Believers often receive the gospel (or we might say “Christ into their lives”), find forgiveness, and then fall into a trap of Christian activity. They conclude, “I’m accepted by God, so everything’s okay and I can just serve away . . . ” The possibility that Christians can go through the motions, even doing so …
Eventually a growing disciple realizes that not only does Christ call His followers to deny themselves, take up their cross and follow Him (Luke 9:23), but he also calls them to live sacrificially. The self-life must die and Christ must live. Christ Himself was a sacrifice for us. Paul writes, “I appeal to you therefore, …
Fruit of Following God #13: Sacrificial Living for Christ Read More »
Hebrews 11 is the chapter that summarizes so many demonstrations of faith in the Bible. In some ways, it is amazing that the author of Hebrews wrote such a short compilation since evidence of faith is seen throughout Scripture. Of course, the author did write: “And what more shall I say? For time would fail …
The Fruit of Following God – Part 12: Walks by Faith Read More »
Whether they know it or not, unbelievers live under the influence and the guise of the father of lies, Satan himself (John 8:44). Satan is known as the deceiver (Genesis 3) and loves to keep people in the darkness of falsehood. Yet, the follower of Christ has now determined that God’s testimony of His Son …
The Fruit of Following God – Part 11: Loves Truth Read More »
The disciple of Christ has a new attitude toward their personal sin. Others’ sins might bother him and society’s ills might be personally discouraging and inflaming, but suddenly he sees that the biggest problem in the entire world is his own sin. Like David, he cries out, “For I know my transgressions,and my sin is …
The Fruit of Following God – Part 10: Grows in Holiness Read More »
The growing disciple of Christ has a new standard for his life. He wants to know what God says through His word and wants to do what he hears God say. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do …
The Fruit of Following God – Part 9: Submissive Obedience Read More »
After I became a Christian, the first verse that I memorized was from the Navigator Topical Memory System (TMS) and for me it was absolutely true: “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new!” (KJV). The believer in Christ is …
The Fruit of Following God – Part 8: “Grows in Christ-likeness” Read More »
Ultimately, this attribute answers the questions, “Who (or what) is first in my life?” And, “why do I exist?” These questions address what is often called “The Lordship Commitment.” Does Christ hold first place in the life of the disciple? Will he or she submit to and obey His revealed will in all matters of …
The Fruit of Following God – Part 7: “Lives to Glorify God” Read More »
The first fruit listed among the fruit of the Spirit is the fruit of love. This beautiful fruit begins to mature when Christ enters a person’s life. Romans 5:5 states: “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” …
The Fruit of Following God – Part 6: Demonstrates Love Read More »
