On the morning of October 1st, 1967, at the age of 18 (you can do the math), I heard the good news–the Gospel–that I didn’t need to earn God’s love by being perfect in order to enter heaven. God the Father had provided the way through His Son Jesus’s death and resurrection. What great news to that spiritually weary 18-year-old.
Although I’m still facing wrong ideas after these many years, several stand out that adversely affected me for years in the beginning. I think most young Christians can struggle with these same ideas.
I’ll become perfect.
I thought I’d become a Christian so that God could make me instantly perfect. But then I learned Philippians 1:6: “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (NIV). That let me know that I would always be in a process of growth.
I’ll figure out God.
It seemed like learning God’s attributes and reading about Him in the Bible would enable me to know how and why He did things. The Bible said God answers prayers and is dependable. Therefore, if I ask, God will answer.
Then came a short term missionary trip to Jamaica. One evening I needed to decide where our witnessing team would work the next day. I prayed and sensed God’s leading clearly. What a thrill!
But the next day it rained such a torrent that even the locals weren’t out and about. I was discouraged. Could I ever trust that I could know God’s voice?
There have been many situations like that, and also, times when it turned out well. I learned I might not always know God’s will perfectly but I could trust God knew what He was doing, even when I didn’t.
The Bible will become boring.
“After all, you can only read a book so many times,” I thought.
Many years ago I was furious at a Christian company which reneged on giving a refund. I tried to surrender knowing it was God’s money to do with as He pleased, yet I slipped back into old patterns of wanting revenge and our money.
One day I surrendered again, crying out to God by writing in my journal, “Father God, this is not hidden from Your sight and neither are Your eyes closed and uncaring. Thank you, Lord, that I can surrender all my cares to You—and the money.”
I suddenly felt directed by the Holy Spirit to look at Jeremiah 17. At the top of that page a verse jumped out at me: “My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from me, nor is their sin concealed from my eyes” (Jeremiah 16:17, NIV).
I was shocked. That verse confirmed the very thing I had written in my journal just moments before.
I realized that the Word of God applied by the Spirit of God gives all Christians an entire lifetime of finding the Bible relevant for every situation and challenge.
Of course, these three lessons are only a few of many. I trust that there will be many more lessons ahead.
What truth have you found that is most important to you as you have progressed in your Christian life?
To learn more about ideas like these, check out my book, “Pure-Hearted: The Blessings of Living Out God’s Glory” https://www.amazon.com/Pure-Hearted-Blessings-Living-Gods-Glory/dp/1946638420/ Available in print, Kindle (only $2.99) and Audio/Audible
It’s Holy Week 2024 and I have been praying recently on a difficult subject for myself. Am I truly forgiven? Are all my sins cleansed? You see, I go to a church where we’re supposed to enter into a confessional to confess our sins and be given absolution and forgiveness. Well – almost, well – no, in my case not at all. My dilemma isn’t just me but I believe there are many out there like me who feel the same way. Regardless of denomination be it Catholic, Baptist, Lutheran, Full Gospel and so on. We all carry the burden of our sinfulness and that, is what Satan wants for us. He wants us to be separated from God but we need to consider a few things in order to be truly free.
Have you ever walked on a beach barefoot and noticed how the waves wash away those foot prints? Have you ever rinsed off your muddy boots or shoes with a garden hose? To me, these analogies strike a meaningful chord. I feel, this is the same as the precious blood of Christ that washes away all of our sins be it stealing, divorce, idolatry and yes, even murder. After all, the 2 that were crucified next to Jesus on that Good Friday both had a chance at redemption but only 1 was saved – even on the precipice of death – Jesus saved!
How is that men and women of the various Clergy can determine my worthiness or non-worthiness of forgiveness? Are they not elevating themselves above God? Must I be subjected to a tribunal of mere mortals, that don’t know me, to decide whether I’m forgiven and can fully participate in my church? I think not.
Examples of God’s forgiveness is evident throughout the Bible – the Word of God! Here are a few: The Samaritan women at the well John 4:1-42 depicts how Jesus, traveling through Samaria encounters a woman at the well. Jesus knew her past, knowing she was married 5 times and was not married to her current man. Jesus’ message was clear – Jesus offers living water – eternal life. This Samaritan woman was saved that day – regardless of her past. Hmm? In John 8:11 A woman caught in adultery (10) Then Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are your accusers? Has no one condemned you?” (11) “No one Lord,” she answered. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Now go and sin no more.”
There are many other examples, one of the most famous is John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” Romans 10:9-10 Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
So I truly believe that my sins are forgiven as I truly believe in God’s words, His mercy, His understanding. No – I‘m not trying to justify my sinfulness, rather I’m seeking the path of salvation through the blood of Christ. Let’s not let Satan confuse us and take away this free, precious gift. It’s time to let the waves and the water wash away our guilt and our sins. Happy Easter!
Thank you, John, for sharing your wisdom that is exactly what I needed to learn to refute and reject the 3 lies I thought were the truth. What freedom to know we are redeemed and set free by His work, not ours. Happy Easter to you and thank you so much for stopping by and commenting. I value your effort and time.
Amen Ms. Kathy. I think Satan wants us to take a bite of these lies so he can set the hook and reel us into his deceptive lies that make us question our faith when we start to realize we can’t attain these things. Great post ma’am!
Thank you so much for commenting, JD. We are all learning together, aren’t we?