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 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!

“I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” When the Pharisees confronted Jesus with false charges, Jesus said they would die in their sins (Jn. 8:21). The reason why He said this was stated in verse 24. In like manner, if we do not believe, it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). Lacking faith means we will die in our sins like the Pharisees. Faith is not a guess or a wish. It is not a fairy tale. Faith is real and will overcome the world (I Jn. 5:4-5)! Do you have faith in Christ?

- Jarrod Jacobs

Almost

Jarrod Jacobs

            The word “almost” is used several times in the Bible. Some of the times when this word is used include: 1) When the people were thirsty, Moses asked God, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” (Ex. 17:4). 2) When Asaph was frustrated when he saw the prosperity of the wicked, he said: “But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled ...” (Ps. 73:2). 3) When Paul preached the gospel to Agrippa, he responded by saying, “Almost you persuade me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:28). What does “almost” imply?

            The word “almost” implies failure. In the case of Moses being stoned, or Asaph stumbling, that is good that it “almost” happened, but did not come to pass. However, in the case of Agrippa, it is different. Agrippa failed to believe and obey God. Therefore, he failed to be saved from his sins (Mk. 16:16). This is a tragedy!

            Also, the word “almost” implies sadness. In the case of Agrippa, it was sad to think he was so close to being saved, but he refused, and we never read in the Bible where he repented and was saved.

            Friend, don’t let your family follow your casket to your grave knowing that you were “almost” saved from your sins! Don’t die with your family knowing you failed at this! Truly great sadness is the result for the family left behind when someone dies in sin. Christ said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mk. 16:16). Please be more than “almost persuaded” but be “altogether” saved! (Acts 26:29) Become a Christian today!

Are You Free From Sin?

Jarrod Jacobs

            Salvation is something that is on people’s minds today. Certainly, the salvation of one’s own soul ought to be our concern (II Cor. 4:16; Ecc. 12:7). When Paul wrote the Romans, he told them that they were “set free from sin” (Rom. 6:18). When did this happen? Paul explains: “Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin which leads to death, or of obedience which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin, have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness” (Rom. 6:16-18).

            Notice that the Romans WERE the servants of sin, but NOW have been made free from sin. What happened? They were “obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching.” What is this? The standard of teaching can be found in Romans 6:3-5. Here, Paul talks about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Those who are Christians have been “united with him in a death like his” to be raised “in a resurrection like his” (Rom. 6:5). When is one “planted” and “raised”? This happens when one is baptized for the remission of sins (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 8:35-39; 16:30-34)!

            Therefore, when one is “obedient from the heart” to the “standard of teaching” (not merely an “outward sign”); and is baptized for the remission of sins, he is THEN made free from sin. Are you free from sin?