Despising Time-Robbing Distractions

"If God would grant us the vision, the word sacrifice would disappear from our lips and thoughts; we would hate the things that seem now so dear to us; our lives would suddenly be too short, we would despise time-robbing distractions and charge the enemy with all our energies in the name of Christ." -Nate Saint

"The things that seem now so dear to us"......stable careers, affluent living, individualism, surrounding ourselves with things (big houses, better cars, boats, clothes, accessories, etc.), entertainment galore, leisure time...so on and so forth. The list could continue, the "time-robbing distractions" are numerous and become instantaneously infinite...for that's what a distraction is, any activity, object, or relationship that gains our affection over what is the main focus of our attention. If I am honest, I too love a good distraction (even a bad distraction...Netflix, Youtube, Facebook, ESPN, sleeping, talking about the same things over and over again without taking action). Distractions allow me an escape the painful realities of life, offering an immediate sense of relief that covers over any feeling that perhaps I am not focused upon the things I should be.

However, as any and every statistic shows...Americans are not happy people. We hate our jobs (if we have them), we can never get enough entertainment, our houses are never big enough, our cars are never fast enough (or perhaps not as fuel efficient as we want), our clothes are always out of style, we never have enough money, there are never enough restaurants to choose from, we don't have time to do what WE want. Given the distorted view of the Gospel in America, it is no wonder that our churches are no less fulfilled...for we too crave distractions. And not just in our homes like everyone else...in our church relationships, services, programs, etc....we focus on distraction.

Why? Why do we have more resources at our fingertips than any other culture in history, yet find ourselves as unhappy, if not more unsettled, than previous generations? Answer: we have no vision. Point blank: we live for nothing. We strive after nothing, things that moth and rust destroy, things that thieves break in and steal. Our cars break down, our jobs fall through, our clothes go out of style, our houses fall apart, our food makes us fat, our shopping drains our resources, our TV shows get cancelled, our individualism turns into loneliness, etc....no matter what temporal "goals" we set our minds to, we are left unsatisfied.

My suggestion is simply a copy of that of Nate Saint: ask God to grant us the vision. The vision to see Jesus Christ as supremely important. May we be granted a focused heart that desires above every other desire to love Jesus Christ. Many of us don't understand the lives of Nate Saint, Jim Elliot, and the three other missionaries who died at the hand of the Waorani (Auca) tribe in Ecuador in the 1950s; we look at what they did and say "we could not sacrifice that much." But with the vision of God those men had, did they consider themselves to have sacrificed anything? In the sense of giving up something, yes, they gave up the "comfort" or "safety" of a "normal life"....but in actuality, these men died with more fulfillment in their lives than many of us will ever have if we live for 70, 80, or even 90 years. Ask God for the vision, that we may see Christ for who He is and that we may find our satisfaction in Him, for He will never fail to offer fulfillment.

Father in Heaven, we as Your people must repent often, and in this moment there is no difference. We thank You for reaching out to love a people who have so despised Your work. You have remained faithful to Your promises throughout all of time, and we have Your Word as the testament, the witness to Your great patience and mercy. Give us a vision of who You truly are, a vision of who Jesus Christ is, and a vision of who we are in light of those sweet pictures. Grant us purpose, and let us avoid wasting our lives, throwing them away for the continual pursuit of silly distractions that leave us empty-handed. Let us not fall in love with the blessings You bestow upon us in this life, but instead, allow us the grace to love You...to understand that You are the source of all that is good. We are a forgetful people who often live a lukewarm existence. Gives us a vision Lord, of You and Your glory.

--In case you'd like to know more about Nate Saint or the mission I spoke of, check out Elisabeth Elliot's book "Through Gates of Splendor."

How May a Young Man Know Whether He is Called or Not?

This week has been quite difficult for me, and it has been so for many reasons, but the main issue weighing upon my shoulders has been a sense of needing to recapture a vision of my "calling." Most anyone who reads my writings knows that over the past 5 years or so, I have pursued training to become a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Having graduated from Bible college after four years of mixed "results," I have had little development in defining my call to ministry (granted, much of this comes from my own sin in lackadaisical efforts and operating in a "denominational system" that doesn't quite match my own theological perspective). So, naturally, since graduation, I have been examining and thinking through my calling unlike any other aspect of my life. As I often do when in a state of questioning and seeking answers, I contacted a few friends and mentors for guidance. One of my most powerful influences, mentor and friend Dale Wallace, pointed me back to Charles H. Spurgeon's classic work "Lectures to My Students," a collection of lectures given to students at his preaching college concerning the ministry. Specifically, I was directed to read chapter 2, "The Call to the Ministry." Let me say that I am so thankful for the direction; in Spurgeon's writing I have gained much comfort and much assurance.

Though there are a dozen or so ideas I would like do discuss, my desire is to present one question raised by Spurgeon, and provide a summary of his answer. The question is this: "How may a young man know whether he is called or not?" Now, this question is not just for the young man first seeking assurance of his call, but is also for every man called to the ministry who struggles with whether or not he is truly following the will of the Lord. So, how does Spurgeon answer such a heavy question, how does a man know he is called?

In numbered form, his answer is four-fold:
1. "The first sign of the heavenly calling is an intense, all-absorbing desire for the work."
2. "In the second place...there must be aptness to teach and some measure of the other qualities needful for the office of a public instructor."
3. "In order further to prove a man's call...he must see a measure of conversion work going on under his efforts."
4. "It is needful as a proof of your vocation that your preaching should be acceptable to the people of God."

Firstly, a man must feel the call, it must be as a "fire in his bones." If anyone feels that they could do anything other than preach, then they should do it; this is not to say that if they are able to do anything else, for our preachers should be wise men who have the ability to do anything they set their mind to. Instead, the idea is that any man who desires to preach, must desire to preach the Gospel above anything else. However, desire is not enough, for in the second place, one who is called should have the gifts to serve effectively as a minister. If a man is a stuttering, stammering fool who slips and stumbles over every word he tries to utter, perhaps it is not best for him to serve in the role of teaching and preaching from one week to another. Also, if a man is not above reproach, nor matches the characteristics described in 1 Timothy 3:2-7 or Titus 1:6-9, he is not qualified nor possesses the qualities needed to minister in the pastoral office. If the desire is there, and the man is gifted, he should preach, but in so doing, be always mindful as to whether or not the Lord is using his preaching for the conversion of souls. Spurgeon acknowledges that there must be ears to hear, but if we are prayerfully seeking the Lord to use our service for His glory, it is doubtful that we should go an entire lifetime without seeing the effects of the Word going out. Along the same lines as this point comes the fourth proof for knowing if you are called; do the people of God approve of your ministry? Is their a local assembly of Christ's body which has been encouraged by your ministry and can fully attest to your usefulness in the Gospel ministry? This is much more than a pat on the back from the blue haired ladies, but are there numerous godly people who can strongly affirm that the Lord has called you to preach His Gospel message?

As I look upon these four points, they do provide quite a bit of support for my own calling, and I can find sufficient evidence to trust that the Lord is working in my life, preparing me to serve when and where He provides. We must always remember, however, that though we are called...we are not necessary. Our God does not "need" us anymore than He needed Pharaoh long ago; for even in his hardened heart, God used Pharaoh for His glory. We are not "special" in and of ourselves, any gift we have to offer Christ's body comes from our Father above. Let us remember that our calling is just that, something we are called to on behalf of the Lord Almighty. Brothers, examine yourself! Firstly, are you called to Christ? If so, have you been called to preach the Gospel in full time service? If you match Spurgeon's four points above, I believe you must pursue that calling above all else in your life. If not...stay away from the ministry. Honor God in a "secular" vocation. Perhaps Tim Keller's article, "Vocation-Discerning Your Calling," will provide some help if this is so for you.

Father, we praise your name for the work you have done through Jesus Christ, for the redemption you offer the world through his sacrifice. For those of us you have called to give our lives to proclaim that message to the world, give us a clear sense of our calling, that we may be emboldened to stand before any man with confidence in the work of Christ. For those who think they are called, but are of little use to you and your Kingdom, rebuke them and help them find their way that they may best honor your name with their lives. You are a gracious God and we thank you for all things, for all things come by your power. In the name of your glorious Son, Jesus the Christ, we pray; Amen.

Do Not Be A Deaf Sheep

The study that follows comes out of a recent, painful experience in my own life. To make a long story short, through what I perceive to be miscommunication, someone I have long respected as a good teacher of the Word questioned my salvation. However, they did not do so directly to me, but to someone I am very close to, so I "heard it through the grapevine." There is much danger in responding to hearsay and taking offense at what someone may or may not have meant. Therefore, let me make it clear that this is not a response to the questioning of my salvation, but is a reflection upon the work of Jesus Christ as presented through his own witness and the witness of the apostles John and Paul.

"So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, 'How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.' Jesus answered them, 'I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, but you do not believe because you are not part of my flock. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one'." -John 10:24-30

As John records it, Jesus has been teaching and proclaiming his Christ-ness to the Jews. He has said that the Father has charged him with the authority to lay down his life in order that we might be saved (John 10:17-18); firstly, to the Jews, and then to those not of that "fold" (Gentiles, me and probably you) who too must be brought by Jesus to the Father. Jesus has clearly stated that he is the Anointed One, the Christ, the Messiah, sent from the Father. And yet these Jews (if not Pharisees, a group committed to Jewish tradition) ask him again to tell plainly that he is the Christ.

Jesus says "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, but you do not believe because you are not part of my flock. My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me." This is a terrible indictment, and don't be too quick to point fingers at these unbelieving Jews, for this indictment is held against all who do not believe. Jesus' teachings are clear: he declared that he is one with the Father and that he was sent by the Father to give the world eternal life through his death. If you do not believe that, you are not of his flock, you are not his follower. That is the indictment, if you do not believe, you do not belong. Yet, those who do not believe that Jesus is who he claims to be, do not do so because of sufficient logic or reasoning, nor because of deep convictions they formulate, nor for any other reason than this: "[they] are not part of [his] flock." If you do not see the works of Jesus as bearing witness to his relationship with the Father, it is because you do not belong to him. You do not hear his voice. Those who are in the "flock," are those who believe, and they believe because they belong to God. The order here seems unnatural to many; because of our own desire to be sovereign and fully control our lives, we are adamant to say that we belong because we believe, but that is not what Jesus presents here.

Continuing, Jesus says, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one." Those who belong to Jesus, those who believe, have eternal life from now unto eternity. It is a present gift, and because it is, they will never perish nor be snatched from his hand, for he is one with the Father, who is "greater than all."

This promise of never being snatched from Jesus' grasp leads me directly to Paul's question in Romans 8:31...

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, 'For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.' No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels or rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." -Romans 8:31-39

If we truly belong to Jesus, if we are the sheep of his flock, then we are his. We will follow his voice. If Jesus is our shepherd, if he is for us, and if he is one with the Father, then the Father is for us. How do we know? Because the Father "did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all." Who can bring anything against God's people? Could the Jewish leaders condemn Jesus' followers, could their legalistic way of life bring charges against his disciples? No. God has justified his people, those who belong to him, and he has done so through Christ...therefore, Christ is interceding for us. There is no person nor is there any thing that can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Now, you can read this post and debate a number of controversial issues...but what you cannot do is condemn. I hear the voice of my shepherd, Jesus the Christ; I believe because I belong to him. If you can say the same thing, never let your faith be defined by anyone or anything other than Christ. I encourage you to remember that through Christ, we conquer every circumstance that comes our way (tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, sword, etc.). Paul will say in his letter to the Philippians that he "can do all things through him who strengthens me [Paul]." Paul would follow Jesus wherever that led, if it meant doing so with nothing but the shirt on his back or if he was fully supplied with food, water, and shelter; circumstances did not dictate his identity in Christ.

Christian, remember who you belong to, remember who you believe in. Do not let your soul be crushed by condemnation from others, from Satan, or from your own deceitful heart. You are in his flock, you know his voice. We do not heed to call of strangers, for their voice is not the sweet sound of our savior's call.

Father, grant your people that read these words the ears to hear the voice of Jesus calling. Give us the discernment to know when strangers are trying to influence us to follow any other way than behind Jesus. Continue to call us, that we may not stray to the right or to the left, but that we will stay close behind as you draw us to yourself in our conforming to the image of Christ. For those who do not yet believe, we hold onto hope that they do belong to you and have yet to heed your call. Grant us graciousness Father, keep us from being a tool of destruction that seeks to condemn those who belong to you. Your Son died for all who are in your flock, may we always be mindful of that. In that Son's name, Jesus, we pray to you our Father, Amen.

Ministry: Living Humility

So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me. -Philippians 2:29-30

In this letter to a church Paul loved, he thanks them for their support in his ministry by way of a man named Epaphroditus. This man took a gift from the church at Philippi to Paul, who was in Rome; at some point Epaphroditus became sick. And that is all we know about Epaprhoditus, as he goes unmentioned throughout the rest of the New Testament. Yet, Philippians 2:25-30 describes Epaphroditus as a "minister" worthy of honor.

Paul has just worked through a discussion of God's glory being shown through the humility of Christ, and he tells the Philippians to have the same mind of humility so they might shine like stars as they hold out the word of life. He depicts good service again through the ministry of Timothy, expounding upon Timothy's humble attitude as a servant of Christ. Paul continues, expressing his plan to send Epaphroditus back to Philippi, but within this little paragraph, Paul lifts up Epaphroditus as one who should be honored.

But why? Who is Epaphroditus? He is not mentioned in the book of Acts as one of the key converts in Philippi, he's not mentioned as one of Paul's companions on missionary journeys, and he's not even mentioned by Paul in any other letter. All we know about Epaphroditus is that he was carrying a message and a gift to Paul from the Philippians, and he got sick.

Paul says "honor such men," because Epaphroditus risked his life for the sake of Paul's ministry, the Gospel ministry. He wasn't worthy of honor because he had given the most money to Paul's work, or because he had been a member of the church for a long time, or because he had converted thousands of people to Christianity, or because he was a morally upright man, or even because he was a Bible college student (You'd be surprised how much "honor" is given simply for attending an institution). No, Epaphroditus was worthy of honor because he counted his life as nothing for the sake of living the Gospel of reconciliation.

We think of Paul as a mighty warrior of the cross, but Paul says Epaphroditus is his fellow soldier, a brother and fellow worker; we would do well to learn two things from this:

1. Ministry is not about holding a position or a name, it's about the work of Christ.
2. We should honor and rejoice in the ministry of those who take risks for the Gospel.

On the one hand, we strive to serve in humility, following the example of Jesus, who gave his own life for the sake of the Father's glory, that all men might be drawn to Him. Epaphroditus ministered through his sickness, humble enough to think his health nothing and service everything. There are people with the title of "Preacher" or "Pastor" or "Minister" who do not deserve honor; they risk nothing and live for the sake of themselves. Do not equate a position with a person. True servants are the doctors who use their vacation time to serve in foreign missionary clinics; the teacher who leaves the comfortable suburban school for the city school known for nothing good ; the firefighter who lays down his life so the community can see a reflection of Christ's sacrifice; the office worker who stands up for integrity in an environment which punishes honesty and rewards results; the white collar worker who gives up their job and moves to Haiti to help the people rebuild; on and on goes the list of those who risk for the sake of God's Kingdom. What is the key to such risk? Humility. Understanding God as glorious and ourselves as a tool of reconciliation in His hands.

The second challenge of this passage is to honor the ministry of others: to encourage the missionary gaining support; to pray for the thousands of persecuted Christians enduring the hatred of the world for Christ's sake; to recognize the single mother working 3 jobs, trying to get her children involved in the church family when it costs her precious hours of sleep; to sit with the dying saints who have lived a full life in a manner that pleases the Lord; to embrace the child who's father died in Iraq while spreading the Gospel in his battalion and among the Iraqi people; to listen to the couple who have not a penny to their name but love each other deeply for the sake of glorifying Christ. Honoring the ministry of others involves opening our eyes to the way God uses their lives to display the Gospel. What opens our eyes? Humility. Understanding God as glorious and others as tools of reconciliation in His hands.

Father, allow your people to be a people who live humbly; who put your desires above our desires. Send your Spirit to guide our thoughts through the day, that we might minister in each and every situation that affords us an opportunity to be an agent of reconciliation. We do not wish to simply be good people, and we do not desire to be honored for something within ourselves, but we do ask that you would use our lives to impact this world in such a way that others would be drawn to You. Help us to be like Christ, to be like Paul, to be like Timothy, and to be like Epaphroditus; who all understood that even one's life is not worth withholding from You. Father, we love You and consider it an honor in itself that we are called to partake in Your work on this earth, allow us to be gracious in honoring others for Your work in their lives. In the name of Christ, we ask for strength and mercy. Amen.

To Depart or To Remain...

The inspiration for this post came from two stories, albeit from Facebook posts, about the life and outlook of two elderly persons. I'll repost them without reference to where the original contributions came from.

1. "Just spent some time with a wonderful 94 year old saint. It is good to see men and women who have run the race well."

2. "An elderly man just summed up life for me: "You live life, love your wife, play with your kids, stay busy raising them to be independent adults...then all of a sudden everyone is gone, time stands still, and it's just you."

Being one prone to depression and a "less-than-positive" outlook on life, I naturally resonate with the second man's summation of life. However, as I have been reflecting quite heavily upon the book of Philippians, my thoughts are drawn to Paul's life summary in his letter to this beloved congregation.

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because my coming to you again." - Philippians 1:21-26

(The italicized portions are where my focus is to be placed.)

To enjoy the eternal blessing of closeness to Jesus is by far the thing I desire above everything else. How great the thought that I will be forever with my Lord! I say with John, "Come, Lord Jesus!" (And come quickly at that!) But as Spurgeon put it: "The Lord’s 'quickly' may not be my 'quickly'; and if so, let him do what seemeth him good." Christ has not yet returned, and I have not departed, so what is my lot? My lot is to remain in the flesh for others' progress and joy in the faith.

So, how does that play out in the scenarios above...

1: This person has learned to live the life of a disciple of Christ by way of longevity. They ran their race well and have strained and struggled to the glory of God. These faithful saints serve as examples; we are called to learn from them how to run the race well, that Christ will be honored in our body "whether by life or death." Perhaps they are without their spouse, their children, or even a friend in the world (although doubtful, fully possible), yet they strive on towards the "upward call of God." It would be far better for them to depart and be with Christ, for all is gain in that moment, but it is necessary for them to remain, that they may bolster the faith of others.

2: This person sits alone in a room with no comfort other than the occasional nurse or visitor who graces his door. For a vivid picture, think Carl Fredricksen from Disney Pixar's "Up." A man who's identity was defined by his wife and their relationship, it was his source of happiness; but in the loss of his wife, his identity is lost and his purpose is swept away in a matter of moments. Yes, the movie develops and Mr. Fredricksen finds a "new adventure" with the exuberant Russell, but that is a movie. (Also, he never finds Jesus, so the ending isn't complete). My point is twofold: 1, such people have nothing to gain in death and nothing of necessity to live for; 2, myself and other Christians are necessary that this man may find joy in the faith.

Paul's desire was to depart and be with Christ, but it was necessary for him to remain and continue his work for the sake of others, that their faith may progress and overflow with joy. Therefore, we reach the conclusion that although it is gain to die and be with Christ, we remain in the flesh to help others progress in their faith and take great joy in that faith. My heart rejoices in the testimony of the first person in this post, and I weep for the man who lives without joy. Though I may never meet either of these persons, there are people in my life who exemplify both positions.

Father, I long to depart and be forever with You, but I have been reminded by Your Word and the lives of my fellow man that this is not yet my lot. Grant me the grace of strength to find my joy always in You, never looking to my circumstances for a sense of identity or purpose. May I live in such a way that You are glorified and the faith of others progresses as they look to You as the source of their joy. Forgive me, Lord, for I am a selfish man who desires to gain through my death and the coming of Your Son. Thank you for this midday reminder that I am to be poured out as an offering for the sake of others. I lift this prayer in the precious name of Jesus Christ.

Beware, Lest You Forget

And when the LORD your God brings you into the land that he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give you—with great and good cities that you did not build, and houses full of all good things that you did not fill, and cisterns that you did not dig, and vineyards and olive trees that you did not plant—and when you eat and are full, then take care lest you forget the LORD, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

- Deuteronomy 6:10-12

Take care, or "beware" in the KJV, that you do not forget the LORD. Surely Israel could remember that they had been brought out of Egypt, that they had been rescued from slavery? Surely it would not be difficult to follow the law Moses handed to the people from their God? Surely this God could never be forgotten...

But the scriptures tell us He was forgotten; Moses' warning is itself within the context of the Israelites finally coming unto the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This land had been offered to the Israelites forty years prior, but they had forgotten the LORD. They had forgotten that He was in control. They had forgotten His promise, and all they could foresee was their destruction at the hands of those who inhabited the lands they were promised. So God led them into and through the wilderness for forty years because of their disobedience.

Flashing forward, the Israelites are victorious over the inhabitants of the land, and they settle as God's people. But it doesn't take long for them to again forget the LORD who had brought them out of Egypt and out of slavery. In fact, the rest of the Old Testament writings (for the most part) describe the unfaithfulness of Israel and the faithfulness of God. While they often forget, He never does. What a shameful people, those Israelites!

But wait, was my bondage to sin any less brutal than the burden of the Egyptians upon the backs of Israel? Was I too not rescued from slavery? Was I not suffering night and day under sin? Am I too not under a promise, am I not living in a grace that I have not produced? Yes, without a doubt, the freedom granted us in Christ has replaced the most suffocating bondage any man can endure.......and yet how quickly we forget? How often we cry out to return to "Egypt" as the Israelites did...we long for the bondage of our past. We seek to be slaves again to idleness, to idolatry, to pride, to coveting, to theft, to lying.....to food, to loneliness and depression, to lust, to hate, to fear. But let us not waiver in this truth, God is faithful.

Therefore, let us remember the Lord as we enjoy the blessings of His grace. Just as the promised land was not created by the Israelites, our blessed state in Christ was not our own creation, but is the promise of our God. Yes, let us enjoy our status as sons and daughters of the Almighty, but let us do so by remembering that He is the one who has called us. "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" says Paul. God was faithful to His promises to the people of Israel, and He is faithful to His promises to us on the other side of the cross.

Lord, forgive me for my forgetfulness that flaunts a false feeling of pride that I am okay on my own. Remind me that I have been brought out of bondage and owe everything to you, the LORD who has freed me from slavery. You, oh Lord, brought your people out of Egypt, and it was you, oh Lord, that called me out of my bondage to sin. What a terrible thing to forget who YOU are. Thank you Father for your scriptures, for Moses and the people of Israel who went before, that you could use them in drawing the world back into your arms. Thank you for reminding me that you are faithful, now and forever. In the name of Christ, who is the greatest sign of your faithfulness.