Browsed by
Category: Assurance of Salvation

Before All Else Fails

Before All Else Fails

In the software development world, conventional wisdom holds that when something new is not working as expected, the trouble can usually be traced to inadequate requirements gathering, faulty design or user error.  In the infamous “some assembly required” scenario, the customer actually gets involved in final “construction” and user acceptance testing. While this approach may have some advantages, overeagerness to begin using the product at once may lead to rushing and avoidable mistakes.  Such mistakes are compounded when in a quest to…

Read More Read More

To Seek And To Save

To Seek And To Save

In colloquial English, figurative use of the word “lost” permeates the lexicon of everyday speech.  Examples like the following spring to mind without effort: When applied to consequential things, the things we value most, the word “lost” assumes much greater significance, taking on a gravity no mere figure of speech can command.  You can all but feel the intensity of the suffering behind phrases like, “My family lost everything when the market crashed” or “I lost my wife last year.”  But as grievous as such…

Read More Read More

Without Reservation

Without Reservation

“‘Scuse me. ‘Scuse me.  You the host or whatever?” “I am the Maître d’.  Good evening, sir.  How may I be of assistance?” “I don’t like to complain, but you people have some of the rudest help I’ve ever seen.” “I’m sorry, sir.  Did a waiter or waitress give offense?  The servers are my responsibility.” “That’s just it.  I’ve been waiting for over two hours now, and my party still hasn’t been seated.  The front desk ignores me—” “Guest reception is also under me.  If you would kindly return with…

Read More Read More

What Christ Can’t Do

What Christ Can’t Do

It seems likely that every Christian above a certain age will sooner or later be asked by self-avowed skeptics some version of the killer question—that masterpiece of logic and irrefutable reason which no religionist can possibly answer.  These ‘stump the band’ conundrums are intended to shut down discussion, end debate of all serious issues and mock those inexperienced enough to try to play the game.  Particular favorites for flustering the faithful include variations of the following: “Could God create a stone too…

Read More Read More

Requiem For Innocence

Requiem For Innocence

There was Adam and then there was Eve.  Created in the moral image of God.  Righteous. Pure.  Consciences clean and clear.  So totally innocent they did not even notice their physical and spiritual nakedness.  In this pristine state, they were possessed of the ultimate humility: utter unselfconsciousness. They could not be described as blameless, as no wrong had been done to which blame might attach.  To call them sinless would be inaccurate, as sin had not entered their minds.  Their character was uncorrupted, but it had never been put…

Read More Read More

Are You An Opportunist?

Are You An Opportunist?

Your answer to the question of whether you are an opportunist likely depends on your life experience and the context in which the word is used.  As for the first part (personal experience), most everyone has heard the word bandied about.  Most of us have seen the term used to describe the nature or behavior of another person, as in “she is an opportunist” (noun).  A person who acts that way, is said to be opportunistic (adjective).  Chances are, you yourself have applied this word…

Read More Read More

Looking For Jesus

Looking For Jesus

Many people today claim to be checking out, even “trying out” Jesus Christ.  They are looking for answers, and wonder if Jesus might be the answer for them.  Research has shown that their numbers are growing around the globe—rapidly, in some areas.  Given the perilous and perverse times in which we live, this should come as no surprise.  What IS a bit baffling is the high rate of failures to connect.  This seems rather strange, since the seeker wants to find Him and He very…

Read More Read More

Promises, Promises

Promises, Promises

When two parties offer one another assurance that what they expect to happen will actually transpire, a number of time-tested options present themselves.  One such option is to offer something of substantial value as security.  This may take the form of earnest money on deposit with a third party, or a tangible asset, like real property or jewelry, held in trust.  Another alternative is to put up a home, business, boat, or vehicle as collateral.   For some purposes, a surety bond or performance…

Read More Read More