Not sure what the ultimate purpose of a testimony is. Is it to glorify God for coming to our aid, healing us and manifest in near-miraculous interventions?
Is it a witness to His power and love when we experience it in our lives? If so, what about all those times when our prayer seems unanswered? Do we have testimonies in moments of unfulfilled expectations?
I suppose every moment, good or bad, can be a testimony of our heart and our faith. On how He is alive in us no matter the circumstances. That we are grateful in moments of favor, but also with praise when in trial.
Some of the most powerful testimonies of our faith (and His faith) is during the darkest hours, and how we cling to his faithfulness not to forsake us, but will lift us up. That in moments of great loss He will restore to us sevenfolds.
Tonight I don't want to talk about all the goodness God had bestowed upon my life, although there have been so much. The greatest personal miracle in my life has already been demonstrated in His forgiving love, lifting the lamp searching the distance for my return, and unconditionally accepting this great sinner back into his bosom as a righteous son.
And that is the subject of my testimony tonight -- sin.
Brothers and sisters in my fellowship all know that I don't like to talk about sin -- especially the verb form in thoughts and behavior because it had already been judged and punished on the cross and on the body of Jesus Christ. All I seem to talk about is God's infinite grace, and how it can transform a sinner completely from the inside, from the heart.
But without the reality of sin there is no need for grace.
Even before I came back to the Lord, sin (and the concepts of good and evil) has always been heavy on my mind. Unlike many new believers who testify that they previously thought of themselves as pretty decent people, I was fully aware of my sinful nature.
Even without God personally guiding my life, there was an instinctual struggle between my desire of the flesh and yearning for purity and holiness. I detested so much of my finding enjoyment in many worldly pleasures, and a voice haunts me whenever I resolve to be good and do right.
Truly as Paul said in Romans 7:19, "For the good that I will [to do], I do not do; but the evil I will not [to do], that I practice." That was me, a walking contradiction. And it was because this self-perceived weakness and sinfulness that I kept hiding from His bright light -- as Adam did when He did not obey God's words.
Thought I always felt the presence of God, I escaped to philosophy to find justification and meaning for my life, and the ever-present contradiction. I struggled through intellectual pursuit to make sense of my existence. As a few of the brothers are studying now on the "meaning of a Christian life" from the book, and trying to find purpose beyond just a rat race.
Looking back, I found that with all the fancy intellectual arguments and logic, no matter which branch of philosophy, whether on premise of man is good or evil, pragmatic or idealistic, altruistic or selfish, self-aggrandizing or denying..., they all fall short on account of two factors: the limitation of self and death.
What produces meaning is relationships or identity, and what validates meaning is continuity. There is purpose in our worldly relationships, but the ultimate meaning of our existence must come from a relationship with a greater being that is also intimate. What validates our existence as valuable and purposeful is an eternal life.
Without these two important gateways to break through, our search for meaning ultimately results in self-deception or the acceptance of total hopelessness.
On the cross, Jesus gave us both a relationship with Him and eternal life. In Him is our meaning for existing; for Him is the reason we live on this earth. There is now unshakable purpose to life when it is no longer about us, but about Christ; no longer about this life, but the one forever in heaven.
By His grace I am no longer a prisoner of sin, but of His righteousness. And my sinful nature no longer has power over me because the blood of Christ has washed me clean.
I want to share this quote by Jack Welch. Jack is the former CEO of GE, who made the company into a business giant with record profits. He wrote many books about how to be successful in both business and management. He helped a lot of people with both his wisdom and money. In his latest book, "Winning," there was a question asked of him, "Do you think you will go to heaven?" It was an unusual question, and he answered in the book this way, "As for heaven, who knows? I am sure not perfect. But if there are any points given out for caring about people and giving life all you've got, then I suppose I have a shot."
What do you think of this statement? How many feels what he says is nice, and makes sense?
Keep in mind, Jack Welch is a catholic.
By any measure, Mr. Wesch is someone who accomplished so much and worthy of admiration. But even he is not sure if will get into heaven. How many of you feel the same way about your place in heaven?
Ask anyone at a street corner, doens't matter if it is a believer or unbeliever, the answer to that question is most like similar -- to be a good person, do good things, and help others.
For a unbeliever, it is understandable; but for brothers and sisters in Christ, the true gospel of grace must be made crystal clear that our eternal life with Christ is already accomplished on the cross two thousand years ago by His death, burial and resurrection. All our sins have been washed away, and we will never be judged again for our behaviors but our faith in Him who is ever faithful. The only sin that truly matters now is the sin of unbelief. Our sinful nature has no chance when our hearts are filled with the grace of God and the holy spirit.
As for me, two years ago, we could be considered very successful in our investments. We bought many properties, and the cash flow was enough to support a very comfortable life. My outside seems very bright, but the soul inside was living in darkness.
Today, the financial storm has hit us very hard, and there seems to be no end in sight. We have to supplement a lot of the negatives in properties that dropped substantially in value and income. It is a very dark time, but my soul is joyful and sings of God's glory. Why? Because I have the greatest treasure one can have -- a relationship with Jesus Christ and an eternal life in heaven. I hope you feel the same way as a fellow believer, not matter your circumstance, your health or age.
This life is but an illusion, keep our eyes on the cross and know that our place in heaven is assured.
wisdom,
made whole
Friday, February 12, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
(response to) Why I abominate the prosperity gospel
Dear Cxxxx:
I really appreciate all the good work and spiritual pursuit you have obviously dedicated your life to. I thought long and hard whether to respond or not -- especially in light of today's worship message by Elder Kxxxx, but feel it should be addressed in a way that promotes mutual understanding and goodwill.
I agree, and believe above all that brothers and sisters in Christ must accentuate the unarguable fact of Jesus as our eternal savior, and should give the benefit of the doubt to all who profess such belief as deeply sincere. Any difference of opinion on Christian theology and practice must not rise above the blood-bond borne by our Messiah on the cross; otherwise we lose all purpose and meaning as a body in Christ from our disagreement, and relegate it to mere academic exercise. Even worse, an appearance of disunity only dims God's glory in the eyes of unbelievers and new believers.
Still, harmony should not subordinate our pursuit of truth, but work together in our mutual quest for God's heart. And in doing so, I feel the dialogue must remain respectful, and both sides careful about the use -- intentional or inadvertent -- of hurtful expressions and accusatory tones. If one's attempt is to elevate God' children and to reveal His great love for us, it benefits no one by taking on an antagonistic posture, or using words like "abominate."
Just as laws are an empty shell or form that saves not one soul until the love of Christ fulfilled it and brought true life to the world, if we separate and segregate from one another on the basis of theology, but have not love enough for fellow believers flawed in any way, what is the point of claiming victory and being proven right? That is exercise of a more dangerous sort -- vanity. (I should take heed as well.)
Maybe this message was unintended as a response, but from recent email exchanges there is no denying two distinct interpretations of the new covenant have been presented and argued about. I have been told on more than one occasion that what I propose falls in line with the oft-maligned "Prosperity Gospel," exactly as John Piper accused of in the video. This may come as a surprise: neither do I have much sympathy for those TV preachers who promise the world and ask for money left and right! Their intent is superficial and the message bore me because the great love of Christ is not revealed through rigorous scriptural context.
The gospel I believe in deeply is not about prosperity nor healing (although how can one say with all seriousness that God has little interest in our present day welfare and health?) but is all about grace and its personification in Christ Jesus. And in Christ are all good things promised by God. Why is that so wrong? We all know that money is not the root of all evil but the love of it. Same can be said about anything we desire above Christ. If in our hearts we do not exalt Jesus above all else in this world it is idolatry. This includes self-righteousness and the seeking of it with intent to justify or retain salvation. If one elevates obedience above, equal or even just part of the finished work of Christ on the cross as necessary redemption for our sin, it takes away full glory of His death. This is the essence of grace gospel, advocating spiritual purity, not simplification.
But what concerns me most is the anger and venom many Christian detractors of full grace gospel level at fellow believers who they deem spiritually lazy, soft and world-loving. In defending God's holiness if one loses love for a brother or sisters even if deemed misguided, I am not certain such zealous defense of God's holiness pleases Him. I believe there can only be good in revealing more of Jesus Christ from the scriptures, for it is the single source of spiritual nourishment which equips a believer with armor of faith and righteousness to persevere in times of hardship and battle through temptations from Satan. I certainly don't believe that a Christian walk is easy, but fully expect that with ever deepening devotion to the Lord Satan throws more obstacles in our path to create doubt and self-loathing. That is why we fight the spiritual battle in our minds by filling it with the righteousness already inherited through grace (once given cannot be taken back) rather then the constant reminder to "justify or lose" our righteousness.
I hope that in everything I wrote about I have not tried to counter anyone's claim that a believer should be Christ-like, walk in holiness and be obedient to God's will; the question is how we can transform intrinsically from the heart and not only extrinsically in the command or will to do so. Yes, this world is but for only a moment, and we have eternity with God to look forward to. But we came to this world without choice, were convicted of sin without choice and apart from good deeds (by the act of one man, Adam); God is not unmerciful to our plight and weakness but loves us so much that he Himself took our sin, became sin and return to us our righteousness apart from work. He healed all who came to Him for he wants us well even in this temporary form; he fed us with much more leftover for He wants us not wanting, but satisfy our desires with good things (Psalm 103). Why is a good life contrary to the will of God I simply can't understand! As long as we lean on Him only and fully, why won't our all-powerful and all-loving Daddy in heaven not spoil us with His riches? Yes, there are famines and poverty in this world -- but is it Godly to be such and remain such? Or should we joyously bring blessing to all those suffering by the overflowing goodness He blessed us through our faith without doubt? Is He a God of abundance or a God of just getting by?
We should not seek prosperity, nor should we seek poverty; we only seek the kingdom of Christ! We should not ask if we are good, neither should we measure if we are bad; we only ask for and measure ourselves according to His goodness! And there is nothing wrong with prosperity, but everything wrong if without grace; and so it is right to be obedient, but not so right if not all for Jesus (from the heart). Amen
God's blessing be upon each and every soul who seek Him.
James
I really appreciate all the good work and spiritual pursuit you have obviously dedicated your life to. I thought long and hard whether to respond or not -- especially in light of today's worship message by Elder Kxxxx, but feel it should be addressed in a way that promotes mutual understanding and goodwill.
I agree, and believe above all that brothers and sisters in Christ must accentuate the unarguable fact of Jesus as our eternal savior, and should give the benefit of the doubt to all who profess such belief as deeply sincere. Any difference of opinion on Christian theology and practice must not rise above the blood-bond borne by our Messiah on the cross; otherwise we lose all purpose and meaning as a body in Christ from our disagreement, and relegate it to mere academic exercise. Even worse, an appearance of disunity only dims God's glory in the eyes of unbelievers and new believers.
Still, harmony should not subordinate our pursuit of truth, but work together in our mutual quest for God's heart. And in doing so, I feel the dialogue must remain respectful, and both sides careful about the use -- intentional or inadvertent -- of hurtful expressions and accusatory tones. If one's attempt is to elevate God' children and to reveal His great love for us, it benefits no one by taking on an antagonistic posture, or using words like "abominate."
Just as laws are an empty shell or form that saves not one soul until the love of Christ fulfilled it and brought true life to the world, if we separate and segregate from one another on the basis of theology, but have not love enough for fellow believers flawed in any way, what is the point of claiming victory and being proven right? That is exercise of a more dangerous sort -- vanity. (I should take heed as well.)
Maybe this message was unintended as a response, but from recent email exchanges there is no denying two distinct interpretations of the new covenant have been presented and argued about. I have been told on more than one occasion that what I propose falls in line with the oft-maligned "Prosperity Gospel," exactly as John Piper accused of in the video. This may come as a surprise: neither do I have much sympathy for those TV preachers who promise the world and ask for money left and right! Their intent is superficial and the message bore me because the great love of Christ is not revealed through rigorous scriptural context.
The gospel I believe in deeply is not about prosperity nor healing (although how can one say with all seriousness that God has little interest in our present day welfare and health?) but is all about grace and its personification in Christ Jesus. And in Christ are all good things promised by God. Why is that so wrong? We all know that money is not the root of all evil but the love of it. Same can be said about anything we desire above Christ. If in our hearts we do not exalt Jesus above all else in this world it is idolatry. This includes self-righteousness and the seeking of it with intent to justify or retain salvation. If one elevates obedience above, equal or even just part of the finished work of Christ on the cross as necessary redemption for our sin, it takes away full glory of His death. This is the essence of grace gospel, advocating spiritual purity, not simplification.
But what concerns me most is the anger and venom many Christian detractors of full grace gospel level at fellow believers who they deem spiritually lazy, soft and world-loving. In defending God's holiness if one loses love for a brother or sisters even if deemed misguided, I am not certain such zealous defense of God's holiness pleases Him. I believe there can only be good in revealing more of Jesus Christ from the scriptures, for it is the single source of spiritual nourishment which equips a believer with armor of faith and righteousness to persevere in times of hardship and battle through temptations from Satan. I certainly don't believe that a Christian walk is easy, but fully expect that with ever deepening devotion to the Lord Satan throws more obstacles in our path to create doubt and self-loathing. That is why we fight the spiritual battle in our minds by filling it with the righteousness already inherited through grace (once given cannot be taken back) rather then the constant reminder to "justify or lose" our righteousness.
I hope that in everything I wrote about I have not tried to counter anyone's claim that a believer should be Christ-like, walk in holiness and be obedient to God's will; the question is how we can transform intrinsically from the heart and not only extrinsically in the command or will to do so. Yes, this world is but for only a moment, and we have eternity with God to look forward to. But we came to this world without choice, were convicted of sin without choice and apart from good deeds (by the act of one man, Adam); God is not unmerciful to our plight and weakness but loves us so much that he Himself took our sin, became sin and return to us our righteousness apart from work. He healed all who came to Him for he wants us well even in this temporary form; he fed us with much more leftover for He wants us not wanting, but satisfy our desires with good things (Psalm 103). Why is a good life contrary to the will of God I simply can't understand! As long as we lean on Him only and fully, why won't our all-powerful and all-loving Daddy in heaven not spoil us with His riches? Yes, there are famines and poverty in this world -- but is it Godly to be such and remain such? Or should we joyously bring blessing to all those suffering by the overflowing goodness He blessed us through our faith without doubt? Is He a God of abundance or a God of just getting by?
We should not seek prosperity, nor should we seek poverty; we only seek the kingdom of Christ! We should not ask if we are good, neither should we measure if we are bad; we only ask for and measure ourselves according to His goodness! And there is nothing wrong with prosperity, but everything wrong if without grace; and so it is right to be obedient, but not so right if not all for Jesus (from the heart). Amen
God's blessing be upon each and every soul who seek Him.
James
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