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Blessed Reassurance

Quite oftenI have had people approach me at church and ask to meet sometime during the upcoming week. If it's not a marriage issue, then there's a good chance it's either about God's will for their life or assurance - and the lack of it - regarding their own salvation.

Many Christ-followers struggle - or have struggled - in this area. I am glad to introduce you to a brand-new resource written by Dr. John B. Woodward. John has just released "Blessed Reassurance: Finding Security in Christ." I highly recommend it. Here's what it's about (from the book cover): "How can you be certain that you are going to heaven? Can true believers lose their salvation? How can you discern the difference between true and false assurance? This book presents topical and expository studies to reassure believers in Christ. A balanced treatment of this crucial subject provides incentives for disciples to grow in the grace and knowledge of God.

Are you struggling with your assurance or know someone who is? This 177-page book will help. You may purchase the book here. You'll be glad you did! It's well written, biblical, and insightful.(And the actual cover looks a lot better than the one above!)

It's All About God

"I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow" (1 Corinthians 3:6-7, NIV). I've had the apostle Paul's words marinating in my mind this week. 

I've been thinking about those verses because I have once again been amazed at God's providential grace in our lives.  Over 30 people asked Jesus to be their Lord and Savior this past weekend at LCC.  I always believe that whenever we see that take place, we are witnessing multiple miracles taking place.  And I also think we would appreciate it even more if we could glimpse the levels of rejoicing in the presence of the angels when that happens.  I've also been thinking through what my role is as a minister of the gospel in all of this.

In the 1 Corinthians verses the believers of Corinth had chosen their favorite pastor/teacher/apostle.  Lines had been already been drawn; schisms already formed. As I read this first-century ecclesiastical drama, it teaches me a few truths that I, and every pastor and believer best keep in mind:

• Every gift and talent a minister exhibits is given by God.
• Those gifts and talents are to be used to lead people to Jesus and/or equip believers for ministry.
• The moment I think, "Hey, I'm pretty good at holding a crowd and persuading people," is the moment God will remind that I'm really not
• God uses various gifts within different people and molds them together for His glorious purposes. Paul was useful; so was Apollos.  And God used them both to bring people to Jesus.
• The absolute best minister is the one who has an incredible sense of personal insufficiency and whose only desire is for God to be made famous and for Jesus to be lifted up.
• Those Christ delights in using are those sold out for Kingdom work.  We might have our minor disagreements on some theological points, but the proclamation of the Gospel is - and must stay - paramount. 
• Spiritual pride is an abomination.
• I can never be proud of the gifts and talents I have.  And should those gifts and talents being employed for the advancement of the Kingdom result in spiritual fruit and success, my response is to be one of humility and thankfulness - that God would use me in His Great Cause.