THE LONELINESS OF THE CHRISTIAN

By A.W. Tozer

The loneliness of the Christian results from his walk with God in an ungodly world, a walk that must often take him away from the fellowship of good Christians as well as from that of the unregenerate world. His God-given instincts cry out for companionship with others of his kind, others who can understand his longings, his aspirations, his absorption in the love of Christ; and because within his circle of friends there are so few who share his inner experiences he is forced to walk alone. The unsatisfied longings of the prophets for human understanding caused them to cry out in their complaint, and even our Lord Himself suffered in the same way.

The man [or woman] who has passed on into the divine Presence in actual inner experience will not find many who understand him. He finds few who care to talk about that which is the supreme object of his interest, so he is often silent and preoccupied in the midst of noisy religious shoptalk. For this he earns the reputation of being dull and over-serious, so he is avoided and the gulf between him and society widens. He searches for friends upon whose garments he can detect the smell of myrrh and aloes and cassia out of the ivory palaces, and finding few or none he, like Mary of old, keeps these things in his heart.

It is this very loneliness that throws him back upon God. His inability to find human companionship drives him to seek in God what he can find nowhere else.

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." -Revelation 12:11

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Interesting article.. I've read it and understood the context.. Probably because it is true that the Christian life is most often a lonely place... that is if we seek the companionship and understanding of our fellow brethren in the Lord. The thing is, even if we do have friends or close friends as you may say, they don't really go through the everyday experiences you yourself experience. Whether you are in a struggle or battle in the field of Christian living no one really understands the wholeness of what you feel, experience or see. They may have a glimpse of what you're going through when you share your experiences or if they themselves experience somewhat the same circumstance, but in the full context, they can not entirely see everything. Why? there are some factors. One factor is that we are all unique and have different perspectives at the same time we too respond to circumstances differently. Other factors may be of course the environment we are into or the kind of environment we've grown and adapted into. Nevertheless the main root of all reason why we often feel loneliness is simply because of our uniqueness. Understanding that God created us entirely different from others makes us a lonely person. But, if we are to understand it completely, we aren't completely alone. Because there is one Person Who knows entirely who we are and what we're going through. And He is very open when we cling and depend on Him. Of course He is our Creator and as a Christian, our Lord and Savior.

In essence, unbelievers should be feeling this loneliness too... or this probably is what they call emptiness. 'Cause in every human being, there is a whole that needs to be filled in, that only God can fill in. Most likely, there are unbelievers who will not agree on me about this matter. Most often, these are the people who only cling and depend on their knowledge and wisdom, but knowledge which is only limited to what they see, hear, smell, taste and touch.

Anyway, the topic is more centered on the Christian life being a lonely place especially still being on this wretched world. The Bible clearly indicates that this world is governed by the enemy... Satan... Remembering that time when Satan tempted the Lord Jesus Christ in the wilderness, one of his temptation included was showing Jesus all the kingdoms of this world of which Satan would give it to Jesus, if He bows down and worship satan. Which of course Jesus counter attacked with God's Word saying, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" Now knowing that this world we live in is the territory of the enemy and that we Christians are no longer citizens here but of heaven, therefore, we truly are in a daily living of spiritual battles. And lest we are not careful and alert, the enemy can easily pin us down from the victory we are standing for.

One more thing that makes us feel alone is when God reveals things to us personally, even if we share it to others, others seem to never get it. Why? Cause whenever God reveals something to us personally, most often it is for you only and not for others. Unless the revelation was meant to be shared and shown to others.

John 21:18-22 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”

At some point or conclusion, our loneliness as a Christian does not indicate a negative aspect of being a Christian but instead an indication that in our Christian life, we ought to continuously call upon the Lord, seek His face and daily walk in the fellowship with Him, for there is nothing more that compares to having a right relationship with God. For we can always know we can never be alone when God is there.

Recent events....

Not much to write now so just going to post some pics or vidoes... check it out! =)


APalan-Guesset Christmas Program held last December 25, 2011. Visited by some Loakan Baptist Church members (adults & young people).



First Sunday Service of 2012 held in Apalan



Videos for the first Sunday Service of 2012 held in Apalan

Travelling towards our destination...


Arrival in Apalan


Doxology for the food..


Going back home.... with a 13-seater van made to seat 24 individuals... Please pray for a bigger vehicle or additional provider of transportation =)....

“I am righteous and holy” vs. “I’m a sinner saved by grace”

Reading posts, comments, and blogs about this matter. I’d like to share my thoughts and insights as well… I may not claim to be fully educated or taught with doctrines or dogma of such things, but I just like to share what I think on this matter and what I believe God has taught me.

To a person who receives Christ as his personal Lord and Savior; one who has received and believed that Jesus Christ is truly the Savior, through the blood that was shed for sin; and Lord whom we ought to obey and follow; both statements are true but must be careful on how we use each statement. I’ll probably explain the reasons later while let me talk first about “Righteousness.”

From the things that I have learned about righteousness, there are two things that I’ve understood. Righteousness is of course understood or defined as “the good or right things we do.” Now, in Christianity, there is what we call “imputed righteousness of Christ.”

Consider these verses as an explanation to what the phrase means:

Romans 4:3-6 (KJV) "For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works"

Romans 4:22-24 “And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was IMPUTED to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be IMPUTED, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead.” 
2 Corinthians 5:21 “For HE HATH MADE HIM TO BE SIN FOR US, WHO KNEW NO SIN; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
 
Now, the verses explain that “Christ’ Righteousness” was placed on those who believe on Him, because Christ was pictured or made to become a sinner; when in fact, He is not, since He lived a righteous life. And we, who are sinners and supposed to be condemned to hell, have now the chance to claim that righteousness, through “Faith in Jesus Christ of Nazareth.” And that’s how gracious our God is. This is how “imputed righteousness of Christ,” I believe is explained.

Now, there is also what we call “Righteous living” which is commonly referred to how a Christian lives. This however is not the same as the “imputed righteousness of Christ” but mainly talks of our personal life being lived rightly in the eyes of men. And of course, as Christian, we don’t have yet what we call “the glorified body” but we are still in our own flesh, the tangible body which is still prone of doing sin. The “glorified body” is expected to be acquired by Christians after the so called “rapture” happens or the “snatching of the church.” Nevertheless, Christ has also given provisions to conquer and be victorious over sin, by continuously and daily committing and surrendering oneself to Christ by Faith, not in order to be saved, but an effect or result of our Faith in Christ.

Consider these verses:

Galatians 2:20 (KJV) “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

Romans 12:1-2 (KJV) “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:1-2 explains that as Christians, we ought to surrender our bodies as living sacrifice, for I believe this is where God starts transforming and molding us toward holiness and righteous living and in effect following and doing the acceptable and perfect will of God. Apostle Paul’s statement in Galatians 2:20 also declares and states his understanding that he too is still in the flesh, therefore, in order to live accordingly to what God wills, he must die unto himself, and let Christ live in him. In a sense that all his desires, ambitions, and even his own ‘will’ is to be neglected and therefore dead with Christ and letting Christ’ mind, thought, and ‘will’ be the one in full-control. Of course, it’s not like a robot, simply controlled by a program or something. It’s just simply knowing and putting his focus on what Christ or God wants him to do and obeying it accordingly. And all these are also done through faith in Christ. This is God’s provision in order for His own to fully do right and live righteously in accordance to His word and principles.

God also gave promises for His own to claim to further have the power to say “NO” to sin. These verses can come to remembrance when temptation draws nigh.

1 John 4:4 (KJV) “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV) "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

And if we still fail? God provides forgiveness for His’ own. And that’s how gracious God is.

John 1:9 (KJV)
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

But of course, this doesn’t mean that we are free to do sin, since God is forgiving. No, that’s not how it works, because as one who is transformed from darkness into light, we no longer serve sin (Rom. 6:1-6). Therefore if we continue doing sin without the conviction of the Holy Spirit, that may mean we are not truly believers or followers of Christ.

Now having discussed, on how a Christian should live. This is where righteous living is measured and if Christians fail living righteously, our fellowship with God is cut off, but not our relationship as His child.

Now, where were we? I hope the 2 kinds of Righteousness are clearly understood. If not, try reading other books about it.. hehe! Or better yet read the whole Bible. Hehe! Anyway, as I was saying earlier about the two statements that they are true for a Christian, but must be declared in the right way.

The first statement “I am righteous and holy” is true, if we truly are Christians and we can declare this before the Father, through Christ Name. But to men who know not Christ, this statement is nullified, worthless and meaningless. For they will see us as hypocrite and liars, for in truth? We still can sin in this world. And if we declare this statement to men, we then become liars (I John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.). But if I may, we could change the phrase to better it as “I am righteous and holy through Christ’ righteousness.” That could give more meaning and understanding.

(edited... December 26, 2011)
Now, the other phrase “I’m a sinner saved by grace,” is quite a subject matter to some. They negate and go against such phrase. And actually I’ve read a post rebuking of using this phrase. With what I understood, the focus was about the word “sinner”. True! as Christians, we are no longer sinner in God’s sight. But to men, we can be perceived still as sinner, one who does wrong things. Some commentators believe that such statement gives a thought and freedom for Christians to continue to do sin or to continue to be bound to sin and not under grace. As for me, I do not see that. But giving a second thought about the statement, I ask myself, “is it possible for one to be misled?” It is probably possible, if one truly have not understood the real meaning of “being saved by grace.” An unbeliever has no reason to say this statement, but at some point to an unbeliever hearing this word, may also give a reflective question to ask question what the statement means, giving opportunity for the gospel to be proclaimed and explained. This statement maybe damaging if the statement intensifies one to continue to do sin, but if it intensifies the meaning of grace in his life would it be something  profitable? But anyway having been read another post about this matter.. I like the correction to it... by stating the phrase in this manner... "I WAS a sinner, saved by grace."

Loakan Baptist Church (LBC) 55th Anniversary and Christmas Cantata 2011

I'll be posting videos here, hopefully after all songs and videos are uploaded by those who took videos of the said event....

LBC Men presenting a skit with the goal of making people laugh... hahaha! Just to show they too can laugh... and laught hard indeed..... and also shows they too are approachable if you need guidance or help... PLEASE BE WARNED BEFORE WATCHING THIS... This is not to offend anyone but just for laughs... as they say.. Laughter is the best medicine...



The LBC Hallelujah Quartet singing "Keep on the Firing Line" before hearing God's Word...

"A Great and Mighty Wonder" LBC Choir

"The Wonder of the Promise" LBC Choir

I don't know the title of this song....



Videos of the Christmas Cantata 2011 from Anna & Jay-jay :

A Great and Mighty Wonder - Tom Fettke


The Wonder of Promise - Tom Fettke


The Wonder of the Incarnation - Tom Fettke


The Wonder of the Heavens - Tom Fettke (NOT RECORDED?)

The Wonder in a Manger - Tom Fettke


The Wonder of the Star - Tom Fettke


The Wonder of the Gift - Tom Fettke


The Wonder of It All - Tom Fettke

Rapture, Tribulation, and Second Coming

Much to my curiosity and eagerness to learn about these things, I've tried to search the internet about these topics. And looked for videos as well, as my father has asked me too about looking for such that could help out in learning about these things. Surely the Bible also exists to give guidance to His people, but when it comes to prophecies, here are so many interpretations and diversions. So in order to help in establishing the faith and belief I have about these matters, I would like to try to incorporate links and websites here, as I myself can not explain all of it and it would take lots of words to do so anyway. So here's a great site to really learn all this stuff: http://www.preservedwords.com/disptruth/contents.htm. I actually have the same book (or I should say, my father's book), and it's interesting that someone placed this whole and clear in the internet, available for all. It's really a great book explaining several topics. And actually, I haven't read it all, but just read a couple of the topics in it namely the tribulation, the signs of end times and such.. but really, it's a great book =D.... But of course it's best also to refer to God's Word, the Bible, the Authority of our Christian Faith.

From my searches, several videos I too have viewed are not of the same belief and interpretation as what the book or the site I've recommended. At some point they may be logical, but nevertheless, it may be a very deceiving one. So beware! That you might not be deceived. Of course, I do not impose what to believe, but let the Holy Spirit convict us and reveal to us what we ought to believe. Let God do the work not us.

Here's a video I've seen which I believe is not an accurate interpretation. But it's good to know, so one could really compare different interpretation. Before watching these, I ask that you pray first and ask for God's guidance and wisdom.




Now, having watched that movie, listen to this preaching of John MacArthur, which explains a great deal why as Christians, we believe that Rapture will happen first before the Tribulation Period.




Now, these are just a few things to learn from, but I hope much more than learning and understanding these things, we are more ready when time comes.