Two Lions

Jarrod Jacobs 

            There are two lions that figure prominently in the Bible. In the Bible, we see that these two lions are continually fighting against one another. Specifically, they are fighting over us.

Are you aware of these lions? The Bible tells us that:

• One lion brings fear to us, while the other brings comfort (Phil. 2:1).

• One lion fights against us (is our adversary, I Pet. 5:8), while the other fights for us (is our advocate, I Jn. 2:1).

• One lion hates us, and one lion loves us.

• One lion wants us to die in our sins, while the other died for the remission of our sins (Matt. 26:28).

• One lion roars at us (I Pet. 5:8), while the other acts like a lamb toward us (Jn. 1:29).

• One lion wants to devour us (I Pet. 5:8), but the other wants to preserve us.

• One lion lies to us (Jn. 8:44), but the other speaks the truth to us (Jn. 14:6).

• One lion tempts us with evil (I Jn. 2:15-16), but the other does not tempt us with evil (Jas. 1:13).

• One lion is our enemy (I Pet. 5:8). The other lion is our friend (I Jn. 2:1).

            It should be obvious that the two lions are Christ and Satan. When we contrast Christ and Satan in this way, may it open our eyes to see the One who truly deserves our praise, obedience, and love. Jesus, the lion of the tribe of Judah, stands ready to receive us when we render obedience to Him through faith, repentance, and baptism (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38). He wants us to live faithfully for Him (Rev. 2:10). Will you do that? What is stopping you from submitting your will to Christ’s?

The Bible

Jarrod Jacobs 

            When was the last time you read your Bible? The Bible continues to be a best-seller in this country, yet people are ignorant of what it says. What a tragedy!

            The Bible is a spiritual sword (Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12). It provides nourishment to the soul (I Pet. 2:2; Heb. 5:12-14). The Bible is also described as a fire, a hammer (Jer. 23:29), a mirror (Jas. 1:22-25), and a light (Ps. 119:105). The Bible provides us with “words whereby you and all your house will be saved” (Acts 11:14).

            Knowing the above is true, why is it that so many do not wish to read the Bible? Some may not wish to read it because the Bible demands we change our behavior through repentance (Lk. 13:3, 5; Acts 2:38). Some do not like the Bible because it demands that we make hard choices and stick with those decisions (Josh. 24:15; Col. 3:1-10). Some do not like the Bible because it shines the light on our deeds (Jn. 3:19).

            In contrast, what we need is to love God and keep His commandments (I Jn. 5:3). We need to show reverence for His word (Ecc. 12:13; Acts 10:35), and speak “as the utterances of God” (I Pet. 4:11). What is your attitude toward the Bible? Come visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. We are folks who respect and obey the Bible.

God Is …

Jarrod Jacobs

            The book of Psalms is a fascinating book for many reasons. It has beautiful hymns and always focuses the worshipper upon God and His majesty. From Psalms 50-62, we see great descriptions of who God is, and I would encourage you to read this section of Scripture. For our blog, let us take an overview of this section and learn that God is the God of …

• Salvation (Ps. 51:14, 55:16, 62:1-2, 7)
• Goodness (Ps. 52:1)
• Strength (Ps. 54:1, 59:17)
• Help (Ps. 54:4, 56:9, 63:7)
• Mercy (Ps. 57:1, 3, 9-10, 59:16-17)
• Defense (Ps. 59:1, 9, 16-17, 62:6)
• Shelter (Ps. 61:3)

            Knowing that God is the God of salvation, goodness, strength, help, mercy, defense, and shelter, then think of what it means to be without Him! Sadly, there are many today who think they can go through life without God. Look at what they are missing! Think also friends, that what is listed above is just a partial list when compared to the entire Bible!

            If you want to enjoy the blessings of God, and be able to enjoy salvation, goodness, strength, help, mercy, defense, shelter, and much more, then become a child of God today. Hear the truth of God’s word, believe on Christ, repent of your sins, confess your faith in Christ, and be baptized for the remission of sins (Rom. 10:17; Jn. 8:24; Lk. 13:3; Rom. 10:10; Mk. 16:16; etc.). Becoming a Christian brings about abundant blessings in one’s life (Eph. 1:3). Don’t put off becoming a Christian any longer (Heb. 3:7-8; II Cor. 6:2)!

The Paralyzing Effects Of Sin

Jarrod Jacobs

            In spite of the fact that some treat sin as a “fairy-tale”, we need to understand that sin and its consequences are very real (Jas. 1:14-15). Sin has paralyzing effects on people. The longer we live in sin (Col. 3:5), the more paralyzed we become. How is this possible?

• Sin paralyzes the eye that it cannot see. “But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins” (II Pet. 1:9).
• Sin paralyzes the mouth that it cannot speak. “He will keep the feet of his holy ones, but the wicked shall be put to silence in darkness” (I Sam. 2:9, ASV).
• Sin paralyzes the hand that it cannot work. “I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD” (Ps. 101:8).
• Sin paralyzes the feet that they cannot go. “I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come” (Jn. 8:21).
• Sin paralyzes the ear that it cannot hear. “Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word” (Jn. 8:43).
• Sin paralyzes the heart that it cannot trust. “But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb. 3:13).

            Friends, determine today to get forgiveness of sin (Mk. 16:16; I Pet. 3:21). The Lord is ready to forgive and bless (Eph. 1:3) if we will come to Him!

Two Roads

Jarrod Jacobs

                   On one occasion, Jesus encouraged folks to, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few” (Matt. 7:13-14). Each day on earth, we must make the choice to walk one of the two roads described by Christ. Which one will we choose to walk?

                   Perhaps seeing the destinations of each road will help us decide. Jesus said one road leads to destruction, while the other road leads to life. Does this help us choose the road? Don’t we want to walk the road that leads to life instead of destruction? I do!

                   Yet, how do we get on these roads? Friend, we’re already walking on them! The question is whether we’re walking the “narrow” or the “wide” way! Walking the narrow road demands our faith and obedience to God on a daily basis. Walking the wide road requires nothing of us! Unlike the “narrow” road, we can be walking on the “wide” road and not even know it! This is the danger of this road.

                   Thanks be to God that those on the “wide” road can switch and get on the “narrow” by following the Lord’s plan of salvation (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38) and living faithfully (I Cor. 15:58; Rev. 2:10). Will you do this? Which road will you walk in this life? Choose wisely, your eternity rests on this decision!