Why do some Christians lack assurance of salvation?
1. Some feel they are too sinful to be saved and have difficulty in accepting forgiveness.
2. They don’t fully understand the Gospel and the saving work of Jesus.
3. They believe that only the sins forgiven are those sins they committed before salvation. Christ’s atonement paid for the sins- past, present and future, for all who believe.
4. Some can’t remember the exact moment and occasion they got saved. A decision for Christ has been over emphasized over a present reality of faith in Christ’s atoning work. The evidences of true faith [1 John] play second fiddle to a decision that may not have been real. Some believe they can be saved without true regeneration.
5. Because of the battle with the flesh, some doubt.
6. Some don’t see God in their trials, and miss the strong proof of assurance which is a tested faith.
7. Some lack assurance because of sin which robs them of their joy.
8. Some lack assurance because they are not genuinely saved.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The King and His Subjects
When a believing sinner trusts Christ as Lord and Savior, they are delivered from Satan’s power, moved into God’s kingdom, redeemed, and forgiven.
Colossians 1:12-14 “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us, meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:”
The believer has been liberated by God from Satan’s kingdom and translated us into Christ’s kingdom.
1. Translated means “to change or remove” He caused us to
stand in a new kingdom.
2. Once translated, we can’t be translated back. We didn’t do
the translating.
John 5:24 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
3. A kingdom is a group of people ruled by a king. We are in
a kingdom under the care and authority of Jesus Christ.
The Father gave this kingdom to His Son as an
expression of his love for Him.
John 6:37 “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:44 “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.”
4. How do you get into this kingdom? You must be born
again, you must believe.
Colossians 1:12-14 “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us, meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:”
The believer has been liberated by God from Satan’s kingdom and translated us into Christ’s kingdom.
1. Translated means “to change or remove” He caused us to
stand in a new kingdom.
2. Once translated, we can’t be translated back. We didn’t do
the translating.
John 5:24 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
3. A kingdom is a group of people ruled by a king. We are in
a kingdom under the care and authority of Jesus Christ.
The Father gave this kingdom to His Son as an
expression of his love for Him.
John 6:37 “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:44 “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.”
4. How do you get into this kingdom? You must be born
again, you must believe.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Mysterious Musings # 3
I continue to write about things that have always been a mystery to me in the pastoral ministry.
Why don't Christians know and develop their spiritual gifts?
The Word of God names about 17 spiritual gifts in four different passages in the NT that the Body of Christ has to minister to the body. Each believer has at least one gift which has been given at salvation. If we are to be fulfilled and happy in the body, we must find our gift/gifts and use them to minister to one another. We must function in our giftedness in the body.
Many setting in our pews are totally ignorant of spiritual gifts and don't seem to care. Many pastors have not taught spiritual giftedness because they so afraid of being called a "charismatic."
We must know what the gifts are, experiment with the gifts, seek confirmation, and walk in the Spirit. As we walk in the Spirit living under the control of the Spirit,the Spirit will express that gift through us to the body.
If the body is to grow as God intended, we must all use our gifts in the Spirit and not the flesh [Eph. 4:11-17].
Why don't Christians know and develop their spiritual gifts?
The Word of God names about 17 spiritual gifts in four different passages in the NT that the Body of Christ has to minister to the body. Each believer has at least one gift which has been given at salvation. If we are to be fulfilled and happy in the body, we must find our gift/gifts and use them to minister to one another. We must function in our giftedness in the body.
Many setting in our pews are totally ignorant of spiritual gifts and don't seem to care. Many pastors have not taught spiritual giftedness because they so afraid of being called a "charismatic."
We must know what the gifts are, experiment with the gifts, seek confirmation, and walk in the Spirit. As we walk in the Spirit living under the control of the Spirit,the Spirit will express that gift through us to the body.
If the body is to grow as God intended, we must all use our gifts in the Spirit and not the flesh [Eph. 4:11-17].
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Mysterious Musings # 2
Why some who call themselves Christians don't study their Bible?
1 Timothy 3:15-17 tells that the Scriptures are beneficial for salvation, sanctification and service. The Scriptures help us grow as Christians as we learn, love, long for, and live the Scriptures.
How can one claim to be a Christian and not desire the Word of God? The Bible is full of Scriptures that tell us that Christians love the Word of God and desire to hear and learn the Word.
We study whatever we need to study to be the best at our jobs in the workplace, why don't we have the same desire when it comes to God's Word?
So, It's always been a mystery to me why so many don't read the Bible and really show a eagerness for God's Word.
The Word has been implanted in our hearts, and I believe we should have an ongoing desire for spiritual food.
When one does not want to eat, they are either sick or dead!
1 Timothy 3:15-17 tells that the Scriptures are beneficial for salvation, sanctification and service. The Scriptures help us grow as Christians as we learn, love, long for, and live the Scriptures.
How can one claim to be a Christian and not desire the Word of God? The Bible is full of Scriptures that tell us that Christians love the Word of God and desire to hear and learn the Word.
We study whatever we need to study to be the best at our jobs in the workplace, why don't we have the same desire when it comes to God's Word?
So, It's always been a mystery to me why so many don't read the Bible and really show a eagerness for God's Word.
The Word has been implanted in our hearts, and I believe we should have an ongoing desire for spiritual food.
When one does not want to eat, they are either sick or dead!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Mysterious Musings # 1
There are some things that continue to be a mystery to me among "so-called" Christians. I think of these often and ponder the mystery of them, thus the title, "Mysterious Musings." Here we go as I begin to look at several over the next weeks.
First Mystery I muse over:
Why don't Christians share the greatest news ever given to mankind?
We have been saved by the good news of Jesus Christ and we should desire that others be as well. Do we not know how after setting in the church under Pastors and teachers whose job it is to equip the saints for the work of ministry? [Eph. 4:12]. We can say we don't know how, but that will be no legitimate excuse at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
Don't we understand there is a literal hell that our unbelieving family and friends will spend eternity?
I am afraid that the reality of a heaven and a hell don't really motivate us to share the gospel. If we really believe what the Bible says about hell, then we should embrace the truth and put it into practice by our witnessing. I am afraid most don't know what they believe and why they believe it. They just give intellectual consent to a truth and it has never really gripped their heart and they have not really gripped the truth.
So, we build a false theology that will keep our lost family and friends out of hell, and thus depart from sound doctrine. We are able to live with our lack of concern and passion for souls by embracing a false doctrine fabricated in our own minds.
My question is this, "Do we really have something to share?" Jesus said, "Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men" [Matt. 4:19].
First Mystery I muse over:
Why don't Christians share the greatest news ever given to mankind?
We have been saved by the good news of Jesus Christ and we should desire that others be as well. Do we not know how after setting in the church under Pastors and teachers whose job it is to equip the saints for the work of ministry? [Eph. 4:12]. We can say we don't know how, but that will be no legitimate excuse at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
Don't we understand there is a literal hell that our unbelieving family and friends will spend eternity?
I am afraid that the reality of a heaven and a hell don't really motivate us to share the gospel. If we really believe what the Bible says about hell, then we should embrace the truth and put it into practice by our witnessing. I am afraid most don't know what they believe and why they believe it. They just give intellectual consent to a truth and it has never really gripped their heart and they have not really gripped the truth.
So, we build a false theology that will keep our lost family and friends out of hell, and thus depart from sound doctrine. We are able to live with our lack of concern and passion for souls by embracing a false doctrine fabricated in our own minds.
My question is this, "Do we really have something to share?" Jesus said, "Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men" [Matt. 4:19].
Monday, March 22, 2010
Revival Services
We at Trinity are in what we hope will be genuine revival this week, March 21-24, 2010. I know that Christians are to live in revival 365 days a year, but due to our flesh, we need to be "re-vived."
My dear friend, Pastor Joey Harris from God's Way Baptist Church in Adel is our guest preacher. I had made a commitment to have only expository preachers in the pulpit at T.B.C. He preaches the Biblical text in its Biblical context, not perverting the intent and flow of the oringinal author.
Sunday morning he preached on "How to Live a Separated Life" from 1 Cor. 6:14-18. He challenged us to the truth that you can't experience revival till you are separated from the world. In one sense we are separated at salvation in position, but we must practice separation.
Sunday night he preached a message to the lost from the demon-possessed man in the fifth chapter of Mark. He made some comparisons and contrasts to the lost man and the demon-possessed man. Our children sang Sunday night and Kaleb Smith blessed our hearts with a song about being made more like Jesus "little by little."
Monday night the Brooks family was with us and as always, sang from their hearts true Biblical songs. Bro. Joey preached on commitment and the lack of it. Many go away because they never had genuine faith. Our choices reveal what we love and what we put first in our lives.
Tuesday night Bro. Joey's wife, Missy, sang two songs and then Bro. Joey preached on how to protect your church from wolves from without and within. His text was Acts 20:28-32. If Satan can't get to the church from without, he will attack from within.
Wednesday night Bro. Joey preached on how to be sure you are saved from 1 John. Certainly an honest examination of 1 John would reveal to anyone their genuineness of salvation or lack thereof. Bro. Joey preaches the same on this subject that I do- the evidence of a changed life is a great indicator of spiritual life.
Bro. Joey has been a blessing and a source of affirmation that expository preaching is the only true Biblical preaching that fulfills the preachers command to 'preach the Word."
My dear friend, Pastor Joey Harris from God's Way Baptist Church in Adel is our guest preacher. I had made a commitment to have only expository preachers in the pulpit at T.B.C. He preaches the Biblical text in its Biblical context, not perverting the intent and flow of the oringinal author.
Sunday morning he preached on "How to Live a Separated Life" from 1 Cor. 6:14-18. He challenged us to the truth that you can't experience revival till you are separated from the world. In one sense we are separated at salvation in position, but we must practice separation.
Sunday night he preached a message to the lost from the demon-possessed man in the fifth chapter of Mark. He made some comparisons and contrasts to the lost man and the demon-possessed man. Our children sang Sunday night and Kaleb Smith blessed our hearts with a song about being made more like Jesus "little by little."
Monday night the Brooks family was with us and as always, sang from their hearts true Biblical songs. Bro. Joey preached on commitment and the lack of it. Many go away because they never had genuine faith. Our choices reveal what we love and what we put first in our lives.
Tuesday night Bro. Joey's wife, Missy, sang two songs and then Bro. Joey preached on how to protect your church from wolves from without and within. His text was Acts 20:28-32. If Satan can't get to the church from without, he will attack from within.
Wednesday night Bro. Joey preached on how to be sure you are saved from 1 John. Certainly an honest examination of 1 John would reveal to anyone their genuineness of salvation or lack thereof. Bro. Joey preaches the same on this subject that I do- the evidence of a changed life is a great indicator of spiritual life.
Bro. Joey has been a blessing and a source of affirmation that expository preaching is the only true Biblical preaching that fulfills the preachers command to 'preach the Word."
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
The Perfect is Coming
1 Cor. 13:8-13
Context: After having shared that Love is permanent and will not fail [vv. 1-7], Paul now shares that spiritual gifts will cease; some gifts now and others later.
1. Spiritual gifts are temporary, partial, and elementary [v. 8].
Note that He says that tongues will cease and prophecy and knowledge shall fail or vanish away. “Vanish away” in verse 8 and 10 means to abolish gradually. Prophecy and knowledge will one day be made inoperative. The verb is passive which means something or someone will cause them to stop. That something is the coming of “the perfect” [v. 10].
“Cease” in regards to tongues means “to stop, to come to an end.” The Greek means tongues will cease in a self-causing action. God gave the gift of tongues a built-in stopping place. Many believe it ceased at the end of the apostolic age.
Prophecy and knowledge will be stopped by something outside themselves. They both will end when the perfect comes [v. 10]. Tongues are not mentioned in relation to the perfect coming [v. 10].
2. Prophecy will vanish when the perfect comes [vv. 9-10].
Both prophecy and knowledge are partial now, and represent all gifts that will be done away when the perfect comes.
We as God’s servants know and prophesy in part. When the perfect comes we will no longer need a Bible, preaching or teaching, and prophecy, because we will be in the presence of the Living Word.
3. What is the perfect [v.10]?
A. The perfect is the completion of the Scripture.
How would the Corinthian believers have understood the perfect, certainly not as the Scripture, but moral and spiritual perfection? If the perfect refers to Scripture, then prophecy and knowledge have already ceased. Prophecy will be active in the Kingdom age [Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17]. Scripture does not allow us to see “face to face” [v. 13].
B. The perfect is the rapture.
If prophecy and knowledge they are done away with after the rapture then they could not be present in the tribulation and Kingdom age. Paul clearly states that once done away with, they will end permanently.
C. The perfect is the second coming.
The Greek word “perfect” is in the neuter, which means it can’t refer to a person. You still have the problem of prophecy in the Kingdom age [Isa. 11:9; 29:18; 32:3-4].
D. The perfect is the eternal state.
If the others are not the perfect, then it leaves only one possibility. Spiritual gifts are for time, but love is for eternity. The eternal state allows for knowledge and prophecy in the Tribulation and Kingdom age. Only in heaven will we see God “face to face,” and be known as we are known.
4. Gifts are elementary [vv. 11-12].
Paul compares the believer’s earthly life to what they will be like in heaven. We will be complete and mature in heaven. Now we are spiritually childish, imperfect, and limited. We see in God’s Word dimly, but in heaven we will see completely and fully.
Conclusion: Spiritual gifts are temporary, but love is eternal. It will last in the eternal state.
Context: After having shared that Love is permanent and will not fail [vv. 1-7], Paul now shares that spiritual gifts will cease; some gifts now and others later.
1. Spiritual gifts are temporary, partial, and elementary [v. 8].
Note that He says that tongues will cease and prophecy and knowledge shall fail or vanish away. “Vanish away” in verse 8 and 10 means to abolish gradually. Prophecy and knowledge will one day be made inoperative. The verb is passive which means something or someone will cause them to stop. That something is the coming of “the perfect” [v. 10].
“Cease” in regards to tongues means “to stop, to come to an end.” The Greek means tongues will cease in a self-causing action. God gave the gift of tongues a built-in stopping place. Many believe it ceased at the end of the apostolic age.
Prophecy and knowledge will be stopped by something outside themselves. They both will end when the perfect comes [v. 10]. Tongues are not mentioned in relation to the perfect coming [v. 10].
2. Prophecy will vanish when the perfect comes [vv. 9-10].
Both prophecy and knowledge are partial now, and represent all gifts that will be done away when the perfect comes.
We as God’s servants know and prophesy in part. When the perfect comes we will no longer need a Bible, preaching or teaching, and prophecy, because we will be in the presence of the Living Word.
3. What is the perfect [v.10]?
A. The perfect is the completion of the Scripture.
How would the Corinthian believers have understood the perfect, certainly not as the Scripture, but moral and spiritual perfection? If the perfect refers to Scripture, then prophecy and knowledge have already ceased. Prophecy will be active in the Kingdom age [Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17]. Scripture does not allow us to see “face to face” [v. 13].
B. The perfect is the rapture.
If prophecy and knowledge they are done away with after the rapture then they could not be present in the tribulation and Kingdom age. Paul clearly states that once done away with, they will end permanently.
C. The perfect is the second coming.
The Greek word “perfect” is in the neuter, which means it can’t refer to a person. You still have the problem of prophecy in the Kingdom age [Isa. 11:9; 29:18; 32:3-4].
D. The perfect is the eternal state.
If the others are not the perfect, then it leaves only one possibility. Spiritual gifts are for time, but love is for eternity. The eternal state allows for knowledge and prophecy in the Tribulation and Kingdom age. Only in heaven will we see God “face to face,” and be known as we are known.
4. Gifts are elementary [vv. 11-12].
Paul compares the believer’s earthly life to what they will be like in heaven. We will be complete and mature in heaven. Now we are spiritually childish, imperfect, and limited. We see in God’s Word dimly, but in heaven we will see completely and fully.
Conclusion: Spiritual gifts are temporary, but love is eternal. It will last in the eternal state.
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