J.A. Matteson
(Devotional)
Whenever the Gospel is communicated, clearly, it creates conflict. "Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division" (Luke 12:51). The message of the cross is not one of appeasement couched in flattery in order to gain the favor of sinners. Rather, it is a divine assessment of guilt, a command, an ultimatum, a dire warning and urgent appeal to flee the wrath of God which will be poured out on the unrighteous on the Day of the LORD. The message of the cross is not one of personal reform, but spiritual resurrection from the dead to walk in newness of life. Christ demands sinners come to Him on His terms. Because the message of the cross shatters self esteem it is never welcome, unless God first opens the heart to receive it as He did with Lydia when Paul preached Christ crucified to her (Acts 16:14). The power of conversion is in the Word of God, not in the messenger. Losing sight of this many alter the content of the Gospel with the hope of making it palatable to sinners. The result is a multitude of unregenerate souls who hold church memberships, tares amidst the wheat. If we desire to witness the power of God as in revivals of the past, let us return to the gospel of the New Testament. To the elect called of God it is honey to the lips (2 Thess. 2:13). To the rest it is guaranteed to foster conflict and division (John 10:26-27). To He alone who is wise be all glory and honor and praise, forever and ever. Amen
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).