J.A. Matteson
A great lamentation is heard across the land; evil prospers. "When the righteous increase, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan" (Prov. 29:2). The hand of tyranny knows many faces, and the foundation of freedom is the right to be left alone. The LORD hears the cry of His people from heaven. Where is righteousness and why do the wicked prosper? How is it men of deceitful intent flourish? The LORD of Hosts with a mighty hand delivers His people, He is their trust and bulwark. The wicked look to idols and feeble men for salvation; the righteous to the God of heaven and earth. Seek the LORD while He may be found; humble your heart before I Am and He will lift you up; denounce every wicked way and implore His great mercy. Then perhaps the graciousness of the LORD will shine upon you and give you peace. Deliver Your people, O LORD, our hope and salvation. The LORD is good and His lovingkindness endures forever. The wicked wither and perish, but the Word of our God endures from generation to generation. Trust not in the implements of men; consider Him who spoke worlds into existence. With a mighty hand He delivers His people who put their trust in Him. Praise the LORD!
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Friday, June 29, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Counter-Cultural
J.A. Matteson
Many young Americans who came of age in the 1960's have been been labeled by sociologists as the counter-cultural generation. And yet debauchery and lawlessness resulting from sin yields bitter fruit. There is a counter-cultural lifestyle that is pleasing to God but despised by the world; viz, obedience to Jesus Christ. "Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Tim. 3:12). Rejected by the world is the Way of salvation which is narrow and exclusive. Rejected by the world is the biblical premise that all men are inherently evil and not good. Rejected by the world is absolute truth and righteousness found in none other than Jesus Christ. Rejected by the world is God's condemnation of sin and the vices that hold prisoner men of depraved mind. Rejected by the world is God's ambassador of good news, for the light of the Gospel reveals sin which the stiff necked resent, persecuting the messenger of salvation. May the saints of God in this generation be unwavering, salt and light as counter-cultural revolutionaries, useful tools in the hands of the King of glory, Christ Jesus.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Many young Americans who came of age in the 1960's have been been labeled by sociologists as the counter-cultural generation. And yet debauchery and lawlessness resulting from sin yields bitter fruit. There is a counter-cultural lifestyle that is pleasing to God but despised by the world; viz, obedience to Jesus Christ. "Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Tim. 3:12). Rejected by the world is the Way of salvation which is narrow and exclusive. Rejected by the world is the biblical premise that all men are inherently evil and not good. Rejected by the world is absolute truth and righteousness found in none other than Jesus Christ. Rejected by the world is God's condemnation of sin and the vices that hold prisoner men of depraved mind. Rejected by the world is God's ambassador of good news, for the light of the Gospel reveals sin which the stiff necked resent, persecuting the messenger of salvation. May the saints of God in this generation be unwavering, salt and light as counter-cultural revolutionaries, useful tools in the hands of the King of glory, Christ Jesus.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Friday, June 22, 2012
A Delightful Sacrifice
In our fast paced mechanized world saturated with mental distractions, devoting regular time to be still before the LORD in prayer requires effort. And all too frequently when that time is prioritized, our minds, accustomed to racing about from thought to thought, struggle to be still so that we might hear. "Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving" (Col. 4:2). Notwithstanding the benefits of stillness before the LORD, developing an awareness of His providential presence in all things and places yields immeasurable delights. Submitting our daily circumstances to the providential love of the Father teaches trust, and the fruit of trust is inner peace. Inquiring of the LORD in the midst of seamless providences is prayer without ceasing and a delightful sacrifice before the LORD. While cherished moments of silence upon the mount may be fleeting, practicing the presence of the Lord Jesus throughout the day is the Christians privilege and joy. To each providence the child of God may earnestly inquire, "Lord, what have we here?" With thanksgiving make your requests known throughout the day and watch for God's answer in your providences. And at the end of the day, regardless of outcomes, give thanks, knowing that the Lords will for your life has been fulfilled.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Stand Firm
J.A. Matteson
The bond-servant of the LORD invites trouble in response to his obedience, "I have been very zealous for the LORD...and they seek my life, to take it away" (1 Kings 19:10). As with all servants of the LORD, Elijah experienced his greatest opposition after his greatest exploit: humiliating and destroying the false prophets of Baal. The LORD is well pleased with servants who on principle remain unwavering in the face of intense opposition, even unto death, if it glorifies the name of the LORD. There never has been nor will be an effective servant of the LORD who does not face intense rejection, "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me...for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matt. 5:11-12). On the contrary, "Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers used to treat the false prophets in the same way" (Luke 6:26). The message of the cross is scandalous and destroys self-esteem, therefore wicked men hate it and go to great lengths to silence God's messengers. But to the called it is the sweetness of honey. To this end the servants of the LORD labor, "Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory" (2 Tim. 2:10). Stand firm, therefore, in the name of time LORD, receiving your praise from Him and not from men. Soli Deo Gloria
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
The bond-servant of the LORD invites trouble in response to his obedience, "I have been very zealous for the LORD...and they seek my life, to take it away" (1 Kings 19:10). As with all servants of the LORD, Elijah experienced his greatest opposition after his greatest exploit: humiliating and destroying the false prophets of Baal. The LORD is well pleased with servants who on principle remain unwavering in the face of intense opposition, even unto death, if it glorifies the name of the LORD. There never has been nor will be an effective servant of the LORD who does not face intense rejection, "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me...for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matt. 5:11-12). On the contrary, "Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers used to treat the false prophets in the same way" (Luke 6:26). The message of the cross is scandalous and destroys self-esteem, therefore wicked men hate it and go to great lengths to silence God's messengers. But to the called it is the sweetness of honey. To this end the servants of the LORD labor, "Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory" (2 Tim. 2:10). Stand firm, therefore, in the name of time LORD, receiving your praise from Him and not from men. Soli Deo Gloria
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Friday, June 15, 2012
Faith Bears Witness
J.A. Matteson
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). The word "evidence" may also be translated as verification or proof. Faith is an inner assurance. Faith perseveres when rational common sense outcomes appear impossible. Faith is also the verification or proof to the unbelieving world of what is unseen; namely, the kingdom of God, "Truly, truly I say unto you that unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). To see or perceive the invisible kingdom requires faith, but unless one is first born again faith remains absent. Faith itself is the gift of God and is of grace, it cannot be merited. Faith expressed before the world is the proof or validation of the Holy Spirit's work of regeneration which is invisible, although His effect is recognized as faith, "The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit" (John 3:8). So faith bears witness in two directions to the reality of the kingdom of God: to the Christian by the indwelling Spirit, and to the world by the Christians witness. Soli Deo Gloria
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). The word "evidence" may also be translated as verification or proof. Faith is an inner assurance. Faith perseveres when rational common sense outcomes appear impossible. Faith is also the verification or proof to the unbelieving world of what is unseen; namely, the kingdom of God, "Truly, truly I say unto you that unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). To see or perceive the invisible kingdom requires faith, but unless one is first born again faith remains absent. Faith itself is the gift of God and is of grace, it cannot be merited. Faith expressed before the world is the proof or validation of the Holy Spirit's work of regeneration which is invisible, although His effect is recognized as faith, "The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit" (John 3:8). So faith bears witness in two directions to the reality of the kingdom of God: to the Christian by the indwelling Spirit, and to the world by the Christians witness. Soli Deo Gloria
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Thursday, June 14, 2012
His Workmanship
J.A. Matteson
God watches the path of each person over their lifetime. When all is said and done one of two epitaph's will serve to define a persons life and could serve as a fitting tombstone marking, "[name] did evil in the sight of the LORD", or "[name] did what was right in the sight of the LORD" (1 Kings 14:22; 15:11). Justification is through faith where God's righteousness is imputed by grace. And the hallmark of regeneration by the Spirit is a disposition inclined toward obedience to the LORD, to be and to do those things that are pleasing in His sight, "To those...who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ...." (1 Pet. 1:1-2). Without faith it is impossible to please Him, and apart from the work of the Spirit faith is impossible. The epitaph upon our tombstone is ours to determine. If our hearts desire is to please the LORD in all things as evidenced by a life of obedience our epitaph will be the consumation of the Spirit's work within. For as the Apostle says, "We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them" (Eph. 2:10). Soli Deo Gloria
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
God watches the path of each person over their lifetime. When all is said and done one of two epitaph's will serve to define a persons life and could serve as a fitting tombstone marking, "[name] did evil in the sight of the LORD", or "[name] did what was right in the sight of the LORD" (1 Kings 14:22; 15:11). Justification is through faith where God's righteousness is imputed by grace. And the hallmark of regeneration by the Spirit is a disposition inclined toward obedience to the LORD, to be and to do those things that are pleasing in His sight, "To those...who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ...." (1 Pet. 1:1-2). Without faith it is impossible to please Him, and apart from the work of the Spirit faith is impossible. The epitaph upon our tombstone is ours to determine. If our hearts desire is to please the LORD in all things as evidenced by a life of obedience our epitaph will be the consumation of the Spirit's work within. For as the Apostle says, "We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them" (Eph. 2:10). Soli Deo Gloria
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Inexpressible Joy
J.A. Matteson
Nothing on earth ought to captivate the imagination of a saint more earnestly than the reality of his/her name being recorded in heaven. "Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:20). That the recording existed in the heart of God in eternity past gives one humble pause, for the recording preceded the physical existence of the individual, being independent of the life experiences and deeds that will define it. For the child of God this reality is a source of inexpressible joy, for regardless of the circumstances of life the unyielding truth of his/her calling, justification, sanctification and glorification can not be altered. How marvelous is the love of the Father toward His people who are redeemed and kept by His life giving and sustaining power that is at work in them, "who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Pet. 1:5). This is the perseverance of the saints, those whose names are written in heaven. Soli Deo Gloria
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Nothing on earth ought to captivate the imagination of a saint more earnestly than the reality of his/her name being recorded in heaven. "Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:20). That the recording existed in the heart of God in eternity past gives one humble pause, for the recording preceded the physical existence of the individual, being independent of the life experiences and deeds that will define it. For the child of God this reality is a source of inexpressible joy, for regardless of the circumstances of life the unyielding truth of his/her calling, justification, sanctification and glorification can not be altered. How marvelous is the love of the Father toward His people who are redeemed and kept by His life giving and sustaining power that is at work in them, "who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Pet. 1:5). This is the perseverance of the saints, those whose names are written in heaven. Soli Deo Gloria
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Friday, June 1, 2012
Grace
J.A. Matteson
"...those who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness will reign in life...." (Rom. 5:17). In our daily experience we receive in two ways, actively and passively. Receiving a blow to the head in sports is passive. Receiving a Christmas gift is active. Grace is God's unmerited favor, we do not reach out and take hold of it as it is merely bestowed whether we appreciate it or not. As the Word says the rain falls on the just and unjust alike. The apostle also notes that we passively receive the gift of righteousness. How are we made righteous before God? Faith. Faith is the opposite side of the same coin of grace. In order for faith to be expressed we must first be the recipients of grace, the predicate in the apostles statement. As the Word says we love Him because He first loved us. Amazing grace indeed! We once were blind but now we see. Every blind man Jesus healed was a passive recipient of grace. Certainly the replacement of our heart of stone with a believing heart of flesh is no less a miracle of grace. Soli deo Gloria
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
"...those who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness will reign in life...." (Rom. 5:17). In our daily experience we receive in two ways, actively and passively. Receiving a blow to the head in sports is passive. Receiving a Christmas gift is active. Grace is God's unmerited favor, we do not reach out and take hold of it as it is merely bestowed whether we appreciate it or not. As the Word says the rain falls on the just and unjust alike. The apostle also notes that we passively receive the gift of righteousness. How are we made righteous before God? Faith. Faith is the opposite side of the same coin of grace. In order for faith to be expressed we must first be the recipients of grace, the predicate in the apostles statement. As the Word says we love Him because He first loved us. Amazing grace indeed! We once were blind but now we see. Every blind man Jesus healed was a passive recipient of grace. Certainly the replacement of our heart of stone with a believing heart of flesh is no less a miracle of grace. Soli deo Gloria
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
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