The last book of the Revelation identifies one of the titles and work of the devil. John writes, “And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God” (Revelation 12:10). The devil is a master at accusing God’s children of many things.
Pleasing God, Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
Pleasing God, Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
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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.
The mind plays an important part in our walk with the Lord. When we became Christians, it involved our mind. We responded to facts. The Gospel is a message of factual objective truth. Yes, it involves our heart and affections too, but we first are drawn and moved by objective truth. Even the definition of repentance shows us the necessity of the mind in becoming a Christian.
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.
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.