J.A. Matteson
To be used as a redemptive instrument of God through the Gospel is a natural effect of our abiding; too often we confuse evangelism and discipleship as being an act we perform. "I am with you always" (Matt. 28:20). In every occasion and location Jesus is with you, in you, and the intimacy of your relationship with Him is the foundation of effective ministry (Col. 1:27). If your paradymn of witnessing and discipleship is rooted in anything other than your relationship with Jesus Christ your activities will disappoint those you seek to influence, because you have yet to be influenced by the Spirit of Christ yourself (Jude 1:12); come to Him first, abide with Him, then you will hear clearly how to reach and build others up in Christ (Acts 8:29). We cannot impart what we do not posses, and a sincere inner intimacy with Jesus Christ is the quickening agent God uses to awaken the dead (Acts 4:13). To be greatly used of Jesus Christ in fulfilling His commission demands we first spend much time with Him and remain with Him as we move through the unique providential settings He engineers daily. With spiritual eyes open, in a perpetual state of inner prayer, Jesus Christ will reveal to you where He is working, gently illumining your awareness as He is speaks to you in each setting; get ready for His directive, obey immediately and completely (1 Sam. 3:10), and you will be empowered by His Spirit in that moment to fulfill what He purposed in eternity concerning the person with whom you are interacting, to the praise of His glorious name.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Monday, February 17, 2014
Friday, February 14, 2014
Godly Sorrow for Sin
J.A. Matteson
Sin exposes the true spiritual state of the soul, its response to it being either a worldly remorse terminating in satanic condemnation or a godly repentance leading to eternal life. "...he went away and hanged himself" (Matt. 27:5). Peter and Judas both sinned against the Lord Jesus Christ, yet their responses to their errors was notably different and illustrates clearly the difference between the redeemed and the reprobate (Matt. 7:20). Both men upon realization of their sin are said to have "gone out" to a solitary place. But that is where the similarity between these two men ends. The Holy Spirit within the children of a God convicts of sin, redeems from bondage, restores to holiness, and in all ways makes the heart joyful and glad. The focus of conviction leading to godly grief is in the absolute horror and disgust in the sin that so easily entangles us (Heb. 12:1); the aim of the Spirit is the condemnation of sin, not the sinner redeemed from it (Rom. 8:1). The outcome of godly conviction is always towards life and further growth in grace (Jn. 15:2), bringing to fruition the promise of redemption of the elect, sealed by their great confession of faith (Eph. 1:13), which God in eternity purposed in accordance with His good pleasure, loosing none (Jn. 10:28), but bringing to glory all those foreknown to Him (Rom. 8:30). The fruit of worldly sorrow is markedly different, for its fruit is satanicly inspired, the bitter condemnation from the prince of darkness emanating in the putrid depths of hell. Its focus is antithetical to life, death is its aim, eternal misery its outcome. The spirit of worldly condemnation compels the wretched soul toward its master, satan, the father of lies. The Spirit of godly conviction compels the blessed redeemed toward the lover of their souls, the Lord Jesus Christ. O how wonderful is the godly sorrow for sin in the children of God, and how awful is the worldly spirit of condemnation in the offspring of the devil who do not hear the sweet invitation of salvation found in the Lord Jesus Christ (Jn. 10:26).
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Sin exposes the true spiritual state of the soul, its response to it being either a worldly remorse terminating in satanic condemnation or a godly repentance leading to eternal life. "...he went away and hanged himself" (Matt. 27:5). Peter and Judas both sinned against the Lord Jesus Christ, yet their responses to their errors was notably different and illustrates clearly the difference between the redeemed and the reprobate (Matt. 7:20). Both men upon realization of their sin are said to have "gone out" to a solitary place. But that is where the similarity between these two men ends. The Holy Spirit within the children of a God convicts of sin, redeems from bondage, restores to holiness, and in all ways makes the heart joyful and glad. The focus of conviction leading to godly grief is in the absolute horror and disgust in the sin that so easily entangles us (Heb. 12:1); the aim of the Spirit is the condemnation of sin, not the sinner redeemed from it (Rom. 8:1). The outcome of godly conviction is always towards life and further growth in grace (Jn. 15:2), bringing to fruition the promise of redemption of the elect, sealed by their great confession of faith (Eph. 1:13), which God in eternity purposed in accordance with His good pleasure, loosing none (Jn. 10:28), but bringing to glory all those foreknown to Him (Rom. 8:30). The fruit of worldly sorrow is markedly different, for its fruit is satanicly inspired, the bitter condemnation from the prince of darkness emanating in the putrid depths of hell. Its focus is antithetical to life, death is its aim, eternal misery its outcome. The spirit of worldly condemnation compels the wretched soul toward its master, satan, the father of lies. The Spirit of godly conviction compels the blessed redeemed toward the lover of their souls, the Lord Jesus Christ. O how wonderful is the godly sorrow for sin in the children of God, and how awful is the worldly spirit of condemnation in the offspring of the devil who do not hear the sweet invitation of salvation found in the Lord Jesus Christ (Jn. 10:26).
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Following Jesus Closely
J.A. Matteson
Can a branch abide in the vine remotely? Is it possible for grapes to grow detached from the vine? Are the words spoken by another heard best at a distance or in close proximity? "But Peter was following Him at distance...." (Matt. 26:58). When Jesus invites us to follow Him, He expects us to remain with Him, come what may (Jn. 6:67). How easy it is to follow Him closely, to openly associate with Jesus when our present company speaks well of Him (Matt. 21:9). It is quite different when we find ourselves in the company of those who are opposed to Christ, openly decrying His holy name (Acts. 8:1). In that setting do we seek to hide our identity in Christ in order to avoid persecution, to be accepted in the company of the group? In a moment of weakness Peter feared the disapproval of men more than the displeasure of God. We can all identify with Peter at some level. Fortunately the grace of God is astounding, and through the gift of repentance God gently restores us to fellowship, abiding, following Jesus closely. Difficult moments will come again, testing your allegiance to Christ. The surest way to follow Jesus close at the time of testing is to daily beseech the Lord to enable you to stand when the occasion arrives. And He who called you is faithful to strengthen you, to the praise of His glorious name (Jude 1:24-25).
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Can a branch abide in the vine remotely? Is it possible for grapes to grow detached from the vine? Are the words spoken by another heard best at a distance or in close proximity? "But Peter was following Him at distance...." (Matt. 26:58). When Jesus invites us to follow Him, He expects us to remain with Him, come what may (Jn. 6:67). How easy it is to follow Him closely, to openly associate with Jesus when our present company speaks well of Him (Matt. 21:9). It is quite different when we find ourselves in the company of those who are opposed to Christ, openly decrying His holy name (Acts. 8:1). In that setting do we seek to hide our identity in Christ in order to avoid persecution, to be accepted in the company of the group? In a moment of weakness Peter feared the disapproval of men more than the displeasure of God. We can all identify with Peter at some level. Fortunately the grace of God is astounding, and through the gift of repentance God gently restores us to fellowship, abiding, following Jesus closely. Difficult moments will come again, testing your allegiance to Christ. The surest way to follow Jesus close at the time of testing is to daily beseech the Lord to enable you to stand when the occasion arrives. And He who called you is faithful to strengthen you, to the praise of His glorious name (Jude 1:24-25).
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Rightly Abiding
J.A. Matteson
Be careful not to impune the motives of another's devotion to the Lord, for in so doing He make rebuke you. "Why do you trouble the woman?" (Matt. 26:10). One persons excess is another's joyful gift of love. With a critical heart we may examine the ministry of another, reasoning thus, "I would have done such and such." Do we see the root of our objection as pride? We may find ourselves with a critical spirit scrutinizing the ministry of another, and when we listen carefully we may also hear the words of Jesus asking us, "What is that to you?" (Jn. 21:22). When we are focused on criticizing others we are unable to gaze upon Christ, for it is impossible to fix our gaze on two separate objects simultaneously. When we are rightly abiding in Christ the ministry of others exalting Him in truth is our joy, regardless of its display, and we do not entertain demonic suggestions of ill intent, but interpret all things through the spiritual filter of love (1 Sam. 16:7). The whole earth is the Lords, all praise and honor and worship are due Him. Worship the Lord in spirit and truth in your own context as moved by the Spirit, affording others the grace to do likewise.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Be careful not to impune the motives of another's devotion to the Lord, for in so doing He make rebuke you. "Why do you trouble the woman?" (Matt. 26:10). One persons excess is another's joyful gift of love. With a critical heart we may examine the ministry of another, reasoning thus, "I would have done such and such." Do we see the root of our objection as pride? We may find ourselves with a critical spirit scrutinizing the ministry of another, and when we listen carefully we may also hear the words of Jesus asking us, "What is that to you?" (Jn. 21:22). When we are focused on criticizing others we are unable to gaze upon Christ, for it is impossible to fix our gaze on two separate objects simultaneously. When we are rightly abiding in Christ the ministry of others exalting Him in truth is our joy, regardless of its display, and we do not entertain demonic suggestions of ill intent, but interpret all things through the spiritual filter of love (1 Sam. 16:7). The whole earth is the Lords, all praise and honor and worship are due Him. Worship the Lord in spirit and truth in your own context as moved by the Spirit, affording others the grace to do likewise.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Friday, February 7, 2014
Dead to the External
J.A. Matteson
We may spend time with Jesus on the mount in prayer, behold His glory, enjoy His sweet fellowship throughout the day, and can still miss the orientation of His heart. "...His disciples came up to point out the temple buildings to Him" (Matt. 24:1). How easily we become entangled in the apparent significance of religious trappings rather than the spiritual truth they are intended to represent. Great time, energy, material resources and money are dedicated to them, when God would have us dedicate the focus of our lives on cleaning the inside our our cup, rather than being impressed with its external beauty (Matt. 23:25). Jesus was dead to external religious pretense, and so must His disciples be. By contrast Jesus was well pleased with the inner spiritual beauty of a ransomed soul, those often rejected by the religious (Lk. 7:39). If we are to be of service to Jesus Christ we must get close to Him until His perception of worldly things becomes ours. To love and rejoice at the inner beauty of a soul bringing forth the fruit of the Spirit is much preferred over the external appearance of the temple the Spirit resides within. The Jerusalem temple was an architectural wonder, but one filled with spiritual lawlessness. Jesus was unimpressed, He focused on the spiritual condition of its use, His disciples were preoccupied with the physical. Externally the Pharisees appeared beautiful in their religious attire, inwardly they were filled with wickedness. We must continually strive to perceive the spiritual reality of a setting as Jesus did; "you will know them by their fruit" (Matt. 7:16). If our house of worship is transforming souls who are increasingly bringing forth the fruit of the Spirit, Jesus is well pleased. If our house of worship is filled with lawlessness Jesus is not only unimpressed, but His judgement will in time visit that congregation (Rev. 2:20). Only with the light of Christ will we correctly discern His heart in our situation and be able to respond in a manner pleasing to Him (Matt. 16:3).
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
We may spend time with Jesus on the mount in prayer, behold His glory, enjoy His sweet fellowship throughout the day, and can still miss the orientation of His heart. "...His disciples came up to point out the temple buildings to Him" (Matt. 24:1). How easily we become entangled in the apparent significance of religious trappings rather than the spiritual truth they are intended to represent. Great time, energy, material resources and money are dedicated to them, when God would have us dedicate the focus of our lives on cleaning the inside our our cup, rather than being impressed with its external beauty (Matt. 23:25). Jesus was dead to external religious pretense, and so must His disciples be. By contrast Jesus was well pleased with the inner spiritual beauty of a ransomed soul, those often rejected by the religious (Lk. 7:39). If we are to be of service to Jesus Christ we must get close to Him until His perception of worldly things becomes ours. To love and rejoice at the inner beauty of a soul bringing forth the fruit of the Spirit is much preferred over the external appearance of the temple the Spirit resides within. The Jerusalem temple was an architectural wonder, but one filled with spiritual lawlessness. Jesus was unimpressed, He focused on the spiritual condition of its use, His disciples were preoccupied with the physical. Externally the Pharisees appeared beautiful in their religious attire, inwardly they were filled with wickedness. We must continually strive to perceive the spiritual reality of a setting as Jesus did; "you will know them by their fruit" (Matt. 7:16). If our house of worship is transforming souls who are increasingly bringing forth the fruit of the Spirit, Jesus is well pleased. If our house of worship is filled with lawlessness Jesus is not only unimpressed, but His judgement will in time visit that congregation (Rev. 2:20). Only with the light of Christ will we correctly discern His heart in our situation and be able to respond in a manner pleasing to Him (Matt. 16:3).
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Of No Consequence
J.A. Matteson
To be noticed by men for good works or to be in a position of honor among the saints is not sin. Seeking to be noticed by others or coveting position in order to be honored by men is pride, that is sinful. "But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men" (Matt. 23:5). Oh how subtle is the flesh and Devil to draw saints into this temptation. To desire that others speak well of you, to desire validation of you efforts and to inwardly feel misused when "Thank you" or "Well done" is absent. Develop the habit of not looking back for approval or praise. Refrain from searching out sources and places where others may express their opinion of you as to your ministry. It should be of no consequence to you how others view your ministry when all that you do is done for the glory of God (Col. 3:23). The intent of our heart should be pleasing Jesus Christ, to go unnoticed by men in ministry, decreasing that He might increase, in secret laying out the intent of your heart before Him (Matt. 6:1-4). Cut away all things that draw your attention to yourself before men. Starve the remnant of human pride until all that remains in view is Jesus Christ lifted up.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
To be noticed by men for good works or to be in a position of honor among the saints is not sin. Seeking to be noticed by others or coveting position in order to be honored by men is pride, that is sinful. "But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men" (Matt. 23:5). Oh how subtle is the flesh and Devil to draw saints into this temptation. To desire that others speak well of you, to desire validation of you efforts and to inwardly feel misused when "Thank you" or "Well done" is absent. Develop the habit of not looking back for approval or praise. Refrain from searching out sources and places where others may express their opinion of you as to your ministry. It should be of no consequence to you how others view your ministry when all that you do is done for the glory of God (Col. 3:23). The intent of our heart should be pleasing Jesus Christ, to go unnoticed by men in ministry, decreasing that He might increase, in secret laying out the intent of your heart before Him (Matt. 6:1-4). Cut away all things that draw your attention to yourself before men. Starve the remnant of human pride until all that remains in view is Jesus Christ lifted up.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Trust Him in Every Situation
J.A. Matteson
To sojourn with Jesus is to be awakened to that which He ordained for you before the foundation of the world. "This took place to fulfill what was spoken...." (Matt. 21:4). Too often we misinterpret events as unrelated to our sanctification, when in reality all things bare directly upon it (1 Thess. 4:3). Before you took your first breath all your days were lovingly crafted by your Heavenly Father to present you to the Son of God acceptable and perfect when you meet your Lord face to face in heaven (Ps. 139:16). Knowing it is written that each day of our lives are ordained, and that as a child of God our circumstances are engineered to bring about our sanctification, we may continue along our pilgrim pathway with confidence, knowing that all of God's revealed promises in His word are "yes" for those in Christ Jesus (2 Cor. 1:20). How easy it is for us to get bogged down in the minucia of our daily experience, burdened over this, anxious over that, taking our focus off the entirety of the tapestry of our lives God is weaving together. We focus on the individual knots as the rug is weaved, God's attention is on the completed product. We stir over His means while He lovingly pursues His end. It is not God's will that His children be filled with fear and anxiety, but that they rest moment by moment in Him (Matt. 11:28). In this regard you may embrace each day, every trial, all temptations and storms as ordained by God to further your sanctification. You may trust Him in every situation, even when you do not understand. Interpret the situation in light of His end, your sanctification. In it He will walk with you, never leaving nor forsaking you (Heb. 13:5). He may not directly cause trying circumstances, but may allow secondary causes to bring them about. And in the midst of them you also know with absolute certainty, for it is written, that He has your welfare in mind (Rom. 8:28). "All things," these are the knots in the tapestry of your life experience God has ordained for you. "Work together for good", this is the beautiful end product of your sanctification God will complete (Phil. 1:6). Rest, beloved, in knowing that whatsoever comes to pass in your life this day it is to fulfill that which has been spoken, your sanctification.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
To sojourn with Jesus is to be awakened to that which He ordained for you before the foundation of the world. "This took place to fulfill what was spoken...." (Matt. 21:4). Too often we misinterpret events as unrelated to our sanctification, when in reality all things bare directly upon it (1 Thess. 4:3). Before you took your first breath all your days were lovingly crafted by your Heavenly Father to present you to the Son of God acceptable and perfect when you meet your Lord face to face in heaven (Ps. 139:16). Knowing it is written that each day of our lives are ordained, and that as a child of God our circumstances are engineered to bring about our sanctification, we may continue along our pilgrim pathway with confidence, knowing that all of God's revealed promises in His word are "yes" for those in Christ Jesus (2 Cor. 1:20). How easy it is for us to get bogged down in the minucia of our daily experience, burdened over this, anxious over that, taking our focus off the entirety of the tapestry of our lives God is weaving together. We focus on the individual knots as the rug is weaved, God's attention is on the completed product. We stir over His means while He lovingly pursues His end. It is not God's will that His children be filled with fear and anxiety, but that they rest moment by moment in Him (Matt. 11:28). In this regard you may embrace each day, every trial, all temptations and storms as ordained by God to further your sanctification. You may trust Him in every situation, even when you do not understand. Interpret the situation in light of His end, your sanctification. In it He will walk with you, never leaving nor forsaking you (Heb. 13:5). He may not directly cause trying circumstances, but may allow secondary causes to bring them about. And in the midst of them you also know with absolute certainty, for it is written, that He has your welfare in mind (Rom. 8:28). "All things," these are the knots in the tapestry of your life experience God has ordained for you. "Work together for good", this is the beautiful end product of your sanctification God will complete (Phil. 1:6). Rest, beloved, in knowing that whatsoever comes to pass in your life this day it is to fulfill that which has been spoken, your sanctification.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
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