Living in the not yet: dealing with a stony heart

Posted on January 27, 2016 Written by Mark McIntyre Leave a Comment

So living in the not yet, we struggle with the pieces of the world (including ourselves) that are not in submission to Christ. That is the bad news.

The good news is that one day Jesus will return and set everything right, including my stony heart.

Life as an ambassador

It is the role of the ambassador to represent a government or king while traveling in a foreign country. Sometimes the ambassador has to represent his king in an environment that is difficult or hostile.

Joseph the Grinder

In reading about Joseph in Matthew 1 this morning, the term “grinder” is what came to mind. Joseph could be counted on to do the right thing.

Simple pleasures are a gift – consider the source

To enjoy the simple things is life is a gift. What is the source of that gift? Is is programmed in our DNA or does it come from God?

The blessing of persecution

Scripture is clear that sometimes the righteous will suffer persecution. In this Beatitude Jesus assures us that when this happens we are blessed.

It is a worship problem, not a sin problem

If I am worshiping God, if I am acknowledging my dependence upon him, then, and only then, I have the perspective to see these sins for what they are. They are ugly, no matter how much the culture around me (both church and state) seek to justify them or make them palatable.

Dealing with apparent failure in apologetics

If some could witness the miracles of Jesus and remain unconvinced and unconverted, we would be foolish to think that everyone will respond to our presentation and defense of the Gospel. The will overrides the intellect when dealing with matters of faith and world view. If the lack of response is an indication of failure, it is a failure that Jesus also experienced.