J.A. Matteson
As a citizen of the kingdom of heaven your orientation towards a matter is rooted in Christ. "Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth" (Col. 3:2). In every occasion it is the kingdom of God and His righteousness that informs your impulses and decision making. The apostle is not being mystical but practical in his exhortation. Direct your heart toward the principles of kingdom life governed by the character of Christ and your mind will be rightly focused. The inward and outward fruit of the Spirit will be evident both to you and those observing your confession as to your progress in Christ: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control. These stand in stark relief against the things of the earth such as power, position, pride, pettiness, immorality, sensuality, perversion, rudeness, selfishness, greed, materialism, idolatry, deceit and the like. Attitudes and behaviors flow from that which fills the heart. When Christ is the meditation of the heart the fruit of the Spirit buds plentifully His righteousness. To not focus on Christ is to give sway to the things of the earth yielding its bitter fruit.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Friday, October 11, 2013
Monday, October 7, 2013
By Grace Through Faith
J.A. Matteson
When communicating the gospel take care so as not to unduly burden souls with artificial prescriptions of confession to satisfy your insecurities as an Ambassador for Christ. "and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith" (Phil. 3:9). You have spent sufficient time explaining Law and Gospel. When probed for comprehension your hearer expresses understanding and belief in your message. Rejoice with them at that point, beloved, for their confession of faith in Christ is evidence of their regeneration and conversion by grace. The common tendency at this point by many evangelicals is to pull them along a prescribed liturgy through directed questions and declarative answers as though that process saves them. God has already saved them which is why they believe the gospel you shared. Their righteousness before God is given them by grace through faith and not by fabricated rhetorical outlines conceived by men. Your task as Christ's ambassador at this point is to help them to understand with all the saints that their faith comes by grace and is the instrumental cause of their salvation, but it is Christ alone who is the efficient cause of it.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
When communicating the gospel take care so as not to unduly burden souls with artificial prescriptions of confession to satisfy your insecurities as an Ambassador for Christ. "and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith" (Phil. 3:9). You have spent sufficient time explaining Law and Gospel. When probed for comprehension your hearer expresses understanding and belief in your message. Rejoice with them at that point, beloved, for their confession of faith in Christ is evidence of their regeneration and conversion by grace. The common tendency at this point by many evangelicals is to pull them along a prescribed liturgy through directed questions and declarative answers as though that process saves them. God has already saved them which is why they believe the gospel you shared. Their righteousness before God is given them by grace through faith and not by fabricated rhetorical outlines conceived by men. Your task as Christ's ambassador at this point is to help them to understand with all the saints that their faith comes by grace and is the instrumental cause of their salvation, but it is Christ alone who is the efficient cause of it.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Faith and Suffering
J.A. Matteson
Suffering for Christ's sake is the destiny of every believer; its form, duration, and intensity being ordained by God according to His purposes. "For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake" (Phil. 1:29). The fruit of suffering is perseverance. In a fallen world that suppresses the truth of God in unrighteousness suffering is unrelenting and unavoidable to saints walking in the Spirit. Therefore, do not consider your suffering for Christ unusual, as though it is directed at you in response to some defect in your witness, it is your lot, and an indication that the fragrance of Christ is upon you. You cannot suffer for Christ apart from believing in Him, and you cannot believe in Him save by grace. Faith and suffering are two sides of the same coin of redemption on grace. Knowing that it is by grace you believe and suffer for the name of Christ, rejoice, for your suffering validates your adoption as a true child of God.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Suffering for Christ's sake is the destiny of every believer; its form, duration, and intensity being ordained by God according to His purposes. "For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake" (Phil. 1:29). The fruit of suffering is perseverance. In a fallen world that suppresses the truth of God in unrighteousness suffering is unrelenting and unavoidable to saints walking in the Spirit. Therefore, do not consider your suffering for Christ unusual, as though it is directed at you in response to some defect in your witness, it is your lot, and an indication that the fragrance of Christ is upon you. You cannot suffer for Christ apart from believing in Him, and you cannot believe in Him save by grace. Faith and suffering are two sides of the same coin of redemption on grace. Knowing that it is by grace you believe and suffer for the name of Christ, rejoice, for your suffering validates your adoption as a true child of God.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Friday, October 4, 2013
Intercession for the Saints
J.A.Matteson
The manor and frequency of our intercession for the saints reflects our maturity in understanding spiritual realities. "be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints" (Eph. 6:18). Abiding branches are fused with life flowing graces, a Spirit directed burden for the saints being foundational. It is impossible to be abiding in Christ, producing much fruit, yet not continually be burdened for the welfare of the saints, as it is the Spirit who directs the heart of His people in accordance to the will of God. You may consider yourself spiritually mature, yet if your heart is cold or indifferent to the plight of the saints near and far, something is out of kilter. We may convince ourselves that our abiding is intimate, but the burden of our heart, evidenced by the fruit of our prayer life, reveals the true nature of our abiding. To abide closely with Christ is to have the mind of Christ, and the affections of Christ are continually directed to the mission and well being of the saints. When the Spirit quickens your heart to a deficit area in your abiding, such as intercessory prayer for the saints, be prompt to listen and obey. As you intercede for brethren you may not personally know, rejoice, for they in turn are interceding for you, that in all things and through all things Christ may reign supreme, and that the love of Christ, through His body, may proclaim the riches of His grace to those who walk darkness, that they may hear with their ears and see with their eyes the beauty and majesty of the cross, and the Lamb who was slain and now is seated at the right hand of the Father, highly exalted, enthroned above every authority and principality, to the praise of His wonderful name.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
The manor and frequency of our intercession for the saints reflects our maturity in understanding spiritual realities. "be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints" (Eph. 6:18). Abiding branches are fused with life flowing graces, a Spirit directed burden for the saints being foundational. It is impossible to be abiding in Christ, producing much fruit, yet not continually be burdened for the welfare of the saints, as it is the Spirit who directs the heart of His people in accordance to the will of God. You may consider yourself spiritually mature, yet if your heart is cold or indifferent to the plight of the saints near and far, something is out of kilter. We may convince ourselves that our abiding is intimate, but the burden of our heart, evidenced by the fruit of our prayer life, reveals the true nature of our abiding. To abide closely with Christ is to have the mind of Christ, and the affections of Christ are continually directed to the mission and well being of the saints. When the Spirit quickens your heart to a deficit area in your abiding, such as intercessory prayer for the saints, be prompt to listen and obey. As you intercede for brethren you may not personally know, rejoice, for they in turn are interceding for you, that in all things and through all things Christ may reign supreme, and that the love of Christ, through His body, may proclaim the riches of His grace to those who walk darkness, that they may hear with their ears and see with their eyes the beauty and majesty of the cross, and the Lamb who was slain and now is seated at the right hand of the Father, highly exalted, enthroned above every authority and principality, to the praise of His wonderful name.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Consider Your Associations
J.A. Matteson
Pilgrims are in the world but not of the world, so the associations they keep ought to foster behaviors pleasing to the LORD. "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit" (Eph. 5:18). Is your regular chosen environment since coming to Christ one that has as it's central focus the glory of God? Heathen gentile practices in Ephesus paid homage to Dionysus, the god of wine. Through excessive consumption it was believed the deity entered the body inspiring ecstatic utterances, frenzied dancing and music. Bad company corrupts good morals. Consider your associations and the company you keep. Are you representing the light of Christ or are you being drawn into behaviors for which you are ashamed? Separation from the influences of darkness is wisdom, especially when you are weak in the faith and vulnerable to peer pressure to conform. Rather, surround yourself with associations by which you might grow in grace by embracing environments that exalt the Lord Jesus Christ through thanksgiving, applying the Word, and the joyful singing spiritual songs of praise.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Pilgrims are in the world but not of the world, so the associations they keep ought to foster behaviors pleasing to the LORD. "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit" (Eph. 5:18). Is your regular chosen environment since coming to Christ one that has as it's central focus the glory of God? Heathen gentile practices in Ephesus paid homage to Dionysus, the god of wine. Through excessive consumption it was believed the deity entered the body inspiring ecstatic utterances, frenzied dancing and music. Bad company corrupts good morals. Consider your associations and the company you keep. Are you representing the light of Christ or are you being drawn into behaviors for which you are ashamed? Separation from the influences of darkness is wisdom, especially when you are weak in the faith and vulnerable to peer pressure to conform. Rather, surround yourself with associations by which you might grow in grace by embracing environments that exalt the Lord Jesus Christ through thanksgiving, applying the Word, and the joyful singing spiritual songs of praise.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
No Accommodation in the Gospel
J.A. Matteson
Numerous are the opining boasts of men without understanding and deadly is the outcome for the simple who persist in trusting them. "Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience" (Eph. 5:6). To each generation is given so called authorities of cultural norms, sentinels of the status quo, respected purveyors of antithetical propositions to the word of God. Their boasts are tantalizing, seducing unregenerate minds through self-justificational propositions that appeal directly to the flesh. Religious pluralism, moral relativism, and humanism reign supreme in the present day as alternative explanations and expressions for human existence, purpose, and behavior. These stand juxtaposed to the Christ who dared to proclaim that He came to bear witness to the truth, and that all who are of the truth hear and follow Him. In each generation the pure gospel is deemed by society a scandal, for it collides forcefully with satanic delusions. The tension between the gospel and the world system is constant so that the saints in every generation may know how closely their profession and lives align with it based upon the backlash they experience. Beware when the whole world speaks well of you! There is no accommodation in the gospel, no adding to or deleting from its essential elements so as to make it more desirable--relevant--to the whims of unregenerate souls. To the contrary, by the wisdom of God, it is precisely through the foolishness of the message of the cross that genuine conversion takes place. The power of conversion is in the gospel once for all delivered to the saints. Proclaim the apostolic gospel, and no other, as it alone is the only means through which sinners can be saved.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Numerous are the opining boasts of men without understanding and deadly is the outcome for the simple who persist in trusting them. "Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience" (Eph. 5:6). To each generation is given so called authorities of cultural norms, sentinels of the status quo, respected purveyors of antithetical propositions to the word of God. Their boasts are tantalizing, seducing unregenerate minds through self-justificational propositions that appeal directly to the flesh. Religious pluralism, moral relativism, and humanism reign supreme in the present day as alternative explanations and expressions for human existence, purpose, and behavior. These stand juxtaposed to the Christ who dared to proclaim that He came to bear witness to the truth, and that all who are of the truth hear and follow Him. In each generation the pure gospel is deemed by society a scandal, for it collides forcefully with satanic delusions. The tension between the gospel and the world system is constant so that the saints in every generation may know how closely their profession and lives align with it based upon the backlash they experience. Beware when the whole world speaks well of you! There is no accommodation in the gospel, no adding to or deleting from its essential elements so as to make it more desirable--relevant--to the whims of unregenerate souls. To the contrary, by the wisdom of God, it is precisely through the foolishness of the message of the cross that genuine conversion takes place. The power of conversion is in the gospel once for all delivered to the saints. Proclaim the apostolic gospel, and no other, as it alone is the only means through which sinners can be saved.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
The Delight of the LORD
J.A. Matteson
Peace and security are certain possessions of the saints. "Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the LORD God is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation" (Isa. 12:2). He who delivered you eternally from spiritual death and wrath will sovereignly establish your steps according to the good pleasure of His will to the praise of His glory. Contemplate the Lord's dealings with you, discern His providences. Oh the variety of means and manifold occasions He has delivered you from trouble prior to and subsequent to your conversion. He who is able to save from that which is unseen, how much easier is it for Him to deliver from what is seen. The delight of the LORD is the heart that trusts Him, the soul who's meditation and song is the faithfulness of our God. Many are the devises and relentless are the arrows of the evil one directed at the faith of the sheep. By grace they are not afraid, for the Shepherd of their souls shields them, and the staff of His salvation is powerful in His hand against the adversary. Sing a song of praise to the Lord, let your lips utter a new song of deliverance to your Redeemer, for the Lord Christ Jesus is always powerfully and tenderly near.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
Peace and security are certain possessions of the saints. "Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the LORD God is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation" (Isa. 12:2). He who delivered you eternally from spiritual death and wrath will sovereignly establish your steps according to the good pleasure of His will to the praise of His glory. Contemplate the Lord's dealings with you, discern His providences. Oh the variety of means and manifold occasions He has delivered you from trouble prior to and subsequent to your conversion. He who is able to save from that which is unseen, how much easier is it for Him to deliver from what is seen. The delight of the LORD is the heart that trusts Him, the soul who's meditation and song is the faithfulness of our God. Many are the devises and relentless are the arrows of the evil one directed at the faith of the sheep. By grace they are not afraid, for the Shepherd of their souls shields them, and the staff of His salvation is powerful in His hand against the adversary. Sing a song of praise to the Lord, let your lips utter a new song of deliverance to your Redeemer, for the Lord Christ Jesus is always powerfully and tenderly near.
Copyright (c) 2013 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8)
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