.
To all my readers, I want to sincerely thank you for following my blog. You have both challenged and encouraged me. This has been my first attempt at a blog and I have enjoyed it. However, I am beginning to think that my posts might be more interesting if the subject matter was not always my own preference. So, basically, I am asking if you guys have anything in particular you would like me to write on. What topics or scripture passages are you interested in that perhaps I have not tackled? Please let me know and maybe the dynamic of this whole blog might take a different direction. I look forward to seeing your suggestions.
Your friend,
Matt
Some details...
- Hey
- My name is Matthew Robert Kean. I'm a Canadian (from Newfoundland specifically) who now lives in Australia. I married a beautiful young lass named Fiona and we serve as officers in The Salvation Army. The Lord has been so very good to us and we are forever indebted to His grace. In comparison to knowing Him, all else pales.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
The Cross Demands More!
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. (Matt. 14:28-29)
Faith is something that Jesus insists on, and throughout the gospels Peter seems to display more of it than others. In this story from Matthew's gospel, all the disciples are in a boat and rough weather comes on. Suddenly they see a man walking on the water and they all become terribly afraid. They think their Saviour is a ghost. Of course, Jesus immediately clarifies that He is indeed not a ghost and there is no need for them to fear; the man they saw was their God. Here, it is worth noting that of all the disciples that were present in the boat, only one speaks up: Peter. “Lord", he says, "If it is really you, tell me to come to you and I will.” Jesus speaks to Him as sure as a trusted friend and says, "Come." At that Peter jumps out of the boat and he experiences a great miracle as a result.
Peter believed in Jesus. He might not have understood why he believed (maybe all the miracles Jesus performed convinced him), he might not have formed his own personal theology, but he knew without a doubt that he could trust Jesus. The man that stood in front of him was dependable! He was his friend, he cared for him, he respected him. Jesus was someone Peter had no problems trusting... but this is not discipleship!
In John 6:60-71, there’s another great picture of how Peter’s understanding of Jesus was different (perhaps more advanced) than his peers. Until this point, Jesus had about 70 'disciples' or followers, but he starts to teach some things that were hard to embrace. He begins to up the ante on the cost of being a believer. This is what he says: “If you do not eat my body and drink my blood, you will not have life in you.” Now, this was a difficult statement to hear and because it was so offensive, all except twelve people stopped following him. After they had left, Jesus turns to the twelve and says, “Will you also go away?” And Peter replies, “Lord, where else are we going to go? Only you have the words of eternal life.”
Peter not only trusted Jesus as a good friend, but he believed in Jesus’ divine power and authority. He actually had an understanding of God’s great purpose for Jesus. He wasn’t following Jesus blindly like some others because he offered a few wise words. He realized that somehow Jesus was his salvation, his connection to God, even his ETERNAL LIFE. Yet, even this is not real discipleship!
Remember, just before Jesus was crucified Peter denied Him thrice. He vowed that he would never do such a horrible thing, but exactly as Jesus foretold, Peter indeed broke his promise (Luke 22:61). All of a sudden, Peter wasn’t being asked if he was a friend of the great prophet, or a student of the great teacher, or a defender of the great king... now he was being accused of associating with the filthy criminal that was dragged by the hair of the head in shackles to be condemned. Jesus required that Peter be made the garbage of the earth, the mockery of all men, the lowest of the low... just as He was. After this point of brokenness, where he went out and wept bitterly for denying his Lord, Peter finally became a true disciple. He gladly carried the ridicule of his Saviour into death. To take the place of Christ when he is being regarded as filth... that is real discipleship!
Jesus, strengthen me to truly be your disciple.
Faith is something that Jesus insists on, and throughout the gospels Peter seems to display more of it than others. In this story from Matthew's gospel, all the disciples are in a boat and rough weather comes on. Suddenly they see a man walking on the water and they all become terribly afraid. They think their Saviour is a ghost. Of course, Jesus immediately clarifies that He is indeed not a ghost and there is no need for them to fear; the man they saw was their God. Here, it is worth noting that of all the disciples that were present in the boat, only one speaks up: Peter. “Lord", he says, "If it is really you, tell me to come to you and I will.” Jesus speaks to Him as sure as a trusted friend and says, "Come." At that Peter jumps out of the boat and he experiences a great miracle as a result.
Peter believed in Jesus. He might not have understood why he believed (maybe all the miracles Jesus performed convinced him), he might not have formed his own personal theology, but he knew without a doubt that he could trust Jesus. The man that stood in front of him was dependable! He was his friend, he cared for him, he respected him. Jesus was someone Peter had no problems trusting... but this is not discipleship!
In John 6:60-71, there’s another great picture of how Peter’s understanding of Jesus was different (perhaps more advanced) than his peers. Until this point, Jesus had about 70 'disciples' or followers, but he starts to teach some things that were hard to embrace. He begins to up the ante on the cost of being a believer. This is what he says: “If you do not eat my body and drink my blood, you will not have life in you.” Now, this was a difficult statement to hear and because it was so offensive, all except twelve people stopped following him. After they had left, Jesus turns to the twelve and says, “Will you also go away?” And Peter replies, “Lord, where else are we going to go? Only you have the words of eternal life.”
Peter not only trusted Jesus as a good friend, but he believed in Jesus’ divine power and authority. He actually had an understanding of God’s great purpose for Jesus. He wasn’t following Jesus blindly like some others because he offered a few wise words. He realized that somehow Jesus was his salvation, his connection to God, even his ETERNAL LIFE. Yet, even this is not real discipleship!
Remember, just before Jesus was crucified Peter denied Him thrice. He vowed that he would never do such a horrible thing, but exactly as Jesus foretold, Peter indeed broke his promise (Luke 22:61). All of a sudden, Peter wasn’t being asked if he was a friend of the great prophet, or a student of the great teacher, or a defender of the great king... now he was being accused of associating with the filthy criminal that was dragged by the hair of the head in shackles to be condemned. Jesus required that Peter be made the garbage of the earth, the mockery of all men, the lowest of the low... just as He was. After this point of brokenness, where he went out and wept bitterly for denying his Lord, Peter finally became a true disciple. He gladly carried the ridicule of his Saviour into death. To take the place of Christ when he is being regarded as filth... that is real discipleship!
Jesus, strengthen me to truly be your disciple.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
No such thing as holy lies...
"You should be careful to do what has passed your lips, for you have voluntarily vowed to the LORD your God what you have promised with your mouth." (Deut. 23:23)
When God gave Moses the laws and precepts by which He wanted the Israelites to live, He was very specific in His instruction. There were laws regarding eating, cleaning, dressing, marrying, hunting, buying, selling, trading, worshipping and so on. In giving the Law to His servant Moses, God was very meticulous and He insisted that the people receive it with the same attention to detail. When it came to the laws regarding honesty and integrity - covenants and vows - the LORD decided that a man's word could stand as his bond. Basically, if a person made a promise and committed themselves to a certain thing by speaking it aloud, then it was decreed in the realm of Heaven as well. When this is considered it is understandable as to why God would declare it a sin (see v. 21) when someone spoke something false... it's as if they had completely cheapened the power of their own word and degraded their character to the point of a liar (likened to the Prince of Lies). This law was different than those having to do with cleansing rites and community conduct. It was a stern reminder that the words of men were meant only to bring forth the truth [word] of God.
Within the Salvation Army there is certainly no decision and commitment that bears more weight than that of soldiership. It is a giving of oneself to every want and whim of the Almighty God. It is a voluntary surrender of the will to the Sovereignty of Christ the King and to the increase of His kingdom. Yet, having said this, there seems to be almost no issue of conscience amongst many who have deserted this very serious covenant with God. Even though Soldiership is a covenant and commitment that vows the whole heart to God to serve within the ranks of The Salvation Army, there are still so many who regard it as nothing when they recant.
Now, it is noteworthy that nearly every single person who has laid down their promise of soldiership has done so for a purpose - a few of these purposes even sound vaguely divine - but the scriptures seem to suggest that a broken promise proves only a heart that cannot be trusted. How much more severe is it if the promise is made literally to the LORD of Hosts?
In this verse from Deuteronomy there is no dispute that God has given great warning to anyone who would take their words lightly. You cannot simply remove yourself from a covenant with God! You cannot simply create new terms within a covenant with God! You cannot suddenly feel called to forfeit a vow that has been made! God does not call people to tell Him lies. The only way to get out of a promise without dying is to lie. Any other reason is nothing more than the pursuit of selfish gain. Guilty of breaking a promise... guilty of sin.
When God gave Moses the laws and precepts by which He wanted the Israelites to live, He was very specific in His instruction. There were laws regarding eating, cleaning, dressing, marrying, hunting, buying, selling, trading, worshipping and so on. In giving the Law to His servant Moses, God was very meticulous and He insisted that the people receive it with the same attention to detail. When it came to the laws regarding honesty and integrity - covenants and vows - the LORD decided that a man's word could stand as his bond. Basically, if a person made a promise and committed themselves to a certain thing by speaking it aloud, then it was decreed in the realm of Heaven as well. When this is considered it is understandable as to why God would declare it a sin (see v. 21) when someone spoke something false... it's as if they had completely cheapened the power of their own word and degraded their character to the point of a liar (likened to the Prince of Lies). This law was different than those having to do with cleansing rites and community conduct. It was a stern reminder that the words of men were meant only to bring forth the truth [word] of God.
Within the Salvation Army there is certainly no decision and commitment that bears more weight than that of soldiership. It is a giving of oneself to every want and whim of the Almighty God. It is a voluntary surrender of the will to the Sovereignty of Christ the King and to the increase of His kingdom. Yet, having said this, there seems to be almost no issue of conscience amongst many who have deserted this very serious covenant with God. Even though Soldiership is a covenant and commitment that vows the whole heart to God to serve within the ranks of The Salvation Army, there are still so many who regard it as nothing when they recant.
Now, it is noteworthy that nearly every single person who has laid down their promise of soldiership has done so for a purpose - a few of these purposes even sound vaguely divine - but the scriptures seem to suggest that a broken promise proves only a heart that cannot be trusted. How much more severe is it if the promise is made literally to the LORD of Hosts?
In this verse from Deuteronomy there is no dispute that God has given great warning to anyone who would take their words lightly. You cannot simply remove yourself from a covenant with God! You cannot simply create new terms within a covenant with God! You cannot suddenly feel called to forfeit a vow that has been made! God does not call people to tell Him lies. The only way to get out of a promise without dying is to lie. Any other reason is nothing more than the pursuit of selfish gain. Guilty of breaking a promise... guilty of sin.
Friday, January 8, 2010
No Truth Please!
"For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths." (2 Timothy 4:3-5)
Paul's young apprentice, Timothy, was very gifted in knowledge and fervour for the gospel, and throughout his letters he often made reference to the youngster's faith and devotion. Without a doubt Paul was certain that the Spirit of God had bestowed upon Timothy much ability to carry the truth of Christ to the lost. Although his youth was most likely considered a handicap by many, Paul never once allowed it to remain a source of discouragement for his student.
Now one might think that because Timothy was a man of only a few years he would have wrestled with such demons as arrogance and pride, and this may very well have been the case, but here the advice offered by Paul was of a different matter. This epistle was for the purpose of steering the young evangelist in the path of sane and sound doctrine. Paul makes his warning as clear as crystal: Stick to the Truth you've learned from me and the scriptures! (2 Tim. 3:14-16).
But in these few verses (above) there is a great and disturbing prophecy given. The words seem to bear an accuracy that lingers still. Paul wanted Timothy to know that at every available moment the enemy would ever so subtly try to distort the truth of God that he believed, and the more tightly he gripped to the scriptures, the more resistance he would meet. Regardless, teach and preach the word of God, rebuke sin, cling to the truth and reveal it to others! Yet, even though Timothy was warned so sternly to shun compromise, he was also warned that many would prefer to hear lies and fables instead of the truth. In fact, some would swear that lies and fables were the truth!
It is a certainty that the word of God is indeed the absolute truth... even though so many who claim to believe God would deny this. In the 16th verse of 2 Timothy 3, Paul writes that all scripture is God-breathed, or more literally, breathed out by God. In his 2nd letter to the church, the apostle Peter writes that the written word of God is far more reliable as a witness to the truth of Christ than his own ears and eyes. (see 1 Peter 1:19). No wonder Paul was so intent on getting young Timothy to realise this point!
Perhaps now more than ever, the church has need of this reminder from the word of God. The church today is so ready to twist and distort the word where it offends and is abrasive. Our minds are regarded as a better judge of truth than the scriptures. The truth is so rarely wanted and the gospel is so frequently compromised. Truth is in the eye of the interpreter and it is as shifty as clay. In many cases Christianity is merely a collection of beliefs that are shaped by one's own preferences and sympathies. Fewer and fewer people actually BELIEVE in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, and maybe even less believe that they only constitute the divine rule for Christian faith and practice. Too often, the opinion of God's word is "If it doesn't fit my idea of God's word, then it's not really God's word." I wonder sometimes if itching ears is actually much more of a present-day condition.
Paul's young apprentice, Timothy, was very gifted in knowledge and fervour for the gospel, and throughout his letters he often made reference to the youngster's faith and devotion. Without a doubt Paul was certain that the Spirit of God had bestowed upon Timothy much ability to carry the truth of Christ to the lost. Although his youth was most likely considered a handicap by many, Paul never once allowed it to remain a source of discouragement for his student.
Now one might think that because Timothy was a man of only a few years he would have wrestled with such demons as arrogance and pride, and this may very well have been the case, but here the advice offered by Paul was of a different matter. This epistle was for the purpose of steering the young evangelist in the path of sane and sound doctrine. Paul makes his warning as clear as crystal: Stick to the Truth you've learned from me and the scriptures! (2 Tim. 3:14-16).
But in these few verses (above) there is a great and disturbing prophecy given. The words seem to bear an accuracy that lingers still. Paul wanted Timothy to know that at every available moment the enemy would ever so subtly try to distort the truth of God that he believed, and the more tightly he gripped to the scriptures, the more resistance he would meet. Regardless, teach and preach the word of God, rebuke sin, cling to the truth and reveal it to others! Yet, even though Timothy was warned so sternly to shun compromise, he was also warned that many would prefer to hear lies and fables instead of the truth. In fact, some would swear that lies and fables were the truth!
It is a certainty that the word of God is indeed the absolute truth... even though so many who claim to believe God would deny this. In the 16th verse of 2 Timothy 3, Paul writes that all scripture is God-breathed, or more literally, breathed out by God. In his 2nd letter to the church, the apostle Peter writes that the written word of God is far more reliable as a witness to the truth of Christ than his own ears and eyes. (see 1 Peter 1:19). No wonder Paul was so intent on getting young Timothy to realise this point!
Perhaps now more than ever, the church has need of this reminder from the word of God. The church today is so ready to twist and distort the word where it offends and is abrasive. Our minds are regarded as a better judge of truth than the scriptures. The truth is so rarely wanted and the gospel is so frequently compromised. Truth is in the eye of the interpreter and it is as shifty as clay. In many cases Christianity is merely a collection of beliefs that are shaped by one's own preferences and sympathies. Fewer and fewer people actually BELIEVE in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, and maybe even less believe that they only constitute the divine rule for Christian faith and practice. Too often, the opinion of God's word is "If it doesn't fit my idea of God's word, then it's not really God's word." I wonder sometimes if itching ears is actually much more of a present-day condition.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Backsliding.... How?
How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has spurned the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of Grace? (Hebrews 10:29)
Throughout the holy scriptures there is an abundance of references to the love, mercy, kindness, forgiveness, compassion, and grace of our great and marvelous God. He constantly meets His people with an offering to know these attributes, and when they are most rebellious and criminal towards His love, He often pleads that they will fall upon His tenderness. There is no doubt whatsoever that God's graciousness and benevolence are extended to us before any other of His qualities. Evidence enough that this is so can be easily found in the coming of Christ Jesus to the earth for the purpose of bringing all humanity back into the arms of the Father. Remember the words of Romans 5:8... While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Again, proof that God shows his tenderness first.
Having said this, it also remains true that once a heart has met the tenderness and good-will of God, they are thereafter responsible to live differently because of it. They are no longer permitted to live as those who are ignorant of the charity of God, especially since the grace with which they've met came at such a tremendous price. It required the heart of God to be rent as He watched His own flesh die. To come to Christ's cross and dump off the burden of guilt and sin is liberating beyond the limit of words, but it must be understood that it is a decision which cannot ever be nullified. In other words, realising the sacrifice of God in Christ changes everything forever... like it or not.
With this being the case, I believe one of the most detrimental and foolhardy doctrines that has surfaced within the greater Christian church is the belief, once saved - always saved. The gift of salvation and the forgiveness of sins is so precious and priceless that it can be likened to nothing else. All that the world has to offer is excrement in comparison to the life and eternity that can be found in God's Son. How then, if a person has truly realised the worth of Christ Jesus, can they bring themselves to the point of voluntarily turning from Him for the pleasures of lesser things? It requires such a hardness of heart, such an ungrateful spirit, such an arrogant mind that it becomes a persistent insult to the grace of God.
It was to eradicate our sinful nature and clothe us in the righteousness and purity of the Most High that Jesus suffered and died. When a man or woman deliberately turns to the evils of sin and develops an affection for the world that surpasses their desire for Christ, it is nothing less than a slighting of the Spirit of Grace they once sought. It's as if to say, "God, I love what you took from me too much... I want it back!" Chapter 6:4-6 of the letter to the Hebrews passes a very harsh sentence for the apostate.
I have decided, at least within my own life and ministry, I will be much more intentional about teaching and preaching The Salvation Army's belief that a person can backslide. It is too important to put aside. Sin is so readily tolerated, even among Christians, but the harsh reality seems to be that turning to it is far worse for believers - because we essentially spit in the face of our Saviour after seeing the anguish of Calvary. Indeed, what will be deserved by one such as this?
Throughout the holy scriptures there is an abundance of references to the love, mercy, kindness, forgiveness, compassion, and grace of our great and marvelous God. He constantly meets His people with an offering to know these attributes, and when they are most rebellious and criminal towards His love, He often pleads that they will fall upon His tenderness. There is no doubt whatsoever that God's graciousness and benevolence are extended to us before any other of His qualities. Evidence enough that this is so can be easily found in the coming of Christ Jesus to the earth for the purpose of bringing all humanity back into the arms of the Father. Remember the words of Romans 5:8... While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Again, proof that God shows his tenderness first.
Having said this, it also remains true that once a heart has met the tenderness and good-will of God, they are thereafter responsible to live differently because of it. They are no longer permitted to live as those who are ignorant of the charity of God, especially since the grace with which they've met came at such a tremendous price. It required the heart of God to be rent as He watched His own flesh die. To come to Christ's cross and dump off the burden of guilt and sin is liberating beyond the limit of words, but it must be understood that it is a decision which cannot ever be nullified. In other words, realising the sacrifice of God in Christ changes everything forever... like it or not.
With this being the case, I believe one of the most detrimental and foolhardy doctrines that has surfaced within the greater Christian church is the belief, once saved - always saved. The gift of salvation and the forgiveness of sins is so precious and priceless that it can be likened to nothing else. All that the world has to offer is excrement in comparison to the life and eternity that can be found in God's Son. How then, if a person has truly realised the worth of Christ Jesus, can they bring themselves to the point of voluntarily turning from Him for the pleasures of lesser things? It requires such a hardness of heart, such an ungrateful spirit, such an arrogant mind that it becomes a persistent insult to the grace of God.
It was to eradicate our sinful nature and clothe us in the righteousness and purity of the Most High that Jesus suffered and died. When a man or woman deliberately turns to the evils of sin and develops an affection for the world that surpasses their desire for Christ, it is nothing less than a slighting of the Spirit of Grace they once sought. It's as if to say, "God, I love what you took from me too much... I want it back!" Chapter 6:4-6 of the letter to the Hebrews passes a very harsh sentence for the apostate.
I have decided, at least within my own life and ministry, I will be much more intentional about teaching and preaching The Salvation Army's belief that a person can backslide. It is too important to put aside. Sin is so readily tolerated, even among Christians, but the harsh reality seems to be that turning to it is far worse for believers - because we essentially spit in the face of our Saviour after seeing the anguish of Calvary. Indeed, what will be deserved by one such as this?
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
The Fairest of Friends
"But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up and saw the glory of God..."
(Acts 7:55)
There is a strange peace that is known by every believer that has truly given themselves to the will of God. Although they are not exempt from the cruelties of this world, they are altogether freed from their tyranny. The pains of life and the fear of death have absolutely no power over the one who wholeheartedly trusts in the saving grace of Christ Jesus. This peace is certain! There is no disputing it because it rests in the faithfulness of the Saviour - and He is the fairest of friends. He is dependable and no shadow of doubt can darken the light of His peace.
But, sadly, not every Christian is able to profess this great peace. Some faiths are not so firmly grounded in Christ. For some, perhaps too many, Jesus is not the sweetest friend. Sometimes He simply lingers in the background of life and might be beckoned when the boat begins to rock. It is not shameful if one confesses this kind of relationship with Christ, but it is indeed a shame if they see this truth and refuse to confess it.
In the story of Stephen's martyrdom (Acts 7:54-60), there is a beautiful picture painted of this deeper kind of Christianity. It is that kind of friendship with the Master that is worth far more than all else. It is a deep affection for the person of Jesus that manifests itself as nothing less than love-sick devotion. Oh, what a wonderful closeness and intimacy, a satisfaction and pleasure, that only a real friendship with God can bring! It is an indwelling joy, an unspeakable peace, a marvelous warmth that cannot be quenched even by the heaviest gloom. It is stronger than every other strength, and only thickens and breathes deeper from the breath of God when the darkness is most black.
Read through the 88th Psalm and you'll see this deep friendship with the LORD of Hosts. It is a song that tells of sadness and despair and it is being poured out of a defeated and lonely soul. Yet, somehow the author is able to begin his lament with words of intense faith... "Oh LORD, the God who saves me, day and night I cry out before You." Here, there is certainly no exemption from hardship and turmoil, but there remains a deep affection for the heart of God.
Christian, if you are bold enough to confess that you do not know Christ Jesus in this way - if you realise that The Fairest Friend is not that for you - then be assured, He desires to be so close even to you. I say with tears that nothing is sweeter, or richer, or deeper than to love Him with all your heart and mind and strength... but it is a matter of will. Please, throw all else aside and know the pleasure of truly having this Fairest of Friends.
Precious Jesus, help me to surrender my all to you... to live not for myself, but to honour you. Let me know your peace, your joy, and your friendship - I want to be deeply in love with you. Please, make it so.
(Acts 7:55)
There is a strange peace that is known by every believer that has truly given themselves to the will of God. Although they are not exempt from the cruelties of this world, they are altogether freed from their tyranny. The pains of life and the fear of death have absolutely no power over the one who wholeheartedly trusts in the saving grace of Christ Jesus. This peace is certain! There is no disputing it because it rests in the faithfulness of the Saviour - and He is the fairest of friends. He is dependable and no shadow of doubt can darken the light of His peace.
But, sadly, not every Christian is able to profess this great peace. Some faiths are not so firmly grounded in Christ. For some, perhaps too many, Jesus is not the sweetest friend. Sometimes He simply lingers in the background of life and might be beckoned when the boat begins to rock. It is not shameful if one confesses this kind of relationship with Christ, but it is indeed a shame if they see this truth and refuse to confess it.
In the story of Stephen's martyrdom (Acts 7:54-60), there is a beautiful picture painted of this deeper kind of Christianity. It is that kind of friendship with the Master that is worth far more than all else. It is a deep affection for the person of Jesus that manifests itself as nothing less than love-sick devotion. Oh, what a wonderful closeness and intimacy, a satisfaction and pleasure, that only a real friendship with God can bring! It is an indwelling joy, an unspeakable peace, a marvelous warmth that cannot be quenched even by the heaviest gloom. It is stronger than every other strength, and only thickens and breathes deeper from the breath of God when the darkness is most black.
Read through the 88th Psalm and you'll see this deep friendship with the LORD of Hosts. It is a song that tells of sadness and despair and it is being poured out of a defeated and lonely soul. Yet, somehow the author is able to begin his lament with words of intense faith... "Oh LORD, the God who saves me, day and night I cry out before You." Here, there is certainly no exemption from hardship and turmoil, but there remains a deep affection for the heart of God.
Christian, if you are bold enough to confess that you do not know Christ Jesus in this way - if you realise that The Fairest Friend is not that for you - then be assured, He desires to be so close even to you. I say with tears that nothing is sweeter, or richer, or deeper than to love Him with all your heart and mind and strength... but it is a matter of will. Please, throw all else aside and know the pleasure of truly having this Fairest of Friends.
Precious Jesus, help me to surrender my all to you... to live not for myself, but to honour you. Let me know your peace, your joy, and your friendship - I want to be deeply in love with you. Please, make it so.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Are you sure of your salvation?
"The one who loves God is known by God." (1 Cor. 8:3)
It is not uncommon for a Christian to wonder about the certainty and security of his or her faith. One may argue that true faith in Christ is unable to develop without there being difficult tests and trials faced. Throughout the life of the Church there have been many great saints who have found their way through the darkest fogs simply because they were able to deal with the heavy burden of doubt. Consider the struggles of such holy men as Saint John of the Cross, Thomas à Kempis, John Wesley, and Oswald Chambers and there is sure proof that the brightest torches for Christ are those that burn through the storms.
But perhaps it can be said that of all the questions to plague the heart and mind, of all the doubts that could permeate the soul, the darkest might very well be the one that mistrusts the Atonement of Christ. Many a good Christian have come to this place in their life of faith. It is a haunting skepticism that infiltrates the thoughts of many, and sadly, some will settle without certainty. "Am I really saved?" or "How do I know I am a true disciple of Jesus Christ?" This is a question to which every believer ought to come, but it is detrimental to never conquer it. Its answer has the power to increase and deepen faith or kill it completely.
In the 8th chapter of his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul addresses an issue that had caused many feuds within the early church. There was a debate amongst Christians regarding the eating of food that was sacrificed to false gods: was it permitted or not. He builds his case well (as he does in several of his letters when arguing the pointlessness of ritual), but in verse 3 there can be found a very profound statement. It was an assurance to young disciples who did not feel the need to be chained to the old Jewish laws that their devotion to the Most High was their eternal security.
Yet, in this moment, for those who are wandering (or have already wandered) through the caves of confusion and doubt, how wonderfully perfect are these words!? "The one who loves God is known by God." Here, the word known (egnostai in Greek) is used specifically to convey a meaning of intimacy. In other words, if you love God - truly love Him - then you can rest assured that you are held in His tender arms and are well saved! In the worst times of haunting doubt, when questions around the eternal security of your soul arises, it is a comfort to fall on this great truth... I love my God, therefore I am His. What splendid certainty! What glorious joy! My love for my LORD and Saviour is evidence enough that I am wonderfully saved from sin and death. It is His guarantee put in my heart by His own love that Christ has done it all!
Christian, do you truly love your God? Then you are His for sure! Sinner, do you want to love your God? Open your heart to Him so He may know you, and show you His love. There is security in His love! Hallelujah!
It is not uncommon for a Christian to wonder about the certainty and security of his or her faith. One may argue that true faith in Christ is unable to develop without there being difficult tests and trials faced. Throughout the life of the Church there have been many great saints who have found their way through the darkest fogs simply because they were able to deal with the heavy burden of doubt. Consider the struggles of such holy men as Saint John of the Cross, Thomas à Kempis, John Wesley, and Oswald Chambers and there is sure proof that the brightest torches for Christ are those that burn through the storms.
But perhaps it can be said that of all the questions to plague the heart and mind, of all the doubts that could permeate the soul, the darkest might very well be the one that mistrusts the Atonement of Christ. Many a good Christian have come to this place in their life of faith. It is a haunting skepticism that infiltrates the thoughts of many, and sadly, some will settle without certainty. "Am I really saved?" or "How do I know I am a true disciple of Jesus Christ?" This is a question to which every believer ought to come, but it is detrimental to never conquer it. Its answer has the power to increase and deepen faith or kill it completely.
In the 8th chapter of his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul addresses an issue that had caused many feuds within the early church. There was a debate amongst Christians regarding the eating of food that was sacrificed to false gods: was it permitted or not. He builds his case well (as he does in several of his letters when arguing the pointlessness of ritual), but in verse 3 there can be found a very profound statement. It was an assurance to young disciples who did not feel the need to be chained to the old Jewish laws that their devotion to the Most High was their eternal security.
Yet, in this moment, for those who are wandering (or have already wandered) through the caves of confusion and doubt, how wonderfully perfect are these words!? "The one who loves God is known by God." Here, the word known (egnostai in Greek) is used specifically to convey a meaning of intimacy. In other words, if you love God - truly love Him - then you can rest assured that you are held in His tender arms and are well saved! In the worst times of haunting doubt, when questions around the eternal security of your soul arises, it is a comfort to fall on this great truth... I love my God, therefore I am His. What splendid certainty! What glorious joy! My love for my LORD and Saviour is evidence enough that I am wonderfully saved from sin and death. It is His guarantee put in my heart by His own love that Christ has done it all!
Christian, do you truly love your God? Then you are His for sure! Sinner, do you want to love your God? Open your heart to Him so He may know you, and show you His love. There is security in His love! Hallelujah!
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