Posts Tagged ‘ God ’
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Psalms 23:4, NASB
We will face problems in this life. Sometimes they are inflicted on us by others, and sometimes they are a result of our sinful choices. In all, God is in control and uses them to discipline and lead us to His final, eternal comfort.
Yep. I missed last week. We had family in town, and I never had a long enough, quiet enough stretch of time by myself to record a video. Here is a new one, though! Here is the new Give Me 5:
Out of the Reformation of the 1500’s came what we call “The Five Solas or Solae”, but what do they mean?
The Reformation started as a call to return to a simple faith not dogged down by man-made or superfluous rules and dogmas. (This is not the time for a debate about Catholic versus Protestant and denominational separation.)
It does lead to our first sola: Sola Scriptura – Scripture alone. Basically, this means that all of our traditions and understanding about God, Jesus, and humanity should be based on what the Bible says. There is value in traditions, the various councils, and books/teachings, but they must conform with what Scripture – as a whole – teaches.
This includes the matter of salvation, covered in the next solar: Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Solus Christus, Soli Deo Gloria – By grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone.
This was summarized by Paul in Ephesians chapter two, when he said,
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
(vv. 4-9, ESV)
We still need to confess our sins – primarily to God, but also to each other (James 5:16).
We still do works – but as an act of obedience and love for the One who saves us (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
But it is only by grace through faith in the work Christ to the the glory of the Father as revealed in Scripture that we are saved.
Now, this is only a brief overview. We can continue to discuss this in the comments or through e-mail at Together@asimplemanofgod.com, or even on our Facebook page, a simple man of God. I am sure more videos and articles will be made discussing these.
And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Hebrews 13:16, NASB
God gives us stuff to do good and help others, to share with our brothers and sisters in Christ and those who are suffering and in need. All to His glory.
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
Deuteronomy 6:5, ESV
All of the Law and prophets hinge on this command. Indeed, nothing in this life matters if we do not love and glorify God.
When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.
Psalm 94:19, ESV
Sometimes we encounter difficulties in life that weigh on us.
God’s promises and encouragement can make the burden lighter and bring joy.
One thing I have asked from the Lord , that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord And to meditate in His temple.
Psalm 27:4, NASB
Our passion in life should be to see God enthroned in majesty. That only will happen when we get to hear “Well done.”
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NASB
God does allow us to go through pain and problems so that we are able to share the comfort He has given us with others.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.
Psalm 139:23-24, NASB
Seek God, but know that He knows everything about you. He will reveal every sin and imperfection, but it is to help you trust and rely on Him as He makes you like Jesus.
So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:11, NASB
God will do all He has promised, the ultimate goal being the redemption of the Saints to the glory and praise of His Name. (And not necessarily our comfort in this life.)
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God?
Psalm 42:2, NASB
Our driving passion in life should be seeking out God and His righteousness. We should long to be with His Church and worship together as we await Christ’s return.
a simple man of God 