J.A. Matteson
The Apostle Peter noted that love covers a multitude of sins. It is by the redemptive work of grace that sinners come under conviction for sin, "I am the least of the Apostles...." (1 Cor. 15:9). God is love, and the sweetness of conviction and the subsequent awareness of forgiveness manifests a profound sense of gratitude. Yet grace is exceedingly abundant in its extent and application, none are beyond its reach. How is it that a persecutor of the Way becomes a champion of it? Does a man, unassisted by grace, come to his senses by considering its claims and evidence, therefore declaring, "Why did I not see it before?" The Pelagian's think so. Yet Paul was not musing the evidences in order to embrace them; rather, he sat upon a beast of burden enroute to Damascus contemplating the misery to befall his first victim. What happened to Paul? God intervened, and when He shows up a man is never the same. Let us give thanks for His grace in calling us into His marvelous light in which we stand.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Monday, April 30, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Which Jesus?
J.A. Matteson
It is fashionable in our day for many within evangelicalism to view doctrine with contempt, "Doctrine divides," they say, "let's just love Jesus." What did Paul say to the church at Corinth?...."By which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you" (1 Cor. 15:2). To Paul the content of his teaching mattered. If we accept the premise of merely "loving Jesus" as the basis of our fellowship we must then ask, which Jesus? The Jesus of the Gnostic's? The Jesus of Islam? The Jesus of the Jehovah's Witnesses? The Jesus of the Mormon's? The Jesus of the New Age movement? The Jesus of the seclarist? Which Jesus are we speaking of? By formulating an answer to the question we are now engaged in doctrine. So doctrine actually unites, serving as the basis of our common faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3). Blessed be the Name of the King immortal who protects His sheep from falsehood by leading them into all truth.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
It is fashionable in our day for many within evangelicalism to view doctrine with contempt, "Doctrine divides," they say, "let's just love Jesus." What did Paul say to the church at Corinth?...."By which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you" (1 Cor. 15:2). To Paul the content of his teaching mattered. If we accept the premise of merely "loving Jesus" as the basis of our fellowship we must then ask, which Jesus? The Jesus of the Gnostic's? The Jesus of Islam? The Jesus of the Jehovah's Witnesses? The Jesus of the Mormon's? The Jesus of the New Age movement? The Jesus of the seclarist? Which Jesus are we speaking of? By formulating an answer to the question we are now engaged in doctrine. So doctrine actually unites, serving as the basis of our common faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3). Blessed be the Name of the King immortal who protects His sheep from falsehood by leading them into all truth.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Telling the Story
J.A. Matteson
In the normal course of time it is not unusual for believers to have their attention diverted away from the simple and beautiful truth of the Gospel by which they were saved in exchange for a fascination with secondary non-salvific issues, "Now I make know to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you...." (1 Cor. 15:1). Western society is influenced by Greek culture in that it tends to reduce truth to propositional statements. The Hebrew culture by contrast assumed a wholistic stance to communicate truth, generally in story form from one generation to the next. How did Paul tell the story of the Man from Galille? He began with the advent of Messiah through the incarnation, Emmanuel, God with us. He related the sinless life of Christ and how He went about doing good and proclaiming the kingdom of God. He spoke of His passion and sufferings on the cross. He boldly declared His triumph over death and resurrection. And He spoke of His Church andits mission in the world until His return and the end of the present age. In short, it is clear the Gospel took a bit of explanation and was not reduced to a few pithy sound bites. If we can relate the message of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation in story form we are close to replicating Paul's approach to preaching. To the praise of His holy Name.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
In the normal course of time it is not unusual for believers to have their attention diverted away from the simple and beautiful truth of the Gospel by which they were saved in exchange for a fascination with secondary non-salvific issues, "Now I make know to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you...." (1 Cor. 15:1). Western society is influenced by Greek culture in that it tends to reduce truth to propositional statements. The Hebrew culture by contrast assumed a wholistic stance to communicate truth, generally in story form from one generation to the next. How did Paul tell the story of the Man from Galille? He began with the advent of Messiah through the incarnation, Emmanuel, God with us. He related the sinless life of Christ and how He went about doing good and proclaiming the kingdom of God. He spoke of His passion and sufferings on the cross. He boldly declared His triumph over death and resurrection. And He spoke of His Church andits mission in the world until His return and the end of the present age. In short, it is clear the Gospel took a bit of explanation and was not reduced to a few pithy sound bites. If we can relate the message of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation in story form we are close to replicating Paul's approach to preaching. To the praise of His holy Name.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Friday, April 20, 2012
God is Able
J.A. Matteson
(Devotional)
"And Jesus said to the centurion, 'Go, it shall be done for you as you have believed" (Matthew 8:13). On what basis was the centurions servant healed, was it the man acknowledging Jesus' authority over sickness and His ability to heal, or did he think of faith as a force whereby Jesus was obligated to heal in response to his request? If the later, who is the sovereign? The centurion by no means presumed Jesus would heal but that He possessed the ability to heal if He chose, "...just say the word, and my servant will be healed." Some today teach that Jesus was obligated to heal in response to the mans request. That position nullifies the sovereignty of God and distorts the object of faith. That God is able to perform that which we request is far different than God being obligated by our asking.Those who hold to the later ultimately place their faith in their faith, not in God, making faith a mighty force and placing God in a subservient position to their desires; they deify man and humanize God. That is not a biblical description of faith, rather it is metaphysics on a par with New Age teaching. Make your requests to God subject to His grace and wisdom, "LORD not my will, but Your will be done." To God alone be the glory.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
(Devotional)
"And Jesus said to the centurion, 'Go, it shall be done for you as you have believed" (Matthew 8:13). On what basis was the centurions servant healed, was it the man acknowledging Jesus' authority over sickness and His ability to heal, or did he think of faith as a force whereby Jesus was obligated to heal in response to his request? If the later, who is the sovereign? The centurion by no means presumed Jesus would heal but that He possessed the ability to heal if He chose, "...just say the word, and my servant will be healed." Some today teach that Jesus was obligated to heal in response to the mans request. That position nullifies the sovereignty of God and distorts the object of faith. That God is able to perform that which we request is far different than God being obligated by our asking.Those who hold to the later ultimately place their faith in their faith, not in God, making faith a mighty force and placing God in a subservient position to their desires; they deify man and humanize God. That is not a biblical description of faith, rather it is metaphysics on a par with New Age teaching. Make your requests to God subject to His grace and wisdom, "LORD not my will, but Your will be done." To God alone be the glory.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Trust in Him
J.A. Matteson
(Devotional)
Some trust in government. Some trust in friends. Some trust in family. Some trust in coworkers. Some trust in institutions. Some trust in their good health. Some trust in their abilities. Some trust in advisors. Some trust in their bank account. Some trust in themselves. Some trust in fate. Some trust in an unknown future. Some trust in a spouse. Some trust in the odds favoring them. Some trust in the human spirit. Some trust in hard work. Some trust in optimism. Some trust in the military. Some trust in public servants. Some trust in Jesus Christ, "O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in You!" (Psalm 84:12). At some point all will fall short and disappoint, except Jesus Christ, Who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Those who trust in Him will never be disappointed. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
(Devotional)
Some trust in government. Some trust in friends. Some trust in family. Some trust in coworkers. Some trust in institutions. Some trust in their good health. Some trust in their abilities. Some trust in advisors. Some trust in their bank account. Some trust in themselves. Some trust in fate. Some trust in an unknown future. Some trust in a spouse. Some trust in the odds favoring them. Some trust in the human spirit. Some trust in hard work. Some trust in optimism. Some trust in the military. Some trust in public servants. Some trust in Jesus Christ, "O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in You!" (Psalm 84:12). At some point all will fall short and disappoint, except Jesus Christ, Who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Those who trust in Him will never be disappointed. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Monday, April 16, 2012
The Gospel of Grace
J.A. Matteson
(Devotional)
Religion insists upon prerequisites to establish righteousness before God. The Gospel of grace turns all such arrogance on its head, "...for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham" (Matthew 3:9). Religion dictates terms and conditions for salvation, grace obliterates human striving, replacing it with divine initiative, "And I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them. And I will take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh...." (Ezekiel 11:19). The religious elite where greatly offended at John's assertion that the kingdom of God was open to the Gentiles and that their admission was being initiated by God in response to the unbelief of His covenant people to come to Him by faith and not in their vain efforts of self righteousness in attempting to keep the Law. The work of grace is recognized by humility whereas pride results in judgement.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
(Devotional)
Religion insists upon prerequisites to establish righteousness before God. The Gospel of grace turns all such arrogance on its head, "...for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham" (Matthew 3:9). Religion dictates terms and conditions for salvation, grace obliterates human striving, replacing it with divine initiative, "And I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them. And I will take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh...." (Ezekiel 11:19). The religious elite where greatly offended at John's assertion that the kingdom of God was open to the Gentiles and that their admission was being initiated by God in response to the unbelief of His covenant people to come to Him by faith and not in their vain efforts of self righteousness in attempting to keep the Law. The work of grace is recognized by humility whereas pride results in judgement.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Confidently Advance
J.A. Matteson
(Devotional)
Faith perceives the reality of what is unseen by trusting in the promises and character of Him who calls. "Come and let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; perhaps the LORD will work for us, for the LORD is not restrained to save by many or few" (1 Samuel 14:6). The servant of the LORD may confidently advance when He directs, irrespective of rational indications to the contrary. For the LORD delights in delivering His children when they are weakest, for in those moments His presence is most notably recognized to the praise of His Name. Are you confronted with the impossible according to your resources? Confirm it is the LORD directing you to advance. If it is not stop immediately. If it is He you may continue confidently irrespective of appearances. His deliverance will be self evident. To Him who is able to do exceedingly more than we can imagine, be the glory and honor and majesty for ever and ever. Amen
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
(Devotional)
Faith perceives the reality of what is unseen by trusting in the promises and character of Him who calls. "Come and let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; perhaps the LORD will work for us, for the LORD is not restrained to save by many or few" (1 Samuel 14:6). The servant of the LORD may confidently advance when He directs, irrespective of rational indications to the contrary. For the LORD delights in delivering His children when they are weakest, for in those moments His presence is most notably recognized to the praise of His Name. Are you confronted with the impossible according to your resources? Confirm it is the LORD directing you to advance. If it is not stop immediately. If it is He you may continue confidently irrespective of appearances. His deliverance will be self evident. To Him who is able to do exceedingly more than we can imagine, be the glory and honor and majesty for ever and ever. Amen
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Pass the Test
J.A. Matteson
(Devotional)
The LORD tests His people through providences to reveal the nature of their faith. "Because I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the appointed days, and that the Philestines were assembling...." (1 Samuel 13:11). Saul walked by sight and not by faith. He employed situational ethics where the means justified the ends. Note that he assessed reality by what he saw (three times) rather than perceiving the reality of a divine test unfolding before him. He failed the test. Beware of providences that entice you to trust in yourself and not God, you are being tested. The LORD is seeking to know if you will come to Him or bypass His counsel to establish your own providences. Resist the temptation to judge reality by what you see. Rather, confirm Gods activity in your providences by inquiring of Him so that you might pass the test.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
(Devotional)
The LORD tests His people through providences to reveal the nature of their faith. "Because I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the appointed days, and that the Philestines were assembling...." (1 Samuel 13:11). Saul walked by sight and not by faith. He employed situational ethics where the means justified the ends. Note that he assessed reality by what he saw (three times) rather than perceiving the reality of a divine test unfolding before him. He failed the test. Beware of providences that entice you to trust in yourself and not God, you are being tested. The LORD is seeking to know if you will come to Him or bypass His counsel to establish your own providences. Resist the temptation to judge reality by what you see. Rather, confirm Gods activity in your providences by inquiring of Him so that you might pass the test.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
The Epitome of Folly
J.A. Matteson
(Devotional)
From the beginning it has been the tendency of a fallen race to trust in what is seen and doubt that which is invisible. I AM is Spirit, thus trusting and following Him is a spiritual endeavor. "No, but there shall be a king over us, that we may be like all nations, that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight out battles" (1 Samuel 8:19-20). Rank unbelief characterized Israel at this low point in the nations history. Forgetting God's prior deliverance and miracles their hearts ached for a man to protect and lead them. Displeased, the LORD allowed distress to come upon the nation. Trusting in anyone or anything other than the LORD is the epitome of folly, for He is our strength, our fortress, our wisdom and sure foundation. While invisible His presence is real. While visible the a fallen mans ability to exalt Gods people is fantasy.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
(Devotional)
From the beginning it has been the tendency of a fallen race to trust in what is seen and doubt that which is invisible. I AM is Spirit, thus trusting and following Him is a spiritual endeavor. "No, but there shall be a king over us, that we may be like all nations, that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight out battles" (1 Samuel 8:19-20). Rank unbelief characterized Israel at this low point in the nations history. Forgetting God's prior deliverance and miracles their hearts ached for a man to protect and lead them. Displeased, the LORD allowed distress to come upon the nation. Trusting in anyone or anything other than the LORD is the epitome of folly, for He is our strength, our fortress, our wisdom and sure foundation. While invisible His presence is real. While visible the a fallen mans ability to exalt Gods people is fantasy.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Monday, April 9, 2012
Single Minded Compulsion
J.A. Matteson
(Devotional)
There are, perhaps, an infinite variety of ends to which the sons of Adam may live their lives. Not so for the heirs of salvation, theirs is a single minded compulsion to live and proclaim the excellencies of Him whose mercies are everlasting from generation to generation, "And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, and your power to all who are to come" (Psalm 71:18). What more can a man do for those who will continue upon the earth after he departs than to direct their hearts to the LORD of their existence, to counsel them that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and that any other foundation is sinking sand? Oh LORD, empower and direct Your people today in proclaiming Your kingdom and righteousness. To the praise of Your wondrous Name.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
(Devotional)
There are, perhaps, an infinite variety of ends to which the sons of Adam may live their lives. Not so for the heirs of salvation, theirs is a single minded compulsion to live and proclaim the excellencies of Him whose mercies are everlasting from generation to generation, "And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, and your power to all who are to come" (Psalm 71:18). What more can a man do for those who will continue upon the earth after he departs than to direct their hearts to the LORD of their existence, to counsel them that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and that any other foundation is sinking sand? Oh LORD, empower and direct Your people today in proclaiming Your kingdom and righteousness. To the praise of Your wondrous Name.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Sunday, April 8, 2012
"I Tried Jesus"
J.A. Matteson
(Devotional)
What do people expect from Jesus? What type of Savior is He? A week earlier the same group of people were heralding Him by shouting "Hosanna!" But one week later we read..."Pilate said to them, 'Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?' They all said, "Crucify Him!" (Matthew 27:22). What happened? They had a false understanding of the Christ...one not from Scripture. He did not meet their expectations, He let them down, so their disappointment turned to rage. They had not read or understood that Messiah would save His people from their sin, not from Roman occupation. These people were not interested in eternal salvation, but from being free of the temporal domination of Ceasar. Today the same reaction to Jesus can be expected whenever a different gospel, a false gospel, is preached, one other than that found in the Bible. Jesus did not die to ensure a better paying job, a happier marriage, good health, or an easy life. Those who come to Him on those terms, who think He did, will soon be disappointed and turn on Him, and in their hearts cry out, "Crucify Him!" Jesus came to save His people from their sin, not their felt needs. The hardest people to reach with the true Gospel are those who believed a false one, for they respond to the real Gospel with, "I tried Jesus and He did not work for me." May God have mercy on those who have misled people. Preach the kingdom of God and repentance from dead works, proclaim guilt before a Holy God in breaking His Law and the certainty of judgment and Hell for those who reject His vicarious atonement on their behalf; then behold the power of God to bring sinners to faith and repentance, resulting in the salvation of their souls. To God be the glory.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
(Devotional)
What do people expect from Jesus? What type of Savior is He? A week earlier the same group of people were heralding Him by shouting "Hosanna!" But one week later we read..."Pilate said to them, 'Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?' They all said, "Crucify Him!" (Matthew 27:22). What happened? They had a false understanding of the Christ...one not from Scripture. He did not meet their expectations, He let them down, so their disappointment turned to rage. They had not read or understood that Messiah would save His people from their sin, not from Roman occupation. These people were not interested in eternal salvation, but from being free of the temporal domination of Ceasar. Today the same reaction to Jesus can be expected whenever a different gospel, a false gospel, is preached, one other than that found in the Bible. Jesus did not die to ensure a better paying job, a happier marriage, good health, or an easy life. Those who come to Him on those terms, who think He did, will soon be disappointed and turn on Him, and in their hearts cry out, "Crucify Him!" Jesus came to save His people from their sin, not their felt needs. The hardest people to reach with the true Gospel are those who believed a false one, for they respond to the real Gospel with, "I tried Jesus and He did not work for me." May God have mercy on those who have misled people. Preach the kingdom of God and repentance from dead works, proclaim guilt before a Holy God in breaking His Law and the certainty of judgment and Hell for those who reject His vicarious atonement on their behalf; then behold the power of God to bring sinners to faith and repentance, resulting in the salvation of their souls. To God be the glory.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Thanks Be To God
J.A. Matteson
(Devotional)
"Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed" (John 20:29). Was it seeing and touching the risen Christ that prompted the response by Thomas, "My Lord and my God!"? (John 20:28). Is seeing believing? If that is true then all people who saw would have believed...but they did not. Others saw the risen LORD yet did not believe. Even Jesus made a telling statement about the rich man suffering judgment after he died, "If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead" (Luke 16:31). How is it then Thomas moved from unbelief to belief? The Word of Life brought it forth, "...do not be unbelieving, but believing" (John 20:27). For this reason Jesus informs that seeing is not necessary for faith...grace is. What is needed is the mercy of God to open blind eyes and melt hearts of stone. And Thomas would soon learn that he was not only blessed of God to believe but to suffer for His names sake, "For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake" (Philippians 1:29). This statement by Paul finds agreement with Jesus who also said, "...no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father" (John 6:65). So Thomas believed as it had been granted for him to do so. And you believe, like Thomas, as a result of grace. Amazing grace indeed! I once was blind but now I see. Thanks be to God. Happy Resurrection Day!
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
(Devotional)
"Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed" (John 20:29). Was it seeing and touching the risen Christ that prompted the response by Thomas, "My Lord and my God!"? (John 20:28). Is seeing believing? If that is true then all people who saw would have believed...but they did not. Others saw the risen LORD yet did not believe. Even Jesus made a telling statement about the rich man suffering judgment after he died, "If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead" (Luke 16:31). How is it then Thomas moved from unbelief to belief? The Word of Life brought it forth, "...do not be unbelieving, but believing" (John 20:27). For this reason Jesus informs that seeing is not necessary for faith...grace is. What is needed is the mercy of God to open blind eyes and melt hearts of stone. And Thomas would soon learn that he was not only blessed of God to believe but to suffer for His names sake, "For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake" (Philippians 1:29). This statement by Paul finds agreement with Jesus who also said, "...no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father" (John 6:65). So Thomas believed as it had been granted for him to do so. And you believe, like Thomas, as a result of grace. Amazing grace indeed! I once was blind but now I see. Thanks be to God. Happy Resurrection Day!
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Thursday, April 5, 2012
An Earnest
J.A. Matteson
(Devotional)
The eye of the LORD is fixed upon His people. His purposes concerning them are eternal, His Spirit given as an earnest of the glory to be revealed in them. "Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a pledge" (2 Cor. 5:5). The sons of Adam dread mortality, vainly pursuing ends to forestall their inevitable demise. The children of promise earnestly seek to put off that which is mortal so that that which is eternal may have supremacy. Strange in the eyes of the world are the heirs of the King who fear not death, knowing that the victory is theirs in Christ Jesus who raised and will raise them to everlasting life. To He who is able to keep you until that day be the glory and the honor and power. Amen
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
(Devotional)
The eye of the LORD is fixed upon His people. His purposes concerning them are eternal, His Spirit given as an earnest of the glory to be revealed in them. "Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a pledge" (2 Cor. 5:5). The sons of Adam dread mortality, vainly pursuing ends to forestall their inevitable demise. The children of promise earnestly seek to put off that which is mortal so that that which is eternal may have supremacy. Strange in the eyes of the world are the heirs of the King who fear not death, knowing that the victory is theirs in Christ Jesus who raised and will raise them to everlasting life. To He who is able to keep you until that day be the glory and the honor and power. Amen
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Faith is Dawned
J.A. Matteson
(Devotional)
Are we marveling daily at the power of God in our spiritual rebirth? "For God, who said, 'Light shall shine out of darkness,' is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ" (2 Cor. 4:6). He is the One who brings forth that which was not, light out of darkness, faith out of unbelief, life out of death. We are His workmanship and the product of His purposes in Christ Jesus. The god of this world holds captive the sons of Adam in darkness and unbelief. Only the power of God can release the captives to in turn be led captive by the Savior of their souls. And this is not the result of their doing, but of His grace. In a moment, in the blinking of an eye the veil is removed, and faith is dawned. Rejoice at the miracle of faith, brethren, beloved of the Father, led by the Spirit, joined to the Son. Precious and imperishable is Gods gift to you. Thank Him for it. Again I say rejoice!
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
(Devotional)
Are we marveling daily at the power of God in our spiritual rebirth? "For God, who said, 'Light shall shine out of darkness,' is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ" (2 Cor. 4:6). He is the One who brings forth that which was not, light out of darkness, faith out of unbelief, life out of death. We are His workmanship and the product of His purposes in Christ Jesus. The god of this world holds captive the sons of Adam in darkness and unbelief. Only the power of God can release the captives to in turn be led captive by the Savior of their souls. And this is not the result of their doing, but of His grace. In a moment, in the blinking of an eye the veil is removed, and faith is dawned. Rejoice at the miracle of faith, brethren, beloved of the Father, led by the Spirit, joined to the Son. Precious and imperishable is Gods gift to you. Thank Him for it. Again I say rejoice!
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
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