Certain Promise for Certain People

Romans 8:28 contains a certain promise; that is, a promise that is certain. The verse starts with the words "we know" -- giving us the concept of certainty. What is it that we know for certain? We know that God works all things together for good.

That promise is made to a certain people--those who love God and are called according to His purpose. Two ways to describe the same people; each from a different perspective. Those who love God--that's our perspective toward God. Those who are called--that's God's perspective toward us. That's good news because when we sin and don't properly manifest our love toward God, we can still be certain of the promise because the promise is extended to those who are called according to His purpose.

Our performance does not change the call of God. He called us knowing our future choices--good and bad. Our performance does not change His love for us. That's great news. It tells us that God works all things (the good, the bad, and the ugly) together for good.

By implication, since the promise is for a certain people, it must NOT be for other people. Who? Simple--those who don't love God and who are not called according to His purpose. That's an accurate description of a lost person.

That promise is so awesome, I just want to share it with people in every conversation I have. The problem? Sometimes I'm talking to a lost person. I cannot give them assurance that anything (let alone all things) will work for good. Can you see the plight of lost people? No assurance that anything they do will work together for good. Yuck.

Doesn't that motivate you to share the gospel? The good news will bring purpose to all things in their life (if they accept the good news, of course). Let's help bring hope into the most desperate of circumstances by sharing the good news. And simultaneously enjoy certainty of the fact that God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

You can hear an expanded version of these thoughts at the church's web site and listen to the message from October 11, 2009.

When Worldviews Collide

Check this out--the movie will be released October 27 on Amazon:

Priorities

On his blog, Christ is Deeper Still, Ray Ortlund says:

"If we would stop treating Sunday as a second Saturday, one more day to run to Home Depot, one more day for the kids' soccer games, if we would rediscover Sunday as The Lord's Day, focusing on him for one day each week, what would be the immediate impact between today and one year from today?

By one year from today, we will have spent 52 whole days given over to Jesus. Seven and a half weeks of paid vacation with Jesus.

He's a good King. Maybe we should put him first in our weekly schedules."

Amen, Ray. And again I say, Amen!!


HT: Ray Ortlund

Death is Not Dying - Rachel Barkey

Many theologians believe that when Paul wrote the second letter to Timothy, he was keenly aware that his death was imminent. The passion of Paul is heard and felt in every word of that precious letter. Often, there are no words more passionate than a person’s dying words.

I urge you with every iota of energy I can muster to take 55 minutes of your valuable time to watch this video. It comes from Rachel Barkey, a 37-year old wife and mother of two young children, who knows her death is near—yet in her death she realizes she is not dying. Passion. Truth. The glory of God. They are all found. Please, please, please watch; you won’t regret it.

Join the Facebook group, Death is Not Dying.

Fireproof Your Marriage

Check this out when you get a moment!

Been There, Done That

There's an old saying that goes, "if at first you don't succeed, try try again." There is much wisdom found there, particularly if you have a word from the Lord.

Peter had spent the whole night fishing and came back to the shore empty handed. In fact, the crew was busy cleaning the nets when Jesus asked him to get in the boat a put out a short distance from shore so He could teach a crowd who was anxious to hear from Him.

After He was done teaching, He told Peter to put out into the deep and let down the nets for a catch.

I'm wondering, what would my response be? Probably something like, "I've been out all night doing this and have caught nothing. Why waste time now? I want to go to bed." But Peter's response was quite different and extremely enlightening.

Luke records these words, "And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at Your word I will let down the nets" (Luke 5:5, ESV, emphasis mine).

Peter takes a lot of hits because he was quick to speak his mind. But its moments like these that make me want to be like him! "Because you said it, I'll do it." Oh to have a heart and attitude like that. So often I am the 'been there, done that' kind of guy--but I am striving to be the 'You said it, I'll do it' kind of guy.

How about you?

The Value of Christian Friendships

Greg Jones, Dean of Duke Divinity School, was recently quoted as saying, "Holy friends challenge the sins we've come to love."

This quote is just but one reason we ought to be pursuing Christian friends and Christian fellowship. I've been convicted recently that maturity takes not only Bible reading and prayer, but also Christian fellowship.

Are you intentionally adding to your spiritual growth through Christian friendships?