J.A. Matteson
That which God decrees as good is good; and that which He decrees as evil is evil, and both immutably so. "Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven" (Ps. 119:89). Many are the declarations of men which aim to redefine good and evil, to blur the line of the holy and profane in order to suppress the God given conscience of right and wrong. Statues may be passed on earth, social mores may change from one generation to the next, but in heaven God's decrees are constant whereby good is good and evil is evil. In seeking the good ignore the latest polls, disregard the popular personalities, beware of the pervasive media. Rather, hunger for and search out the word of God in the Bible where good and evil before Him are clearly delineated. Blessed are those who take their cue on good and evil from the word of the LORD, their path will be firmly established, and in Him they will never be disappointed.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Friday, August 30, 2013
Thursday, August 29, 2013
When the Tempest Arrives
J.A. Matteson
When it arrives and the form it takes you do not know. But it's inevitable presence in a fallen world is certain and preparation for it softens its blow. "In the day of my trouble I shall call upon You, for You will answer me" (Ps. 86:7). It is good in the storm to call upon the name of the LORD. It is better to call upon Him in times of peace so that when the tempest arrives unexpectedly your heart will not be unnecessarily distressed. Measure your response to evil inflicted upon you, consider its impact, then reflect upon Your level of abiding while seas are calm. The closer the branch abides in the vine when winds are calm the easier it bends when they blow with force. In Christ pilgrims can do all things, apart from Him they can do nothing.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
When it arrives and the form it takes you do not know. But it's inevitable presence in a fallen world is certain and preparation for it softens its blow. "In the day of my trouble I shall call upon You, for You will answer me" (Ps. 86:7). It is good in the storm to call upon the name of the LORD. It is better to call upon Him in times of peace so that when the tempest arrives unexpectedly your heart will not be unnecessarily distressed. Measure your response to evil inflicted upon you, consider its impact, then reflect upon Your level of abiding while seas are calm. The closer the branch abides in the vine when winds are calm the easier it bends when they blow with force. In Christ pilgrims can do all things, apart from Him they can do nothing.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Friday, August 23, 2013
That He Might Be Glorified
J.A. Matteson
The point of the matter revealed to you is always redemptive for the glory of God, never is it for self-engrandizement. "However, there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries" (Dan. 2:28). Wisdom, discernment and insight reside with God and to whom He desires to bestow them for His good pleasure according to His purposes. What was in the beginning will be in the end, and knowledge of the Holy One is by grace and not by straining. The hearts of His servants are directed to Him, and the tenor of their petitions are redemptive that He might be glorified among the sons of men as the only true and living God. Ask, receive, give thanks and proclaim confidently. Marvel at the work of the LORD on high in your midst, praise His name from the rising of the sun to its setting. Magnify the Lord Jesus Christ as His Spirit works in and through you as sons and daughters of light, bringing glad tidings of peace to those who dwell in darkness. Rejoice in His loving kindness, sing praises to His compassion. Exalt the God of heaven, serve the Lamb of God joyfully and expectantly.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
The point of the matter revealed to you is always redemptive for the glory of God, never is it for self-engrandizement. "However, there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries" (Dan. 2:28). Wisdom, discernment and insight reside with God and to whom He desires to bestow them for His good pleasure according to His purposes. What was in the beginning will be in the end, and knowledge of the Holy One is by grace and not by straining. The hearts of His servants are directed to Him, and the tenor of their petitions are redemptive that He might be glorified among the sons of men as the only true and living God. Ask, receive, give thanks and proclaim confidently. Marvel at the work of the LORD on high in your midst, praise His name from the rising of the sun to its setting. Magnify the Lord Jesus Christ as His Spirit works in and through you as sons and daughters of light, bringing glad tidings of peace to those who dwell in darkness. Rejoice in His loving kindness, sing praises to His compassion. Exalt the God of heaven, serve the Lamb of God joyfully and expectantly.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Grace vs. Merit
J.A. Matteson
Work is ordained by God and is good. The relationship between effort exerted and an anticipated payoff is well established in our daily experience. But turned on its head is the meritorious correlation between salvation and effort, causing many to stumble. "Behold, as for the proud one, his soul is not right within him; but the righteous will live by his faith" (Hab. 2:4). What is the status and source of faith? Does it find its origin with God, and thereby is it the divine means to the divine end of reconciliation? Or in the final analysis does justification depend on fallen sinners who, spiritually blind, deaf, and dead muster sufficient effort to take hold of the offer of grace and are, therefore, saved? The issue is larger than merely that over the debate of faith vs. works. Rather, the underlying biblical premise is that of grace vs. merit. Grace is the basis of salvation and faith the means by which justification is accomplished. Faith to be unmeritorious, by necessity, finds its source in grace, being inextricably fused to and eternally purposed in the perfect will of God. If this were not so, as the semi-pelagians assert, then faith originates within fallen sinners and justification is meritorious, whereby in the final analysis sinners save themselves. This construct, in essence, is no different than New Testament Judaism; for to rely on oneself for faith is, practically, no different than to rely on oneself for works. But praise be to God who created from nothing the heavenly host and who calls to Himself a people for His own possession, creating justifying faith within them where none existed. To God alone be the glory.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Work is ordained by God and is good. The relationship between effort exerted and an anticipated payoff is well established in our daily experience. But turned on its head is the meritorious correlation between salvation and effort, causing many to stumble. "Behold, as for the proud one, his soul is not right within him; but the righteous will live by his faith" (Hab. 2:4). What is the status and source of faith? Does it find its origin with God, and thereby is it the divine means to the divine end of reconciliation? Or in the final analysis does justification depend on fallen sinners who, spiritually blind, deaf, and dead muster sufficient effort to take hold of the offer of grace and are, therefore, saved? The issue is larger than merely that over the debate of faith vs. works. Rather, the underlying biblical premise is that of grace vs. merit. Grace is the basis of salvation and faith the means by which justification is accomplished. Faith to be unmeritorious, by necessity, finds its source in grace, being inextricably fused to and eternally purposed in the perfect will of God. If this were not so, as the semi-pelagians assert, then faith originates within fallen sinners and justification is meritorious, whereby in the final analysis sinners save themselves. This construct, in essence, is no different than New Testament Judaism; for to rely on oneself for faith is, practically, no different than to rely on oneself for works. But praise be to God who created from nothing the heavenly host and who calls to Himself a people for His own possession, creating justifying faith within them where none existed. To God alone be the glory.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Monday, August 19, 2013
Practical Atheism
J.A. Matteson
Beware of confusing giftedness as the prime causation of events deemed favorable. The nuanced distinction and relationship between effort and divine sovereignty is essential to avoiding the trap of practical atheism. "But they will be held guilty, whose strength is their god" (Hab. 1:11). Results and fruit may be outwardly perceived as indistinguishable, yet one is spiritual and the other carnal. Awareness and acknowledgement of the source of strength is wisdom, and by abiding in the vine the branch produces fruit to the glory of the Father, through the redemption of His Son, in the power of the Spirit. Apart from the vine the branch produces nothing of eternal value, deluding itself in its temporal accomplishments as a result of strength and giftedness. And the greater the grace of giftedness the greater the potential correlation of self-idolatry. In all things pleasant give glory to God. In every accomplishment praise the Lord Jesus Christ who gives you the strength to prosper. Diligence is good and right, but the favorable outcome is due to grace and not the gift, and to distinguish the difference preserves a soul from experiencing many sorrows.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Beware of confusing giftedness as the prime causation of events deemed favorable. The nuanced distinction and relationship between effort and divine sovereignty is essential to avoiding the trap of practical atheism. "But they will be held guilty, whose strength is their god" (Hab. 1:11). Results and fruit may be outwardly perceived as indistinguishable, yet one is spiritual and the other carnal. Awareness and acknowledgement of the source of strength is wisdom, and by abiding in the vine the branch produces fruit to the glory of the Father, through the redemption of His Son, in the power of the Spirit. Apart from the vine the branch produces nothing of eternal value, deluding itself in its temporal accomplishments as a result of strength and giftedness. And the greater the grace of giftedness the greater the potential correlation of self-idolatry. In all things pleasant give glory to God. In every accomplishment praise the Lord Jesus Christ who gives you the strength to prosper. Diligence is good and right, but the favorable outcome is due to grace and not the gift, and to distinguish the difference preserves a soul from experiencing many sorrows.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Thursday, August 15, 2013
A Heart of Wisdom
J.A. Matteson
The deceitfulness of sin is arrogance and the pride of life ends in destruction. "'Terror, pit and snare are coming upon you, O inhabitant of Moab," declares the LORD" (Jer. 48:43). Woe to the one who exalts himself in his deluded mind above the LORD of heaven and earth, concluding in his mind his position is of his own doing and that he is secure in his person. Wrath, once released, is as a tumult of water in a breached dam, pouring forth in destruction until fully exhausted; there is no escape. Men of corrupt mind continue in their courses of wickedness, and they erroneously conclude the LORD does not see or is impotent. In a moment justice springs forth and righteousness exerts herself, silencing foolish lips, causing the mighty to tremble. Long-suffering is the LORD Almighty and great is His compassion. Grant, O LORD, your people a heart of wisdom to be and to do all that is pleasing in your sight, to confess You before men as the only God of heaven and earth, and to whom every person must give an account. Blessed is the name of the LORD, exalted is the Lord Jesus Christ, who was and is and is to come.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
The deceitfulness of sin is arrogance and the pride of life ends in destruction. "'Terror, pit and snare are coming upon you, O inhabitant of Moab," declares the LORD" (Jer. 48:43). Woe to the one who exalts himself in his deluded mind above the LORD of heaven and earth, concluding in his mind his position is of his own doing and that he is secure in his person. Wrath, once released, is as a tumult of water in a breached dam, pouring forth in destruction until fully exhausted; there is no escape. Men of corrupt mind continue in their courses of wickedness, and they erroneously conclude the LORD does not see or is impotent. In a moment justice springs forth and righteousness exerts herself, silencing foolish lips, causing the mighty to tremble. Long-suffering is the LORD Almighty and great is His compassion. Grant, O LORD, your people a heart of wisdom to be and to do all that is pleasing in your sight, to confess You before men as the only God of heaven and earth, and to whom every person must give an account. Blessed is the name of the LORD, exalted is the Lord Jesus Christ, who was and is and is to come.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
The Word of Correction
J.A. Matteson
Sin hardens the heart to righteousness, distorting the word of deliverance as evil, impugning the motives of ambassadors of peace, resulting in self destruction. "When Jeremiah finished speaking all that the LORD had commanded him to speak to all the people, the priests and the prophets and all the people seized him, saying, 'You must die!'" (Jer. 26:8). The LORD disciplines His people when they persist on the path of sin. Long-suffering and merciful His correction is always redemptive. His jealous love for His people recoils when their hearts are drawn to another as a husband's wrath is stirred toward a wayward wife. Blessed are tender hearts who receive the word of correction with humility and gladness. For theirs is the kingdom and inheritance dedicated to the saints for time and eternity. Stumble they may, but the grace of the LORD is able to make them stand, and stand they will, to His praise and glory.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Sin hardens the heart to righteousness, distorting the word of deliverance as evil, impugning the motives of ambassadors of peace, resulting in self destruction. "When Jeremiah finished speaking all that the LORD had commanded him to speak to all the people, the priests and the prophets and all the people seized him, saying, 'You must die!'" (Jer. 26:8). The LORD disciplines His people when they persist on the path of sin. Long-suffering and merciful His correction is always redemptive. His jealous love for His people recoils when their hearts are drawn to another as a husband's wrath is stirred toward a wayward wife. Blessed are tender hearts who receive the word of correction with humility and gladness. For theirs is the kingdom and inheritance dedicated to the saints for time and eternity. Stumble they may, but the grace of the LORD is able to make them stand, and stand they will, to His praise and glory.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Friday, August 9, 2013
The Grace of Spiritual Discernment
J.A. Matteson
Knowing apart from doing is worthless, and wisdom rejected brings many sorrows. "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves" (Matt. 7:15). Pretense disguises insincerity and is known by its affect. Worship attendance, tithing, baptism, knowledge of scripture and ministry outwardly adorn the inner orientation of the sheep answering the call of the Great Shepherd. Love toward the Lord Jesus Christ and obedience is the source of their adornment. Sheep love the brethren, seeking their welfare, considering and acting upon their needs. Wolves love self and their desire for preeminence produces a markedly different affect upon the sheep. The disconnect between the wolves profession and reality is stark as its affect is clearly experienced by the sheep as bitter unprofitable humanism. Cloaked in spiritual adornment they are as clouds without rain, lukewarm water that neither refreshes or heals. Blessed is the the Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, who protects His sheep through the grace of spiritual discernment to distinguish truth from error and sheep from wolves.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Knowing apart from doing is worthless, and wisdom rejected brings many sorrows. "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves" (Matt. 7:15). Pretense disguises insincerity and is known by its affect. Worship attendance, tithing, baptism, knowledge of scripture and ministry outwardly adorn the inner orientation of the sheep answering the call of the Great Shepherd. Love toward the Lord Jesus Christ and obedience is the source of their adornment. Sheep love the brethren, seeking their welfare, considering and acting upon their needs. Wolves love self and their desire for preeminence produces a markedly different affect upon the sheep. The disconnect between the wolves profession and reality is stark as its affect is clearly experienced by the sheep as bitter unprofitable humanism. Cloaked in spiritual adornment they are as clouds without rain, lukewarm water that neither refreshes or heals. Blessed is the the Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, who protects His sheep through the grace of spiritual discernment to distinguish truth from error and sheep from wolves.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Supreme in Order
J.A. Matteson
The order and emphasis of things sought is fundamental to citizenship in the kingdom of Christ. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Matt. 6:33). Supreme in order is Jesus Christ and the kingdom He reigns over. Discipleship inherently acknowledges a master which implies dependence. Sin at its core seeks independence which is antithetical to kingdom life. Pilgrims are on mission with Christ in the world and without notice must be ready to respond immediately to His directives to go here and there in accordance to His providential dealings. Forget about second guessing the thing and instead obey. The Laborer is worthy of his wages so the LORD will ensure that obedience is met with the necessities He already knows you need. Jesus demands that your trust of provision be in Him, not yourself. As you obey and go look for provisional providences as they are His tangible expression of His love towards you.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
The order and emphasis of things sought is fundamental to citizenship in the kingdom of Christ. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Matt. 6:33). Supreme in order is Jesus Christ and the kingdom He reigns over. Discipleship inherently acknowledges a master which implies dependence. Sin at its core seeks independence which is antithetical to kingdom life. Pilgrims are on mission with Christ in the world and without notice must be ready to respond immediately to His directives to go here and there in accordance to His providential dealings. Forget about second guessing the thing and instead obey. The Laborer is worthy of his wages so the LORD will ensure that obedience is met with the necessities He already knows you need. Jesus demands that your trust of provision be in Him, not yourself. As you obey and go look for provisional providences as they are His tangible expression of His love towards you.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Come to the Prince of Peace
J.A. Matteson
In pursuing rest it is essential that the object of our hope have the ability to deliver on that which we seek. "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28). The soul is restless, burdened by sin. In whom or in what will refuge be sought? Many are the counselors of darkness, employing worldly approaches to rest for that which is by nature spiritual. And unending are the spiritualists that deny the Son, blinded by conceit, unable to behold Him who dwells in unapproachable light. The invitation is set, the call is broadcast to a people who stumble in darkness. Many are the paths of reason, varied are the ways of the intelligentsia and each ends in destruction. Blessed are those who hear the call and come to the Prince of Peace, Christ Jesus. In Him rest is given and in Him they will never be disappointed.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
In pursuing rest it is essential that the object of our hope have the ability to deliver on that which we seek. "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28). The soul is restless, burdened by sin. In whom or in what will refuge be sought? Many are the counselors of darkness, employing worldly approaches to rest for that which is by nature spiritual. And unending are the spiritualists that deny the Son, blinded by conceit, unable to behold Him who dwells in unapproachable light. The invitation is set, the call is broadcast to a people who stumble in darkness. Many are the paths of reason, varied are the ways of the intelligentsia and each ends in destruction. Blessed are those who hear the call and come to the Prince of Peace, Christ Jesus. In Him rest is given and in Him they will never be disappointed.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Friday, August 2, 2013
To Each Grace is Given
J.A. Matteson
Twice born, pilgrims live, move, and have their being in Christ. "But now, O LORD, You are our Father, we are the clay, and You our potter; and all of us are the work of Your hand" (Isa. 64:8). Eternally loved by the Father, redeemed by the Son, and raised to walk in newness of life by the Spirit, bond-servants of Christ fulfill the ministry of reconciliation in a multitude of ways as purposed for them by the LORD. Each according to the grace given them are able to stand in the day of trouble, for He is able to make them stand. Wondrous is the Potter's way, beyond searching out are His purposes. To each grace is given to live, to be, to contribute to a portion of a larger redemptive purpose among the sons and daughters of men. Redeem the time, it's opportunities often pass by but once. Consider your assignment within the kingdom of Christ as a faithful servant and incline the will to complete it with joy, eagerly anticipating the day in which your ears hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Master."
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Twice born, pilgrims live, move, and have their being in Christ. "But now, O LORD, You are our Father, we are the clay, and You our potter; and all of us are the work of Your hand" (Isa. 64:8). Eternally loved by the Father, redeemed by the Son, and raised to walk in newness of life by the Spirit, bond-servants of Christ fulfill the ministry of reconciliation in a multitude of ways as purposed for them by the LORD. Each according to the grace given them are able to stand in the day of trouble, for He is able to make them stand. Wondrous is the Potter's way, beyond searching out are His purposes. To each grace is given to live, to be, to contribute to a portion of a larger redemptive purpose among the sons and daughters of men. Redeem the time, it's opportunities often pass by but once. Consider your assignment within the kingdom of Christ as a faithful servant and incline the will to complete it with joy, eagerly anticipating the day in which your ears hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Master."
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
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