Over the last few days I seem to have found myself reflecting most of this year. As I stand back I'm excited to see how God is not only moving in my life, but how it is His faithfulness to me that draws me into a more intimate relationship with my heavenly Father. I wouldn't change the path I'm on for nothing.
As I've come to understand more of God and His sovereignty I understand that it is God that determines the steps of man.
God is perfectly sovereign, perfectly good, perfectly loving, and perfectly wise. Through scripture I believe in a God that is sovereign over the earth, the heavens, people, events, and even Satan and evil** (Isaiah 40:12-31).
A scripture that I find comfort in is Romans 5:3-5 which says: Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Amen to that.
I watched the movie facing the giants last night! A great movie, a movie I can watch over and over again always walking away refreshed. Today I wake up thankful for life, thankful that God is moving in my life! I'm enjoying the process of sanctification!
Keep pressing, Keep praying, Know that God is sovereign!
**The Exemplary Husband (pg. 17&18)
Friday, August 29, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Life is crazy...at times!
Sorry for the lack of blog posts. Last week had a good friends wedding and also my sons 2nd year Bday party! The highlight of the week was seeing Peyton get a huskies jersey from some good friends of ours. Inside I was crying, but in the end we all know the huskies are going down November 22nd.
Please continue to pray for us, we are going through some changes in life. The church that we have been visiting has been great, solid rock teachings. The music is not what we prefer, but not sure of the perfect church out there, maybe HBC.
I'm gearing up for the Straight Up Conference in October. Very excited to see how God will show up that week. Planning to fly in the day before the conference starts to check out a live HBC church service. James MacDonald is one of my favorite pastors, so getting under his teachings is always a good thing. The conference has a solid line up including James MacDonald, John MacArthur, C.J. Mahaney as well as Joe Stowell. I'm excited to travel down there with my mentor! I'm also planning a huge surprise for the wife the day after I get back. She is taking on alot with letting me go away for 4 nights, so it will be nice to take her out on the town for the night! Even have a family member taking little P for the night.
Keep praying, Keep pressing & Keep fixing our eyes on Jesus!
Please continue to pray for us, we are going through some changes in life. The church that we have been visiting has been great, solid rock teachings. The music is not what we prefer, but not sure of the perfect church out there, maybe HBC.
I'm gearing up for the Straight Up Conference in October. Very excited to see how God will show up that week. Planning to fly in the day before the conference starts to check out a live HBC church service. James MacDonald is one of my favorite pastors, so getting under his teachings is always a good thing. The conference has a solid line up including James MacDonald, John MacArthur, C.J. Mahaney as well as Joe Stowell. I'm excited to travel down there with my mentor! I'm also planning a huge surprise for the wife the day after I get back. She is taking on alot with letting me go away for 4 nights, so it will be nice to take her out on the town for the night! Even have a family member taking little P for the night.
Keep praying, Keep pressing & Keep fixing our eyes on Jesus!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Recommended Read - The Pursuit of Holiness - Jerry Bridges
Let me start by saying "WOW", what a GREAT book this was. A wonderful follow up from my last read "So, you want to be like Christ?", both which God has used to bring some good change into my life. Not a book I would read through in a day, this is more of a take your time and allow things to process book. It has some very helpful suggestions on how to understand and deal with our sinful nature. Every Christian should take seriously the pursuit of holiness. The Bible tells us that without holiness we will never see the Lord on the other side of this life! We don't become stronger Christians of the faith because we attend a Church, or say a little prayer and once in awhile read a Scripture or two. We become stronger Christians when we pursue holiness with the help of the Holy Spirit. The word pursue suggests two thoughts: first, that diligence and effort are required; and second, that it is a lifelong task (pg.11). We can't do it on our own, but God has granted us everything needed to attain a holy life this side of heaven, praise God for that! So go buy this book! You will love it! Keep pressing, keep praying, and keep pursuing holiness!From page 81:
We need to brace ourselves up and to realize that we are responsible for our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. We need to reckon on the fact that we died to sin's reign, that it no longer has any dominion over us, that God has united us with the risen Christ in all His power, and has given us the Holy Spirit to work in us. Only as we accept our responsibility and appropriate God's provisions will we make any progress in our pursuit of holiness.
He also notes, and I agree that no one can pursue holiness who is not prepared to obey God in every area of his life (pg.136).
And lastly the author notes because we do not have a firm conviction that "without holiness no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14), we do not seriously pursue holiness as a priority in our lives (pg.142).
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:15-16
Job 9:2-22
Very powerful, very much what my heart needs to hear! God is good, even when things around us seem out of control. Today I know and understand that my God is in control of all circumstances, I just need to trust Him. I need to understand His responsibilities, but also know mine as well. I think it would be wrong of me to think God has to mold himself to my circumstances, but really its me that needs to change my life to fit into the circumstances that He has allowed into my life. Keep pressing, keep praying and keep trusting God!
2"Indeed, I know that this is true.
But how can a mortal be righteous before God?
3 Though one wished to dispute with him,
he could not answer him one time out of a thousand.
4 His wisdom is profound, his power is vast.
Who has resisted him and come out unscathed?
5 He moves mountains without their knowing it
and overturns them in his anger.
6 He shakes the earth from its place
and makes its pillars tremble.
7 He speaks to the sun and it does not shine;
he seals off the light of the stars.
8 He alone stretches out the heavens
and treads on the waves of the sea.
9 He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion,
the Pleiades and the constellations of the south.
10 He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed,
miracles that cannot be counted.
11 When he passes me, I cannot see him;
when he goes by, I cannot perceive him.
12 If he snatches away, who can stop him?
Who can say to him, 'What are you doing?'
13 God does not restrain his anger;
even the cohorts of Rahab cowered at his feet.
14 "How then can I dispute with him?
How can I find words to argue with him?
15 Though I were innocent, I could not answer him;
I could only plead with my Judge for mercy.
16 Even if I summoned him and he responded,
I do not believe he would give me a hearing.
17 He would crush me with a storm
and multiply my wounds for no reason.
18 He would not let me regain my breath
but would overwhelm me with misery.
19 If it is a matter of strength, he is mighty!
And if it is a matter of justice, who will summon him [a] ?
20 Even if I were innocent, my mouth would condemn me;
if I were blameless, it would pronounce me guilty.
21 "Although I am blameless,
I have no concern for myself;
I despise my own life.
22 It is all the same; that is why I say,
'He destroys both the blameless and the wicked.'
2"Indeed, I know that this is true.
But how can a mortal be righteous before God?
3 Though one wished to dispute with him,
he could not answer him one time out of a thousand.
4 His wisdom is profound, his power is vast.
Who has resisted him and come out unscathed?
5 He moves mountains without their knowing it
and overturns them in his anger.
6 He shakes the earth from its place
and makes its pillars tremble.
7 He speaks to the sun and it does not shine;
he seals off the light of the stars.
8 He alone stretches out the heavens
and treads on the waves of the sea.
9 He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion,
the Pleiades and the constellations of the south.
10 He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed,
miracles that cannot be counted.
11 When he passes me, I cannot see him;
when he goes by, I cannot perceive him.
12 If he snatches away, who can stop him?
Who can say to him, 'What are you doing?'
13 God does not restrain his anger;
even the cohorts of Rahab cowered at his feet.
14 "How then can I dispute with him?
How can I find words to argue with him?
15 Though I were innocent, I could not answer him;
I could only plead with my Judge for mercy.
16 Even if I summoned him and he responded,
I do not believe he would give me a hearing.
17 He would crush me with a storm
and multiply my wounds for no reason.
18 He would not let me regain my breath
but would overwhelm me with misery.
19 If it is a matter of strength, he is mighty!
And if it is a matter of justice, who will summon him [a] ?
20 Even if I were innocent, my mouth would condemn me;
if I were blameless, it would pronounce me guilty.
21 "Although I am blameless,
I have no concern for myself;
I despise my own life.
22 It is all the same; that is why I say,
'He destroys both the blameless and the wicked.'
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Demand #6.1
If you have not read the post "Demand #6" please read before reading Demand #6.1
JESUS SPEAKS THE VERY WORDS OF GOD
When Jesus finished his famous Sermon on the Mount, "the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes" (Matt. 7:28-29). This authority was not because of a personality trait or a pedagogical technique. The reason is much deeper. His words have authority and power, Jesus says, because they are the words of God. "I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment - what to say and what to speak" (John 12:49). "What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me" (John 12:50; cf. 8:28). "The word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me" (John 14:24). Jesus' words have authority because when he speaks, God speaks, Jesus speaks from God the Father and as God the Son.
JESUS SPEAKS THE VERY WORDS OF GOD
When Jesus finished his famous Sermon on the Mount, "the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes" (Matt. 7:28-29). This authority was not because of a personality trait or a pedagogical technique. The reason is much deeper. His words have authority and power, Jesus says, because they are the words of God. "I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment - what to say and what to speak" (John 12:49). "What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me" (John 12:50; cf. 8:28). "The word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me" (John 14:24). Jesus' words have authority because when he speaks, God speaks, Jesus speaks from God the Father and as God the Son.
Demand #6
So I'm really taking my time on the book What Jesus Demands from the World. I'm only through demand #6. Really is a great way for me to end my day, by meditating on what Jesus wants from me as a Christian! I thought this one was SO GOOD that over the next few days I will post a different part of Demand #6. So here we go.
Demand #6
LISTEN TO ME
He called the people to him again and said to them, "Hear me, all of you, and understand." Mark 7:14
As he said these things, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." Luke 8:8
Take care them how you hear. Luke 8:18
And a woman named Martha welcomes him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said. :Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken from her." Luke 10:38-42
The entire life and work of Jesus is one great argument why we should listen to his word. Page after page of the New Testament Gospels pile up reasons to turn off the television and listen to Jesus. Here are some of those reasons - and why so many don't listen.
NO ONE EVER SPOKE LIKE THIS MAN
Jess' ministry was so astonishing and so threatening that his adversaries wanted him out of the way. So the Pharisees "sent officers to arrest him" (John 7:32). But to their dismay the officers came back empty-handed, not because Jesus had good bodyguards, but because his teaching was so stunning. "The officers...came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, 'Why did you not bring him?' The officers answered, 'No one ever spoke like this man!" (John 7:45-46). When they listened to Jesus, they could not follow through with their mission to arrest him.
Demand #6
LISTEN TO ME
He called the people to him again and said to them, "Hear me, all of you, and understand." Mark 7:14
As he said these things, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." Luke 8:8
Take care them how you hear. Luke 8:18
And a woman named Martha welcomes him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said. :Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken from her." Luke 10:38-42
The entire life and work of Jesus is one great argument why we should listen to his word. Page after page of the New Testament Gospels pile up reasons to turn off the television and listen to Jesus. Here are some of those reasons - and why so many don't listen.
NO ONE EVER SPOKE LIKE THIS MAN
Jess' ministry was so astonishing and so threatening that his adversaries wanted him out of the way. So the Pharisees "sent officers to arrest him" (John 7:32). But to their dismay the officers came back empty-handed, not because Jesus had good bodyguards, but because his teaching was so stunning. "The officers...came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, 'Why did you not bring him?' The officers answered, 'No one ever spoke like this man!" (John 7:45-46). When they listened to Jesus, they could not follow through with their mission to arrest him.
Formula: How to Know Right from Wrong
I must say the book "The pursuit of holiness" is a must read for all Christians! Without a doubt, once cracking this book your life will start to process of pursuing holiness. Reading this and wanting anything else would be like drinking raw egg and loving the taste!?! Today I read chapter 9 and wanted to share a portion of it which talks about how to know right from wrong. I loved it so much I HAD to share! Drum roll please!
Formula: How to Know Right from Wrong. The formula asks four questions based on three verses in 1 Corinthians:
"'Everything is permissible for me' - but not everything is beneficial"(1 Corinthians 6:12).
Question 1: Is it helpful - physically, spiritually, and mentally?
"'Everything is permissible for me' - but I will not be mastered by anything"(1 Corinthians 6:12)
Question 2: Does it bring me under its power?
"Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall"(1 Corinthians 8:13)
Question 3: Does it hurt others?
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God"(1 Corinthians 10:31)
Question 4: Does it glorify God?
As simple as this formula may appear, it is powerful in developing conviction - if we are willing to use it. These questions can get rather searching. But they must be asked if we are to pursue holiness as a total way of life.**
**The pursuit of holiness by Jerry Bridges (Pg.88)
Keep pursuing holiness Church! We can do it with the help of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us!
Formula: How to Know Right from Wrong. The formula asks four questions based on three verses in 1 Corinthians:
"'Everything is permissible for me' - but not everything is beneficial"(1 Corinthians 6:12).
Question 1: Is it helpful - physically, spiritually, and mentally?
"'Everything is permissible for me' - but I will not be mastered by anything"(1 Corinthians 6:12)
Question 2: Does it bring me under its power?
"Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall"(1 Corinthians 8:13)
Question 3: Does it hurt others?
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God"(1 Corinthians 10:31)
Question 4: Does it glorify God?
As simple as this formula may appear, it is powerful in developing conviction - if we are willing to use it. These questions can get rather searching. But they must be asked if we are to pursue holiness as a total way of life.**
**The pursuit of holiness by Jerry Bridges (Pg.88)
Keep pursuing holiness Church! We can do it with the help of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Jonathan Edward Quote, can I get an AMEN!
"Resolved, never to do anything which I would be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life."
Dare we modern-day Christians make such a resolution? Are we willing to commit ourselves to the practice of holiness without exceptions? There is no point in praying for victory over temptation if we are not willing to make a commitment to say no to it.**
Keep pressing, keep praying, keep pursuing holiness!
**The pursuit of holiness by Jerry Bridges (Pg.93)
Dare we modern-day Christians make such a resolution? Are we willing to commit ourselves to the practice of holiness without exceptions? There is no point in praying for victory over temptation if we are not willing to make a commitment to say no to it.**
Keep pressing, keep praying, keep pursuing holiness!
**The pursuit of holiness by Jerry Bridges (Pg.93)
Pressing forward in a different direction!
It seems to my wife & I that everything in our life is changing. God is certainly working in our lives. After 8 good fruitful years, we as a family have decided to move on from our current Church home (The Creek). We will walk away with not only wonderful memories but also some great relationships as well. Just a few things to note, we had our marriage ceremony there as well as Rashelle and I getting baptized and having our first child dedicated to the Lord by our good friends the Coles! We are not sure where the Lord is going to plant us next, we have a few places in mind but will let the Lord decide that. We will always continue to pray for our past Church as well as the leaders within! The Creek will always have a special place in the hearts of the Halls! We plan to just keep pressing, keep praying, keep doing life as a family!
It Doesn't Hurt to Ask
Why did I not die at birth? Why did I not perish when I came from the womb?...How long? Will You not look away from me, And let me alone till I swallow my salive? Job 3:11 & 7:19
God doesn't mind questions; it's doubt that He hates.
For many wearying hours, the three friends of Job - Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar - accused Job of all kinds of evil. They spoke the kind of foolish words that the healthy and ill-informed often speak to those in pain. But Job wanted to take his case to the Lord Himself! Only at the end of the book does God at last break His silence, and although He answers not one of Job's questions, neither does He chastise Job for asking them. God rebukes Job for only onthing: doubting His righteous character.
Leaders must never be afraid to ask the hard questions of God, but neither must they demand that He answer. No matter how dark our circumstances may grow, we must resist the temptation to doubt God's holy nature. When we. like Job, through trembling lips confess the awesome majesty of God, we may as last be ready for the awesome blessing of God.** (The Maxwell Leadership Bible)
**Leadership Promises For Everyday (Pg.247)
God doesn't mind questions; it's doubt that He hates.
For many wearying hours, the three friends of Job - Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar - accused Job of all kinds of evil. They spoke the kind of foolish words that the healthy and ill-informed often speak to those in pain. But Job wanted to take his case to the Lord Himself! Only at the end of the book does God at last break His silence, and although He answers not one of Job's questions, neither does He chastise Job for asking them. God rebukes Job for only onthing: doubting His righteous character.
Leaders must never be afraid to ask the hard questions of God, but neither must they demand that He answer. No matter how dark our circumstances may grow, we must resist the temptation to doubt God's holy nature. When we. like Job, through trembling lips confess the awesome majesty of God, we may as last be ready for the awesome blessing of God.** (The Maxwell Leadership Bible)
**Leadership Promises For Everyday (Pg.247)
Monday, August 11, 2008
1 Corinthians 2:2
I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
Keep pressing!
Keep pressing!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Just a few dumb dumb awards...
I find it sad how often we find Christians in the news lately, doing things that seem to not glorify God, but their flesh. It reminds me of the scripture of Proverbs 10:9 when it says; The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out. I have to wonder, do these Christians have good accountability partners in their lives, strong mentors who imitate Christ much more then them? We should always be praying for the leaders within God's church. Strength to press into Christ and not this world. I guess everyone is entitled to a bad day, wouldn't you say?
Either way here are your dumb dumb awards....
Story #1
A Christian biker gang hanging out in a bar with no intentions of sharing the gospel with the hells angels
Story #2
71-Year-Old Ohio Preacher Convicted in Road Rage Case
Story #3
I'll bet the congregation in south Alabama was surprised when officer's arrested their evangelist preacher on a murder charge as he delivered a sermon about forgiveness that had congregants saying "amens" from their seats.
Story #4
Joel Osteen's Wife on Trial over alleged air-rage incident because of some split water on her first class seat
Either way here are your dumb dumb awards....
Story #1
A Christian biker gang hanging out in a bar with no intentions of sharing the gospel with the hells angels
Story #2
71-Year-Old Ohio Preacher Convicted in Road Rage Case
Story #3
I'll bet the congregation in south Alabama was surprised when officer's arrested their evangelist preacher on a murder charge as he delivered a sermon about forgiveness that had congregants saying "amens" from their seats.
Story #4
Joel Osteen's Wife on Trial over alleged air-rage incident because of some split water on her first class seat
Friday, August 8, 2008
The way of life is down....not up!
We as Christians need to take Christ on His terms, not our own.
The proud sinner wants Christ in his pleasure,
The proud sinner wants Christ in his covetousness,
The proud sinner wants Christ in his immortality,
but the broken sinner is so desperate he will give up anything just to have Christ, just to have forgiveness and eternal life and hope and deliverance.
Grow in grace is growth downward.
As you grow in grace you have a continually lower opinion of yourself.
Self denial becomes a life pattern.***
***Hard to believe (audio series - CD2)
To truly follow Christ we must learn to kill self. As Christ said, he came to serve not be served! Christ did not come to save the righteous, but the sinner!
May you know Him. May our hearts truly know Him. May we not just think of Jesus, but that our lives would live for Jesus!
The proud sinner wants Christ in his pleasure,
The proud sinner wants Christ in his covetousness,
The proud sinner wants Christ in his immortality,
but the broken sinner is so desperate he will give up anything just to have Christ, just to have forgiveness and eternal life and hope and deliverance.
Grow in grace is growth downward.
As you grow in grace you have a continually lower opinion of yourself.
Self denial becomes a life pattern.***
***Hard to believe (audio series - CD2)
To truly follow Christ we must learn to kill self. As Christ said, he came to serve not be served! Christ did not come to save the righteous, but the sinner!
May you know Him. May our hearts truly know Him. May we not just think of Jesus, but that our lives would live for Jesus!
Art Monk HOF Speech
I knew this years HOF was going to be grand. I was bummed that I had forgot to record them, but tonight I find them on www.nfl.com. It's worth the watch! It's a wonderful thing to see strong Christians among the NFL. Glory to God!
Art Monks HOF Speech
Art Monks HOF Speech
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Saved without holiness?? Can it be?
This is a sort of a part II post to my last blog entry titled "As a Christian can I "Opt" out of that?". I must say this book I've been reading has so much meat, I can see why its been around for 20 years. Ever tried to tackle a 24oz steak in one meal...I'd imagine you would feel like a little blue oompa after you where done. That's kinda like how this book is, not one that you would blow through in one day, you might miss the point.
Today I want to post a portion of chapter 3 which is titled "Holiness is not an option".
The whole purpose of our salvation is that we be "holy and blameless in his sight" (Ephesians 1:4). To continue to live in sin as a Christian is to go contrary to God's very purpose for our salvation. Holiness, then, is not necessary as a condition of salvation - that would be salvation by works - but as a part of salvation that is received by faith in Christ.
Therefore, we may say that no one can trust in Jesus Christ for true salvation unless he trusts in Him for holiness. This does not mean the desire for holiness must be a conscious desire at the time a person comes to Christ, but rather it means that the Holy Spirit who creates within us saving faith also creates within us the desire for holiness.He simply does not create one without the other.
Holiness also is necessary for our assurance of salvation - not at the moment of salvation, but over the course of our lives. True faith will always show itself by its fruits. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17).
The only safe evidence that we are in Christ is a holy life. John said everyone who has within him the hope of eternal life purifies himself just as Christ is pure (1 John 3:3). Paul said, "Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God" (Romans 8:14). If we know nothing of holiness, we may flatter ourselves that we are Christians but we do not have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.
Everyone, then, who professes to be a Christian should ask himself, "Is there evidence of practical holiness in my life? Do I desire and strive after holiness? Do I grieve over my lack of it and earnestly seek the help of God to be holy?
It is not those who profess to know Christ will will enter heaven, but those whose lives are holy. Even those who do "great Christian works" will not enter heaven unless they also do the will of God.** Jesus said,
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' (Matthew 7:21-23)
No need for me to add to that, the book itself is very clear for us to understand a little more why holiness is not an option for us Christians!
Hebrews 12:14 says:
Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
Keep pressing, keep praying, keep looking for holiness in your walk!
**The pursuit of holiness by Jerry Bridges (pg. 33,34,37,38)
Today I want to post a portion of chapter 3 which is titled "Holiness is not an option".
The whole purpose of our salvation is that we be "holy and blameless in his sight" (Ephesians 1:4). To continue to live in sin as a Christian is to go contrary to God's very purpose for our salvation. Holiness, then, is not necessary as a condition of salvation - that would be salvation by works - but as a part of salvation that is received by faith in Christ.
Therefore, we may say that no one can trust in Jesus Christ for true salvation unless he trusts in Him for holiness. This does not mean the desire for holiness must be a conscious desire at the time a person comes to Christ, but rather it means that the Holy Spirit who creates within us saving faith also creates within us the desire for holiness.He simply does not create one without the other.
Holiness also is necessary for our assurance of salvation - not at the moment of salvation, but over the course of our lives. True faith will always show itself by its fruits. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17).
The only safe evidence that we are in Christ is a holy life. John said everyone who has within him the hope of eternal life purifies himself just as Christ is pure (1 John 3:3). Paul said, "Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God" (Romans 8:14). If we know nothing of holiness, we may flatter ourselves that we are Christians but we do not have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.
Everyone, then, who professes to be a Christian should ask himself, "Is there evidence of practical holiness in my life? Do I desire and strive after holiness? Do I grieve over my lack of it and earnestly seek the help of God to be holy?
It is not those who profess to know Christ will will enter heaven, but those whose lives are holy. Even those who do "great Christian works" will not enter heaven unless they also do the will of God.** Jesus said,
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' (Matthew 7:21-23)
No need for me to add to that, the book itself is very clear for us to understand a little more why holiness is not an option for us Christians!
Hebrews 12:14 says:
Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
Keep pressing, keep praying, keep looking for holiness in your walk!
**The pursuit of holiness by Jerry Bridges (pg. 33,34,37,38)
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
As a Christian can I "Opt" out of that???
What I'm referring to is the holiness that God demands from His children. Are we not suppose to be set apart, different then this world? If our faith has not changed us, can it really save us?
I've started a new book titled "The pursuit of holiness" by Jerry Bridges. It's kind of a follow up from the last book that I read "So, You want to be like Christ?", this book going a little deeper. I'm only in chapter 2, but it's making me think. I wanted to share a part of the book with you. This gave me understanding if I'm able to opt out of this demand called holiness.
(Page 21)
God has called every Christian to a holy life. There are no exceptions to this call. It is not a call only to pastors, missionaries, and a few dedicated Sunday school teachers. Every Christian of every nation, whether rich or poor, learned or unlearned, influential or totally unknown, is called to be holy. The Christian plumber and the Christian banker, the unsung homemaker and the powerful head of state are all alike called to be holy.
This call to a holy life is based on the fact that God Himself is holy. Because God is holy, He requires that we be holy. Many Christians have what we might call a "cultural holiness." They adapt to the character and behavior pattern of Christians around them. As the Christian culture around them is more or less holy, so these Christians are more or less holy. But God has not called us to be like those around us. He has called us to be like Himself. Holiness is nothing less than conformity to the character of God.*
*The pursuit of holiness by Jerry Bridges (pg 21)
So, may today be a new day as we Christians pursue holiness. The holiness that God demands of us. As I posted awhile ago, are you seeing a different pattern of living as you become more like Christ? Reflection of change, do you see it?
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:15-16
Keep pressing, keep praying, keep pursuing holiness!!
I've started a new book titled "The pursuit of holiness" by Jerry Bridges. It's kind of a follow up from the last book that I read "So, You want to be like Christ?", this book going a little deeper. I'm only in chapter 2, but it's making me think. I wanted to share a part of the book with you. This gave me understanding if I'm able to opt out of this demand called holiness.
(Page 21)
God has called every Christian to a holy life. There are no exceptions to this call. It is not a call only to pastors, missionaries, and a few dedicated Sunday school teachers. Every Christian of every nation, whether rich or poor, learned or unlearned, influential or totally unknown, is called to be holy. The Christian plumber and the Christian banker, the unsung homemaker and the powerful head of state are all alike called to be holy.
This call to a holy life is based on the fact that God Himself is holy. Because God is holy, He requires that we be holy. Many Christians have what we might call a "cultural holiness." They adapt to the character and behavior pattern of Christians around them. As the Christian culture around them is more or less holy, so these Christians are more or less holy. But God has not called us to be like those around us. He has called us to be like Himself. Holiness is nothing less than conformity to the character of God.*
*The pursuit of holiness by Jerry Bridges (pg 21)
So, may today be a new day as we Christians pursue holiness. The holiness that God demands of us. As I posted awhile ago, are you seeing a different pattern of living as you become more like Christ? Reflection of change, do you see it?
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:15-16
Keep pressing, keep praying, keep pursuing holiness!!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Pictures from Leavenworth
Being a family having FUN!
Funny face contest
Hanging in the Loft
Hanging in cabin
Rashelle & Seann
Peyton hanging out
View of river
Cooking dinner
Rashelle & Peyton
View of Leavenworth
Hanging at a Park
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Family Revival 101 - UPDATE
I would start by saying these last 4 days have been some of the best family time that I have had all year! It was really good to get away from normal life and just spend time with the wife and child. I never knew my child could say so many words together at once. I really enjoyed spending some quite time with just Rashelle & I. I also enjoyed serving her this weekend, cooking her dinner, and just plain loving her. She really works hard running the house and child throughout her normal week, so for her it really was a nice break.
As I had posted before the scripture that was on my mind was Isaiah 40:31. This scripture was popping up everywhere, my facebook Bible verse of the day for Saturday, it was also the scripture that the church we visited this weekend opened up worship with! It was very crazy! I was constantly reminded that we as a family need to wait upon the Lord for our strength!
While away, we as a family had really focused on the passage in Matthew 6:25-34.
Matthew 6:25-34
Do Not Worry
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[a]?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
So this will be the scripture that we as a family will focus on for sometime. It fits us well for the season that we are in right now. God wants us to be dependant on Him for all, not just when we can't seem to figure it out on our own. Why worry! As God's word says we are more important than the birds in the sky! While we are living this life we might as well enjoy the process!
I'm thankful for the time away. I have a stronger love for 1) the Lord 2) God's Word 3) my family! May this be the start of a crazy adventure in life for my family. God's in control. God's grace is sufficient for the problems we will face each day and with His help we will pull through. Keep pressing, keep praying, keep growing as a family!
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