The moon doesn't have its own light, but simply reflects the light of the sun. Jesus said that the Church is the light for this world, a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden (see Matt. 5:14). Like the moon, the light we reflect is not ours, but the light of the Son. The moon also governs the tides of the earth, and in one sense God has given the Church the ability (under His hand) to influence the tides of revival. There are certain principles—holy living, travailing prayer, and biblical preaching—that God can use to usher a revival of Christianity to this dark and dying world.
Psalm 89:36 His seed shall endure forever, And his throne as the sun before Me;37 It shall be established forever like the moon, Even like the faithful witness in the sky.” Selah
Sunday, September 30, 2012
A potential convert
Mark 10:17. Here is a potential convert. He runs to Jesus (he is earnest), he kneels down (he is humble), he asks how he can inherit eternal life (what more could we want in a convert?). But notice what Jesus didn’t do. He didn’t speak of the love of God or a wonderful plan, or lead him in a “sinner’s prayer.”
Instead, He reproved the man’s understanding of “good.” This is because most unsaved people have an erroneous understanding of what “good” is. To see this, ask sinners if they think they are good people, and you will find that 99 percent say they are. Proverbs 20:6 tells us, “Most men will proclaim each his own goodness.” Imitate Jesus; do what He did. Reveal the righteousness of God by showing sinners God’s standard of “goodness”—the moral Law (see v. 19). It was the Law that exposed the man’s hidden sin: he was a transgressor of the First Commandment. His money was his god, and one cannot serve God and money (see Matt. 6:24).
Notice that is was “love” that motivated the Savior to speak in this way to this rich young man (v. 21). Love sinners enough to do your best to make sure they don’t have a false conversion. They must have the knowledge of sin before they come to the Savior (see Rom. 3:19,20; 7:7,13).
Mark 10:17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I tdo that I may inherit eternal life?”
Instead, He reproved the man’s understanding of “good.” This is because most unsaved people have an erroneous understanding of what “good” is. To see this, ask sinners if they think they are good people, and you will find that 99 percent say they are. Proverbs 20:6 tells us, “Most men will proclaim each his own goodness.” Imitate Jesus; do what He did. Reveal the righteousness of God by showing sinners God’s standard of “goodness”—the moral Law (see v. 19). It was the Law that exposed the man’s hidden sin: he was a transgressor of the First Commandment. His money was his god, and one cannot serve God and money (see Matt. 6:24).
Notice that is was “love” that motivated the Savior to speak in this way to this rich young man (v. 21). Love sinners enough to do your best to make sure they don’t have a false conversion. They must have the knowledge of sin before they come to the Savior (see Rom. 3:19,20; 7:7,13).
Mark 10:17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I tdo that I may inherit eternal life?”
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Christians Are Not Debtors to the Flesh - Tim Conway (Romans 8:12)
Make sure to 'like' us on Facebook, and become a 'Follower' here, or sign up for email notifications on the bottom right of this page. As always, thanks for stopping by, and may God bless you!-Walking In The Way
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Q and A
Q: Since we are not saved by works, why can't I maintain a relationship with God without witnessing?
A: This is an honest question. Here is the problem. We know that we are saved because the fruit of God’s Spirit will begin manifesting through us. God is love; therefore, we should be filled with love if we have been truly saved (see Rom. 5:5). Think of this scenario. You are in Africa. A child is lying on the ground in front of you starving to death. You have food in your hand. You know God wants you to share the food with the dying child. So the question is, “Why can’t I have a good relationship with God, without sharing the food?” You have to answer that yourself.
Proverbs 10:21 The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of wisdom.
A: This is an honest question. Here is the problem. We know that we are saved because the fruit of God’s Spirit will begin manifesting through us. God is love; therefore, we should be filled with love if we have been truly saved (see Rom. 5:5). Think of this scenario. You are in Africa. A child is lying on the ground in front of you starving to death. You have food in your hand. You know God wants you to share the food with the dying child. So the question is, “Why can’t I have a good relationship with God, without sharing the food?” You have to answer that yourself.
Proverbs 10:21 The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of wisdom.
Bringing others to Jesus
Andrew is the disciple known for bringing people to Jesus. Immediately after meeting the Lord, he introduced his brother Simon to the Messiah. Another time, when a great multitude was hungry, he found a boy with five loaves and two fishes and brought him to Jesus (John 6:8-9). When some Greeks wanted to meet Christ, Andrew and Philip made the introductions (12:20-22). This disciple never lost his enthusiasm for the Savior.
Andrew's own conversion experience motivated him to let others know about the One who'd changed his life (1:36-37). How about you--have you lost the joy of your salvation? If your Christian life has become stale and musty, it's time to remember what Christ has done for you and to ask that He restore your excitement.
In addition, Andrew longed to know the Savior and spend time with Him (vv. 38-39). The disciple's example is a good reminder that sweet fellowship with the Lord isn't supposed to end with devotional times. It should also stimulate a desire to share with others the joy we find in our relationship with Christ.
Finally, Andrew was motivated by his conviction that Jesus was the Messiah (v. 41). He'd found the answer for a lost and hurting world and wanted others to know.
When Andrew answered the call to discipleship, Jesus told him he'd be "catching men" instead of fish (Luke 5:10). Since we, too, are followers of Christ, we have this same assignment. Our styles and opportunities vary, but we're each responsible to develop a lifelong habit of bringing others to Jesus. -Dr. Charles Stanley
Andrew's own conversion experience motivated him to let others know about the One who'd changed his life (1:36-37). How about you--have you lost the joy of your salvation? If your Christian life has become stale and musty, it's time to remember what Christ has done for you and to ask that He restore your excitement.
In addition, Andrew longed to know the Savior and spend time with Him (vv. 38-39). The disciple's example is a good reminder that sweet fellowship with the Lord isn't supposed to end with devotional times. It should also stimulate a desire to share with others the joy we find in our relationship with Christ.
Finally, Andrew was motivated by his conviction that Jesus was the Messiah (v. 41). He'd found the answer for a lost and hurting world and wanted others to know.
When Andrew answered the call to discipleship, Jesus told him he'd be "catching men" instead of fish (Luke 5:10). Since we, too, are followers of Christ, we have this same assignment. Our styles and opportunities vary, but we're each responsible to develop a lifelong habit of bringing others to Jesus. -Dr. Charles Stanley
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Hanging
If a man is hanging on for dear life to a chain, if it breaks in just one link he will still plummet to his death. Breaking even one law, one time, is enough to condemn us. See James 2:10 comment.
“Without the atoning blood of Christ, sinners can neither have communion with a holy God, nor do any thing acceptable to him; his righteous law condemns every one who, at any time, or in any thing, transgresses it. Under its awful curse we remain as transgressors, until the redemption of Christ is applied to our hearts. Wherever the grace of God brings salvation, it teaches the believer to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, consenting to, and delighting in the words of God’s law, after the inward man. In this holy walk, true peace and solid joy are to be found.” Matthew Henry
Deuteronomy 27:26 ‘Cursed is the one who does not confirm all the words of this law.’ “And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’
“Without the atoning blood of Christ, sinners can neither have communion with a holy God, nor do any thing acceptable to him; his righteous law condemns every one who, at any time, or in any thing, transgresses it. Under its awful curse we remain as transgressors, until the redemption of Christ is applied to our hearts. Wherever the grace of God brings salvation, it teaches the believer to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, consenting to, and delighting in the words of God’s law, after the inward man. In this holy walk, true peace and solid joy are to be found.” Matthew Henry
Deuteronomy 27:26 ‘Cursed is the one who does not confirm all the words of this law.’ “And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’
Root of Bitterness
Looking diligently . . . lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you. Hebrews 12:15
It is on record that Charles Spurgeon made this comment about a man who was well-known for his bitter and resentful spirit: “May the grass grow green on his grave when he dies, for nothing ever grew around him while he lived!”
The sad and depressing bitter soul will compile a list of slights at which it takes offense and will watch over itself like a mother bear over her cubs. And the figure is apt, for the resentful heart is always surly and suspicious like a she-bear!
In our Christian fellowship, what can be more depressing than to find a professed Christian defending his or her supposed rights and bitterly resisting any attempt to violate them? Such a Christian has never accepted the way of the cross. The sweet graces of meekness and humility are unknown to that person. Every day he or she grows harder and more acrimonious, trying to defend reputation, right, ministry, against imagined foes.
Is there a cure for this? Yes! The cure is to die to self and rise with Christ into newness of life!
Lord, if there is any unpleasantness or bitterness inside me, please eradicate it so that my immature behavior will not be a stumbling block to those who are seeking You.
It is on record that Charles Spurgeon made this comment about a man who was well-known for his bitter and resentful spirit: “May the grass grow green on his grave when he dies, for nothing ever grew around him while he lived!”
The sad and depressing bitter soul will compile a list of slights at which it takes offense and will watch over itself like a mother bear over her cubs. And the figure is apt, for the resentful heart is always surly and suspicious like a she-bear!
In our Christian fellowship, what can be more depressing than to find a professed Christian defending his or her supposed rights and bitterly resisting any attempt to violate them? Such a Christian has never accepted the way of the cross. The sweet graces of meekness and humility are unknown to that person. Every day he or she grows harder and more acrimonious, trying to defend reputation, right, ministry, against imagined foes.
Is there a cure for this? Yes! The cure is to die to self and rise with Christ into newness of life!
Lord, if there is any unpleasantness or bitterness inside me, please eradicate it so that my immature behavior will not be a stumbling block to those who are seeking You.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Living Waters University, Cory
Make sure to 'like' us on Facebook, and become a 'Follower' here, or sign up for email notifications on the bottom right of this page. As always, thanks for stopping by, and may God bless you!-Walking In The Way
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Handling Temptation
. . . who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able . . .
–1 Corinthians 10:13
It is Satan’s purpose to steal the seed of truth from your heart by sending distracting thoughts. It should encourage you to know that the devil considers you a good enough Christian to use as a target.
The difference between a Christian and a non-Christian is: though they both may have good and evil thoughts, Christ gives His followers strength to select the right rather than the wrong. You see a man going to prayer meeting with a Bible under his arm. That man was undoubtedly tempted to stay at home, go bowling, or to some other activity. But, as these diverse thoughts came to his mind, he made the right selection, and headed for the church.
Another man walks through the night to a bar. It no doubt occurred to him that he had best stay home with his family. But he yielded to the negative thought, and gave in to his lower appetites.
It is not the temptations you have, but the decision you make about them that counts.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Decisions will have to be made each day, Lord. With Your strength and wisdom, help me to make the right ones
–1 Corinthians 10:13
It is Satan’s purpose to steal the seed of truth from your heart by sending distracting thoughts. It should encourage you to know that the devil considers you a good enough Christian to use as a target.
The difference between a Christian and a non-Christian is: though they both may have good and evil thoughts, Christ gives His followers strength to select the right rather than the wrong. You see a man going to prayer meeting with a Bible under his arm. That man was undoubtedly tempted to stay at home, go bowling, or to some other activity. But, as these diverse thoughts came to his mind, he made the right selection, and headed for the church.
Another man walks through the night to a bar. It no doubt occurred to him that he had best stay home with his family. But he yielded to the negative thought, and gave in to his lower appetites.
It is not the temptations you have, but the decision you make about them that counts.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Decisions will have to be made each day, Lord. With Your strength and wisdom, help me to make the right ones
Saturday, September 22, 2012
An Act of God
There is salvation in no one else! Under all heaven there is no other name for men to call upon to save them.
–Acts 4:12 (TLB)
Salvation is an act of God. It is initiated by God, wrought by God, and sustained by God. The faith that saves the soul is described as faith in Christ as the Son of God—not as a good man or a great man, but as the uniquely begotten Son of the living God!
This is consistent with the witness of the entire New Testament and with the proclamations of the first preachers of the Gospel. All proclaim the necessity of faith in Jesus Christ as deity.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Lord Jesus, Son of God, I worship You unreservedly and praise Your holy name.
–Acts 4:12 (TLB)
Salvation is an act of God. It is initiated by God, wrought by God, and sustained by God. The faith that saves the soul is described as faith in Christ as the Son of God—not as a good man or a great man, but as the uniquely begotten Son of the living God!
This is consistent with the witness of the entire New Testament and with the proclamations of the first preachers of the Gospel. All proclaim the necessity of faith in Jesus Christ as deity.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Lord Jesus, Son of God, I worship You unreservedly and praise Your holy name.
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