Purifying Fires

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One of the best things to come our of our difficulties – and sometimes the only good thing – is the repentance that takes place as a result.  Trials are perfect times to clear the conscience.  Suffering in the present can prepare the way for a deeper, more fulfilling, more committed Christian experience in the future.  And there need not be any glaring, awful sin in our lives to take advantage of this process.

Take the example of Jeremiah.  If there was anyone in Jerusalem who had conducted himself uprightly in the days leading up to the city’s destruction, it was him.  The prophet was likely the man closest to God in the entire place.  Yet he includes himself in a call to repentance after the ruin arrived.

“Let us search out and examine our ways,
And turn back to the Lord;
Let us lift our hearts and hands
To God in heaven.
We have transgressed and rebelled;
You have not pardoned.”
          – Lamentations 3:40-42 (NKJV)

Repentance and growth are closely tied together.  Sin at any level or in any amount is not worth holding on to.  Our fellowship with God is much too vital to allow it to drift into the distant past.  The moment of greatest difficulty provides the greatest motivation to turn from even the smallest sin and draw that much nearer to Him.

Palmer St. Podcast: John 11

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In this week’s chapter we have the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.  There are a couple of important doctrines that come up including the resurrection of the body and Christ’s substitutionary atonement. 

More importantly, there is the question of moving beyond the doctrinal level to the personal level as Jesus declares Himself to be the Resurrection and the Life, but then follows it with a question to Martha: “Do you believe this?”

The study notes are visible below, but we’re having just a bit of difficulty with the audio.  I hope to get that resolved very soon.

Audio: John11.mp3

Study Notes: John11.pdf

Hearing His Voice

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Have you noticed the disconnect between believers and unbelievers when it comes to hearing the voice of Jesus?  Some of us take in Christ’s message and it immediately cuts to the heart.  We are certain it has made an incredible impact before we even know exactly how.  Others hear it and immediately question, doubt or argue. 

As difficult as this difference in receptivity is to understand, we should not let it discourage us – or even surprise us.  It’s a normal part of the difference between those who are the sheep of the Good Shepherd and those who are not.

Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”

Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” – John 10:24-28 (NKJV)

Don’t be shocked by hearing the voice of Jesus.  Don’t ignore it.  Don’t aplogize for it.  Simply follow Him when you hear Him call.