Sanctification: A Lifelong Journey

"The growth of trees and plants takes place so slowly that it is not easily seen. Daily we notice little change. But, in course of time, we see that a great change has taken place. So it is with grace. Sanctification is a progressive, lifelong work."  - John Owen, English Puritan Nonconformist church leader, and theologian (1616-1683)

During the course of our lifetimes we can experience many major events that occur only once. Becoming a parent for the first time, getting married, graduating from a school or university, and buying a first home are some examples.

When it comes to our relationship with God, however, He is never finished working on, in, and through us. And so it is with our sanctification. In biblical terms, "sanctification" means being "set apart" for God's special use and made holy.

Our sanctification is a continual journey that starts after salvation, and is both lifelong and enduring. It is where a believer, in a slow, step-by-step change, is transformed into the likeness of Christ with the help of the Holy Spirit.

This evolution occurs in different phases, as briefly indicated below,

1. Positional (Past) Sanctification: This takes place at the moment of salvation when a believer is proclaimed to be righteous and "set apart" in Christ.
2. Progressive (Present) Sanctification: The process of growing (maturing) spiritually and becoming more holy with every day of our lives.
3. Perfect (Future) Sanctification: This is the final product, so to speak. It is the total, concluding sanctification occurring when believers receive their eternal bodies and are completely unified with Christ in heaven.  

As noted, sanctification is a process of growth and maturity. It may be gradual and even difficult to perceive, but the general trend should always show an advancement toward holiness.

In a nutshell, it develops through spiritual practices (disciplines) such as reading the Bible, prayer, and active participation in church. By our yielding to God, whereby we voluntarily submit our will to God and His will and trust the process.

There is also our spiritual growth, or the process where there is an increase in our faith, humility, and obedient self-control. Finally, the process is ultimately fulfilled when we are glorified and conformed to the image of God, becoming like Jesus.

As discussed, this dynamic process includes both divine initiative and human response. In the end, ongoing sanctification is a testament to God's faithfulness and a commitment on the part of the believer to grow in Christlikeness. 

I highly recommend that you explore this central and crucial doctrine in Christian theology further!

Scripture: John 17:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Timothy 2:21

Prayer: "Dear Lord, create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me, Amen. - Psalm 51:10 (NIV)

Yours in Christ,

Emily

Weekend Message | Becoming Who We Are - Session 2 of 5 | Beth Moore

Welcome to the Weekend Message! 

It has always been our pleasure to bring you quality presentations from some of the best Christian teachers in the world! Each video presentation can vary, but whatever the topic, you can be certain that it will be informative and Bible-based.

This weekend, we continue a 5-part series by American evangelist and author Beth Moore. These are full presentations of one of her teaching sessions, not video clips, so be prepared to receive lots of great information!

© Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

This complete lesson centers around a single, transformative truth: “Everything about becoming who we are hinges on absorbing how we are loved.” 

The full extent of this series is devoted to becoming undisguised, and as Beth mentioned, for the person in Christ, the most ill-fitting of all possible disguises is walking as one UNLOVED. 

May God richly bless you,

~Eve

God's Mystery Is Our Salvation

"Father, son, and Holy Spirit mean that the mystery beyond us, the mystery among us, and the mystery within us are all the same mystery."  - Frederick Buechner, American author, Presbyterian minister, preacher, and theologian (1926-2022)

A general definition of the word "mystery" may be: something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain. Or, something kept secret, such as a phenomenon, person, or event that arouses curiosity or speculation. 

In the Bible, a "mystery" is not something that is unknowable, but rather a divine truth, God's plan, or a secret purpose that was previously hidden and later revealed through special revelation to God's chosen people. 

In Ephesians 3:2-6, Paul addresses the Gentile (non-Jewish) believers in Ephesus, explaining his role as the apostle to the Gentiles and the revelation of God's "mystery." 

The "mystery" is that God's eternal plan has brought Jews and Gentiles together as co-heirs and members of the same spiritual body, the Church, through Christ. Jesus Christ revealed the "mystery of Christ" to the apostle Paul through a direct revelation by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:3).

This truth was obscure to prior generations but is now clarified by the Holy Spirit. Although the Gentiles were blessed through Israel in the Old Testament, Paul's revelation makes known they are now equal partners in God's covenant.

How did the Jews feel about this? There was a deeply divided and often negative reaction to his teaching. After all, his "mystery of Christ" involved the radical inclusion of Gentiles as joint heirs with them in God's plan, disputing the prevailing religious separatism.

Bear in mind that the Jewish people did not generally accept the revelation of the "mystery of Christ." Instead, the majority rejected Jesus as the Messiah due to differing theological beliefs. Also, they initially feared Paul due to his fierce persecution of the early church before his conversion.

It should be noted that the truth was foreshadowed through prophecies, shadows, and "types" like the Passover lamb in the Old Testament, but it was not fully understood until the revelation of the Gospel in the New Testament era. 

A synopsis of Ephesians 3:2-6 is presented below:

• Ephesians 3:2 - Paul affirms his spiritual mandate to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles, considering his role a gift of God's grace.
• Ephesians 3:3-5 - The apostle explains that God imparted this "mystery" to him, a vague, perplexing truth in former times but now disclosed to the prophets and apostles through the Holy Spirit.
• Ephesians 3:6 -The "mystery" is openly declared: that "through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus."

Essentially, this passage brings to light the "secret" that God's plan for the church is to integrate Jews and Gentiles under Christ, thereby forming a single, unified family that takes part in the inheritance and promises of God.

Scripture: Jeremiah 33:3; Matthew 13:11; Romans 16:25; Ephesians 1:9; Colossians 1:26-27

Prayer: Dear God, thank You for revealing Yourself to me in Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for the gift of Your Word, which gives me truth and understanding, and for the guidance of Your Holy Spirit. Amen."

May God bless you,

Dorit

Bible Studies To-Go | Give Your Burdens to the Lord

"The daily troubles we have are meant to drive us to God, to drive us to the promise, and also to show us where our weak points are, in order that we may contend with all our might against them."  - Charles Spurgeon, English Particular Baptist preacher (1834-1892)

Our ©Bible Studies To-Go series presents abridged Scripture studies that are tailored for the modern believer who desires to supplement and enhance their Bible learning, but is limited by a demanding daily routine. 

More intensive Bible studies can easily be located, if one prefers that. Our studies will focus on themes, topics, and in some cases are even developed by questions we gather from our work with others.

The topic for this particular study is: taking our burdens to the Lord. We shall examine the Divine command to cast our cares on God and find peace in His sovereignty.

It's no secret that we all carry burdens in our daily lives. These can include personal responsibilities, spiritual and emotional weight, afflictions or failings, and sin. 

Question: What does it feel like to carry a heavy burden? Think carefully about this question and respond honestly. You may want to write your thoughts down to help you stay on task and remove any distractions.

Allow me to provide some key scriptural passages that demonstrate how to relinquish control and trust God's sustaining power for encouragement, comfort, and guidance. 

• Psalm 55:2 - This verse relates a deep emotional struggle and a plea for God's attention during personal strife, highlighting a need for God's intervention and presence when feeling abandoned.
• Matthew 11:28-30 - Here, Jesus invites the weary and burdened to find spiritual rest in Him, not by yielding to harsh religious laws or self-effort, but by taking on His gentle and light yoke of discipleship, which provides freedom and true refreshment for the soul.
• 1 Peter 5:7 - This verse is a command to entrust your concerns to God's capable hands, as He is sovereign and ultimately seeks to exalt (honor) those who humbly submit to Him. 

Questions for a more in-depth analysis of these verses:

• What promise of God is highlighted in Psalm 55:2?
• What does Jesus offer in Matthew 11:28-30?
• What are we encouraged to do in 1 Peter 5:7?

Realistic actions for casting our burdens can include: 

• praying, or making petitions or requests concerning our worries, 
• undertaking deep contemplation and meditation on biblical texts to understand their meaning, connect with God, and apply the truths found within them to your life
• seeking the support of others.

Food For Thought:

• Which "heavy load" feels most challenging for you to let go of?
• God's promise to sustain us can mean different things to all of us. What does it mean to you?
• How does the gentle nature of Jesus determine your willingness to share struggles?
• How does knowing God cares about you help with worries and concerns.
• How can you actively engage in prayer and seek help, guidance, or assistance from others his week?

I genuinely hope this condensed study format opens the way for more time to incorporate additional activities, methods, and reflections in deepening your understanding and retention of God's Word, the Bible. 

I'm excited about our next Bible study, and eagerly await the next time we meet!

Closing Prayer: "Dear Lord, thank You for the wisdom and truths we've shared today May our hearts remain open to Your Word and may we continue to grow in our faith. Help us carry Your teachings into our daily lives. Amen."

The Lord Jesus bless you,

Danielle

Total Dependence on God For Salvation and Life

“We are a long time in learning that all our strength and salvation is in God.” - David Brainerd, American Presbyterian minister (1718-1747)

We depend on many things for our existence and welfare. For example, we all require air, food, and water. Even the social order in which we interact with others like family, friends, and groups meets specific needs.

For the true believer, however, one must consider an even more important concept than the above necessities. That is, the concept of total dependence on God for both our salvation and our daily lives.

A total dependence on God inspires us to transcend self-reliance and accept an unworldly trust in His authority, discernment, and equipping us. Let's consider what this means to our faith life.

Salvation is the pinnacle of God's grace and a divinely bestowed gift that is obtained by faith, not human endeavors. The basis of total dependence on God starts with admitting and accepting our spiritual bankruptcy in His presence.

The free gift of salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ, a constant theme throughout the Bible. Here are some scriptural references concerning our dependence on Him for salvation: Acts 4:12; Romans 6:23 Ephesians 2:8-9.

What happens after salvation? By way of Divine calling, God encourages us to depend on Him daily for our fortitude, supply of everything we need, and direction. This is a how we show our dependence is not just a one-off decision.

I've included some additional scriptural references to clarify the points mentioned above.

Our Dependence on God for:

 Direction/Guidance

• Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trusting in God's guidance instead of our limited knowledge puts our faith to use.
• Isaiah 55:8-9 - His thoughts and ways are higher than our own, likewise so His direction and guidance.

Fortitude/Strength

• Isaiah 40:31 - Those who wait for the Lord shall change and renew their strength, empowering them to face life's challenges head-on and overcome.
• 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's grace is made perfect when we acquiesce to our own imperfections. Only then will we learn to depend on God's power in our weakness.

Provision/Supplying Our Needs

• Matthew 6:25-34 - Our Heavenly Father is sympathetic to all of our needs. By worrying we show that we do not trust Him.
• Philippians 4:19 - God will most assuredly provide for us according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

The core point here is that, because of our limitations, we rely on God for strength, purpose, and capability in life. Our total dependence on Him for existence, spiritual power, and the ability to achieve things of divine importance is crystal clear.

Scripture: Psalm 91:1-2; Isaiah 41:13; Proverbs 16:9; Ecclesiastes 7:14; John 15:5

Prayer: "Dear Lord, help me always be aware of how much I need You in every situation. Open my ears to hear what You say and grant me the grace to trust Your wisdom and timing, even during periods of hardship. Amen."

Grace be unto you,

Charlotte

Weekend Message | Becoming Who We Are - Session 1 of 5 | Beth Moore

Welcome to the Weekend Message! 

It has always been our pleasure to bring you quality presentations from some of the best Christian teachers in the world! Each video presentation can vary, but whatever the topic, you can be certain that it will be informative and Bible-based.

Beginning this weekend, we present the first of a 5-part series by American evangelist and author Beth Moore. These are full presentations of one of her teaching sessions, not video clips, so be prepared to receive lots of great information!

© Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

Hold this thought in your mind as you watch. "Let's know who we are in Christ so deeply that no denial, doubt, or mockery can shake us." 

And let's hold fast to this truth: "Who we truly are in Him is greater than anything the world or anyone could offer and more than we could ever hope to be on our own."

May God richly bless you,

~Eve

God Alone is My Rock and My Salvation

"No man is excluded from calling upon God, the gate of salvation is set open unto all men: neither is there any other thing which keepeth us back from entering in, save only our own unbelief"   - John Calvin, French theologian, pastor and reformer (1509-1564)

As I read through the Bible, it is reassuring to know that even major figures mentioned therein experienced similar problems and/or challenging times like the rest of us. 

Some tend to get the impression that they all had their acts together. But this is not necessarily true, especially in the case of King David. His life was anything but a straight and uneventful path to God. Sound familiar..?

Psalm 62 offers a perspective on some similar things we might wrestle with, such as trusting in God, waiting on Him, and understanding the fruitlessness of placing faith in the temporary and undependable nature of people, wealth, and power.

King David, in all likelihood, penned this psalm during a time of deep treachery and political unrest. Here he expresses his firm faith in God as his rock, refuge, and salvation among scheming, slandering enemies.

Because of its brevity (only 12 verses), this psalm is a sound choice to dip into the topics mentioned above. For our aims here, we can simplify it for understanding by dividing it into three portions.

1.    Steadfastness (vv. 1-4)

        a.)  Patience and Quietness while waiting for God.

        b.)  The vain opposition of the enemies.

2.    Unwavering confidence in God (vv. 5-8)

        a.)  A Personal Directive.

        b.)  A Plea to others.

3.     Comparison of Certainties (vv. 9-12)

        a.) The futility of worldly pursuits.

        b.) The immutability (unchanging character) of God.

The primary message in Psalm 62 is that the only trustworthy source of soundness and reliability in life is God. Regardless of the opposition’s aggressiveness or the appeal of earthly pleasures.

Genuine hope and shelter for the believer are found only in the divine power and mercy of God. The continuous declarations of the psalmist represent a powerful demonstration of conveying truth to one’s heart amidst apprehension.

Scripture:1 Chronicles 22:13; Isaiah 40:31; Ephesians 6:10; Philippians 4:13; Hebrews 13:5

Prayer: "Dear God, my salvation and hope come from You alone. You are my rock, my salvation, my fortress, and I will not be shaken. Amen."

Blessings always,

Vaunda