The "heart" of the matter: Our fallen nature vs our living hope
1 Peter 1:3-5 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
I mentioned a particular song in the last posting; which has had a profound affect on my heart. I let the writer of it know; that indeed I sense God is going to use it in amazing ways.
Music indeed today is even with Christian artists seems dumbed down and lukewarm. John 16:8 shows that the true influence of the Holy Spirit comes to convict of sin; righteousness nd judgment to come. God's love is overflowing with His Holiness and reminds me anyway whenever it comes of my own wretched state. In the presence of someone Spirit filled I find myself ashamed of myself and am painfully reminded of my own cold heart. THIS is what Agape should do; it demands attention and draws us away from any competing affections. This is no mamby pamby sentiment; I don't intend to be condescending but as some have stated God is a jealous God that brooks no rivals as it were. Lukewarmness therefore has the worst of both worlds; it has all the form of true worship without the substance ( 2 Tim. 3:5); and it leads to legalism without any fear of God and His Holiness. Other forms of following rules of course can lead to someone who is cold hearted but full of outward vigor in what he defines as pursuing holiness. The opposite is anarchy; a free grace sort of careless mindset as to any fruit that the lord of the vineyard expects from those He has planted.
In short; we are all much worse than we can imagine; but thankfully this makes the gift that much more precious of eternal life.
Your post today really touched me deeply. We need to always keep in mind God's love and kindness toward us. I am glad you reminded us today.
I Peter 1:6-9
6Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:7That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:3-5 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
I mentioned a particular song in the last posting; which has had a profound affect on my heart. I let the writer of it know; that indeed I sense God is going to use it in amazing ways.
Music indeed today is even with Christian artists seems dumbed down and lukewarm. John 16:8 shows that the true influence of the Holy Spirit comes to convict of sin; righteousness nd judgment to come. God's love is overflowing with His Holiness and reminds me anyway whenever it comes of my own wretched state. In the presence of someone Spirit filled I find myself ashamed of myself and am painfully reminded of my own cold heart. THIS is what Agape should do; it demands attention and draws us away from any competing affections. This is no mamby pamby sentiment; I don't intend to be condescending but as some have stated God is a jealous God that brooks no rivals as it were. Lukewarmness therefore has the worst of both worlds; it has all the form of true worship without the substance ( 2 Tim. 3:5); and it leads to legalism without any fear of God and His Holiness. Other forms of following rules of course can lead to someone who is cold hearted but full of outward vigor in what he defines as pursuing holiness. The opposite is anarchy; a free grace sort of careless mindset as to any fruit that the lord of the vineyard expects from those He has planted.
In short; we are all much worse than we can imagine; but thankfully this makes the gift that much more precious of eternal life.
Agape; Rich P
Your post today really touched me deeply. We need to always keep in mind God's love and kindness toward us. I am glad you reminded us today.
I Peter 1:6-9
6Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:7That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
God bless us all. Amen!
This comment thread is locked. Please enter a new comment below to start a new comment thread.
Note: Comment threads older than 2 months are automatically locked.
Do you have a Bible comment or question?
Posting comments is currently unavailable due to high demand on the server.
Please check back in an hour or more. Thank you for your patience!
Report Comment
Which best represents the problem with the comment?