1. The other day I was listening to a Christian radio station, and the DJ came on and said something to this effect, "As Christians, we don't follow a church, we don't follow a set of teachings, we simply follow Jesus." As I reflected upon what he said (and he is in no way the first person I have heard say something like this), I just shook my head. Yes, it is true that as Christians we ultimately follow Jesus. BUT ... that does NOT mean that we don't follow a set of teachings. The last time I checked, the gospel record is filled with the teachings of Jesus. AND the New Testament letters were written to explain and expand upon the teachings of Jesus. And Jesus himself followed the teachings of the Bible of his day (which we know as the Old Testament books). So ... if we are to follow Jesus, then we must follow the teachings of the Word of God. What saddens me today is that so many who claim to follow Jesus neglect the Scriptures! If you have decided to follow Jesus ... then don't neglect God's Word. For it is in the Word that we see God and His Son, Jesus, revealed. Only as we follow the Bible can we truly claim to be following Jesus!
2. This week I was reminded that spring is indeed just around the corner. How so? Major League baseball teams have begun their spring training. Yep. Pitchers are throwing, catchers are catching, batters are batting ... all the while littering the field with the empty shells of sun flower seeds. So for those of you who just hate the cold and the snow, sleet and freezing rain, be patient. Spring is on the way! In the same way, we need to be patient as we wait for the return of Jesus Christ. While on earth some 2000 years ago, Jesus promised that after his death, burial, resurrection and ascension to heaven, he would one day return. When he does he will gather his people to himself (John 14:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) and bring about the final judgment of humanity (Revelation 20:11-15). So my question to anyone reading this ... "Are YOU ready to meet the God who made you?" If you have any uncertainty whatsoever, I would encourage you to check out Two Ways to Live: The Choice We All Face.
3. Now if you are following Jesus, you will put yourself in a place to influence others for Christ (and surely you have a desire to do just that!). Here's an excellent read on How to Influence People Spiritually. Read it ... chew on it ... put it into practice! You and those around you will be better for it!
Thanks for stopping by . . .
pj
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