This week, Michael writes: The
lyrics of an old hymn “Lift high the cross” says, "Rise up oh men of God.
Tread where His feet have trod. As brothers and sisters of the Son of Man
rise up oh men and women of God. The Bible tells us and the actual lives of
everyone show that people seek pleasure in the lusts of the flesh and the pride
of life. Worldly happiness in this world is fleeting happiness in this world is
fleeting. These ephemeral pleasures last only for a moment.
Matthew 16:26 “For
what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own
soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”
However, when we delight
ourselves in the Lord, he will give us the desires of our heart. The
things done outside of the spirit of God will come to naught only that which is
done in Christ. Our credentials are in Christ. The Apostle Paul said,
that which you have heard of me among
many witnesses, the same commit you unto faithful men who shall be able to
teach others also. We're to pass what we've learned of the Word of God
to faithful men, women and children. Jesus said, in order to follow me,
you have to count the cost. Unless
you leave mother, father, sister, and brother Jesus said, you cannot follow
me. The meaning is that we must count the cost of being a disciple. There
is a cost, and that is the point of the passage. What's the cost of following
him? In order to be a disciple, we must be willing to give up everything
for Jesus. But, it's not about the cost, it's about the value. What is it
that you value most? Jesus said, “Seek first
the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added
unto you.”
John 14:23-27 Jesus
answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my
Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He
that loves me not keeps not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine,
but the Father's which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being
yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the
Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all
things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with
you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not
your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
Jesus said, "I have to leave so that the Holy Spirit can
come." John 16:7 “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that
I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if
I depart, I will send Him to you.” The Holy Spirit is the Comforter, the
one who comes alongside to help. The Holy Spirit will lead you to the all
truth. The Holy Spirit reveals the truth of the Word of God.
How do you pass the word to
faithful men and women? You have to receive it in order to pass it
on. According to Luke 6:45, “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” When we
saturate our hearts with God’s holy Word, then He will use our words and
actions to teach others the truth of His word. Jesus said in Luke 9:23-25, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his
cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose
it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For
what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be
cast away?”
Let's continue Michael's message on Christian living in the next post.
In Christ, Brian
No comments:
Post a Comment