D.J. Williams | February 9, 2010 in Quotes | Comments (1)
Tags: Assurance, Perseverance, Salvation
“Over the years I have found that an astonishing number of Christians do not possess an assurance of their salvation. They are hopeful, and fairly sure, but still—in times of struggle and doubt, they cannot find that absolute certainty that they belong to God and are safe with Him. This doubt cripples your ability to grow in your love for God, the security that produces radical obedience, and the gratefulness that produces radical generosity.
What if we can’t “remember” the moment when we first made the decision to trust Jesus and “place our hand on His head”? It doesn’t really matter. All that matters is that you’re trusting Him as Lord and Savior right now. Think of it like this: I walk into a classroom and sit down in a chair. About halfway through the class you ask me if I ever made a decision to sit in the chair. I say “yes,” and you ask me how I know that I made that decision. I don’t walk you through the decision making process that led me to sit in the chair, reviving the logic and emotions that caused me to take seat. I simply show you that I am currently seated.”
- J.D. Greear
HT: Vitamin Z
D.J. Williams | February 2, 2010 in Bible | Comments (0)
Tags: Luke, Salvation
Do not rejoice in this, that you preached a great sermon, or wrote a great blog post, or spoke at a conference. Do not rejoice in this, that you overcame a long-nagging sin, or prayed for three hours, or racked up a 57-day streak of Bible-reading. Do not rejoice in this, that you led a friend to Christ, or grew your small group, or attend a healthy church. Do not rejoice in this, that you have overcome temptation, or acheived spiritual successes, or have climbed the mountain of personal holiness.
Do not rejoice in this, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.
D.J. Williams | December 10, 2009 in Music | Comments (0)
Tags: Rick Hopkins, Salvation
I’m listening to a great song today off of one of my favorite albums – Rick Hopkins‘ Where We Are and Where We Long to Be (read my review of the album here). The song is “Lift Up Your Eyes,” and it’s a beautiful reminder that the same God who delivered Israel from Egypt will deliver the true Israel from their sin.
For 400 years we’ve waited
For you to come and deliver us
From this mud and clay and this slavery
The promise you made to our father
Is ready to be fulfilled
For we’re broken and bleeding and needing a savior
Lift up your eyes, O Israel
Look to the skies, he’s calling
The savior is near
Redemption is here
Today is the day you’re saved
Every day we’re waiting
Hoping to see your redemption
To be taken away from this miserable place
Whips at our backs keep us moving
Sorrow has covered our face
And our legs give out and we’re trying to shout to you
Lift up your eyes, O Israel
Look to the skies, he’s calling
The savior is near
Redemption is here
Today is the day you’re saved
Take away the shame and disgrace
Lift us up out of this place
Let us see your face
Lift up your eyes, O Israel
Look to the skies, he’s calling
The savior is near
Redemption is here
Today is the day you’re saved
You can buy the album from iTunes, and you can also get it for free on NoiseTrade. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.
