JACKS DAILY DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
(Acts 1:8) “and you shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, Judea and to the uttermost parts of the earth”
Over the last couple of days we have been looking at a statement that spawned a teaching tool that has been very effective in helping our society be “the witness of Jesus” and His gospel message.
This statement or teaching tool is a booklet called the “Four Spiritual Laws”.
The introduction included in the little booklet states that “Just as there are physical laws that govern the physical universe, so are there ‘spiritual laws’ that govern our relationship with God.”
Now these “four Spiritual laws” are not to be confused with laws as in right and wrong or obedience to a set of rules… but like the law of gravity and the law of consequence ie… for every action there is a consequence whether good or bad…
These four spiritual laws are something that are a fact and determine the end result.
Law #1 focuses on Gods nature and His intent toward humanity which is only good …“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that who so ever would believe might have eternal life”
The “First Spiritual Law” concludes with the question, “Why is it that most people are not experiencing the abundant life found in Gods love?”
Law #2 states that man is separated form God because of sin.
The pamphlet cites (Romans 3:23) “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Law #3 shows the reader that the only way fallen mankind can ever reunite with a Holy God is through Jesus.
Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for man’s sin.
Through Him, you can know and experience God’s love and plan for your life.
(Romans 5:8) “But God demonstrates His love for us in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us”;
(1st Corinthians 15:3-4) “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures”;
(John 14:6) “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no man comes to the Father but by Me”.
The third Spiritual law not only shows the reader “the Way to God”, but also explains the “truth” about “the cost” of our salvation, and the payment required… all pointing to Jesus.
Jesus is the only bridge between sinful man and Holy God.
He is the only means by which mankind can cross over the gulf that separates God from man.
Gods only Son died on the cross in our place, to pay the penalty for our sins.
That is the Gospel message in all of its truth with simplicity!
We’ll look at Law #4 tomorrow.
Good day!
(Acts 1:8) “and you shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, Judea and to the uttermost parts of the earth” Yesterday I Introduced a topic concerning the "Four Spiritual Laws” of salvation.
Dr. Bill Bright”, The founder of “CRU” a world wide evangelistic organization committed to preaching Christ around the world, authored this little “easy to read” pocket-sized “evangelism resource”, to provide Believers with a means to introduce Christ to the unsaved world around them.
The “Four Spiritual Laws” has been distributed world wide with over 2.5 billion copies of the beloved little booklet becoming one of the simplest and “easy to understand” tools for evangelism ever put to print.
So What Are the Four Spiritual Laws in the Bible?
While the term “Four Spiritual Laws” does not appear in scripture, the principles do.
The goal of the little booklet is to create an outreach tool that would organize biblically based steps for salvation, into a straightforward, easy-to-understand format or presentation.
The introduction included in the little booklet states that “Just as there are physical laws that govern the physical universe, so are there ‘spiritual laws’ that govern our relationship with God.”
Christians for decades have used this plan of salvation to help anyone who hasn’t yet heard, or understood the Gospel of Jesus to understand the simple process.
What makes this method different than similar “witnessing tools” is that the steps begin on a positive note.
It’s not a presentation that scares, guilt’s, or coerces people into turning to faith and repentance out of “self preservation” or “fear of holy retaliation or retribution”.
As we talked about yesterday… Law #1 of the “Four Spiritual Laws”… focuses on God’s nature and His intent toward humanity. Using (John 3:16) as a reference, this first law describes God’s love for the world, as demonstrated through the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus… “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that who so ever would believe might have eternal life.
The “First Spiritual Law” concludes with the question, “Why is it that most people are not experiencing the abundant life found in Gods love?”
Law #2 answers the question with a definitive statement... “Man is sinful and separated from God therefore, he cannot know and experience God’s love and plan for his life”.
The pamphlet cites (Romans 3:23) “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” then expands upon the Scripture’s truth, by defining sin in real terms, and explaining the consequences associated with sin.
According to this law, humanity was created to experience “a close and loving fellowship” with the Creator.
But because we prefer our own will to His, our rebellion causes a rift in the sacred relationship that ultimately led to judgment for sin and a death sentence for that sin. (Romans 3:23) “for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 6:23) “For the wages of sin is death”
Mankind is separated from God because of sin.
The gulf between the two points seems impossible to bridge because man has no means of reaching God through any human effort.
Think about that thought as you go thru the day.
How is your relationship with God? If you don’t have one… know that God is more than willing to meet you love you bless you take care of you and spend eternity with you.
We'll look at Law #3 tomorrow.
Good Day!
As we talked about yesterday… Law #1 of the “Four Spiritual Laws”… focuses on God’s nature and His intent toward humanity. Using (John 3:16) as a reference, this first law describes God’s love for the world, as demonstrated through the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus… “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that who so ever would believe might have eternal life.
The “First Spiritual Law” concludes with the question, “Why is it that most people are not experiencing the abundant life found in Gods love?”
Law #2 answers the question with a definitive statement... “Man is sinful and separated from God therefore, he cannot know and experience God’s love and plan for his life”.
The pamphlet cites (Romans 3:23) “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” then expands upon the Scripture’s truth, by defining sin in real terms, and explaining the consequences associated with sin.
According to this law, humanity was created to experience “a close and loving fellowship” with the Creator.
But because we prefer our own will to His, our rebellion causes a rift in the sacred relationship that ultimately led to judgment for sin and a death sentence for that sin. (Romans 3:23) “for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 6:23) “For the wages of sin is death”
Mankind is separated from God because of sin.
The gulf between the two points seems impossible to bridge because man has no means of reaching God through any human effort.
Think about that thought as you go thru the day.
How is your relationship with God? If you don’t have one… know that God is more than willing to meet you love you bless you take care of you and spend eternity with you.
We'll look at Law #3 tomorrow.
Good Day!
(Acts 1:8) “and you shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, Judea and to the uttermost parts of the earth”
In 1952 “Campus Crusade for Christ” produced a booklet titled, “Have You Heard of the Four Spiritual Laws?”
“Dr. Bill Bright”, The founder of “CRU” a world wide Evangelistic Organization committed to preaching Christ around the world, authored this little “easy to read” pocket-sized “evangelism resource”, to provide Believers with a means to introduce Christ to the unsaved world around them.
The “Four Spiritual Laws” has been distributed world wide with over 2.5 billion copies of the beloved little booklet becoming one of the simplest and “easy to understand” tools for evangelism ever put to print.
So What Are the Four Spiritual Laws in the Bible?
While the term “Four Spiritual Laws” does not appear in scripture, the principles do.
The goal of the little booklet is to create an outreach tool that would organize biblically based steps for salvation, into a straightforward, easy-to-understand format or presentation.
The introduction included in the little booklet states that “Just as there are physical laws that govern the physical universe, so are there ‘spiritual laws’ that govern our relationship with God.”
This four-point evangelistic model, has been used by Christians for decades to introduce the plan of salvation to anyone who hasn’t yet heard, understood or received the Gospel of Jesus.
What makes this method different than similar “witnessing tools” is that the steps begin on a positive note.
It’s not a presentation that scares, guilt’s, or coerces people into turning to faith and repentance out of “self preservation” or “fear of holy retaliation”.
Law #1 of the Four Spiritual Laws focuses on God’s nature… and His intent toward humanity.
Using (John 3:16) as a reference, this first law describes God’s love for the world, as demonstrated through the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whosoever believes would not perish but have everlasting life"
This law also emphasizes God’s favourable plan for humanity through salvation. “I came that they might have life and might have it abundantly” (John 10:10)
The idea that our Creator loves us and has good plans for the world may seem like a no-brainer to most Believers, but it is a foreign concept to many who were raised in other religions or with no spiritual foundation or education.
God’s loving nature and benevolence, may come as a surprise to an increasing number of unbelievers who have only heard about God through warped representations in secular media and cynical culture.
The “First Spiritual Law” concludes with the question, “Why is it that most people are not experiencing the abundant life found in Gods love?”
Perhaps you are one of those that are not experiencing the outpouring of Gods blessing on your life… and it may be that is a question that has been nagging your thoughts as well.
If that is the case… know that the bible tells us In (Acts 16:32) “if you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ you shall be saved”.
Over the next four days I am going to look at each of these “four spiritual laws” and see if we can’t help you find that relationship with God that will bring peace joy and an abundant life filled with Gods love thru Jesus Christ.
See you tomorrow…
Good day!
October 12th 2026 Things Jesus Never Said #5
(2nd Timothy 2:15) “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”
To “study to show thyself approved” is to engage in diligent, prayerful, and consistent Bible study, interpreting Scripture accurately and applying it faithfully in life.
It is a call to earnestly pursue spiritual growth, ensuring that your life reflects God’s truth and that you can stand unashamed before Him.
This principle remains relevant for modern Christians seeking to deepen their understanding and live according to God’s Word
There are five things Jesus never said, even though many believe He did, simply because they have a ring of truth to them.
Over the last couple of days we have looked at the following mistaken ideas of what Jesus said.
#1 “Follow Your Heart”
Jesus never said that… He said “Follow Me”
#2 “Do whatever makes you happy”.
Jesus never said that… He said “deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me”.
#3 “God helps those who help themselves.
Jesus never said that…
He did say… “come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”.
#4 “Never judge anything”
Jesus never said that… He said “Do not judge, or you too will be judged”
Today we’ll look over #5, an assumption that is a lie from the pit of hell… and so many have held onto it with out realizing the biblical truth.
#5 “Everyone is basically good”.
Jesus never said that… He said, “no one is good except God alone”
(Mark 10:17)… “Why do you call me good? Jesus answered. No one is good – except God alone”.
Jesus is using a penetrating question to push the man to think through the implications of his own words, to understand the concept of Jesus’ goodness and, most especially, the man’s lack of goodness.
The young ruler "went away sad" (Mark 10:22) because he realized that although he had devoted himself to keeping the commandments, he had failed to keep the first and greatest of the commandments… That is “To love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength as Jesus taught in (Matthew 22:37-38)
From the Book of (Romans 3:12) we have Paul/s teachings concerning the goodness of men
Here’s what Paul taught… “There is none who does good no not one”
All humanity is in need of Gods salvation.
Salvation is not based on a persons goodness… if it were, no one would be saved, since there is none good.
The Bible teaches in (Matthew 5:20)… and (Titus 3:5) that we can never be good enough to get to heaven.
We must recognize that we are sinners who fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23).
Fortunately, God made a way for us to be forgiven of our sin and be saved through Jesus Christ.
Salvation is based on Jesus’ goodness, and “in Him is no sin”
(1st John 3:5).
(Romans 5:8)… (Romans 10:9). tells us that while we were in our sinful state, Christ died for us and if we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised him from the dead, we will be saved.
Christ alone was good enough to earn heaven, and He declares righteous those who trust in Him for salvation (Romans 1:17).
There is none who does good is a universal indictment of mankind.
The revealed truth of the scriptures is this… No one lives up to God’s standard of righteousness; everyone lives in a state of depravity.
Everyone has turned from God and His rule, from truth to error, from rightness into sin, and from wisdom to foolishness.
While people can do good things, none of their good deeds are inherently good.
All of our supposed good works are tinged and affected by sin, and none of those good deeds are good enough to undo the penalty of sin.
The only One who is good… God Himself… offers the free gift of salvation to all who believe (Ephesians 2:8-9) “for by grace are ye saved thru faith and that not of yourself it is the gift of God”
(Psalm 34:8) says God invites everyone to “taste and see that the Lord is good”
Are you following what people say Jesus said… or what Jesus actually said?
Good Day!
(2nd Timothy 2:15) “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”
To “study to show thyself approved” is to engage in diligent, prayerful, and consistent Bible study, interpreting Scripture accurately and applying it faithfully in life.
It is a call to earnestly pursue spiritual growth, ensuring that your life reflects God’s truth and that you can stand unashamed before Him.
This principle remains relevant for modern Christians seeking to deepen their understanding and live according to God’s Word
There are five things Jesus never said, even though many believe He did, simply because they have a ring of truth to them.
We’ve been looking at the them over the last couple of days so lets continue…
So far we’ve looked at three that were not of Jesus;
#1 “Follow Your Heart”
Jesus never said that… He said “Follow Me”
#2 “Do whatever makes you happy”.
Jesus never said that… He said “deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me”.
#3 “God helps those who help themselves”
Jesus never said that… He said, “come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”.
Todays misconception is one of the most controversial…
#4 “Never judge anything”
Jesus never said that… He said “Do not judge, or you too will be judged”
Jesus’ command not to judge others could be the most widely quoted of His sayings, even though it is almost invariably quoted in complete disregard of the context, where in He made the command.
Many people use this verse in an attempt to silence their critics, interpreting Jesus’ meaning as “You don’t have the right to tell me I’m wrong.”
Taken in isolation, Jesus’ command “Do not judge”, does indeed seem to preclude all negative assessments.
However, there is much more to the passage than those three words.
The Bible’s command that we not judge others, does not mean we cannot show discernment.
Immediately after Jesus says, “Do not judge,” He says, “Do not give dogs what is sacred… do not throw your pearls to pigs”
(Matthew 7:6) A little later in the same sermon, He says, “Watch out for false prophets… By their fruit you will recognize them” (verses 15–16).
How are we to discern who are the “dogs” and “pigs” and “false prophets”… unless we have the ability to make a judgment call on doctrines and deeds?
Jesus is giving us permission to tell right from wrong!
Also, the Bible’s command that we not judge others, does not mean all actions are equally moral or that truth is relative.
The Bible clearly teaches that truth is objective, eternal, and inseparable from God’s character.
Anything that contradicts the truth is a lie… but of course, to call something a “lie” is to pass judgment.
To call adultery or murder a sin… is likewise to pass judgment… but it’s also “to agree with God”.
When Jesus said not to judge others, He did not mean that no one can identify sin for what it is, based on God’s definition of sin.
And the Bible’s command that we not judge others does not mean there should be no mechanism for dealing with sin or wrong doing.
With in the covers of the Bible there is a book called “The Book of Judges”
The judges in the Old Testament were raised up by God Himself (Judges 2:18)
The modern judicial system, including its judges, is a necessary part of society.
In saying, “Do not judge,” Jesus was not saying, “Anything goes.”
Elsewhere, in (John 7:24) Jesus gives a direct command to judge: “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly”
Here we have a clue as to the right type of judgment versus the wrong type.
Taking this verse and some others, we can put together a description
of the sinful type of judgment:
“Superficial judgment” is wrong.
Passing judgment on someone based solely on appearances is sinful (John 7:24).
(Proverbs 18:13) tells us it is foolish to jump to conclusions before investigating the facts.
Simon the Pharisee passed judgment on a woman based on her appearance and reputation, but he could not see that the woman had been forgiven;
(Luke 7:36–50) Simon thus drew Jesus’ rebuke for his unrighteous judgment
Hypocritical judgment is wrong.
Jesus’ command not to judge others in (Matthew 7:1) is preceded by comparisons to hypocrites (Matthew 6:2, 5, 16) and followed by a warning against hypocrisy (Matthew 7:3–5).
(Romans 2:1) teaches us that when we point out the sin of others while we ourselves commit the same sin, we condemn ourselves.
Harsh, unforgiving judgment is wrong.
(Titus 3:2) tells us we are “always to be gentle toward everyone”
It is the merciful who will be shown mercy (Matthew 5:7), and, as Jesus warned, “In the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:2).
Self-righteous judgment is wrong.
We are called to humility, and “God opposes the proud” (James 4:6).
In Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, the Pharisee was confident in his own righteousness and from that proud position he judged the publican… however, God sees the heart and refused to forgive the Pharisee’s sin (Luke 18:9–14)
Untrue judgment is wrong.
The Bible clearly forbids bearing false witness (Proverbs 19:5). (Titus 3:2) “Slander no one”
Christians are often accused of “judging” or intolerance when they speak out against sin.
But opposing sin is not wrong.
Holding aloft the standard of righteousness naturally defines unrighteousness and draws the slings and arrows of those who choose sin over godliness.
In (Mark 6:18–19) John the Baptist incurred the ire of Herodias when he spoke out against her adultery with Herod
She eventually silenced John… but she could not silence the truth
(Isaiah 40:8) “The grass withers and the flowers fall… but the Word of our God endures forever”
Believers are warned against judging others unfairly or un-righteously, but Jesus does commend “right judgment”).
We are to be discerning (Colossians 1:9) … (1st Thessalonians 5:21)
We are to preach the whole counsel of God, including the Bible’s teaching on sin (Acts 20:27)… (2nd Timothy 4:2)
We are to gently confront erring brothers or sisters in Christ (Galatians 6:1)
We are to practice church discipline (Matthew 18:15–17) and we are to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
Jesus did say or teach that we as His followers we are to judge with righteous judgment.
Are you following what people say Jesus said… or what Jesus actually said?
Good day!
(2nd Timothy 2:15) “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”
To “study to show thyself approved”, is to engage in diligent, prayerful, and consistent Bible study, interpreting Scripture accurately and applying it faithfully in life.
It is a call to earnestly pursue spiritual growth, ensuring that your life reflects God’s truth and that you can stand unashamed before Him.
This principle remains relevant for modern Christians seeking to deepen their understanding and live according to God’s Word
There are five things Jesus never said, even though many believe He did, simply because they have a ring of truth to them.
Lets look at them over the next couple of days.
There are five things Jesus never said, even though many Christians act like he did.
#1 “Follow Your Heart”
Jesus never said that… He said “Follow Me”
#2 “Do whatever makes you happy”.
Jesus never said that… He said “deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me”.
#3 “God helps those who help themselves.
Jesus never said that… He did say… “come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”.
"God helps those who help themselves" is probably the most often quoted phrase “that is not found in the Bible”, nor is it something Jesus said.
This saying is usually attributed to Ben Franklin, quoted in “Poor Richard’s Almanac” in 1757.
In actuality, it originated from a 17th-century statesman named Algernon Sidney a in 1698.
He was a prominent political figure whose writings and political actions made him a foundational figure in the development of republicanism.
Whatever the original source of this saying, the Bible teaches the opposite.
God helps the helpless!
(Isaiah 25:4) declares, "For You have been a defense for the helpless, a defense for the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat..."
(Romans 5:6) tells us, "For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly."
In terms of salvation, we are all utterly helpless.
We are all infected by sin (Romans 3:23), and condemned as a result of that sin (Romans 6:23).
Nothing we can do on our own can remedy this situation
(Isaiah 64:6) says any thing we would try to do “is as filthy rags”
Thankfully, God is “the helper of the helpless”.
While we were still sinners, Jesus died for us (Romans 5:8).
(2nd Corinthians 5:21) says Jesus paid the penalty that we were incapable of paying.
God provided the "help" that we need… precisely because we could not help ourselves.
Apart from salvation, for arguments sake… there is perhaps a way that the concept "God helps those who help themselves" is correct.
As an example, if you asked me to help you move a piece of furniture, but then just watched me as I moved the furniture for you, I was not actually helping you.
I would be doing the work for you.
Many Christians fall into the trap of inactivity.
Many Christians ask God for help, but then expect God to do everything Himself.
They excuse this by pointing to the fact that God word says He will provide according to His will and in His timing.
However, this is not a reason for inactivity.
As a specific example, if you are in need of a job, ask the Lord to help you find a job - but then be active in actually looking for a job.
While it is in His power to do so, it is highly unlikely that God will cause employers to come looking for you!
Are you following what people say Jesus said… or what Jesus actually said?
“Things Jesus didn’t say”… more tomorrow!
Good Day!
OCTOBER 10TH 2026 THINGS JESUS NEVER SAID #2
(2nd Timothy 2:15) “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”
To “study to show thyself approved” is to engage in diligent, prayerful, and consistent Bible study, interpreting Scripture accurately and applying it faithfully in life.
It is a call to earnestly pursue spiritual growth, ensuring that your life reflects God’s truth and that you can stand unashamed before Him.
This principle remains relevant for modern Christians seeking to deepen their understanding and live according to God’s Word
There are five things Jesus never said, even though many believe He did, simply because they have a ring of truth to them.
Lets look at them over the next couple of days.
Yesterday we looked at the statement “Follow your heart” Jesus never said that. “He said follow me”…
#2 Number two is the statement… “do whatever makes you happy”.
Jesus never said that… He did say “deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24)
When a person carried a cross in Jesus’ day, no one thought of it as a persistent annoyance or symbolic burden.
To a person in the first century, the cross meant one thing and one thing only… death by crucifixion.
To carry a cross was to face the most painful and humiliating means of death human beings could develop.
Two thousand years later, Christians view the cross as a cherished symbol of atonement, forgiveness, grace, and love.
But Jesus’ command to “take up your cross and follow Me”… is a call to self-abasement and self-sacrifice.
One must be willing to die in order to follow Jesus.
Dying to self is an absolute surrender to God.
After Jesus commanded cross-bearing, He said… “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.
What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul… or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (Matthew 16:25–26)
Although the call to take up our cross is tough, the reward is matchless.
Nothing in this world is worth passing up eternal life.
Wherever Jesus went, He drew crowds.
Their view of who the Messiah really was and what He would do was often distorted.
They thought the Christ would immediately usher in the restored kingdom (Luke 19:11).
They believed He would free them from the oppressive rule of their Roman occupiers.
Some hoped He would continue to provide free lunches for everyone (John 6:26).
Jesus’ statement “to follow Him” required taking up a cross of commitment and obedience to the Word of God.
It made people think twice about their motivations and level of commitment.
In (Luke 9:57–62) three people seemed willing to follow Jesus.
When Jesus pressed them, however, their commitment was shown to be half-hearted at best.
They failed to count the cost of following Him.
None were willing to take up their cross… and crucify upon it their own interests.
God is seeking “true worshipers [who] will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth” (John 4:23).
Jesus’ call to “take up your cross and follow Me” serves to screen out the disingenuous, double-minded, dissembling and half hearted.
Are you ready to take up your cross and follow Jesus?
Commitment to Christ means taking up your cross daily… giving up your hopes, dreams, possessions… even your very life if need be for the cause of Christ.
Only if you willingly take up your cross may you be called His disciple (Luke 14:27).
However the reward is worth the price.
Remember that, as Jesus called His disciples to “take up your cross and follow Me,”
He, too, bore a cross.
Our Lord led the way.
Are you following what people say Jesus said… or what Jesus actually said?
More tomorrow.
Good Day