Examine yourself to see ---- 112712

   All that I am, all that I have - indeed that I am at all - is His.
Everything is placed in my hands for His purposes.
He kindly allows me to use some for my sustenance even my pleasure but it is not mine, it is His.

So when my mind wanders into the probability that what He has given me that what can be taken will be taken and I find myself growing inflamed with keeping it and/or defending it and I am cast down.

It is not my car or my house or my rights or my guns (ouch) - they are all His even to the smallest cell of the body He has given me.  I am obligated to use it wisely and well but I don't know that I am obligated to defend it - even if I could.

It was His to give and is still His after the giving.  It is never mine.  If through some secondary cause, for His purposes, it comes to a place where it is taken, even taken by force of arms or law or both am I to trust Him to leave me with what He would have me steward or am I to meet force (any type of force) with force?

I wonder if I am not to simply trust Him and allow Him to preserve and protect even my life.  Indeed the very history of our faith demontrates that there is a time and place where we must stand passive as we are persecuted and oppressed, even robbed by force of arms or force of law.

When they came for Him in the garden one only met force with force.  Not only was he foolish but he was wrong and the Lord undid the harm he inflicted.  It does, I hope, make one wonder.

We are raised to believe that we have three inalienable rights.  Life, liberty and happiness (which was originally property).  But I would ask where I am to find my right to any of these in His sovereignty and providence?  A right?  Then it is not grace or mercy but something the creator God is oblidged to provide and preserve?  And what text pray tell gives proof to that?

Paul counted all things as dung compared to the excellency of Christ.  But we, do we really count "all things" so?

Ah you will hack away at self-protection or self-preservation?  And what convinces you that you can, much less are obligated to preserve your self?  Are we not all utterly in His keeping?  Is not our very life His to give, to moderate, even to take?  Is He not sovereign, holy and good in all that happens in His creation?

He has blessed me with much - and I have much through my own foolishness and flesh.  He has allowed it but that does not mitigate my follishness and fleshness.  I have much that is there by sin.  Much.  I can not in good conscience hold that I have a right to keep any of it.  To use it for Him is my duty but that duty does not negate His right to take it away.

Job woefully lamented the loss of all He allowed to be taken.  Yet we read no claim made against God.  Naked Job came and naked he would leave.  Even if God took (or allowed to be taken) his very life Job committed himself trustingly to Him.  Do we - really?

Many do - when there is no choice.  But they simply accept what is happening instead of turning to Him promptly and praise Him for His goodness.  Salvation and a cadillac too was once considered cute - but as we have come to elevate that to the level of doctrine is it devastating.

What do we mean by "mine?"  I fear we mean something very wrong hearted.  I fear we mean "sovereignly mine" not merely mine to serve Him with and through.  I know I struggle against that heart dis-ease.

"He who dies with the most toys wins," is a sad statement for a believer to ever come close to making.  But even if we never say it, I fear we shout it by our lives.  James provides us with an important insight:

James 4:3-4
You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. 4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.    ESV

He's talking to us.  He's talking "passions."  Not sex, not drugs although those certinly apply.  Rather he is talking about us wanting what we want when we want it how we want it FOR OURSELVES.  And not what He wants, when He want, how He wants for His glory.

He is talking about me, my, mine, ours.  Our passions NOT His passions.  Can you see dear ones the dangerous difference?  See the confusion - the confounding?

We ask for money to get what we want.  We ask for time to use as we want.  We ask for health so we can continue to do what we want.  Is this asking rightly or amiss?

Pau in Romans 7 writes out his turmoil - the flesh against the Spirit.  Which one do we listen to the most.  I see few of us (note I said us - that includes me) bewailing and mourning the opportunities we give the our flesh.

Not I but Christ.
Not mine but His.
What's the differentce?
Zip!

A silly season reflection.

Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God. Psalm 42:5  ESV

It seems that this time or year brings with it a certain poingnant pain.  I can find no better expression of this than the words of David.

I call this the "silly season."  We seem to get so caugh up in both the "religious" and cultural demands of the season which, quite simply, are dyametrically opposed to one another.  Hence we expereience an odd kind of turmoil.

Caught between Christ and Consumerism;  family demands and faith demands we feel like a frayed rope in a tug-of-war.

I struggled with this for some time.  The ghosts of christmases past and the wounds of family gatherings have always cast me down.  I found a way for me to relieve a good part of the struggle by simply denying the whole thing.  I just quit recognizing the "holiday."

First, it couldn't be any more artificial than it in fact is.  I have serious doubts about Jesus being born in December and that's primarity because I was fortunate to know a real shepherd.  His struggle was with why any decent shepherd would have his flock out, at night, in the dead of winter.  "Bad business," he said.

Secondly we know the "day" was assigned by Constantine whose "faith" is worthy of questioning.  He never acctually accepted Christ until he was on his deathbed.  He also imposed the imperial Roman structure upon the church and made the church a tool of the empire.

Thirdy, there is NO biblical foundation for celebating he "day" of the incarnation no matter how "noteworthy" is in fact is.  We don't really get to make up days - especailly "holy-days," that are no biblical.

Fouthly, - what's up with Santa Clause?  OK - maybe there was a believer named Nicolus who did give shoes to poor kids.  So?  How does that apply to our faith anymore than any other work of benevolence?  And what's with the "tree" thing?  Smacks more of paganism to me (Jer. 10:3-4).

Fifthly, the "day" (actually the season) has been sinfully hijacked.  I call it, "the gifting olympics."  It's become a contest of avarice and greed.  Kids focus more on what they want than any supposed or imposed meaning of the season.  Parents worry and fret more about giving their kids what will make them "happy" than about communicating the gospel.  The key question of the season is, "Want does xxx want for Christmas?"

Now - if you "celebrate" the nativity, the incarnation at this time of year I won't throw stones.  If you "celebrate" is with strange totems and effigies and other things, I might start piling rocks.  If you "celebrate" the incarnation with a fluury of flesh promted purchases I might pick up a rock.  But - I'll not throw one.  I've never had a moment of perfection and know that while I'm here I won't.

But, if by some strange weird working I do have a moment like that I may "toss' a rock.

Folks there is nothing "christian" about Christmas - except the plays our kids put on, the sermons we hear and some of the songs we sing.  That's it - but why do we only celebrate this eternal event once and in a manner that hardly gives it the value and meaning it deserves?

No, I don't think I'm a scrouge.  I rejoice at the meaning of the incarnation - the nativity.  But I can't in good conscience join in (what is to me) the silliness of the season.

Why is my soul cast down?  Because at this time of year and in rememberance of the greatest birth ever we let down the walls and allow the world to come flooding in.

I've tried various and sundry ways to "do" the season but I have just found it - well, too burdensome on my conscience.  There is of course no escaping it - but that doesn't mean I have to play.

Your call - call it well!

Peter's pen 1 Peter 5:12-14

1 Peter 5: 12-14

By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. 13 She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. 14 Greet one another with the kiss of love.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ.   ESV

In closing, two points:

1.  This is the true grace of God.
2.  Stand firm in it.

As I have throughout this series, I highly recommend the works of John Flavel, John Owen, William Gurnal, Thomas Watson and other great Puritan preachers.

I'll also take a chance on a book just published that I haven't read (I am waiting for the digital edition).  It is titled A Puritan Theology; Doctrine for Life.  Right now it is available at a really big discount (print version) at:

http://www.wtsbooks.com/product-exec/product_id/8650?utm_source=A_Puritan_Theology&utm_medium=email&utm_content=cover_image&utm_campaign=A_Puritan_Theology

NOTE:  I finished reading  A Puritan Theology and I highly recommend it.  I also recommend The Marrow of Theology William Ames as a primer in Refomed eoloy, docine and pracice.

God bless and keep you all -- Next series???  Don't know yet.   Any suggestions?

It's just scary down here ---

I was praying this morning and as I prayed (I tend to do it as a journal) I found myself writing that, "its just scary down here."  And you know, it is.

Now  perfect love casts out fear - we don't have the spirit of fear - yes, I know all that - but it's still scary down here.

Fear is natural or sinful.  To not fear is to give up some part of being human.  to allow fear to keep us from serving Him is to give up some part of being His - that's sinful fear.

But fear is an emotion (?) - a judgement we make about conditions and circumstances that are very real.  Fear tells us something is dangerous - potentially harmful - probably damaging - etc.  So this natural fear can't be a no-no but it can not be the boss either.

Having said that - it is scary down here.  Politics is always scary - the power of government is always liable to abuse.  I worry about that.  I worry about my brothers and sisters who own businesses or have ministries and the possiblility that they may have to close, capitulate their consciences to the law or take a stand against the law and suffer the conseqences.  I fear for our religious freedom - especially the religious freedom of Christians.

See, it's coming to a point where we are being put in a position where we are required to do things that violate our consciences.  We are being required to do (or not do) things that pertain directly to our faith (beliefs) and though in most cases it's subtle - it's here.

At some point - and I worry that the time is closer that we think - we will have to start saying "No."  We've tried to say no in the political arena but that's "their" home field - so we've said "Ok" to the point that we will soon have to say "No!" and when we do we will suffer for it.

Where we have enjoyed the freedom to express our religious beliefs we are no longer as "free" as we were.  When folks are getting cited and sued for having home Bible studies - we are in trouble.  When the government can force us to pay for things that violate our faith - we are in trouble.

Well - it's scary down here.  But that's OK - it can't help but be.  However - we need to begin NOW to pray for a holy boldness to stand upon our faith and refuse to give way.  That will look different for different people - and that's sad -!  It shows that we have indeed not grown as He desired and we have especially not grown to be one.

So many of us will find ourselves standing alone.  Criticized and even vilified by those who claim our faith but don't know Him.  The tares and the goats and the wolves will have a very good time.  Our stubbornness in our faith will cost us much - for some of us it will cost everything but what he guards for us.

I am not a pessimist - I am a believer - and the One I believe makes it very clear that we will suffer for Him - for being His.  I wonder if I'm ready?  I don;t feel ready - but then, that's what the Holy Spirit is for - right?

Pray for yourselves and your brothers and sisters that they might see and understand the depth of hate the world and the devil has for us.  Pray that they may grow ever more sensitive in their consciences so that they do not suddenly realize they have "allowed: and "tolerated" and "compromised" to the point of a near surrender.

We must remember - "to live is Christ, to die is gain."  Paul "got it," when did we let it go?

Peter's pen 1st Peter 5:10-11

1 Peter 5: 10-11
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.  ESV

Suffering?  Yep!  We are knocked off course, doubtful, weak and wobbly.  We will be as He restores, confirms, strengthens and establishes us.  Welcome to following Jesus!

Being His and not yet being with Him is suffering.  Get it?  All the threats, dangers, turmoil, trials, tribulations and persecutions are here, not there.  The greater our longing to be there - the more we sense that separation and suffer here.

Now, that's a left-handed blessing.  It is our suffering here, not yet with Him, that confirms we are His.  Who else would care?  For whom else would it even be an issue?  Yes, non-believers "suffer" here, but having no hope of heaven they suffer normally.  We, on the other hand, should sense an keener edge on our suffering.  We yearn for that time, that promised and assured time when:

Rev. 21:3-5
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”  5 And he who was seated on the throne said,

 “Behold, I am making all things new.”  ESV

Examine yourself 112212

Examine yourselves ----

Are you "on board" with examining yourself?  It is quite clearly commanded in the Word and hence not some optional undertaking.

What would keep us from engaging in this command?

Do we fear we will find our faith to be false?  Then run to Christ in open and honest confession and need.

Do we fear we will find our faith ill-informed and or un-biblical?  Then run the the Word for clear and godly instruction.

Do we fear we will find our faith weak?  Then run to the duties and obligations of the faith which will strengthen it mightily.

Do we fear we will be overcome by our littleness in our faith?  Then run to the Spirit who is God's power in us for serving Him.

Do you not see that what ever the condition or quality of your faith it is none-the-less faith?  

Do you not know that be it but a mustard seed in comparison to others, it is enough to begin?

Do you not know that He knows well the condition of our faith and that His great desire is to strengthen, inform and use it?

Do you not know that nothing - not even a small and wavering faith which needs instruction, perhaps correction is enough to separate you from His love?

Have you not realized that Christ is not a cookie maker?  He does not spread the dough and simply stamp out identical cookies?  No!  As He knit you uniquely in your mother's womb so He would shape you and mold you as that unique creation the only same-ness being that we all be conformed to His likeness.

Has no one told you that you, weak faith, twisted faith, struggling faith - have a unique place and role in His will?  Has no-one told you that regardless and even perhaps because of your limitations, struggles, condition or circumstance you are no less His child even His servant in working out His will?

Have you not seen, in the very Word of God, that He takes all kinds and all conditions and makes then magnificent when they serve His purposes?  Do you not get the lesson that is there for you?

What have you to lose by self-examination except pride and sin and the distraction of baseless and fruitless worry?

Indeed, we have nothing to lose in self-examination except that which has hindered our confidence and comfort until now.  And could that be a bad thing?

Oh but you say, "I am a weak child of God!"  "I am a lazy child of God!"  I am an ignorant child of God!"  I am a blind, lame, depressed, bi-polar even schizophrenic child of God!" "I am an unworthy child of God!"

Let me ask you, "What part of child of God isn't good enough?"

There is the "faithful" child of God and the "unfaithful" child of God.  The only difference is dependent focus.  The faithful child of God dependently focuses on God and what pleases Him.  The "unfaithful" child of God focuses on themselves and others.  But - both are children of God.  Once His child - the choice is yours.  He paid the price for you to be made His child - don't let the small cost of living as His child cripple or hinder you.

Do not let your doubts about your salvation worry you overmuch.  If you do they will paralize you and keep you from making use of His great provision for your confidence and comfort.  Feelings are not facts - they are our responce/reaction to things.  What "so called" fact has wounded your confidence and stolen your comfort?  It is either God calling you to your next adventure in Him or it is Satan up to his old distractions and traps.

The "proof" of our faith is indeed in the pudding.  It is in the practice of the dutied and obligations of the faith that our faith and hence our confidence and comfort grows.  As we grow - it all grows.  But to grow we must be fed (by the Word) exercised (by the duties and obligations) and guided (by the Spirit).  which of these is missing in your life?  Reclaim is and use it!!

Examine yourself 112112

Examine yourselves - 

Would you know - in spite of all the doubts and accusations of the world, the flesh and the Devil that you indeed His?  Would you have a confidence in your redemption that humbly stands against all challenges?  Then my fellow believers you must be about examining your hearts, minds and affections.

Ask yourself, "For what do I pray that is utterly dependent upon the will and providence of God?"

Our prayers are great tools whereby we may diagnose the state of our souls.  If they are self focused, even upon the most rudimentary needs, then we have need of closer examination.  It they seek that which we honestly need and yet these are sought for the removal of some worldly sense of shame, then we stand in need of closer examinations.  If they begin with us or they begin with a self-serving flattery for the sake of our requests then we stand in need of closer examination.

In the model prayer (Matt. 6) Jesus provides us with the priorities, progress and process that true prayer - the believer's prayer, must hold to so we can be confident in our prayers.

If you can pray, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven," without your mind flying to your needs and wants then you may rejoice in that confidence.  But if, in asking that His will be done, your mind and heart erupt with a desire to mold or force His will to yours - then indeed you have just cause for concern.

Take, for the sake of self-examination, that one phrase, "Thy will be done," and pray only that for a week.  As you pray it consider His will - His goals and purposes for the world, for unbelievers, for believers and then for you.  

Can you set aside your personal concerns - your aggravations, worries, fears, needs and desires to explore the depth and breadth of His will and its being done?  Or does your mind and heart seek to get right to you and your desires?  

Perhaps you may pray with paper and pencil and upon asking, "Thy will be done," you can enumerate those things which you know are His will.  But I warn you, everyone of them must be tested by the plain and main teaching of the Word of God.  It they are not so examined most of them must be held suspect.

Your confidence, your assurance can not withstand the winds and wiles of Satan if you are not clear on God's priorities which should be yours as well.  To have priorities that compete with God's is to be at odds with God.  To be at odds with God is pride.  When the One True God does not serve our pride it is an easy slide into idolatry.

With so very many of us struggling just to provide the basics the temptation is to fall to our knees begging Him to provide those basics.  But prayer is worship over petition and supplication.  Prayer is thanksgiving before requesting and seeking.

James hits the mark - but the actual bulls-eye is is much smaller than we think.

He writes:

You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. 

(Jas 4:3)

"Passions?"  We tend to immediately think this means that those referred to are praying for sinful things.  But this is not the case.  The word includes any physical gratification or pleasure.  

I'll be bold and ready for correction but what I read here is that in this sort of prayer, we are more concerned for the physical provision that God can provide than for the spiritual provision which is His priority.  Why?  Two passages:

You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 

(Jas 4:4)

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.   (Mat 6:31-34)

It is the Kingdom (Kingship) of God and His righteousness that we are to be seeking.  That is the priority.  Jesus says, "and all these things will be added to you."  Added - get that?  It is the physical providence that is the "extra" - the dessert.  The Kingdom and his righteousness is the meat.

I encourage you to use the above exercise to examine your heart and mind, to expose your true priorities.

Let me ask this in closing.  If indeed you are, first and foremost, seeking His Kingdom and His righteousness and in His good will, in His eternal plan you are to go without even the means of sustaining your life - is that "good" for you?  Is your redemption by His grace utterly sufficient or must you have dessert?

It is a hard thing to say, as did Job:

Though he slay me, I will hope in him; .   (Job 13:15a)

BUT

"life is more than food, and the body more than clothing." (Luk 12:23)

peirazō; Examine Yourselves 112012

I had a - well - vision?  Ok - maybe an illusion?  Or perhaps just a cool idea???

OK - I was in bed reading my evening devotional piece and the author was speaking a great deal about the battle we face with the world, the flesh and the devil.  In the midst of all this I had this - thing - pop into my head.

I saw (?) a person surrounded on three sides by their enemies.  In one of those very zealous "Yeah duhhh!!" moments I thought. "There is only one way to go!!"

Ok - please don't start the index finger, "one way" thing.

I know it sounds really simple and silly but with everything else I had been reading, for some reason, this really made an impact.

I (can I say "we?") do have only one way to go.  Or at least we need to decide that.  I could not help thinking of the idea of "back"-sliding or the admonition to not turn from the way - either to the left or the right.  

What is hard is to accept the fact that "in Christ" we finally have a choice.  Before we were made alive in Him we had no choice.  We were "by nature" objects of wrath, enemies of God, excluded from the promises.  We were SLAVES (we really don't understand that well enough) - to sin.  We were in bondage.  We were children of Satan.  Hence there was NO facility, ability or utility whereby we could make any real choice - and especially right or godly one.

Now, in Christ, we are free and we not only can but we must make choices - minute by minute by minute.  Do we go back?  Do we turn left?  Do we turn right?  Or do we go forward?

Remember the moving sidewalks in airports?  They were a little scary.  But, think about it - grace has provided us with a moving sidewalk (ok - poor analogy but it works with me).  We are in His "Way."  We move forward by His power.  If we turn back we hinder our progress (and that of those on the road sidewalk with us).  If we jump off - either to the left or the right we no longer have His forward moving power and our progress is hindered.

His "moving sidewalk" only goes one way to one goal.  We can, by combining our efforts with the power He has already provided, move more swiftly and efficiently or we can just take the ride - His power will get us where we are going.

But, 1. We have to stay on the sidewalk. And 2. If we just "take the ride" and do not engage what He has given us to do - I promise it will be a very boring ride. You will get off and on the sidewalk and you may well start walking backwards, fighting His forward movement of you.

OK - all analogies die a terrible death if stretched too far.  So let's drop that one.

Christ does not just call us to eternal life in the future but he calls us to actually live it here and now.  Too many of us are made alive in Him and we either hide in the tomb, refuse to unwrap the shroud, we keep ducking back into the tomb or some combination of the three (there may be more but I don't see 'em).  Live people do not belong in tombs or shrouds!  But tombs make good hiding places and shrouds make good camouflage.

Ok - theological narrow ledge here --- Jesus may have your soul - your "eternal" life(think the Greek "zoa")- but if you're not exercising the faith you've been given - then the world, the flesh and the devil are in control of your life (thing the Greek "bios").  

You are not amphibious.  You can not live in heaven and visit hell for brief vacations.  You have been regenerated for heaven - hell does not suit you--

UNLESS

Unless you never were regenerated to begin with.

We go to the doctor to examine our state of health. We examine our bank statements to determine our financial condition.  We take our car to the shop to determine its condition.  We examine our dwellings to determine its soundness.  But all too few of us ever intentionally examine our spiritual condition.

We just assume that because we once "went forward." "raised out hands," or "prayed a prayer," that we're good to go.  And unless God in His grace and mercy jerks a knot in our hearts or minds we just don't have the time nor the concern to examine them in relation to Him.

This is not faith, it's presumption.  

Peter writes that He has given us everything we need for life and godliness.  Do you have any idea what we have been "given" for that?  Yes, believers are given salvation but that is the end game not the journey.  

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you fail to meet the test! I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test.   (2Co 13:5-6)

What part of that does not apply to you?  The word translatred "recognize" in some versions and 'realize" in others is the word "epiginosko," which carries the meaning:

1) to become thoroughly acquainted with, to know thoroughly

1a) to know accurately, know well

2) to know

2a) to recognise

2a1) by sight, hearing, of certain signs, to perceive who a person is

2b) to know, i.e. to perceive

2c) to know, i.e. to find out, ascertain

2d) to know, i.e. to understand

How we could claim to have that knowledge based simply on a one time response we made is beyond me.

Just take a simple test:

No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."  (Luk 16:13)

Note:  "money" is the Greek word "mammon" which means treasure.  Extending it we can apply it to worldly concerns, worldly focus, indeed we can apply it to self - self dependency, self-serving, self-protection.  It is a treasure opposed to God.  In short, idolatry.

Well?  How are we doing?  Let me ask you this - and I do not ask in a vacuum because I'm living just at the poverty line.  In these tough times what concerns you more; God or Mammon?  His glory of your needs and wants?  What you do not have or what He has given you?    

I will continue the devotionals of Peter but I am beginning another series concerning how we can live with bold assurance.  That bold assurance comes not by flashes of light, not by visions, not by miracles but bu the faithful exercise of our faith in the performance of our duties and obligations as citizens of His Kingdom - subjects of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

I am writing this series much more for myself than for you.  I almost have a panic attack at every loss of opportunity to earn a living and especially as I look ahead and see very real needs for which I have no means.  So please do not think I'm talking out of my hat.

Two passages from scripture engage me in this - two passages that re-direct my mind and heart when I feel myself tempted to jump the moving sidewalk of walk in the opposite direction.

First is Job's statement:

Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face. (Job 13:15)

The second is from Jesus:

"Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done."   (Luk 22:42)

I pray that God will comfort and strengthen us all as we examine ourselves.

Of course, my "ace in the hole" is:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.   (Pro 3:5-7)

Examine yourselves!!

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you fail to meet the test! I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test. (2Co 13:5-6)

Examine:  peirázō = to ascertain the character of some hing, someone 

In the faith:  a true believer

Test:  dokimásō = to prove a thing worthy

Fail the test:  adókimos = prove to be spurious; unapproved

As I pray and study the Word and read the works of our Puritan fore-fathers I grow more and more convinced that somewhere along the way we have so cheapened and minimized the "Way" (Acts 19:9) that the designation "christian" is for all intents and purposes, meaningless.  

The term "christian" was originally used as a pejorative term intended to vilify followers of the Christ.  Today it most aptly commonly describes those whom can only be called false believers or hypocrites.  When someone asks you if you are a "christian" ask them what they mean by "christian."  My experience has been that what they describe bears little resemblance to the "Way" as it is taught by the Word of God.

What passes for common christianity today is but a sorrowful caricature of the true faith.  

Through what I see as the cultural compromise of the faith we have fallen into the condition of Israel at the end of the book of Judges.

In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.  (Jdg 21:25)

Though it is still proclaimed as true, in almost every practical sense Christ is not held as King and everyone does what it right in their own eyes.  We have moved further into a faith that has no crosses in it.  We have moved deeper into a cheapening of grace and a rejection of God's sovereignty.

What passes for the "Way" is not the "Way" we find in the Word.  Indeed in our making Jesus our own, we have made a Jesus of our own.  In even supposing and implying that we "make Him Lord and/or Savior" we have, at the very first, denied God's sovereignty in the redemption.

To "accept" Jesus as Lord and/or Savior has come to mean that we "allow" Him to save us.  We do Him a kindness by accepting His death so He'll feel good about Himself.  It no longer means that we fall to His feet in utter recognition of our sin and our need for His salvation and His absolute right to condemn us.  No, we do Him a good turn by joining His team - by telling Him He, "did really good," so we'll let Him save us.

Let me put it plain and main - If you do not recognize the utter hopelessness of your sinful state before God and your deserving or His righteous condemnation - then regardless of what you "say" about Jesus, you are none of His.  Unless your heart has been broken by your sin and His taking it upon Himself on the cross, you are none of His.  Unless you have acknowledged that He has every sovereign right over all of your life - that he is indeed King of Kings and Lord of Lords - and you kneel before Him in surrender of your self to His authority, you are none of His.  Unless, by His gracious providence, the Holy Spirit has convicted you of the worthlessness of your every effort in redemption and sanctification apart from the provision of God and His power - you are none of His.

Unless, in relation to Him, you hate everything and everyone, you are none of a His.  Unless you live in Him, by Him, under Him and for Him - you are none of His.

Do you pray much, study the word much, examine yourself much, give much?  Then you may well be none of His.  Are you raising your children in the Lord?  if not you may be none of His.

Is your walk with God the absolute priority in your life?  If not you may be none of His.

I will say this - and I do so because have been convicted and I am convinced by the Word of God, that unless you are humbly, depending upon His promises and power, seeking to obey Him in all the duties and obligations appropriate to a citizen of His Kingdom you may well be none of His.

If you are not healthily obsessed with His glory and honor, you may well be none of His.

His Word and His Spirit must be working in His to enable them to serve Him with all their minds, hearts and strength - and we must know that our minds, heart and strength, apart from His providence and power, are never enough.  

Where is the zeal for Him and His Kingdom?  Where is the single focused commitment to be conformed to His likeness?  Where is the crushing conviction of our sinfulness and His graciousness?  

Where is that cry, "Not I but Christ!"

I do not have any pleasure is writing this for it is indeed as much about me as it is anyone else.  But it is about all of us who would claim He is our Lord - utterly.  It is not about your goodness but His.  It is not about our righteousness but His.  It is not about us but Him.

Are you a tare of a stalk of wheat?  Are you a sheep or a goat?  Are you His or are you still your own?

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you fail to meet the test! I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test. 

(2Co 13:5-6)