…the Son of God, who loved me
and gave Himself for me. —Galatians 2:20
{CHAMBERS} “…. Think what faith in Jesus Christ claims and provides—
He can present us faultless before the throne of God, inexpressibly pure, absolutely
righteous, and profoundly justified. Stand in absolute adoring faith “in Christ
Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God— and righteousness and sanctification
and redemption…” (1 Corinthians 1:30). How dare we talk of making a sacrifice
for the Son of God! We are saved from hell and total destruction, and then we
talk about making sacrifices! We must continually focus and firmly place our
faith in Jesus Christ— not a “prayer meeting” Jesus Christ, or a “book” Jesus
Christ, but the New Testament Jesus Christ, who is God Incarnate, and who ought
to strike us dead at His feet. Our faith must be in the One from whom our
salvation springs. Jesus Christ wants our absolute, unrestrained devotion to
Himself. We can never experience Jesus Christ, or selfishly bind Him in the
confines of our own hearts. Our faith must be built on strong determined
confidence in Him.”
{ELGIN} Martie and I heard a
great sermon this past Sunday. The preacher
was from Indonesia. Christians from other
countries, particularly Third World countries and a different perspective on
the brand of Christianity that is prevalent in the United States. He said that we define Church in one of three
ways. 1. As a Gas station. That is where we go each Sunday to “fill up”
spiritually so we can get through another week. 2. As a Cinema. We go each Sunday to watch a show, maybe have
an emotional response to what we see or hear, but take away nothing that might influence
how we live. And 3. As a super-market. A
one stop shop. We have a need that must
be met … we go have that need met. The bottom line in all three, it is all
about us and what we get out of it .. for us. And we are never satisfied. Attending the church service is a celebration, not the be all end all. A gathering of His Church.
Why? Because we don’t understand
what the Church, that has Christ as the cornerstone, is all about. The main purpose of the Church is to expand
the Kingdom and to bring glory to God. Not make me comfortable and feel good. The reason Jesus
wants you to be a disciple is so you can be a fisher of men (people) like Jesus,
not merely to make you a better person, better than your neighbor. Jesus
said “Go!” Jesus said “Pick up your
cross and follow Me.” Do what Jesus
did. Jesus said “Lay down your life for
others.” Jesus said “Love God with
everything you have.” Jesus said “If you
love Me, then do what I say.” When God Joshua,
to obey His Word, and then Joshua would be prosperous and successful, does your
mind go to material wealth? That is your flesh speaking. The word says do not love the world or the things
of this world. Love God. So how does that fit your idea of Christianity
and the Church? The proof of your belief
is not in what you say you believe, but in how you live that belief out day by
day. Something to think about ..
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