Too often we hear people pray, "help us Lord, to live so that when we die we can go to Heaven".
Praise God, there is sooo much more to following Jesus! There is SOOOO much MORE to our walk with the Lord than waiting on a "Golden Retirement Plan!"
Christ calls us to LIVE in HIM and to FOLLOW HIM....and each of these two requests are abundant with PROMISE. The promise afforded those who LIVE the LIFE of a Jesus follower is His Presence with us each and every step until the end of time. Our blessings in the Lord are far beyond what we can ask or even think.
IT IS IN THE NOW
It is in the NOW that we fulfill the mission of Christ. In the LATER, it will be tooooo late. It is in the NOW that we find all the spiritual blessings in Christ (peace, joy, love, hope, mercy, grace....). It is in the NOW that we celebrate victories in Christ (the faithful journey in hand with Him, sharing the joy of our salvation, discipling others to accept God Plan in baptism, the Thanksgiving Feast or Eucharist, the fellowship of the saints, rejoicing in suffering and service....and more!)
Christ calls us to mission work (Matthew 28:18-19). Christ calls us to follow. Christ calls us to CELEBRATE even in our suffering (1 Thess 1:6; Hebrews 10:34).
The reality is that many Christians look, act, and react in exactly the same manner as those lost in darkness. The call to be different from the world has been lost to a culture of comfort and narcissism (self-centeredness). Essentially, this is idolatry with self as the idol of our worship, service, and continuous absorption.
Jesus has called us out of self-absorption to self-denial and sacrifice. Only those who hear His voice and answer His call will enjoy His rest, His peace, and His mercy.
CULTURAL BLINDERS
Keep in mind that most of what we traditionally cling to and experience in assembly worship was constructed by the c of C (church of Constantine). If you are not familiar with this unconverted ruler, please read about the 7 malformations of Constantine's influence on Christianity.
If you are ready to be challenged to LIVE the LIFE of a Follower of Christ, then please DOWNLOAD & listen to the following audio sermons. Take notes AND take note!
FOLLOWSHIP (1) DOWNLOAD
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_OXt7psO2lTSjNpTXRWdUVSVlE/edit?usp=sharing
FOLLOWSHIP (2) DOWNLOAD
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_OXt7psO2lTX0UzbHdZYjZWVU0/edit?usp=sharing
In the comment section, let us know what you have learned or have reaffirmed in your heart and mind.
RESOURCE: http://joyindiscipleship.blogspot.com/2014/06/lesson-1-what-is-discipleship.html
Saturday, January 25, 2014
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