True Believers - Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.
- 1 John 2:19
When someone who has made a profession of faith suddenly walks away from it (seemingly out of nowhere), the question is often asked, "Did he lose his salvation?"
But the question I would ask is, "Did he ever have it to begin with?" Really, the only way to tell if a person is a genuine Christian is whether that commitment stands the test of time. So how can you tell if you are really saved? Here are some questions to ask yourself.
Is Jesus Christ Lord? (See 1 John 4:15.) Christianity is Jesus. And if you don't have a relationship with Jesus Christ, then I don't know what you are. You may be religious, but you're not a real Christian.
Do I obey Christ's commands? (See 1 John 5:3.) This doesn't mean that if you are a Christian, you will be sinless. But it does mean that if you are a Christian, you will sin less . . . and less . . . and less.
Am I unhappy or miserable when I'm sinning? (See 1 John 3:9.) If you continue in a pattern of sin without remorse, without conviction, then one would have to ask whether you really are a Christian.
Do you keep yourself from the Devil? (See 1 John 5:18.) Or, are you sort of going as close to the edge as you can get? A really bad question to ask is, "How much can I get away with and still be a Christian?"
Do I love other Christians? (See 1 John 5:1.) When you love God, you will love His children. If you find yourself not wanting to be around other Christians, it's an indication that something isn't right.
The true test is where a person winds up. And a true believer always will come home.
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.
- 1 John 2:19
When someone who has made a profession of faith suddenly walks away from it (seemingly out of nowhere), the question is often asked, "Did he lose his salvation?"
But the question I would ask is, "Did he ever have it to begin with?" Really, the only way to tell if a person is a genuine Christian is whether that commitment stands the test of time. So how can you tell if you are really saved? Here are some questions to ask yourself.
Is Jesus Christ Lord? (See 1 John 4:15.) Christianity is Jesus. And if you don't have a relationship with Jesus Christ, then I don't know what you are. You may be religious, but you're not a real Christian.
Do I obey Christ's commands? (See 1 John 5:3.) This doesn't mean that if you are a Christian, you will be sinless. But it does mean that if you are a Christian, you will sin less . . . and less . . . and less.
Am I unhappy or miserable when I'm sinning? (See 1 John 3:9.) If you continue in a pattern of sin without remorse, without conviction, then one would have to ask whether you really are a Christian.
Do you keep yourself from the Devil? (See 1 John 5:18.) Or, are you sort of going as close to the edge as you can get? A really bad question to ask is, "How much can I get away with and still be a Christian?"
Do I love other Christians? (See 1 John 5:1.) When you love God, you will love His children. If you find yourself not wanting to be around other Christians, it's an indication that something isn't right.
The true test is where a person winds up. And a true believer always will come home.
"Do you see a man who speaks too soon? There is more hope for a fool than for him." Proverbs 29:20 (HCSB)
Has your mouth ever gotten you in trouble - yes, even made you sin - all because you talked too much?
It's certainly happened to me.
Years ago while visiting with a friend at a high school basketball game we discussed a budding new relationship between our 17-year-olds - her son and my daughter. It was nothing official, but we knew they liked each other, and we were pleased.
I rattled on about how my husband and I worked hard to teach our kids to choose whom to date, or even marry, based on more than just their looks. We'd often joke that looks shouldn't matter since we're all headed toward ugly anyway. (Then my daughter would chime in, "That's all the more reason to pick someone with a great starting point!")
In trying to express how happy we were that our daughter listened to us and not only chose someone who was good-looking, but also displayed godly traits and had a wonderful personality, somehow my friend thought I was saying we were glad our daughter chose on character because - boy, was her son homely!
It wasn't until a few days later that I realized I had conveyed the wrong message. I received a letter from my friend stating how hurt she was by my backhanded compliment about her son's character, implying he was unattractive.
I was floored.
And devastated. And misunderstood. And now I had a fractured friendship with someone I'd really hoped to get to know better. All because of my words.
Immediately, I called to apologize and shared what I meant to say before my rambling thoughts came out as misspoken words - that then led to misunderstanding, conflict and offense.
Thankfully my friend accepted my apology and six years later we are still friends!
If we want to avoid offending our friends - or committing any number of verbal sins - we need to learn to control our lips. When we sense a gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit that signals a downward spiral, we can simply say, "I'm sorry. I'm talking too much." And then? As my dad used to say (much like the character Festus from Gunsmoke), we can "shut our tater trap!"
Speaking too soon. Before we really understand all the facts. Before we've listened fully to the other side. And most importantly, before we've had time to pray and process what we've heard with the Lord. When we do any one or even a combination of those things, we are foolish.
Scripture has many things to say about fools. Our key verse today is just one: "Do you see a man who speaks too soon? There is more hope for a fool than for him" (Proverbs 29:20).
In order not to speak too soon, we need to cultivate two habits:
Perfect the art of the pause. Pausing creates white space in a conversation that enables us to sort out our thoughts before we let out our words. Counting to 10 before responding provides just enough wiggle room to really think through what we are about to say.
Ponder what the other person said, and perhaps go on a fact-finding mission. It's easy to jump to conclusions when we don't have all the facts. Holding our tongues, and our opinions, for a while often gives us time to assess the situation clearly before pronouncing judgment. I have found that many times what I was going to say was not in the end what I wanted to express. Giving thoughts time to settle and soak in Scripture is a wonderful habit that will keep us from answering too soon and looking foolish.
So pause. Gather the facts. Think before you answer, and don't speak too soon.
Father, I want to reflect Your love and grace each time I open my mouth to speak. Help me to slow my tongue before I say something hurtful that can have lasting consequences. And when I fall short, help me be quick to seek forgiveness and reconciliation. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." James 1:2-4 (NLT)
It was his birthday.
We had a flight to catch.
Even though it was a working trip for me, I planned to make our trip a quasi birthday celebration for him. We were still about to leave the house without our kids. That always spells me-and-you time, honey.
We were supposed to wake up and look at each other with "goo-goo" eyes, remembering how much we actually like each other, because there were no distractions.
We were supposed to travel leisurely to the airport and stop somewhere for lunch on the way.
We were supposed to have a meaningful conversation on the plane about deep, important and beautiful things while we were soaring above the clouds.
Instead .
We woke up to plumbing problems, broken suitcases and a rainy day. We rushed to the airport and searched for a parking space while listening to each other's bellies rumble. We missed our flight and had to run to catch another one that would get us to our destination on time.
Then we sat next to each other . in complete silence . and it was his birthday.
Part of my sullen attitude was because it really was a terrible-no-good-very-bad-day.
Part of my bad attitude was frustration that this yucky day was my husband's birthday, and I felt so badly about it not being special for him at all.
Most of my gloomy attitude was because things weren't going as I had planned, and I was pouting.
The cramped ride on the itty-bitty plane came to an end. He helped me get my luggage out of the overhead bin, looked over at me and smiled. He walked through the airport, pulling my suitcase and his.
It was raining in our arrival city too, but he went out of his way to make sure I didn't get too wet as we got our things into the car. On the way to our destination, he started a pleasant conversation and kept it going until we arrived.
Somewhere between the frustration of the morning and the smile in the afternoon, my husband made a decision. He made a decision to rise above that terrible-no-good-very-bad-day and find something to smile about. He made a decision to choose joy.
And while it never stopped raining, the longer-than-expected-drive-time gave us more time to chat. And stopping at the drive-thru became a romantic birthday dinner for two.
I don't know about you, but I have lots of days that just don't go quite the way I want. Even when I've done everything I can to ensure my plans don't go awry, they still do.
Sometimes it still rains and I'm tempted to pout.
I'm tempted to throw all efforts at rising above my situation to the wind and sit and sulk in a quiet corner, lamenting the difficult parts of my day or life. And of course, some problems are a whole lot worse than rain or a delayed flight.
But watching my husband reminded me of something.
I don't have to let the events of a terrible-no-good-very-bad-day determine my actions and attitude. Like our key verse suggests, we can choose to consider trouble as "an opportunity for great joy" (James 1:2b). Life's challenges allow faith to be tested and endurance to grow.
Some days are just difficult. Life can be hard. And many of those difficulties happen at the most inopportune time.
However, let's not forget that it's in the most difficult places where we derive our deepest life lessons. Even from hard spots beautiful things grow.
We can plan, prepare and put our best foot forward, but sometimes life just happens.
Thankfully, bad days don't have to dictate our response or the ultimate outcome.
We get to choose.
So my friend, choose joy!
Father God, Help me rise above my circumstances, choose joy and find something to smile about. Even in the midst of a difficult day, Lord, help me have a joyful heart while the experiences You allow build character in my heart and produce beauty in my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
I pulled the blankets up over my shoulders, rolled over in bed and just stared at the bright red numbers on my alarm clock. I was exhausted, but couldn't fall asleep.
An endless stream of thoughts rushed through my mind - one question cascaded over another. Before I knew it, another hour had passed and I was no closer to dreamland than before.
I don't want to go to work tomorrow. Maybe I can call in sick. I wonder if I can get anyone to fill in for me? My job is hard and I feel unappreciated.
But calling in sick was not an option because my job was motherhood, and the "clients" who would be waiting for me early the next morning were my 4-year-old and 6-month-old boys.
My husband and I were married nine years before our first son was born. I waited a long time to be a member of the Mommy Club. Finally, my dream came true and I was determined to be the best mommy ever!
Nothing brought me greater joy than to see their sweet smiles and bed-head hair every morning. But can I be honest? It was also very challenging raising those little guys.
Despite reading every parenting magazine I could, I still struggled with the day-to-day demands. It seemed my real-life parenting skills didn't measure up to those moms who wrote the magazine articles.
I quickly discovered motherhood wasn't for wimps.
Twenty-four hours a day. Seven days a week. Fifty-two weeks a year. I was on duty. And there was no paycheck waiting for me on Friday afternoons.
I was a chef, doctor, storyteller, and when disagreements erupted I'd pull out my referee hat.
I changed poopy diapers, refilled sippy cups and washed dirty clothes. All. The. Time. In moments of weariness, I'd whisper to myself, I want to quit. Then mommy-guilt would flood my heart as I'd settle into a deeper level of discouragement.
Why don't I feel joy doing something I've dreamed about for so many years?
Maybe you've experienced those moments when the demands of parenting collide with your stretched emotions and fragile feelings, causing your heart to become weary.
If you're like me, you realize motherhood is a high calling. You see your children as treasured gifts from God and your home as a gathering place where loved ones are nurtured and blessings abound.
But, there are those days when demands run high, patience runs thin and weariness creeps in. That is when we can hold on to the hope of today's key verse, Galatians 6:9:"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Raising children is like growing a spiritual crop with the potential of a priceless, abundant harvest. As moms, we need to care for, watch over and tenderly love our children every day, just as a farmer tends to his valuable crops.
Raising children well requires a daily dose of love, commitment and perseverance. As moms, we can approach each challenge knowing we're not alone. The Lord is with us and we can call on Him in times of weariness. He is always ready to extend the grace, guidance and strength we need.
As we celebrate the giggles and messy moments of our children, let us remember the great harvest God has waiting for us if we persevere. We may not see immediate results, but if we continue doing good and trust God with the rest, in due time we will reap a harvest of blessings!
Father God, thank You for the priceless gift of my child/children. Help me raise them according to Your will and not my own. When I become weary, fill me with Your strength so that I can persevere in parenting well. Thank You for the promise of a harvest if I don't give up. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Our Inseparable Relationship
Romans 8:31-39Far too many relationships in today's world are uncertain. Disunity is found in marriages, churches, and international alliances. Yet there's one relationship that is sure and permanent.
The Lord designed people for intimate fellowship with Him. His love toward each of us is evident throughout the Bible. In fact, there is nothing tangible, intangible, past, present, or future that can separate believers from the Father's love. John 10:14 draws a comparison between Jesus and a good shepherd-a man whose ultimate task is providing for and protecting the flock. Christ's character is one of passionate care for His people. First John 4:16 clearly states, "God is love." If we believe the Bible, then we cannot deny this fact about His nature.
We also see evidence of divine love through the Lord's gifts and actions. For example, He created us in His image (Gen. 1:26). He sent His only Son to die in our place, and He forgives us of our sin debt (1 Cor. 15:3). John 15:15 tells us that Christ calls us His friends-and what's more, when we trust in Jesus, God adopts us and considers us His children (Rom. 8:15). He even blesses us with an Intercessor and Helper-the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). The Word is clear: God loves us passionately.
The affection we experience in our families is only a glimpse of the great compassion and care that God has for you. Think about the people you treasure most. Imagine what you would be willing to do if they experienced a need. How much more will our heavenly Father be devoted to you!
Lord, I Love You, but...
Hebrews 6:10-12
Most of us are quick to declare our love for God, but at times our reluctance to serve Him tells a different story. Honestly consider whether you have ever found yourself saying or thinking, I love you, Lord, but don't call me to do that! Or perhaps you served Him, but with a flawed attitude: If no one else will do it, then I guess I will. What causes us to be reluctant servants?
Busyness: Sometimes our schedules are so full that there's no space to follow the Lord when we hear Him calling us to minister in a certain area. We all need "margins" in our lives if we want to abide in God's will.
Inadequacy: Perhaps you feel unqualified to serve, and you're thinking, Surely there's someone more gifted who could do that job. But that's just an excuse; the Lord promises to equip those He calls (2 Cor. 3:4-6).
Selfishness: Sacrificial service is never convenient. It may require that we change our plans, give up our comforts, or even make financial sacrifices.
Lack of love: This is the hardest for us to admit-that we just don't care enough. Our reluctance to serve others reveals a lack of devotion to the Lord. Those who love Christ with all their heart will joyfully serve Him by ministering to those in their families, workplaces, communities, and churches.
Are you quick to follow the Lord's leading when a need arises, or are you a reluctant servant who's preoccupied with your own plans and desires? Any service we offer in Jesus' name will not be in vain. You'll experience the joy of giving and the assurance that the Lord won't forget your sacrifice.
The Fruitful Giver
2 Corinthians 9:6-15
If you've ever visited Israel, you have no doubt experienced the contrast between the Jordan River and the Dead Sea. The banks of the Jordan are surrounded by trees and greenery, but nothing lives around the Dead Sea. The reason is that there is no outlet. When the water flows into that sea, it stays there. Eventually the salts accumulate and poison the water.
This is a vivid picture of two different financial plans. The Dead Sea compares to the world's system, which is based on accumulation and preservation of wealth. The goal is to get enough so you can have enough, but this approach results in self-centered stagnation. Christians who follow this plan mistakenly believe it's the path to security. But what they fail to understand is that hoarding makes their lives spiritually unfruitful and hinders the good works God wants them to do.
The Lord's financial plan is like a river that moves continuously. As His provisions flow into our lives, we pass them on to others. This results in a fruitful life centered on building God's kingdom. Perhaps you've realized that He promises to supply "bread for food"to those who give, but did you know He'll also provide "seed for sowing" (v. 10)? He supplies enough to live and enough to give.
Have you hindered your spiritual growth by sowing sparingly? If you become a generous giver, God promises to "increase the harvest of your righteousness" (v. 10). There are needs in the church and the world that He wants to meet through your generosity. Let His blessings flow through you.
God's Master Plan of Finance
Malachi 3:7-12
Though the world is full of disorder, confusion, and uncertainty, believers in Christ have the wonderful assurance that God is in absolute control of every situation. When He created the heavens and the earth, He had a purpose and a plan, which He carried out with precision and order. Nothing was haphazard, late, or uncertain. The Lord also has a plan for each one of us, and every aspect of our lives is not only under His scrutiny, but also under His care.
One of those areas is our finances. If we'll follow God's plan, He promises to manage our money. Now, that's quite a blessing. After all, who do you think would be better at knowing how to handle money-you or our omniscient, all-powerful God? He promises that if we will give Him the first part of all we receive, He'll provide for our needs. He has an amazing way of making the remainder stretch farther than the original amount.
So, considering the blessings of this promise and the unfailing faithfulness of the Promise Giver, what is keeping you from obeying this command? The most likely reason is unbelief-fear to test Him on this even though He invites you to do so. But you may be asking yourself, What if He doesn't come through? What if I give it away and don't have enough?
The Lord is after your trust, and what better area to test and build it than your finances? Believing Him for our salvation seems easy, yet we often doubt He'll keep His promise when it comes to money. Take a step of obedience today, and discover how faithful your God really is.
Grounded in Truth
Psalms 25:4-10
If we'll let the truths of Scripture fill our minds, guard our emotions, and influence our conduct, God will richly reward us. I'm talking about spiritual blessings here (though He at times chooses to bless materially as well). By reading and meditating on His Word, you'll learn to understand His ways. This isn't something we can figure out on our own, because His ways are unlike ours-they are higher, bigger, and eternal.
Also, your relationship with the Lord will grow increasingly more intimate because He chooses to reveal Himself to those who seek Him and obey His instructions. When you see that God always keeps His promises, your confidence in His faithfulness will soar. No matter what the situation, you'll know you can trust Him. Then He'll transform your worries into joyful anticipation about what He's going to do next in your life. Even if hard times await, you'll be convinced that the Lord will work them out for good.
A life grounded in truth is powerful. Those who live by the Word develop spiritual discernment, which guides their choices and guards against deception. Because they demonstrate wisdom and godliness, the Lord enables them to impact others greatly. Since He knows they can be trusted, He also gives them greater responsibilities and opportunities for service in His kingdom.
With all this available to us, wouldn't it be wise to invest our time and energy in building the truth of God's Word into our lives? The other activities which clamor for our attention seem so important or pleasurable, but none of them can offer us the spiritual riches of a life grounded in truth.
The Effectiveness of God's Way
Exodus 3
Yesterday we observed the ineffectiveness of Moses' attempt to liberate his people from Egyptian slavery, but today we see him given a second chance to do it God's way. If we could learn the lessons Moses learned about the dangers of self-reliance and the advantages of depending on the Lord, we would save ourselves much hardship.
When we choose to cooperate with God and submit to His way, He will do amazing things in and through us. Despite Moses' past failure, the Lord still used him to accomplish the divine plan, but only after he became usable-that is, humbled and broken of self-will. Just consider what God achieved when Moses did it His way.
. He showed what great things He could do through one yielded, dependent person.
. He got more done in less time, and with fewer resources. There was no insurrection or long, drawn-out war-just a dramatic display of His power.
. He proved the superiority of His way by freeing over two million people without the loss of a single Hebrew life.
. He sent impoverished slaves out of bondage with their captors' riches (Ex. 3:21-22).
. He proved to both the Israelites and the Egyptians that He alone is the God of heaven and earth.
. He received all the glory.
Our past failures never prevent God's willingness or ability to use us. In fact, our weakness is a great opportunity for the display of His glory. In our own strength, we are totally ineffective. But when we submit to the Lord's authority, we can experience His victory in whatever He calls us to do.Lessons from the Rich Fool
"But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?" (Luke 12:20)
For Our Justification
"Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification." (Romans 4:25)
"Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification." (Romans 4:25)
We rejoice greatly in Christ's resurrection, knowing that He has promised that "because I live, ye shall live also" (John 14:19). But it is also very important to realize and remember that if He had not been raised from the dead, we would still be lost sinners, separated eternally from God. He was raised, Paul reminds us, "for our justification."
The immensity of the load of sin which Christ bore with Him on the cross is beyond comprehension. He had to "taste death for every man" (Hebrews 2:9), for He was the offering "for the sins of the whole world" (1 John 2:2). Since "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23), were it not for the infinite power, as well as the infinite love, of both the Father and the Son, such an infinite weight of sin would seem impossible to overcome, so Christ would die forever, and we would be lost forever. How could we ever know that we had been forgiven and that He had paid the awful price that would suffice for our salvation? How could we ever be acquitted and declared righteous before God?
That is exactly what the resurrection of Christ assures! "By the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life" (Romans 5:18). His infinite righteousness has more than balanced the terrible weight of "the sin of the world," and He was able to take it away (John 1:29). Although the wages of sin must be death, "the free gift is of many offences unto justification" (Romans 5:16).
This gift of total and eternal justification is free because of His love, but even a free gift must be accepted before it can be possessed. "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). HMM
Wages or a Gift
"The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23)
This wonderful verse has been used by the Holy Spirit countless times to bring a person to the point of salvation, and rightly so. Seldom did the author of Scripture pack so much into so few words, and seldom is the gospel of salvation more clearly and succinctly presented.
Perhaps the key to this verse and its teaching is the little word but, for marvelous contrasts hinge on it. In fact, pointing out the parallel but contrasting statements has proven to be an effective witnessing tool. Let us consider these individual contrasts.
First, wages versus gift: Wages are something that must be earned, while a gift cannot be earned; it is free. The wages of employment follow directly from having done the work, just as the wages of sin follow directly from having done the sin. Similarly, the gift of God follows directly from God's own character. He is a loving, gracious God, who freely showers His gifts on those who will accept them.
Second, sin versus God, or sin versus the sinless one: We might even define sin as the opposite of godliness. Sin is the deed which merits the wages, while God is the being who gives the gift. Sin is a wrong action, attitude, or thought, while God is a person, active and loving. Sin takes; God gives.
Third, death eternal versus life eternal: Conscious existence in separation from God versus conscious existence in communion with God. Sin brings death, surely and permanently; God gives eternal life. This gift of eternal life is not given capriciously, however; it is based on the work of Jesus Christ, the one who Himself collected the wages of our sin. The sinner who accepts God's gift, through Jesus Christ, can hardly fail to recognize Him as Lord. JDM
"The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23)
By Faith
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)
This great verse, evidently a definition of faith, appears to be somewhat obtuse, but it can be properly understood. The word "substance" carries the sense of reality, or assurance. The same author uses the word to explain that the Son of God took on human "substance," consisting of "the express image of his person [or 'substance']" (Hebrews 1:3). The word "evidence" is more properly translated "proof." The passage teaches, then, that faith provides the reality and proof of things which we can't see directly. They are as sure to us, through faith, as are things we can see directly.
Faith enters into the picture whenever we attempt to understand something outside the realm of empirical observation. This surely includes creation. "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear" (Hebrews 11:3). Creationist faith is certainly reasonable faith, in stark contrast to evolutionist faith which believes in ordered complexity from disorder, without any ordering mechanism or outside intelligence.
Faith is extremely important in God's economy: "Without faith it is impossible to please him" (Hebrews 11:6) in any area of life. "For by grace are ye saved through faith" (Ephesians 2:8). Likewise, we live by faith: "The life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God" (Galatians 2:20). Furthermore, "by faith ye stand" (2 Corinthians 1:24) steadfast as a Christian, and "walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). We are to "follow after . . . faith" and "fight the good fight of faith" (1 Timothy 6:11-12).
Since this list comprises only a sampling of things which must be done in, by, or through faith, it is no wonder that it "is the victory that overcometh the world" (1 John 5:4). JDM
In Jesus' Conquering Name
"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." (Romans 8:37)
The first verse of the well-loved hymn "Faith Is the Victory" describes preparation for the battle between the forces of light and darkness. The second verse tells of marching into battle, and the third of the actual attack. For the soldier of faith, empowered by love and obedience to the commandments of God, the victory is assumed. The last verse relates the rewards of victory and a commitment to wise governing once the battle is over.
To him that overcomes the foe, White raiment shall be giv'n;
Before the angels he shall know, His name confessed in heav'n.
Then onward from the hills of light, Our hearts with love aflame;
We'll vanquish all the hosts of night, In Jesus' conq'ring name.
Jesus, when the apostle John saw Him in His present glorified, victorious state, made this promise to the churches: "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels" (Revelation 3:5).
Earlier, He had made a companion promise: "These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). In this life we will have battles to fight, but the ultimate victory has already been won.
As He left this world following His resurrection, He said: "Go ye therefore . . . and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world" (Matthew 28:19-20). No wonder, then, as we see in our text, we are "more than conquerors" in every situation, as we battle in Jesus' conquering name. "Thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ" (2 Corinthians 2:14). JDM
"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." (Romans 8:37)
Before the angels he shall know, His name confessed in heav'n.
Then onward from the hills of light, Our hearts with love aflame;
We'll vanquish all the hosts of night, In Jesus' conq'ring name.
Onward to the Fray!
"And it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city." (Joshua 6:20)
"And it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city." (Joshua 6:20)
The third verse of the hymn "Faith Is the Victory" portrays the attack-phase of the battle. The foe stands in dread array, also poised for the fight. The prepared troops attack without hesitation, with a well-formulated battle plan.
On every hand the foe we find, Drawn up in dread array;
Let tents of ease be left behind, And onward to the fray!
Salvation's helmet on each head, With truth all girt about:
The earth shall tremble 'neath our tread, And echo with our shout.
Let tents of ease be left behind, And onward to the fray!
Salvation's helmet on each head, With truth all girt about:
The earth shall tremble 'neath our tread, And echo with our shout.
This last line recalls the episode in our text. The entire nation of Israel had marched for six days around the city of Jericho. On the seventh day they marched around the city seven times, and then the priests blew their trumpets and the people shouted. What kind of battle plan was that? But God had specifically instructed them to do it this way. They had seen Him work many stupendous miracles on their behalf, and their faith was great. Their unwavering obedience resulted in a glorious victory.
Today's warriors of faith have the same Commander-in-Chief and access to His mighty power. Furthermore, He provides the "whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth" (Ephesians 6:13-14). Faith must be faith in the truth. Faith in a lie will not stand. "And take [literally 'receive'] the helmet of salvation" (v. 17). Each warrior, saved "by grace . . . through faith" (2:8), immersed in truth and obedient to the Commander, is assured of complete and overwhelming victory. JDM
Faith: Our Shining Shield
"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." (Ephesians 6:16)
"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." (Ephesians 6:16)
The second verse of the hymn "Faith Is the Victory," reflecting the teaching of 1 John 5:4, depicts the soldiers of light as they march into battle. Our Commander-in-Chief has erected His identifying banner over the troops, and His "banner over [us] is love" (Song of Solomon 2:4). How does love identify us? "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments" (1 John 5:3). "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35).
His banner over us is love, Our sword the Word of God;
We tread the road the saints above, With shouts of triumph trod.
By faith they like a whirl-wind's breath, Swept on o'er every field;
The faith by which they conquered death, Is still our shining shield.
We tread the road the saints above, With shouts of triumph trod.
By faith they like a whirl-wind's breath, Swept on o'er every field;
The faith by which they conquered death, Is still our shining shield.
The saints of yesteryear, who in faith have battled victoriously, give us great confidence. "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Their armor, and ours, is listed in the classic passage of Ephesians 6:10-18. Our sword, identified as the "word of God" (v. 17), is "quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword" (Hebrews 4:12). Our faith is our shield (as in our text) which protects us from the wicked one.
But it's not over until it's over, and "the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. . . . Death is swallowed up in victory" (1 Corinthians 15:26, 54). When it's over, our faith in the work and person of our Lord Jesus Christ will have provided a glorious and everlasting victory. JDM
Faith Is the Victory
"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?" (1 John 5:4-5)
"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?" (1 John 5:4-5)
The favorite hymn titled "Faith Is the Victory" contains many allusions to scriptural concepts and passages. The theme, as is repeated in the chorus, is "faith is the victory, . . . O glorious victory, that overcomes the world."
The primary passage used for the source of this hymn is in our text, where we see that it is the Christian-the one "born of God"-who "believeth that Jesus is the Son of God" who "overcomes the world." The victory comes through faith.
Encamped along the hills of light, Ye Christian soldiers rise,
And press the battle ere the night, Shall veil the glowing skies.
Against the foe in vales below Let all our strength be hurled;
Faith is the victory, we know, That overcomes the world.
And press the battle ere the night, Shall veil the glowing skies.
Against the foe in vales below Let all our strength be hurled;
Faith is the victory, we know, That overcomes the world.
This first verse harks back to several battles in the Old Testament where Israel, through faith in God, conquered many foes greater in number and better equipped than they. But the symbolism goes further. The word for "world" is the Greek word kosmos, implying, in context, the world system of thought arrayed in opposition to God. "We know that we are of God, and the whole world [i.e., kosmos] lieth in wickedness" (1 John 5:19).
Strangely enough, Scripture here does not say that through faith we will overcome and gain the victory. Rather, it explains that faith itself is the victory. Evidently, with victorious faith, the overcoming is automatic.
"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4). JDM
Behold, He Cometh
"Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him." (Revelation 1:7)
"Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him." (Revelation 1:7)
This striking verse, which deals with the return of Christ, contains several aspects well worth our study.
First: "Behold, he cometh." This event is still future, but it is as sure as if it had already taken place. Christ will return.
Second: "They shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory" (Matthew 24:30). His coming "with clouds" was also prophesied in Daniel 7:13, Matthew 26:64, Acts 1:11, and elsewhere.
Third: "Every eye shall see him." Who is included here? Certainly everyone living at the time, both Christian and non-Christian. But also the saved dead and raptured saints will be present (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Can it be that the unsaved dead will likewise "see" Him come? Those who died without Christ should be vitally interested. Either the coming rebellion will defeat Christ and free their spirits from Hades, or they will soon face certain, final judgment.
Fourth, notice the different reactions. His tormentors will be in horrible distress; those who "pierced him" will be in inexpressible anguish as they realize the awful consequences of their actions. Who pierced Him? Certainly Israel, but the collective sins of all men of all ages pierced Him. Some have gained forgiveness and will gladly see Him come; others have refused and will "wail" at His return.
Saints in heaven and on Earth will delight in His coming. To them, it means release from persecution, justice on their persecutors, and a righteous kingdom established. It will mean questions answered, imperfections removed, the curse repealed. Any distress felt for friends and loved ones still living in rejection will be swallowed up in the rightness of the action. JDM
Great Reward
"Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets." (Luke 6:23)
Sometimes great rewards are promised to those who help locate dangerous criminals, or to those who win a lottery, but such pecuniary rewards are trivial compared to those awaiting all the faithful servants of Christ. The "great reward" promised by Christ in our text is specifically for those believers who willingly have endured hatred and ostracism, reproach, and slander "for the Son of man's sake" (v. 22).
Such rewards are distinct from salvation, of course, for that reward is given only "to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly" (Romans 4:5). "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour" (Titus 3:5-6).
That is, salvation is a free gift, received only through personal faith in Christ and His sacrificial death for our sins. Rewards, on the other hand, are earned by faithful witness and work for Christ. In that day when "we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:10), many will learn to their dismay that, although they have indeed received everlasting life, they will have very little reward. For "the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is" (1 Corinthians 3:13)-not the quantity, but its quality and fidelity to God's Word. Then, "if any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved" (v. 15).
We need to remember that one of the last and thus most significant promises of Christ was: "Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be" (Revelation 22:12). HMM
"Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets." (Luke 6:23)
Foolish Characteristics
"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise." (Proverbs 12:15)
The book of Proverbs has much to say about those whom the writer calls fools. Actually, about ten different Hebrew words are used in Proverbs that translate as "fools," "foolishness," etc., and such words occur almost 100 times in that one book. Assuming the human writer was Solomon (the ultimate writer was, of course, the Holy Spirit), it is noteworthy that the reputedly wisest man of all time had more to say about fools than did anyone else. At the same time, he used the words "wise," "wisdom," etc., at least 125 times!
Our text uses both, contrasting the self-satisfied fool with the wise who listen to good advice. Such contrasts are abundant in Solomon's proverbs, and we would do well to take them to heart. Note a few of these "pithy maxims," as men have called them.
"The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall" (Proverbs 10:8).
"It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom" (Proverbs 10:23).
"A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident" (Proverbs 14:16).
"Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise" (Proverbs 17:28).
"A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards" (Proverbs 29:11).
"The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools" (Proverbs 3:35).
There are many more, of course, but the wise reader will profit even from these. Indeed a wise person will "hearkeneth" unto good counsel and thus some day "inherit glory." HMM
"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise." (Proverbs 12:15)
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MY ALL NEW PROPHECY AND CREATION DESIGN WEBSITES. THERE IS A LOT TO SEE AND DO..........
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.