Well hello...
While I don't have near the time I want to post all that I want on here, I wanted to say I've still really felt the need to write. To "turn over a new leaf" I am starting this blog with the intention of it being about life in general, what I'm learning in Bible College as I go, and just things God teaches me. This doesn't mean I won't talk at all about evangelism I'm sure.
I still go out witnessing each weekend using the principles of "law to the proud, grace to the humble" and don't plan on stopping that anytime soon. The point is that I don't write in an overzealous critical fashion as I tended to do on Xanga. My goal here is certainly not to simply bash the way other Christians are doing things and simply point out everyone else's sins. I've also tried to be more mindful about conscience issues vs. actual biblical sins lately. I've received feedback saying things like, "but you were speaking the truth." While it may have been the truth, there were times when things I said just really weren't necessary. There are A LOT of things that we really just need to keep to ourselves I've noticed. I hope those of you who read will lovingly continue to hold me accountable as I seek God for the balance of speaking the truth in love in a more godly fashion.
God has shown me in very real and practical ways that I must think more before I speak... or write. He's done this through interaction with those close to me and through scripture. I'll share some of that soon. I'm so thankful for God's grace and sanctification. He's been so patient with me. I also took the advice of the woman who commented on my old blog before I shut it down who recommended a booklet called something like "Judging Others: The danger of playing God" from Peacemaker Ministries. I bought it and will read it soon and likley tell you about it.
Please know I still stand for truth. I still desire to be the most godly man I can be and live a life worthy of my Lord. I still desire to passionately preach the gospel in faith and live a life of holiness. I would ask you to continue to pray with me in accomplishing these goals in a way that ackowledges not only the hard truths and high standards of Jesus Christ, but the agape grace and love of Jesus Christ as well.
Thank you and please bear with me... the more I write, the better I will be able to grow in perspective. I am still a work in progress as we all will hopefully and readily admit that we are.
Praise Him always!
3 comments:
I'm so happy to hear how God has been touching your life! It excites me to think of the things He has yet to do in your life and the things He will be teaching you. Keep your mind's attention and heart's affection on Him as you go! I'm reading an excellent book (really, it's more of a mini-book) by John Piper. I highly recommend it: The Dangerous Duty of Delight. Have a blessed week.
Joseph, you are ALREADY holy in God's sight. That's the beauty of His grace. Don't worry or fret about living a holy life! When God says be holy it's not a be holy on a day to day basis. No! For we could never achieve that. In Ephesians we see that we are holy already, the moment we were born again, the moment we were justified and that was nothing we did. No, God calls us holy and that was nothing we ever did. No, rather it's Jesus' holiness placed on our behalf. For God never sees us, He sees Jesus instead. It's a relief if you think about it. I live my life of praise and gratitude toward the Son and God will work in my life. He will sanctify me. I don't have to worry "Am I holy today?" Of course I am holy. But only because God has made me holy. Praise Him for His grace and trust God and He will sanctify you, Afterall, He promises he will finish the work He has began, hasn't he? Don't fret about if you are doing right, for in the end, you can never do anything right! Not without the Lord bestowing His grace upon you! Praise the Lord for his abundance Grace to work in our lives day in and day out and has already called us holy!
That's what I meant... lol. I'm just trying to figure out how to word it the right way.
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