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Christian Living
ConsiderthecrucialpointsoftheChristianlifewithauthorWendyGoubej.
Why Should I Study the Bible?TheBiblehasbeenstudiedforcenturiesbypeoplesearchingforGod.Ithas
changedmanylivesforthebetterandhascomfortedmanysorrowfulpeople.
Granted,theBiblescontentshavealsobeenusedasaweaponagainstothersand
havebeenmisquotedtojustifyanynumberofevils.Justaswithanyotherbook,itiseasytotakeswordsfromtheBibleoutofcontextandusethemforonesownends.
TherehavebeenmanyinhistorywhohavemanipulatedotherswiththeBible.ButjustbecausesomehaveuseditnefariouslydoesnotmeanthattheBibleshouldbe
discarded.
ItisbelievedthattheBiblecontainsthewaytoeternallife.TheBibleclaimsitselfto
beinspiredbyGod.Andifthisisso,thentherearemanyreasonsnottodiscardits
words,buttofindcomfortandguidancewithinthisholyBook.
HerearesomeofthereasonstheBiblegivesforwhyweshouldstudyitspages:
To give us hope
Romans15:4tellsusthatthethingswrittenintheBiblewerewrittenforour
learning,sothatwemighthavehope.Thereareagreatmanycomfortingversesin
theBiblethatspeakofGodsloveforhumanity,andHispromisetohelpusinour
hourofneed.
Whileonearth,JesusinvitedalltocomeandlaytheirburdensatHisfeet.This
invitationextendstoallhumanitythroughoutallofhistory.TheBibleisabookthat
canbringgreatpeaceandcomforttoitsreaders.Thereareover3000promisesin
theBibleassurancesfromalovingheavenlyFatherofHiscareandconcern.
AcceptingthembyfaithbringsapeaceandanassuranceofHisloveandpowerin
ourlives.
To teach us the plan of salvation
Whatisthepurposeoflife?WhereamIgoingwhenIdie?
TheBibleprovidesanswerstothesequestionsandmanymore.Mostimportantly,
however,theBibleclearlyoutlinestheplanofsalvation:howwecanbecome
reconcileduntoGodandsomedayliveintheearthmadenew.
Thehopeofahappyeternallifeinheavenisahopesharedbymanyreligions.The
Biblegivesustheplantogetusthere.Inaddition,theBiblehelpsusunderstand
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howwegothereandwhyweneedaplantosaveus.
Thiscanbeverycriticalinformation,forunlesswerealizethatweneedsaving,wewontlookforaSaviour.
To reveal Jesus as SaviourWhenonEarth,JesusspokeoftheScripturesastestifyingofHimself.Totestify
meanstoaffirmordeclare(oftenunderoath)whatonehaswitnessedorlearned
throughfirsthandknowledgeorexperience.
SincetheBiblehasbeenwrittenby40authorsoveraperiodof1500years,weshouldseetheScripturesasagroupofwriterstestifyingoftheaccuracyoftheir
experiences.TheScripturereferredtobyChrististheOldTestament.Thatwasthe
onlyScripturetherewasduringHislifetime,andyetChristdeclaredthattheOldTestamenttestifiedofHimself.
ThosewhoteachthattheOldTestamentScripturesarenotapplicabletousdonot
understandwhatJesusissaying.IfwewanttofindmoreaboutJesus,weshouldnotrestrictourselvesonlytotheGospelsorPaul'sbooks.TheentireBiblewillreveal
thebeautyofGod'scharacterandJesusChristasthesolutionforhumanitysproblemswithsinonthisearth.
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How God Saves Us
We all need a Saviour
Allpeopleneedtocometotherealizationthatweneedsaving.Ifwearesinnersin
needofsaving,thenweneedaSaviour.Wheredidsincomefrom?
Ofourselves,wecouldneverliveuptothesupremestandardneededtogain
entranceintoheaven.Becauseitwasnotourfaultthatwewerebornsinners,God
didnotleaveustoruin,butdevisedaspecialplanwherewecouldallbesaved.
Manypeoplefighttheideathatweareallsinners.Romans6:23statesthatthe
wagesofsinisdeath.Justfromthesimplefactthatweallendupdying,wecan
determinethatindeedweareallsinnersinneedofaSaviour.
WhenwelookatthelawofGodtheprinciplesofrightlivingasoutlinedinthe
Biblewecanseethatwecertainlyhavebrokenthelaw.Allofushave,atsometimeoranother,liedorstolensomethingthatwasntourstotake,orwishedwe
couldhavesomethingthatwedidnt.Manyofushavekilledbothliterallyandwith
ourwords.
Nooneisexemptfrombreakingthelaw.Thewordlawcansometimesgetpeople
angry,butthelawisjustastandardofbehaviorandattitudesthat,iffollowed,
wouldmakeEarthaheaventoliveon.
Butallofusknowthatthisplanetisfarfromaheaven.Somanycommitsuicide
becausetheyjustcantbeartheworldanditsproblemsanymore.Death,however
gruesome,isstill,intheirminds,aneasierandbettersolutionthanfacingthe
problemsintheirlives.
IfmorepeopleturnedtheirlivesovertothecontrolofGod,andfollowedHisprinciples,therewouldbemuchlesspainandsorrow.However,thatisnotthecase.
Weareindeedadyinghumanracethatdesperatelyneedsasolutionandapurpose.
In Christ
TheprincipleofsinleadingtodeathissofirmlyentrenchedintheBibleandGods
KingdomthatGodHimselfcouldnotchangeitforusafterAdamandEvesinned.If
Godcouldoverlookthesinprobleminus,howcouldHeexpectorderandharmony
inheaven?So,Hedevisedarescuemission,whichislaidoutintheBible.
Paul,oneoftheapostlesofJesus,spenthiswholelifecommunicatingthisrescue
mission,knownastheGospelorgoodnews,tothepeopleinEuropeandtheMiddle
East.
InPaulswritings,wefindakeyphrasethatturnsupthroughoutallhisletters.That
phraseisinChristorinChristJesus.SimilarphrasessuchasinHim,together
withHim,intheBeloved,inWhomallexpressthesameidea.Ifwedonot
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understandwhattheBiblemeansbythisexpression,wewillneverbeabletofully
understandthegoodnewsoftheGospel.
PaulslettertotheEphesianstellsusthatGoddevisedthisplanforusbeforeHe
evenmadetheworld.ThiswasHiscontingencyplan.Becausedeathspreadtoall
humankind,sincewearealloffspringofAdam,GodhadtodeviseaplanwherewecouldallbesavedinChrist.
TheFathertookthehumanraceandcorporatelyunitedittoHisSon.ButfirstChrist
hadtoqualifytobeourrepresentativeandSaviourbyconsentingtobemade
human.
GodtheFatherunitedthelifeofHisSontoourhumanityinthewombofMary.That
iswhyJesusiscalledthesecondorlastAdam.Onlybyconsentingtobemade
humancouldJesustrulyrepresentus.AndwhenHedied,Hisdeedsofrighteousness
becameourdeedsofrighteousness,andasaresultwearelegallyredeemed.
TheBibletellsusthatallwhoareinChristwilllive.Justasalldiebecauseallhave
sinnedinAdam,soalsoallhaveobeyedinChristandstandjustifiedtolifeinHim.ByHisperfectlifeandsacrificialdeath,Hesatisfiedallthedemandsofthelaw
onourbehalf.InChrist,humanityhasanewhistorythatqualifieseverybelieverfor
heaven.
The Gift of Righteousness
Manypeoplebelievesalvationisjusttheforgivenessofsin.Itsasthoughoursins
arewrittenonablackboardandthat,whenJesusdied,Hewaslikeaneraserthat
erasesallofoursins.ButthisisnotwhattheBibleteaches!
Yes,oursinsarewrittenonablackboardandJesusislikeaneraser,butthatisnot
thewholestory.Ourslatedoesnotremainempty!AllofthegoodandholyandrighteousdeedsthatChristeverdidarenowtransferredtousandarenowwritten
onourblackboard.ThisistheincrediblegoodnewsoftheGospel.
Theimportantthingtoremember,however,isthatwhatGodhasbroughttothewholehumanracebyChristsobedienceisafreegiftanditcannotbeoursunlesswe
acceptit.
Accepting the Gift
ThemomentwebelievethatGodhasdonethisforus,andacceptitforus,we
becomeincludedinChristandhavealltheprivilegesthatcomeswithbeinginChrist.
ThemomentyouacceptChristasyourSaviourandyoutrustonlyinHimforyour
salvation,GodlooksatyouasacceptedintheBeloved.Itsasthoughoncewere
born,wereceivedaspecialbirthdaypresentfromGod.ItsuptouswhenwewillopenthatgiftandreceivewhatHehasgivenus.Wehavetwooptionswiththisfree
giftfromGod:acceptitorrejectit.
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TheBibleassuresusthatGodwillmakeusholy,unblameable,andunreproveableif
wechoosetobelieveinJesusChristastheSonofGod.Thoughwemaybesinners,in
Godseyeswearenowconsideredprefect,blameless,andwithoutfault.Thisgives
uspeacewithGodandallowsustostopworryingaboutoursalvation.
IfwebelieveinJesus,webecomesonsanddaughtersofGod.Aswecontinuetomoveforwardinthisbelief,Godwillchangeusintopeoplefitforheaven.
GodlooksoneveryonewhobelievesinJesusChristasHischild.IfyoubelieveinHis
name,youhavealreadyreceivedeternallifeeventhoughyoumaynotfeelitorthink
youdeserveit.WhenPresidentLincolnissuedtheEmancipationProclamation,it
legallyfreedallslaves.Yettenyearslater,therewerestillsomeslavesworkingonplantations.Why?Becausetheydidnotbelievethegoodnews,sotothem,they
werenotfreed.
What will you Decide?
WhenJesusdiedonthecross,HegaveusallnewlifethroughHim.However,ifyoudonotbelievethis,itwillnotbetrueforyouaswell.
Godhasgivenallofusachoice.WecaneitherdecidetobeinAdamorinChrist.Thereisnomiddleground.ItwasnotourfaultthatwewereborninAdam,butit
isourfaultifwedecidenottobeinChrist.
Manypeoplethinktheymustwaituntiltheyhaverepentedfromtheirsinstocome
toGod.Thisisnottrueatall.ReadwhattheBiblesaysaboutrepentanceand
conversion
Thereisnothingweourselvescandotomeritsalvation.Thiscomestousonlyasa
giftfromGod.GodpaidtoohighapriceforustoignoreHisincrediblesacrificefor
us.FindouthowtoacceptChristssacrificeforyoupersonally.
IfyouvealreadyacceptedChristssacrificeforyou,readATrueChristianSpiritual
LifetofindoutwhatitmeanstoliveaChristianlifealifesavedbyChrist.Isitany
differentfromanyotherlife?HowdoesGodactuallymakeusfitforheaven?
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God's Supreme Sacrifice for You
The Cross
ThePhoeniciansinventedthecrossasanexecutiontoolapproximately600years
beforeChrist.ItwasthenadoptedbytheEgyptians,andlatertheRomansrefineditandusedittoexecuterunawayslavesandtheirworstcriminals.
Crucifixionwasthemostpainfulandshamefulinstrumentofexecutionever
practiced.ThebookWatchWithMegivesadetaileddescriptionofRomanexecution.Ittakesbetweenthreeandsevendaystodieonthecross.
Gangreneisformedinyourhandsandfeetwhererustynailshavepierced.Youhave
splittingmigraineheadaches.Everyjointofyourbodyfeelstornapartandthepain
isexcruciating.Youhavecrampseverywhere.Airisforcedoutofyourlungssothat
youaresuffocating.Inthenightyouareexposedtothecoldandinthedaytimeyou
areexposedtotheheat.
ButwhatisitthatmakesChristsdeaththesupremesacrificeaboveallother
deaths?Manymartyrshavesufferedhorribledeaths,someinwaysthatseemmore
agonizingthanJesusdeathonthecross.
The Curse
ItwasthechiefpriestsandofficerswhocriedoutcrucifyHim(John19:5-7)when
PilatepresentedChristtothem.Pilate,anofficialofRome,foundnofaultinJesus,sotheJewshadtogiveareasonwhytheyweredemandingJesuscrucifixion.Theysaid
thattheyhadalawthatcondemnedChristtodeath.Thelawtheywerereferringto
wasthelawofblasphemy.
Accordingtothelawofblasphemy,Jesuswastohavebeenstoned,notcrucified.In
John10:30-33weseetheJewstryingtostoneJesusafterHesaid,TheFatherandI
areone.Thisprovestheywereawarethatstoningwasthemethodofdeathfor
blasphemy.
TheJewsdemandedChristbecrucifiedbecausetheywantedhimtobecursedofGod.InDeuteronomy21:22-23welearnthatifamancommittedasindeservingof
deathandhungonatreeasameansofexecution,hewasaccursedofGod(seealsoActs5:30;10:39;13:29).
WhentheJewscriedoutcrucifyHimtheywerenotonlydemandingthatChristbe
puttodeath,buttheyweredemandingthatGodscursebeuponHim.ToaJew,whenoneishungonatree,theycouldnotofferaprayerofforgivenessforallthe
sintheyhadcommittedbecausetheywereforeverseparatedfromGod.Theywere
accursed.ThisiswhattheywantedforChrist.
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The Cost
Galatians3:13tellsusthatChristredeemedusbybecomingacurse.Christfeltthe
guiltofthewholeworld.AndHechosetodothisforus.Godcouldnotremovethe
cursefromChristbecauseHelovedusandthatwastheonlywayHecouldsaveus.
HesparednotHisownSon,butdeliveredHimupforusall(Romans8:32).Hedid
thisbecausetheSonHimselfhadwillinglychosenthispathbecauseofHisloveforus.
SomehaveaccusedGodtheFatherofbeingevilbecauseHeallowedHisownSontodie.Theyask,whatkindofaFatherwoulddothattoHisSon?Thesepeopleforget
thatGodistheFather,theSon,andtheHolySpiritThreeinOne.
WhattheSonwants,theFatherandHolySpiritwant,andwhattheFatherwants,the
SonandHolySpiritwant.Theythinkalike.Theyloveusalike.Itwasnoteasyforthe
FathertoseeHisSonsuffering.
TheFathersufferedwiththeSon,andbecausetheyareallGod,GodHimselfofferedHimselfasthesubstituteinourbehalf.So,itwasntreallyafar-awayFather
watchingandallowingHisSontosuffer.ItwasaverynearFathersufferingwithHis
Son,forbothweregivingofthemselvesforusbecausetheylovedus.
ItwasGodtheFatherHimselfwhoraisedJesusfromthedead(Acts5:30;1
Corinthians6:14;Galatians1:1).JesusdidnotraiseHimself.JesuswastotallydependentonHisFatherwhileinthisworld,andHewasnolessdependentonthe
FatherforHisresurrectionalso.ThiswasaremarkablecondescensiononthepartofJesus,whohadallpowerbeforeHecametoearth.ButHewillinglylaidasideHis
powertobedependentonHisFatherinallthings.
WhenJesuswasdyingonthecross,Heexclaimed,MyGod,MyGod,whyhasThou
forsakenMe?(Mark15:33-37).
TheplanwasthatJesuswoulddieforthehumanraceandthentheFatherwould
raiseHimup.ButJesusiscryingouttoHisFatherthatHefeelsabandoned.Hedoes
notfeelHisFatherspresenceanylonger.Thehopeoftheresurrectionwentwith
thatabandonment.HecouldnotsaveboththeworldandHimself.Hehadtochoose
betweentheworldandHimself,andHestillgoesthroughwithit!
DoyouknowwhatHeissayinginthisact?HeissayingthatHelovesusmorethan
HelovesHimselfthatHewaswillingtodieeternallywithoutthehopeof
resurrectionsothatwecouldlive;thatHewaswillingtobeeternallyseparatefromHisownFatherwhomHehadbeentogetherinfellowshipwithsincethebeginning
oftime;thatHewaswillingtosacrificeneverbeingabletoseeHisFathersface
againinorderthatwewouldbesaved.
ThisishowmuchHelovedus.ThisisthedepthofHissupremesacrificeforus.
InPsalm22,wereadtheremarkableaccountofacrucifixionandtheverywords
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thatJesusutteredbeforeHedied.Thisaccountgivesusaclueintothedeep
emotionalpainthatwrackedHisheartwhileonthecross.
Inverse6,JesusdescribesHimselfasaworm.Jesus,andinotherwords,God,laid
downHislife(1John3:16)andwaswillingtobeblottedoutofexistencethatwe
mightliveinHisplace.ThisishowmuchthecrossdemonstratedGodsloveforussinners.Bythissupremesacrifice,JesuswastellingusthatHelovesusmorethan
Himself.
Our Choice
WhenwetrulyunderstandwhatJesushasdoneforus,itinspiresustoloveHim
(John4:19)andtowanttoliveforHim(2Corinthians5:14-15).Whenweseethe
lovethatChristhadinchoosingusoverHimself,itawakensloveinus.Thisisthe
rightmotivationforacceptingChrist.BecauseHehasshownushowmuchHeloves
us,wecanbegintoslowlystarttotrustHimwithourheartsandlives.
Whenloveisawakenedinus,thenlivingforHimandchoosingHiswaysbecomesnotachoreoraduty,butanactoflovinghonorandpraisetotheOnewhodidso
muchforus.Inthisway,obediencetoGodslawsandwaysisneveranactofgood
worksdonetosaveourselvesbutanoutpouringofourgratitudeandloveforGod
foreverythingHehasdoneforus.
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Conversion and RepentanceWhenwerealizeoursinproblemandourhelplessnesstoriseaboveournatureson
ourown,thereisonlyonethinglefttodo.WeneedtogiveupandletGodtake
control!WhenGodbringsustothispoint,weconsideritthemiracleofconversion.
Butwhataboutrepentance?DontwehavetorepentfirsttocometoGod?Doesnt
repentancecomebeforeconversion?Inthisstudy,wewillexplorewhattheBibleteachesaboutconversionandrepentance.
Conversion
InJohn3:3,JesusChristsaysthat,unlesswearebornagain,wecannotseethe
KingdomofGod.Thisshowsusthattheconversionexperience(alsocalledthenew
birthexperience)isquiteimportantifweexpecttogotoheaven.
ThepowerforthenewbirthcomesfromGod,notus,andtheHolySpiritistheactive
agentinthenewbirthexperience.ConversionisasupernaturalworkoftheHolySpirit.ItismarkedbyachangeofattitudetowardsGod.Insteadofrunningaway
fromGod,theonewhoisbeingconvertedturnstowardGod.
Conversiondoesnotmeanthatwehavetohaveeverythingstraightrightawayorunderstandeverything.TheChristianlifeisapaththatleadstoheaven.Manywho
areatthebeginningoftheirChristianexperienceareakintobabiesorchildrenjustbeginningtheway,andlearningastheygoalong.Conversionisaboutnotfighting
withGod,butsubmittingtoGod.
Inorderforustounderstandspiritualthings,weneedtohaveourheartsandminds
renewedbytheHolySpirit.ConversioncreatesanewanddeepercapacityforknowingGod.
TheHolySpiritrenewsyourmindandtherebycreatesnewunderstandingsand
intereststhatwerenottherebefore.Youbegintoexperienceanewdesiretoknow
God.Thisnewattitudeleadstoachangedlife.InEzekiel,GodpromisestogiveusnewheartsandnewspiritsthatcanrespondwarmlytoGodandtoothers.
Conversioniscalledthenewbirth.Itsthebeginningofspirituallife.Justasyou
cannotchooseyourownbirthdayinthephysicallife,youcannotchooseyourownspiritualbirthday.Youcannotconvertyourself,orothersforthatmatter.Thatis
completelyuptoGod.YoucanshareChristwithothers,butitisuptotheHolySpirittochangetheattitudetowardGod.
GodpromisesthatHewillfinishtheworkHestartsinus(Philippians1:6).
Repentance
Somepeopleaskifrepentanceisnecessaryforsalvation.TheBiblesaysyes.The
onlytypeofpeoplewhofeeltheneedforrepentance,however,arepeoplewho
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realizetheirsinfulstatethosewhoaresickofthemselves,sickofmessinguptheir
lives.Repentanceinvolvesagenuinesorrowforsinthatincludesaturningaway
fromthesin.
Thereisafalsesorrowforsinthatismoreofasorrowfortheconsequencesofthe
sin,likeathiefthatisnotsorrythathestole,butthathegotcaughtandisnowinjail.
Therearemanypeoplewhohaveafalsesorrowfortheirmisdeeds.Howmany
storiesdowereadofcold-bloodedpeoplewhohavedestroyedchildrenorfamilies
throughtheirheartlessacts,andwhoarenotrepentant?
GenuinerepentancecomesfromGod.Thisisapointonwhichmanyerr,andasa
resulttheylackthefaithtoreceivethehelpthatChristdesirestogivethem.They
thinkthattheycannotcometoChristunlesstheyfirstrepentandthatrepentance
preparesthemfortheforgivenessoftheirsins.
TheBibledoesnotteachthatwemustrepentbeforewecanheedtheinvitationof
Christ.WecannomorerepentwithouttheSpiritofChristtoawakentheconscience
thanwecanbepardonedwithoutChrist.
WecannotrepentofanythinguntilwecometoChrist.Repentanceissomethingwe
receive.ItisagiftfromGod.WecometoJesusandHegrantsusrepentanceandthen
forgivesoursin.WedonotcleanseourselvesinordertocometoChrist.Instead,we
cometoChristandthenHedoesthejobofcleansingus.
Romans2:4tellsusthatitisthegoodnessofGodthatleadsustorepentance.WecannotturnawayfromsininourownstrengthbutwecanseektheLordtodothose
thingsforus.Goddelightstohelpthosewhocannothelpthemselves.Thatisoneof
thepointsofdifferencebetweenJesusChristandthegodsofotherreligions.
ChristianityistheonlyreligioninwhichtheGodofferedHimself,died,androse
againinordertodeliverhumankindfromitsdesperatestate.Christianityisalsothe
onlyreligioninwhichGod,andGodalone,istheSaviour.Allotherreligions,
includingCatholicism,teachthatwehavetodosomethinginordertoearn
redemption.ThisiswhollyagainsttheBible.
OurpartisonlyalwaystocometoJesus.
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A True Christian Spiritual LifeInMatthew5:20NIV,Jesussays,ForItellyouthatunlessyourrighteousness
surpassesthatofthePhariseesandtheteachersofthelaw,youwillcertainlynot
enterthekingdomofheaven.
ThePhariseesthoughtthemselvestobeveryrighteousness.Bytheirreligiousrites
andobservances,bytheirgivingtotheTempletreasury,andbytheirpiousworks,theyfeltthattheywerethemostsuitedforheaven.YetJesussaidthatweneededto
bemorerighteousthaneventhePharisees.
TothedisciplesinJesusday,thatstatementmusthaveseemedacomplete
impossibility.IfeventherighteousnessofthePhariseeswasnotgoodenough,who
couldeverbesaved?
WhattypeofrighteousnesswasJesustalkingabout?Canwereallyevenobeyonour
own?Whataboutourpersonalstruggleswithsin?Howcanweovercome?
Jesuswastheepitomeofrighteousnessonthisearth.Helivedaperfectlifeforyouandme.
IfwewanttodiscoverwhatJesusmeantwhenHesaidthatwemustbemore
righteousthanthePharisees,wemustfirststudyhowJesuslivedHislife.Whatwas
thesourceofHispower?
The Christian's Source of Power
Hebrews2:14-18tellsusthatJesuswasmadetobelikeoneofusineveryway.He
hadstrugglesandtemptations.Hegothungryandthirstyandtired.HehadtobecomelikeussothatHecouldqualifytobecomethesecondAdam,ourSaviour.
Hebecameanexampleforusineveryway.Jesuscanempathizewitheveryhuman
experienceandcircumstance.AndwecanneversaythatHehadanyspecial
advantage.
HowthendidJesusperformthemiraclesHedidandhowdidHeliveobedientlyineveryway?
Union with the Father
John5:19andJohn8:28tellusthatHedidnothingofHimself(oronHisown).John
10:30-33and6:57showusthesecretofChristspowerthatwemayalsohave.John10:30saysIandmyFatherareone,and6:57tellsus,hethateatethme,evenhe
shalllivebyme.
ThisisnotsomegrotesqueliteraleatingofJesus,butaspiritualeating.InJohn6:48,
JesuscallsHimselfthebreadoflife,inverse51,thelivingbread.Heisalso
knownastheWordofGodinJohn1:1.
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TheWordofGod,then,istheBiblethatcontainsHisspokenwordswhileonEarth,
aswellasHolySpiritinspiredwordsthroughout1500yearsofJewishhistory(2
Timothy3:16-17).Thisisthebreaduponwhichwearetofeast.Withoutit,we
cannothavelife(John6:53).
TheSonwasincloseconnectionwithHisFatheranditwasthroughthiscloseunionthattheFatherwasabletoworkthroughJesus.Jesuswascompletelydependent
uponHisFatherinallthings.Themiracles,thehealingsandtheteachingswereall
throughtheFather.Jesusbecametotallyhuman,dependentupontheFatherforHis
strength.
ThisprincipleofunionwiththeFatherappliestousbecausewearetoconnectascloselywithJesusasChristdidwithHisFather.John15:1-8talksaboutJesusasthe
truevineandeachofusbeingabranchinChristbearingfruit.Jesustellsusthis:
AbideinmeandIinyou.Asthebranchcannotbearfruitofitself,exceptitabideinthe
vine;nomorecanye,exceptyeabideinme.Iamthevine,yearethebranches:Hethat
abidethinme,andIinhim,thesamebringethforthmuchfruit:forwithoutmeyecan
donothing...Ifyeabideinmeandmywordsabideinyou,yeshallaskwhatyewill,and
itshallbedoneuntoyou.HereinismyFatherglorified,thatyebearmuchfruit;so
shallyebemydisciples(John15:4-5,7-8).
Anappletreebearsfruitbecauseitisanappletree,nevertobecomeone.Thesame
istrueintheChristianlife.AChristiandoesgoodbecauseheisaChristian,neverto
becomeoneortogetanyreward.IfweabideinChristthenChristliveswithinus.
SinfulmencanbecomerighteousonlyastheyhavefaithinGodandmaintainavital
connectionwithHim(DesireofAges,309).
JustasJesuswassurrenderedtotheFather,soarewetobesurrenderedtoJesus.
HowdidJesusmaintainavitalconnectionwiththeFather?Mark1:35tellsusthat
Hegotupearlyandprayedeveryday.AndHedidnotprayselfishprayersbut
prayersthatalwaysputGod'swillfirst(Matthew26:39;John6:38).Hewasalways
askingWhatwouldYouhaveMedo?andaskingforstrengthtofulfillGodswill.
Theproudheartstrivestoearnsalvation;butbothourtitletoheavenandourfitness
foritarefoundintherighteousnessofChrist.TheLordcandonothingtowardthe
recoveryofmanuntil,convincedofhisownweaknessandstrippedofallself-
sufficiency,heyieldshimselftothecontrolofGod.ThenhecanreceivethegiftthatGodiswaitingtobestow(DesireofAges,300).
WhatadifferencethisisfromtheteachingsofIgnatiusofLoyola,RobertSchuller,
andothersinthenewspiritualformationmovement,whichfocusestheattentionon
us,ourabilitiestoredeemourselves,andevenourabilitytobecomegods.
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Practical Prayer Principles
BecomingaprayerfulpersoninvolvesalotofhelpfromGod,butsomepatient
effortonourpartaswell.Itisimportanttoestablishatime,aplace,andamethod
forprayer.
Establish a TIME for PrayerAndinthemorning,risingupagreatwhilebeforeday,hewentout,anddepartedinto
asolitaryplace,andthereprayed(Mark1:35).
Myvoiceshaltthouhearinthemorning,OLORD;inthemorningwillIdirectmy
prayeruntothee,andwilllookup(Psalm5:3).
JesusfavoritetimetopraywasintheearlymorningbeforeHisbusyscheduleof
servingandpreachingbegan.GodenjoyshavingcommunionwithHimthroughout
theday.However,ifwedonotturntoGodinthebeginningofourdayforgraceand
strength,wewilloftenfindourselvesonourkneesintheeveningaskingfor
forgivenessforthemistakeswemadebecauseweneglectedthegreatopportunity.
Establish a PLACE for Prayer
...hewentout,anddepartedintoasolitaryplace,andthereprayed(Mark1:35).
Butthou,whenthouprayest,enterintothycloset,andwhenthouhastshutthydoor,
praytothyFatherwhichisinsecret;andthyFatherwhichseethinsecretshallrewardtheeopenly(Matthew6:6).
JesusalwaysfoundaquiteplacetocommunewithHisFather.Sometimesitwasina
garden,sometimesupinamountain,butwhereveritwas,Heusuallywasoutof
doorsandbyHimselfwhereHewouldnotbedisturbed.
ItisimportanttofindaspecialplacewhereyouwillnotbedisturbedinyourtimewithGod.Itmaybeaspecialchairbyyourbedoritmaybesomewhereinyour
backyard.ManypeoplereportthattheirprayerlifeisrechargedwhentheygooutdoorsinnaturelikeJesusdid.
Whetheroutonthedeckinthemorningorunderthestarsatnight,youcanfeelHis
presencemorefullysurroundedbytheevidenceofGodsCreation.Butthe
importantthingistochooseaquietplacewhereyoucanbealonetotalktoyour
BestFriend.
Establish a METHOD of PrayerButwhenyepray,usenotvainrepetitions,astheheathendo:fortheythinkthattheyshallbeheardfortheirmuchspeaking.Benotyethereforelikeuntothem:foryour
Fatherknowethwhatthingsyehaveneedof,beforeyeaskhim(Matthew6:7-8).
MatthewtellsusthatGoddoesnotwanttohearvainrepetitionsinourprayers.
PrayeristheopeningupofourhearttoGodlikeafriendandisappropriateatany
time,atanyplace,inanyform.Yetinthosespecialmomentsoftimealone,in
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intimatecommunionwithHisFather,Jesuskneltandprayedaloud.
ToabideinJesusistoallowHiswordstoabideinyou.InHisanalysisofhowtoliveasaChristian,Jesusmakesabundantlyclearwhatitreallymeanstobeunitedwith
Him:
IfyouabideinMe,andMywordsabideinyou,youwillaskwhatyoudesire,anditshall
bedoneforyou(John15:7).
ToabideinChristmeansthatHiswords,HisteachingsandHislife-givingprinciplesfillyourmindandtransformyourlife.Godswordscontainlife-givingpower(Psalm
33:9;John6:63).Thisistheconnectiontothesourceofpowerinyourlife.
Why do so many read God's Word and receive little benefit?
Hebrews4:2tellsus...thewordpreacheddidnotprofitthem,notbeingmixedwith
faithinthemthatheardit.
Thereareover3000promisesintheBible.Theyareassurancesfromaloving
heavenlyFatherofHiscareandconcern.Acceptingthembyfaithbringsapeaceand
acalmassuranceofHisloveandpowerinourlives.
Itisfaiththatconnectsuswithheaven,andbringsusstrengthforcopingwiththe
powersofdarkness.InChrist,Godhasprovidedmeansforsubduingeverysinful
trait,andresistingeverytemptation,howeverstrong.Butmanyfeelthattheylack
faith,andthereforetheyremainawayfromChrist.
Letthesesouls,intheirhelplessunworthiness,castthemselvesuponthemercyof
theircompassionateSaviour.Looknottoself,buttoChrist.DesireofAgespage429
tellsusthis:
HewhohealedthesickandcastoutdemonswhenHewalkedamongmenisthesame
mightyRedeemertoday.FaithcomesbythewordofGod(Romans10:17).ThengraspHispromise,WhoevercomestoMeIwillneverdriveawayJohn6:37.Castyourselfat
Hisfeetwiththecry,Lord,Ibelieve,helpmyunbelief(Mark9:24).Youcannever
perishwhileyoudothis,never!
WithoutChristwecandonothing(John15:5),butwithChristwecanallthings
(Philippians4:13).ChristpromisesthatwhenweabideinHim,therewillbeahost
ofbenefits.Wewillbearmuchfruit(John15:8).Thisfruitwillmanifestitselfas
love,joy,peace,longsuffering,gentleness,goodness,faith,meekness,temperance(Galatians5:22-23).
Oursoulswillberestored(Psalm23:3),andHewillgiveusbeautyforashes,theoil
ofjoyformourning,thegarmentofpraiseforthespiritofheaviness(Isaiah61:3).
OtherswillglorifyandpraiseJesusforthefruittheyseeinourlives(Philippians
1:11).Hisglorywillbeourglorytoo.
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TheglorythatGodisspeakingofisnotaself-centeredegotisticalkindofglory,but
ratheronethatresultsinblessingstoothers.JesussaysinJohn12:32,ButI,whenI
amliftedup,willdrawallmentoMyself.ItisnotuntilGodisliftedupandglorified
thatHecanbringmentoHimselfforthepurposeofsalvationtomankind.
Hisglorybringsblessingstotheworld.ThekindofgloryRobertSchullerteachesandpreachesaboutleavesJesusChristoutoftheequation.
Justasababymustreceivenourishmentthroughtheumbilicalcordinthewombof
themother,sowe,too,receivenourishmentthroughourvitalconnectionwithGod.
Withoutitwearepowerlessinourbattleagainstevil.Withoutitwearehelplessin
ourstruggleagainsttemptationsandsin.
Ourworksdonotsaveus,buttheyaretheevidenceofgenuinefaithinGodinour
lives.TheyareinstrumentalinleadingotherstoChristandsalvation.
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What is Faith?
SometimeswewonderhowwecangettoknowGod.Well,itsthesamewayweget
toknowanybodyelse.Inordertogetacquaintedwithanyone,threethingsare
necessary:
1.Weneedtotalktothem2.Weneedtolistentothem
3.Weneedtogoplacesanddothingstogether.
Thesearetheingredientsofgoodcommunication.ButhowdoweknowGodiseven
there?
Wetakeadvantageofmanythingswecantsee.Howlonghasitbeensinceyousaw
electricityorwind?Wecantseethismysteriousthingcalledlife.Yetwecansee
theresultsofalloftheabove.
EventhoughwecannotseeGodorhearHisvoicewithourhumanequipment,wecanstillseetheworkingofHispower,andbytakingadvantageoftheavenuesof
communicationHehasgivenus,wecancometoknowHim.ItsbyknowingHim
thatwelearntotrustHim.
FaithisimportanttotheChristianlife.Hebrews11:6tellsus,Butwithoutfaithitis
impossibletopleasehim:forhethatcomethtoGodmustbelievethatheis,andthat
heisarewarderofthemthatdiligentlyseekhim.
Somepeoplethinkyouneedawholelotoffaith,butLuke17:5-6tellsusthatfaithas
smallasamustardseedcanmovemountains!Itapparentlydoesnttakealottoachievealot.Faithisnotmeasuredbyhowmuchwehave.Alittlefaith,ifitis
genuine,doestheimpossible.
WhatifwedonthavethefaithrequiredforGodtobeabletoworkinourlives?WejustneedtoaskGodforit(Mark9:20-27).WehaveonlytoaskGodforthefaithwe
needsincefaithultimatelycomesfromHimanyway.
WeshallneverbeataplaceforwhichGodcannotmakeprovisioninourlives.Lord,
Ibelieve;helpmyunbeliefiswhatwecansayanytimewedontfeelwehave
enoughfaith.HeisfaithfultohelpusatanytimeinourneedofHim.
Thespiritualpromisesarealwaysavailable.Butthepromisesfortemporal
blessings,evenforlifeitself,aregivenonoccasionandwithheldonoccasionas
Godswillseesbest.FaithstilltrustsGodevenwhenthingsdontworkouttheway
wewantthemto.ItseasytotrustGodwhenlifeisgoingsmoothly.
Therealtestoffaithcomeswhenourprayersseemunanswered.Thetruthisthat
wedontworkonourrighteousnessnordoweworkonfaith.Botharegifts.Both
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comeasaresultofknowingJesus.AndknowingJesuscomesasaresultofspending
timeinprayerandcommunionwithHim.IfwewillcometoHim,Hewillsupplyto
usthegenuinefaiththatweneed.
A Story of Faith
Genuinefaithistocontinuebelievingevenifitdoesntseemtobeworkingatfirst.Matthew15:21-28tellsusofaGentilewomanoftheCanaaniteracethatcametoJesusaskingforherdaughtertobehealed.
ThedisciplesandJesuswerecomingtotheborderofPhoeniciawhenthiswoman
cameuptoJesus.ChristsmessagehadspreadintotheregionofPhoeniciawhere
theGentileCanaaniteslived.Thiswomanhadheardoftheprophet,who,itwas
reported,healedallmannerofdiseases.AssheheardofHispower,hopesprangup
inherheart.
Inspiredbyamotherslove,shedeterminedtopresentherdaughterscasetoHim.It
washerresolutepurposetobringherafflictiontoJesus.Hemusthealherchild.Shehadsoughthelpfromtheheathengods,buthadobtainednorelief.Andattimesshe
wastemptedtothink,whatcanthisJewishteacherdoforme?Butshedetermined
nottoloseheronlyhope.
Christknewthiswomanssituation.HeknewthatshewaslongingtoseeHim,and
HeplacedHimselfinherpath.Byministeringtohersorrow,HecouldgivealivingrepresentationofthelessonHedesignedtoteach.ForthisHehadbroughtHis
disciplesintothisregion.HedesiredthemtoseetheignoranceexistingincitiesandvillagesclosetothelandofIsrael.
TheJewishpeoplewhohadbeengiveneveryopportunitytounderstandthetruth
werewithoutaknowledgeoftheneedsofthosearoundthem.Theymadenoeffort
tohelpsoulsindarkness.ThepartitionwallthatJewishpridehaderected,shuteven
thedisciplesfromsympathywiththeheathenworld.Butthesebarriersweretobe
brokendown.
Christdidnotimmediatelyreplytothewomansrequest.ButalthoughJesusdidnot
reply,thewomandidnotlosefaith.AsHepassedon,asifnothearingher,she
followedHim,continuinghersupplications.
Annoyedbyherimportunities,thedisciplesaskedJesustosendheraway.Theysaw
thattheirMastertreatedherwithindifference,andtheythereforesupposedthatthe
prejudiceoftheJewsagainsttheCanaaniteswaspleasingtoHim.ButitwasapityingSaviourtowhomthewomanmadeherplea,andinanswertotherequestof
thedisciples,Jesussaid,IamnotsentbutuntothelostsheepofthehouseofIsrael.
AlthoughthisanswerappearedtobeinaccordancewiththeprejudiceoftheJews,it
wasanimpliedrebuketothedisciples,whichtheyafterwardunderstoodas
remindingthemofwhatHehadoftentoldthemthatHecametotheworldtosave
allwhowouldacceptHim.
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Thewomanurgedhercasewithincreasedearnestness,bowingatChristsfeet,and
crying,Lord,helpme.Jesus,stillapparentlyrejectingherentreaties,accordingto
theunfeelingprejudiceoftheJews,answered,Itisnotmeettotakethechildrens
breadandtocastittodogs.Thiswasvirtuallyassertingthatitwasnotjusttolavish
theblessingsbroughttothefavoredpeopleofGoduponstrangersandaliensfrom
Israel.
Thisanswerwouldhaveutterlydiscouragedalessearnestseeker.Butthewoman
sawheropportunityhadcome.BeneaththeapparentrefusalofJesus,shesawa
compassionthatHecouldnothide.Truth,Lord,sheanswered,Yetthedogseatof
thecrumbswhichfallfromtheirmasterstable.
Whilethechildrenofthehouseholdeatatthefatherstable,eventhedogsarenot
leftunfed.Theyhavearighttothecrumbsthatfallfromthetableabundantlysupplied.So,whilethereweremanyblessingsgiventoIsrael,wastherenotalsoa
blessingforher?Shewaslookeduponasadog,andhadshenotthenadogsclaim
toacrumbfromHisbounty?
ThiswomanwassodifferentfromthePharisees.Theymurmuredandcomplained.
Theymanifestedunbeliefandbitterness,andrefusedthesalvationsofreelyoffered
them.ThiswomanwasofanunfortunateanddespisedracethathasnotbeenfavoredwiththelightofGodsWord;however,sheyieldsatoncetothedivine
influenceofChrist,andhasimplicitfaithinHisabilitytograntthefavorsheasks.
Shehasnonationalorreligiousprejudiceorpridetoinfluencehercourse,andshe
immediatelyacknowledgesJesusastheRedeemerandasbeingabletodoallthat
sheasksofHim.
Jesusissatisfied...ByHisdealingswithher,Hehasshownthatshewhohasbeen
regardedasanoutcastfromIsraelisnolongeranalien,butachildinGodshousehold.Asachild,itisherprivilegetoshareintheFathersgifts.Christnowgrantsher
request,andfinishesthelessontothedisciples.Turningtoherwithalookofpityand
love,Hesays,Owoman,greatisthyfaith:beituntotheeevenasthouwilt.Fromthathourherdaughterbecamewhole...ThewomandepartedacknowledgingherSaviour,
andhappyinthegrantingofherprayer(DA,399-402).
EventhoughJesusseemedtoignore,spurnandeveninsulther,thisGentilewomanperseveredinherfaith,continuingtotrustHimandpetitioningherrequest.The
bestdefinitionoffaithistrust.Itisdependinguponanother.
Living Faith
ThereoncewasatightropewalkerwhowascrossingNiagaraFalls.Afterhehad
heldthecrowdsspellboundwithhisdaring,heasked,HowmanyofyoubelieveI
couldcrossthetightropeagain,thistimepushingawheelbarrowwithsomeone
ridinginit?
Thecrowdsapplauded.Theyweresurehecoulddoit.Butthenhesaid,Whowill
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volunteertoridethewheelbarrow?
Therewasavastsilence.Theaudiencehadjustbeenremindedofthevitaldifferencebetweenbeliefandtrust.Itsonethingtobelievethatthewheelbarrow
wouldmakeitsafelyacrossthechasm.Itsquiteanotherthingtoputyourlifeonthe
line.Thatsthekindoffaiththatisgenuine!
Howcanwebestlearntotrustsomeone?Bygettingtoknowthem.Paultrusted
Jesus.In2Timothy1:12hewrote,ForthewhichcauseIalsosufferthesethings:
neverthelessIamnotashamed:forIknowwhomIhavebelieved.
WecangettoknowGodlikethat,too.Here'show:
1.ListeningtoHim(Romans10:17)2.TalkingtoHim(Philippians4:6;Luke11:9-13)
3.WorkingwithHim(Matthew11:29)
Buthowdoweacquirefaith?Isitsomethingthatweworkonordowescrewupourenergyastightaspossibleuntilitcomes?TheBibletellsusthatfaithisagiftfrom
God.Hehasgiveneveryoneameasureoffaith(Romans12:3)andistheauthorand
finisherofourfaith(Hebrews12:2).
OurfaithgetsbetterandbetterthemoreweworkongettingtoknowGodthrough
thethreeavenuesabove.ThemoretimewespendwithJesus,themoregenuineit
becomes.
God's Will Revealed
WhenwearewalkingwithGodinthisway,GodwillhelpustobecertainofHiswill.
Wewilltellus,helpus,guideusthroughoutourlives.TherearethreewaysthatGodrevealsHiswilltous.
1.ThroughHisWord(Psalm119:105;Joshua1:8).TheScripturesareaveryreliablesourceoffindingGodswillonanygivensubject.Muchwisdomcanbe
obtainedregardingfinances,parenting,oranynumberofmoralissues.Ifyouneedguidanceonamatter,alwaysconsulttheBibleforguidancefirst.
2.Throughprovidenceorcircumstances(Proverbs3:5-6;Psalm37:23).God
willoftenbringcircumstancesintoourlivesinordertorevealHiswilltous.Whenweareinprayerregardinglifedecisionssuchasajoborresidence,weneedtolook
foropenorcloseddoors.
3.Throughdirectcommunicationtotheheart(Acts8:26-40).Sometimesthe
HolySpiritwillimpressuponyourheartHiswilltoyou.Oftentimesitishelpfulto
prayveryspecificallytotheLordregardingcertainmattersthatweareunclear
about.
Anexampleofthisisonepersonwhoprayedaboutanofferedjobopportunity.They
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prayedthatifthisjobopportunitywereinGodswillforthem,theirexcitement
wouldcontinuetogrowstrongerandstronger.AndifthiswerenotGodswill,that
Hewouldtakethisideaaway.
Assoonasthatprayerwasuttered,thepersoncouldntevenrememberthenameof
thecompany.TheyknewinstantlythatitwasnotGodswillforthem.Sixmonthslater,thecompanyfolded!Godknowstheendfromthebeginning.Bybeinginthe
verycenterofHiswillwehavepeaceinourlives.
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SurrenderAsweperceivethatGodisrealandactiveinourlives,wehaveadesiretolearn
moreaboutHim.
AswebegintosenseoursinfulnessandourneedforChrist,webegintodesireapersonalrelationshipwithHim.WewanttogiveHimourlove,butsometimesthere
seemstobenothingthere.Howdoesthisworkofconversionbegin,andwhatisourroleinit?
Jesustaughtthattherighteousnessneededtoenterheavenwasgreaterthanthe
righteousnessofthescribesandPharisees(Matthew5:20).Therighteousness
neededforsalvationisarighteousnessbyfaith(Galatians2:15-16,21).
Righteousnessbyfaithisatransactionthegreatesttradethatwasevermade!We
tradeourtotalsinfulnessinexchangeforChristsholyrighteousness.Thisisthe
onlyrighteousnessthatcangainusentranceintoheaven.
Dying to Self
WereceivethisrighteousnessofChristswhenwegiveupontryingtoobtain
salvationbyourgoodworksorbehavior,andsurrenderourwilltoGod.TheBiblecallsthosewhohavegivenuponthemselvesdead(Romans6:2).Deadpeople
cannotsin(Romans6:7).WedietoselfbybeingcrucifiedspirituallywithChrist(Romans6:6).
Thisisanactofsurrender,butitisnotanactualphysicaldeath,noradeathtoones
identity.Itisnotaboutbeingamindlessspinelessthingthatobeyswithout
question.ItisanintelligentsurrenderofonesselfishdesiresandinclinationstoGodsrevealedwill.
Noonecancrucifythemselves.Itmustbedoneforthem.Itisthesamewith
surrender.WeactuallyneedGodinordertobeabletosurrenderfullytoHim.
BecauseHeisagentleman,GoddoesnotforceHimselfonus,orpossessusagainst
ourwill.Heasksusforpermissionfirst(Revelation3:20).Jesusspokeofself-
surrenderasself-denialalosingofoneslife,givingupeverythinginordertogain
everything.
Weallhavetodie.Ourchoiceiswhetherwewanttodietoselfandberebornin
Christ,ortodiewithoutChristandforfeitoursalvation.Whenweholdontothe
controlofourliveshereonEarth,weloseoureternallife,butwhenwedecideto
loseitforthesakeofChrist,wegaineternallife.Self-surrenderisnotaone-time
experience.Itssomethingwehavetododaily(Luke9:23).
Surrender is God's work in us
Andthereislifeafterspiritualdeath.Romans6:4-5tellsusthatdyingtoselfisnot
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theend.ItisthebeginningofanewlifeinChrist.Godcontrolsthenewlifebecause
wehaveyieldedourselvestoHim.Surrender,orgivingup,isadmittingthatwecan
donothing.Inevitably,therefore,theworkofbringingustothepointofsurrender
mustbetheworkofGod.Itisnotsomethingwecandoforourselves.
WearecontrolledeitherbyGodorSatan(Romans6:16;Luke11:23;James4:4).Theonlycontrolwehaveistochoosewhoisgoingtocontrolus:
UnlesswedoyieldourselvestothecontrolofChrist,weshallbedominatedbythe
wickedone.Wemustinevitablybeunderthecontroloftheoneortheotherofthetwo
greatpowersthatarecontendingforthesupremacyoftheworld.Itisnotnecessary
forusdeliberatelytochoosetheserviceofthekingdomofdarknessinordertocomeunderitsdominion.Wehaveonlytoneglecttoallyourselveswiththekingdomoflight
(DesireofAges,324).
James4:7-8tellsushowtoresistthedevilandhiscontrol:
SubmityourselvesthereforetoGod.Resistthedevil,andhewillfleefromyou.Draw
nightoGod,andhewilldrawnightoyou.
LetGodfightagainstSatanonyourbehalf.Youarenotstrongenoughonyourown.
Romans7:18-19tellsusthateverythingdependsontherightactionofthewillthe
powerofchoiceGodhasgiventous;itisourstoexercise.
Youcannotchangeyourheart,youcannotofyourselfgivetoGoditsaffections;but
youcanchoosetoserveHim.YoucangiveHimyourwill;HewillthenworkinyoutowillandtodoaccordingtoHisgoodpleasure.(Phil2:13)Thusyourwholenature
willbebroughtunderthecontroloftheSpiritofChrist;youraffectionswillbe
centeredonHim,yourthoughtswillbeinharmonywithHim(StepstoChrist,30).
Insteadofexpendingourenergiesdoinggoodworkstoearnoursalvation,weneed
torechannelthoseenergiesintospendingtimewithChrist.Aswemakethechoice
tospendtimeday-by-dayinbeholdingChrist,weinviteHimtodoHisworkinour
lives,andHewillleadusstep-by-steptothepointofsurrender.Givingupispossible
onlywhenHehasbroughtustothatpoint.
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Christian GrowthInapreviousarticle,weexploredwhatfaithis.Welearnedthatanotherwordfor
faithistrust.AndwelearnedthatwebegintotrustGodbyreadingHisWord,
prayingtoHim,andtrustingHimwithourlife.
Areyouinterestedingrowingspiritually?Thekeyisthatyoucannotgrowby
focusingongrowth.Probablynothingismoredetrimentaltospiritualgrowththan
constantlycheckingyourselfforfruit.
Thereisonesurewaytotellwhetheryouaregrowing:lookatwhetheryouare
eating.IsntthewaytogrowspirituallytopartakeoftheBreadofLife?
Growth and Grace
WhatdoesGodexpectofme?WhatpartoftheprocessdoesGodplayandwhatpart
doIplay?
IntheChristianlife,wearetogrowingraceandintheknowledgeofJesusChrist(2Peter3:18).
Weobtainthegraceweneedfromthethroneofgrace.Weareinvitedtocome
boldlytoaskformercyandgraceintimeofneed(Hebrews4:16).
WeobtaintheknowledgeofJesusChristthroughtheWord(1Peter2:2-3).Itis
throughpersonalstudyofScripturethatwecometoafullerunderstandingoftheknowledgeofJesus.
Throughthesetwoavenues,weareabletogrowinfaithandlove(2Thessalonians1:3).OurfaithmustgrowinitsdependenceonGod.
Peterwasagoodexampleofoursituation.HiseyeswereonlyonJesusashe
steppedoutoftheboatandontothewatertobewithHim.ButoncehetookhiseyesoffChristandbegantodependonhimself,hebeginstosink.Itsnotunusualforus
towaverlikethisinourfaithaswell.
Abiding in Christ and His Love
John15:4tellsusthatwecanonlygrowandbearfruitifweabideinChrist.Justasa
branchneedstostayconnectedtothemaintrunkofthetreeinordertoreceivelife-
givingnourishmentandsustenance,soweneedtostayconnectedtoJesus.GrowthintheChristianlifeislearningtodependuponGodmoreandmore.
DependenceuponGodisanallornothingproposition.Thereisnosuchthingasa
partialtrustorpartialsurrender.YouareeithersurrenderedtoGodatanygiven
momentoryouarenot,andareinsteaddependinguponyourself.
Romans8:35,38-39tellsusthatthereisnothingthatcaneverseparateusfromthe
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loveofGod.Therefore,ifwefallandfail,wedontneedtowaitforGodtocooloff.
Wedontgiveupanddecidethatwellnevermakeittoheaven.WedonttrytomakethingsrightOnourown,andthencomebacktoHim.WecancometoHim
immediately,confessoursin,andourneedofHim.
Throughitall,ourrelationshipwithGodcontinues.Whenwethinkofthewonderful
wordsofRomans8,werealizethatGodwillneverseparatefromus.Theonlytime
separationcanoccuriswhenitsusdoingtheseparating.
Matthew26:41tellsusthatthespiritisindeedwilling,butthefleshisweak.We
arenaturallyweak.Wewanttodotherightthing,ourintentionsmaybegood,but
wefailshortintheactualityofdoing.ButGodpromisesusthatHisgraceis
sufficientforyou,forMystrengthismadeperfectinweakness(2Corinthians12:9).
WemustrealizethatasChristians,wedontgrowbybecomingstrongerandstronger.Wegrowbyrealizinganeweachdayhowweakweareandhow
dependentweareuponGodsgrace.
ThesecrettogrowthintheChristianlifeisrepeatingthefirstconversionexperience
onadailybasis.Colossians2:6-7admonishesus,Asyouthereforehavereceived
ChristJesustheLord,sowalkinHim,rootedandbuiltupinHimandestablishedin
thefaith,asyouhavebeentaught...
YoucontinueyourChristianexperience,youabideinChrist,inthesamewayasyou
receivedHimatfirst...yougaveyourselftoGod,tobeHiswholly,toserveandobeyHim,andyoutookChristasyourSaviour.Youcouldnotyourselfatoneforyoursins
orchangeyourheart;buthavinggivenyourselftoGod;youbelievethatHefor
Christssakedidallthisforyou.ByfaithyoubecameChristsandbyfaithyouaretogrowupinHimbygivingandtaking.Youaretogiveallyourheart,yourwill,
yourservicegiveyourselftoHimtoobeyallHisrequirements;andyoumusttake
allChrist,thefullnessofallblessing,toabideinyourheart,tobeyourstrength,
yourrighteousness,youreverlastinghelpertogiveyoupowertoobey(Stepsto
Christ,34).
Christ is the Author
Hebrews12:2-3givesusthesecrettoChristiangrowth:
LookinguntoJesus,theauthorandthefinisherofourfaith.
Whentheminddwellsuponself,itisturnedawayfromChrist,thesourceofstrengthandlife.HenceitisSatansconstantefforttokeeptheattentiondivertedfromthe
SaviourandthuspreventstheunionandcommunionofthesoulwithChrist.The
pleasuresoftheworld,lifescaresandperplexitiesandsorrows,thefaultsofothers,orourownfaultsandimperfectionstoanyorallofthesehewillseektodivertthemind
(StepstoChrist,34).
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WhenwestayfocusedonJesus,wewillbearmuchfruitandwewillhavevictory
(John15:5;Philippians4:13).Manypeoplehavethemistakenideathatspiritual
birthcomesfromGod,butthatspiritualgrowthistheirownresponsibility.Itis
simplynotpossibletogrowingracebyourownfeebleefforts.
GrowthisagiftfromGod,justlikerepentanceandforgivenessandeternallife.AndwecontinuetoreceivethegiftofgrowthasweaskHimintoourliveseachday.
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God's Promises to YouJesushasgivenusmanypreciouspromisesinHisWord.Itisimpossibletobelieve
thesemagnificentpromisesandnothaveassurancenow.ThatiswhyJesusgave
themtous.
Followingisalistoftwentypromises.TherearemanymoreinScripture.