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Let’s have some serious conversations

May 26, 2021 A Labour of Love Leave a comment

Colossians 1:3-5

Thanksgiving and Prayer

3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven.

human standing beside crucifix statue on mountain — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Last week we talked about the letter to the church in Colossae and the purpose behind Pauls writing to them. This week, we read verses 3-5 and there are three words that stand out. Words that we have seen on kitchen walls, on plaques, and various other signage. My heart continues to be drawn to address those three words not as a whole, yet as individual so we get a thorough understanding of each one and how they balance one another throughout scripture. So I’ve decided to break these three verse passages into three weeks of study. Giving each of us plenty of prayer time over the words and this passage. Can you guess which three words? Verse 4, faith and love and then verse 5 hope.

William Hendrickson wrote that Christianity is a life based upon a belief, which is a mighty energizing doctrine. That the Object of our faith is also the Source of our faith. When you understand that concept, it brings such great joy to know that faith is nothing we can do for ourselves. It is the product of a great love that envelopes the whole being for the use of something greater. Another way of saying it is that faith is a work of grace. It’s not a faith in just anything. It is a faith in a redeemer that took on the cost of sin. A saving faith in Jesus Christ.

So if you read that last paragraph and curiously read saving faith, and asked yourself what that is and how does it differ from just the affectionate word faith, then you are reading the right blog at the right time. This is one serious conversation that needs to happen to understand why faith in Jesus Christ is often referred to as saving faith.

Hebrews 11 1:3. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

The definition of faith is a strong belief in something or someone. Faith is something that doesn’t need proof. Sometimes you may hear the term blind faith and relate it to christianity. In all honesty, there is a wee bit of truth to it. Years ago, I was going through a difficult time and although I never questioned my faith, it seemed that I needed those special moments when a song would touch my soul or a kind word or scripture verse would uplift my brokenness. One such moment was when we were on vacation during this time and in a marina where all of the boats were docked the same way, there was one boat that was docked in opposition to the others. What was so amazing was that that particular boats name was called Blind Faith. I chuckled in tears as I was able to look at that name of the boat and allow it to be a reminder of my personal faith in Jesus Christ and all that I am to Him and He to me. It was just another poke to get me to stop in my tracks and focus not on myself, yet on the Lord and His mercy on my life to get me through anything and everything.

The understanding of who God is and what he has done for believers is the foundation of faith. It’s the complete submission of self over to a most Holy Creator and righteous God. Jesus Christ is the savior that took on the provocation of sin through death for those whom the Lord God loves and calls His own. Knowing what Christ has done and who He is is saving faith. In a sermon Charles Spurgeon preached “It’s the kind of faith, faith in Christ Jesus; faith in Him whom the world rejects, whose cross is a stumbling block and whose doctrine is an offense.” I’m sorry, but this is so difficult to understand. How could the world reject and how could His death on the cross be a stumbling block? Sin is a powerful worldly problem. Always has been and always will be until the end of time when God will reign on this earth. Aren’t we seeing it today? There is a strong rejection worldwide to the truths of the gospel. Churches are persecuted and the doctrines of gospel are being challenged in this broken world. It’s no wonder that we need to discuss saving faith and to hear the wisdom of Paul in his letter to the Colossians. We too need to be reminded of Gods gift of grace in faith.

William Bridges, in A Lifting up for the Downcast, gave four descriptions of how faith works within. First, faith brings light into the soul. Secondly, faith takes off unruly affections and sheds light on the fact that fretting and trusting are in opposition of one another. Thirdly, he says that faith heals and purifies the conscience and fourthly it brings the soul nearer to God. He also says that when faith comes, it opens a man’s eyes to see things that are invisible; it is the evidence of things not seen. True saving faith is that which is under the commandment of God and under His promises, overseeing the condition of the soul and preparing it for the work yet to be accomplished. Seeing the hand of God in every situation, every accomplishment and in every dispensation. Faith is giving up our own will to God.

Psalm 37:40 40 The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.

Faith and faith alone is what upholds the heart to bear against discouragements. Is that to say that one who has faith is never discouraged? Not at all, it is to say however, that one who has true saving faith will not allow discouragement to overtake their soul to a place of drowning in the mire. One that has saving faith is one that may need a nudge or reminder to call upon the Lord at all times and to direct their attention to the affection of the gospel through study and prayer. There are people who would have you believe that in order to have true faith or for true faith to be known there have to be noticeable works. This is simply not true. Faith precedes works and works is a result of faith. The two go together, yet true saving faith uplifts the souls to want to do that which the great commission prescribes. Even in the early days of Christianity, this was a problem. Hence why Paul mentions it here to the Colossians. Jewish tradition of law and work based faith was something that was filtering into the Colossae church. Look what James wrote in the book of James.

James 2:18-26. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

I’m not sure anyone could have described better what it means to have saving faith than William Guthrie in The Christians Great Interest. Let me quote him here:

” In His saying that Christ is a safe and sure way to heaven. This is being pleased with and acquiescing in that device; and it is consonant to all I know spoken of justifying faith in Scripture. This is the believing on Christ and on His name, the receiving of Him, and resting on Him for salvation, in our Catechism; the believing that Jesus is the Christ, that is, the anointed One, whom the Father hath sealed and set apart, and qualified for the work of reconciling man unto God; and he that believeth that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God. (1John 5:1) This is to believe with the heart that God hath raised Christ from the dead (Acts 8:37). The man believeth Christ died and rose on the account of satisfaction for man’s transgression. Devils may believe that: nay, but the man I speak of believeth it with the heart (which no natural man doth, until a new heart be given unto him); that is, he is cordially pleased, and satisfied with and acquiesceth in, this glorious method. And thus faith layeth out itself now and then in its actings, out-goings, and exercise, according to all the covenant relations under which Christ is held forth in the Scripture.”

Ezekiel 36:26 – And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

Titus 3:5 – he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

True saving faith does not also share itself with the world. Yes, we live in the world, yet we are not of the world. There are those who will profess their faith and yet live in the world without giving up that which precedes death and hell. They do not cling to the gospel truths or hunger for their savior and knowledge of His truths. The work of grace upon the heart is of an enlarging nature. Enlarging the heart so it cannot be satisfied with any earthly thing, as Jeremiah Burrough put it in A Treatise on Earthly Mindedness. Burroughs said that there are nine particulars of earthly mindedness, which, go in opposition to a living a life of saving faith. Several of those nine particulars have to do with looking upon things of the earth as the end all be all greatest things ever. Their thoughts are of the earth. The focus of earthly mindedness is filled with distraction, from life endeavors, to family provisions, living as others do in the world, comparisons, and worst of all earthly mindedness individuals conceive heavenly truths in the Word in an earthly way.

John 15:19 – If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

In this letter to the Colossians, Paul is pleased that they have true saving faith and he is writing them to encourage them to stay the path and not to veer from that which they have heard. He is encouraging them that their faith is the only faith that will carry them out of darkness and into the light. From death to life everlasting.

How about you friend? Do you cling to the word of God and to the faith that awakens the soul to dance in truth? Do you hunger for more and find that your interests are no longer of worldly possessions yet are of those of things yet to come? If so then I encourage you to take up your bible and begin reading. Let the words of the gospel penetrate your mind and allow the Holy Spirit to show you where your heart truly lies. Do not be disheartened, be encouraged. We are all on this journey together and God will not fail you if you have true saving faith.

Following in Faith

Who Are You?

September 25, 2016 A Labour of Love Leave a comment

I can remember in my younger years so desiring to be someone else. I remember trying on several occasions to change my look, whether it was a new hair cut, new makeup, new clothes style, making friends with those I wouldn’t ordinarily choose to be friends with or doing things and acting in ways that went beyond my personality. I longed to have more friends and to be “popular”. I was not very comfortable in my own skin so to speak. In middle school I was taller than most of the other girls, and I did not spend the majority of my time in the bathroom doing my hair as the other girls did. That being said, I remember the day I suddenly drew the attention of my classmates. At the time I thought it was fabulous and I felt like I finally fit in. Only in adulthood have I acknowledged that I was becoming someone that I was not intended to be. It was a long journey of trying to figure out who I truly was, yet thirty five years after that day, I can say that I know who I am and I embrace it all.

Yes, even through illness, loss, grief, and often times loneliness, I embrace knowing that I can just be myself. It’s rather freeing to not have to try to live by todays standards. I don’t need a lot of friends to define who I am, and at times, I even leave the house without any makeup not caring about impressing anyone. I find that the most important things in life are not found in the joys of earthly pleasures and in the view of those who subject themselves to secular viewpoints. I take joy in the fact that I am a wife, mother, sister in Christ to a great many who are like minded, and I am most of all a child of God. I have hope in something greater than this world and a confidence in knowing that grace is promised to those whom have been called out of this life of sin.

As my daughter and I stayed home today due to her upcoming surgery and not wanting to subject her body to germs that she wouldn’t be exposed to if she stayed at home, we listened to the sermon from last week that we missed. I was struck at God’s providential care in our walk with him and his encouragement in arranging this quiet time with Him, the message spoken and the tie in with my book study that I did with a friend yesterday.

The message was based on 1Peter 1:13-16 and entitled Just Be Yourself. (crbc.us sermons 9/18/2016)

“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

In obedience, we are to be who we are called to be, leaving behind the passions of our old selves (“Ephesians 4:21-24 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.) so that we will have the hope (confidence) in grace (salvation)”. What a wonderful, freeing, feeling it is to know that God has chosen for me who I am supposed to be. I do not need to try to be someone else. I do not need to fit into this world because I am not of this world. (John 15:16 “You did not choose me, but I chose you… John 15:19 …because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world….”) I accept that I am a child of God’s, destined to live a holy life before him, with contentment and thanksgiving.

Our study yesterday discussed the motivation of how to stay obedient in holiness, tying in nicely with the sermon. Every child needs instruction and direction. I am no different and neither are those who are predestined to serve in holiness. (Ephesians 1:11 “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will”)

Our book (The Hole In Our Holiness) gave us a few ways the Bible motivates us to continue in our pursuit of holiness. One of the questions asked us to identify which of them was meaningful to our individual needs living in a world of sin. Mine were the following:

God knows all and sees all. (Eccles. 12:14 “For God will bring every deed into judgement, with every secret thing, whether good or evil”)

If every child knew that their parent was watching, would they try to do the opposite of what they were instructed to do? My guess is that they would not and if they did, they would know that there would be a punishment waiting them. Maybe they would think that the sin of disobedience would be worth the punishment. Knowing that God’s punishment is death should make all christians reconsider that which they think they do in secret is actually in secret.

Assurance. (2Peter 1:10 “Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm you calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall”)

Knowing with surety that God has called me out of a life of sin keeps me humbled in obedience to his word. For not everyone has been blessed with the knowledge of their own salvation as we know that there is no double predestination. Due to the fall of man through the sin of Adam, we are all at birth destined for death, yet through the calling of the Lord Jesus Christ there are those who are predestined to be a part of life everlasting with him.

The world is not our home. (1Peter 2:11 “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul”)

Pilgrims in a world that does not understand. Our time here is temporary. Our permanent home is with the Lord. An eternity serving a God who took mercy on his people to give them life. Abstaining from the passions of the flesh is not easy as temptation today is far greater with technology, yet preparing our minds and hearts through the studying of the Word is our short leash to staying on the right path.

For the sake of our prayers. (1Peter 3:7 “Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered”)

Living a hopeful life, following the words of a gracious God so that He may be glorified and we may be made righteous in his sight. Marriage is not easy and life in this world is not easy. However, by staying the course with love and understanding we are reminded of the joyful blessings that are shared. Just as a couple becomes one in marriage, they become one with Christ.

The futility of sin. (Matthew 6:27 “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?”)

Do we really need to worry about that which we cannot control. Our time should be spent in grateful prayers of thanksgiving for that which we have been blessed, leaving all of the “stuff” behind.

The folly of sin. (Matthew 7:26-27 “And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”)

The fall is not temporal. The fall is eternal and is spent in the flames of hell rather than an eternal life of glory with the Lord.

The promise of future judgment. (Romans 12:19 “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord'”)

God’s wrath is much greater than that which we could ever dream. He gives the ultimate judgment over the sin abiding in this world.

The fear of future judgment. (Hebrews 10:26-27 “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.”)

This does not need any explanation!

The fear of the Lord. (2Corinthians 5:11a “Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others.”)

We witness to those whom we love in hopes that they too will be called unto the Lord. We know that the loving God so many talk about today is also a god of judgment and wrath. Believers should not tempt the will of the Lord with gross misconduct in backslidden behavior just to appease the world we live in. We should be the witness to the light that shines from following Him.

The love of the Lord. (1John 4:11 “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another”)

Loving our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ is not just a suggestion but a command.

For the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify god in your body.”)

Taking care to not sin and to praise the Lord of whom gave much to give us life.

Fullness of joy. (John 15:10-11 “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full”)

JOY….to have joy in the Lord, in prayer and in ALL circumstances. No matter what! Finding the peace within ourselves to be joyful in the blessings that are not our own. Through pain, illness, despair, loss, and storms that rage around us.

Our union with Christ. (Romans 6:5-6 “For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.”)

Oh to not be enslaved to sin. To not be bound by the chains that cause strife and death. Could any blessings be better?

I pray reader that you have read through all that I have shared in my journey and that you have been blessed this day with the words of the Lord. I pray that you will joyfully praise the loving God who has given you life and blessed you with the following of this blog. Thank you for joining me down this path toward salvation.

Following in Faith

America and Church

August 11, 2015 A Labour of Love Leave a comment

“Many congregations in denominations we thought we could trust are simply not churches.” Chantrynotes Aug. 7

There is not much more to say on the matter, Tom has summed up much of a cultural disaster here in America. Who’s to blame? What do we as Christians do? What is our responsibility? What is the responsibility of the church?

Hope you will continue reading the last two posts on the matter.

http://chantrynotes.wordpress.com/2015/08/06/i-blame-us-part-4-the-failure/

http://chantrynotes.wordpress.com/2015/08/07/i-blame-us-part-5-the-recovery/

Following in Faith, Why?

Thoughts…

August 5, 2015 A Labour of Love Leave a comment

Just as my own posts touch some and slide by others, there are posts from fellow bloggers that I read over and over and then there are those that I skim. Some have meaning to me and some do not. I try to be compassionate to the writer by reading as much as I can and trying to take an interest, just as I hope others do for my writing. In a busy world it’s not always easy.

All that being said, when I see a post that absolutely should be shared with others and is thought provoking, I try to share it here. Not often enough, yet I make efforts when I can.

The last three days there have been some posts that I think are worth sharing here and I hope will be opened and read and shared again. Thought provoking and well written.

http://chantrynotes.wordpress.com/2015/08/03/i-blame-us-part-1-the-collapse/

http://chantrynotes.wordpress.com/2015/08/04/i-blame-us-part-2-the-law/

http://chantrynotes.wordpress.com/2015/08/05/i-blame-us-part-3-the-rejection/

Following in Faith

Past vs. Present

July 14, 2014 A Labour of Love 4 Comments

I admit it, I’m a bible thumper. I enjoy being in church and when we travel I miss fellowship with those who are dear to my heart, my church family. I enjoy learning about the history of the gospel, the truth of God’s Word and the approach of which we should all be living out our lives if we are truly sheep of His flock. I am continually held accountable through conviction of my own sins and am blessed by the knowledge that I will never be perfected in Christ until my redemption through death.

I remember the day I sought out His will for my life and that of my unborn child. The day I wept in prayer seeking forgiveness for a life spent looking for happiness and “fun”. Oh, it has been a journey and sanctification can be long and sometimes difficult. Attending a world wide bible study with over 17 denominations, yes there are many, I learned about reading the bible and how to study scripture. I learned about how to be a wife and a mother as God intends, a friend, a servant and a daughter to an almighty sovereign Father. I learned about forgiveness and the blessings that follow and learned about the toll bitterness can take on one who does not seek it. I have been encouraged in times of trouble, I have been comforted in times of darkness, and I have listened hearing words spoken that I had not before understood. I remember feeling as Saul must have felt when the scales were removed from his eyes and he became a servant. I felt as if I had been blind and was finally seeing colors and shapes as they had never been seen. Things have over the years become clearer and the journey has not been easy. Taking me from being a nominal christian in the worship of several different denominational churches where my stirring heart to hear truth in a way I could not explain was not satisfied, to the community of which I call home. A community of like minded believers that see things as I see them. Where truth comes from God’s most holy word, through teaching that is scripturally sound and thoroughly studied. Christ has led this sinful mind, body and soul to a place of humbling grace surrounded with unconditional love and forgiveness. I praise God that I have been led out of darkness and into the light. I praise Him for His continued watchful eye over my family, grabbing hold the hearts of my husband and children so that generations will share in His kingdoms glory, serving Him together for an eternity.

As we sat in church this morning, I once again felt that society needs to hear truth. Truth spoken from a pulpit that does not focus on “bringing in the numbers” by pleasing the people, yet a pulpit that seeks to honor the Father on His day with truth from His own book. Do people really understand why we have the family platform we have? Do they understand that it was not a man made concept that just took off in tradition? How many people understand that the bible is the most widely read book in the world? What is taught on Sundays and any other day of the week for God’s faithful should not just be left at the door step of the building as they leave, it should be carried through out their week and taken seriously. Hell is real. Heaven is real! (And no, I do not watch movies that try to tell me it is, I know it because I read it in God’s spoken word in the scriptures and I feel it in my heart.) We live in a corrupt world of deception that tries to destroy families and what they stand for. We as believers in truth and followers of Christ need to stand up for what we believe in and teach our children to be strong in their faith, protecting the Word as God would have us. He will overcome!

Therefore, I am posting today’s message spoken from the pulpit. This is a subject dear to my heart as I teach my children about marriage, expectations in relationships and the honor and glory commitment is to our almighty sovereign God. To Him be the glory!

I pray that you are blessed by the message and that you will be given the ears to hear it as God intends. If you are a sinner seeking forgiveness, I pray that this gives you hope. If you are a parent, I pray that it gives you a clearer vision into the scriptures to teach your children.

Please read these first and then listen to the audio. (If you do not own a bible, please google the verses in ESV.)

Psalm 30:2-3, Proverbs 5:1-14, Ephesians 5:22-33 and Exodus 20:14

http://crbc.us/media_events/976-The-Seventh-Commandment

(Courtesy of CRBC.us, and with permission to post.)