#revelation #endtimes
Rev 3:14-22 "And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: 'The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation. "'I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'"
There is a certain kind of going through the motions that makes us think we are loving God. In fact everyone around us may think we love God. This going through the motions then convinces us we are acceptable, even worthy. We feel good about ourselves because we have done what we think we are suppose to do, but when alone it is empty and if honest meaningless.
John Piper talks of this; "Worship is a way of gladly reflecting back to God the radiance of His worth. It is not a mere act of willpower by which we perform outward acts. Without the engagement of the heart, we do not really worship. The engagement of the heart in worship is the coming alive of the feelings and emotions and affections of the heart. Where feelings for God are dead, worship is dead.
True worship must include inward feelings that reflect the worth of God's glory. If this were not so, the word hypocrite would have no meaning. But there is such a thing as hypocrisy- going through the motions (like singing, praying, giving, reciting) that signify affections of the heart are not there. 'This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me'". John Piper
Desiring God Twenty Fifth Anniversary Reference Edition p 87, 88 Multnomah Books 2011.
This engagement of the heart is both a duty and a gift, reveived by grace and vigorously sought after.
John Piper in quoting Jonathan Edwards writes, "To be sure, we Christian Hedonists endeavor to pursue our interest and our happiness with all our migh. We endorse the resolution of the young Jonathan Edwards: 'Resolved: To endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness in the other world as I possibly can, with all power, might, vigor and vehemence yes violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.'". Ibid p 159
Everyday in whatever means possible make every effort to open the door to Absolute Love, he is knocking open up and feel the love come pouring in. Come buy food without money and wealth with no price, freely given, gladly received.
Rev 3:14-22 "And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: 'The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation. "'I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'"
There is a certain kind of going through the motions that makes us think we are loving God. In fact everyone around us may think we love God. This going through the motions then convinces us we are acceptable, even worthy. We feel good about ourselves because we have done what we think we are suppose to do, but when alone it is empty and if honest meaningless.
John Piper talks of this; "Worship is a way of gladly reflecting back to God the radiance of His worth. It is not a mere act of willpower by which we perform outward acts. Without the engagement of the heart, we do not really worship. The engagement of the heart in worship is the coming alive of the feelings and emotions and affections of the heart. Where feelings for God are dead, worship is dead.
True worship must include inward feelings that reflect the worth of God's glory. If this were not so, the word hypocrite would have no meaning. But there is such a thing as hypocrisy- going through the motions (like singing, praying, giving, reciting) that signify affections of the heart are not there. 'This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me'". John Piper
Desiring God Twenty Fifth Anniversary Reference Edition p 87, 88 Multnomah Books 2011.
This engagement of the heart is both a duty and a gift, reveived by grace and vigorously sought after.
John Piper in quoting Jonathan Edwards writes, "To be sure, we Christian Hedonists endeavor to pursue our interest and our happiness with all our migh. We endorse the resolution of the young Jonathan Edwards: 'Resolved: To endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness in the other world as I possibly can, with all power, might, vigor and vehemence yes violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.'". Ibid p 159
Everyday in whatever means possible make every effort to open the door to Absolute Love, he is knocking open up and feel the love come pouring in. Come buy food without money and wealth with no price, freely given, gladly received.
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