J.A. Matteson
Can the blind at birth truly comprehend light, even when it is carefully described to them? Can the deaf at birth ever really experience the sweet sounds of springtime birds singing at sunrise? How could a person color blind understand the depth and vibrancy of red? "But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep" (Jn. 10:26). Note the key word used by Jesus: because. It is a causal word denoting why something is the way it is. This word in this statement, placed where it is, is problematic to the Arminian. Notice also what Jesus does not say, "You do not believe because of your hardness of heart," or "You do not believe because of your pride and refusal to repent," or "You do not believe because you lack knowledge and must be educated in the way of salvation," or "You do not believe because you can't make intellectual sense of it all." While all of those statements may be true at some level, they are not the ultimate cause of perpetual spiritual blindness resulting in unbelief. What fellowship has light with darkness, or can the living communicate with the dead? Jesus reveals a spiritual law of new birth and the Jews, whose hearts were cloaked in darkness, did not perceive the light. Why? Their spiritually dead condition was and, most horribly, would continue due to the efficient cause of divine election bypassing them according to the good pleasure of the Father's will. To those whom His favor rests faith is the instrumental effect of grace upon the heart, "The people who walk in darkness will see a great light..." (Isa. 9:2). In no way do the people walking in darkness who see the light perceive it meritoriously. Rather they perceive it in spite of their darkened souls, being enlightened as an act of divine grace. When the light of faith dawns in the heart the cares of the world take on the true measure of their insignificance in the blinding light of His eternal glory, "What is man that You are mindful of him?" (Ps. 8:4). So you believe that Jesus is the Christ? You do well. However, do not boast in anything other than the grace of God which has awakened you, revealing the identity of His Son to you. Any other boasting is evil. You brought nothing to the transaction but your deadness and sin. Salvation is of the LORD.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Friday, May 16, 2014
Innocent Blood
J.A. Matteson
The LORD does not change. That which the LORD deemed as evil in the days of the patriarchs and kings of Israel, He deems as evil today. "...at the command of the LORD it came upon Judah, to remove them from His sight because of the sins of Manasseh...and also for the innocent blood which he shed, for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood...." (2 Kgs. 24:3-4). Innocent blood, persons not guilty of the violence inflicted upon them by their fellow man. The LORD is long suffering, forgiving iniquity and extending forgiveness to all seeking it. Whom among us today is the most vulnerable innocent blood suffering violence and death at the hands of their fellow man? Is it not our fellow human beings in the womb yet born? Their blood flows through our communities, our nations. If the LORD stays His righteous hand of wrath against the nations who murder His children in the womb, violating the sixth commandment, will He not owe an apology to king Manasseh? The LORD is impartial, a people that sows evil will reap evil. The LORD will not be mocked, wrath visits those who practice iniquity. Our lands are crimson in the shed blood of the innocent to satisfy "convenience" and "choice." The land is weary and the people mourn, confusion and anxiety is expressed among friend and acquaintance alike. An uneasy foreboding heaviness characterizes the mood of the people. Wrath is not a future possibility, it is a present reality. A people in confusion and despair characterize the wages of sin. To find absolution they must first look down before looking up to God, in so doing they will observe that their feet are covered with the blood of the innocent of their communities, the blood of the unborn. These are silent voices who cannot speak in their own defense. If those walking upon the earth, God's people, do not defend their right to life, who will?
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
The LORD does not change. That which the LORD deemed as evil in the days of the patriarchs and kings of Israel, He deems as evil today. "...at the command of the LORD it came upon Judah, to remove them from His sight because of the sins of Manasseh...and also for the innocent blood which he shed, for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood...." (2 Kgs. 24:3-4). Innocent blood, persons not guilty of the violence inflicted upon them by their fellow man. The LORD is long suffering, forgiving iniquity and extending forgiveness to all seeking it. Whom among us today is the most vulnerable innocent blood suffering violence and death at the hands of their fellow man? Is it not our fellow human beings in the womb yet born? Their blood flows through our communities, our nations. If the LORD stays His righteous hand of wrath against the nations who murder His children in the womb, violating the sixth commandment, will He not owe an apology to king Manasseh? The LORD is impartial, a people that sows evil will reap evil. The LORD will not be mocked, wrath visits those who practice iniquity. Our lands are crimson in the shed blood of the innocent to satisfy "convenience" and "choice." The land is weary and the people mourn, confusion and anxiety is expressed among friend and acquaintance alike. An uneasy foreboding heaviness characterizes the mood of the people. Wrath is not a future possibility, it is a present reality. A people in confusion and despair characterize the wages of sin. To find absolution they must first look down before looking up to God, in so doing they will observe that their feet are covered with the blood of the innocent of their communities, the blood of the unborn. These are silent voices who cannot speak in their own defense. If those walking upon the earth, God's people, do not defend their right to life, who will?
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Pursue Jesus Christ
J.A. Matteson
We cannot will our way into spiritual enlightenment, God must reveal Himself to us. "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men" (1 Jn. 1:4). Forget about pressing into the deep questions of your existence and the operation of the created order. Rather, make your aim to "know Christ and the power of His resurrection" (Phil. 3:10). We easily get distracted by what has been made, neglecting Him who made it. All things were created by Him and for Him, in Him are the treasures of all wisdom (2 Pet. 3:15). In our quest for wisdom and understanding let us pursue Jesus Christ, in whom reside life and light to make the simple wise and the wise humble. The greatest treasure on earth is as dung compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Jesus Christ our Lord. And not knowing what we do not know, God is well pleased to reveal more of Himself in unexpected moments and places as we remain in Him, spiritually poor, hungry, dependent. Moses began his day in ordinary fashion unaware that God would reveal Himself in the remarkable splendor of a bush on fire but not consumed. Jacob, sleeping under the night sky was delightfully startled to behold in his slumbering state a ladder to heaven revealing God's intimate presence. God's presence and self-disclosure is never demanded, we have no claim on it; it comes to His servants according to the good pleasure of His will. And yet, His servants may hasten His presence with its accompanying wisdom and understanding as they daily seek Jesus Christ above and before all else (Jer. 29:13).
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
We cannot will our way into spiritual enlightenment, God must reveal Himself to us. "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men" (1 Jn. 1:4). Forget about pressing into the deep questions of your existence and the operation of the created order. Rather, make your aim to "know Christ and the power of His resurrection" (Phil. 3:10). We easily get distracted by what has been made, neglecting Him who made it. All things were created by Him and for Him, in Him are the treasures of all wisdom (2 Pet. 3:15). In our quest for wisdom and understanding let us pursue Jesus Christ, in whom reside life and light to make the simple wise and the wise humble. The greatest treasure on earth is as dung compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Jesus Christ our Lord. And not knowing what we do not know, God is well pleased to reveal more of Himself in unexpected moments and places as we remain in Him, spiritually poor, hungry, dependent. Moses began his day in ordinary fashion unaware that God would reveal Himself in the remarkable splendor of a bush on fire but not consumed. Jacob, sleeping under the night sky was delightfully startled to behold in his slumbering state a ladder to heaven revealing God's intimate presence. God's presence and self-disclosure is never demanded, we have no claim on it; it comes to His servants according to the good pleasure of His will. And yet, His servants may hasten His presence with its accompanying wisdom and understanding as they daily seek Jesus Christ above and before all else (Jer. 29:13).
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Friday, April 25, 2014
Remain in the Way
J.A. Matteson
Many are the diversions set before pilgrims by the prince of darkness beckoning them to turn to the right or the left, to forsake the way of the LORD, "As for God, His way is blameless; the word of the LORD is tested" (2 Sam. 22:31). Are you still demanding of God that every providence be revealed in its divine purpose? Let it go. A pilgrims calling is to obedience unto the LORD, not omniscience. It is enough to remain in the way of the LORD day by day, walking out that which He has already revealed. Continue on today where you left off yesterday. Pay particular attention to your thoughts, words, and deeds. Examine yourself before the LORD. Introspection is helpful, only so far as its end is fruitfulness. David examined his heart before the LORD, obeying what He last spoke to him, correcting past injustices as divinely revealed, irrespective of personal interpretation. And once completed, "God was moved by prayer for the land" (2 Sam. 21:14). Our prayers and intercession are ineffectual until we bring our heats into alignment with His way, forsaking all other paths set before us, making restitution for past wrongs, repenting of presumption upon the grace of the LORD. It is in that setting, in this orientation of heart and soul that the LORD is delighted to move on behalf of His children.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever"). Isa. 40:8
Many are the diversions set before pilgrims by the prince of darkness beckoning them to turn to the right or the left, to forsake the way of the LORD, "As for God, His way is blameless; the word of the LORD is tested" (2 Sam. 22:31). Are you still demanding of God that every providence be revealed in its divine purpose? Let it go. A pilgrims calling is to obedience unto the LORD, not omniscience. It is enough to remain in the way of the LORD day by day, walking out that which He has already revealed. Continue on today where you left off yesterday. Pay particular attention to your thoughts, words, and deeds. Examine yourself before the LORD. Introspection is helpful, only so far as its end is fruitfulness. David examined his heart before the LORD, obeying what He last spoke to him, correcting past injustices as divinely revealed, irrespective of personal interpretation. And once completed, "God was moved by prayer for the land" (2 Sam. 21:14). Our prayers and intercession are ineffectual until we bring our heats into alignment with His way, forsaking all other paths set before us, making restitution for past wrongs, repenting of presumption upon the grace of the LORD. It is in that setting, in this orientation of heart and soul that the LORD is delighted to move on behalf of His children.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever"). Isa. 40:8
Friday, March 28, 2014
Spirit Infused Authority
J.A. Matteson
When God's word is presented clearly, or accurately, it is always accompanied with divine resurrection power, bringing to life that which was dead. "...they were amazed at His teaching, for His message was with authority" (Lk. 4:32). Authority, power, influence, these words encapsulate the sense of what Luke is expressing in the effect of Jesus' teaching upon His hearers. And that Spirit infused authority is also available to His servants who faithfully proclaim His gospel, rightly dividing the word of truth. The Apostle Paul eludes to the same type of effect upon the Corinthian believers (1 Cor. 2:4). Not surprisingly the effect of sound biblical preaching was announced by Jesus during His earthly ministry (Jn. 16:8). The reason that power is absent in most pulpits today is because the authority of God's word (Bible) has been replaced by the opinion and conjecture of men. Entertainment of the goats has superceded the enlightenment of the sheep because of unbelief in the power and sufficiency of the word of God to redeem and sanctify souls. This is a grave sin. The great revivals of old were rooted in sound biblical exposition, an earnest fidelity to Law and Gospel. The authority and power of God's word is eternal, immutable. Repentance of unbelief in its sufficiency and obedience to its message will yield a fresh unleashing of its power, the effect of which will be the revival of God's church to reach the lost for Jesus Christ.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever). Isa. 40:8
When God's word is presented clearly, or accurately, it is always accompanied with divine resurrection power, bringing to life that which was dead. "...they were amazed at His teaching, for His message was with authority" (Lk. 4:32). Authority, power, influence, these words encapsulate the sense of what Luke is expressing in the effect of Jesus' teaching upon His hearers. And that Spirit infused authority is also available to His servants who faithfully proclaim His gospel, rightly dividing the word of truth. The Apostle Paul eludes to the same type of effect upon the Corinthian believers (1 Cor. 2:4). Not surprisingly the effect of sound biblical preaching was announced by Jesus during His earthly ministry (Jn. 16:8). The reason that power is absent in most pulpits today is because the authority of God's word (Bible) has been replaced by the opinion and conjecture of men. Entertainment of the goats has superceded the enlightenment of the sheep because of unbelief in the power and sufficiency of the word of God to redeem and sanctify souls. This is a grave sin. The great revivals of old were rooted in sound biblical exposition, an earnest fidelity to Law and Gospel. The authority and power of God's word is eternal, immutable. Repentance of unbelief in its sufficiency and obedience to its message will yield a fresh unleashing of its power, the effect of which will be the revival of God's church to reach the lost for Jesus Christ.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever). Isa. 40:8
Monday, March 17, 2014
A Higher Law
J.A. Matteson
The practices of unrighteousness that characterize a persons life invite the wrath of God. "...neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Cor. 6:9-10). When the light of God's people dims unrighteousness abounds unrestrained. As children of the light, fear of reprisal and retribution by those engaging in unrighteousness, must not govern our duty in proclaiming the kingdom of God and His righteousness. It is to be performed in humble love of our neighbor. At one time we too were lost in sin and the wrath of God was upon us, even as the rest. Then the message of the gospel penetrated our hearts, having been delivered faithfully by one of God's servants, and we were brought to conviction and repentance. Ezekiel was commissioned by God to proclaim His truth, whether people listened or not (Ezk. 2:5-7). John the Baptist in like manner boldly informed king Herod that his adulterous affair with his brothers wife was "not lawful" (Mk. 6:18). Friendship with the world and its cultural norms, through our silence, consigns sinners to misery and a certain horrifying eternity separated from God in hell. It is to disregard the welfare of our neighbor, the person we are to love as ourselves, if we remain silent as we watch them perish. The saddest reality about increasing immorality in any culture is that those demanding liberation from God's Law in order to pursue their lawless ends are in fact loosing everything while in the process claiming victory that they are now free. Certainly we are to pray for their salvation, but prayer does not eliminate our duty to verbally warn them that their behavior is "not lawful." Should they with anger and contempt revile you by declaring that the civil magistrate has declared their behavior "legal" (as in the case of homosexual "marriage"), with humility it is your duty to inform them that there is a higher law, God's Law, that superceds mans law, and that His Law is unchanging and condemns their behavior and will judge them by it unless they repent. As children of the light Christians may never excuse nor capitulate by enabling unrighteousness behavior through silence. As with the saints of old in scripture and the long historical record of those since, it is our duty and privilege to stand firm in the word of truth. And in our standing firm we may be comforted by the words of the Lord Jesus Christ who warned his disciples that the world would hate them, but that they should not fear men, but rather Him who holds the keys to heaven and hell (Lk. 12:4-6).
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
The practices of unrighteousness that characterize a persons life invite the wrath of God. "...neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Cor. 6:9-10). When the light of God's people dims unrighteousness abounds unrestrained. As children of the light, fear of reprisal and retribution by those engaging in unrighteousness, must not govern our duty in proclaiming the kingdom of God and His righteousness. It is to be performed in humble love of our neighbor. At one time we too were lost in sin and the wrath of God was upon us, even as the rest. Then the message of the gospel penetrated our hearts, having been delivered faithfully by one of God's servants, and we were brought to conviction and repentance. Ezekiel was commissioned by God to proclaim His truth, whether people listened or not (Ezk. 2:5-7). John the Baptist in like manner boldly informed king Herod that his adulterous affair with his brothers wife was "not lawful" (Mk. 6:18). Friendship with the world and its cultural norms, through our silence, consigns sinners to misery and a certain horrifying eternity separated from God in hell. It is to disregard the welfare of our neighbor, the person we are to love as ourselves, if we remain silent as we watch them perish. The saddest reality about increasing immorality in any culture is that those demanding liberation from God's Law in order to pursue their lawless ends are in fact loosing everything while in the process claiming victory that they are now free. Certainly we are to pray for their salvation, but prayer does not eliminate our duty to verbally warn them that their behavior is "not lawful." Should they with anger and contempt revile you by declaring that the civil magistrate has declared their behavior "legal" (as in the case of homosexual "marriage"), with humility it is your duty to inform them that there is a higher law, God's Law, that superceds mans law, and that His Law is unchanging and condemns their behavior and will judge them by it unless they repent. As children of the light Christians may never excuse nor capitulate by enabling unrighteousness behavior through silence. As with the saints of old in scripture and the long historical record of those since, it is our duty and privilege to stand firm in the word of truth. And in our standing firm we may be comforted by the words of the Lord Jesus Christ who warned his disciples that the world would hate them, but that they should not fear men, but rather Him who holds the keys to heaven and hell (Lk. 12:4-6).
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Irresistible Grace
J.A. Matteson
Entrance into the kingdom of God is by grace, citizens thereof display an otherness in their spiritual perceptions, being born of the Spirit; and where grace is at work in the soul to be reborn a heightened awareness of the awfulness of personal sin increasingly becomes excruciatingly unbearable. "You are not far from the kingdom of God" (Mk. 12:34). This man was in anguish of soul, intimately mindful of his sin. Jesus declared the man was not "far" from the kingdom of heaven; far (mak-ros') in time, his rebirth was immanent. Jesus next informs the man, by speaking to the crowd in which he stood, that the faith he possessed in God can be placed in Himself, He is the Son of David, the incarnate LORD of glory, the Lamb of God, come to die for the sins of His people. Mark does not recorded the scribes response to Jesus' teaching on David's Son, wherein He is the fulfillment of the prophetic word. Yet Jesus said with authority and certainty that the man was not far (in time) from entering the kingdom of God. What a beautiful picture of irresistible grace, drawing the soul of the elect to the Savior. Blessed be the LORD our God who makes all things new, and who by His grace saves sinners from the misery of sin and death unto everlasting life and eternal bliss. To the King immortal and all powerful, Jesus Christ, be the glory and the majesty and dominion now and forever more.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
Entrance into the kingdom of God is by grace, citizens thereof display an otherness in their spiritual perceptions, being born of the Spirit; and where grace is at work in the soul to be reborn a heightened awareness of the awfulness of personal sin increasingly becomes excruciatingly unbearable. "You are not far from the kingdom of God" (Mk. 12:34). This man was in anguish of soul, intimately mindful of his sin. Jesus declared the man was not "far" from the kingdom of heaven; far (mak-ros') in time, his rebirth was immanent. Jesus next informs the man, by speaking to the crowd in which he stood, that the faith he possessed in God can be placed in Himself, He is the Son of David, the incarnate LORD of glory, the Lamb of God, come to die for the sins of His people. Mark does not recorded the scribes response to Jesus' teaching on David's Son, wherein He is the fulfillment of the prophetic word. Yet Jesus said with authority and certainty that the man was not far (in time) from entering the kingdom of God. What a beautiful picture of irresistible grace, drawing the soul of the elect to the Savior. Blessed be the LORD our God who makes all things new, and who by His grace saves sinners from the misery of sin and death unto everlasting life and eternal bliss. To the King immortal and all powerful, Jesus Christ, be the glory and the majesty and dominion now and forever more.
Copyright © 2014 Immutable Word Ministries ("…the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8
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