Conceiving Trouble
For the company of the godless is barren, and fire consumes the tents of bribery. They conceive trouble and give birth to evil, and their womb prepares deceit.
Job 15:34-35
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Conceiving Trouble
Eliphaz ends by once again condemning Job as one who brings forth evil schemes and lives a deceitful life. To Eliphaz this is the only thing which makes sense because he confuses the Law and the Gospel. When we imagine ourselves in control of our salvation it is only natural to view misfortune as punishment for particular sins. We are the ones who give birth to either blessings or curses. The idea that as a sinner we have free will in spiritual matters is a very common and very dangerous thought. As sinners we have no free will in such things. We are by nature spiritually dead and helpless. It is only by the grace of God that we are saved. The Law does not save because we are not capable of upholding it. The Law reminds us of this every time we sin. It reminds us that we need a Savior who can save us from the punishment of the Law. This is the Gospel message which Eliphaz is missing. This is the truth which Christ has revealed to us. We thank God that we are not in control of our Salvation, that it is not dependent upon our works, for if it were no one would be saved. Yet, because of God’s love for us He sent His Son to do what we cannot, redeem our lives. And so we are!
Job 15:34-35
+
Conceiving Trouble
Eliphaz ends by once again condemning Job as one who brings forth evil schemes and lives a deceitful life. To Eliphaz this is the only thing which makes sense because he confuses the Law and the Gospel. When we imagine ourselves in control of our salvation it is only natural to view misfortune as punishment for particular sins. We are the ones who give birth to either blessings or curses. The idea that as a sinner we have free will in spiritual matters is a very common and very dangerous thought. As sinners we have no free will in such things. We are by nature spiritually dead and helpless. It is only by the grace of God that we are saved. The Law does not save because we are not capable of upholding it. The Law reminds us of this every time we sin. It reminds us that we need a Savior who can save us from the punishment of the Law. This is the Gospel message which Eliphaz is missing. This is the truth which Christ has revealed to us. We thank God that we are not in control of our Salvation, that it is not dependent upon our works, for if it were no one would be saved. Yet, because of God’s love for us He sent His Son to do what we cannot, redeem our lives. And so we are!
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2023
January
Responding to GodLamentationSeek GodThe Day of the LordA Matter of FaithThe Secure and the ComplacentThe Pride of the PeopleFrom Depths of WoeVisions of FireA Plumb LineAmaziahSummer FruitA Final VisionA Word of HopeA VisionHumiliationDisplacedStanding AloofHouse of FireRestorationHeeding God’s CallOverboardInside the Great FishFor a Second TimeMessage ReceivedNot Fair
2022
January
In One SpiritHe is ComingA Light for the NationsDepart in PeaceThe BenedictionWise Men SeeTrusting in the EmptinessWilted BlossomsConceiving TroubleWhat Comfort?SolaceWorn OutTorn With WrathLike a WarriorA Pure PrayerHeavenly WitnessA Ready GraveA Pledge for YouA Byword of the PeoplesHold OnNight into DayWhere is My Hope?Into the DustHunting for WordsOur Own FlameCaught in a TrapDeath ConsumesTo Know GodMy ErrorsNo JusticeHe Has Taken the Crown
February
No AnswerForsakenRock BottomRedemption!The Root of the MatterDo You Not Know?Fly AwayBittersweetUpon the RiversConstant CravingsBurning AngerEnduring WitnessesGod’s PortionKeep ListeningThe Rod of GodIs Not Their Prosperity in Their Hand?The Lamp of the WickedEqualizationThe House of the PrinceEmpty NothingsProfitable to GodOutward AppearancesWater Covers YouWhat Does God Know?Foundations Washed AwayConsumed by the FireGold and SilverLife Up Your Face to God