J.A. Matteson
"Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am the LORD your God." Leviticus 20:7 As a pilgrim you are an ordinary individual, but one who has been miraculously translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light, a soul that by grace has been regenerated and converted to life in the Beloved. Instantaneously you received an imputed righteous—a righteousness not your own—by means of the atonement, and are now positionally justified by grace through faith in Christ. Infused with a new nature by the Holy Spirit the Lord has set you free from the fetters of bondage to sin and death, although practically you must learn to walk in that freedom by struggling against the latent desires of the flesh, characterized by improper thoughts, words, and deeds. Like Israel occupying a new land you are a sojourner and the Lord calls you to abstain from the wicked practices of the pagan people who dwell among you. You are foreigner in the land, your citizenship being in heaven, and while you sojourn you are not to be swayed into worshipping the gods recognized by the peoples around you; indeed, some that you personally may have adored before your life in Christ. You are now called to be as salt and light to a fallen world. While separate in conduct and devotion you do not have the option of physically withdrawing out of the world as the monastics, for to do so would nullify your influence as an ambassador of Christ to the nations. The gods of the people around you today are essentially the same as those of old, although their form and names may have changed; predictably they grow in the depraved soil of minds hostile to the Lord, those in rebellion against the Lord of Hosts, dedicated to the pursuit of power over others through position; fame rooted in a vain search for significance in the eyes of others also living under the sun; sensual depravity as a result of a debased mind evidenced by a pornographic and homosexual culture, one that deceives the simple by championing and parading indecent acts as an expression of enlightened personal liberty, when bondage to sin remains the genuine outcome; and an insatiable pursuit for worldly wealth whereby its adherents pit themselves against each other in the hope of its attainment, biting and clawing their way to the top of the heap. Pilgrim, these types of pursuits occupy the attention and fan the flames of passion among those who do not know God, but they are to have no place in your heart. Flee from them at once, run for your life when they subtlety and seductively seek to take hold of you, cleverly appealing to the old man within. Like Joseph make up your mind before the test comes that you will not willingly sin against God, when the test comes run for your life, flee immediately…right now, get going, do not tarry and thus be deceived in to thinking you are able to remain and calmly consider the merits or faults of the proposition offered, rather get out of there now, leave your garment and exit in haste, “She caught him by his garment, saying, ‘Lie with me!’ And he left his garment in her hand and fled, and went outside” (Gen. 39:12). Beloved, spiritual syncretism is seductively subtle, able to slowly trap you in its web of lies if you remain ignorant of its intent and abilities, until one day you come to your senses only to grieve as to just how far off course you have traveled in your sojourning, and like Bunyan’s Pilgrim you find yourself backtracking a good distance, dismayed at how easily you were duped while vowing never again to be taken in by the prince of darkness. Consider the Apostles warning, “But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust” (Jas. 1:14). The innate lust of the flesh remains within you and you must daily mortify its desires which wage war against the Spirit. Prevailing soldiers know the tactics of their enemy and have taken a sober assessment of their weakness before engaging their opponent. Offer to the Lord your points of weakness before the battle and He will enable you to stand on that day victorious just as Joseph on that day stood victorious as an ambassador of Christ.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
The Ache of Transcendence
J.A. Matteson
The sunrise and sunset share one thing in common, both are momentary. In our hearts we feel the ache of transcendence through them, the heavenly echo beckoning to us. We resist their brevity by attempting to immortalize them through photography and painting. But the image cannot give full expression to the actual. In similar fashion the full expression of a life abandoned to God cannot be fully appreciated once gone. "And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come" (Ps. 71:18). Knowing the strength and power of God second hand is unsatisfactory and unprofitable. We dare not be satisfied with reading or listening to the delicate and intimate encounters by others with I AM. Love experienced finds expression. To know Him is to share Him in manifold ways. Blessed be the LORD on high who fills our hearts with joy and wonder. While momentary and fleeting the pilgrims of the LORD sojourn upon the earth among the sons of men, declaring to their generation the splendor and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ to all who have ears to hear. One day soon their sunset will arrive when they pass through time to eternity and stand before the exalted Lamb of God. May He be well pleased with His servant and pronounce, "Well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Master!"
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
The sunrise and sunset share one thing in common, both are momentary. In our hearts we feel the ache of transcendence through them, the heavenly echo beckoning to us. We resist their brevity by attempting to immortalize them through photography and painting. But the image cannot give full expression to the actual. In similar fashion the full expression of a life abandoned to God cannot be fully appreciated once gone. "And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come" (Ps. 71:18). Knowing the strength and power of God second hand is unsatisfactory and unprofitable. We dare not be satisfied with reading or listening to the delicate and intimate encounters by others with I AM. Love experienced finds expression. To know Him is to share Him in manifold ways. Blessed be the LORD on high who fills our hearts with joy and wonder. While momentary and fleeting the pilgrims of the LORD sojourn upon the earth among the sons of men, declaring to their generation the splendor and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ to all who have ears to hear. One day soon their sunset will arrive when they pass through time to eternity and stand before the exalted Lamb of God. May He be well pleased with His servant and pronounce, "Well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Master!"
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Sunday, May 6, 2012
The Deceitful Character of Sin
J.A. Matteson
Sin is by nature progressive and the human conscience is a gift from God. "Then David sent to Joab saying, 'Send me Uriah the Hittite'" (2 Sam. 11:6). The deceitful character of sin can delude a person into believing that by fabricating a plausible cover-up no one will be the wiser. The calculus errors because while people may be fooled God is not, He sees all. David knew this, yet the fruit of sin is a depraved and irrational mind. Blessed is the child of God, for in love He will chasten His children when they error. A man can either confess his sin in private before God, or God will humble him publicly. Wisdom is living ones life before the eyes of Him with whom we are accountable and in that regard to keep short accounts. People can be fooled but not God. And the tragedy is in concluding that because the LORD has not intervened in the present moment that He either is unaware or approving of our folly. David knew he had done wrong. But rather than nipping it the bud he continued down a path that eventually led to murder as well as the disintegration of his family and a divided kingdom. God is serious in dealing with sin, His people need to be as well.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Sin is by nature progressive and the human conscience is a gift from God. "Then David sent to Joab saying, 'Send me Uriah the Hittite'" (2 Sam. 11:6). The deceitful character of sin can delude a person into believing that by fabricating a plausible cover-up no one will be the wiser. The calculus errors because while people may be fooled God is not, He sees all. David knew this, yet the fruit of sin is a depraved and irrational mind. Blessed is the child of God, for in love He will chasten His children when they error. A man can either confess his sin in private before God, or God will humble him publicly. Wisdom is living ones life before the eyes of Him with whom we are accountable and in that regard to keep short accounts. People can be fooled but not God. And the tragedy is in concluding that because the LORD has not intervened in the present moment that He either is unaware or approving of our folly. David knew he had done wrong. But rather than nipping it the bud he continued down a path that eventually led to murder as well as the disintegration of his family and a divided kingdom. God is serious in dealing with sin, His people need to be as well.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Fools for Christ's Sake
J.A. Matteson
It is fashionable today to assert souls may be won to Christ merely by observing the chaste lifestyles of the saints. While the premise may find great acceptance in the pews it is foreign to Scripture, "Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed" (1 Cor. 15:11). From Genesis to Revelation God's redemptive plan is contingent upon the conveyance of spiritual truth to the lost. Particular truths pertaining to the Fall, sin, the law, grace and the Redeemer cannot be grasped apart from human language, whether written or spoken. To maintain otherwise is to place oneself at odds with Scripture. The message of the cross has and will continue to be foolishness to those that are perishing, and it is plausible that wishing not to appear foolish some saints would prefer to employ softer means to maintain their dignity in the eyes of the world. This is folly, for again the apostle says, "How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?....So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ" (Rom. 10:14, 17). Beloved, let us be fools for Christ's sake to the praise of His glorious Name.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
It is fashionable today to assert souls may be won to Christ merely by observing the chaste lifestyles of the saints. While the premise may find great acceptance in the pews it is foreign to Scripture, "Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed" (1 Cor. 15:11). From Genesis to Revelation God's redemptive plan is contingent upon the conveyance of spiritual truth to the lost. Particular truths pertaining to the Fall, sin, the law, grace and the Redeemer cannot be grasped apart from human language, whether written or spoken. To maintain otherwise is to place oneself at odds with Scripture. The message of the cross has and will continue to be foolishness to those that are perishing, and it is plausible that wishing not to appear foolish some saints would prefer to employ softer means to maintain their dignity in the eyes of the world. This is folly, for again the apostle says, "How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?....So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ" (Rom. 10:14, 17). Beloved, let us be fools for Christ's sake to the praise of His glorious Name.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Friday, May 4, 2012
In A Moment
J.A. Matteson
In a moment everything will change. Living in expectation that today is the Day of His appearing is wisdom. "Two men shall be in the field, one shall be taken, and the other left" (Luke 17:36). The appearing of the LORD will be amidst the normal rhythm of life and abrupt like birth pangs upon a woman. In that hour toil will cease, sorrow will yield to delights unimaginable. This is the blessed hope of the redeemed, an expectation unshakable and trustworthy. It may be today, before the sun sets, while engaged in the normal activities of life. Excitement and joy fill the heart set on things above, anxiety the heart preoccupied with that which will soon pass away. Oh LORD, I lift my eyes to toward heaven this day in the triumphant expectation of your appearing. Even so, come Lord Jesus, come.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
In a moment everything will change. Living in expectation that today is the Day of His appearing is wisdom. "Two men shall be in the field, one shall be taken, and the other left" (Luke 17:36). The appearing of the LORD will be amidst the normal rhythm of life and abrupt like birth pangs upon a woman. In that hour toil will cease, sorrow will yield to delights unimaginable. This is the blessed hope of the redeemed, an expectation unshakable and trustworthy. It may be today, before the sun sets, while engaged in the normal activities of life. Excitement and joy fill the heart set on things above, anxiety the heart preoccupied with that which will soon pass away. Oh LORD, I lift my eyes to toward heaven this day in the triumphant expectation of your appearing. Even so, come Lord Jesus, come.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Rest
J.A. Matteson
"Shout joyfully to God, all the earth" (Ps. 66:1). Are you tired, anxious, irritable, and distracted? Turn your heart toward the LORD Most High who governs your path; He will lead you beside still waters. Are you confused by your circumstances? Inquire of Him who causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. Slow down and behold Christ Jesus high and lifted up: for He reins over all. Submit your aspirations and hopes to His wise council and His peace which transcends all understanding will guard your heart and mind. Rest, oh my soul, in the LORD of Hosts who battles for me in the face of evil. Sing to the LORD a new song, shout His praise to the heights of heaven. For the LORD is good and His lovingkindness endures forever.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
"Shout joyfully to God, all the earth" (Ps. 66:1). Are you tired, anxious, irritable, and distracted? Turn your heart toward the LORD Most High who governs your path; He will lead you beside still waters. Are you confused by your circumstances? Inquire of Him who causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. Slow down and behold Christ Jesus high and lifted up: for He reins over all. Submit your aspirations and hopes to His wise council and His peace which transcends all understanding will guard your heart and mind. Rest, oh my soul, in the LORD of Hosts who battles for me in the face of evil. Sing to the LORD a new song, shout His praise to the heights of heaven. For the LORD is good and His lovingkindness endures forever.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
First Fruits
J.A. Matteson
As Solomon observed, there is a time and season for all things under heaven. "But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of them that slept" (1 Cor. 15:20). Christ was the first in time and kind of the glory to be revealed in the children of God. In the law of Moses the priest was required to offer up a tithe of the new crop as a wave offering before the LORD. The tithe was first in time and representative its kind in terms of the fullness of the harvest to follow. The passion of the Christ found its completion in His resurrection from the dead as the first in time and kind of the mighty harvest of souls to follow. Our great High Priest offered Himself as an acceptable wave offering before God as the earnest of those who fall asleep in Him. Oh glorious day, the Spirit given as a pledge indeed bares witness to our spirit that we are the children of God. And if heirs then joint heirs with Christ, and the same power that raised Jesus from the grave will indeed give life to your lifeless body on the day of His appearing! Therefore rejoice, beloved, for your redemption draws nigh.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
As Solomon observed, there is a time and season for all things under heaven. "But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of them that slept" (1 Cor. 15:20). Christ was the first in time and kind of the glory to be revealed in the children of God. In the law of Moses the priest was required to offer up a tithe of the new crop as a wave offering before the LORD. The tithe was first in time and representative its kind in terms of the fullness of the harvest to follow. The passion of the Christ found its completion in His resurrection from the dead as the first in time and kind of the mighty harvest of souls to follow. Our great High Priest offered Himself as an acceptable wave offering before God as the earnest of those who fall asleep in Him. Oh glorious day, the Spirit given as a pledge indeed bares witness to our spirit that we are the children of God. And if heirs then joint heirs with Christ, and the same power that raised Jesus from the grave will indeed give life to your lifeless body on the day of His appearing! Therefore rejoice, beloved, for your redemption draws nigh.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).
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