Immovable + Steadfast
The world is crazy. The Democrats are running candidates that openly call for the castration of little boys and mutilation of little girls. Truly sick. These people are completely evil and demonic. The Republicans closed the first night of their convention with a prayer to a false god from a religion that rejects Jesus as the only true Savior of the world. A former Virginia governor advocated for post-birth, live baby abortions. Hostilities are raging all over the world, some of which have broken out into wars. These skirmishes are only the ones the general public is made aware of by the corrupt media. The economy is on the brink. Medical professionals cannot even be trusted anymore. Clearly, the COVID vaccine was neither safe nor effective. So many once faithful pastors, churches, and denominations have completely lost their way in this post-Christian culture. It is truly breathtaking to see former solid biblical conservatives sound like the wokest, leftist at a Subaru festival unveiling the latest EV. The alphabet community has not only claimed God’s symbol of common grace, but they have so thoroughly deceived and conquered so much of contemporary psyche that once biblical denominations are now saturated with sexually perverted clergy.
The situation is so dire and bleak that no politician and no political party can rectify the mess now. The only One who can help now is Jesus. And the only true source of direction that is trustworthy is God’s Word, the Bible. But the reality is, Jesus has always been the only One who can truly help. The Word of God has always been the only source of infallible direction for a fallen world. Now, however, in light of the total chaos and evil that is so prevalent and observable in the world today, people are starting to wake up and see the dire straits facing humanity in the Twenty First Century.
Unbreakable Faith Ministries is an unashamed work dedicated to the proclamation of the Gospel, training of Christians in sound, biblical and systematic theology, and advocation of implementing a Christian worldview in every aspect of life. Jesus Christ is the only One who can lead humanity safely through the minefield of deception and depravity that deceives so many across the globe. His Word is the only trustworthy guide for humanity along this harrowing path. Nevertheless, He is sufficient and His Word is efficient for every situation and circumstance people face in this cultural gulag of satanic nihilism. Therefore, Unbreakable Faith Ministries exists to make much of Jesus and His Word.
The Apostle Paul wrote a powerful, inspiring message about the source of the Christian’s resolve grounded in the eternal victory of the Lord Jesus Christ in 1 Corinthians 15. As Paul finished his explanation of Christ’s victory and the effects of it on believers, he stated his applicable conclusion: Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). Paul gave believers encouragement in light of Christ’s victory in this verse. His encouragement is grounded firmly in the resurrection of Christ. Earlier in the chapter, Paul alluded to the fact that those who deny the resurrection of Christ trend towards a hedonistic lifestyle of finding pleasure in eating, drinking, and immoral behavior. Belief in the resurrection, however, because Christ is alive, leads to a stable life full of peace and purpose, a life of ceaseless stability and satisfying service.
Some scholars translate Paul’s imperative in verse 58 as “Let nothing move you.” This translation combines the two words “steadfast” and “immovable.” Both words appear in the original text. Steadfast means firm and settled: a firm, settled conviction about the truthfulness and historicity of Christ’s resurrection. Immovable means not to be moved from its place. Metaphorically, the word means firmly persistent. In light of Christ’s victorious resurrection and His grace which extends victorious benefits to His people, Christians can remain firmly persistent in their hope, faith, confidence, and joy, because in spite of all the craziness observable in this sin-sick world, the Savior’s victory is not in doubt; and, the Savior’s return in glory will never be deterred, delayed, or derailed.
Furthermore, Paul told believers to always excel in the Lord’s work because they know that their labor is not in vain. Some translations say something similar to, “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord.” “Excel” or “give yourselves fully” is the same word used to describe the abounding leftovers in both of Jesus’ feeding miracles. Believers are not to serve the Lord in fear or scarcity of passion. Believers are to overflow with joy, hope, and confidence in their efforts to proclaim the Gospel and disciple believers. Why? Because a risen, living Lord ensures efficacy of Christian ministry. Unbreakable Faith Ministries exists to offer resources for Christians to faithfully obey Paul’s command to be immovable and steadfast in the Christian faith, while always giving oneself joyfully and fully to the cause of Jesus Christ.
Paul’s confidence was preceded 700 years by Isaiah’s confidence in the Lord, despite the external appearance of reality. Isaiah lived and ministered in a time of extremes. The judgement of God fell not only on the enemies of God during Isaiah’s day, but it fell on the nation of Israel as well. Nevertheless, Isaiah knew that despite the pollical, cultural, and religious climate of his day, God would still be true to His Word and rescue His people in His own time and in His own way.
Isaiah 26 begins with a shout of praise to God for His future victory. The chapter begins with these words: On that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city. Salvation is established as walls and ramparts. 2 Open the gates so a righteous nation can come in—one that remains faithful. 3 You will keep the mind that is dependent on You in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You (Isaiah 26:1-3). Isaiah knew that even though evil may appear to be winning on every front, both in and outside of Israel, God would never neglect nor forsake the righteous among His people. Hence, the righteous must always have a fixed disposition of trust towards God. The steadfast, immovable Christian, therefore, is one who cast himself or herself fully upon the faithfulness of God without any reservation.
To trust one’s ability partly and God partly is the surest prescription for insecurity and anxiety (8:11-22; 57:19-21). That person will never know the wholeness [shalom] which having all his or her commitments in one place may mean. This is not to say that we denigrate or deny God-given abilities. But it is to say that we refuse to believe the lie that we are independent and have in ourselves the keys to ultimate success in life. The person who refuses the blandishments of such an idea and steadfastly looks to God can know an inner oneness which makes possible a confident outlook on the darkest scene. For our mortality, short-sightedness, and weakness, we receive in exchange God’s immortality, omniscience, and omnipotence. That is security. (John Oswalt, NICOT: The Book of Isaiah Chapters 1-39, 472.
Even if God’s faithfulness and fullness of blessings for His children are not seen completely or clearly in this life, the righteous follower of Christ does not lose hope for today or for tomorrow. The righteous followers of Christ continue to claim the promises of God because they know that in God’s time and in God’s way, He will fulfill every single one of them.
In the second section of the chapter Isaiah discussed the reality that many Christians see all too present in their own day: the wicked seem to be advancing and the righteous seem to be losing ground! Isaiah wrote, I long for You in the night; yes, my spirit within me diligently seeks You, for when Your judgments are in the land, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. But if the wicked man is shown favor, he does not learn righteousness. In a righteous land he acts unjustly and does not see the majesty of the Lord (Isaiah 26:9-10). Isaiah recognized that as long as the wicked seem to prosper and have an easy path in life they will have no reason to learn the way of God or even look for Him. He was convinced, like the psalmist, that only divine retribution will bring the ungodly to their knees: When He killed some of them, the rest began to seek Him; they repented and searched for God (Psalm 78:34). Sadly, his conclusion seems true for those who are so far down depravity’s destructive slide that they advocate for parents losing custody of their children if the parents do not placate their child’s deluded desire to sterilize themselves before reaching double digits.
Despite opening the chapter with words of praise for God’s future deliverance, Isaiah could not escape the reality of his current cultural situation. He wrote, Lord, Your hand is lifted up to take action, but they do not see it (Isaiah 26:11a). Sadly, the blind cannot see. Those who cheer the ability to snuff out a life before a baby leaves the safety and security of what should be the most precious, tender place on the planet have such a profound sense of spiritual, moral, and psychological blindness that no hope or cure can be proffered to them other Christ. Yet, for many, Christ is the last thought on their depraved minds as they proceed from one degree of degradation to another.
Isaiah, who could have been writing today, nevertheless, recognized where his hope and help came from. He stated, Lord, You will establish peace for us, for You have also done all our work for us. 13 Yahweh our God, lords other than You have ruled over us, but we remember Your name alone (Isaiah 26:12-13). Within the boundaries of God’s sovereign providence, the world is certainly being ruled today by other gods than Yahweh. Followers of Christ, however, must have the same resolve and commitment as Isaiah and boldly state, “God we will remember Your name alone!” Unbreakable Faith Ministries seeks to give believers resources to make this bold claim a confident claim as well.
Isaiah’s excitement for a future blessing was interrupted by the wickedness of reality. This interruption rocked him, and it rocks many Christians today. Sometimes the level of stupidity, depravity, and insanity that parades across screens in the name of science, tolerance, DEI, and progressive utopia is not only mindboggling, but demoralizing. Isaiah, no doubt, felt this demoralization as well. This fact makes his return to the concept of future hope and blessing at the end of the chapter so valuable to the Church. He wrote, Your dead will live; their bodies will rise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in the dust! For you will be covered with the morning dew, and the earth will bring out the departed spirits (Isaiah 26:19). Although the full scope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ was probably beyond Isaiah’s understanding, he knew that there was more to life than merely living in this realm. Isaiah knew that resurrection from the dead was not only possible with God, but that resurrection from the dead was promised by God. The Apostle Paul’s hope, therefore, was grounded in the same reality that Isaiah found so motivating and soothing in the midst of terrible cultural wickedness and religious strife. Isaiah and Paul both found never-ending hope and soul-securing, life-stabilizing joy in the living Lord, Jesus Christ.
The world is sick. The devil appears to be marching across the planet conquering territory at will. What only a few decades ago would have been considered so far beyond acceptable that it could hardly be envisioned is now championed by politicians, pundits, and even preachers. When will it end? Where will it end? Isaiah answered these questions nearly three millennia ago: Go, my people, enter your rooms and close your doors behind you.
Hide for a little while until the wrath has passed. For look, the Lord is coming from His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity. The earth will reveal the blood shed on it and will no longer conceal her slain (Isaiah 26:20-21). The church may feel like she is in a time of hiding in her room with the door firmly closed. However, when the night is the darkest, the light of Christ shines the brightest. Christians have no doubt as to the contents of last chapter of the drama of redemptive history. Therefore, as God gives opportunity, proclaim Christ, preach the Word, and pray without ceasing. And through it all, never forget that the wicked will not escape the justice and judgement of God. Therefore, do not trade what appears to be temporary success and pleasure for what is certain eternal joy and peace. As the Apostle Paul said so many years ago, So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up (Galatians 6:9).
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