The Beginning And The Ending Of Preaching
Where does preaching, or the declaration of the wonders of God, and the gospel, begin? It begins and ends in God Himself, as the Alpha and Omega. True preaching is a divine matter, even though it is accomplished through vessels of clay. By the Spirit all things are possible, and this, for the glory and honor of God.
Promises Of God's Faithfulness
When God gives a promise to men, it is that He will fulfill it, so that man will see and know that He is God. Not only does faith find a solid foundation in the faithfulness of God, but God's promises are those specific means by which He reveals Himself to the believer. What a marvelous truth and certainty, when Paul writes: "Faithful Is He Who Calls You Who Also Will Do It."
One Thing Needful
There are many things in life that we must deal with. There are priorities in life, if we would not waste purpose and provisions. Spiritually speaking, there is one thing that is needful, which is the basis for all else. It is that personal setting aside of all else to sit at Jesus' feet to hear what He has to say to us, and what we shall answer in return. It is the central, and solitary imperative of fellowship with God.
The Extent Of The Vision
The measure of our vision of God will determine the measure of our faith in God. Faith is only as big, and strong, as the clarity of the vision in whom we trust. This is why worship is so very important, for as we are occupied with the greatness of our Creator and Redeemer, He puts faith in us, strengthening us to go forward, believing, rejoicing, and overcoming.
The Centerpiece Of Worship
What is the centerpiece of worship? Is it not its object? And is that object not the Creator, and Redeemer, the triune God who inhabits eternity and whose name is holy? To have no other gods before the Lord is to have the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as the only true and living God. In the worship of the Father and the Son by the Spirit, is to be changed, transformed into the image of God.
The Call To Come Near To God
The call of God to man is a call for man to draw near to God to know Him. It is not just a call to be in proximity to God, but for Christ to dwell in the heart by faith, with the hope and certainty that for eternity man can dwell in the presence of God. The purpose of man is to know God, and to glorify Him. Christ's sacrifice on Calvary was the proof of God's intent to save men, so that they might know Him.
In The Pursuit Of God
Jesus once said, "He who seeks, finds." It is such a very simple phrase, but eternally true. It applies to things great and small. But perhaps the greatest of all things sought and can be pursued after, is the knowledge of Christ, a knowledge that is not only objectively true, but vibrantly living in the heart by faith. It is in the pursuit of God in worship, communion, and service that God reveals Himself to the heart, being the greatest reality of life.
Faith's Manner Of Seeing
How does one see by faith? Scripture says that Moses "endured as seeing Him who is invisible." How can this be? For us today we see Jesus in the word of God, but only truly by the Spirit. It is as we trust God to anoint our eyes that we perceive the reality of Him who is invisible, and yet present, and powerful to save. The fact that He is invisible does not mean He is not present, only that with our physical eyes we do not see Him.
Working While It Is Day
Time is measured by days. Our lives are measured also by days and years. One great question that we must ask ourselves is how to I use the time that God has given to me? For us, the present time, as we are upon this earth, is "day." There is a limit to that time, when the night comes, and the opportunity is gone to glorify Christ on this earth. Let us work while it is day, pleasing God by walking with Him, for HIs glory and honor.
Trust Not Your Own Understanding
How foolish it is for man to trust in what he sees, hears, or thinks! Why? First of all because of his limitations, then the fact that he is a sinner, with an understanding that can be so easily deceived. But lastly, it is foolish because of Who God is...the first and the last, the all-knowing, loving God. His understanding of things great and small, visible and invisible, is infinite and perfect. The fact that He loves us is the great motive for trusting Him, and not ourselves.