The following represents an open letter from pastors of various influential churches in the United States to the Supreme Court of the United States regarding its upcoming decision on the definition of marriage. Immutable Word Ministries shares in the spirit of the letter, J.A. Matteson also signed the pledge.
We the undersigned have joined together to present our unified message and plea to the Justices of the United States Supreme Court regarding the matter of marriage.
We are Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox Christian pastors, clergy, lay leaders and Jewish leaders, who collectively represent millions of people in our specific churches, parishes, denominations, synagogues and media ministry outreaches. Marriage transcends our various theological differences and unites us together in one voice.
We affirm that any judicial opinion which purports to redefine marriage will constitute an unjust law, as Martin Luther King Jr. described such laws in his letter from the Birmingham Jail.
We are Christians who love America and who respect the legitimate rule of law. However, we will not honor any decision by the Supreme Court which will force us to violate a clear biblical understanding of marriage as solely the union of one man and one woman.
We affirm that Marriage, as existing solely between one man and one woman, precedes civil government. Though affirmed, fulfilled, and elevated by faith, the truth that marriage can exist only between one man and one woman is not based solely on religion but on the Natural Law, written on the human heart.
We implore this Court to not step outside of its legitimate authority and unleash religious persecution and discrimination against people of faith. We will be forced to choose between the state and our conscience, which is informed by clear biblical and church doctrine and the natural created order. On this choice, we must pledge obedience to our Creator. While there are many things we can endure, any attempt to redefine marriage is a line we cannot and will not cross.
The complete Marriage Pledge can be read in its entirety at http://www.defendmarriage.org. It offers a more detailed defense of marriage and further expresses our unified resolve. Tens of thousands of very concerned Americans have signed the Marriage Pledge to date.
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Denying Christ by Omission
J.A. Matteson
Too often we consider denial of Christ to be exclusively an act of commission. We think of Peter who, three times, willingly denied that he knew Jesus Christ. Yet, more common, by omission we may also deny our Lord. "But whoever denies Me before men, I will also him before My Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 10:33). Christian, silence in the face of unrighteousness is denial of Christ by omission. To remain silent while ungodliness abounds is tacit approval. On Sunday it's easy to join together singing songs of praise to Jesus Christ, declaring his power and lordship. We confidently declare, "Jesus is LORD!" It's easy to preach to the choir. There is no threat proclaiming Christ among those who also profess him. That's what Peter did in the upper room. How easy it was in a safe friendly setting to boldly state allegiance to Christ. But what happened in the garden when the enemies of Christ arrived?
Christian, if fear of persecution is silencing your voice from speaking out against unrighteousness, you are denying Christ by omission. The sin of omission is to not do that which we know we should do. The word of God condemns murder; are you condemning publically the brutality of abortion or has fear of reprisal tempted you into silence? The word of God condemns sexual immorality; are you condemning publically fornication, adultery, and homosexuality or has the fear of reprisal tempted you into silence? Denial of Christ through omission of speaking the truth of the kingdom of God is a plague upon the church in our day. Christian, fear the Lord, not men. For it is the Lord Jesus Christ whom you serve and to whom you will give an account. Be bold, courageous, stand fast in the power of his might, and the grace of God will be upon you to the praise of Jesus Christ.
Copyright (c) 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever."). Isa. 40:8
Too often we consider denial of Christ to be exclusively an act of commission. We think of Peter who, three times, willingly denied that he knew Jesus Christ. Yet, more common, by omission we may also deny our Lord. "But whoever denies Me before men, I will also him before My Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 10:33). Christian, silence in the face of unrighteousness is denial of Christ by omission. To remain silent while ungodliness abounds is tacit approval. On Sunday it's easy to join together singing songs of praise to Jesus Christ, declaring his power and lordship. We confidently declare, "Jesus is LORD!" It's easy to preach to the choir. There is no threat proclaiming Christ among those who also profess him. That's what Peter did in the upper room. How easy it was in a safe friendly setting to boldly state allegiance to Christ. But what happened in the garden when the enemies of Christ arrived?
Christian, if fear of persecution is silencing your voice from speaking out against unrighteousness, you are denying Christ by omission. The sin of omission is to not do that which we know we should do. The word of God condemns murder; are you condemning publically the brutality of abortion or has fear of reprisal tempted you into silence? The word of God condemns sexual immorality; are you condemning publically fornication, adultery, and homosexuality or has the fear of reprisal tempted you into silence? Denial of Christ through omission of speaking the truth of the kingdom of God is a plague upon the church in our day. Christian, fear the Lord, not men. For it is the Lord Jesus Christ whom you serve and to whom you will give an account. Be bold, courageous, stand fast in the power of his might, and the grace of God will be upon you to the praise of Jesus Christ.
Copyright (c) 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever."). Isa. 40:8
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Opportunities to Walk by Faith
J. A. Matteson
To walk by faith we must learn to divorce that which is truth from plausible alternatives; "But David's heart had struck him after he had numbered the people" (2 Sam. 24:10). The siren call of darkness is relentless upon the heart of a child of God. David knew that the LORD was able to save by many or few (1 Sam. 14:6). And yet in a state of spiritual weakness fear gripped his heart so that his trust shifted from the all powerful Yahweh to himself; David was walking by sight and not by faith by numbering the people. The striking of David's heart was the conviction of the Holy Spirit that he had sinned. David confessed his sin and repented. Everyday we are given opportunities to walk by faith and not by sight. How do we do it? By remaining in or abiding in Christ who warns us, "Abide in Me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me" (Jn. 15:4). How do we abide? By earnestly seeking Christ daily through His word, prayer, meditation, worship, obedience, and service. Further, know that each day will present opportunities for you to demonstrate faith in what you know to be true (The explicit revealed truth of God--scripture). The world, the flesh and the devil will juxtapose your perception of your circumstance against the truth of scripture, enticing you to doubt with your senses what your mind knows to be true. It is in that moment you rebuke the satanic lie tempting you to walk by sight (for it may appear to be the most reasonable course of action!) and step out in faith upon the promise of God's word. Then when the test has passed and the faithfulness of God is revealed your faith is stronger to engage future tests because you have proven the faithfulness of God's word in your heart. With joyful thanksgiving give praise, glory, and honor to the LORD who enabled you to prevail, "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen" (Jude 24).
Copyright 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever."). Isa. 40:8
To walk by faith we must learn to divorce that which is truth from plausible alternatives; "But David's heart had struck him after he had numbered the people" (2 Sam. 24:10). The siren call of darkness is relentless upon the heart of a child of God. David knew that the LORD was able to save by many or few (1 Sam. 14:6). And yet in a state of spiritual weakness fear gripped his heart so that his trust shifted from the all powerful Yahweh to himself; David was walking by sight and not by faith by numbering the people. The striking of David's heart was the conviction of the Holy Spirit that he had sinned. David confessed his sin and repented. Everyday we are given opportunities to walk by faith and not by sight. How do we do it? By remaining in or abiding in Christ who warns us, "Abide in Me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me" (Jn. 15:4). How do we abide? By earnestly seeking Christ daily through His word, prayer, meditation, worship, obedience, and service. Further, know that each day will present opportunities for you to demonstrate faith in what you know to be true (The explicit revealed truth of God--scripture). The world, the flesh and the devil will juxtapose your perception of your circumstance against the truth of scripture, enticing you to doubt with your senses what your mind knows to be true. It is in that moment you rebuke the satanic lie tempting you to walk by sight (for it may appear to be the most reasonable course of action!) and step out in faith upon the promise of God's word. Then when the test has passed and the faithfulness of God is revealed your faith is stronger to engage future tests because you have proven the faithfulness of God's word in your heart. With joyful thanksgiving give praise, glory, and honor to the LORD who enabled you to prevail, "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen" (Jude 24).
Copyright 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever."). Isa. 40:8
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Your Hiding Place
J. A. Matteson
Look no further than the word of God to find truth, for in it your soul is nourished and Your spirit strengthened; "This God--His way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him" (2 Sam. 22:31). That which is sure, that which is correct, that which is steadfast and altogether supreme is in the way of the LORD, His statutes are delightful and trustworthy. In the day of testing withstand the temptation to seek protection in another, "This God--His way is perfect." David knew His God by seeking Him, obeying Him, trusting Him, worshiping Him, praising Him. Oh Christian, distractions to devotion of our LORD abound, but do not say in your heart that they are more plentiful today than in David's time. The lust of the eyes and the pride of life know no bounds, infecting the desires and judgement of sinners from generation to generation. David made his choice, resolving to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, "...the word of the LORD proves true." Only through faith and obedience to the word of God can one confidently make that declaration. Shut out the satanic whisper, "Did God really say...?" Abandon your plight to the sovereign care of the LORD, make the rock if His fortress your hiding place. Entrust your way to the mighty power of His providential oversight and He will deliver you, for He cares for you. Do not act as the adultress by giving your affections to another. Delight yourself in the LORD your God and He will exalt you in His time.
Copyright 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Look no further than the word of God to find truth, for in it your soul is nourished and Your spirit strengthened; "This God--His way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him" (2 Sam. 22:31). That which is sure, that which is correct, that which is steadfast and altogether supreme is in the way of the LORD, His statutes are delightful and trustworthy. In the day of testing withstand the temptation to seek protection in another, "This God--His way is perfect." David knew His God by seeking Him, obeying Him, trusting Him, worshiping Him, praising Him. Oh Christian, distractions to devotion of our LORD abound, but do not say in your heart that they are more plentiful today than in David's time. The lust of the eyes and the pride of life know no bounds, infecting the desires and judgement of sinners from generation to generation. David made his choice, resolving to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, "...the word of the LORD proves true." Only through faith and obedience to the word of God can one confidently make that declaration. Shut out the satanic whisper, "Did God really say...?" Abandon your plight to the sovereign care of the LORD, make the rock if His fortress your hiding place. Entrust your way to the mighty power of His providential oversight and He will deliver you, for He cares for you. Do not act as the adultress by giving your affections to another. Delight yourself in the LORD your God and He will exalt you in His time.
Copyright 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Monday, March 16, 2015
Endure Unto the End
J.A. Matteson
Truly did the Lord Jesus speak just a short time earlier that it is imperative his followers watch and pray, for the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak (Mk. 14:38). For it was not long afterwords Peter's ears heard the accusing words, "This man is one of them" (Mk. 14:69) and he denied his Lord, later being restored to ministry after the resurrection (Jn. 21). After Pentecost and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter would again be tested to the point if death, enduring his own cross. Church tradition holds he pleaded to be crucified upside down, as he proclaimed he was unworthy to die as his Lord did. As redemption history continues to unfold and the forces of evil increasingly seek the slaughter of the elect, it is essential God's children be diligent to watch and pray. Watch with sobriety of mind and spirit and be on your guard against the fallen rebellious world system, your own sinful flesh that temps you to sin, and the devil who daily accuses you. Prayerfully consider and pray now how you will respond if the time comes, for one day your physical life may be on the line and you may hear the words "This man is one of them." Recently twenty one Egyptian Christians heard those words of association resulting in their condemnation and murder on the Mediterranean shores of Libya at the hands of Islamic terrorists associated with ISIS. Reportedly, their final words while on their knees, seconds before the cold steel of a knife slit their throats, were, "Jesus, help us!" Had they in the final moments denied their Lord to save their heads they would have forfeited their souls. Behold the grace of God upon his children appointed to martyrdom. They neither flake nor flag, but entrust themselves to him who is just, knowing that one day he will avenge their demise. Apart from the grace of the Holy Spirit it would not be possible to withstand the instinct of the flesh toward self-preservation. Consider the Lord Jesus who endured not only public humiliation along with the awful physical pain of flogging and crucifixion, but the indescribable horror of drinking the cup of wrath of God for the sin of the world. When the Lord Jesus stated that "the one who endures to the end, he will be saved" (Matt. 24:13), he was not suggesting that a persons endurance under persecution was a means of attaining righteousness unto salvation, but that the righteoushess by grace through faith will, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, endure unto the end (death). While you would do well to decide beforehand how you might respond to the words of ultimatum, "That man is one of them", you need not worry about how you might muster the strength to endure what may follow, for God is faithful and will supply all the grace needed so that you will endure to the end, if in fact, God in his wisdom has appointed martyrdom for you.
Copyright (c) 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever."). Isa. 40:8
Truly did the Lord Jesus speak just a short time earlier that it is imperative his followers watch and pray, for the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak (Mk. 14:38). For it was not long afterwords Peter's ears heard the accusing words, "This man is one of them" (Mk. 14:69) and he denied his Lord, later being restored to ministry after the resurrection (Jn. 21). After Pentecost and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter would again be tested to the point if death, enduring his own cross. Church tradition holds he pleaded to be crucified upside down, as he proclaimed he was unworthy to die as his Lord did. As redemption history continues to unfold and the forces of evil increasingly seek the slaughter of the elect, it is essential God's children be diligent to watch and pray. Watch with sobriety of mind and spirit and be on your guard against the fallen rebellious world system, your own sinful flesh that temps you to sin, and the devil who daily accuses you. Prayerfully consider and pray now how you will respond if the time comes, for one day your physical life may be on the line and you may hear the words "This man is one of them." Recently twenty one Egyptian Christians heard those words of association resulting in their condemnation and murder on the Mediterranean shores of Libya at the hands of Islamic terrorists associated with ISIS. Reportedly, their final words while on their knees, seconds before the cold steel of a knife slit their throats, were, "Jesus, help us!" Had they in the final moments denied their Lord to save their heads they would have forfeited their souls. Behold the grace of God upon his children appointed to martyrdom. They neither flake nor flag, but entrust themselves to him who is just, knowing that one day he will avenge their demise. Apart from the grace of the Holy Spirit it would not be possible to withstand the instinct of the flesh toward self-preservation. Consider the Lord Jesus who endured not only public humiliation along with the awful physical pain of flogging and crucifixion, but the indescribable horror of drinking the cup of wrath of God for the sin of the world. When the Lord Jesus stated that "the one who endures to the end, he will be saved" (Matt. 24:13), he was not suggesting that a persons endurance under persecution was a means of attaining righteousness unto salvation, but that the righteoushess by grace through faith will, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, endure unto the end (death). While you would do well to decide beforehand how you might respond to the words of ultimatum, "That man is one of them", you need not worry about how you might muster the strength to endure what may follow, for God is faithful and will supply all the grace needed so that you will endure to the end, if in fact, God in his wisdom has appointed martyrdom for you.
Copyright (c) 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever."). Isa. 40:8
Sunday, March 15, 2015
The Effect of Your Obedience Upon Others
J.A. Matteson
Never is your obedience to God carried out in a vacuum where others remain unaffected. "When we had heard this, we as well as the local residents began begging him not to go up to Jerusalem" (Acts 21:12). Your going about your day pursuing a particular course of action when the Spirit intervenes to alter your course. Clearly the impression is to not complete the action you planned, "The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps" (Prov. 16:9). The correction of direction may come gradually as a check in your spirit or abruptly as an unmistakable red flag of danger if you continue ahead. Stop immediately when the prompting comes and inquire intently in order to know what the mind of Christ is directing you to do. Our obedience is always for a testimony of Jesus Christ, a furtherance of the gospel. It is at this pivotal juncture that the Spirit of God applies the Word of God to your circumstances by bringing to your remembrance what he has previously said. Until now a particular statement from God's word may have been abstract, but now with crystal clarity you know without any degree of uncertainty God is applying it to your present circumstance. You further recognize in that moment that obedience will likely invoke the displeasure of those around you, but disobedience is not an option. Compelled by the Spirit you alter your course, following the lead of the Spirit regardless of the cost personally. Most around you will not understand because the promoting is intensely personal, a word spoken to your heart alone. Some will reason you are out of your mind. Some will harbor displeasure because your obedience cost them something they felt entitled to, generally your obedience will impact their sense of entitlement with regard to power, money, security, reputation, position or status. But with your obedience the Spirit also whispers the sweet words, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matt. 25:14).
Copyright (c) 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Never is your obedience to God carried out in a vacuum where others remain unaffected. "When we had heard this, we as well as the local residents began begging him not to go up to Jerusalem" (Acts 21:12). Your going about your day pursuing a particular course of action when the Spirit intervenes to alter your course. Clearly the impression is to not complete the action you planned, "The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps" (Prov. 16:9). The correction of direction may come gradually as a check in your spirit or abruptly as an unmistakable red flag of danger if you continue ahead. Stop immediately when the prompting comes and inquire intently in order to know what the mind of Christ is directing you to do. Our obedience is always for a testimony of Jesus Christ, a furtherance of the gospel. It is at this pivotal juncture that the Spirit of God applies the Word of God to your circumstances by bringing to your remembrance what he has previously said. Until now a particular statement from God's word may have been abstract, but now with crystal clarity you know without any degree of uncertainty God is applying it to your present circumstance. You further recognize in that moment that obedience will likely invoke the displeasure of those around you, but disobedience is not an option. Compelled by the Spirit you alter your course, following the lead of the Spirit regardless of the cost personally. Most around you will not understand because the promoting is intensely personal, a word spoken to your heart alone. Some will reason you are out of your mind. Some will harbor displeasure because your obedience cost them something they felt entitled to, generally your obedience will impact their sense of entitlement with regard to power, money, security, reputation, position or status. But with your obedience the Spirit also whispers the sweet words, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matt. 25:14).
Copyright (c) 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Lay Open Your Heart
J.A. Matteson
Beware of believing self-imposed characterizations of God not supported by scripture which may develop in response to your presuppositions of God's essence. "He is not God of the dead, but of the living. You are quite wrong" (Mk. 12:27). The spiritually fatal error for the Sadducees was not their error, per se, but their unrepentant blindness to the truth when their error was revealed to them. Jesus did not condemn the Sadducees for their reverence of scripture, nor did he chasten them for their study of it. Rather it was their biased interpretation of divine revelation, forcing it to fit their presuppositions that Christ rebuked. There are both explicit and implicit truths in scripture, and apart from the guidance of Holy Spirit it is impossible to accurately interpret and apply it, "Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from your Law" (Ps. 119:18). Beware of the dogmatism rooted in immature spiritual bias to support your preconceived notion of the person and work of Jesus Christ. If we are to avoid the error of the Sadducees we must come to the scripture humbly, confessing our tendency to bias, beseeching the Lord to illumine our minds to the truth of his word, "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known" (1 Cor. 13:12). The transformation and salvation of Saul on the road to Damascus illustrates how a hard misguided heart, rebuked by God, ought to respond in broken humble repentance, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" (Acts 9:4). Until this moment Saul presumed he was doing God's work by ravaging Christians. Awakened to his error Saul turned to God in repentance and faith. On the other hand the Sadducees were hardened in their unbelief. Be willing to lay open your heart before God and invite him to search you and your understanding of him, to correct innacurate presuppositions you may hold as to his person and work. And when the fog lifts, followed by the blazing light of his glory, remember to thank him for the treasure he has shared with you, "Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, 'Were there not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to a God except this foreigner?'" (Lk. 17:15:18).
Copyright (c) 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Beware of believing self-imposed characterizations of God not supported by scripture which may develop in response to your presuppositions of God's essence. "He is not God of the dead, but of the living. You are quite wrong" (Mk. 12:27). The spiritually fatal error for the Sadducees was not their error, per se, but their unrepentant blindness to the truth when their error was revealed to them. Jesus did not condemn the Sadducees for their reverence of scripture, nor did he chasten them for their study of it. Rather it was their biased interpretation of divine revelation, forcing it to fit their presuppositions that Christ rebuked. There are both explicit and implicit truths in scripture, and apart from the guidance of Holy Spirit it is impossible to accurately interpret and apply it, "Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from your Law" (Ps. 119:18). Beware of the dogmatism rooted in immature spiritual bias to support your preconceived notion of the person and work of Jesus Christ. If we are to avoid the error of the Sadducees we must come to the scripture humbly, confessing our tendency to bias, beseeching the Lord to illumine our minds to the truth of his word, "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known" (1 Cor. 13:12). The transformation and salvation of Saul on the road to Damascus illustrates how a hard misguided heart, rebuked by God, ought to respond in broken humble repentance, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" (Acts 9:4). Until this moment Saul presumed he was doing God's work by ravaging Christians. Awakened to his error Saul turned to God in repentance and faith. On the other hand the Sadducees were hardened in their unbelief. Be willing to lay open your heart before God and invite him to search you and your understanding of him, to correct innacurate presuppositions you may hold as to his person and work. And when the fog lifts, followed by the blazing light of his glory, remember to thank him for the treasure he has shared with you, "Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, 'Were there not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to a God except this foreigner?'" (Lk. 17:15:18).
Copyright (c) 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
The Danger of Comparison
J.A. Matteson
Unless I forsake my sense of entitlement I cannot be a disciple of Jesus Christ, I am a fraud. "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Mk. 8:34). The demands of discipleship are absolute, death to my will is replaced with singular devotion to God's will for my life. We become distracted by what God is doing in the life of other disciples and our misplaced focus inhibits our obedience to God's path for us. Forget about what God has purposed for others, you must follow Jesus. Peter was rebuked for comparing his path to John's, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!" (Jn. 21:22). Ultimately the destination for all disciples is the same, Calvary. The path to that destination is also the same, self-denial; but the providential outworking of the journey is different. As a disciple of Jesus Christ I must die daily to the inward tendency of self-preservation and self-determination until all I see is Calvary. And God has an infinite variety of providential experiences to test my resolve to carry my cross of self-denial, following Jesus to Calvary. The danger of comparison and the reason for Jesus's rebuke to Peter is because it breeds an entitlement mindset of coveting another's path that we perceive as more desirable than our own. The only thing in this life we are entitled to is death; grace affords every moment of mortal existence. It is good to plan and anticipate the morrow as long as our anticipated endeavors are submitted to God for him to intervene as he chooses. Be alert, therefore, to providences that appear to threaten your sense of entitlement, these are the narrow paths and gates leading to your personal Calvary God has designed to test your faith. To the extent we recognize them and submit to them is the degree to which we have forsaken our life in order that we might find true life. At the dawn of each day let our thoughts of be Jesus, and let us greet every providence throughout the day with childlike trust that our heavenly father is lovingly giving opportunity for us to demonstrate our love and obedience to him by willingly pursing Jesus en route to Calvary.
Copyright (c) 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Unless I forsake my sense of entitlement I cannot be a disciple of Jesus Christ, I am a fraud. "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Mk. 8:34). The demands of discipleship are absolute, death to my will is replaced with singular devotion to God's will for my life. We become distracted by what God is doing in the life of other disciples and our misplaced focus inhibits our obedience to God's path for us. Forget about what God has purposed for others, you must follow Jesus. Peter was rebuked for comparing his path to John's, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!" (Jn. 21:22). Ultimately the destination for all disciples is the same, Calvary. The path to that destination is also the same, self-denial; but the providential outworking of the journey is different. As a disciple of Jesus Christ I must die daily to the inward tendency of self-preservation and self-determination until all I see is Calvary. And God has an infinite variety of providential experiences to test my resolve to carry my cross of self-denial, following Jesus to Calvary. The danger of comparison and the reason for Jesus's rebuke to Peter is because it breeds an entitlement mindset of coveting another's path that we perceive as more desirable than our own. The only thing in this life we are entitled to is death; grace affords every moment of mortal existence. It is good to plan and anticipate the morrow as long as our anticipated endeavors are submitted to God for him to intervene as he chooses. Be alert, therefore, to providences that appear to threaten your sense of entitlement, these are the narrow paths and gates leading to your personal Calvary God has designed to test your faith. To the extent we recognize them and submit to them is the degree to which we have forsaken our life in order that we might find true life. At the dawn of each day let our thoughts of be Jesus, and let us greet every providence throughout the day with childlike trust that our heavenly father is lovingly giving opportunity for us to demonstrate our love and obedience to him by willingly pursing Jesus en route to Calvary.
Copyright (c) 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Spiritual Progress
J.A. Matteson
Woe or weal, how you respond to divine truth is determinative of either spiritual progress or squandered opportunity. "Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Mk. 4:24). The depth and richness of the soul of your heart is evidenced by its harvest of fruitfulness. Beware of the three impediments to your progress and contend mightily against them so that your fruitfulness may be overflowing to the praise of God. The devil seeks to deceive to you, "Did God really say....?" (Gen. 3:1), implanting doubt into your heart by blaspheming the faithfulness of God. The world system, under satan's control, will lie to you, "Do not listen to Hezekiah, for he is misleading you when he says, 'The LORD will deliver us'" (2 Kgs. 18:32). Your own sin nature will seduce you to conclude God is not reasonable as you contemplate his directives; this is not sin leading to damnation, but sin retarding spiritual growth, "let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us" (Heb. 12:1). Greeting each day with our spiritual eyes wide open, expecting the continual onslaught from these thee foes will go a long way in preventing us from being caught unawares. We must not leave our bedroom without first putting on the full armour of God. Should we venture out into the day without it we will most certainly fail to stand by applying the spiritual truth the Lord has graciously revealed to us. On the other hand, when we first clothe ourselves with God's armour, with an alert mind of anticipating battle beyond the door, God is able to make us stand, and in our standing He will disclose deeper things into the nature of His person and His kingdom.
Copyright (c) 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Woe or weal, how you respond to divine truth is determinative of either spiritual progress or squandered opportunity. "Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Mk. 4:24). The depth and richness of the soul of your heart is evidenced by its harvest of fruitfulness. Beware of the three impediments to your progress and contend mightily against them so that your fruitfulness may be overflowing to the praise of God. The devil seeks to deceive to you, "Did God really say....?" (Gen. 3:1), implanting doubt into your heart by blaspheming the faithfulness of God. The world system, under satan's control, will lie to you, "Do not listen to Hezekiah, for he is misleading you when he says, 'The LORD will deliver us'" (2 Kgs. 18:32). Your own sin nature will seduce you to conclude God is not reasonable as you contemplate his directives; this is not sin leading to damnation, but sin retarding spiritual growth, "let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us" (Heb. 12:1). Greeting each day with our spiritual eyes wide open, expecting the continual onslaught from these thee foes will go a long way in preventing us from being caught unawares. We must not leave our bedroom without first putting on the full armour of God. Should we venture out into the day without it we will most certainly fail to stand by applying the spiritual truth the Lord has graciously revealed to us. On the other hand, when we first clothe ourselves with God's armour, with an alert mind of anticipating battle beyond the door, God is able to make us stand, and in our standing He will disclose deeper things into the nature of His person and His kingdom.
Copyright (c) 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Friday, February 20, 2015
The Soul in Desperation
J.A. Matteson
The inward condition of our heart is manifest by the outward display of our deeds. "And when Jesus saw their faith...." (Mk. 2:5). As the writer to the Hebrews noted, "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1). Saving faith compels the soul in desperation to pursue its object, namely, Jesus Christ. Saving faith disregards social norms and is happy to undergo scorn and humiliation before men if it means being in the presence of the Savior. Blessed is the soul that hungers to be in the presence of Jesus, for he will be satisfied. Blessed is the soul that is convinced Jesus will cleanse his sinful heart, forgiving his sin, for he will find rest. Blessed is the person who is a fool for Jesus, living for the approval of God and not man, for he will walk with God. Beloved, the ache within your heart to pursue Jesus in desperation is by grace and is the gift of salvation. Your desperate acts to come to Jesus may not be understood by the world, they may even be ridiculed, but they are precious to the Savior of your soul. Cast off, therefore, the restraints that hinder you, allow your desperation to be seen by men, and thereby glorify your Father in heaven.
Copyright (c) 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever."). Isa. 40:8
The inward condition of our heart is manifest by the outward display of our deeds. "And when Jesus saw their faith...." (Mk. 2:5). As the writer to the Hebrews noted, "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1). Saving faith compels the soul in desperation to pursue its object, namely, Jesus Christ. Saving faith disregards social norms and is happy to undergo scorn and humiliation before men if it means being in the presence of the Savior. Blessed is the soul that hungers to be in the presence of Jesus, for he will be satisfied. Blessed is the soul that is convinced Jesus will cleanse his sinful heart, forgiving his sin, for he will find rest. Blessed is the person who is a fool for Jesus, living for the approval of God and not man, for he will walk with God. Beloved, the ache within your heart to pursue Jesus in desperation is by grace and is the gift of salvation. Your desperate acts to come to Jesus may not be understood by the world, they may even be ridiculed, but they are precious to the Savior of your soul. Cast off, therefore, the restraints that hinder you, allow your desperation to be seen by men, and thereby glorify your Father in heaven.
Copyright (c) 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever."). Isa. 40:8
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Remembering His Words
J.A. Matteson
When we are with Jesus he shares divine insights into our weaknesses. "And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus...." (Matt. 26:75). Our heart is deceitfully wicked and cannot be trusted to direct us correctly (Jer. 17:9). To believers, conviction of sin happens as a result of spending time with the Lord, when the beauty of his person is revealed through the holy scriptures to our minds, when he later brings to our remembrance that which he shared with us. Be careful never to allow idols of the heart to supplant your daily time with the Lord Jesus, for if we do not spend time with him we cannot hear from him, and if we are not hearing from him we may find ourselves is a foreign land with hardened hearts wallowing in the mire (Heb. 3:13). Peter was with Jesus and heard intimate insights into the weakness of his sinful nature. The night of his betrayal Peter was self-deceived, being ignorant and proud, completely unaware of the power of his sinful nature to derail his best intentions to obey unto death his Lord. But in his moment of weakness and betrayal Peter remembered the saying of Jesus. Beloved, maintain a tender heart toward the Lord through daily communion with him, reading and meditating upon his word and remaining in a perpetual state of prayerfulness all day (Ps. 119:11; 1 Thess. 5:17). By doing so the Lord will bring to your remembrance his sayings, keeping you from sin or leading you to repentance if you do sin (Jude 24; 1 Jn. 1:9-10). Come to the fount of blessings, taste of the sweetness of his companionship, for none can compare to his everlasting kindness, mercy, love and grace (Ps. 34:8). By knowing him and being known by him, how could we ever give our hearts to another?
Copyright (c) 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever."). Isa. 4:8
When we are with Jesus he shares divine insights into our weaknesses. "And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus...." (Matt. 26:75). Our heart is deceitfully wicked and cannot be trusted to direct us correctly (Jer. 17:9). To believers, conviction of sin happens as a result of spending time with the Lord, when the beauty of his person is revealed through the holy scriptures to our minds, when he later brings to our remembrance that which he shared with us. Be careful never to allow idols of the heart to supplant your daily time with the Lord Jesus, for if we do not spend time with him we cannot hear from him, and if we are not hearing from him we may find ourselves is a foreign land with hardened hearts wallowing in the mire (Heb. 3:13). Peter was with Jesus and heard intimate insights into the weakness of his sinful nature. The night of his betrayal Peter was self-deceived, being ignorant and proud, completely unaware of the power of his sinful nature to derail his best intentions to obey unto death his Lord. But in his moment of weakness and betrayal Peter remembered the saying of Jesus. Beloved, maintain a tender heart toward the Lord through daily communion with him, reading and meditating upon his word and remaining in a perpetual state of prayerfulness all day (Ps. 119:11; 1 Thess. 5:17). By doing so the Lord will bring to your remembrance his sayings, keeping you from sin or leading you to repentance if you do sin (Jude 24; 1 Jn. 1:9-10). Come to the fount of blessings, taste of the sweetness of his companionship, for none can compare to his everlasting kindness, mercy, love and grace (Ps. 34:8). By knowing him and being known by him, how could we ever give our hearts to another?
Copyright (c) 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever."). Isa. 4:8
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
The Call
J.A. Matteson
If you are in Jesus Christ it is the result of His calling you by name; to be a child of God is to be known by God, called unto holiness and His purpose. "See, the LORD has called by name Bezalel...." (Ex. 35:30-34). If you are called of God it is for the purpose of glorifying Him by serving others. Never has a saint been called into perpetual isolation, a city on a hill cannot be hid nor a light hidden in a closet. Observe the call of God: first, Bezlel knew he had been called, "...he was filled with the Spirit of God." We cannot serve Him unless we are encountered by Him and gifted with endowments suitable for His purposes. Second, Bezalel was burdened to replicate himself through others called of God in order that the work of God might be accomplished, "And he was inspired to teach...." The apostle Paul highlights this pattern in discipleship, "And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (2 Tim. 2:2). When God saves a person it is for the purpose that he might Be and Do. The doing is a function of being. Consider your calling, your passions, skills, abilities, and spiritual endowments. In what way are these being employed to Gods glory and the benefit of others called? The church of God cannot reach the world for God unless workers are brought into His harvest and equipped for service. That is the calling and responsibility of every follower of Jesus Christ.
Copyright (c) 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever."). Isa. 40:8
If you are in Jesus Christ it is the result of His calling you by name; to be a child of God is to be known by God, called unto holiness and His purpose. "See, the LORD has called by name Bezalel...." (Ex. 35:30-34). If you are called of God it is for the purpose of glorifying Him by serving others. Never has a saint been called into perpetual isolation, a city on a hill cannot be hid nor a light hidden in a closet. Observe the call of God: first, Bezlel knew he had been called, "...he was filled with the Spirit of God." We cannot serve Him unless we are encountered by Him and gifted with endowments suitable for His purposes. Second, Bezalel was burdened to replicate himself through others called of God in order that the work of God might be accomplished, "And he was inspired to teach...." The apostle Paul highlights this pattern in discipleship, "And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (2 Tim. 2:2). When God saves a person it is for the purpose that he might Be and Do. The doing is a function of being. Consider your calling, your passions, skills, abilities, and spiritual endowments. In what way are these being employed to Gods glory and the benefit of others called? The church of God cannot reach the world for God unless workers are brought into His harvest and equipped for service. That is the calling and responsibility of every follower of Jesus Christ.
Copyright (c) 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever."). Isa. 40:8
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Personal Devotion
J.A. Matteson
Until the LORD reveals Himself to us personally our concept of Him is abstract and questionable. But with His self disclosure comes an ironclad joy filled assurance of His sovereign rule and guidance. "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it" (Gen. 28:16). Jacob knew of the LORD from a distance through his father Isaac and grandfather Abraham. What he understood of God was based upon their relationship with the LORD, not from personal experience. Until this time Jacob was moderately religious, practicing the family faith from duty rather than personal devotion. What we see with Jacobs elation is typical of new Christians. For some coming to Christ is a gradual dawning of their spiritual need and His lordship. For others, like the apostle Paul on the Damascus road, salvation comes like a thunderclap. However the revelation comes, its outcome is always the same, an unshakable conviction that the LORD "is in this place." Jacob would grow in his understanding that the sovereign rule of the LORD is not confined to a place, but fills every place in heaven and earth, providentially overseeing the affairs of men and creation (Jn. 4:20-23). To Jacobs delight he came to know the LORD not merely as his fathers God ("...because the LORD your God granted me success." Gen. 27:20) but as the LORD his God. That initial revelation by God changes everything and truly we become strangers and pilgrims on the earth seeking a heavenly dwelling not made by human hands (Heb. 11:8-10). Blessed are the poor in spirit who mourn over their sin, eagerly awaiting the return of their Savior Jesus Christ, who ransomed them from the power of satan by His own blood. On earth He goes before and protects them, from behind He is their rear guard lest the devil successfully accuse them of past sin to the travail of the soul. And praise be to God their confidence is not in themselves but in Him whose righteousness they wear by faith, for there is now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1). Rejoice, therefore, in the remembrance of your personal Bethel moment when God revealed Himself to you as being "in this place" (in the world). Rejoice continually knowing that He continues on with you in your daily journey and will never leave nor forsake you (Matt. 28:20).
Copyright (c) 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Until the LORD reveals Himself to us personally our concept of Him is abstract and questionable. But with His self disclosure comes an ironclad joy filled assurance of His sovereign rule and guidance. "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it" (Gen. 28:16). Jacob knew of the LORD from a distance through his father Isaac and grandfather Abraham. What he understood of God was based upon their relationship with the LORD, not from personal experience. Until this time Jacob was moderately religious, practicing the family faith from duty rather than personal devotion. What we see with Jacobs elation is typical of new Christians. For some coming to Christ is a gradual dawning of their spiritual need and His lordship. For others, like the apostle Paul on the Damascus road, salvation comes like a thunderclap. However the revelation comes, its outcome is always the same, an unshakable conviction that the LORD "is in this place." Jacob would grow in his understanding that the sovereign rule of the LORD is not confined to a place, but fills every place in heaven and earth, providentially overseeing the affairs of men and creation (Jn. 4:20-23). To Jacobs delight he came to know the LORD not merely as his fathers God ("...because the LORD your God granted me success." Gen. 27:20) but as the LORD his God. That initial revelation by God changes everything and truly we become strangers and pilgrims on the earth seeking a heavenly dwelling not made by human hands (Heb. 11:8-10). Blessed are the poor in spirit who mourn over their sin, eagerly awaiting the return of their Savior Jesus Christ, who ransomed them from the power of satan by His own blood. On earth He goes before and protects them, from behind He is their rear guard lest the devil successfully accuse them of past sin to the travail of the soul. And praise be to God their confidence is not in themselves but in Him whose righteousness they wear by faith, for there is now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1). Rejoice, therefore, in the remembrance of your personal Bethel moment when God revealed Himself to you as being "in this place" (in the world). Rejoice continually knowing that He continues on with you in your daily journey and will never leave nor forsake you (Matt. 28:20).
Copyright (c) 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Let Us Resolve
J.A. Matteson
In the new year may we resolve to be deeper students of God, daily reading His word and applying its truth so that it may transform our thinking and priorities; be better stewards of the body God has given us, for the soul cannot do what the body is unable to do; be more empathetic to people who are difficult to be around, we are often unaware of the hurt and pain that shapes a persons character; be eager to listen rather than speak, respecting another's point of view; be vigilant to extend kindness through good deeds to those less fortunate, mercy is no respecter of persons; be quick to forgive, as in Christ we have been forgiven far more; be ready to laugh and sing, for the day of mourning will certainly arrive; be in the moment in our relationships and cherish them, for you don't know what your life will be tomorrow; be grateful for your lot, as there is someone else who's circumstances are worse; be circumspect to inventory your blessings, they far outweigh hardships; be closer to Jesus Christ through prayer, for to be like Him you must be with Him; be childlike in faith, we come to know Him by trust first, reason tempts the Lord to prove Himself so that we may follow; be diligent to intercede for the lost who, apart from the grace of God awakening them to their need for Christ, most certainly face the unfathomable horrors of eternity in hell for rejecting God's forgiveness through His Son Jesus Christ.
Copyright 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
In the new year may we resolve to be deeper students of God, daily reading His word and applying its truth so that it may transform our thinking and priorities; be better stewards of the body God has given us, for the soul cannot do what the body is unable to do; be more empathetic to people who are difficult to be around, we are often unaware of the hurt and pain that shapes a persons character; be eager to listen rather than speak, respecting another's point of view; be vigilant to extend kindness through good deeds to those less fortunate, mercy is no respecter of persons; be quick to forgive, as in Christ we have been forgiven far more; be ready to laugh and sing, for the day of mourning will certainly arrive; be in the moment in our relationships and cherish them, for you don't know what your life will be tomorrow; be grateful for your lot, as there is someone else who's circumstances are worse; be circumspect to inventory your blessings, they far outweigh hardships; be closer to Jesus Christ through prayer, for to be like Him you must be with Him; be childlike in faith, we come to know Him by trust first, reason tempts the Lord to prove Himself so that we may follow; be diligent to intercede for the lost who, apart from the grace of God awakening them to their need for Christ, most certainly face the unfathomable horrors of eternity in hell for rejecting God's forgiveness through His Son Jesus Christ.
Copyright 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
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