Daily Bread: April 2010

Friday, April 30, 2010

Dial Daily Bread: Is Salvation a 50/50 "Balance"

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

Can we talk too much about what Christ has done to save us? Should we talk 50% of what He has done, or is doing, and then talk 50% of what we must do to be saved? That 50/50 balance sounds quite reasonable, doesn't it? Yes, and millions who say they are Christians view the gospel that way. And they are lukewarm in their devotion to Christ!

Paul didn't buy into the 50/50 idea. When he came to Corinth he said, "I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Cor. 2:2). Wait a moment, Paul! Aren't you unbalanced? Sure, preach the cross--but surely not as "everything"? If you talk too much about what Christ has done to save us, aren't you afraid that your listeners will get lazy and stop keeping the commandments of God?

No, says Paul: "the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing; but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. ... We preach Christ crucified. ... Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God" (1:18, 23, 24). Then he adds in vs. 29, "No flesh can glory [boast] in God's presence." Now if you are saving yourself 50/50, if you are "trusting" to your "sanctified obedience for salvation," if you believe that "sanctification ... in us ... [is] part of the means of our salvation," you have plenty to boast about. (I am quoting word for word from a publication produced by scholars who tell us how to be saved.)

In contrast, Paul says that Christ saves us 100% and that the believer's part is to LET Him do it, to cooperate with Him, to respond to the constraint of His love, thankful every step of the way that Christ is the one who is his Savior TOTALLY. Paul sees no co-saviors on the believer's horizon. And if we will listen to Paul preach in Corinth about the cross, and believe what we hear him say, our lukewarmness will be finished.

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: January 16, 1998.
Copyright © 2010 by Robert J. Wieland.

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Thursday, April 29, 2010

Dial Daily Bread: "Made" or "Constituted" in Romans 5

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

Someone had written asking that we make clear what Young's Literal Translation of Romans 5:15-19 means, especially Paul's use of the word "constituted." It's in verses 18, 19, instead of the word "made" as in the King James Version. Here's what Young renders Paul as saying: "So, then, as through one offense to all men it is to condemnation, so also through one declaration of 'Righteous' it is to all men to justification of life; for as through the disobedience of the one man [Adam], the many [all men] were CONSTITUTED sinners: so also through the obedience of the One [Christ], shall the many [the same all men] be CONSTITUTED righteous" (Young's Literal, vss. 18, 19).

The sin of Adam did not MAKE "all men" to be actual sinners--that would be "original sin." Adam's fatherhood has not forced anyone to sin! (It could be that the KJV rendering as "made" has led some to think the Bible does teach original sin; but Young's Literal makes clear that we still have freedom of choice. Thank God!)

But it is true that "all have sinned" (Rom. 3:23), except Christ. But He took upon Himself the DNA descent from Adam, yet He proves that inheriting a sinful nature does not force one necessarily to be a sinner in character. Christ was tempted like as we are tempted, but He said "No!" to every temptation (Heb. 4:15; Titus 2:11, 12, NIV). Adam's sin CONSTITUTED "all men" under the legal condemnation of sin. Jesus "took" it upon Himself, so He could die.

Likewise, according to Young's Literal, the cross of Christ did not MAKE the same "all men" to be experientially "righteous." It CONSTITUTED them "righteous" in a legal sense so the Father could send His rain on the just and the unjust alike--so He could treat every person as though he had not sinned. Some call this a "second probation." But God means what He says: no one can keep you out of heaven, except your own perverse choice.

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: March 25, 2005.
Copyright © 2010 by Robert J. Wieland.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Dial Daily Bread: Only One Thing That We MUST Do

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

This may shock you, but it is true: as you read the New Testament, there is only one thing that we are told we MUST do: and that is "believe." It's clear in John 3:7-16, and in Heb. 11:6, as well as Acts 16:30, 31. And the New Testament does not teach the heresy of what is known as "only-believism," that is, that a mental assent and confession is all that is necessary--without obedience. Romans 10:10 says that "with the heart [we] believe unto righteousness." And if you believe with the heart, there is certainly a change in the life that leads you to obey all of God's commandments.

Put all those texts together and let them speak, and it becomes clear that the Bible meaning of the word "believe" is quite different from the usual idea held by Roman Catholic and Protestant evangelicals. To "believe" is not an exercise of selfishness, like buying a lottery ticket. Every such purchase is an exercise in selfishness, a hope to win a bonanza. But Bible faith is not centered in winning something, even if it is a heavenly fortune instead of an earthly jackpot. Bible faith is a heart-appreciation of the love of the Father in giving His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth should not perish, but have everlasting life. According to Jesus, this is the one thing you MUST do.

But someone says, hey, wait a minute--doesn't He say, "If you love me, keep My commandments" (John 14:15)? Yes, but please notice: the motive is love, not fear, or hope of reward! And Jesus prefaces that remark with this: "believe ... in Me" (vs. 1). He is talking about receiving the atonement, the reconciliation (Rom. 5:9, 10). Paul pleads with us, "Be ye reconciled to God" (2 Cor. 5:20). Why, and how? The next verse answers: because Christ was "made to be sin for us, who knew no sin."

Let your little heart contemplate what happened on that cross; then as David says, your heart will be "enlarged" (Psalm 119:32). In such faith is everlasting life. And the message about it today is the third angel's message in verity.

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: October 28, 1997.
Copyright © 2010 by Robert J. Wieland.

Dial Daily Bread: The Story of "Pleasant" Turned "Bitter"

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

Note: For our readers who are studying the Sabbath School lessons on "Health and Healing," you may be interested in a paper by the author of "Dial Daily Bread" entitled: "Healthful Living and the 'Latter Rain.'" You will find it posted on this Website: http://www.1888mpm.org/articles/healthful-living-and-latter-rain

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Let's pay a visit to the lady who repented in sorrow for her husband's Old Covenant unbelief. Naomi's husband (her name means "Pleasant") was fortunate to be born an Israelite, which meant he was heir to all the promises God had made to their father Abraham. Best of all, his inheritance was in the most favored spot of all the twelve tribes--Bethlehem, "the House of Bread." Elimelech should have remembered how Abraham's faith was tested in temporary famine in the "land that [God said] I will shew thee" (Gen. 12:1). Surely, Abraham's God would not permit Elimelech's family to suffer if they hung on by faith in Bethlehem until the economic recession was over!

But no, Elimelech heard there was prosperity in the heathen land of Moab. Let's provide for our children better than we've had for ourselves, he told Naomi; and the dear, sweet "pleasant" lady went along with his plans. Taking their two young sons, Mahlon and Chilion, they packed up and moved. She probably cheerfully told everybody goodbye; no more hard times for us! They would never give up the message, etc., etc., you know.

Well, dear husband died. Terrible blow to her faith. But she still had her two fine young Israelite sons. And then the inevitable: growing up in worldly schools, they fell in love with worldly girls, and married Orpah and Ruth, pagan girls. Oh yes, they were good upright girls, but "aliens from the commonwealth of Israel." The boys had "married out of the truth."

And then they both took sick, and--horror of horrors--they died! Naomi was devastated. All the wealth they had accumulated was now a painful burden to her. She gave herself a new name--Mara, "Bitter." "The Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty. ... The Lord hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me" (Ruth 1:20, 21).

But the dear Lord is not harsh. "Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord" says another man who repented bitterly for his people's Old Covenant unbelief (Jeremiah, Lam. 3:40). God had simply been forced to leave Elimelech to have what he had chosen--a pagan culture, and Naomi, one with him, had to suffer.

But read the story in the Book of Ruth to the end, and behold the goodness of the Lord. She "came back to the church," and did the Lord ever receive her!

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: January 10, 2003.
Copyright © 2010 by Robert J. Wieland.

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Monday, April 26, 2010

Dial Daily Bread: The Lesson of Isaiah 53

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

When one studies Isaiah 53, we cannot help but being impressed that the Son of God has given Himself to die the world's second death, "poured out His soul unto death" as you would turn a bottle upside down to drain the last drop, and yet God's people two millennia ago would not "believe our report" (God sent).

Isaiah's idea is that when the Savior of the world should come, His lowly form would be so unlike His people's proud expectations that they would make Him "despised and rejected of men" (vs. 3). They would interpret the humble birth of Jesus and His gentle demeanor as reason to treat Him with disdain. The rejection and murder of the Son of God by the best people on earth has become the scandal of the ages!

It has been this way always. God sends "messengers," and His people reject them. Jesus complained that His chosen people had always "scourged and persecuted" the "prophets" He had sent them, even killed them and crucified them, and "stonest them which are sent unto thee." He told them straight (Matt. 23:34-37).

True to form, the Jews then proceeded to persecute and kill the apostles whom God sent to them. Often through history, God's prophets have been treated better by the Gentiles than by His own people. Elijah had to find refuge in a Gentile nation from the persecution of the king and queen of Israel, and Jesus called this to the attention of His own people (which they didn't like, and tried to kill Him then, Luke 4:24-27).

"Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?" asks Isaiah (53:1). To human eyes, the Sent of God is always misunderstood, "despised and rejected of men." The world's Redeemer and Savior seemed to His own people to be "a root out of a dry ground [with] no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him" (vs. 2).

But must this "unchristlike persecution" go on and on through all centuries right up to the very end of time? Must there never come a repentance on the part of God's people? Must the lessons of history forever be disregarded?

There must and there will come a repentance, for the Bride of Christ will at last "make herself ready" for the "marriage of the Lamb" (Rev. 19:7, 8). The lesson of Isaiah 53 will be learned at last.

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: June 3, 2004.
Copyright © 2010 by Robert J. Wieland.

Dial Daily Bread: The Question of Questions

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

Let us ask the question of questions for which the answer will determine if the religion of Jesus Christ is true: does He have the power to save people who are addicts? If not, there is no use pretending that He is a Savior from (not in) sin; hoping that He can save us after we die is futile if He cannot save us from addictions while we are alive. The power to resurrect from the dead must surely be greater than the power needed to deliver from a drug, alcohol, tobacco, gambling, gluttony, or whatever, addiction!

Well, Scripture seems clear, and we dare not try to contradict what it says: "He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is able to save to the uttermost [perfectly, completely, Greek] those who come to God through Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them" (Heb. 7:24, 25). And Jesus says, "The one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out" (John 6:37).

Let's grasp what is here in those words: (1) As our High Priest, Jesus lives today as He lived 2000 years ago--His business is saving people from sin and addictions; that's His specialty; Peter says that He has no competitor in that "business," nobody else can do it, nobody else even wants to do it or presses that Good News upon you (see Acts 4:12).

(2) Jesus Christ as Savior is more real than any human being you have ever set eyes upon. Any one of us can cease to be at any moment; Jesus Christ? No, never. Therefore He is the only genuine Reality in the universe. Choose therefore to link your existence to Him.

(3) He is "able" in that He has infinite power to "save." The only missing link in this chain is your "coming" to God, and your coming depends on your choice.

(4) But there is only one way to "come" to God and that is "through Him," the text says clearly. You don't come to God through Mohammed, or Confucius, or through New Age, or even through a Pope or any earthly priest: you come "through Christ."

(5) But what does that mean? You realize, you grasp, you believe, that in your place with the identical temptations you have, He had the precise struggle you have, felt the strength of the temptation fully as much (even more!) than you do, and overcame, "condemned sin in the flesh [that is, yours]," precisely so that you might trample upon sin and temptation, "condemn" it in your flesh, and walk away free from its slavery (see Rom. 8:3, 4).

Yes, the religion of Jesus is true, not as magic or folklore or old wives' fables, but as logical, common-sense, "reasonable" truth (Isa. 1:18; Rom. 12:1). "There is no other name under heaven." Believe it!

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: March 22, 2000.
Copyright © 2010 by Robert J. Wieland.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Dial Daily Bread: Something Jesus Said That's Difficult to Believe

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

Jesus said something He obviously wants us to believe, but of all the things He said, this seems the most difficult to believe: "My yoke is easy, and My burden is light" (Matt. 11:30). Everyone who has been serious about following Jesus has discovered that "in the world ye shall have tribulation" (John 16:33). It's also painfully true that "the world hath hated them [those who believe in Jesus], because they are not of the world, even as I [Jesus] am not of the world" (17:14).

The problem is that there are "children of light" in the world, and there are "children of disobedience" or "children of wrath" who instinctively feel toward the "children of light" as the world felt toward Jesus. "If they have persecuted Me, they will persecute you," He says.

But you and I cannot be sure who is who! When Stephen was being stoned, he would naturally have thought that Saul of Tarsus (holding the coats of those throwing stones to kill him) was a "child of the devil" like the others (Acts 7:59-8:1). But Steven's Christlike spirit witnessed to Saul, and that man "consenting unto his death" became wonderfully converted to Christ. (Imagine how Stephen will feel in the first resurrection when he meets the apostle! Book a ringside seat to watch that; it'll be fun!)

So Jesus encourages us to cherish hope in our hearts toward those who "despitefully use you," and to pray for them (Matt. 5:44). Even our "tribulation" then becomes the joyful experience of soul-winning! As we endure our pain, we are bouyed up by the constant hope that "our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Cor. 4:17) just as Stephen's stoning-affliction has "worked" for him. We actually learn to know by experience what it means to identify with Jesus when He said, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

"In Him" we too "overcome the world." Joy fills our hearts. The unthinkable becomes real, and wonder of wonders, we selfish, worldly people ourselves (that's what we all are by nature) discover that we can actually pray for those who harm us. Miracle!

And then we're on top forever after, for "we walk in the light, as He is in the light, [and] we have fellowship one with another" (1 John 1:7). We are never left alone.

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: May 10, 2002.
Copyright © 2010 by Robert J. Wieland.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Dial Daily Bread: Are We Living in the Biblical "Millenium"?

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

The question, How old is the earth?, is a fascinating study. And how long will it be until Jesus keeps His promise, "I will come again" (John 14:3)?

What the Bible says is squarely against the theory of macro-evolution: by adding up the life-spans of the antediluvian patriarchs (from Adam to Noah), and the subsequent Bible history so there is a total picture from Creation to the first coming of Christ, the sum comes to 4000 years--plus or minus a little according to interpretations of minor details by various scholars. This has been the view of most Bible students for several hundred years. Adding the years since Anno Domini, the birth of Christ the Savior of the world, the total is about 2000, in fact, a bit more, making roughly a grand total of 6000 since the Bible story of Creation.

Yes, scientists laugh; but there are the stark realities--either you believe the Bible or you believe the theory of evolution (that's all it is!). There are competent scientists in all the fields of natural science who do believe the Bible record of God's creation in a literal six days and its subsequent history; add to this the fact that Jesus believed it as well as His apostles; add the fact that millions of kind-hearted, unselfish, loving people believe the Bible and cherish "the blessed hope" of Jesus' second coming just like the Bible says. Add all this together and you have plenty of evidence on which to base a reasonable faith. The alternative: a despairing world view.

One highly respected Christian writer, Ellen G. White, has written 40 or more times that the second coming of Christ will come within this period of 6000 years, implying that the "millennium" of Revelation 20 will be a "sabbath" of "rest" for a weary and worn-out planet before the joyous re-creation of a "new heavens and new earth" of Revelation 21, 22. But the 6000 years are already up! Are we living in the biblical "millennium" now, or will we be when the next New Year rolls around?

Obviously, no. The best answer to such questions is: (1) God's word predicts a trial of faith known as a "tarrying time" (Hab. 2:3; Matt. 25:5; Heb. 10:37). Be patient! (2) Remember that whenever Jesus comes and "the door [for saving more people] is shut," you and I will wish we had done more to give people the Good News (Matt. 25:10). (3) Be thankful you have one more day in which to prepare, and to share with somebody somewhere a morsel of the Bread of Life. May this tidbit be a blessing to someone!

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: August 3, 1999.
Copyright © 2010 by Robert J. Wieland.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Dial Daily Bread: The Battle in Paul's Heart (Part 2)

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

God did a wonderful thing for us all when He called Saul of Tarsus to become Paul the apostle. Paul had a mighty intellect but was gifted with a humble, honest heart that enables him to connect with us everywhere who are deeply tempted, some one way, others, another. In Galatians 5, he details many of the ways in which "the works of the flesh are evident," but he cites sexual temptations at the top of the list: "adultery, fornication, uncleanness [dirty language, lurid imaginings?], licentiousness [the word means unrestrained sin], ... revelries." "Our beloved brother Paul" frankly tells us "that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God" (vss. 19-21; cf. 2 Peter 3:15). We need that honesty!

Paul confesses that he has wanted deep in his soul to "delight in the law of God" but some evil force is "bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" (Rom. 7:22-24). That's the cry of millions of human hearts worldwide.

Now Paul tells us the most precious truth of Romans 8:1-4: The Father knows our problem. Our "flesh" is "weak," and the law is powerless to help us. So, "sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin, He condemned sin in the flesh," sent His own Son right into the cesspool of human sin in order to save the world. Christ "was made to be sin for us, who knew no sin" that we might "become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Cor. 5:21). He took upon Himself the same sinful flesh that we all have, and conquered sin right there where it feeds on our souls.

Receive that faith of Jesus and "the righteous requirements of the law [are] fulfilled" in you as you "do not walk according to the flesh but according to the [Holy] Spirit." He is stronger than all the allurements!

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: September 13, 2005.
Copyright © 2010 by Robert J. Wieland.

Dial Daily Bread: The Battle in Paul's Heart (Part 1)

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

As a reminder, meetings on The Book of Hebrews: An 1888 Message Journey, will be held at Cave Springs Home in Pegram, Tennessee (near Nashville), this coming Sabbath, April 24. For information or to arrange for meals, please contact Craig or Joyce Barnes: Phone: (615) 646-6962 or E-mail: cjmb@comcast.net. Audio CDs will be available after the meetings.

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The apostle Paul stands out as totally consecrated to God, a rare character who could dare to tell people to "follow" him as he followed the Lord (1 Thess. 1:6; 2 Thess. 3:7). The Lord honored him highly, so that in vision he "was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter" (2 Cor. 12:3-7, KJV).

But he was not a monk alone in a monastery; he was in the thick of life everywhere. As the Bible tells us that Jesus was "in all points tempted like as we are" (Heb. 4:15, "yet without sin"), so Paul confides in us, confessing that he has been heavily tempted like everybody else. He is not some "goody-goody man" who doesn't know what alluring sexual temptation is! He was a healthy man, a "whole man" as susceptible as anyone else.

In Romans, he confesses that he had never understood what the real definition of "sin" is until he discovered what it's like to be tempted by a woman who was not, and could never be, his! He says, "I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet." (The original says, "thy neighbour's wife" [Rom. 7:7; Ex. 20:17]). Paul, like every healthy man in the world, had to wrestle with the lure of lust.

But again, temptation is not to be equated with sin; the sin comes only in yielding to the temptation. The battle in Paul's heart was severe: "I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that I do not; but what I hate, that I do" (vss. 14, 15). He kept seeing someone in his dreams that he knew he should not see. He learned that sexual temptation is alluring! It's "sin that dwelleth in me," he said (vs. 17). "The evil that I would not, that I do" (vs. 19). But Paul discovered in his next chapter the glorious secret of victory over this kind of temptation. We'll look at it tomorrow.

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: September 12, 2005
Copyright © 2010 by Robert J. Wieland.

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Robert J. Wieland's inspirational "Dial Daily Bread" messages are availalbe via e-mail to anyone who wishes to receive a daily portion of uplifting Good News. "Dial Daily Bread" is FREE. Due to travel or other circumstances, there may be intervals when "Dial Daily Bread" will not be sent.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Dial Daily Bread: The Significance of Anointing

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

James 5:14-15 tells us that if "the elders of the church" pray for someone sick they should "anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith shall save the sick." Why the oil? Is there some physical therapeutic value in a bit of olive oil being applied externally?

Common sense seems to say no, but to insist that it is a symbol of something? Of what? Obviously, of the Holy Spirit. Is there some "practical-godliness" meaning here that has to do with physical healing? A wise writer has said that nine-tenths of the diseases from which people suffer have their beginning in a wrong heart-attitude toward God, some distortion of His character that alienates the human soul from Him.

This distortion may well be caused by parents or teachers who (often unconsciously) misrepresented the character of God to the child; and the child becomes father to the man. It makes sense to see that if the Lord answers "the prayer of faith," His healing process will begin by rectifying that distorted view of God that has been nine-tenths of the initial problem (as time has gone on, the spiritual problem has become organic). The rectification must therefore include learning about the gospel as being practical-godliness Good News!

When a message truly "lightens the earth with glory" in the sense of Revelation 18, God's people will again see "miracles of healing," we are told. How can the sick person know he/she is receiving the Holy Spirit? Jesus says three traits characterize the gift: (1) the conviction of personal sin (it's always good news!); (2) the conviction of righteousness--a clear view of the character of Jesus as Savior; (3) a conviction of "judgment" in that Satan is cast out of the soul with all the distortions of truth that he has encouraged (see John 16:7-11).

Indeed, when Jesus healed the helpless paralytic, He began by assuring him of the forgiveness of his personal sins (Mark 2:1-12). Blessed work! "This same Jesus" still lives!

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: May 4, 2000.
Copyright © 2010 by Robert J. Wieland.

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Robert J. Wieland's inspirational "Dial Daily Bread" messages are availalbe via e-mail to anyone who wishes to receive a daily portion of uplifting Good News. "Dial Daily Bread" is FREE. Due to travel or other circumstances, there may be intervals when "Dial Daily Bread" will not be sent.

Dial Daily Bread: Happiness--What You Do or What You Believe?

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

Good News doesn't tell you what to DO in order to be happy; it tells you what to BELIEVE your Savior has already done, that MAKES you happy. And what has He done? HE HAS SAVED YOU from hell itself. And what is hell? Oh yes, it's terrible fire in the last day; but there's also a hell on earth. Revelation 16:15 gives a glimpse of it: "Blessed [happy] is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame." Do you want some hell right here and now? Let the natural you that you are, with all your natural-born lust and selfishness, be exposed publicly so that your reputation for honesty, decency, and fidelity is "shattered," so that even your family, friends, supporters, and fellow workers feel betrayed. And no, you can't mercifully go to sleep or go off to some desert island alone--you have to stand naked before the world and endure the excruciating shame.

The Good News? Your Savior has saved you from having to endure that. Why do I say this?

(1) Honestly, "There is none righteous, no, not one" (Rom. 3:10). The REAL test of our character is how could WE handle alluring temptation if we were fully exposed to it without a Savior. The little shrub in the calm valley shouldn't snicker when the giant oak on the mountain top goes down in the crushing fury of an awful storm; he should say thankfully, "There but for the grace of God go I."

(2) The "garments" that cover your natural nakedness of soul are not your righteousness, but Christ's righteousness imputed AND imparted to you as a gift given solely by grace and received solely by faith (Rev. 19:8).

(3) Isaiah 54:17 tells us that we have no righteousness of our own: "their righteousness is of Me, saith the Lord."

(4) If you receive the gift of Christ's righteousness by faith, that means that your natural sinful heart is melted by a realization of the love that has saved you, the love that led the Son of God to endure the hell that would have been yours. Not only was He "made to be a curse" for you when He died on His cross; He was exposed there naked, so that today you might be "clothed." Reason enough to sing Hallelujah! And be humble from now on.

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: August 21, 1998.
Copyright © 2010 by Robert J. Wieland.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Dial Daily Bread: Can God Be Charged With Being Unfair?

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

We read that when Christ was crucified, the two thieves wrestled and fought with the soldiers who nailed them to the bars. In the final judgment when the lost face the second death, will they also fight against the justice of their fate? We read in Revelation 15:3 that in the end all will confess, "Just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints." All will kneel before Him (Phil. 2:10). The final judgment will include an awakening to the full truth of their guilt before Heaven. Not one will have an excuse to plead. Not one will be able to shake his fist at God and charge Him with injustice, that He did less for them than He did for those who are saved inside the Holy City.

For those who will be saved at last, it will be true that Christ died for them, took their iniquity upon Himself, and died their second death as their Substitute. Did He do less for those who will be lost? Can they charge God with being unfair? Or do the lost pay for their sins themselves, as in the Hindu doctrine of karma, balancing their own books, paying up their debt themselves? They cannot charge God with any semblance of injustice; therefore it must follow, that Christ died the second death of the wicked as surely as He died the second death of the righteous as Hebrews 2:9 says, He "tasted death for every man." "The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all" (Isa. 53:6).

But the lost will realize at last that they have deliberately despised and thrown away that which God had given them "in Christ." A wise writer has said, "The wicked see what they have forfeited by their life of rebellion. The far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory was despised when offered them; but how desirable it now appears. 'All this,' cries the lost soul, 'I might have had; but I chose to put these things far from me ... I have exchanged peace, happiness, and honor for wretchedness, infamy, and despair.' All see that their exclusion from heaven is just" (The Great Controversy, p. 668).

It will help us all today if we can anticipate that last judgment and also realize that Christ as the Second Adam has died our second death, has paid the full penalty for our sins. Then an appropriate gratitude and praise will fill our hearts, motivating us to live for the One who died for us. This is how we shall discover that Jesus' "yoke is easy, and [His] burden is light."

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: February 10, 2000.
Copyright © 2010 by Robert J. Wieland.

Friday, April 16, 2010

Dial Daily Bread: The Sin of Sins

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

The "everlasting gospel" is such GOOD Good News that we sinful human beings have a difficult time believing how good it is. In fact, when Jesus tells us that His "yoke is easy, and [His] burden is light" (Matt. 11:28-30), He is trying to tell us that our main problem is learning how to believe. Ancient Israel could not enter their Promised Land because of unbelief (Heb. 3:18, 19; 4:6, 7). And Jesus speaks to all of us when He told the distraught father of the devil-possessed child, "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth" (Mark 9:23). A few minutes later, He had to tell the disciples why they couldn't cast out the devil in the child: "Because of your unbelief" (Matt. 17:20). He had already told the multitude that had gathered to watch that they were "faithless," which means, they didn't have it, and then He added that their unbelief was associated with "perversity," meaning of course that unbelief is serious business (vs. 17).

This is a dangerous subject, for fanaticism lurks just around the corner. We so easily think that if we had proper "faith," we could work miracles, speak with the tongues of angels, pick up poisonous snakes and let them bite us (Mark 16:17, 18), "move mountains" (1 Cor. 13:2), and ride around in new Rolls Royces. But to be content to live in a humble home, endure pain and poverty, and drive an old Honda Civic, is not necessarily "unbelief." Genuine, healthy faith is willing and happy to share with Christ His humiliation and sufferings.

If you haven't succeeded in reducing Mt. Everest to the level of the Sahara, that doesn't mean you necessarily lack "faith." If you do work miracles, cast out devils, "prophesy" in Christ's name, and move mountains and do all kinds of "wonderful works" (see Matt. 7:22), you may still be "faithless" in that you have no genuine faith. Satan is a genius at "deceiving the whole world" with "signs and wonders" (Matt. 24:24; Rev. 13:3).

So, what is that genuine faith, true believing? It is "comprehending" the grand dimensions of the love that led Christ to His cross (Eph. 3:17-19), identifying with Him there (Gal 2:20), getting "married" to Him because you want nothing else (2 Cor. 11:2; Rev. 19:7, 8), taking up your cross to "follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth" (Rev. 14:4, 5).

Do you see why unbelief is the sin of sins? It's the only reason anyone will not enter heaven (John 3:18, 19). Why? Because if he did enter in, he'd be miserable there.

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: June 16, 1999.
Copyright © 2010 by Robert J. Wieland.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Dial Daily Bread: Access to the "High and Holy One"

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

"The high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy ... dwell[s] in the high and holy place," says Isaiah (57:15). How could you or I ever make contact with Him when He is so apparently inaccessible?

Then--wonder of wonders! He tells us where we can find access to Him: "I dwell ... with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit." Would you like to meet this High and Holy One? Okay, get acquainted with someone whose spirit is contrite and humble--maybe in your office or workplace, or there might be some such student at your school.

The Lord has His home there with such a person. Don't let yourself be fooled; it might turn out to be the janitor. Ignore or despise him/her and you end up treating Christ like His people did long ago.

And perhaps you are the person who is of a humble spirit and you find yourself being battered in subtle ways in our modern cultural barnyard. The Bible assures us that if there is anywhere someone who does indeed follow in the footsteps of Jesus, that person is bound to suffer some kind of abuse from his/her fellowmen (ponder 2 Tim. 3:12).

What really hurts is when that cultural barnyard turns out to be your church (that can happen!). When it does, we are driven back to Isaiah 57: "I dwell ... with him also … of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." The idea of the word is to "make alive," almost to resurrect. The word "spirit" has a small s--means the source of your own personality, the real you. You have something that keeps you happy and sweet even when you are abused.

Isaiah makes the point more clear in chapter 66: "Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool. ... But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My word" (vss. 1, 2). It's the "trembling at [His] word" that makes God feel at home to "dwell" with you, not "trembling" in the sense of terror, but to be thrilled with delight in reading His word. Use your new day to get better acquainted with Him!

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: February 23, 2003.
Copyright © 2010 by Robert J. Wieland.

Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.

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Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Dial Daily Bread: Romans 5--A Shining Light

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

For many years I could not understand Romans chapter 5. Even after I completed my course in the Theological Seminary, it was over my head. As a pastor, I shied away from it in the pulpit.

Then a kind friend 100 miles away xeroxed for me a series of articles on Romans by E. J. Waggoner, from 1896. At last light began to shine through:

(a) When our first "father" Adam sinned in the Garden, a change, of mortality, came over him; he had to pass that on to all of us.

(b) The heavenly Father so loved us that He gave His only Son to save us; Jesus became our "last Adam," or second Adam.

(c) He took on His sinless nature our fallen, sinful nature and became in all points "tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Heb. 4:15).

(d) In other words, Christ, having come now in "the likeness of sinful flesh" and "on account of sin," has condemned sin in that same fallen, sinful flesh (Rom. 8:3); He has condemned, conquered, defeated, trampled upon, sin in our fallen, sinful flesh, giving us the immense hope that by His grace and in His faith, we can overcome also.

(e) He has proved that we need never again say "the devil made me do it."

(f) He has thus given us the confidence that the great controversy between Christ and Satan can be brought to its triumphant conclusion.

(g) And that confidence is now assured that the final victory hour is near--yes, in our lifetime, by the more abounding grace of Christ.

(h) That's good news that should be heralded to earth's remotest bounds.

(i) Come, help us proclaim it!

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: May 5, 2008.
Copyright © 2010 by Robert J. Wieland.

Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.

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Robert J. Wieland's inspirational "Dial Daily Bread" messages are availalbe via e-mail to anyone who wishes to receive a daily portion of uplifting Good News. "Dial Daily Bread" is FREE. Due to travel or other circumstances, there may be intervals when "Dial Daily Bread" will not be sent.

Dial Daily Bread: Seminar Invitation--Reno, Nevada

You Are Cordially Invited to a Weekend Seminar

GOOD NEWS FOR ADVENTISTS
IN THE 21st CENTURY
Is Righteousness by Faith Relevant Today?

MAY 21-22, 2010
(Friday evening - Saturday night)

RENO SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
7125 West 4th Street, Reno, Nevada

Speakers and Bible Study Leaders

• PAUL E. PENNO, Pastor
Hayward (California) Seventh-day Adventist Church

• DANIEL PETERS
Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor,
San Bernadino County (California)

• ARLENE HILL
Reno Church Elder and Sabbath School Leader

Meals at the Church
• Friday night: Light supper for visitors
• Sabbath noon: Fellowship dinner • Sabbath evening: Light supper

[For meal planning purposes, please e-mail to let us know how many people to expect:
ckawamoto@1888message.org]

Lodging
The Internet will be the best source for lodging information.

WATCH FOR MORE INFORMATION

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Dial Daily Bread: The Man Who Could Have Committed the Unpardonable Sin

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

There is a man in the Bible who could have committed the Unpardonable Sin, but thank God he did NOT. If he had, it would have been a very spectacular one, for it would have reduplicated on earth the "original" sin of Lucifer in heaven--jealousy of Christ.

"Jealousy [is] as cruel as the grave; its flames are flames of fire" (Song of Solomon 8:6); it was the sin of Lucifer against Christ, and it became for Satan the sin against the Holy Spirit (cf. Isa. 14:12-19; Eze. 28:12-19).

The man who was tempted but overcame was, of course, John the Baptist. He had known the thrill of preaching the true message under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit; but then it seemed the bottom fell out and the Holy Spirit left him for somebody else, as he saw the crowds abandon him and go over to the Man from Nazareth.

To make his heart burden more difficult, he found himself captured by Herod and thrust into a dungeon, and the weary days and weeks dragged by with no word from Jesus; it seemed that He had forgotten all about him in the euphoria of His happy ministry in the bright sunshine of success. John was abandoned, it seemed, in gloomy shadows.

He struggled with temptation, and Heaven looked on with concern, but the new "Elijah" stood the test. John's disciples even taunted him, "'Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified--behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!'" But John replied: '"He who has the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled'" (John 3:26ff.).

Let's say you love a one-and-only woman; but you end up as "best man" and watch her given to another man. How could "self" be more painfully crucified? But John was rewarded by a great report in the Bible; and a day yet to come.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Dial Daily Bread: The World's Moment of Truth

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

For those of us who await "the latter rain," the lesson of Pentecost is sharply focused. The "early rain" wasn't a miracle of elocution that wrought that great work in the hearts of thousands. Peter didn't show off as a brilliant man. The miracle of "tongues" was only secondary to something greater than itself. If the apostles had given lectures on Roman history miraculously in "tongues," nobody would have been baptized.

What was greater than the communication miracle was the depth of the message itself. What got through to thousands of human hearts that day was a truth they had never dreamed of: they were guilty of the body and blood of the divine Son of God! They had murdered the Messiah! They couldn't blame the Romans and the chief priests. Now they had discovered their corporate guilt. Peter said, "Let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:36). "Men of Israel, ... you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and killed the Prince of life" (3:12-15).

Later, in chapter 10 Peter learned that the Gentiles shared the same corporate guilt. Paul taught that "all the world ... [is] guilty before God" (Rom 3:19). "All sinned" (3:23, the aorist of the verb form--at one time, at Calvary). In 2 Corinthians 5:14 Paul saw that when Christ was murdered, "all died" with Him, overwhelmed with an ultimate guilt. Before His death Christ had promised that the Holy Spirit would "convict the world of sin" (John 16:8), but no one dreamed that the conviction would be so annihilating to human pride.

The message of Pentecost brought the world face to face with its moment of truth. But side by side with the devastating conviction of sin came the conviction of Christ's forgiveness. Here at the very beginning of the Christian church was "high fidelity" Christian experience! Human hearts were melted, cleansed, reconciled at last to God.

There is a lesson for us!

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Dial Daily Bread: Can We Learn Something From "Early Rain" History?

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

On the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2), there was a marvelous outpouring of God's Holy Spirit. It was likened to the "early rain" that waters freshly planted crops. Ever since, followers of Jesus have longed to see a similar outpouring, which Scripture says will be the "latter rain"--the Holy Spirit that "ripens the grain" to be ready for the harvest. (Which is of course the second coming of Christ.)

The "latter rain" has been expected for more than 150 years. For decades, millions around the world have been praying daily that the blessing may come. Can we who want it learn something from the history of the "early rain"?

(1) After over three years of teaching, the disciples were finally ready to be "with one accord in one place" (2:1).

(2) All their individual desires for promotion were finally laid aside.

(3) Self was finally crucified with Christ so that sinful pride was humbled in the dust.

(4) Not one was seeking the highest place in the early church; each was ready to wash the feet of others.

(5) They were not praying for power so they could be vindicated before the unbelieving scribes and Pharisees, or to be self-exalted triumphantly; they were praying for something new--the gift of love (agape).

(6) In fact, they had just begun to understand what love (agape) is! They had finally had received a sobering lesson--they had seen agape in the self-emptying sacrifice of Christ. And that brings us to:

(7) Like a burst of lightning on a dark night or the sun shining in full strength at midnight, they had come face to face with the reality of what it cost their Savior to save them. The Lamb of God had died the world's "wages of sin." He had "poured out His soul unto death" (Isa. 53:12), which the apostles clearly understood was the world's second death. Christ had suffered the horrors of hell in order to save us. And death and hell could not hold the Divine One who had made this supreme sacrifice of agape. Now self had to be crucified together with Christ! When they surveyed the wondrous cross on which they had seen the Prince of glory die, their richest gain they counted loss, and poured contempt on all their pride.

Is there any lesson here?

Dial Daily Bread: Seminar Invitation--April 24

You Are Cordially Invited
To Begin an 1888 Message Journey Through

THE BOOK OF HEBREWS
(Part 1)

APRIL 24, 2010

Sabbath morning, 2:15 p.m., and Saturday Night
An 1888 message oriented sermon will be delivered during the regular
Worship Service at 11:00 a.m.

CAVE SPRINGS HOME • PEGRAM, TENNESSEE

(Off Interstate 40 westbound from Nashville, exit 192–turn right, left on HWY 70,
1-1/2 miles to Cave Springs Road, two rights and follow the signs)

Speaker & Bible Study Leader
Chaplain Craig Barnes

CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS
During the Afternoon Meetings

SABBATH DINNER & LIGHT SUPPER
Plant-based meals will be served at Cave Springs Home
on a donation basis. Please E-mail or call to reserve a meal ticket.

BOOK SALE (After Sunset)

LODGING
• Lodging Is Available on Site
• Commercial lodging is available in the nearby town of Belleview

To Contact Cave Springs
Phone: (615) 646-6962 (if no answer, please leave a message)

E-mail: cjmb@comcast.net

Other meeting dates this year: June 26, August 28, and November 13

Friday, April 09, 2010

Dial Daily Bread: The Choice to Believe

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

We can linger long on the fascinating story of the nobleman in John 4, who begs Jesus to "come down" from Cana to Capernaum (some 16 miles walk) and heal his dying son. Jesus struggles to help the man learn what it means to "believe" something more important than wonders and miracles. Then, in desperation, the worried man begs Him, "Sir, come down ere my son die" (vss. 46-50).

But Jesus doesn't go. Apparently appears indifferent. Then He speaks a word to him--I am sure He must have looked the man in the eye: "Go. You go on 'down' home; your son is healed." He spoke no "if's"--no if you will believe, etc. He simply said, It's done. The man could have walked home those 16 miles in agony of soul, anxious to learn if it might be true. John says that "the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken to him." Then he walked home leisurely, even spending the night somewhere on the way, happy because he believed what the Son of God said. Included in that faith was his confidence that the Son of God loved him and wanted the best for him.

Would the boy have been healed if he had not believed?

Here's some sincere soul praying earnestly that God will help him win the lottery. Maybe even with tears. If he "truly believes" as we say glibly, will he win? Just believing what anybody says, or what the devil says, won't save you; what's important is believing what Jesus says. And what He says is what your Bible says.

Someone very dear had an experience that re-duplicates that of the nobleman at Cana. She had prayed earnestly, almost desperately for something important (I didn't know what was going on). But nothing happened. She told me that finally she made a choice to believe that the Great Physician loved her and heard her prayer and had already answered in His love. And she took the courageous step to thank Him in advance. Then came her rejoicing as she later "realized" the answer when she needed it the most.

Thursday, April 08, 2010

Dial Daily Bread: A Prayer You Know for Sure Will Be Answered

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

Would you like to pray a prayer that you know for SURE will be answered? (That is, of course, if you don't resist and reject the answer God has promised to give you.) Here's the one He has promised to answer with a YES: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all people liberally, and does not upbraid; and it shall be given him" (James 1:5).

Note what's involved: (1) You must realize that you "lack wisdom" (that immediately knocks some people out; they are satisfied with what they think they have). (2) Praying for wisdom is the right thing to do. (3) In response, God gives every human that gift, with no stipulation other than "asking in faith." In other words, you don't bring any merit with your prayer; unworthy people are invited. (4) Don't be afraid that God will "upbraid" you, crush you with humiliation and fault-finding. He wants to build you up, not tear you down.

Psalm 25 is a perfectly worded prayer for wisdom (James may have had it in mind). No less than seven times David asks for it: "Teach me Your paths" (vs. 4). "Teach me" (5). You "teach sinners" (that's Good News, isn't it?, vs. 8). You "guide the meek in judgment" (9). "All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth" (10), even through disappointments. If someone reverences the Lord, He will "teach [him] in the way that He shall choose" (12). He teaches you "the secret of the Lord" (14).

Jesus agrees. If you ask the dear Lord to give you a piece of bread, He does not put a stone on your plate (Matt. 7:7-11). He doesn't tease you, ridicule you. (But you can be sure that Satan will tempt you to think that God has double- crossed you.)

Then why do so many people who ask God to "teach" them and ask Him for "bread," end up in disagreement as to what God's wisdom is? Often they oppose each other.

It's a call to humility, to pray again, to re-study God's word. Psalm 25 leads to Psalm 40 where you "wait patiently for the Lord" until He "sets [your] feet upon a rock, and establishes [your] goings." Hang on, by faith.

Dial Daily Bread: Where the Joy Is

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

Could it be possible for someone to live his whole life in a never-ending denial of self? If so, how could such a person have any fun? (We are assuming that this is not a fanatical asceticism, but a healthy choice to take up the cross and follow Jesus, motivated by love.)

The answer of course is YES, for Jesus denied self all His life, and He was exuberant at the end in the "joy" He had (John 15:11; 17:13). It all seems self-contradictory, but it is true, for "love [agape] rejoices in the truth" (1 Cor. 13:6).

Here's a married person; like all marriages this one is not totally perfect. Suddenly an old flame shows up and temptation arises. To give in would be an indulgence of "self." What will love [agape] tell him to do? The happiness of his/her spouse rests upon his fidelity to his marriage vows. Now he is suddenly confronted with a choice--tempted to think that the "love" he once knew in that old flame experience is still there, but the Holy Spirit convicts him that his declared love [agape] for his spouse is the real thing. Can he say "No!" to self, and still be happy? (Don't confuse things by saying Jesus was never tempted in that way; the Bible clearly says He was "in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin," Heb. 4:15.)

The answer again is Yes! Now for a new reason. By dying to self and being true to his marriage vows, he is not only capturing true and lasting married bliss with Christ's approval; he is honoring Him by defending what He invented in the first place--holy marriage. He is supporting Christ in His great controversy with the Enemy.

And when anyone does that, he is sustained with what the Bible calls "entering into the joy of the Lord" (see Matt. 25:21). He holds his head high in a sense of confidence that no selfish pleasure can equal. The Holy Spirit is even now training people all over the world to take up their cross and follow the One who said continually, "I seek not Mine own will, but the will of Him who sent Me" (cf John 5:30; 6:38). That's where the joy is!

Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.

Wednesday, April 07, 2010

Dial Daily Bread: Something Startling About the Food We Eat

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

Does the Bible have anything to say about the food we eat, our diet? Does God care about our eating? Have you ever known of a cook who has prepared a special gourmet meal for you as a guest, who hovers over you while you eat, hoping against hope that you like what he/she has prepared, pained and disappointed if you express no genuine appreciation? Could God be like that?

Of course, we know that the Bible says that God created all the food which we enjoy; it says that He "satisfieth [our] mouth with good things" (Psalm 103:5). There's no other reason why He created strawberries, for example; I have never known of a scientist/nutritionist who says that they are in any way essential for good nutrition. You won't starve for want of strawberries! And they won't ward off the flu. God created them simply because they taste good (a little illustration of His love)!

The Bible also pictures God as kneeling down and opening His hand to feed the little chipmunks and squirrels, and deer, and rhinos, yes, and us too: "The eyes of all wait upon Thee; and Thou givest them their meat [food] in due season. Thou openest Thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing" (Psalm 145:15, 16). Can you imagine the heavenly Father getting so intimately involved with every one of us personally, as that? Yes! The Bible says so!

There is one more intimate detail in the Bible about our food: Jesus teaches that the temporal, daily food we eat is ours only because of His great sacrifice in giving Himself for the world. Here it is: "I am the bread of life. ... I am the living bread which came down from heaven, ... and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. ... Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you" (John 6:35, 51-53).

The people didn't understand Him then, and many were so offended by this that they "went back, and walked no more with Him" (vs. 66). What did He mean? Just this: He says that the food you eat day by day is "My body, which is broken for you" (1 Cor. 11:24). This is something startling! Every meal, if we have faith, becomes a sacrament, the Lord's Supper!

Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
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Robert J. Wieland's inspirational "Dial Daily Bread" messages are availalbe via e-mail to anyone who wishes to receive a daily portion of uplifting Good News. "Dial Daily Bread" is FREE. Due to travel or other circumstances, there may be intervals when "Dial Daily Bread" will not be sent.