Why do we insist on making everything about us? We live in a very self centered culture. Each of our lives becomes a center like the sun with the lives and spheres of others gravitating in and out of our miniature systems. No wonder we are so prone to colliding and reacting, like an old fashioned pinball game.
When everything is about me with everyone, unity remains illusive. Sometimes clusters of systems rally around a common cause, but even this seems to reek only havoc. Even in matters of faith, we tend to spin the story around our own feelings, decisions, or actions rather than God’s action or initiative. We say I invited Jesus into my heart rather than God saved me and gave me a new heart. We claim, I accepted God’s invitation but we make it exclusive, inviting no one.
“And the angel said to me, “Write this:
Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.”
And he added,
“These are true words that come from God.”
Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said, “No, don’t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers and sisters who testify about their faith in Jesus.
Worship only God.
For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus.””
Revelation 19:9-10 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/rev.19.9-10.NLT
“In Scripture, faith does not cause or bring about the new birth, but God’s effectual call and the Spirit’s work of regeneration produces faith and repentance.” ~Matthew Barrett
You Asked: Why Is Faith Not a Work?
”Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins.
You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.
All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature.
By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead.
(It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)“
Ephesians 2:1-5 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/eph.2.1-5.NLT
“Only the life-creating words of Christ can awaken our dead soul. Or to switch analogies, we need to be born again, or born from above, as Jesus told Nicodemus (John 3:3-8). Notice, birth is not a cooperative effort; the child is passive. He can take no credit in being born. Likewise, spiritual birth is completely and entirely the work of God.
God’s sovereign work of effectual calling and regeneration bring about the sinner’s trust in Christ, not vice versa. What does this mean for our faith? Its inception does not originate within us.” ~Matthew Barrett, TGC 10/21/2013 “You Asked: Why is Faith Not a Work?” (Article link below)
Our family is growing by two this year. Two more grandsons means our lone granddaughter will soon be outnumbered. Our daughter, now in her final weeks of this pregnancy, sat across from me watching the movements of the baby in her growing belly. He is active like her first, such a blessing when you’re carrying a baby and waiting expectantly. She had an easy first delivery, and though her labor was induced, even she had little to do with the timing of the birth. We can prepare but ultimately, the doctors are on hand to assist in a process not of their design.
”For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.
So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.
Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.“
Ephesians 2:6-10 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/eph.2.6-10.NLT
As believers, let’s get better at acknowledging God. The world needs Him now more than ever! Let’s be intentional about inviting others into our lives so they can see Jesus up close and personal. Sure, it could get a little messy but having grandchildren has reminded me that messy and fun are synonymous! The best adventure comes after this world ends! Let’s be sure nobody misses it!
”Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.
A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.
Gently instruct those who oppose the truth.
Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.“
2 Timothy 2:23-26 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/2ti.2.23-26.NLT
Gently instruct, like holding a small child’s hand as he’s learning to form the letters. More pressure isn’t the answer.
”Live a cheerful life, without complaining or division among yourselves.
For then you will be seen as innocent, faultless, and pure children of God, even though you live in the midst of a brutal and perverse culture.
For you will appear among them as shining lights in the universe, holding out the words of eternal life.“
Philippians 2:14-16 TPT
https://bible.com/bible/1849/php.2.14-16.TPT
A Fitting Reply 