J.A. Matteson
Faithful ambassadors neither add to nor subtract from the message entrusted to them. Ambassadors of state often put their necks on the line when recipients of the message are hostile to it. Ambassadors often suffer the brunt of rejection on behalf of the sovereign they represent. "As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord" (James 5:10). Pluralism and secularism are not friendly toward ambassadors of Jesus Christ. For ambassadors deliver a message of propositional truth, a divine ultimatum of an impending day of judgment for sin. The message of Christ's ambassadors is both dire and hopeful. It is unconcerned with bolstering self esteem; rather, it obliterates it. It is not mindful of political correctness; to the contrary, its fidelity to truth is antithetical to the whims of cultural acceptance. Indeed, the foreign origin of the cross is so repugnant to sinners that its acceptance is soley dependant upon grace. Blessed are those who believe the gospel, for they are the true children of Abraham according to the promise, displaying the righteousness of God, that imputed by faith. Therefore, let the ambassadors of Christ deliver the pure message of the cross without alteration. For it is His message, empowered by the Spirit that saves, and it is not dependant on the eloquence of the messenger. To the praise of His glory.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Saturday, September 1, 2012
All Power and Authority
J.A. Matteson
A notable hush filled the sanctuary of heaven as the elders paused in anticipation of the One worthy to open the book closed up with seven seals. "Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, 'Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing'" (Rev. 5:12). Enduring His humiliation on the cross the Son of God is exalted to supremacy. The Lamb that was slain in meekness is coronated with power and might. The Lamb who was received up into heaven will soon return as the Lion of the tribe of Judah to vanquish His foes. All power and authority is given to the Son who will reign in righteousness and shatter with a rod of iron His opposition. All of the energy of the nuclear weapons of men, multiplied tens of millions of times, are as a scant whimper in comparison to one word spoken by the Lamb in judgment. Make straight a highway for our God. Let us lift up our hearts for the reception of the Lamb, for the day of His appearing is near.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
A notable hush filled the sanctuary of heaven as the elders paused in anticipation of the One worthy to open the book closed up with seven seals. "Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, 'Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing'" (Rev. 5:12). Enduring His humiliation on the cross the Son of God is exalted to supremacy. The Lamb that was slain in meekness is coronated with power and might. The Lamb who was received up into heaven will soon return as the Lion of the tribe of Judah to vanquish His foes. All power and authority is given to the Son who will reign in righteousness and shatter with a rod of iron His opposition. All of the energy of the nuclear weapons of men, multiplied tens of millions of times, are as a scant whimper in comparison to one word spoken by the Lamb in judgment. Make straight a highway for our God. Let us lift up our hearts for the reception of the Lamb, for the day of His appearing is near.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)