 1:15-17, Paul explains two types of preachers:

“It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.”

If we're looking for a good church, these are the qualities we should seek in a pastor:

1. He teaches Scripture accurately. 

He preaches unpopular passages as well as popular ones.

“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:2

2. He's a faithful husband and diligent father.

First Timothy 3:1-7 explains he must be “above reproach, faithful to his wife.… He must manage his own family well.”

3. He's godly.

First Timothy 3:1-7 says Christian leaders must be “temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.”

4. He doesn't live extravagantly.

First Timothy 3:1-7 explains he's “not a lover of money.” And Philippians (above) explains he's not motivated by “selfish ambition.”

It was true in Paul's day and in ours: we must be careful about the people we trust to teach us about Christ. 

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For more insights, see 3 Methods of False Teachers and 3 Things Itching Ears Want to Hear.

💙 Free Subscription to 1-Minute Bible Love Notes. Have a one-minute devotion like this one delivered to your email each weekday.

💙 10 Reasons You'll Love the Book Wisdom for Life. A collection of 100 one-minute devotions from Psalms and Proverbs and a great gift for people who love God's Word.

💙 Full Description of the Book Lies in Disguise. A much-needed book to uncover half-truths that misuse Scripture and weaken Christian faith.

 

 

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Trust Overcomes Fear — Part 4

These three one-minute devotions offer encouragement when we're faced with obstacles that seem too hard for us to bear.

 

 

Feeling Forgotten

Have you ever wrestled with your thoughts? Ever felt forgotten? Psalm 13 offers help. This one-minute devotion explains.

 

  

Don't Go on Fear-Finding Missions 

This Old Testament scouting party turned a fact-finding mission into a fear-finding mission. This devotion shares what we can learn from their mistakes.  

 

 

 

The Comfort of Being Still and Knowing He Is God 

Psalm 46 offers some wonderful insights. This devotion will bless you.

 

Don't miss: 

Part 1: Trusting God in Every Situation  

Part 2: Biblical Examples of Trust  

Part 3: Ways to Build Trust

 

 

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