Tag: www.jesusspeaks.com

Follow Christ Alone

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JESUS SPEAKING

“Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6: 39 – 40)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Jesus is the only one who can see clearly enough to guide others into an eternal relationship with God. Those who respond to the Gospel are committing their lives to the implementation of Christ’s teachings. We are obligated to abandon any other teachers, guides, or mentors that oppose Christ’s will (keeping in mind that many new believers can benefit from a relationship with an elder.) Those who are faithful will repent and undergo a process known as sanctification. A process through which God’s Spirit will mold them into the image of Jesus Christ. In all things we must avoid following blind guides and deceptive human wisdom.

Many years ago I met a blind couple. Much to my surprise they expressed a fondness for going to see movies (which I thought was interesting.) They really enjoyed the dialogue, the sounds, and the music. I began picking them up regularly and accompanying them to the theater. As we walked they would trail behind me; holding onto my arm or my hand. As I guided them up stares, through doorways, and around corners, I would warn them of impending obstacles and potential hazards. Upon returning to their home, I would read their mail for them and make certain their house was properly cleaned and in order. Needless to say, they trusted me completely because I could see and they could not.

Jesus Christ is the only pathway to fellowship with God. He is the only one who can truly see. And so He alone is our teacher, mentor, and guide. We must therefore carefully follow His example, as outlined in scripture. If we seek to follow and be led by any other person, then we have failed in our efforts to accomplish God’s will; for although men will always fail, God never will (NOTE: As we imitate Jesus, many will observe our behavior and be drawn to Him. So we have an obligation to be an example to others; but we must always point them back toward Jesus Christ.) May we cling to our eternal teacher and hear His words. May we make every effort to imitate our Lord in all things, and to avoid following blind teachers.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your divine wisdom and guidance. We yearn to accomplish Your will and to follow Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. May we strive to implement His teachings in every area of our lives. Keep us safe, that we might refrain from following blind guides who are seeking to put themselves in the place of our Messiah. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Causing Others to Stumble

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JESUS SPEAKING

“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell.” (Mark 9: 42 – 43)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Causing others who believe in Jesus to stumble, or to fall into sin, is a very serious offense. In fact, the Lord urges His followers to abandon any activities that could potentially lead them to commit sin. Those who represent themselves as Christians have a higher obligation to avoid associating with evil things. In so doing, they can ensure that other, more ignorant souls, aren’t drawn into transgression.

One day while driving, I heard a Pastor on the radio explaining why he believes that Christians should attend same-sex weddings if they are invited. Needless to say, I was horrified. Without any ambiguity, the bible teaches that such relationships are unnatural and unholy. And yet today many organizations calling themselves Churches have abandoned biblical doctrine and are now embracing this heretical belief. If Christians attend same-sex weddings they are guilty of endorsing this evil practice. Additionally, such behavior has the potential to influence weaker believers who may be seeking further direction concerning the biblical doctrine of marriage.

As Christians our behaviors and relationships can influence other believers. To avoid stumbling our fellows, we must abstain from sinful activities and avoid associating with those who are practicing unholy doctrines (Note: Keep in mind that we must still interact with and love those in the world as we continue to spread the gospel message.) Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can we live Godly lives, and guide others into a closer fellowship with the Lord. May God bless us in this endeavor.

“Lord Heavenly Father, give us the strength and the courage to live our lives in a manner that is Holy and adheres to Your word. May we never cause others to stumble, but instead, help them to commit their lives to You. Give us the desire to abandon any associations that might cause another believer to stumble. We love you Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Heretical Leaders

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JESUS SPEAKING

“But Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in […] Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.” (Matthew 23: 13, 15)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Many of the religious leaders were placing themselves between God and His followers; as intermediaries, they sought to receive honor, glory, and riches for themselves. Not only were they corrupt, but they were using the temple as a tool to force others to obey and honor them. They had hijacked the gateway to fellowship with God and weren’t allowing others to “go in.” They were also proselytizing new converts and instilling in them a devotion to this same tainted hierarchy.

Shortly before Jesus began His public ministry, a man named John the Baptist began preaching in the wilderness; far away from the temple and its corrupt religious leaders. Although the temple was glorious and the accommodations of the city were lavish and comfortable, people began wandering out into the wilderness to hear the gospel truth and to be baptized in preparation for Christ’s arrival. In turn, the religious leaders despised John and his message. When a religious institution becomes too corrupt, God will accomplish His works in unexpected ways.

Today, there are numerous so-called Christian Churches that have been infected with false doctrine. Many progressive leaders are concealing the message of repentance entirely (to fill their seats.) And yet, as it was in the days of John the Baptist, many are fleeing these emergent churches in search of the truth. Indeed, the genuine gospel is difficult to accept, and the Christian life is not easy; but eternal life is a precious treasure. God’s message will never remain hidden from those who genuinely seek it.

“Lord Heavenly, may we spread Your gospel to everyone who yearns to hear the truth. May those who are trapped in churches that have abandoned sound doctrine come to embrace the message of repentance and salvation. We also pray for those who are leading others astray, that they as well might repent and commit themselves to following the one true faith. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!