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The Cost of Discipleship |
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Written by Pastor Scott
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Sunday, 10 June 2012 00:00 |
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Let's always keep in mind the cost of discipleship. In Mark 8:34 Christ says, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." God is calling us take all of our ambitions and goals and give them a back seat. He wants us to make His will so supreme in our lives that we are willing even to suffer joyfully for His name sake. It is a shame we have applied this verse to a simple cold or some other discomfort that we face. Crucifixion was a form of humiliating punishment and death. It would almost be like saying 'Bring your gun for the firing squad,' or 'Carry the electric chair for your execution.' This type of commitment and desire is foreign to us. Yet, many suffer extreme hardship today just to preach this life-giving message, because they believe that Christ is worthy to follow. What about us? Are we willing to follow Christ? Well, when was the last time that we had the thrill of sharing the message of the worthy One, even if it meant suffering or discomfort? |
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Only One Worthy |
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Written by Pastor Scott
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Sunday, 03 June 2012 14:46 |
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I was talking to a young man recently about Jesus Christ, and he basically said that it was great if I believed in Christ. I think the phrase was 'to each his own.' In other words, you have beliefs and I have mine. We live in a very pluralistic society that says there are many roads that lead to God and many ways to worship Him. The only sin is to say that your way is the only way. But what does the Bible say? Acts 4:12 says of Christ, "there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." Peter claims Christ as the exclusive way. But there is a greater issue, and that is there is only One who is worthy of worship. God claims exclusive rights to worship. We see in the ten commandments that we are not to have any other gods. In Revelation 5:9-12, God says that Christ is the only One of value to receive honour, glory and praise. Yes, the Bible does confirm there is only one way, and it's through the One who purchased our redemption, and He is the only One worthy of worship. |
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Obedience |
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Written by Pastor Scott
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Sunday, 27 May 2012 14:11 |
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Someone has aptly said that change only occurs when change has occurred. Many believers long to live lives that reflect the character of Christ and the joy of His forgiveness. Yet they look into God's perfect Word, see the filth of their ways, and choose to live that way. One who professes Christ may say that he or she wants change but when it comes to the task of training ourselves to be godly, the cost is too great. It is easy to do what is convenient and comfortable. It is easy to not discipline children, it is easy to fill our minds with the sensuality of the world, it is easy to be lazy. The Scriptures tell us, "whatever a man sows, this he will also reap" (Galatians 5:7). Many a warning has not been heeded. Those who refuse to change should also remember, not only the warning and consequences of sin, but also the blessing of sweet fellowship with our great Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. True living is delighting and obeying Christ. The blessed man in Psalm 1 finds his greatest joy and satisfaction "in delighting in the law of the Lord." Yes, there are warnings about disobedience, but never forget that through trials, adversity, good times and bad, living a life in fellowship with Christ is the greatest blessing this side of eternity!! |
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God's Way |
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Written by Pastor Scott
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Sunday, 20 May 2012 13:03 |
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The first parent-child relationship was not a happy one. It ended in murder. Cain, the eldest of Adam and Eve, wanted to worship God on his own terms. Many parents since have felt the burden and sorrow of "raising Cain." Both Cain and Abel brought offerings to God. But only Abel's was acceptable. God accepted Abel's offering taken from the flock, but rejected Cain's from the field. The difference might be that one was a blood offering. If so, Cain and Abel received explicit instructions from God as far as what was acceptable. Another explanation is that the content of the offering was not important but faith in God made the difference. Hebrews 11:4 says, "By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous." Whether it was the content of the sacrifice or the attitude in which it was offered, Cain thought he could come on his own terms, in his own way, without a change of heart. Many think they know what is best. Many young people even dream of a church without boundaries. Yet the Word of God sets the boundaries and the limits. We must come the way God wants us to. |
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God is Worthy of Trust |
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Written by Pastor Scott
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Sunday, 13 May 2012 00:00 |
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Often we hear individuals make statements like, "Why should I lead a moral life?" Or, "Why should I follow God in this area of my life?" We have such a limited view and think that God is some dictator who is out to make our lives miserable. We look at life as a quest for freedom, away from rules and laws. "I want to do what I want to do" is the call of so many young people. We do not realize that God puts regulations in His Word and into our lives to make our lives better. Believers who step out of the bounds of God's grace feel the hardship of living for self. Remember, God knows what is best. Your heartfelt obedience which glorifies Him is best. We only have a limited view, but God has an eternal view. He is omniscient. God is omnipotent. He has all power. Ephesians 1:18-20 tells us that He even had the power to raise Christ from the dead. He is quite capable of handling our lives. Lastly, "God is love. " (1 John 4:16). He loves you more than anyone else ever could. God is no oppressive dictatorial ruler, but one who can be trusted and is worthy to be followed. Let's trust our all-knowing, all-powerful, all-loving God. |
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