All Christians know they cannot live the Christian life alone. They need the constant help of God’s Spirit to keep them from sin, promote their holiness, and renew their minds toward eternal things. Remove the Spirit and Christians are done. The commands of God are beyond human capacity. The attacks of the devil are no match for us. And the flesh is so strong, we fail every time we try to subdue it in the strength of self.
Pleasing God, Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
Pleasing God, Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
Ministries
Luke 14:27 – Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.
Here you will find activities and information that promotes growth in our personal relationship with Jesus Christ and our journey of discipleship.
Today’s scripture demands a pause and a pondering. We likely are familiar with the Lord’s interaction with the church at Laodicea. As we read His letter to them, He is bringing the most serious of spiritual charges against them; a lukewarm heart. Such a heart is defined as a spirit of indifference toward Him and spiritual things. The seriousness and subtlety of this condition is one doesn’t have to be living in outward gross sin to be in it.
As the leaves fall, nights get chilly, and autumn settles in, it’s time for our seasonal book recommendation for your encouragement and growth in the Lord. This fall’s selection is titled “SETTING OUR SIGHTS ON HEAVEN: WHY ITS HARD AND WHY ITS WORTH IT.” It is a paperback consisting of 194 pages and published by Banner of Truth. The author is Paul D. Wolfe who currently serves as Associate Pastor of New Hope Presbyterian Church in Fairfax, Virginia.
If we truly want to be used of the Lord and grow close to Him, we must be “spiritual hikers” and take trips into the deep dark place called “spiritual wilderness.” Moses did; God’s people of old did; David did; the Apostle Paul did; and our Lord Jesus did. Just like we must encounter personal Gethsemanes to fight the battle of our wills and surrender to God’s will, so must we go into wilderness experiences for the same type of spiritual growth.
Imagine this scenario and I will use me as the example. It is Sunday morning about 11:00 a.m. I am mounting the platform getting ready to preach. As is the custom in my church, I have you stand for the reading of the scripture. As you are standing, I say, “Brothers and sisters. I had a rough week. I was snappy with my wife, irritated over some situations in my life causing me to complain. My personal quiet time has been hit and miss, more miss than hit… What would you think of me after such a brutal display of my innermost struggles of the past week?
Nothing is more attractive to a hurting world seeking truth, purpose, and comfort than a Christian who lives to model Jesus Christ, not primarily in actions, but in character. Get the character or heart right toward Christ and actions always follow. There is something irresistible about a believer exuding the spiritual qualities found in Jesus. They are magnetic, encouraging, and open up many opportunities to proclaim Him.