Peter Sammons reflects on what is important in God’s Kingdom
Living as Christians in the Wilderness
Once a person becomes a true disciple of Jesus (becomes a Christian) then how do they live their lives, and what is vital – versus what is merely important?!
The first thing to say is that our Lord Jesus warned us ahead of time we should enter His Kingdom with our eyes open. Sure, He will never abandon us (Hebrews 13: 5) but he also used the analogy of a King about to go into battle (Luke 14: 31-32). We recognize, then, first of all that we are going into spiritual battle. The Apostle Paul emphasized the same point (Ephesians 6: 10-20).
To survive on a battlefield we need training and a battle plan. A sensible and deliberative approach to Discipleship is vital.
The world in which we live can often be a spiritual wilderness. We need to be realistic about this.
https://www.christian-publications-int.com/images/PDF/BibleStudent/18_WILDERNESS.pdf
Powerpoint presentation
The linked presentation here (Download Powerpoint file) reminds us that we Christians should be deliberative as we approach the reality of a life lived in discipleship. Our friendship with the world will wane and sooner or later will be eliminated completely ( James 4:4). We shall TRULY be citizens of a foreign nation (Philippians 3:20) and ambassadors for that foreign nation (2 Corinthians 5: 20). What a privilege! What a responsibility.
In this presentation I suggest six areas vital for the true believer. There is a seventh which perhaps I shall add at a later stage – that missing seventh being practical and prayerful Ministry to the suffering church. Jesus told us we must care for our suffering brothers and sisters in contradistinction to our neighbours. (Matthew 25:35-40). Do we? This is I suggest a vital question. We WILL be judged on this specific question (Luke 16: 1-14).
Turning to our Powerpoint presentation we find six areas of the Christian walk highlighted, with associated Bible portions to consider. I invite readers to do this in their own time. Here, I make the briefest of comment on the six areas identified:
1. Repent and Seek the Saviour
Jesus told us to repent and be baptized (Matthew 4: 17 and Matthew 28: 19-20). First we need to own up to our need of Salvation – that is where the desire to repent comes from. Frankly, no repentance = no Christian! In repenting we turn away deliberatively from sin and seek to become more like Jesus. In repenting we destroy pride, which otherwise will destroy us (Proverbs 16: 18).
https://www.christian-publications-int.com/images/PDF/BibleStudent/08_GOSPEL.pdf
2. Baptism
It’s an instruction, not a suggestion! We have to obey. If we refuse to obey then our growth as a Christian will be stunted (and possibly even destroyed). So get on with it, don’t shilly shally!
https://www.christian-publications-int.com/images/PDF/BibleStudent/31_BAPTISM.pdf
3. Rejoicing in the Word
The Word of God is alive (Hebrews 4: 12). We need to make time and expend energy in getting to grips with God’s Word. We shall never understand Him properly if we refuse. And again our very Salvation may be called into question. Apostasy is possible.
(Apostasy)
https://www.christian-publications-int.com/images/PDF/BibleStudent/29%2020110419%20APOSTASY.pdf
(Inspiration of Scripture)
https://www.christian-publications-int.com/images/PDF/BibleStudent/42_INSPIRATION.pdf
4. Journey into righteousness
We need to become more Christ-like. Yes, we need to become better people!
https://www.christian-publications-int.com/images/PDF/BibleStudent/17_SANCTIFICATION.pdf
5. Baptism in Holy Spirit
How this manifests is not the real issue. But we need in-filling in Holy Spirit – this is Jesus’ spirit living us, empowering us, and energizing us. Praise Jesus for His Spirit! See John 20: 22.
https://www.christian-publications-int.com/images/PDF/BibleStudent/23_HOLY_SPIRIT.pdf
6. Engaging with Israel as Type and as reality
Since all true Christians are grafted-in to the Hebrew Root, and since God has not abrogated His promises to, not covenants with, His ancient chosen people, so we will be nonplussed if we fail to understand our Christian relationship to Israel. God said He would put His ancient people back in their homeland and in May 1948 He did so. Failure to understand and engage wholeheartedly with this truth will at the very least leave us confused and hurting. At worst we will find ourselves actively opposed to God’s purposes in and through His ancient people (as anti-Semites, the historical tragedy of the institutional “churches”). Be in no doubt, in extremis this can become a Salvation issue, and a road to apostasy.
Those who bless Israel …….. (Genesis 12: 3).
https://www.christian-publications-int.com/images/PDF/BibleStudent/47_CHOSEN_PEOPLE.pdf
Powerpoint presentation 2
I encourage readers to download the Powerpoint presentation and prayerfully to work through it. May you bee blessed in the mighty power of Jesus!
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