The Living Truth Fellowship

Joy in Adversity

Unfortunately, and decidedly contrary to God’s desire, adversity is part of this life. First-century Jews who accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior were acutely aware of this. Not long after the Day of Pentecost, Peter and John were imprisoned by Jewish leaders for healing a lame man in Jesus Christ’s name. This was just the beginning of escalating pressure. It peaked when Saul, a self-proclaimed “Pharisee of the Pharisees,” began capturing and imprisoning Christian Jews. But it didn’t end there; their challenges only intensified over time.

In his epistle to his fellow Jews, James instructed his Christian brothers and sisters not to succumb to self-pity or helplessness amid adversity. Instead, he urged them to embrace joy. Indeed, this wasn’t a suggestion; it was a divine command. Like all of God’s commands, facing adversity with joy was crucial to living the abundant life made possible by Jesus’ death and resurrection.

James explained that encountering adversity with joy would fortify their ability to withstand future assaults on their faith. By doing so, they would grow more courageous, witnessing their loving Father deliver them from hardship time and time again. This process would create a feedback loop, with each victory reinforcing their determination to trust God, regardless of external appearances.

In this inspirational teaching, you’ll discover that James wasn’t the only servant of God who encouraged believers to find joy amid adversity. Both Peter and Paul echoed his counsel. You’ll also learn about Job, whose unwavering trust in God throughout severe misfortune brought him great rewards. But undoubtedly, the greatest example of finding joy in suffering was Jesus Christ. Hebrews 12:2 states that Jesus persevered through the crucifixion by focusing on the joy he would experience at his resurrection. Let these extraordinary individuals serve as examples of how you, too, can find joy in adversity and thereby strengthen your faith in God.

Trust God

Michael Kappelman passionately emphasizes the profound importance of trusting God, underscoring the fact that God’s Word serves as an unchanging truth for believers navigating the complexities of life. He draws attention to key Bible verses that highlight God’s promises and unwavering nature, illustrating how these passages provide a solid foundation for faith. In his exploration, Michael articulates the inherent risks associated with relying solely on oneself or on the fallibility of others. Instead, he advocates for a deep-seated faith in God, which he asserts is not just a spiritual discipline but a pathway to experiencing true blessings and the peace that surpasses all understanding.

To further illustrate his point, he likens the act of trusting God to a fruitful tree planted by water, nourished and sustained by a source that never runs dry. This imagery beautifully conveys the idea that faith in God not only provides stability but also fosters growth and abundance in every area of life. Just as a tree thrives when its roots reach deep into a reliable water source.

This sharing of God’s Word will inspire you to cultivate a relationship grounded in trust, encouraging you to lean on God’s unchanging truth as you navigate life’s uncertainties.

Who is Your Sufficiency?

In our culture, self-sufficiency is lauded as a prized virtue. The self-sufficient man or woman earns the admiration and respect of all who know them. Miriam Webster defines self-sufficiency as “reliance on one’s own efforts and abilities.” Roy Baumeister, an American social psychologist, defines it as, “a reliance on internal resources to provide life with coherence and fulfillment.” Carl Jung said, “Who looks outside, dreams, who looks inside, awakens.”

But what did Jesus think about all of that? He strongly disagreed. In John 5:39, he declared, “The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.”

Jesus understood that in all things, he must look to God for his sufficiency. He knew that, by himself, he was unable to fulfill his mission of redeeming us from sin and death. Turning Jung’s idea on its head, Jesus knew that looking inside for his sufficiency was a pipe dream, but that looking to his Father for his sufficiency was to fully awake to the truth.

The Apostle Paul agreed, saying in 2 Corinthians 3:5, “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency [is] of God.”

Like Jesus, Paul knew that he could do nothing on his own. He also knew that God was his sufficiency.
 
Learn why both Jesus and Paul decided to look to God for their sufficiency in all things, and why you should do the same. While your own resources are rather limited, God’s resources are unlimited, and He wants to shower them on all who simply believe. Let God be your sufficiency.

Empowered by the Spirit (Part 2)

With a resounding and powerful crescendo, Romans chapter eight stands as the pinnacle of the profound teachings that are laid out in the first seven chapters of this crucial text, serving as a solid foundation for Christian living. These early chapters meticulously outline essential doctrines, emphasizing themes such as sin, grace, salvation, and the gift of holy spirit. They serve to establish a comprehensive understanding of the faith that underpins the Christian life.

Now, as we turn our attention to chapter eight, we find ourselves on the threshold of an exhilarating spiritual journey. This chapter encapsulates the essence of what it means to live as a follower of Christ, offering breathtaking insights into the nature of God’s love, the incredible gift of holy spirit, and the ultimate assurance we have in our salvation. It tackles profound questions about suffering, hope, and the transformative work of grace in our lives.

Join us as we embark on this exploration, a mere scraping of the surface of a chapter teeming with biblical richness and spiritual depth. While we may only touch on a few key points, the truths embedded in this culminating chapter can lead to a lifetime of reflection and growth in faith. Each verse invites us to delve deeper into our relationship with God, uncovering new layers of understanding and experience. The themes and promises presented here are not just for intellectual pursuit; they are designed to foster a deeper connection with God and our Lord Jesus Christ, which will empower us in our daily spiritual walk.

Living the Promise of Romans 8 (Part 1)

With a resounding and powerful crescendo, Romans chapter eight stands as the pinnacle of the profound teachings that are laid out in the first seven chapters of this crucial text, serving as a solid foundation for Christian living. These early chapters meticulously outline essential doctrines, emphasizing themes such as sin, grace, salvation, and the gift of holy spirit. They serve to establish a comprehensive understanding of the faith that underpins the Christian life.

Now, as we turn our attention to chapter eight, we find ourselves on the threshold of an exhilarating spiritual journey. This chapter encapsulates the essence of what it means to live as a follower of Christ, offering breathtaking insights into the nature of God’s love, the incredible gift of holy spirit, and the ultimate assurance we have in our salvation. It tackles profound questions about suffering, hope, and the transformative work of grace in our lives.

Join us as we embark on this exploration, a mere scraping of the surface of a chapter teeming with biblical richness and spiritual depth. While we may only touch on a few key points, the truths embedded in this culminating chapter can lead to a lifetime of reflection and growth in faith. Each verse invites us to delve deeper into our relationship with God, uncovering new layers of understanding and experience. The themes and promises presented here are not just for intellectual pursuit; they are designed to foster a deeper connection with God and our Lord Jesus Christ, which will empower us in our daily spiritual walk.

Make a Choice for Christ

Moment by moment, day by day, we face an essential decision that our Lord places before us: the choice to obey Him or to follow the desires of the flesh. This is not merely a one-time decision, but rather a continual, ongoing commitment that defines the essence of our walk of faith. Each day presents us with opportunities to embrace the light of the truth of Christ’s accomplishments in our lives or to remain trapped in the deep, muddy rut of the flesh that Adam, through his disobedience, has dug for us.

As followers of Christ, we are constantly called to rise above the patterns and inclinations of our natural selves, which often lead us away from His perfect will and purpose. This struggle is a fundamental aspect of our spiritual journey — an intricate dance between our human tendencies and the divine calling we receive through faith in Jesus Christ. It is in these moments of decision, where our hearts and minds wrestle with the two opposing forces, that we truly begin to understand the depth of our relationship with God.

Join us as we delve into the profound teachings of Romans 6, which illuminates this critical choice that God asks us to make in His name. In this chapter, we will explore the implications of our choices and the amazing benefits that come when we prioritize His Word — a timeless source of wisdom — over the fleeting temptations of this world. Through understanding what it means to be dead to sin and alive in Christ, we can discover the freedom that comes from living in obedience to God’s truth.

Forget Not All His Benefits

King David’s heart would have been overflowing with wonder and gratitude when he wrote the words of Psalm 103:2; “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”

That exhortation is as true today as it was David’s time. In truth, thanks to the work of Jesus, He has done even more for all born again Christians than He did for David; much more. Of course, in order to not forget all of His benefits, we first need to know what they are. There are certainly no shortage of benefits God has lavished upon us. There are so many that it is impossible to fully know and appreciate all of them in this lifetime. It won’t be until Jesus’ future appearance that we can know the true fullness of those benefits. But that doesn’t mean you can’t learn and remember enough of those benefits today to fill your heart with the same feeling of wonder and gratitude as that of King David.

If you only look, you will find that there is hardly a page in the New Testament of your Bible that does not contain multiple benefits that God has provided you through His son, Christ Jesus. This teaching will introduce you to just a very few of those benefits. Though small in number they are mighty in blessings, enough that you too will say, “Bless the LORD, O my soul.”

Abraham’s Reckoning

For fifteen centuries following the flood of Noah, the world existed without the written Word of God. Yet, the Creator, in His infinite wisdom and love, did not leave humanity in spiritual darkness. He provided a witness, a tangible proof of His existence and His unwavering love for His creation. 

In this teaching we look closely at the book of Romans chapter 4, delving into the profound story of Abraham and his ‘reckoning’ of the stars. This isn’t just a historical account; it’s a powerful testament to the nature of faith and the legacy of believing salvation that resonates across generations. 

The Showdown Between Good and Evil

This teaching explores the pivotal event of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, following his baptism by John. This encounter was a culmination of the devil’s persistent attempts to thwart the Messiah’s mission. God’s allowance of this temptation served as a testament to Jesus’ preparedness for the challenges ahead.

The teaching delves into the role of the Word of God in overcoming temptations. It distinguishes between temptation and sin, emphasizing that sin arises from mishandling temptation. Temptations may originate from Satan or our sinful nature. The teaching provides practical examples of using Scripture to resist temptations related to the ‘lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life.’

Join Franco Bottley as he guides us in learning from Jesus’ unwavering example in handling temptation. He highlights the spiritual battle and the significance of obedience to God’s Word for strength and blessings. By embracing these principles, we can foster spiritual growth and enhance our service to God in our daily lives.

Know Thy Enemy: Standing Firm in the Spiritual Battle

Before you fight a war, it’s always good to know as much as you can about your enemy. Nowhere is this statement more true than in the spiritual realm. Many Christians do not take our Adversary seriously because they simply do not know enough about him. In fact, the Devil’s cleverest strategy is to make people believe that he does not exist, or that he’s not a real threat. The Devil would rather have us fight among ourselves as he stays hidden behind the scenes orchestrating his treachery.

Some Christians do not even believe in a literal devil. Instead, they believe he is a biblical symbol for evil. But that is not the position of the Bible. Satan is every bit as real as God. Besides, it’s impossible for a symbol to do the things Scripture attributes to him: deceiving, murdering, tempting, destroying, lying, accusing, and controlling.

God’s will is for us to obey Him, and that will bring about opposition from His enemies. In this teaching Franco Bottley looks at why it is so important to understand our enemy, and the methods he uses to deceive mankind.

The Way of Yahweh

In 1998 the rock band Chicago released a song titled, “All Roads Lead to You.” The message of that song was that no matter where you go or what you do, you will always be led back to the one you love. Such a warm and fuzzy sentiment, on the surface, certainly appears to offer profound wisdom on the ways of life. However, if the one you Love is God, or you want to know and love Him, holding to that idea, no matter how sincere, will actually lead you far from Him. There is in fact only one road that leads to God and it is the road He Himself maps out in the Bible.

Jesus, the living Word of God, was crystal clear in saying that he was the only way that leads to God. He, in complete agreement with his Father, said that the way he prepared for you will lead you to life. To be precise, it will lead you to a life that is more than abundant. Any doctrine or belief of man, including that of the rock band Chicago, that runs counter to the way Jesus paved will inevitable lead you away from that abundant life. Surely that is not what you want, so why go any other way than that which God has so graciously laid out for you in His Word, the Bible? It’ll lead you to the best life possible this side of the new paradise coming when Jesus makes his appearance and we all arrive at the end of the road, the most wonderful and glorious destination to which God’s way inevitably leads.

Who Am I?

The story of King David teaches us valuable lessons about prayer. In 1 Chronicles 17:1, David is described as sitting in his grand cedar house after defeating the Philistines with the help of Yahweh, the God of Israel. Feeling convicted that God’s dwelling place should not be a simple tent, David expresses his desire to build a permanent house for God to the prophet Nathan. Nathan agrees, thinking it to be God’s will, but they both fail to consult God about their plan. As a result, God reveals that instead of David building a house for Him, He will build a house for David and all of Israel. This was an unimaginable act in the Ancient Near East, leaving David in awe of God’s promise. After hearing God’s plan, David humbly questions his own worthiness, saying, ‘Who am I?’ He is amazed that the Almighty would show such favor to him, a mere shepherd who was elevated to the position of King. David understood the dynamics of his relationship with God, acknowledging Him as his Lord and Master, while also recognizing his own role as a servant – a title he mentions 12 times in this chapter. However, David does not cower or beg at the feet of God, but rather confidently asks Him to fulfill the promises He made. He knows that it is God’s will for him to boldly approach Him in prayer, a principle that still holds true in our present age of grace.

Ephesians 3:12 encourages us to approach God with boldness and confidence, much like David did when he trusted that God would fulfill His promises. Our gracious God eagerly awaits for us to claim the blessings He has promised. You can find them in the scriptures and confidently lay hold of what has already been made accessible to us through Jesus Christ.

Growing Up In The Lord

In his first letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul, in a spirit of loving reproof, told them that they were babes in Christ. He told them that he was only able to feed them with milk, that they were unable to digest meat. He told them the reason for this unfortunate state of affairs was that they were carnal as evidenced by the strife and division that existed in their church. Some said they followed Paul, others followed Apollos, Cephas, or Christ. By all appearances there were four denominations existing in Corinth which ran counter to God’s will that all spoke the same thing, that there should be no division, that they all share the same doctrine and judgment. They understood that Jesus had died for their sins and that he was raised from the dead, but they didn’t quite grasp the fullness of what that resurrection meant for their lives.

 

But then Paul went on to say that there are certain brethren to whom he was able to feed real meat, namely the ones who did not engage in arguments about who to follow as a source of truth. They knew that the only source for truth is the scriptures, not this man or that man. They too understood that Jesus died for their sins, but, unlike the carnal Corinthians, they were also open to learning about a secret that God had kept hidden up His sleeve until He revealed it to Paul. It is that secret that is the meat that can nourish all Christians and make them fully understand the true greatness of the new birth and the power it conferred upon them to do all the work Jesus did and even more. According Romans 16:25, an understanding of this secret is the only way any Christian can be fully established in the faith and grow up in the Lord.

Cast Your Cares to God

In his first epistle, Peter exhorts you to cast all your cares to your heavenly Father. Furthermore, you are given complete assurance that He is both willing and able to relieve you of those cares, all of them, both the big and the small. But there is a reason beyond your own self that God wants you to allow Him to take those cares upon Himself. While it does indeed bring a calming relief to yourself, it also frees you up to serve others, and that is the main reason God wants to help you. Simply put, God wants to help you so you can help others. By serving others, you not only forget your cares, but you also help a brother or sister as they go through their own trials and tribulations.

God wants all of us to be free from cares so that we can be "clothed in humility," which Jesus exemplified when, shortly before his own ghastly trial was about to begin, he tied an apron around himself and washed the feet of his chosen apostles, even the very one who was about to betray him. When each member of the body of Christ operates within this paradigm of service, the church will become that beacon of light on the hill to which others will be drawn. There is no higher calling, a calling that, if carried out, will bring rewards, not only in this life but in that which is to come. God promises that those who cast their cares on Him and humble themselves in service to others will be exalted in due time.

Embracing Ephesians

Ephesians presents a beautiful picture of the Christian life. It reminds us that we are chosen and adopted into God’s family, redeemed and forgiven through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This truth fills us with a sense of awe and gratitude, knowing that we are beloved children of God and nothing can ever separate us from His love.

Have we truly contemplated the significance of this remarkable epistle, which stands as the cornerstone of the Church of Jesus Christ? Come with us as we delve into the first three chapters of this remarkable letter, and let the Lord’s work in and for us inspire, uplift, and invigorate us.

The Supremacy of God’s Word

As believers, we are constantly faced with the internal battle between our flesh and our spirit. This struggle is not dependent on our level of maturity or spirituality, as even the most devout individuals can find themselves in a constant tug-of-war between these two opposing forces.

The battle between the flesh and the spirit is an ongoing struggle for all believers. But we are not left to fight this battle alone. We have a loving and powerful God who is always with us, providing us with the deliverance and direction we need to walk victoriously in this world. So let us surrender our fleshly desires to Him and allow His spirit to guide us towards a life that is pleasing to Him.

Join us as we delve into the deliverance and direction that the Father and His Son give us to walk victorious in this world.

The Good Shepherd (Part 2)

Sheep are arguably the most helpless creatures God created. Being unable to care for themselves, they depend on their caretaker, their shepherd, for food, water, grooming, protection from ravenous beasts, and much more. In the 10th chapter of John’s Gospel Jesus said there is a good shepherd and there is a bad shepherd. The gulf between the two is deep and wide. 

Jesus said he was the good shepherd, the one who was willing to lay down his life for his sheep who he purchased with his own blood. In contrast to Jesus’ loving care for his sheep, the bad shepherd, the hired hand who did not own his flock, would flee at the first sign of trouble. 

When we confess Jesus as Lord and believe God raised him from the dead, we become a member of Jesus’ flock which guarantees that in this life we will get the best care possible. With the sure knowledge that all our needs are always fully satisfied, we can be glad and rejoice in saying, “The Lord is my shepherd!”

The Good Shepherd

Sheep are arguably the most helpless creatures God created. Being unable to care for themselves, they depend on their caretaker, their shepherd, for food, water, grooming, protection from ravenous beasts, and much more. In the 10th chapter of John’s Gospel Jesus said there is a good shepherd and there is a bad shepherd. The gulf between the two is deep and wide.

Jesus said he was the good shepherd, the one who was willing to lay down his life for his sheep who he purchased with his own blood. In contrast to Jesus’ loving care for his sheep, the bad shepherd, the hired hand who did not own his flock, would flee at the first sign of trouble.

When we confess Jesus as Lord and believe God raised him from the dead, we become a member of Jesus’ flock which guarantees that in this life we will get the best care possible. With the sure knowledge that all our needs are always fully satisfied, we can be glad and rejoice in saying, “The Lord is my shepherd!”

Complete in Christ

The letter to the Colossians is a powerful reminder of the completed work of our savior Jesus Christ. It shows us that we do not have to add anything to what Jesus accomplished in order to be saved and stand as the righteousness of God. Paul wrote this letter in response to those who were teaching that something else was needed to be complete in Christ. Colossians corrects this false concept and shows that accepting the finished works of Christ and living a life of faith and obedience is all the Christian needs for salvation and holiness in God.

Listen as Marc Dickie presents an expository of this amazing letter to see our "response-ability" to the finished work of our complete Savior.

Our Hope in the Midst of Suffering

Jesus said that those who made the decision to follow him would experience suffering for having made that decision. The early church soon found out the truth of those words and Peter’s first epistle addresses that development head on. When he wrote it the pressure and suffering had already begun and he said it would get even worse. Of course, he didn’t just warn the church and let it go at that. Instead he exhorted them to always keep in mind the big picture, namely, that although all Christians will experience suffering in this life, it is nothing compared to the unspeakable joy that we will experience when Jesus returns.

The sufferings we experience in this life are both short lived and pale in comparison to the eternal glory which is guaranteed to us at the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. That is our hope and that which sustains us regardless of whatever fiery darts the devil may throw our way.