Friday, January 10, 2014

When Seeing Is Not Believing

My Utmost For His Highest
 
‘Their eyes are open, but they have received nothing. Conversion is not regeneration. This is a neglected fact in our preaching today. When a person is born again, he knows that it is because he has received something as a gift from Almighty God and not because of his own decision. People may make vows and promises, and may be determined to follow through, but none of this is salvation. Salvation means that we are brought to the place where we are able to receive something from God on the authority of Jesus Christ, namely, forgiveness of sins.  This is followed by God’s second mighty work of grace: “. . . an inheritance among those who are sanctified . . . .” In sanctification, the one who has been born again deliberately gives up his right to himself to Jesus Christ, and identifies himself entirely with God’s ministry to others.’ CHAMBERS
 
Chambers often addresses issues that most of us never consider as we live our lives as Christians.  Change in what we want to do, what we think, what we say, the way we treat others … that is all part of the Christian experience.  When Moses was on the mountain, he saw the burning bush, then he turned to go to the bush.  Exodus 3:4 “When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!”.  Moses had to do something .. first in his heart .. then in his life .. God saw his heart was open to God … and Moses was willing to take the next step.
 
Many people are willing to look, but they are not willing to take the next step .. surrender their lives.  They see Jesus … hear the message of the Gospel, it gets their attention, but they don’t make a heart commitment to God.  Romans 10:8-9 says “Confess with your mouth and believe in your heart” Seeing is not believing.
 
Bondye Beni Ou (God Bless You)

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