Where do we turn or who do we follow to know the truth about God? Do we listen to men or do we seek His face through fervent prayer and reading the scripture? Can we ever know fully the truth of all His wondrous attributes? Or, rather; do we come before Him in child like faith trusting that He IS? And, that He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him?
Continue reading “Who Do You Really Follow for Truth of Faith?”
My world at moments seems overwhelming with demands at work, final papers due for school, and all that life throws at me. Ah, but please do not think that I have abandoned you my readers; for I am compelled by God’s love to keep writing and telling of His Glory. I just finished all my schoolwork and turned it in now. I must be running to work. Before I do, let me take a moment to say you are not Forgotten nor Forsaken. You are on my mind each day, as I whisper prayers for you. For today, I give you this verse to ponder and a poem I wrote a few years back.
In a world where technology and the internet put so much information at our fingertips, let us more diligently spend time alone in prayer and the study of scripture. Let us learn to discern truth from lies as best we can and stand fast on the truth of the gospel of Christ. And as Paul Enns concluded his book The Moody Handbook of Theology, let these scriptures from Rev. 1:5, 5:12-13 be our mantra of truth. “Praise be ‘to Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood…Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing….To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.
I Google this and Facebook that
Dear Lord, how can it be
That life has now become complex
The forest midst the trees
My Father, dear I wish to write
And tell them of your word
Or even speak-to be your voice
Is that a dream absurd?
I know, dear Lord I have no skill
No great or brilliant mind
The only thing I have to give
My heart to thine affined
I give to you my voice, my hands
To do with as You please
And when I wander off somewhere
Please Lord, my will do seize
Help me Lord, to not get lost
Amidst this techy world
So that your Glory might shine forth
On peaceful wings unfurled
And teach me all I need to know
To spread your word abroad
That when they see your beauty fair
Their soul enwrapped and awed
Dear Father, now on bended knee
I bow before your throne
Please take from me each selfish thought
Replace them with Your own.
You are never forsaken or forgotten by God. Though men may disappoint you or walk away, He is always standing with outreached arms bidding you to come and abide in Christ as your Lord and Savior.
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.
If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here
You can find this and all my books on Amazon.com, search Effie Darlene Barba or click this link to be taken there
ABIDING, STEADFAST JOY
A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.
WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”
Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.
You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.
If you want to know more about other books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Often within our churches, there is a divide between those who either hold fast to Calvinist versus those who proclaim themselves Armenian as though this is a defining feature of one’s theology. Before considering the differences, it is important to recognize the massive importance and value of John Calvin’s body of work. During the Medieval period the church of Rome had adopted so many false ideologies, precisely those that Paul the Apostle had addressed in his letter to the Roman church long before. As men gained power and prosperity within the auspices of church leadership; the truth of the gospel message faded into obscurity.
Martin Luther began the reformation with restoring the truth of the gospel message that salvation came by grace alone through faith alone in the finished work of Jesus Christ, God’s eternal, omnipotent, and Sovereign Son-though equal with God and yet, distinct as part of the Triune God and Creator of the Universe.
John Calvin focused on God’s Sovereignty above all of God’s attributes, which leads us to his theological basis. Jacob Arminius at first was a strict Calvinist; however, broke away when his own views focused more on God’s goodness and love as being His greatest attribute.
So, the question might arise when reviewing the ideas of Calvin and Arminius on Atonement, faith, and works: are any of the attributes of God’s Glory higher than another? Or, are all of His Attributes of equal importance in Glory? Do we who live within a world confined by time and space hope to fully understand all the mysteries of an Eternal God who is not bound by time and space; yet, chooses to interact and have relationship with man within our time space boundary?
Continue reading “What is the Difference Between the Calvinist and Armenian?”
I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD (Psalm 27:13-14).
In this journey of life, we face many trials. Sometimes, we may hear His voice bidding us to go out into the unknown; trusting Him for the answer. Or we may face some trial. The future appears uncertain as we search for a pathway; not just any pathway, His. Yet, we don’t even know where the next step is. We read His Word, we pray, and we wait for a miracle or a light to illuminate our path. Our future lies in His hands; yet, even knowing that we find it hard to wait.
In our humanity, we want to see the answer, the finish line. Often, we don’t even know what we should pray for; but, this Christian journey is one of surrender. By faith, we trust in that which we cannot see. Knowing that even when we don’t know what to ask for, the Holy Spirit does. “Likewise, the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26).
Continue reading “How to Have Peace While You Wait for a Miracle”
When life becomes a whirlwind of sorrows, we want God to come and remove the whirlwind. Yet, what if it is in the whirlwind, we hear God’s voice? Job wanted God to come down and fix the problem, to exonerate him before his accusers. Despite believing that God was Sovereign, Job believed that all his suffering had been an unjust act of God. After all, had he not faithfully served God all these years? Why would God allow such loss and sorrow into his life? Isn’t that the same question we ask when facing devastating trials? We Christians seem to believe we know God. He is a God of Grace and Love, so why would He ever allow His children to suffer loss or pain? Could it be that in whirlwind of life, solid rock like faith is found.
Continue reading “Out of the Whirlwind of Life, where is Faith Found?”
