Monthly Archives: April 2023

You Have No Idea – I Corinthians 3:3-6

Posted on by Pastor John Fredericksen

When my wife and I were expecting our first child, it was an exciting time of anticipation.  We were so looking forward to having a child of our own. We made preparations in the house, chose names, bought clothes and diapers. We just had to wait until the proper time for our baby to come. Especially in the final months, we had people tell us how much our lives would change, that we were going to have an indescribable love for our child, and that this new life would become our world. One time in particular, we said, “We know.” Then this Christian couple looked at us and said, “You have no idea. You have to experience it to fully understand.”

In I Corinthians 2:9, the Lord tells us: “…Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” Interestingly, Isaiah 64:4 says almost the exact same thing. It differs only that Isaiah closes his verse referring to those that “waiteth for him.” Whether for Israel in her earthly Kingdom hope, or for the Body of Christ in our future heavenly existence, what God has prepared for us is so spectacular that we really have no idea how magnificent it is going to be. But, both Israel and the Body of Christ have a glimpse of their eternal future. Israel is promised she will become the light of the world (Isaiah 60:1-3), Christ will be her light source (Isaiah 60:19-20), she will be righteous (Isaiah 60:21), have no sorrow (Revelation 7:17), and forget all past sorrows (Isaiah 65:17). We, the Body of Christ, are promised new heavenly resurrected bodies free from all pain (I Corinthians 15:35-36; Philippians 3:21), to forever be in the presence of our wonderful Savior (I Thessalonians 4:17-18; Colossians 3:4); and we will be richly rewarded for any service done for Christ after salvation (I Corinthians 3:13- 14; Ephesians 6:8).

Even with all this information about eternity, we really have no idea how fantastic it will be. We will have to experience it to fully comprehend it all. How should this affect us now? We should be rejoicing in these riches, longing to be with Christ, living in preparation for eternity, and remembering that problems here pale in comparison to what awaits us in heaven. Today, lift the spirit of another believer with the promise of what God is preparing for us.

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Start each day with short, devotional articles taken from the book Daily Transformation by Pastor John Fredericksen. As Pastor Fredericksen writes in the introduction:

"We welcome you, as you journey with us..., to not only learn information, but to benefit from examples of faith and failure, and seek to apply God’s Word to every day life. Together, let’s transition from only studying theories of doctrine, to applying God’s truths in a practical way every day. May God use these studies to help you find daily transformation."

La espada del Espíritu

Posted on by Pastor Cornelius R. Stam

“La Espada del Espíritu… es la Palabra de Dios” (Efesios 6:17).

De toda la armadura espiritual que se les dice a los creyentes que se “pongan” en Ef. 6:11-18, solo hay un arma ofensiva. Esta es “la Espada del Espíritu… la Palabra de Dios”. La Biblia es llamada “la Espada del Espíritu”, porque el Espíritu de Dios es su Autor. Se llama “la Espada del Espíritu” porque, así escrita por Dios que todo lo sabe, puede cortar profundamente. Esto lo convierte, para el creyente, en un arma formidable contra Satanás y las fuerzas del mal. Se nos dice en Heb. 4:12,13:

“La Palabra de Dios es viva y eficaz, y más cortante que toda espada de dos filos, y penetra hasta partir en dos el alma y el espíritu, las coyunturas y los tuétanos, y discierne los pensamientos y las intenciones del corazón.

“Ni hay criatura alguna que no se manifieste delante de Él; sino que todas las cosas están desnudas y abiertas a los ojos de Aquel con quien tenemos que ver.”

Como dijo David hace mucho tiempo:

“Oh Señor, me has examinado y conocido.

“Tú conoces mi sentarme y mi levantarme; Desde lejos entiendes mi pensamiento” (Sal. 139:1,2).

Es porque Dios nos conoce y nos comprende tan profundamente que Su Palabra a veces puede herirnos tan profundamente. ¡Qué sabio, entonces, inclinarse ante ese Libro Bendito, reconocer su condenación del pecado y confiar en el Salvador que presenta! Y, habiendo hecho esto, ¡qué sabio es “vestirnos de toda la armadura de Dios” en nuestra lucha contra Satanás y el pecado, sin olvidar “tomar… la Espada del Espíritu, que es la Palabra de Dios”!

God Can’t Use Me – I Corinthians 2:1-5

Posted on by Pastor John Fredericksen

I was approaching my senior year in high school when I first heard the Gospel of Grace and trusted in Christ alone for eternal life. Only a few months later, my heart began to be burdened to use the rest of my life in the ministry of my Savior; but a great internal struggle ensued. I reasoned that I was not smart enough, talented, nor capable of great things. I lacked biblical knowledge, was fearful about such a commitment, and much more. Moreover, I saw others who were dynamic, and I thought I could never reach their levels of ministry, so perhaps God could not use me in His service. Then, giving me perspective, the Lord brought other imperfect biblical figures to my attention.

Throughout the history of mankind, God has always used flawed human instruments. He could have chosen to use only holy angels or individuals empowered to some sinless condition. Instead, God chose to use ordinary men and women, all of who had glaring inadequacies. Noah was guilty of drunkenness. Abraham was too old to begin a new nation. Isaac was a daydreamer. Jacob was a liar and schemer. Leah was unattractive. Joseph was abused in youth. Moses could not speak well, and had fits of temper. Deborah was a woman in a man’s world. Gideon was afraid to make himself available to the Lord. Rahab was a prostitute. David committed adultery and murder. Elijah wallowed in self-pity with suicidal desires. Isaiah preached naked (at God’s instruction). Jonah ran away from God’s appointed ministry. Job had a discouraging wife, and was overwhelmed when tried. Peter was impulsive and hot-tempered. The twelve disciples of Christ were slow to comprehend many simple truths, and deserted Him when under pressure. Martha worried about incidental things.

God also used the Apostle Paul despite numerous deficiencies. He had been a persecutor, did not have “…excellency of speech or of wisdom…” and he ministered “…in weakness…and in much trembling…” (I Corinthians 2:1-4). Why then did God use an imperfect vessel such as Paul? It was so the “…faith [of others] should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God” (vs. 5). Moreover, God receives glory when weak human vessels are used.

If you feel unworthy or incapable of being used by God, you’ve just met the first qualification. Now, report for duty to your heavenly Commander in Chief today.

Free Mail Subscription

Start each day with short, devotional articles taken from the book Daily Transformation by Pastor John Fredericksen. As Pastor Fredericksen writes in the introduction:

"We welcome you, as you journey with us..., to not only learn information, but to benefit from examples of faith and failure, and seek to apply God’s Word to every day life. Together, let’s transition from only studying theories of doctrine, to applying God’s truths in a practical way every day. May God use these studies to help you find daily transformation."

Contralores que empujan coches

Posted on by Pastor Ricky Kurth

Si desea iniciar una gran pelea en poco tiempo, simplemente pregunte a algunos cristianos qué creen que quiso decir Pablo cuando escribió que las “mujeres jóvenes” con “esposos” e “hijos” deberían ser “guardianes de la casa” ( Tito 2:4,5). Pero la única manera segura de interpretar la Biblia es comparando Escritura con Escritura (I Corintios 2:13), ¡no comparando opiniones con opiniones! Con eso en mente, comparemos cómo se usa la palabra “guardián” en otras partes de la Biblia.

Por ejemplo, probablemente haya escuchado a los cristianos citar este amado versículo:

“Prefiero ser portero en la casa de mi Dios, que habitar en las tiendas de maldad” (Salmo 84:10).

Los porteros del templo de Israel tenían deberes muy específicos, algunos de los cuales involucraban las finanzas de la casa de Dios:

“…entregaron el dinero que había sido traído a la casa de Dios, que habían recogido los levitas que guardaban las puertas… y lo dieron a los obreros que trabajaban en la casa de Jehová, para reparar y enmendar la casa” (II Crónicas 34:9,10).

Como puede ver, los porteros de la casa de Dios evidentemente estaban involucrados en las finanzas que se usaban para mantener el hogar más grandioso del mundo, el templo de Salomón. Entonces, decir que eras portero en esos días probablemente no sonaba como un trabajo que implicaba mucha responsabilidad. Pero los que conocían bien la Palabra de Dios sabían que no era así.

De manera similar, cuando una mujer cristiana dice que es una de las “guardianes de la casa” de las que habla la Biblia, eso también suena como un trabajo que no conlleva mucha responsabilidad, al menos en los oídos de los no creyentes. Pero los que conocen bien la Palabra de Dios saben que tampoco es así. Por ejemplo, en muchos hogares cristianos la esposa está a cargo de las finanzas.

Esto es algo que me gusta señalar en la clase de consejería prematrimonial que tengo con las parejas antes de oficiar su boda. ¡Algunas mujeres son naturalmente mejores para llevar los libros! La Palabra de Dios enseña claramente que “el marido es la cabeza de la mujer” (Efesios 5:23), pero un marido sabio reconoce las habilidades de su esposa y está dispuesto a delegar parte de su autoridad en ella.

Claro, un esposo podría insistir: “Soy la cabeza de familia, así que es mi trabajo administrar nuestras finanzas”. Y dado que las finanzas son un aspecto extremadamente importante del hogar, seguramente puedo entender cómo un hombre puede sentirse de esa manera, y no tengo más que respeto por su convicción.

Pero si esa es su persuasión personal como esposo, lo invitaría a considerar que las finanzas también son un aspecto extremadamente importante de los negocios y corporaciones. Sin embargo, sabemos que tanto los dueños de negocios como los directores ejecutivos emplean contralor, CPA y otras personas con habilidades contables para llevar los libros. Un líder que insiste en administrar personalmente cada aspecto de su organización seguramente afectará negativamente su salud, y lo mismo ocurre con el cabeza de familia.

¡Y sin necesidad! Dios llama “virtuosas” a las mujeres que están a cargo de las finanzas, diciendo:

“…considera un campo, y lo compra…” (Proverbios 31:10,16).

Como puede ver, la mujer virtuosa descrita en este conocido pasaje de las Escrituras tenía un esposo que le permitía tomar decisiones financieras que eran más que incidentales. Su libertad para hacer una compra tan importante muestra que era cierto que “el corazón de su marido está confiado en ella” (v. 11) en el área importante de las finanzas de la familia, así como en otras áreas donde ella puede “le da bien y no mal todos los días de su vida” (v. 12).

El hogar cristiano a menudo es criticado por el mundo como un lugar donde la esposa y madre es poco más que un trapo y una alfombra. ¡Pero no es así como la Palabra de Dios describe a los “guardianes de la casa”! La esposa y madre cristiana es una parte integral de la administración del hogar más grandioso del mundo en nuestros días: el hogar cristiano.

El propósito de la oración

Posted on by Pastor Cornelius R. Stam

A veces se hace la pregunta: si la voluntad y el propósito de Dios son inalterables, ¿por qué orar? La respuesta es simple: porque el propósito divino, que debe representar cualquier respuesta a la oración, incluye la oración misma. Es suficiente que Él, “que hace todas las cosas según el designio de su voluntad” (Efesios 1:11), invite y exhorte a su pueblo a “venir confiadamente al trono de la gracia” para que “[sus] peticiones sean conocidas a Dios” (Heb. 4:16; Fil. 4:6).

Pero la oración no es mera petición, como muchos suponen. Es un aspecto de la comunión activa con Dios (el otro es la meditación en la Palabra) e incluye la adoración, la acción de gracias y la confesión, así como la súplica. Hyde, en God’s Education of Alan, págs. 154,155, dice: “La oración es la comunión de dos voluntades, en la que lo finito se relaciona con lo Infinito y, como riendas, se apropia de su propósito y poder”.

Tenemos un ejemplo de esto en el registro de la oración de nuestro Señor en el jardín, porque, aunque Él no debe ser clasificado con hombres finitos, sin embargo, hizo a un lado Su gloria, se hizo “siervo” (Filipenses 2:7) y “obediencia aprendida” (Heb. 5:8; Fil. 2:8). En este lugar de sujeción hizo peticiones concretas y fervientes a su Padre, pero cerró su oración con las palabras: “Pero que no se haga mi voluntad, sino la tuya” (Lucas 22:42) con el resultado de que Él fue “fortalecido”. ” por la prueba que tuvo que enfrentar (Ver. 43).

Así, la oración no es meramente un medio para “obtener cosas de Dios”, sino un medio designado por Dios para tener comunión con Él, y toda oración aceptable incluirá la súplica, tan sinceramente deseada como las demás: “Sin embargo, no sea mi voluntad, sino la tuya”.

Buenas direcciones

Posted on by Pastor Ricky Kurth

Un viejo chiste que es popular entre las mujeres especula que la razón por la que los judíos tardaron cuarenta años en hacer el viaje de once días a través del desierto (Deut. 1:2) es porque Moisés era un hombre típico, demasiado obstinado para detenerse y pedir ayuda. ¡direcciones! Por supuesto, los estudiantes de la Biblia saben que la verdadera razón de este retraso épico fue la rebelión pecaminosa de Israel contra Dios. En aquel entonces, el Señor guió a Su pueblo en cada paso de su camino con una nube (Núm. 9:15-23), pero la nube los llevó a “errar por el desierto cuarenta años” (Núm. 32:13) para castigarlos. por su desobediencia.

Pero en ausencia de una nube que nos guíe hoy, ¿cómo podemos esperar que el Señor nos dirija? ¿Qué quiso decir exactamente Pablo cuando escribió,

“Y el Señor encamine vuestros corazones al amor de Dios, y a la espera paciente de Cristo” (2 Tes. 3:5).

La mayoría de los creyentes en la gracia saben que Dios dirige a los miembros del Cuerpo de Cristo con Su Palabra, pero sigue habiendo mucha confusión al respecto, con base en versículos como Proverbios 16:9:

“El corazón del hombre traza su camino, pero el Señor dirige sus pasos”.

Versículos como este se usan para enseñar que los hombres planean lo que van a hacer, pero luego llega Dios y vence su voluntad y los hace caminar en una dirección diferente a la que planearon. Esta interpretación conduce a una forma extrema de calvinismo que enseña que Dios es responsable de cada movimiento que hacen los hombres, que Él es el titiritero que mueve los hilos y que el hombre es la marioneta que responde impotente a todos sus caprichos. Esta visión de Dios bordea lo que se llama fatalismo. Muchos incrédulos creen que el “destino” controla todo en nuestras vidas y somos impotentes para anular su más mínimo capricho.

El problema obvio de creer que somos manipulados por el Todopoderoso y que no podemos hacer nada que Él no cause es que lo convierte en el autor de todos nuestros pecados. Entonces debe haber alguna otra explicación para versículos como Proverbios 16:9, y creemos que la hay. La única manera segura de interpretar la Biblia es comparando Escritura con Escritura (1 Corintios 2:13), así que comparemos la palabra “dirige” en este versículo con la forma en que Isaías usó la palabra en el pasado:

“¿Quién dirigió el Espíritu del Señor, o siendo su consejero, le enseñó?” (Isaías 40:13).

Note que cuando el profeta dice que nadie puede dirigir el Espíritu del Señor, luego reformula sus palabras diciendo que el Señor no puede ser aconsejado ni enseñado. Esto, entonces, es lo que Pablo quiso decir cuando habló de Dios dirigiendo nuestros corazones. Dios nos dirige aconsejándonos a través de la enseñanza de Su Palabra. El corazón malvado del hombre trama su camino (Jeremías 17:9), y el Señor viene y lo dirige a hacer lo que Él ordena por el consejo de Su Palabra.

God is Faithful – I Corinthians 1:9

Posted on by Pastor John Fredericksen

We have a Yellow Labrador named Molly. Recently, when my wife, Terri, was sick, Molly would not leave her side. When Terri couldn’t sleep in the night, Molly stayed by her side while she read and watched TV. When Terri slept in another room so I could get a better night of sleep, Molly stayed by her side. Whenever Terri moved about the house, Molly remained close. Our Molly is a gentle, loving, and faithful companion.

Intended with reverence, the faithfulness of our Molly reminded me of someone who is far more faithful. Several times in Scripture, we are told: “God is faithful…” (I Corinthians 1:9; 10:13; Deuteronomy 7:9). The definition of the word “faithful” means to be trustworthy, sure, or true.1 Unlike mankind, who is only sometimes faithful, the Lord repeated these assurances to give us an unwavering confidence in Him. This is an unchanging principle, regardless of which dispensation in which the believer lives. As God explained Israel’s special privileged position before Him, Moses described the Lord as “…the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him …to a thousand generations” (Deuteronomy 7:9). The Lord wanted Israel to be thoroughly certain that He would keep every promise made to her including dealing with her with longsuffering. When Paul told the Body of Christ “God is faithful,” it is in the context that the Lord will “…confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Corinthians 1:8-9). This is a concrete guarantee that, in this Dispensation of Grace, our positional standing of complete righteousness before the Lord will never change. This is because our standing is based on God’s faithfulness, not our faithfulness. When Paul explains, “there hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will…make a way to escape” (I Corinthians 10:13), it was a divine pledge that victory over sin is possible. One need only believe this is true, be strengthened through a daily walk with the Lord, and look for ways to flee from any present temptation.

These three examples represent how faithful the Lord is. It is important for us to remember that God is faithful in every respect. We can trust Him explicitly. May we now purpose to be found faithful to Christ in every aspect of our walk before Him.

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Start each day with short, devotional articles taken from the book Daily Transformation by Pastor John Fredericksen. As Pastor Fredericksen writes in the introduction:

"We welcome you, as you journey with us..., to not only learn information, but to benefit from examples of faith and failure, and seek to apply God’s Word to every day life. Together, let’s transition from only studying theories of doctrine, to applying God’s truths in a practical way every day. May God use these studies to help you find daily transformation."

Being Perfect – I Corinthians 1:2

Posted on by Pastor John Fredericksen

When I met the woman who was to become my wife, I was convinced she was “the one.”  I called my parents telling them I had found the woman to share the rest of my life with, and she was “perfect.” I went on to extol her beauty, charm, love for the Lord, and more. She would have never described herself as perfect, but in my eyes, she certainly was.

As the Apostle Paul opens I Corinthians Chapter 1, he reminds believers they will be “blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1:8). It is important for us to realize there are two aspects of a Christian’s perfection. The first is our position before God the Father. Because, through faith, we have been “made the righteousness of God in Him [the Lord Jesus Christ]” (II Corinthians 5:21). Our position before the Father is now one of perfection in the identity of the Savior. The Father now sees us as holy and perfect. This position will never change. Our daily practice after salvation is also to be “perfect.” We have been “called to be saints” (I Corinthians 1:2), and the Lord expects us to seek to live up to a standard of holiness. What does that mean? In Philippians 2:14-15 we are told this includes doing “… all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke….” A standard of perfection then includes a proper attitude free of argument. The Apostle Paul told the saints at Thessalonica: “…I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Thessalonians 5:23). The emphasis here is purity in mind, emotion, and body. All three are important. If we are to stand before the Savior and “not…be ashamed” (II Timothy 2:15), we must consistently be “rightly dividing the Word of truth.” However, be certain to digest all the above verses that show how we live is as important as how we understand God’s Word. We should also be motivated by the truth of II Corinthians 5:8-11. In eternity, all our life after salvation will be judged, “whether it be good or bad,” and we will all “give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12).

While perfection in lifestyle doesn’t mean sinlessness, we should daily be striving to practice genuine holiness in all areas. Raise your personal standard high. You bear the name of Christ!

Free Mail Subscription

Start each day with short, devotional articles taken from the book Daily Transformation by Pastor John Fredericksen. As Pastor Fredericksen writes in the introduction:

"We welcome you, as you journey with us..., to not only learn information, but to benefit from examples of faith and failure, and seek to apply God’s Word to every day life. Together, let’s transition from only studying theories of doctrine, to applying God’s truths in a practical way every day. May God use these studies to help you find daily transformation."

Not a Performance System – I Corinthians 1:2

Posted on by Pastor John Fredericksen

I once had the joy of sharing a clear gospel and leading a young couple to a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Immediately, they began attending our church, but after a few months they stopped coming and demonstrated no evidence of further interest in spiritual things. One well-intentioned lady referred to this absent couple and said: “Pastor John, they must have been your converts because they certainly weren’t the Lord’s converts.”

It is important for us to remember a lesson from the believers at Corinth. Acts 18 records the Apostle Paul preaching in this city with many trusting in Christ as their Savior. Then, for 18 months, he stayed and ministered the Word of God to them. After professing Christ, there was a time of spiritual growth, but they soon drifted into terrible carnality. They became very judgmental toward Paul (I Corinthians 4:3). Gross immorality became common with them (5:1). They reveled in the sin of others (5:2) and were puffed up in pride over their biblical knowledge (8:1). Paul called them “carnal” and “babes” “in Christ,” who had not grown into spiritual maturity (I Corinthians 3:1-3). But he never questioned their salvation! Notice he referred to them collectively as “the church of God” who were “…sanctified in Christ Jesus, [and] called to be saints…” (I Corinthians 1:2). He is even clearer when he lists a host of people identified by various sins, adding, “And such were some of you, but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus…” (I Corinthians 6:11). Even though these Christians were living a sinful lifestyle with little apparent spiritual interest, Paul still never questioned their salvation. This is because Christians today are “…not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14), and grace is not a performance system. Grace is the rich mercy of God. Some would object that the Savior said: ”…by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:16, 20). However, our Lord was talking about how to discern false teachers in the tribulation, not believers today. He was teaching the Jews still under the Law in a different program, with different requirements. It is a wonderful testimony when true godliness is exhibited in believers but today one can still be truly saved, yet not be living for the Lord.

Believer, don’t question your salvation or that of others, when a lack of spiritual interest, or sin, is present. Remember, grace covers this too.

Free Mail Subscription

Start each day with short, devotional articles taken from the book Daily Transformation by Pastor John Fredericksen. As Pastor Fredericksen writes in the introduction:

"We welcome you, as you journey with us..., to not only learn information, but to benefit from examples of faith and failure, and seek to apply God’s Word to every day life. Together, let’s transition from only studying theories of doctrine, to applying God’s truths in a practical way every day. May God use these studies to help you find daily transformation."