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Adventures in Listening A major difference exists between message and meaning. Messages are transmitted verbally while meanings exist in the hearts and minds of people. Communicators start with meanings and formulate them into messages which they speak to listeners. Listeners receive the messages and construct within their minds sets of meanings that may or may not correspond with the meanings intended by the communicator. Meanings, therefore, do not pass from the speaker to the listener, only messages. If a listener is positively disposed toward the communicator and the messages, it is likely that they will construct meanings that are at least favorable toward what is being said. Misunderstanding may still occur, but it is likely the speaker will receive the benefit of the doubt. If, on the other hand, the listener is negative toward the speaker and/or the messages, they are likely to attach unfavorable meanings to the messages regardless of whether or not they understand them. Kraft, Charles H. “Workman Lectures Series.” Ashland Theological Journal Volume 12 12 (1979): 34–35. Print.

God intends that the heart of every humble child of His be guarded by a peace which passes understanding (Philippians 4:7). The assurance of our hope comes to us moment by moment as we live our lives in faith. But it is not an assurance which is arrogant, cocky or heedless. No true servant of God, trusting Him, loving Him, ever dealt fast and loose with temptation or sin. The same one who said that nothing “shall be able to separate us from the love of God” also said, “I buffet my body and bring it into bondage lest after I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected” (1 Corinthians 9:27). The assurance of God is a holy confidence joined to a sober vigilance, in order that what we now assuredly hold, by His grace, may never be lost. The subject of assurance has been hotly debated down through the centuries, especially in the Calvinist-Arminian controversies. Are all who have been converted to Christ unconditionally assured of their eternal salvation, or is the life of a Christian one of probation in which his relationship to God is conditioned on faithfulness? Nothing is more clearly established in Scripture than the possibility of apostasy. As certainly as the wicked can turn and be saved, so can the righteous fall and be lost (Ezekiel 18:21–26). A Christian’s fellowship with his Father is dependent upon an ongoing spirit of obedient faith (Romans 11:19–22; 1 Corinthians 15:1–2; Colossians 1:22–23; Hebrews 3:6, 14). Earnhart, Paul. “Mining the Scriptures Practical Expositions: The Search for Assurance.” Christianity Magazine 1989 : 27. Print.