Tag Archives: Matthew 16:24-26

It’s Not Easy??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #490

11 Sunday Oct 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Come And Worship?, Come to Jesus, Come To Worship HIM, His Mercies Are New Every Morning, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, If I be lifted up---, IN HIS TIME!, In Jesus name--means what?, Iron Sharpening Iron, Iron Sharpens Iron, It's All About The Cross, The Word

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

It’s Not Easy??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #490

We often think following Jesus is simply easy; after all it just means “claiming” to know Him and using His name to get our own way!  What I’d like to share is the truth that Jesus Himself confronted and that is that people will follow as long as they “get it”, but when the road gets difficult, or when Jesus asks something hard of us, or when we realize that we are called to take up “our cross” and that the cross is an instrument of death to self, and life to Jesus.  Paul said it best, yet we so often make this something other than what Paul is calling us to (in reality it’s Jesus’ call to death to self and life in Him alone; and we’ll look at that also.)!

“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

As Jesus said, He came that we “might have life and have it more abundantly”!  That means the life of Jesus—that life which walks by The Spirit and not the flesh!  Yet we live in a culture that has removed the crucified life from Christianity!  Let’s consider what Jesus declares as truth.

“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 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.”  Luke 9:23

These statements remind us of what Jesus has called us to; but He said even more that I want us to focus on today; a passage that many overlook, for it challenges our ‘easy-believe-ism’.  Jesus call sus to commitment and devotion when we accept and believe in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for our sin.  And before we take off into this passage, I want to make a very cursory observation in regard to Jesus’ blood and His flesh; verse 63 is worthy of our consideration; and remember that “quickeneth” means to give life—go back and reconsider Paul’s declaration in Galatians 2:20 above.

“44 No man can come to me,

except the Father which hath sent me

draw him:

and I will raise him up at the last day…

… 45 It is written in the prophets,

And they shall be all taught of God.

Every man therefore that hath heard,

and hath learned of the Father,

cometh unto me.

46 Not that any man hath seen the Father,

save he which is of God,

he hath seen the Father.

47 Verily, verily, I say unto you,

He that believeth on me

hath everlasting life.

48 I am that bread of life…

….53 Then Jesus said unto them,

Verily, verily, I say unto you,

Except ye eat the flesh

of the Son of man,

and drink his blood,

ye have no life in you.

54 Whoso eateth my flesh,

and drinketh my blood,

hath eternal life;

and I will raise him up at the last day.

55 For my flesh is meat indeed,

and my blood is drink indeed…

…58 This is that bread which came down

from heaven:

not as your fathers did eat manna,

and are dead:

he that eateth of this bread

shall live for ever.

59 These things said he in the synagogue,

as he taught in Capernaum.

60 Many therefore of his disciples,

when they had heard this, said,

This is an hard saying;

who can hear it?

61 When Jesus knew in himself

that his disciples murmured at it,

he said unto them,

Doth this offend you?

62 What and if ye shall see

the Son of man ascend up

where he was before?

63 It is the spirit that quickeneth;

the flesh profiteth nothing:

the words that I speak unto you,

they are spirit,

and they are life.” Portions of John 6:44-63

I pray that you will read and take in this passage, and use it to assess what we are following; and are we living on Jesus’ broken body and blood or our own ways? The people who had been following Him, found these words too hard to accept.  How about you and me?  Will we hold on to the truth or give in to something else because it’s hard?  May we ponder Jesus’ words of truth and choose wisely.

It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!  And Jesus IS the only right answer!

Amen and Amen!!!

Faith Or Presumption??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #446

27 Monday Apr 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, JESUS, Jesus In Genesis!, Jesus IN You!, Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus IS Truth!!!, Jesus Saves, Jesus SinLESS Son of God, Jesus--our all in all

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Faith Or Presumption???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #446

Faith can be a called a crutch, or it can be a sure and certain thing, when it’s placed in Jesus Christ and Him alone.  My faith is confidently placed in the surety of what Jesus did at Calvary! It’s the Gospel at its core; the blood of Jesus that “cleanseth us from all sin…”. Paul said it most concisely in 1 Corinthians 15, and his evidence is clearly stated in the phrase, “according to the scripture”; meaning that everything about Jesus isn’t just a whim, but it is cemented in scripture from Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 3:15 where God promised the “seed” that would crush the serpent’s head but would only have HIS heel bruised, and His victory revealed from the resurrection through the Revelation—which is all about JESUS.  Genesis is the very first promise of the Messiah who would redeem us from our sin; which is what our faith must be rooted and grounded in.

Presumption, on the other hand, is our telling God what our plan is, making our own way, rather than believing what Jesus said!

“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

And as we are clearly told in the book of Acts.

“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 4:11-12

No other way!  It’s not just saying His name!  It’s not just doing good works!  It’s not about what “I” can do, what I can say, or any religious activity or set of rules or confidence in anything men may tell us to do.  Nor is it simply “saying” the name of Jesus like a magic talisman!  IT IS in the person of the sinless, holy Son of God, Jesus, who was born of a virgin, who lived a sinless life in this human flesh, and who willingly, lovingly gave Himself up as the only perfect sacrifice for sin.  So I must see myself as a sinner and come before a holy God in humble recognition of my sin, repenting of going my own way, and asking for God’s forgiveness that is only available through Jesus’ blood.

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet to be partakers

of the inheritance of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:”                  Colossians 1:12-14

It’s all about Jesus, my friends, not me!  I can’t be good enough to gain heaven apart from repentance of my sin and confidence and faith in the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice of Jesus at Calvary!  (No earthly priesthood could fully atone for sin—for there was never a perfect sacrifice, or one who could live forever or give eternal life—until Jesus Christ The Lord came to be the ultimate sacrifice for all who will come to Him believing in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for my sin and yours—which Jesus became on the cross, because He loves us!)

“And they truly were many priests,

because they were not suffered to continue

by reason of death:

24 But this man,

because he continueth ever,

hath an unchangeable priesthood.

25 Wherefore he is able also

to save them to the uttermost

that come unto God by him,

seeing he ever liveth

to make intercession for them.”                   Hebrews 7:23-25

He was, is and always will be God, yet He set aside His glory (not forsaking it, but taking on human flesh, He laid aside His glory to go to Calvary for all who will believe!) to walk this earth in, with and for the sake of mankind!  I can’t pay for my own sin apart from hell, but Jesus has paid the price to all who will come to Him, for He is the God-Man Savior!

“Let your conversation

be without covetousness;

and be content

with such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do unto me.

7 Remember them which have the rule over you,

who have spoken unto you the word of God:

whose faith follow,

considering the end of their conversation.

8 Jesus Christ

the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:5-8

Who are you following, the feel-good gospel, or the Gospel of the cross of Jesus Christ our Lord?  Have you received the truth as your own, and bowed before King Jesus in repentance and faith?  Or are you going your own way?  Jesus is calling, will you open the door?  Two proclamations of Jesus—the cost and the invitation.

“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

“Behold,

I stand at the door,

and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.”  Revelation 3:20

Amen and Amen!!!

It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!

How Close To Calvary??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #404

13 Thursday Nov 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Cross, Crucified With Christ, Follow Jesus, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, Study to Show Yourself Approved Unto God, Take Up YOUR Cross, The Mind Of Christ, The Name of Jesus?, The Only Name That Matters

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

How Close To Calvary??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #404

I want us to consider where we stand in relation to the cross of Jesus; how close is my walk to that cross?  Am I so far away from the import of the cross that it pales in comparison to the focus of my life?   Is Jesus and His work of redemption the thing that holds my heart, or is the world so important to me that I have lost sight of the cross, in other words, how big is my cross?  Am I so far away from it that its import has shrunken into oblivion?  The cross is what Jesus calls us to cling to, as both Matthew and Luke record this discourse for us.

“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

“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

What does Jesus tell us?  He says that if we desire to come after Him—to follow Him—we must “deny” ourselves, in other words, put Jesus first over our own desires.  Jesus doesn’t stop there, for He goes on to say that we are to take up our “cross daily”; remembering that the cross is an instrument of death—we are to die to self and live to Jesus Christ The Lord each and every day, following Him!  Not following the fads, or the trends, or the call of our flesh to be popular, wealthy, powerful, or influential in this world.  Paul said it better than I can.

“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

To take up our cross means to die to self and live unto Jesus in all that we do.  Jesus is to be the heartbeat of all we say and do!  Not an easy task, but one that we can do when we walk with The Lord by the power of His Spirit within us.  The indwelling Holy Spirit is the evidence that we belong to Jesus, and in his power, we are enabled to take up our cross and live for Jesus!

“So then they that are in the flesh

cannot please God.

9 But ye are not in the flesh,

but in the Spirit,

if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,

he is none of his.

10 And if Christ be in you,

the body is dead because of sin;

but the Spirit is life

because of righteousness.”  Romans 8:8-10

By Christ’s sacrifice upon the cross He bought our righteousness with His own blood; so that all who come to Him in repentance and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice receive His righteousness in place of our sin, all by His precious blood!

“To wit, that God was in Christ,

reconciling the world unto himself,

not imputing their trespasses unto them;

and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ,

as though God did beseech you by us:

we pray you in Christ’s stead,

be ye reconciled to God.

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us,

who knew no sin;

that we might be made the righteousness of God

in him.”  2 Corinthians 5:19-21

We are privileged to know the love of The Son of God, who poured out His own blood to pay for my sin and yours—payment for all who will believe in His sacrificial payment for sin, made on the cross of Calvary!  What have you done with His grace and mercy to pay for your sin?  Do you know Him?  Have you received His grace and mercy in salvation.

“And you,

being dead in your sins

and the uncircumcision of your flesh,

hath he quickened together with him,

having forgiven you all trespasses;

14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances

that was against us,

which was contrary to us,

and took it out of the way,

nailing it to his cross;” Colossians 2:13-14

The question is how close are you to Calvary?  Have you been there for salvation?  If you are saved, are you carrying your cross in faith and devotion to the Lord of all—Jesus Christ the Lord?

In closing, we can choose to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lusts of the flesh, we can choose the broad road or the narrow way—destruction or life!  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test—and the cross and God’s Word are the standard!

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit,

and the Spirit against the flesh:

and these are contrary the one to the other:

so that ye cannot do the things that ye would…

25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.” Portions of Galatians 5:16-25

Amen and Amen!!!

Do You Have Any Lions??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #400

29 Wednesday Oct 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Daniel Prayed--Do You?, Daniel Prayed--Will You?, Daniel's choices, Faithful Follower, Faithful God--Faithful me!, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Father of Lies!, Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, Fruit of the Spirit, Giving Or Taking?, Liars, Lies That Defeat Us, Life, Look up and Praise The Lord, Looking Unto Jesus, Satan, Satan's lies.

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Do You Have Any Lions???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #400

It’s so amazing how time goes so quickly!  As I changed the number to 400 this morning, I couldn’t help but smile and thank God for the privilege of writing this blog.  And that’s only 400 since I changed the name again.  I’ve been doing this blog since 2012—oh my, that’s 13 years, and only God knows where they have gone.  I always pray that He takes them where they need to go.  I hope you are being blessed in these writings from God’s Word!  It’s why I believe God has called me to this ministry and I seek to continue to hear and heed His call to share His Word, not my opinions!

As I say that, I know that one of my lions seems to be trying to keep me from writing as regularly as I try to.  What are your lions?  As I was teaching on Daniel chapter 6 (the den of lions) last evening, I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share a few things with you today about those lions; and while most of us won’t face a den full of lions for our faith, the enemy is real, and we need to keep our armor on to overcome by God’s power, grace and wisdom!  So be sure and pray on that armor from Ephesians 6:10-19 every day!

As Daniel faced the trial of those who wanted to get rid of him, the king sees that he had been duped and even in the short time that he had known Daniel, he had come to recognize Daniel’s faith!  What do others see in us?  Read the whole chapter to see that Daniel’s specific crime was praying to his God—openly, regularly, and diligently!  What about our prayer life?  Oh, Lord help me to be more diligent and faithful to spend time with you!

“Then the king commanded,

and they brought Daniel,

and cast him into the den of lions.

Now the king spake and said unto Daniel,

Thy God whom thou servest continually,

he will deliver thee.”  Daniel 6:16

But that isn’t the only thing we see about this king who just commanded that Daniel be cast into this den of lions; he was concerned for his own failure to see the devices of those who had appealed to his ego in signing the edict that no one could pray to anyone but him!  How big is your ego? Your pride?

“Then the king went to his palace,

and passed the night fasting:

neither were instruments of musick

brought before him:

and his sleep went from him.

19 Then the king arose very early in the morning,

and went in haste unto the den of lions.

20 And when he came to the den,

he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel:

and the king spake and said to Daniel,

O Daniel,

servant of the living God,

is thy God,

whom thou servest continually,

able to deliver thee from the lions?”          Daniel 6:18-20

What anxiety this king must have felt as he called out to this man of faithfulness and integrity; while he recognized the uniqueness of “Daniel’s God”, he wasn’t’ quite sure that he could have power in a den of hungry lions!  Was he in for a pleasant and welcome surprise—and if you don’t know, Daniel was not a young teenager (as many of the pictures depict him) at this time, but he was a man in his eighties approaching ninety years old, who knew his God was able, and he also knew that he was guiltless.

“Then said Daniel unto the king,

O king, live for ever.

22 My God hath sent his angel,

and hath shut the lions’ mouths,

that they have not hurt me:

forasmuch as before him innocency

was found in me;

and also before thee, O king,

have I done no hurt.”  Daniel 6:21-22

I want to share some scriptural reminders of the reality of our spiritual lions today, and also how we can stand-withstand-and overcome by God’s grace, power and truth, as we serve Him “continually” (not working for our salvation, but letting God work through our daily lives before a lost and dying world!). Now let me say, when we talk about continually serving God, that doesn’t mean that we stay at church all the time, or pass out tracks all the time, or preach or teach all the time!  What it does mean is that we remember that when we claim to have given our lives to Jesus Christ, we need to live the crucified life.

“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

And Jesus’ call to those who want to be His own!

“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

So, what about those lions?  Let’s let scripture speak!

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong in the Lord,

and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand against

the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,

but against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness of this world,

against spiritual wickedness in high places.”Ephesians 6:10-12

We can stand against the “wiles of the devil” by God’s strength and power—not on our own.  In fact Jesus made this really clear!

“I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth much fruit:

for without me ye can do nothing.”  John 15:5

Peter also helps us understand this analogy; I wish I’d have thought of this!  I didn’t but I sure can use God’s Word to help others see the dangers of the adversary of our souls!

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast

in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.”  1 Peter 5:6-9

 While we may not be thrown into a den full of lions, we are ever plagued by this enemy of our souls!  But don’t lose heart—for in Jesus, remember—We Win!  But we must be humble before our God and Saviour Jesus Christ The Lord, knowing that He has us!  He knows, cares and is working for our good! He said He would!

“Let your conversation

be without covetousness;

and be content

with such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do unto me.”  Hebrews 13:5-6

And also from the author of the book of Hebrews, a reminder to keep our eyes on the prize not the enemy—for with Jesus we do Win!  And remember you are called to run ‘your’ race not anyone else’s—help them yes, encourage them yes, but stay in your lane! (And just FYI, the witnesses that he mentions are not a reference to a great stadium cheering us on, but rather a reference to the list of the faithful that was just shared in chapter 11, reminding us that we aren’t alone). Remember—others have gone before us in victory, even in horrific circumstances! (Read the biographies of the missionaries of earlier generations!)

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside every weight, and

the sin which doth so easily beset us, and

let us run with patience

the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author and finisher of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down

at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 For consider him that endured

such contradiction of sinners against himself,

lest ye be wearied

and faint in your minds.”  Hebrews 12:1-3

So, my friends, don’t fear the lions, but walk in the victory that Jesus can and will provide for you when you keep your “eyes fixed on Jesus” (Blanche’s paraphrase!); remembering Paul’s words of encouragement (and Daniel’s faithful example)!

“11 Not that I speak in respect of want:

for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am,

therewith to be content…  

…. 13 I can do all things

through Christ which strengtheneth me.”  Philippians 4:11-13

We Win!!!

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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!!!