Broken Pieces
To choose self over Christ was me
Till broken over my sin forever it will be
Broken, poor wretched and blind
All of my wickedness exposed in my mind
The Spirit has shone in the darkness of my heart
I flee to the Cross to the One who paid my sins part
Unable to save myself from Hell
It is only in Christ all becomes well
He has made me a son of the King
Nothing to my Salvation can I bring
I lift up praise to the Holy One
It is all that I want in life or death – His face to gaze upon
Let me live all my days for the glory of God – to please Him alone
My life is His until I reach that glorious Throne
May my life be found pleasing to You
For it is only by your power any good I can do!
sherman
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
A Life Set Apart by Repentance
Mark 6:14King Herod heard about this, for Jesus' name had become well known. Some were saying, "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him." 15Others said, "He is Elijah." And still others claimed, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago." 16But when Herod heard this, he said, "John, the man I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!"
A believer, a disciple, a repenter - These terms are synonymous in describing a true Christian. One who has been born again and saved through the sole work of Christ.
In Matthew chapter 4 verse 17 we find this statement:
From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Consider this as the mission statement of Jesus Christ The Messiah. This was His message to a lost and dying world. This is the message that comes to the sinner. Without repentance their will be found no salvation.
The word “REPENT” is missing from the church (in general not specific) today. At a recent concert the lead singer proclaim the vastness of God’s love to the audience. But there was a word missing - repentance. I have researched this particular band and found that the idea of repentance and sin is indeed in their songs and ministry – but during this event seemed to be left out. I will not judge the messengers heart-this may have been just what one there needed to hear from God. We tend to still focus on God’s love in evangelism without addressing God’s holiness and our utter wretched sinfulness. Let us not omit the “R” word.
This is inconsistent to the message that Christ brought to this earth. It is indeed a message of hope, love and deliverance, but if one just tries to add Christ to their lives that is not biblical salvation. A verse in Colossians puts it this way:
Colossians 3:4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
When Christ who is our life – not when Christ who is part of our lives. We cannot afford to fail to convey to someone their lostness and utter inability to save themselves. The message of repentance has been left out of the pulpit and out of evangelism – even more disparaging out of the life of professing believers. This has produced pews full of those who profess to know Christ when they live lives that are a walking contradiction to their claim.
The life of one who names the name of Christ should above all things be marked by being filled up with repentance. Those who understand their wicked core and inability to live holy apart from the work of Christ will be lives marked by repentance. They will seek to die to selfishness, the desires of God will become their own, they will learn to love Christ’s ways more than their own way. Scripture could not be clearer that the life of the believer is to be marked by obedience to a Holy Lord.
Luke 6:46"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?
We have entered into a state of easy-believeism. This is directly related to a low view of God’s holiness. We are to walk in a manner consistent with “Who Christ Is!”Join with Christ we are to live a life of dying to sin, a life of yearning for holiness and a life of repentance. The way in which we run hard after these things is by living a life of repentance. We turn from sin, and we do righteousness. We confess our sins, not to avoid the wrath of God – this was dealt with at the cross-, but because our loving heavenly Father hates sin. We are forgiven of all our sins, we have union with Christ, and the way in which we grow in Christ toward holiness is by living lives of humble submission to his way not our own.
So why that particular verse at the beginning? Our message is the same to all sinners – of whom we were once ourselves. The message will inevitable be rejected by some, misunderstood by others, held in high esteem by more, and embrace by a few.
Herod loved to listen to John the Baptist. He acknowledged he was from God. He was even distressed at killing him. Yet he loved his sin more. But the message haunted him. The message that brings life he hated. Yet sin became all the more strong, as he later killed James and then sought to murder Peter.
Let us not fail to preach the whole counsel of God. Forgiveness-Yes. Love-Yes. But do not omit Repentance and impending judgment. Do not have the blood of men on your hands so as to ease the message and avoid rejection.
Christ was rejected and persecuted-even unto death. If you belong to Him do not expect to be treated any differently as you hold out the words of life.
sherman
Mark 6:14King Herod heard about this, for Jesus' name had become well known. Some were saying, "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him." 15Others said, "He is Elijah." And still others claimed, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago." 16But when Herod heard this, he said, "John, the man I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!"
A believer, a disciple, a repenter - These terms are synonymous in describing a true Christian. One who has been born again and saved through the sole work of Christ.
In Matthew chapter 4 verse 17 we find this statement:
From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Consider this as the mission statement of Jesus Christ The Messiah. This was His message to a lost and dying world. This is the message that comes to the sinner. Without repentance their will be found no salvation.
The word “REPENT” is missing from the church (in general not specific) today. At a recent concert the lead singer proclaim the vastness of God’s love to the audience. But there was a word missing - repentance. I have researched this particular band and found that the idea of repentance and sin is indeed in their songs and ministry – but during this event seemed to be left out. I will not judge the messengers heart-this may have been just what one there needed to hear from God. We tend to still focus on God’s love in evangelism without addressing God’s holiness and our utter wretched sinfulness. Let us not omit the “R” word.
This is inconsistent to the message that Christ brought to this earth. It is indeed a message of hope, love and deliverance, but if one just tries to add Christ to their lives that is not biblical salvation. A verse in Colossians puts it this way:
Colossians 3:4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
When Christ who is our life – not when Christ who is part of our lives. We cannot afford to fail to convey to someone their lostness and utter inability to save themselves. The message of repentance has been left out of the pulpit and out of evangelism – even more disparaging out of the life of professing believers. This has produced pews full of those who profess to know Christ when they live lives that are a walking contradiction to their claim.
The life of one who names the name of Christ should above all things be marked by being filled up with repentance. Those who understand their wicked core and inability to live holy apart from the work of Christ will be lives marked by repentance. They will seek to die to selfishness, the desires of God will become their own, they will learn to love Christ’s ways more than their own way. Scripture could not be clearer that the life of the believer is to be marked by obedience to a Holy Lord.
Luke 6:46"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?
We have entered into a state of easy-believeism. This is directly related to a low view of God’s holiness. We are to walk in a manner consistent with “Who Christ Is!”Join with Christ we are to live a life of dying to sin, a life of yearning for holiness and a life of repentance. The way in which we run hard after these things is by living a life of repentance. We turn from sin, and we do righteousness. We confess our sins, not to avoid the wrath of God – this was dealt with at the cross-, but because our loving heavenly Father hates sin. We are forgiven of all our sins, we have union with Christ, and the way in which we grow in Christ toward holiness is by living lives of humble submission to his way not our own.
So why that particular verse at the beginning? Our message is the same to all sinners – of whom we were once ourselves. The message will inevitable be rejected by some, misunderstood by others, held in high esteem by more, and embrace by a few.
Herod loved to listen to John the Baptist. He acknowledged he was from God. He was even distressed at killing him. Yet he loved his sin more. But the message haunted him. The message that brings life he hated. Yet sin became all the more strong, as he later killed James and then sought to murder Peter.
Let us not fail to preach the whole counsel of God. Forgiveness-Yes. Love-Yes. But do not omit Repentance and impending judgment. Do not have the blood of men on your hands so as to ease the message and avoid rejection.
Christ was rejected and persecuted-even unto death. If you belong to Him do not expect to be treated any differently as you hold out the words of life.
sherman
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
What is Complete Biblical Forgiveness?
15When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "What if Joseph bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him!" 16So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, "Your father charged before he died, saying, 17'Thus you shall say to Joseph, "Please forgive, I beg you, the transgression of your brothers and their sin, for they did you wrong."' And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father." And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18Then his brothers also came and fell down before him and said, "Behold, we are your servants." 19But Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid, for am I in God's place? 20"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. 21"So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones." So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. Genesis 50
This familiar passage gives us a pattern of biblical forgiveness. Joseph, hated by his brothers, sold into slavery, is placed in a position great power by God’s design. Instead of planning out his revenge, Joseph forgives and embraces his brothers. No one would have blamed him for holding a grudge, but Joseph shows how God’s love reigns in his life.
Our Number One Priority
Jesus makes it extremely clear that for believers, failure or refusal to reconcile is not an option – it is sin. Jesus teaches that is doesn’t even matter who is at fault in any disagreement; the believer is responsible to attempt to resolve the conflict. Christ goes on to say that a believer has no place at worship as long as he or she knows that there is an existing unresolved conflict with another. His instruction is that the worshiper must leave and pursue reconciliation with that person. Only after this is he or she to return to worship. This excludes the excuse of needing time or ignoring the other person. No this is direct interaction /communication with active forgiveness/reconciliation.
Complete Forgiveness God’s Way
12So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13(bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15Let)the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Colossians 3
Paul explains what type of forgiveness is acceptable to God in the scripture as well as in Ephesians. When it comes to granting forgiveness, there are no exceptions. The scripture clearly teaches that believers must always be characterized by the same attitudes and characteristics that are in Christ. They must forgive those who wronged them — EXACTLY in the same manner that they had been forgiven by Christ.
In many ways, these can be hard words for us to hear. For some of us, these passages do exactly what they are intended to do — remind us of forgiveness that we have refused to grant and to remember the forgiveness we have received. We did not pursue Christ’s forgiveness – rather He pursued us! What are we to do when … we are wronged — or worse yet, someone we care about is wronged — and we get angry. We may confront the offender. We want him or her to hurt like we hurt to endure an acceptable amount of punishment. So what happens? We “hold” and often “nurse a grudge.” Every time we see, hear about or think of him or her, the anger reignites inside of us and that old wound is reopened. We are not the judge. Do not set yourself above God. He has commanded our action. He and He alone is the righter of wrongs. Allow His grace to work you through the wrong to true forgiveness. Within yourself you would be unable to do what only God can command and give us the power to obey.
If you don’t forgive then where is the “fruit of the Spirit”? — To display any other type of attitude fails to honor and glorify God. It is SIN! When we try to do it in our own flesh we will fail. The resentment we keep inside can make us physically and emotionally ill – it will affect those we love. This will only serve to separate us from fellowship with God. It impairs our ability to be led by the Holy Spirit.
God’s Word make this truth very clear- if we call ourselves followers of Christ, we have to forgive those whom we feel have done us wrong. What then if the other person refuses our attempt to make things right? That part is not up to us — we can’t force reconciliation, but be sure you have truly attempted with all of your heart and have left no doubt in the other person’s mind of your intentions.
By an act of desire to love Christ and to fulfill His commands to love one another while relying on the power of the indwelling Spirit, we must forgive as Jesus has forgiven us. This means complete forgiveness. Complete restoration of the relationship. This means a willingness to be hurt again and again. Just as Christ has done for us every time we return to Him seeking forgiveness and reconciliation. He doesn’t tell us that after we have proven ourselves and earned His trust that He will fellowship with us again. NO! It is complete forgiveness – strings attached. We are called to this level of forgiveness. This is true forgiveness - it is in an expression of grace. Only then will we understand what it means to have “peace of Christ ruling in our hearts.”
By an act of desire to love Christ and to fulfill His commands to love one another while relying on the power of the indwelling Spirit, we must forgive as Jesus has forgiven us. This means complete forgiveness. Complete restoration of the relationship. This means a willingness to be hurt again and again. Just as Christ has done for us every time we return to Him seeking forgiveness and reconciliation. He doesn’t tell us that after we have proven ourselves and earned His trust that He will fellowship with us again. NO! It is complete forgiveness – strings attached. We are called to this level of forgiveness. This is true forgiveness - it is in an expression of grace. Only then will we understand what it means to have “peace of Christ ruling in our hearts.”
sherman
Saturday, February 21, 2009
The Nature of Love
1 Peter 4:7 The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.8 Above all, akeep fervent in your love for one another, because blove covers a multitude of sins.9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint.
If you are sober (realizing the our unworthiness of the grace we have received - and the serious need of the message we bear) in spirit and having sweet communion with God, then you ought to be looking where that should lead us to - to a love fervent.
The word "fervent," ektenes, means to be stretched, to be strained.
It means intense, strenuous, reaching as far as you can reach to the limit of your capacity. Since you are a Christian and since being a Christian means you love the brethren, "fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again." This is a fundamental Christian truth. He is not speaking a fluffy kind of sentimentalism which some used to call "sloppy agape". Peter is talking about a demanding love. He's talking about an intense love. He is talking about a sacrificial love.
So just how do you accomplish this feat? You first have to get over yourself. You have to be willing to love the unlovely, the unlovable, loving your enemies, loving those who despised you, loving when it seems unreasonable, loving to the point of sacrifice - to where it costs and it hurts. This means loving the unlovable in spite of insult, in spite of injury, in spite of being rejected, in spite of being mistreated and misrepresented.
1 Corinthians 13 puts it this way: "Love is patient, love is kind, is not jealous, love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly, it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things and never fails."
It can take anything from anyone at any time. It believes the best. It hopes for the best. It endures the worst.
Why love the brethren this way? "Because love covers a multitude of sins." Love forgives and forgives and forgives.
Proverbs 10:12. "Hatred stirs up strife but love covers all sins."
Love always hides a multitude of sins. Why did God show mercy to us? Why did God forgive our sins?
Ephesians 2:4-5 "For His great love where with He loved us."
Do you want to live right before God? To be biblically and spiritually minded. To have deep in communion with Christ. Then be so full of overflowing love that you cover sin. This is not speaking of an unrepentant person. But rather we are not to be more anxious to point out sin than we are to cover it over.
Hatred, selfishness both stir up strife. Selfishness will stir up strife. Love will cover up sin in silence.
The whole spirit of this is much bigger than just those we are like, it's embracing the fact that we are to love people outside our normal circle and to do it without grumbling, without murmuring, without begrudging. There is to be overflowing love toward those we don't know, an opening of our heart to them.
What then is the Christian's place in this world? It is to pursue holiness with God, to pursue others with the love of God so that we cover their sins, so that God using us will meet their needs whether they are a friend or stranger.
Colossians 3:14, "Above all things put on love which is the perfect bond of unity."
sherman
Friday, January 16, 2009
The Weightier Matters…
Matthew 23:23 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.
In Matthew 23:23 we find this term, “the weightier matters of the law”. What is meant by this term in the context of the passage? What does this have to do with me or you today?
Let us first look at these terms: justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
Justice: This term refers to dealing with people and situations in a righteous manner. This infers that we are not to take sides or be unduly influenced. We are to deal out judgment in a God fearing manner. If judgment is required one must make sure the punishment fits the crime. Judging things objectively by God’s standards not mans, not trying to life up ourselves at others expense.
Mercy: This term speaks of compassion, kindness, pity, and empathy. The application of justice must be tempered with mercy. Consider the mercy that God has shown to you as you deal with others. Intertwined in acts of mercy is the principle of godly forgiveness. Not based on a person merit but their underserved needs.
Faithfulness: This word relates to our beliefs translated into actions. This is a type of belief that effects and permeates every aspect of your life. It is belief in that what God has shown us in His word and love is far better than the temporal pleasures of this passing world. One who is faithful will act in loving justice and mercy as they serve the risen Lord.
It is of note that the first two words pertain mainly to our relationships toward other people. The last word refers to our relationship to the Holy God. These are the principle foundations of God’s Law. Loving God first and foremost, and then loving your neighbor as yourself.
The religious leaders by their omission of the “weightier matters” were blocking the way to know the Lord. They had created a god of their own making to serve their own interest. The ramifications were staggering on those who sought to know and truly understand God.
Matthew 23:13 " But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from people; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.
These weightier things must be given our full attention. If God considers them of great importance should we not take note? Justice, mercy, and faith are the essential and fundamental characteristics of the servant of God. These have never changed. These principles are as true today as ever
In Luke 11:42 we find a parallel passage. It describes mercy as the love of God.
If you do not show the love of God to those people in your daily life, How can the love of God abide in your heart?
Luke 11: 42 "But woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithe of mint and rue and every kind of garden herb, and yet disregard justice and the love of God; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.
This is a timeless theme throughout God’s word. God’s people will reflect God’s character. It is the mercy of God that saves one from His righteous judgment. It is the faithfulness of God towards us that keeps our salvation from failing.
Micah 6:7 Does the LORD take delight in thousands of rams, In ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my rebellious acts, The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8 He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?
God’s mercy and faithfulness towards the repentant broken sinner is humbling. We deserve God’s righteous judgment, but yet He loved us while we were yet in sin. If you withhold mercy and justice from others, if you walk in the pride of self-righteousness, you as the Pharisees will lead people away from the kingdom of God. You will not only bring judgment and condemnation on yourself but the blood of others will be on your head as well.
Proverbs 22:2 Every man's way is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts. 3 To do righteousness and justice Is desired by the LORD more than sacrifice 4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, The lamp of the wicked, is sin.
Be sure you do not neglect the weightier matters of God’s law. But rather let the hope and love of Christ overflow in your life into the lives of others. Give them the hope of the springs of living water.
John 4:13 Jesus answered and said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; 14ut whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life."
sherman
Matthew 23:23 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.
In Matthew 23:23 we find this term, “the weightier matters of the law”. What is meant by this term in the context of the passage? What does this have to do with me or you today?
Let us first look at these terms: justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
Justice: This term refers to dealing with people and situations in a righteous manner. This infers that we are not to take sides or be unduly influenced. We are to deal out judgment in a God fearing manner. If judgment is required one must make sure the punishment fits the crime. Judging things objectively by God’s standards not mans, not trying to life up ourselves at others expense.
Mercy: This term speaks of compassion, kindness, pity, and empathy. The application of justice must be tempered with mercy. Consider the mercy that God has shown to you as you deal with others. Intertwined in acts of mercy is the principle of godly forgiveness. Not based on a person merit but their underserved needs.
Faithfulness: This word relates to our beliefs translated into actions. This is a type of belief that effects and permeates every aspect of your life. It is belief in that what God has shown us in His word and love is far better than the temporal pleasures of this passing world. One who is faithful will act in loving justice and mercy as they serve the risen Lord.
It is of note that the first two words pertain mainly to our relationships toward other people. The last word refers to our relationship to the Holy God. These are the principle foundations of God’s Law. Loving God first and foremost, and then loving your neighbor as yourself.
The religious leaders by their omission of the “weightier matters” were blocking the way to know the Lord. They had created a god of their own making to serve their own interest. The ramifications were staggering on those who sought to know and truly understand God.
Matthew 23:13 " But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from people; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.
These weightier things must be given our full attention. If God considers them of great importance should we not take note? Justice, mercy, and faith are the essential and fundamental characteristics of the servant of God. These have never changed. These principles are as true today as ever
In Luke 11:42 we find a parallel passage. It describes mercy as the love of God.
If you do not show the love of God to those people in your daily life, How can the love of God abide in your heart?
Luke 11: 42 "But woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithe of mint and rue and every kind of garden herb, and yet disregard justice and the love of God; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.
This is a timeless theme throughout God’s word. God’s people will reflect God’s character. It is the mercy of God that saves one from His righteous judgment. It is the faithfulness of God towards us that keeps our salvation from failing.
Micah 6:7 Does the LORD take delight in thousands of rams, In ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my rebellious acts, The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8 He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?
God’s mercy and faithfulness towards the repentant broken sinner is humbling. We deserve God’s righteous judgment, but yet He loved us while we were yet in sin. If you withhold mercy and justice from others, if you walk in the pride of self-righteousness, you as the Pharisees will lead people away from the kingdom of God. You will not only bring judgment and condemnation on yourself but the blood of others will be on your head as well.
Proverbs 22:2 Every man's way is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts. 3 To do righteousness and justice Is desired by the LORD more than sacrifice 4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, The lamp of the wicked, is sin.
Be sure you do not neglect the weightier matters of God’s law. But rather let the hope and love of Christ overflow in your life into the lives of others. Give them the hope of the springs of living water.
John 4:13 Jesus answered and said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; 14ut whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life."
sherman
Friday, January 02, 2009
But God being rich in mercy… (Part 4)
Ephesians2:4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
We find in Daniel 4:28-37 the story of Nebuchadnezzar. God judged him for his pride and refusal to acknowledge God as the source of his position and power. God placed him into a state anyone would judge as insane. He remained that way until God restored him to his right mind.
In verse 35 he says “And no one can ward off His hand”. This was the most powerful man in the world yet he was unable to control or resist God’s actions. He is sovereign.
What does this have to do with the scripture at hand? Much. This story illustrates the regeneration of Ephesians 2. This is the point. Even when we were dead we were made alive. We couldn’t change our state neither could we resist the change. In much the same manner when Nebuchadnezzar was given back his sanity there is no way he would or could have chosen to go back into his insanity.
But God being rich in mercy…this is the reason behind your salvation if you belong to Christ. Not your superior intellect, your wiser decision making, not your expansive cranial cavity. No it is all of God, nothing from within you.
This doctrine is extremely important. It will affect your view of everything in scripture and in this world. It will either be God centered or man centered. God the Father purposed your salvation from eternity past, the Son accomplished your redemption on the cross validated by His resurrection, and The Holy Spirit has applied that salvation to your soul. Christ died particularly for His elect. And if it is His work it is finished. There is no chance that you can mess it up. This is the real rest that God speaks of in Hebrews 3 and 4.
God’s sovereignty is responsible for your salvation. It is because of His great mercy and compassion exercised toward us. God deserves all of the glory honor and praise for your salvation.
Isaiah 42:8"I am the LORD, that is My name;
I will not give My glory to another,
Nor My praise to graven images.
It doesn’t end there. God brought from death into life for a purpose. We
are not saved by any good works even those God has prepared for us in
eternity past [Ephesians 2:10]. This is all the work of God.
You do not have to understand God’s sovereignty to get saved. But
afterwards looking back at the how and why it certainly puts a different
perspective on the act of salvation unto eternal life.
Now go forth and do these good works that God has prepared for you. It
is to share the love of God with others. The Holy Spirit is shed aboard
in our hearts not so that we can keep it to our selves. God always uses
means to accomplish His sovereign will. The question really is will you
obey God and live a life that brings glory and honor to His name? His
will is accomplished with or without our cooperation. Where man rules
God overrules!
Ephesians2:4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
We find in Daniel 4:28-37 the story of Nebuchadnezzar. God judged him for his pride and refusal to acknowledge God as the source of his position and power. God placed him into a state anyone would judge as insane. He remained that way until God restored him to his right mind.
In verse 35 he says “And no one can ward off His hand”. This was the most powerful man in the world yet he was unable to control or resist God’s actions. He is sovereign.
What does this have to do with the scripture at hand? Much. This story illustrates the regeneration of Ephesians 2. This is the point. Even when we were dead we were made alive. We couldn’t change our state neither could we resist the change. In much the same manner when Nebuchadnezzar was given back his sanity there is no way he would or could have chosen to go back into his insanity.
But God being rich in mercy…this is the reason behind your salvation if you belong to Christ. Not your superior intellect, your wiser decision making, not your expansive cranial cavity. No it is all of God, nothing from within you.
This doctrine is extremely important. It will affect your view of everything in scripture and in this world. It will either be God centered or man centered. God the Father purposed your salvation from eternity past, the Son accomplished your redemption on the cross validated by His resurrection, and The Holy Spirit has applied that salvation to your soul. Christ died particularly for His elect. And if it is His work it is finished. There is no chance that you can mess it up. This is the real rest that God speaks of in Hebrews 3 and 4.
God’s sovereignty is responsible for your salvation. It is because of His great mercy and compassion exercised toward us. God deserves all of the glory honor and praise for your salvation.
Isaiah 42:8"I am the LORD, that is My name;
I will not give My glory to another,
Nor My praise to graven images.
It doesn’t end there. God brought from death into life for a purpose. We
are not saved by any good works even those God has prepared for us in
eternity past [Ephesians 2:10]. This is all the work of God.
You do not have to understand God’s sovereignty to get saved. But
afterwards looking back at the how and why it certainly puts a different
perspective on the act of salvation unto eternal life.
Now go forth and do these good works that God has prepared for you. It
is to share the love of God with others. The Holy Spirit is shed aboard
in our hearts not so that we can keep it to our selves. God always uses
means to accomplish His sovereign will. The question really is will you
obey God and live a life that brings glory and honor to His name? His
will is accomplished with or without our cooperation. Where man rules
God overrules!
sherman
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