Tag Archives: John 15:17-21

Easy Isn’t Always Easy!!! A Word from THE WORD!!! #486

23 Wednesday Sep 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Faith, Faithful, Faithful Follower, Faithful God--Faithful me!, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Suffering With Jesus, Sunshine Or Rain, Take Up YOUR Cross, Testing and Trials?, Thankfulness with joy!

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Easy Isn’t Always Easy!!! A Word from THE WORD!!! #486

We’re all familiar with the old saying, “no pain, no gain”; it can be traced back to the 17th century, and even Benjamin Franklin is credited with using the saying.  What does it mean to us as Jesus’ children and disciples?  Well, the “easy believeism” doesn’t take into account the whole counsel of God, for God warns us that following Him will cost us something of ourselves.  No, not a cost to be saved, or to keep our salvation, but when we come to Jesus, and identify with Him and His Word, there is a cost (a cost that many not only deny but refuse to align with—I’ll let God’s Word speak for me!)!  Let’s let Jesus speak first, then we’ll consider some other biblical teachings on this very thing.

“These things I command you,

that ye love one another.

18 If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you out of the world,

 therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him

that sent me.”  John 15:17-21

 The question that we need to consider is, “Are we His servant?”  So much is taught today about what we have the “right” to demand of God?  I beg to differ, Jesus says we are not to be of the world but be as our Lord Jesus was; and Jesus made it quite clear what our focus is to be in the model prayer, let’s consider just the first few lines.

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father

which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.”  Matthew 6:9-10

A practice that helps me refocus my praying may help you too; as I quote this passage I pray “Father…”, Thy kingdom come, IN ME…Thy will be done IN ME!  My call, our call, is to seek God’s will and kingdom, Matthew 6 ends with an amazing imperative, may it bless and speak to you as it so often does to me!

“Therefore

take no thought, saying,

What shall we eat? or,

What shall we drink? or,

Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things

do the Gentiles seek:)

for your heavenly Father knoweth

that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first

the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness;

and all these things

shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow:

for the morrow shall take thought

for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day

is the evil thereof.”  Matthew 6:31-34                                                  (Be sure and check out what the “therefore” is there for, see verses 24-30 at least!!!)

Peter also gives us some great insight to measure our heart by.

“Servants, be subject to your masters

with all fear;

not only to the good and gentle,

but also to the froward.

19 For this is thankworthy,

if a man for conscience toward God

endure grief,

suffering wrongfully.

20 For what glory is it, if,

when ye be buffeted for your faults,

ye shall take it patiently?

but if, when ye do well,

and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

this is acceptable with God.

21 For even hereunto were ye called:

because Christ also suffered for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found

in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself

to him that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self

bare our sins in his own body

on the tree,

that we,

being dead to sins,

should live unto righteousness:

by whose stripes ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep going astray;

but are now returned

unto the Shepherd and Bishop

of your souls.”  1 Peter 2:18-25

And in closing a lengthy passage from the author of Hebrews, which is often left out of our confidence in the first part of Hebrews 11, about faith and those who prospered in it; it shows us the difficulty sometimes of simple yet strong faith in our Lord; hence our title, easy isn’t always easy.  But serving God is above and beyond the greatest gift I have ever received—the gift that cost Jesus His life’s blood—why are we so often hesitant to pay a price for following HIM?

“1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,

the evidence of things not seen…

…. 6 But without faith

it is impossible to please him:

for he that cometh to God

must believe that he is,

and that he is a rewarder

of them that diligently seek him…

…. 36 And others had trial

of cruel mockings and scourgings,

yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:

37 They were stoned,

they were sawn asunder,

were tempted,

were slain with the sword:

they wandered about in sheepskins

and goatskins;

being destitute,

afflicted,

tormented;

38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:)

they wandered in deserts,

and in mountains,

and in dens

and caves of the earth.

39 And these all,

having obtained a good report through faith,

received not the promise:

40 God having provided some better thing

for us, that they without us

should not be made perfect.”                                      Portions of Hebrews 11:1-6 and 36-39

The phrase “without us”, meaning that they wouldn’t be the only ones to suffer!  May we truly follow our Lord where ever it may lead.  Easy or not!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Follow The Leader??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #477

21 Friday Aug 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Choices And Consequences, Choose Wisely, Choose you this day?, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Christ IN YOU, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Follow Jesus, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, When Is True NOT?, Where are you leading those following you?, Who are YOU following?, Who are you listening to?, Who are you listening too!, Who will you believe and follow?, Who will you SEE?, Who's following you?, Who's Listening?, Whole Earth Is Filled with HIS Glory

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Follow The Leader???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #477

We all remember playing the child’s game of follow the leader; and everyone wanted to be the leader—some were creative, some were always trying to trip everyone up, some were stop and go, some were just confused and caused everyone to fall down.  Well, our world is much the same; there are “leaders” crying all around us ‘follow me’, I have the answer—the solution—something brand new—a way out of all your problems—the way to health—the way to wealth —the way to happiness!  Yet God is calling us to a different path; holiness is the call of God, and following Jesus is the only way to find it; and that way is to be born again through the “blood of the Lamb that cleanseth us from all sin”, and to pursue Jesus through God’s Word. (See 1 John 1:7)

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am

the way,

the truth, and

the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind,

be sober,

and hope to the end

for the grace that is to be brought

unto you

at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

14 As obedient children,

not fashioning yourselves

according to the former lusts

in your ignorance:

15 But as he which hath called you is holy,

so be ye holy

in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written,

Be ye holy;

for I am holy.

17 And if ye call on the Father,

who without respect of persons

 judgeth according to every man’s work,

pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

18 Forasmuch as ye know

that ye were not redeemed

with corruptible things,

as silver and gold,

from your vain conversation

received by tradition

from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood

of Christ,

as of a lamb

without blemish

and without spot:”   1 Peter 1:13-19

Jesus hasn’t changed and neither have the rules!

“Jesus Christ

the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8

John recorded a lot about ‘following’ the leader, Jesus.  Let’s consider some of them, asking ourselves if we are truly following Jesus?  Is He my leader?  Or are all the other things of this world calling me away from my Lord and Shepherd—my Leader?

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying,

I am

the light of the world:

he that followeth me

shall not walk in darkness,

but shall have the light of life.”   John 8:12

“My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man pluck them

out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me,

is greater than all;

and no man is able to pluck them

out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father are one.”  John 10:27-30

As Jesus spoke these things, He was not well received, and we need to be prepared to face opposition when we speak His truth—for HE IS the “truth”!  He told us in advance what we would face!  Are you prepared by setting HIS Word as the priority for your life?

“These things I command you,

that ye love one another.

18 If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him that sent me.”   John 15:17-21

Interestingly enough, John was the Apostle who survived all the others, yet he suffered great persecution; with all that, he was the one to whom the precious Leader and Lord gave the Revelation of Jesus!  Remember when you read and study the book of The Revelation, that it IS the revelation of “Jesus” not all the signs and wonders—it’s about our Leader!

In closing a message that Paul gave to his son-in-the-ministry, Timohty; a word that is timely for us. May we examine our life and ask God to help us truly realize whom we are following.  May Jesus be our focus each and every day.  God bless you to find the truths revealed in His Word by the precious Holy Spirit who indwells every genuine believer!  And note, you can’t “remember” anything that you haven’t yet “membered” (if you put it in, God will bring it out when you need it!)

“But the Comforter,

which is the Holy Ghost,

whom the Father will send in my name,

he shall teach you all things,

and bring all things

to your remembrance,

whatsoever I have said unto you.”  John 14:26

And Paul’s words again remind us that character matters—they should resemble The One we claim to be following! Let’s be known as those who are genuinely following our Leader, Jesus!

“For the love of money

is the root of all evil:

which while some coveted after,

they have erred from the faith,

and pierced themselves through

with many sorrows.

11 But thou, O man of God,

flee these things;

and follow after

righteousness, godliness, faith,

love, patience, meekness.”   1 Timothy 6:10-11

“Flee also youthful lusts:

but follow

righteousness, faith, charity, peace,

with them that call on the Lord

out of a pure heart.”  2 Timothy 2:22

I pray that this will be an encouragement and a blessing to you today.

Amen and Amen!!! 

Ready Or Not??? A Word from THE WORD!!! $472

04 Tuesday Aug 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Born Again, Look up and Praise The Lord, Looking Unto Jesus, Looking up Or around?, Peace of God, Readiness, Ready or NOT Here Jesus Comes!, Resting In Jesus

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Ready Or Not???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #472

I have a brief (hopefully) word of caution to share with you today.  I pray that the scriptures will help you prepare for daily living with Jesus!

“But thou hast fully known

my doctrine,

manner of life,

purpose,

faith,

longsuffering,

charity,

patience,

11 Persecutions,

afflictions,

which came unto me

at Antioch,

at Iconium,

at Lystra;

what persecutions I endured:

but out of them all

the Lord delivered me.

12 Yea, and all that will live godly

in Christ Jesus

shall suffer persecution.

13 But evil men and seducers

shall wax worse and worse,

deceiving,

and being deceived.”  2 Timothy 3:10-13

We live in a world consumed with faith, but often, only the faith that pulls your fat out of the fire—that so-called faith that claims that believers will have no troubles or suffering, if and when they have ‘enough’ faith.  Scripture paints a different picture, and Paul tells us above that “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution”; an obviously different message than many preach today.  This is why it’s important for us to know what God’s Word truly says.  Are you ready for Jesus’ return?  Have you been born again?  Are you living faithfully before God and man?

“And this know,

that if the goodman of the house

had known what hour the thief would come,

he would have watched,

and not have suffered his house

to be broken through.

40 Be ye therefore ready also:

for the Son of man cometh

at an hour

when ye think not.”  Luke 12:39-40

What are you depending on to face God, Jesus Christ The Son and the judgment to come?  Are you trusting to yourself, someone else or are you ready to face God the Father and Jesus the Son through the blood of the cross?

“And such trust have we through Christ

to God-ward:

5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves

to think any thing as of ourselves;

but our sufficiency is of God;” 2 Corinthains 3:4-5

When we follow Jesus, the cost may come unexpectedly, but we need to be prepared for truth to bring suffering.

“These things I command you,

that ye love one another.

18 If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him that sent me.”  John 15:17-21

Jesus called us to follow Him, to love one another (being the love of God not the mushy, gushy popular culture version) with God’s kind of love that does that which is best for the recipient of that love—not the self-gratifying kind.  He also tells us that when we follow Him, living faithful to His Word, we will often receive the same treatment that He received—and it often was less than kindly.  You choose!  Will you be born again and follow Jesus in obedience to His Word?  It’s your choice but choose wisely, there is a test.

I pray that you will be ready when Jesus comes for His own!

Amen and Amen!!!

Why Bother??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #469

25 Saturday Jul 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, God's Faithfulness, God's measure isn't ours, God's ways are not our ways, Godliness will be opposed, Godly Instruction, Godly Wisdom, Standing in the GAP!, Still Will I Trust HIM, Study to Show Yourself Approved Unto God, Suffering With Jesus, The Things of God, The Word, The Word Or The World?

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Why Bother???      A Word from THE WORD!!! #469

There are some things better when we have all the facts, and Bible knowledge is one of them.  But how do we get the facts and knowledge that we need to better understand God’s Word?  By inductive (with logic) study, the study of God’s Word with reason, examination and keeping scripture in context; it always calls for prayer and the leadership of the Holy Spirit as we dig into each passage; and consideration of the whole, not dissecting scripture to create our own version of what God has said, (and quick below means alive.

“For the word of God is

quick,

and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul and spirit, and

of the joints and marrow,

and is a discerner

of the thoughts and intents

of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest in his sight:

but all things are naked and opened

unto the eyes of him

with whom we have to do.”   Hebrews 4:12-13

God gives us a picture of the need to study in the prophesies of Isaiah, it is good to consider this message from God to the people who claimed His name, but in truth, had chosen to go their own way.

“Whom shall he teach knowledge? and

whom shall he make to understand doctrine?

them that are weaned from the milk,

and drawn from the breasts.

10 For precept must be upon precept,

precept upon precept;

line upon line,

line upon line;

here a little,

and there a little:

11 For with stammering lips and another tongue

will he speak to this people.

12 To whom he said,

This is the rest wherewith

ye may cause the weary to rest;

and this is the refreshing:

yet they would not hear.

13 But the word of the LORD was unto them

precept upon precept,

precept upon precept;

line upon line,

line upon line;

here a little,

and there a little;

that they might go,

and fall backward,

and be broken,

and snared,

and taken.

14 Wherefore hear the word of the LORD,

ye scornful men,

that rule this people

which is in Jerusalem.

15 Because ye have said,

We have made a covenant with death,

and with hell are we at agreement;

when the overflowing scourge

shall pass through,

it shall not come unto us:

for we have made lies

our refuge,

and under falsehood

have we hid ourselves:” Isaiah 28:9-15

What we absolutely must consider and remember always, is that the Bible is one book—not 66—not 2 versions (Old Testament and New Testament); it is one book authored by God and given to us to take as a whole; a whole, which when taken as such, can be much clearer to understand and we will make much more accurate conclusions, and understand how the parts fit together!  Yet without taking the Bible as one book, we are very likely to misunderstand and misinterpret the parts and surely how the whole goes together.  There are those whom I have encountered through the years who have seen the Old Testament as ‘plan A’ and since it didn’t work, then God came up with the New Testament as ‘plan B’! Not so—Jesus is the subject from Genesis 1:1 through Revelation 22:21—and the salvation of man the primary subject; and when we keep this in mind, we will find ourselves with greater understanding as we read and study God’s Word that studying God’s Word is our calling!

“Study to shew thyself approved

unto God,

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth.

16 But shun profane and vain babblings:

for they will increase

unto more ungodliness.”  2 Timothy 2:15-16

“All scripture is given

by inspiration of God,

and is profitable

for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God

may be perfect,

throughly furnished

unto all good works.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17

Peter also calls us to scriptural integrity.

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy;

whereunto ye do well that ye take heed,

as unto a light that shineth

in a dark place,

until the day dawn,

and the day star arise

in your hearts:

20 Knowing this first,

that no prophecy of the scripture

is of any private interpretation.

21 For the prophecy came not in old time

by the will of man:

but holy men of God spake

as they were moved

by the Holy Ghost.”  2 Peter 1:19-21

As we learn to study God’s Word in its entirety, and honor it in its context, we will be much more able to “withstand in the evil day”!  Jesus knew the word from cover to cover, and John reminds us that He is the living Word as well as the breath of the written Word; yet those who claimed to know God and scripture put Him to death! We need to be prepared to be confronted with the same response as others have, including our Lord.

“These things I command you,

that ye love one another.

18 If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not

him that sent me.”  John 15:17-21

So, as we consider the study of God’s Word, may we keep in mind that it all goes together—and scripture will never contradict scripture.  So, just a few pointers that I pray will help you approach the scripture with new hope and insight and a readiness to handle scripture with integrity and a readiness and willingness to let scripture say what scripture says; letting good study practices lead you into truth, rather than any preconceived notions, or beliefs that you may already have!

First of all read the whole thing—the whole book that you are readying/studying, not just a few verses. Then read it again, looking for keywords (repeated things) and note the things that are said about foundational doctrines (salvation, faith, sin, repentance, Jesus’ deity, etc.).  May we each commit ourselves to that which Jesus calls us to in our faith!

So, why bother?  Because when we come to Jesus, we need to know Him through His Word that we might walk in accord with it!

“Saying,

The Son of man must suffer many things,

and be rejected

of the elders and chief priests

and scribes,

and be slain,

and be raised the third day.

23 And he said to them all,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross daily,

and follow me.

24 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

but whosoever will lose his life for my sake,

the same shall save it.

25 For what is a man advantaged,

if he gain the whole world,

and lose himself,

or be cast away?

26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me

and of my words,

of him shall the Son of man be ashamed,

when he shall come in his own glory,

and in his Father’s,

and of the holy angels.”  Luke 9:22-26

Go study, my friends, it’s a win-win!!!  It’s well worth the cost and effort—no bother– but a great plan of God!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Who Is Your Jesus??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #334

30 Sunday Mar 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Follow Jesus, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, Gospel, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Jesus lives today!, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus--our all in all, The Cross or the world?, The Gospel, The greatest gift!!!, The Light of The Word IS Jesus

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Who Is Your Jesus???       A Word from THE WORD!!! #334

“Be it known unto you all,

and to all the people of Israel,

that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,

whom ye crucified,

whom God raised from the dead,

even by him doth this man stand here

before you whole.

11 This is the stone which was set at nought

of you builders,

which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.”  Acts 4:10-12

The Apostle Peter shortly after Pentecost, and the healing of a lame man, was called to give an account (so to speak), and he delivered the ultimate message unto the people there; and I think it’s a message that we have leaned away from in these days.  It seems to me that we have thought of everything under the sun to “reach” people (so called) and in order to gain crowds, money, popularity, and acceptance in a world that is lost and dying except the simple, pure and true message of Jesus.  Peter proclaimed to those who participated in the crucifixion of Jesus that “there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved”!  It’s not saying a prayer (although we can call upon Jesus in prayer), it’s not walking an aisle (although we can walk an aisle and find counsel to repent and be saved), it’s not living a good life, doing deeds, saying verses—it’s coming to Jesus.  And how does that take place?  I don’t think it is found in the big, the loud, the flashy, the giveaways, but scripture makes it clear that God calls for it to be done His way!

“For the preaching of the cross

is to them that perish foolishness;

but unto us which are saved

it is the power of God.

19 For it is written,

I will destroy the wisdom

of the wise,

and will bring to nothing the understanding

of the prudent.

20 Where is the wise?

where is the scribe?

where is the disputer of this world?

hath not God made foolish

the wisdom of this world?

21 For after that in the wisdom of God

the world by wisdom knew not God,

it pleased God

by the foolishness of preaching

to save them that believe.

22 For the Jews require a sign,

and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

23 But we preach Christ crucified,

unto the Jews a stumblingblock,

and unto the Greeks foolishness;

24 But unto them which are called,

both Jews and Greeks,

Christ the power of God,

and the wisdom of God.

25 Because the foolishness of God

is wiser than men;

and the weakness of God

is stronger than men.”  1 Corinthians 1:18-25

When our plans seem smarter than God’s, we better back up and take a look at what we are settling for to look good before the world—even the ‘church’!  God chose the “the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe”; what makes us think we can come up with a better plan.  When we preach (and preaching is sharing God’s truth from HIS Word!) it is up to people to choose whether they will “believe” or not!   It is by repentance of our sin and faith in Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for our sin that we are saved—nothing more –nothing less!  God chose the preaching of the Gospel to save the lost—how sad that we think our plans are better; how sad that so often today, preaching is frowned upon and we replace it with light-hearted entertainment, music that sounds like the world, players that look like the world; and it seems our favorite pastime is to laud the famous and popular ‘stars’ and lift them up as examples regardless of what God has said in His Word.  Our Pastor mentioned one of these passages this morning and I thought how apropos!

“Woe unto you,

when all men shall speak well of you!

for so did their fathers

to the false prophets.”  Luke 6:26

There is nothing wrong with being recognized or praised for a job well done; but Jesus is talking here about those who appease the world to be praised or advanced along the ladder of worldly success—even within ‘church’.  What happened to Jesus?  We have emasculated Him and made Him some namby-pamby, soft-soap sharer of love and peace.  Read the Gospels and you’ll find a man of power, boldness to speak God’s truth—so much so that they put Him to death for what He said and did!  Yes, He loved us so much that He went to Calvary—but He puts a call upon those who will come to Him.  He saves and transforms, He doesn’t just condone sin and send us on our way.  He calls us to HIS way! We are to be a reflection of His glory and righteousness before a world that is becoming more and more hostile toward Jesus, His truth and His followers.  The question is who are you following?  It’s a part of the gospel that we seldom hear.

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

and whosoever will lose his life

for my sake

shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

or what shall a man give

in exchange for his soul?”  Matthew 16:24-26

And as He also said in Matthew 7!

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it.”   Matthew 7:13-14

There are two roads—two destinations, and only Jesus can save us and lead us on that narrow road.  Jesus’ own warning to His disciples that following Him would come at a high cost—did you notice the contrast between the “many” and “the few”?  Where is Jesus in your gospel?  Is He the name it and claim it heavenly slot machine in your life?  Or have you picked up that cross, denying self and clinging to The One who died for our salvation.  Which road will you choose?  Will you be among the “many” or “the few”?  it’s your choice but choose wisely, there is a test!  Will you come to the real Jesus or be deceived by the wolves in sheep’s clothing? (again see Matthew 7:15-28)

“These things I command you,

that ye love one another.

18 If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him that sent me.”  John 15:17-21

In closing I simply want to call us to pick up God’s Word and discover the real Jesus for yourself.  Bow before His cross in humble repentance of your sin (if you haven’t already), and trust in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for you and me!  Then take up that cross and follow your KING, declaring with Paul that “I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”!!!

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Amen and Amen!!!