“[Jesus said,] "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." – Matthew 7:13-14
Over two decades ago, Juan Carlos Ortiz criticized European and American evangelists for offering a carrot stick gospel that focused on the pay off and not lordship of Jesus. Jesus, especially in Matthew 7, reminds us that grace does not dismiss discipleship and mercy does not release us from our need to genuinely repent. We must accept the grace that is given us and truly let Jesus be Lord of our lives. It's not an either-or proposition, but a both-and call from God to receive grace and to follow Jesus as Lord.
Overstated Commitment' — John 13:36-38
Most of us have done it. We've overstated (or at least, overestimated) our commitment, abilities, or strength. Our intentions, at the time, were probably good. We just didn't realize Satan's power to combine circumstance, fear, doubt, disillusionment ... in a concoction brewed just right to bring us to our knees. Peter had a tendency to overstate everything in his early years as a disciple. However, once Peter suffered through his personal embarrassments and failures, Jesus had a disciple fully prepared to lead powerfully while also walking humbly.
Let's not let our failures keep us from following Christ and being used for his glory. In addition, let's not overstate our ability to handle temptations, trials, difficulties, challenges, or problems. God's strength is made perfect when we realize our weakness and vulnerability and then rely on his strength to sustain us!
Thought
"'Difficulty' is not a word to be found in the dictionary of heaven. Nothing can be impossible with God." - Charles H. Spurgeon
Transformed By Truth
John 8:31-32
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
[Message No: 6698]
Over two decades ago, Juan Carlos Ortiz criticized European and American evangelists for offering a carrot stick gospel that focused on the pay off and not lordship of Jesus. Jesus, especially in Matthew 7, reminds us that grace does not dismiss discipleship and mercy does not release us from our need to genuinely repent. We must accept the grace that is given us and truly let Jesus be Lord of our lives. It's not an either-or proposition, but a both-and call from God to receive grace and to follow Jesus as Lord.
Overstated Commitment' — John 13:36-38
Most of us have done it. We've overstated (or at least, overestimated) our commitment, abilities, or strength. Our intentions, at the time, were probably good. We just didn't realize Satan's power to combine circumstance, fear, doubt, disillusionment ... in a concoction brewed just right to bring us to our knees. Peter had a tendency to overstate everything in his early years as a disciple. However, once Peter suffered through his personal embarrassments and failures, Jesus had a disciple fully prepared to lead powerfully while also walking humbly.
Let's not let our failures keep us from following Christ and being used for his glory. In addition, let's not overstate our ability to handle temptations, trials, difficulties, challenges, or problems. God's strength is made perfect when we realize our weakness and vulnerability and then rely on his strength to sustain us!
Thought
"'Difficulty' is not a word to be found in the dictionary of heaven. Nothing can be impossible with God." - Charles H. Spurgeon
Transformed By Truth
John 8:31-32
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
[Message No: 6698]
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