Why God Hides Himself and 5 ways to Find Him by Joseph Mattera
http://www.identitynetwork.net/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=222479&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
By Joseph Mattera
Scripture teaches us in Isaiah 45:15 that God hides Himself. This means that He does not reveal Himself to casual seekers – truly it is the glory of God to conceal things but the glory of kings to search things out (Proverbs 25:2), hence it is a royal and noble task to plumb the depths of the knowledge and glory of God! Diamonds are usually not found on the surface of the earth – they have to be sought out and dug up out of the earth. If they were easily found they would be common and as worthless and common rock and dirt. So, how does a person find God and to whom does He disclose Himself?
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By Joseph Mattera
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Scripture teaches us in Isaiah 45:15 that God hides Himself. This means that He does not reveal Himself to casual seekers – truly it is the glory of God to conceal things but the glory of kings to search things out (Proverbs 25:2), hence it is a royal and noble task to plumb the depths of the knowledge and glory of God!
Diamonds are usually not found on the surface of the earth – they have to be sought out and dug up out of the earth. If they were easily found they would be common and as worthless and common rock and dirt. So, how does a person find God and to whom does He disclose Himself?
For one, it says in Jeremiah 29:13 that we will find Him when we search for Him with our whole heart! He reveals Himself to those who search for Him as for hidden treasures (Proverbs 2:4,5).
Secondly, we need to respond to Him when He initiates contact with us: when He prompts our heart to seek His face we need to immediately respond and seek Him (Psalm 27:8). We are to seek the Lord while He may be found (Isaiah 55:6) which means there are God-ordained opportune times when He is specifically drawing us to Himself – to ignore this prompting is to take advantage of the grace of God since no one can come to the Father unless the Spirit draws Him (John 6:44) another moment like this may never come!
Thirdly, we need to consider the fact that God never told us to "merely say prayers" but to hunger and thirst for Him and earnestly seek Him (Matthew 5:6; Hebrews 11:6).
Fourthly, He expects believers to regularly carve out time and initiate contact with Him as He admonishes us to intentionally grow in the grace and knowledge of Him and draw near to God so He can draw near to us (2 Peter 3:18 and James 4:8).
Lastly, God doesn't reveal Himself to the casual observer but to those who prioritize a worshipful relationship with Him above all else. This means carving out quality time pouring over His word, worship, and prayer on a daily basis that gives God the opportunity to reveal Himself and mature us in His Son. He said, "I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me" (Proverbs 8:17).
Joseph Mattera
http://www.identitynetwork.net/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=10-Biblical-Promises-for-a-Blessed-2024-by-Joseph-Mattera-&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
The Scriptures provide us with numerous conditional promises and commands that, if followed, will ultimately ensure a blessed future. This doesn't imply that walking with God will shield us from all challenges or suffering. It pertains to the rewarding outcomes of specific actions and lifestyles. As we step into 2024, adhering to Scripture's teachings is crucial if we seek a blessed year. Below are 10 conditional promises from God for a blessed future:
http://www.identitynetwork.net/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=7-Challenges-of-Generational-Christianity-by-Joseph-Mattera-&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
In historical narratives in the Bible or church records, we seldom read about the offspring of significant figures such as the original 12 apostles. For example, Peter was married, yet we find no record of his children carrying forward his traditions. Despite the belief that our progeny should surpass us, the zeal necessary for this progression is often not instilled in the next generation. The explanation? They do not have to pay the same price or undergo the same dramatic conversion experience their parents did. This essay will outline seven challenges that arise in generational Christianity:
http://www.identitynetwork.net/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=Why-Love-Does-Not-Define-God-by-Joseph-Mattera--&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Today's preaching from Christian pulpits is filled with compromise, often because of the wrong presentation of biblical love. Since love is a powerful motivating force that can drive people to the limits of their abilities and existence, it needs to be defined correctly in the church lest believers fall into grave error regarding our teaching and ethical standards. John 3:16 says, "God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son." This illustrates the power of divine love! In this article, I will attempt to demonstrate why love does not define God, but God defines love.
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