Introduction
Introduction
I am thankful that the Lord has allowed me to put these messages together in a book. I feel that this is a topic of urgency. I cannot remember reading any books quite like this or hearing any teachings like this. If I had grasped these things I believe I would have grown more quickly to know the Lord and His grace.
I believe that much of the reason we do not grow as Christians as quickly as we might and why we remain somewhat limited in our direct knowledge of the Lord is that we do not know how to deal with the topic of discipline. In most cases, discipline is presented in a way that makes us fearful. We are given the impression that it is something to be avoided. However, the Bible tells us that all the children of God undergo discipline as a training. It is presented as something fully positive, and fully for our good. It is an intimate work of Love, and it brings us into the direct knowledge of God as He works through everything in our environment to teach our entire being to rely on Christ and come confidently to Him.
I believe the goal of discipline is to make Christ our "safe place" that we automatically learn to run to in any situation, and the work of discipline is carried out not only when we're "being bad" but also when we're "being good." The proper teaching on discipline from the New Testament STRENGTHENS our confidence the Lord, shows us His loving hand in every facet or our life, reveals His purpose and Goals that are behind His dealings with us. As we learn to appreciate His discipline, we will also find that we have a way to know Him intimately and we will recognize His hand in our situations. As we look back at our life we will recognize His hand and His blessings and His dealing with us, and we will not feel that God is merely "theoretically" known to us but we will truly feel that we are beginning to know Him and taste His grace.
So that is the goal of this short book. It is a compilation of messages I gave on my YouTube Channel, transcribed and edited for readability. Message 1 deals with the assurance of salvation and also the practice of the church in discipline. Message 2 takes a look at Paul's discipline technique in 1 Corinthians, which is to use every negative situation to show them a richer truth concerning what they have in Christ. Message 3 Looks at some common misunderstandings of John 15 and reveals the loving heart of the Father in the Husbandman of the Vine and His tending and pruning of the branches. Message 4 and 5 are two parts of a message on dealing with "big sins" - and the key to maintaining confidence and joy even when living in the consequence of sins that really impact our lives and the lives of others. Finally, Message 6 is an appendix message on Hebrews 12. Most teachings on discipline come from an erroneous understanding of Hebrews 12 which is not talking about anyone's bad behavior, but is rather speaking to strengthen believers in a time of persecution.
My hope is that this book will bring comfort to the readers and strengthen joy and confidence before the Lord!