Scripture

For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in His holiness.

~Hebrews 12:10, NLT

Quote

The desire to be holy begins as a spark but it will grow until it becomes a flame–the desire to live a life wholly pleasing to the LORD.

~Jerry Bridges {Pursuit of Holiness, p.21}

Kevin gave me a book last Monday, THE PURSUIT OF HOLINESS by Jerry Bridges of the Navagators. I started reading it a few days ago. Holiness is one of those words that is defined differently by different people. To some it is long dresses for the women, no make-up, jewelry and never cutting the hair which means wearing it a bun. For others it is handling rattle snakes and shouting to the top of your lungs. To others it is moral perfection which they think they have achieved and we have not. Bridges said, “To be holy is to be morally blameless.” I like my definition better: holiness is transparency. To the degree that you are transparent, to that degree you are holy. Jesus could think out loud: He was perfectly transparent. He had zero guile but this cannot be said of any other human being and I will take issue with those who say otherwise.

Should we have a desire to please God? Should we long to be holy? Does our sin grieve us? The answer to all three questions should be yes! I do very much want to please Christ. I want to hear a well done. I want to be holy. I was afraid of holiness for many years, but now I desire it deeply. Am I holy? No, but I have been set apart to be made holy. I love Philippians 1:6, I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Then go to chapter two and verse thirteen, God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

It is not possible for I or anyone else to make themselves holy, but I believe with all my heart that God can do it. He is the divine Artist and He will complete the masterpiece. I do not think He will quit until He is satisfied that the work is complete. But it is a mistake to make holiness our primary pursuit. Holiness is not the way to Christ–Christ is the way to holiness. Pursuing holiness apart from Christ will lead to pride and self-righteousness. When this happens we begin evaluating everyone we meet instead of loving them. Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive His approval [Romans 14:4].

The fact that you don’t drink, smoke or chew or hang out with those who do, does not make you holy. As my friend C. S. Lewis says, “It simply makes you a prig.” Holiness without humility is not geniune holiness.

Extra

Good day yesterday; no complaints. Grace Point did have several who laid out of church but we managed without them. Keith and Tina Turney joined the church but both of our recorders were missing. God was merciful and gracious and we had two wonderful worship celebrations.

I meant to announce yesterday that we have an all night prayer meeting on Monday night November 4. We will start at 6:00 and go to 12:00. I don’t expect anyone to attend all the services which will begin every 30 minutes…6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, etc. We are going to use the Senior Adult ladies class. We will be praying for the election.

I think we got about half of our verses covered yesterday. I feel relatively certain we can finish this week.

Pray for REVIVAL: NOVEMBER 3, 10, 17 at 6:00 pm.

Have a great day, thanks for reading the blog.