Michael continues: Jesus said, in order to find your life, you must lose it. Missionary Jim Elliot said, He’s no fool who gives up that which he cannot keep to keep that which he cannot lose. Jesus asked, for what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul? Jesus also said, take heed and beware of covetousness, (avarice, greed and the desire for material possessions.). Our blessing, our portion in this world, and our allotment is not in the things of this world ,,. it is not in money, wealth, possessions, popularity, or praise of men. These things are fleeting. They are here today and gone tomorrow. What is it that we really need? All I need is Jesus.
Jesus completed the sermon on the mount with an illustration. He said, he that hears the truth of the Word of God but does not do it is like a man who built his house on the sand. It may look good on the outside. But it is built on shifting sand and does not have a firm foundation. Then when the storms raged and the wind and waves surged, the house fell and great was the fall of It. The storms of life undermine the shifting sands of good intentions without action.
Jesus said, there is none good. No one in this fallen world is inherently good, for as Paul said, in my flesh dwelleth no good thing. Only God is good. If there is any good, this goodness comes from God himself. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (James 1:17) “Good” biblically speaking, means “fit for the purpose designed by the Designer.” Another word for Good means that which is beautiful by God’s Devine design.
Jesus Christ can be seen either from the perspective of the secular world or from God’s heavenly perspective. Jesus of the world is an uncrucified Christ of our own desires and design. There is no price to pay, no cost of following him … Jesus of the secular world offers a cheap salvation, but he is not real. However the Jesus of Nazareth says, count the cost. If they hated me, they will hate you. Blessed are they when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake, for great is your reward in heaven.
Jesus of the secular world is politically correct. Jesus of Nazareth is biblically correct. Jesus of the secular world says truth is relative. Jesus of Nazareth says truth is absolute. Jesus of the secular world says, peace is based on circumstances. Jesus of Nazareth says, I am the prince of peace. The fruit of the Spirit is peace. Jesus of the secular world says, study the Word of God so that you will know. Jesus of Nazareth says, study daily to be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Jesus of the secular world says, God’s purpose is to love, bless and serve me. Jesus of Nazareth says, my purpose is to love, serve, and worship the Lord God with all thy heart, soul, mind and strength. Jesus of the secular world says, God’s job is to set me free from captivity of sin. Jesus of Nazareth says, make me a captive Lord and then I shall be free. Force me to render up my sword, and I shall conqueror be … Imprison me within thine arms and free shall be my stand that in loving God above all, we may live to the praise of the glory of His grace!
Your brother in Christ, Michael
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