by vatg4him

Thank You Jason!

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”- Isaiah 52:7 (New International Version)

Nicole D. Hayes, Founder, Voices Against the Grain

A couple weeks ago, our devotional writer Jason Alexandre shared with me and our team that the Lord had been leading him to serve in other areas and no longer with Voices Against the Grain. We support Jason in this move and continue to pray that the Lord guide his steps in wisdom.

For two years, Jason has blessed me, our team and you our readers with Holy Spirit-led messages. Messages like “Root and Fruits,” encouraging us to be rooted in Christ to truly produce fruit, and “The Best Counselor” on the great counsel and peace we have in Christ Jesus, day and night. Still in his 20s, I marvel at his spiritual maturity in understanding God’s Word and his desire to walk it, talk it, live it and rightly divide it in imparting truth to others. We are grateful for his equipping messages that encourage our spiritual growth as we navigate life. We thank him for always biblically and truthfully sharing the Good News of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We’re proud of his boldness in sharing God’s Word, even when it reprimands those receiving it.

Thank you Jason! You have truly blessed us. We pray God’s continued blessings upon you, your wife Porsché and your new ministry, particularly your desire to reach our young people. Grateful that we can call you friend and a brother in Christ. Know that you and your messages are always welcome at Voices Against the Grain.

Jason M. Alexandre

Blessings,

Nicole

Nicole D. Hayes is the founder of Voices Against the Grain, a bold teaching ministry launched in May 2013. Nicole’s purpose in creating Voices Against the Grain is to be light in darkness, to boldly instruct truth amid confusion so as to bring clarity and restoration.

Learn more about Nicole D. Hayes here.

01.19.16

by vatg4him

Surpassing Peace

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

“Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” –Philippians 4:7 (NLT)

Overburdened by worry. You’re not where you envisioned you would be at this point in your life. Maybe you were passed over for a promotion. It could be that your home which was once peaceful is now chaotic. Perhaps you no longer have the means to return to school as you always planned. A loved one may be suffering from a disease such as cancer or diabetes. Suddenly, imagining the future seems to snuff the light in you and extinguish your motivation and hope.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines the word ‘worry’ as “to feel or cause to feel troubled over actual or potential difficulties.” In our text, the Apostle Paul offers us a cure to the distressing emotion of worry. A cure which is simply…contentment in ‘every’ condition of life (Philippians 4:11-12). Yet, this contentment can only come through living in Christ Jesus and allowing him to live through you. For hasn’t he given you the gift of eternal life when you trusted him as your personal Savior?

Have you forgotten that life on earth is training ground for eternity in Heaven?

Of course, there will be none of that which we are confronted with here but there will be unending worship and bliss in the Lord. Not worrying is a form of worship. For it means that you are completely dependent upon God and fully trust in His will for your life. Consequently, you glorify Him and affirm His sovereignty over all things.

So “set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” –Colossians 3:2 Present yourself daily to the Lord as one who is Kingdom minded and “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”-Philippians 4:8 Be assured that your name is written in the book of life.

Don't Worry God's Peace

The Apostle Paul recommends the remedy of all disconcerting and distracting anxieties which is simply, prayer. Yet, it pains my heart to see several who are nominal in the faith and won’t take the necessary burdens of joy to pray to the One who knows what they need. Worry is sin and folly. It leads to disease and death. Some say “Yes, I’m a Christian,” but they walk according to the flesh and not of the Holy Spirit.

Consequently, their mind runs wild thinking of maddening things that are not fully in their control. “Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” – Romans 8:5-6 For “do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?” – Amos 3:3

A right relationship with Christ will confirm your daily purpose and spur you on to enduring joyful duty. For when we come to him in prayer, we not only thank him for the good in our lives but for the mercies in which we have received day after day. Sure, we have wants and desires but we need not waste much time in expressing them for he knows them better than we do. His desire is that we value His mercy and demonstrate our sincere dependence upon Him. What is the peace of God but that comfortable sense of being reconciled to Him and now having been favored He imparts revelations of that future hope of heavenly blessedness which is greater than we can ever imagine.

So “don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”– Philippians 4:6-7 Amen

-Jason

Jason’s vision is for the gospel to continue to spread throughout the world and believes it is a Christian’s responsibility to carry out this mission effectively. To learn more about the organization for which Jason volunteers, please visit www.HaitiChristianity.org.

Learn more about Jason M. Alexandre here.

12.18.15

by vatg4him

Developing Faith

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. –Romans 10:17 (English Standard Version)

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Terrorist attacks, rumors of war and crime seemingly showing no signs to decrease. We join hands in protest but to no lasting avail. We pray for peace and it comes but after a little while then chaos breaks out again in our nations and communities. As we should, we hope for better days. Yet, how can lasting faith develop? How can we gain a better understanding of the world in which we live and in the things in which we hear and see?

Truth is, evil will continue. Sin will not cease. So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. -Romans 10:17 Have we forgotten that great commission? To “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” –Mark 16:15

That gospel that heals the sin-sick soul. The gospel that points to Jesus Christ as the answer to ALL of life. How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? –Romans 10:12

All those who profess the name of Christ are called to a decided course of life. A course that continuously heralds a bold confession of Christ and his truth before their fellowmen. The world needs a developing faith! The fear of terrorism, particularly in America, is at an all-time high since 9/11. Why is that?

Romans 10-17 faith comes from hearing

All that we hear and see is in line with scripture and there is more opportunity than ever before for the ways of God to be made known. You recall that the apostle Paul said “But understand this that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.” –2 Timothy 3:1 Read the following verses later on but let me suggest that there are a number of professing Christians who have forgotten the unchangeable and undeniable power of scripture! Beware of a form of godliness, professing Christianity yet enjoying a close friendship with the world and its systems (2 Timothy 3:5). It would seem that scripture Christ-centered preaching has become a lost art. We want that which only makes us feel good.

Rev. Dr. Gardner C. Taylor when he was asked to assess the general state of preaching today he said this:

“I think it has become far more folksy, and there is now a tendency, I think, more than ever, to make it a kind of Sunday Chamber of Commerce exercise — motivational speaking, which has its place but is not the Gospel. It becomes a kind of opium, if opium is a stimulant, for people, which gives them often a false notion of what life is all about. I think much of contemporary preaching does not prepare people for the inevitable crises of life. When we talk constantly about prosperity, well, life is not constantly prosperity. It has adversity and difficulties, and if one is trained, conditioned to see only the bright side of things, then one is not prepared for living in this world.”

He then was asked, “Do congregations want to hear that message, though?” His reply was, “Of course, people want to hear it because candy is a very pleasant thing. My daughter lives out in Harbor City, [California]. When she was a little girl, I suppose we could have fed her candy morning, noon, and night, and she would have taken it morning, noon — and enjoyed it. Soon she would have had no teeth, and soon we would have had no daughter, I think because candy is wonderful. I love it, but one needs in one’s diet more than candy.”

Today, more than ever we need teaching and preaching that is not candy-coated. The world needs to be prepared for the things to come and Scripture—truth, plainly and correctly taught, has a marvelous aptness to awaken the conscience, and touch the heart. Only then will we have a developing faith, banked on the foundation of Jesus Christ and His Word. Amen

-Jason

Learn more about Jason M. Alexandre here.

12.08.15

by vatg4him

Root and Fruits

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” –James 2:14-17

The preachers of time past used to say that “many souls are going to hell in a hand basket, but you are going to heaven all by yourself.” That could be interpreted as a sharp rebuke to Christians who know the truth and have found the truth yet are too caught up in themselves to share the truth by way of a spoken word and added example of action.

They are comfortable with what seems like the American ideology of not wanting to be bothered with anyone but instead, preferring to advance oneself by way of striving to increase their financial and material prosperity. This way of thinking demonstrates selfishness and a lack of concern for the material, but more importantly, spiritual welfare of others. “I think evangelicals need a social conscience about the people who are least defended and most vulnerable in the society. If Christianity is not that, forget about it.” – Rev. Dr. Gardner C. Taylor

Root and fruit

Are we simply persons who merely identify as Christians but have not yet exercised our faith through good works? Are you unable to produce fruit because you have taken no root? You recall that the Savior said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”-John 15:5 The truth is that mere profession of the gospel, without works, is not faith.

There is no way to show we really believe in Christ, but by being diligent in good works for gospel purposes and from gospel motives. I question in my heart a professed Christian who is not grieved by the dark spiritual condition of one who has not yet found Jesus. And I wonder how much time has that professed Christian spent with Jesus himself? For time spent with Jesus brings about a supernatural transformation within the heart and true believing is not an act of the understanding only, but a work of the whole heart. A heart that then goes out of his or her way to alleviate the distress of a needy person.

But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.-1 John 3:17-18

It is for Jesus’ sake that we choose to clothe our enemy, choose to feed our sister and choose to give to our brother. That is the grace of God in which we stand, having root to produce fruits.

There is no in between of these truths. We cannot and must not simply keep our faith to ourselves neglecting to live it out by good works. Live to God which will obligate us out of love to do everything for him and to him. That is my prayer for the world today that we would take root in Christ and produce that kind of fruit that brings about eternal consequences in the lives of others. Amen.

-Jason

Jason’s vision is for the gospel to continue to spread throughout the world and believes it is Christian’s responsibility to carry out this mission effectively. To learn more about the organization for which Jason volunteers, please visit www.HaitiChristianity.org.

Learn more about Jason M. Alexandre here.

11.26.15

by vatg4him

We Are Grateful For…

Gratitude rock A spirit of gratitude makes you acutely aware of how much we truly have to be thankful for. From dear people the Lord has brought into our lives, to relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to enjoying fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ, to being able to carry out daily functions sometimes taken for granted, or being treated to coffee or a meal, the list is endless. As Psalm 23:6 says, “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.” Another word used for “follow” is “to chase after.” For those who love the Lord, His goodness surely chases after us even in times we don’t immediately see it. In the messages below, the Voices Against the Grain ministry team share what we are grateful for. We are grateful the Lord has provided us this platform as an opportunity to fellowship with and bless you.

Jason is grateful for…

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

I am grateful first and foremost for my salvation in Jesus Christ. With my birthday around the corner this Sunday, I’ve been reflecting on my fulfilled need for a Savior. It seems like the older I get, the more apparent the condition of my soul becomes to me. I thank God every day that Jesus made it possible for me to be justified and sanctified before God through Him. I am also very grateful for my wife and our families. Life on earth would be meaningless to me without them. Happy Thanksgiving, all!

Ana is grateful for…

Ana Martinez, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

I am grateful for my family—to have my three precious children and parents who love the Lord. I am grateful for my two amazing sisters, two fantastic brother-in-laws and wonderful nieces and nephews. I am thankful for Christ’s redeeming love and the friends He has blessed me with. I am grateful to be an American. Grateful for the sky above, the trees I see and the love I share with those around me.

Destiney is grateful for…

Destiney Bishop, Voices Against the Grain Digital Media Coordinator

I am grateful for my health, well-being and peace of mind. I am grateful that God has provided me with a sense of direction in life. Though I am not fully aware of His plan, I know He has something great in store for me. I am grateful to spend another Thanksgiving with my family. Grateful that my sister returned home safely from deployment. I am also grateful for growth, specifically over the past year.

Jill is grateful for…

Jill Tomlinson, co-founder of Transcend Ministries and Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

There are too many things to mention, but I will start with the people I love. I am incredibly, beyond words thankful for my family—the ones God chose for me to walk through this life together with every day…a priceless treasure to me! Even greater still is the gift of knowing they are living lives set apart unto the Lord. As a mom, knowing my kids are hidden in Christ brings me joy unspeakable.

The intangible things are sometimes overlooked when we give thanks to God, yet these are the things that have no end. What we can see, feel, hear, taste, and touch are good gifts from God, but those things we only know and possess by the Spirit of God are the most amazing of all. Today I am thankful for those precious gifts that cannot be shaken or taken from me such as salvation that is secure, peace beyond all understanding—even in the most violent of storms, joy that cannot be measured with things or changed by circumstances, love that never fails and knows no bounds, favor that surrounds me as a shield, and the goodness and mercy of God that follow me wherever I go.

These are just a few of the blessings of the Lord that I thank Him for today. He is good and His mercies endure for all of time! Happy Thanksgiving!

Nicole is grateful for…

Nicole D. Hayes, founder, Voices Against the Grain

I am grateful for the relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Since coming to Christ at age 12, He still keeps me in awe of Him. I thank God that He chose me before the earth’s foundations were laid and that He has a purpose for me to lead, serve and teach others. He’s concerned with everything in my life, great, small and in between. I am grateful for a deepening relationship with Him and the joy, love and peace experienced in His Presence. I am THANKFUL for His Holy Spirit, wisdom and words that transform me more like Christ, enabling me and others to see the changes (a work in progress). He reminds me in many ways that He is with me. I am grateful for family, friends and friends like family and for colleagues. I am grateful for health with the function of all of my faculties. I am grateful for blessings and protections seen and unseen. Grateful for clean water, access to food and ability to purchase food. Much to be thankful for.

I am grateful for We hope our messages shared have got you thinking of what you’re grateful for. What are you thankful for? Please share with us here, via Twitter or on our Facebook page.

A blessed and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Sincerely,

Your Brothers & Sisters in Christ at Voices Against the Grain

11.02.15

by vatg4him

Be Encouraged

The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. –Numbers 6:26 (English Standard Version)

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

There are many who say, “Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!” –Psalm 4:6. Like the smiles of a father upon his child, so it is with the Lord who looks upon his children with an inviting countenance. Bless you all you people in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. And what is a blessing? It is none other but God’s favor and protection. His sanction and support. He blesses us directly by way of common grace or blesses us through his appointed and anointed ministers. Such was one of the responsibilities of the Lord’s appointed leader of the Israelites, Moses. He was to lead, encourage and bless his own people.

For the Bible says, “The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them, The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. “So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them.” –Numbers 6:22-27

Child of God (insert your name within this blessing): It is for you! For when we bless God it is only our speaking well of him; his blessing us is doing well for us. What business do we have worrying constantly when our Lord Jesus Christ already commanded us on this matter? Three times he commanded us in chapter 6 of Matthew, “Do not be anxious. “We ought to take Jesus’ exhortation to examine the birds of the air: “they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” –Matthew 6:26

Are you discouraged because you’re unsure of how you’re going to pay that next bill? Are you worried about that upcoming exam you have to take? Are you concerned about the prospects of your unknown future? Take courage! Your Heavenly Father knows what you need “but seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” –Matthew 6:33-34

Christian man, Christian woman realign your thoughts! “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” –Colossians 3:2 For the Bible says, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” –Isaiah 26:3 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” –Philippians 4:7

Yet, my heart pleads with the unbeliever. For he or she can never have this peace and encouragement. His or her life is fleeting seeking to be filled from one accomplishment or material thing after another. “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” –John 3:36

There are only two kinds of people in this world. “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” –1 John 5:12 It’s my sincere prayer that you would seek Christ. “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. –2 Corinthians 13:14

Be encouraged and be blessed!

-Jason

Learn more about Jason M. Alexandre here.

10.12.15

by vatg4him

Hard to Control

If you have been foolish, exalting yourself, or if you have been devising evil, put your hand on your mouth. – Proverbs 30:32

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Just because I can, doesn’t mean I should. Just because I know it, doesn’t mean I should say it. “All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful, but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.” –1 Corinthians 10:23-24

How many times have we said something out of our lips that we wish we could take back? Maybe we put down another by way of slander or maybe we revealed something of another’s life told to us in secret that was not meant for the recipient’s ears. For we know it is bad in itself to think ill but we know that it is much worse to speak it. For speaking it implies an approval to the evil thought and a willingness to infect others with it.

You say, “But that’s my right! I’m not going to let anyone censor me!” Yes, my brother or sister, it is your right. It is lawful. However, if you profess to be a Christian, we ought not merely consider what is lawful for us but what is beneficial, and for the use of edification. The Christian ought to be concerned about his neighbor’s welfare considering his own conduct in order not to hinder their neighbor’s holiness, comfort, or salvation.

We ought to say to ourselves, “Today I will control my tongue and not let it control me. Exercise a Holy violence over yourself if necessary and put your hand on your mouth! “For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. –James 3:7-10. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. –James 3:2

Those who take care to consciously choose to control their tongue demonstrate a sign of true grace. The word “perfect” in James 3:2 doesn’t mean he is literally perfect as in will never make mistakes again but it means that man or woman is upright. Is not uprightness a characteristic of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in which we are aiming to become more like? For the wisdom and grace which enable us to rule our tongues will also enable us to rule our actions.

“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. –James 3:13-18 Amen.

-Jason

Learn more about Jason M. Alexandre here.

09.25.15

by vatg4him

His Purpose

“To open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”-Acts 26:18 (English Standard Version)

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

We have here a very interesting passage of scripture. One in which hopefully we can all relate to. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.-Acts 26:2. That was the Apostle Paul’s plea to King Agrippa who gave him permission to speak and defend himself against all the accusations of the Jews. What was the accusation and why was he on trial? “Because of my hope in the promise made by God to our Fathers,” says Paul. -Acts 26:6

First, he defends himself by reminding them of his past. Paul was a Jew and he belonged to one of strictest parties of Judaism being a Pharisee and he was convinced that he ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. He says, “And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.-Acts 26:9-11.

Yet, Praise the Lord! For then Paul testified about his conversion. For he heard a voice on the road to Damascus, “Why are you persecuting me?” Paul says that he asked, “Who are you, Lord?” And the Lord said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, “to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you.” -Acts 26:15-16

What a Savior! How merciful and gracious! For we aren’t saved by our own strength, family lineage, education or wisdom but we are saved by the power of God and His alone. Paul said on another occasion to his understudy Timothy that “the saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. -1 Timothy 1:11 Do you believe? Would you like to see your life changed for the better?

I’m not talking about material things, but I’m talking about the Spiritual. You were made in the image of God. (Genesis 1:26-27) Fearfully and wonderfully made! (Psalm 139:14) And it’s not about who you were but it’s about who you are becoming that God is most interested in. If we will allow him, God wants to mold us into the image of his son Jesus Christ who loved you and gave his life for you. For the Bible says, “And we all with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.-2 Corinthians 3:18 You can make progress but it is a process.

Oh! The Believer may possess an intellectual knowledge of Christ and salvation, yet prayerlessness, failure to attend church consistently and carnality all indicate a failure to surrender to Christ totally. It is the work of the Holy Spirit that one is changed inwardly—not sincere educated progressions wrought by human strength or self-will.

If you have not already, why don’t you try giving Christ first place in your life? I assure you friend, that by the willingness of your obedience to him, by his power, you will fulfill his purpose for your life which is the best purpose! Amen.

-Jason

Learn more about Jason M. Alexandre here.

08.19.15

by vatg4him

Disseminate Accordingly and Rightly

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. –2 Timothy 2:15

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

“I swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help me, God!” I suppose we have all heard that oath presented in the court of law. It is a sworn testimony that counts as evidence given by a witness who has made a commitment to telling the truth. If that witness has been found to have lied while bound by the commitment, they can and often are charged with the crime of perjury.

It is a tragedy today that when we turn on our television and radio sets there is a false gospel being preached in the world!

For there are many who distort the Gospel of Jesus Christ in order to please man, gain popularity, and fill up their church pews! Oh, they understand that they ought to go out to the entire world and to preach the gospel. –Mark 16:15

Yet, Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. –James 3:1 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: if anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. –Galatians 1:8-10

Where is the message of the Cross? The whole counsel of God revealing to us God’s holiness and our sinfulness. Where are the messages of Christ’s death and resurrection? His gracious and merciful forgiveness and our salvation for those of us who believe by faith! If Christ is not the center of the message, it is not a sermon!

Paul tells his understudy Timothy in our text not to get hung up on words in controversies or debates with others where the TRUTH of the Gospel is often in danger of being lost but he says to study the Word to show himself approved! Ministers ought to be workmen taking the necessary pains to present the Gospel. And what is their work? It is to rightly divide the word of truth not to invent a new gospel, but rightly to divide the Gospel that is committed to their trust. We ought to listen very CLOSELY to what is being preached! Is it glorifying self or is it glorifying Christ? Too many messages are putting an emphasis on self. It seems like this is the “me” generation. My destiny, my dreams, my goals. Where is Christ in all that?

Are we surrendered completely to him? For a Christian is a follower of Christ and Christ told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” –Matthew 16:24

Oh that we would be like that Church in Berea! For when we receive the Word on Sunday do we go home and check out the scriptures given? For the Bible says, the Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these were so. –Acts 17:11

And we know that the Word the God, that Holy Book the Bible has an imaginary but very real scarlet thread going through the scriptures pointing to Jesus Christ from Genesis to Revelation! For Jesus said, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. –John 5:39-40

May we rightly divide the Word of Truth! May we have the courage and the discipline to search the scriptures for Jesus’ sake! Amen.

-Jason

Learn more about Jason M. Alexandre here.

08.03.15

by vatg4him

Our Mediator

“I need someone to mediate between God and me, as a person mediates between friends. For soon I must go down that road from which I will never return.” –Job 16:21-22 (New Living Translation)

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Our text grants us some insight into the deplorable condition in which Job found himself. For he was at the lowest point in his existence surrounded by friends who rendered him very little to no emotional support. According to the testimony of his conscience, he was innocent. Desperation was sinking in and he was losing hope. Had Job forgotten the sovereignty of God? “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” –Isaiah 55:8-9

Yes, he was once known to be a man of reputable character, abundant wealth, good health and had a beautiful family. Yet perhaps now that God had allowed Satan to strip Job of everything the blessing of Lord was becoming increasingly more difficult to roll off his tongue. For at the beginning of his suffering he spoke with confidence, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” –Job 1:21

Our text indicates a revelation Job received of one of the sure benefits Christians would have in the future. For at this point, Job desired a mediator. Someone who would intervene on his behalf to reconcile himself to God before his body gave up the Spirit. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. –1 Timothy 2:5

Do you feel lonely today? Do you feel as if no one understands? Do you feel forgotten?

Friend, I want to encourage you to be of good cheer. Take courage and persevere. For there is one who understands! His name is Jesus the Christ. He is nearby if you should choose to call on him. Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested. –Hebrews 2:14

Often times God will allow fiery trials and testing to come our way because he is refining us, sanctifying us and preparing us for a deeper intimate fellowship with himself even if that means bearing provocation in this present earthly life. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. –1 Peter 2:21

He is our High Priest rooting us on every step of the way. You are not alone “but now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for He is the one who mediates for us a better covenant with God, based on better promises.”–Hebrews 8:6

And God can be trusted to keep his promises. His track record is without blemish.

For God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through? –Numbers 23:19

Like Job, may we speak with resounding faith in the midst of our trials “but he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.” –Job 23:10 Amen

-Jason

Learn more about Jason M. Alexandre here.

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