Are We Experiencing Normal Christianity?

Webster defines revival in part, as "a recovery of consciousness from unconsciousness". He describes the word revive in part, as bringing back to a normal condition. I want us to take a minute and consider these two thoughts. How much are we really conscious of the spiritual need around us? How close are we to normal Christianity?

I still remember sitting in a 9th grade science class. The room was very hot and we were all crowded into a a small corner of the room to watch an experiment. Slowly, little by little, the room began to spin and everything turned black. Eventually I met the point of no return. I do not remember a thing from that time until the time of recovery in the nurse's office. For sure, there was activity all about me, but it was completely unknown to me at the time. I have no recollection whatsoever of that time period.

Could it be that we are spiritually unaware of a world that is spinning out of control and is covered in the blackness of sin? We do not have to look very far to see it, but do we? It is there, but are we conscious of it? Could it be that at one time in our lives we stood against sin, and for the Savior? But now, we have given in to worldly pressures, family pressures, possibly even church pressures? Our zeal and spiritual energy have been drained to the point of numbness, and we are not even aware of what is taking place in the spiritual battle. We have become spiritually unconscious. Meanwhile satan (I do not believe in capitalizing his name) is working his plan just as Christ desires to work His plan.

Maybe you are not unconscious, just a little tired of the battle. Maybe just a little sleepy. May I remind you that there is a lost and dying world out there that is counting on us to make a difference, even if they are not aware of it. The same was true in Jonah's day. Can you hear the world call "What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not" (Jonah 1:6). Remember that God through the Apostle Paul tells us to be stedfast, unmovable, and of course, always abounding in the work of the Lord (I Corinthians 15:58). Remember too, not to be weary in well doing (Galatians 6:9). The rest of that verse goes on to say "...for in due season we shall reap, if we FAINT not."

God never expects us to faint, to grow weary, to sleep, to become unconscious to the battle going on around us, but yet all too often it happens. Do not allow the things of God to become dull in your thinking. Keep on keeping on for the Lord.

As I awoke in the nurse's office, I can remember things seeming a little fuzzy. It took some time to understand where I was and what had happened. It took a few minutes for me to return to normal. If we have gotten away from the Lord, returning to our first love may seem a little strange. There may be some major obstacles we need to overcome, and it may not happen all at once. Gradually, little by little, God can and will allow a return to normal Christianity.

By your choice, He will fan a spark in your heart and cause it to grow into a holy fire. Could it be that at this time you do not desire to be revived, to be on fire for the Lord? Could it be that you are content to live a life apart from God? Returning may be a little fuzzy", but return anyway. Ask God to give you the desire, to give you that little spark that He can fan. He will.

 

Eternal Insecurity

It has long been debated within the Christian Church. Can one lose their salvation? If so, what are we to make of Jesus’ words in John 10:28? - “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish . . . .” If the words of Jesus are true, does that mean we can do anything we choose and still dwell in the heavenly palace of the King?

To understand our eternal destiny in light of the Bible we must go back to the very beginning and examine salvation. After all, it is salvation that is being questioned. Are we saved once for all, or do we have a part in keeping it? The difference between our eternal destiny of Heaven or Hell relies not on what we can do or don’t do, but have we merely received the gift God has provided for us?

So what exactly is salvation according to the Bible? What is this gift of God? No, it’s not being saved from a car accident or a drowning accident. It’s not a matter of escaping an abusive relationship. It is a matter of being saved from a literal, fiery hell and placed into the family of God

This can only be accomplished one way. Jesus said in John 14:6, “. . . I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Notice the closing phrase, “. . . no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” There is only one entrance into Heaven. There is only one door. The Door’s name is Jesus Christ (John 10:9). Baptism may be good, but it doesn’t save. Attempting to keep the Ten Commandments is commendable, but it’s not the door. Loving your neighbor is wonderful, but it won’t get you any closer to Heaven.

Perhaps the best-known verse in the entire Bible is John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” If we are to believe the words of Christ The Christian’s salvation is based solely on a gift – a gift that God gave. We neither pay for a gift nor work to earn it. We just accept it.

But what about the thought, if we accept it, can we also lose it? Scripture is clear on the matter although to many it seems to be confusing. You will need your Bible for this study as I will only mention the Scripture reference. Consider the following thoughts.

Your salvation has been purchased not only by the shed blood of Jesus on the cross but by the blood of God as well (Acts 20:28). Should not the blood of God be sufficient to not only purchase your salvation but also to keep it? Since my salvation was purchased, it belongs to the one who purchased it - Jesus Christ. It is His responsibility to keep track of His purchase, not mine, not yours.

We see in Hebrews 5:9 that Jesus Christ has become the author of eternal salvation. Eternal means without end. For someone who has truly come to Christ for salvation, they can know that it will last forever.

Philippians 1:6 assures us that He (Jesus) who began the work of salvation in us will continue until we are with Him in Heaven.

Jesus Himself tells us in John 6:39, 40 that the will of the Father is that those who have come to Jesus should have everlasting life. God’s will be done. There are no two ways about it.

We learn in Romans 8:15 that we are adopted into the family of God, and a family relationship exists. He is my Father and I am His child through adoption. Further, we are told in John 3:1-7 that we must born again. We were born once physically. Now, to have an everlasting relationship with the Father, we must be born again spiritually. I was born into this world as a Kovacic.  Everything I am was given to me by my parents. I can hate them (which I don’t). I can turn my back on them (which I haven’t). I can even legally change my last name. But I’m still my father’s son. Nothing can change that. Neither can anything change my standing as a child of God.

John 6:37 is another clear verse on the issue of eternal security. We are told plainly that all who come to Christ will never be cast out. Why is it so hard for some to accept the simple teaching of the Bible?

We have the promise in Psalm 48:14 that God will be our God forever and will carry us our entire lifetime.

That beloved verse, John 3:16, is so important, not only as it discusses true salvation but as it speaks of the fact we cannot lose that salvation. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Time and time again in Scripture we are told that God has provided everlasting life, eternal life, for those that come to Him His way.

Paul mentions in Romans 8:38, 39 that “. . . neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Really, what’s left to separate us?

The Old Testament book of Psalms (Psalm 84:14) points us very clearly to the fact that God will not cast us off, nor forsake us – ever.

I John 2:25 gives us the promise of eternal life - “And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.”

Soulwatch

Some people call it flash fiction. I much prefer the term, short story - very, very short story. Regardless of what you call it, the question remains - am I my brother's keeper?

The question was first posed by Cain 6,000 years ago. After murdering his brother, God comes looking for him. We read in Genesis 4:8, 9, "And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?"

The answer really is "Yes". We are responsible for the care of others whether we like it or not. We are to send the warning call for all to hear. If they refuse to listen, that is certainly their choice. Still, we have a responsibility. We have been made watchmen/women on the wall.

Much of Jesus' ministry was spent sharing parables. Parables were a special kind of story that shared a veiled meaning. Those who listened on the surface would miss the real meaning. Those who truly sought the Master would understand and respond. To those of us who want to follow in the steps of Jesus, the meaning is clear. We must sound the trumpet and warn those lost in darkness before the darkness overtakes them. Will you respond?

Grab your trumpet and come along!

 

Tonight would be different than other nights,

The third watch had just begun. Elishima climbed to his post upon the city wall. For the next few hours, his job was to watch for the enemy and to warn those inside the city gates if the enemy appeared. Elishima's trumpet, the instrument of warning, hung at his right side ready to be put into service at a moment’s notice.

The midnight sky was dark and overcast and a strange silence filled the air. "Tonight would be different than other nights", Elishima told himself. He could feel a sense of danger all around. As he stood there alone atop the city wall, Elishima intuitively knew he would be called upon to save his city that night. Where and when the enemy would strike, he did not know.

A gentle breeze blew across the city wall. Anticipation whispered to Elishima in each breath. Danger was approaching as the city slept. Silence continued to grow into the night.

Then to the northwest, a glimmer of light was seen. A low rumble of chariots could be heard. The torches were burning brightly in the night darkness as the enemy approached on horseback. The salvation of the city depended on one man - Elishima.

With numbness in his hand and a tightening in his chest, he reached for his trumpet. The first blow was weak and powerless, yet he knew his responsibility. Again, this time loud and true came the warning signal to the town below. The enemy was coming!

The townspeople heard, but late in the night, they made no effort to rise. Perhaps it was just a dream, or maybe Elishima had made a mistake. Certainly, it was not serious enough that they should be disturbed. Elishima again gave the trumpet call, the signal that the enemy was approaching. It seemed as if it fell on deaf ears.

There were a handful of people who did answer the call. They ran to meet Elishima at the lookout atop the wall. At this time, Elishima's perch on the wall was the safest place to be.

The horsemen rushed the main gate, breaking it down with little resistance. There had been no maintenance for years. The rusty bolts gave way with ease. Once inside, the enemy set them to burning and looting the city. All those refusing to hear the call were taken captive and later executed.

Elishima and a handful of diligent people were undetected atop the wall. They quietly climbed over the edge and lowered themselves to the ground and escaped under cover of night.

The Measure of Faith