Marks of True Belief in Christ #2

I continue with J.C. Ryle’s thoughts from Old Paths…Mark #2

“He that believes in Christ has a new heart. It is written, ‘If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away: behold all things are become new.’ (II Corinthians 5:17) ‘Whosever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God’ (I John 5:1) A believer has no longer the same nature with which he was born. He is changed, renewed, and transformed after the image of his Lord and Savior…True faith and spiritual regeneration are inseparable companions.”

Do you have a new heart? Have you been changed by the power of God?

Tweet

Marks of True Belief in Christ #1

In Old Paths J.C. Ryle outlines seven marks of true belief in Jesus Christ. He seeks to describe key indicators of genuine faith in Christ. Let’s look at #1.

“He that believes in Christ has inward peace and hope. It is written, ‘Being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ (Romans 5:1) ‘We which have believed do enter into rest.’ (Hebrews 4:3) The believer’s sins are pardoned, and his iniquities taken away. His conscience is no longer burdened with the load of unpardoned [sin]. He is reconciled to God, and is one of His friends. He can look forward to death, judgment, and eternity without fear. The sting of death is taken away. When the great [judgment] of the last day is held, and the books are opened, there will be nothing laid to his charge. When eternity begins, he is provided for. He has a hope laid up in heaven, and a city which cannot be moved. He may not be fully sensible of all these privileges. His sense and view of them may vary greatly at different times, and be often obscured by doubts and fears. Like a child who is yet under age, though heir to a great fortuned, he may not be fully aware of the value of his possessions. But with all his doubts and fears, he has a real, solid, true hope, which will bear examination, and at his best moments he will be able to say, ‘I feel a hope which makes me not ashamed.’ (Romans 5:5)”

Do you experience inward peace and hope?

Tweet

Finish Strong

At my school we have 12 days left in the year. We are so close to the end…yet we have so much to complete in the final days.

The NBA playoffs are in full swing, and so many of the games are coming down to the final few possessions. The winners of the final few minutes seem to be the winners of the game.

The NHL playoffs seem about the same. Many games extend into overtime, with the final goal determining the winner.

The end matters! Yes, it does matter how we start and how we labor over the course of the school year. But, it is vital that we end well.

Finish strong! Don’t just coast out these final weeks. Seek to excel to the glory of God. Do your best on your last few projects and papers. Study hard for your final exams. Encourage your friends to do the same.

Stay in God’s word. God to Him for strength as you labor. Lift up your requests and needs to Him in prayer.

Finish strong!

Tweet

The Mom Video

Have you seen this video? It creatively highlights the exhausting job of a mom!

Tweet

Imagine...A Christian Parent Considering the Future

What do you long for your children? When you think of your child's future, what comes to mind? What will he be like? What will she accomplish? Are you exited or afraid? Are you full of faith or worried?

I would love to get your feedback on this video. What thoughts did it bring to your mind? How did it affect you?

Here is the link to the video on YouTube.

Tweet

Right and Wrong Views of our Father God

What is God like? How does He act? What are His attributes?

What has been your working understanding of God? How do you naturally think of Him and His interactions with you and others in the course of everyday life?

What does Scripture say? How do your thoughts and Scripture compare?

Recently I came across a good resource by Neil T. Anderson that included a list of lies we can believe about God and the truth that counters each lie.

It reminded me how easy it is to be deceived, even in something as important as our view of God. I was sobered to think of the potential problems that can stem from a wrong understanding of God and His ways, but I was excited as I considered the truths to counter specific wrong beliefs.

Here is a link to a church website that summarized Dr. Andersons points. Take some time to work through the list and look up the Scripture references.

Have you believed any lies? If so, counter the lie, reject and the false belief, and embrace the truth about our Father God. Let your heart be warmed, your mind at peace, and your faith strengthened as you consider the amazing, loving, powerful triune God who adopts us into His family.

To Him be the glory for ever and ever. Amen!

Tweet

The Biggest Wake Up Call Ever

Have you been one of the many millions of individuals to catch Susan Boyle’s Britain’s Got Talent performance on YouTube?

My wife showed it to me, and I’ve watched the seven minute clip in fascination multiple times. What captivates me? What has stunned so many? Why is this story so compelling?

What was your initial impression in the clips leading up to the song? What were you expecting when Ms. Boyle walked on stage and talked with the judges?

…then she sings….

The second judge to speak, Amanda Holden, says something profound and humble. She said that was “the biggest wake up call ever.” She said it right after referring to the entire audience being against Ms. Boyle and all (including the judges and me) being cynical. But what did she mean?

I was challenged to not judge a person by his or her outward appearance and by first impressions. But I do it all the time…the tall person must be good a basketball, the parents with the screaming child in the restaurant are negligent parents, the man in the sharp suit has it all together…

I quickly look at the external and make conclusions. I even assume I’m right. I think the wake up call is that I am frequently wrong.

What does God look at? How does He judge a person? Scripture says He looks at the heart. He cares about the inside – the thoughts, the motives, and the intentions. This doesn’t mean He ignores the external, but it does mean He starts with the heart and cares most about the true person on the inside. And He always gets it right…no wake up calls.

Tweet