Category God

Let’s Talk about Jesus #4; His Unspeakable Gift

The Preacher 1 Comment

“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”

(2Corinthians 9:15).

While we’re talking about Jesus, let’s see if we can talk about this unspeakable gift.

The word here is the idea of indescribable, something we’re often unable to put into words. We are allowed to speak about it, but we’ll find it difficult to fully describe the good gifts of God.

Since most folks are talking about Jesus, let’s talk about Him too. Jesus told a healed man, “Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee” (Mark 5:19). Perhaps, we can do the same?

Maybe we can try to put into words the unspeakable GIFTS of Christ.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning”
 (James 1:17).

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).

What are a few of the spiritual GIFTS we have from God in Christ?

We have GRACE. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11; cf Eph 2:8). We need to start here for it is by the GRACE of God in Christ that we have access to salvation. Grace is a gift of God. It is God’s Rescue plan for sinful man. Grace gives us Access to God through Christ. The sacrifice of Christ is the central component of God’s Grace. When we are baptized into Christ we are saved and can Escape the corruption of this life (for by Grace are you saved). Truly Grace is an indescribable gift.

The divinely INSPIRED word is a Gift of God. After James says that every perfect gift comes down from above, he writes this, “Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures” (James 1:18). His inspired word is the source of knowledge about salvation in Christ, and is the source for how to live a life that is pleasing to Him. The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy; “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2Tim 3:15-17).

On a personal level, God gives us the Gift of bearing FRUIT. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-25).

He also gives us gifts for our earthly TREASURE for our physical needs as well as for the church, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God” (2Corinthians 9:8-11; Mat 7:11).

Not just for our own use, but to share with those in need as the church in Macedonia did for the Saint in Jerusalem, “Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints” (2Corinthians 8:1-4).

Lastly but certainly not least, God gives the gift of SALVATION. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). This gift He brings to all those that repent and are baptized (Acts 2:38) will not be removed. “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance” (won’t take them back) (Romans 11:29).

People often mistake God’s Gifts as automatic & universal salvation, and that He gives physical blessings for all mankind regardless of their beliefs or actions. Not so. God gives the Gift of Access to salvation ONLY through His Son Christ Jesus. There is no other way. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

The Gift of Salvation comes to those that obey Him. “And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Hebrews 5:9). Jesus has told us what will be said to the disobedient who call His name at the day of judgment, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say” (Luke 6:46)?

It is such a shame that even though we all have access to the Gift of God in Christ many will refuse it. God is full of Grace and Mercy, but one day everyone will stand before the throne of Christ to give an account and He “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2Thessalonians 1:8).

While we still have breath, we can obey the Gift of the Gospel of Christ and be saved. Then when death comes, we shall hear, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21).

Agape,

Spencer

Spencer is an evangelist for the Franklin & Juniper st church of Christ in Borger, Tx.

This is part of a series of articles about reasons to Talk About Jesus.

Let’s talk about CHRIST

The Preacher 1 Comment

As part of a series of lessons about evangelism, part 3 is about Redemption through CHRIST.

Jesus Christ was CRUCIFIED for us.

Jesus Shed HIS own blood.

Jesus was RAISED from the dead.

Jesus is the very IMAGE of the Invisible God.

Jesus is God’s SACRIFICE for us.

Jesus TASTED death for everyone.

Here are some questions for us…

Have we CRUCIFIED the flesh? Gal 5:24

Have we come in contact with HIS BLOOD? Rev 1:5; Matt 26:28; Acts 2:38.

Have we been RAISED to walk in newness of life in Baptism? Rom 6:3-6.

Are we striving to IMITATE Christ in this life? John 13:15.

Are we offering SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES in our own body? Rom 12:1; Heb 13:15-16.

Have we TASTED Death in baptism so that the second death has no power over us? Rom 6:3.

Would you like to study more about how to be Redeemed by the Blood of Christ? Click here for access to self paced studies.

Let’s Talk about Jesus the Strength Giver

The Preacher 1 Comment

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).

People are talking about Jesus. Let us be ready to talk about Him also, but with purpose and power.

We have seen in the last two articles that Jesus gives JOY, and ETERNAL LIFE, the above verse shows that He also gives us strength.

While this verse doesn’t explicitly tell how He strengthens us, there is scriptural evidence within the New Testament that teach us how and when we can be STRONG in the Lord.

All of us could use a little more strength in this life, but the true strength we need is only in Christ.

In what ways is the Saint made STRONG in the Lord.


Christ makes us SPIRITUALLY STRONG. Eph 3:16 “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love” (Eph 3:16-17). How can we be strong, and how does He dwell in our hearts? If you read the comparable passage in Colossians 3, you’ll see that it’s through scripture. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom” (Colossians 3:16a). Paul would continue to reveal to the Ephesians how to be strong; “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might, Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Eph 6:10-12; cf. 13-18).

Jesus gives us strength to TRANSFORM us by the renewing of our mind. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Rom 12:1-2). This transformation gives us the strength to change our character as seen in the fruit of the Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Gal 5:22-23).

Christ gives us strength to rise up in the face of persecution. “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” (Matt 5:10-12). We can have the Resilience to endure this life knowing that He sees, and that we have a reward in heaven.

This strength gives us Hope and Optimism in the face of death. Paul said, “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:20-21). This optimism gives us peace of mind instead of vexation because we know that a better place awaits the faithful in Christ (cf. John 14:27). “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). This optimism can be seen in personal contentment with our needs, (Phil 4:11-12).

He gives us the strength to be bold in preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Apostles prayed for this strength of courage when they faced physical violence against their preaching (cf. Acts 4:29). “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment” (1John 4:18). When we commit to and look to Jesus with our whole heart in love, we shall have the nerve to speak the truth in love to our family, friends, and neighbors.

Ultimately, we have the strength of Christ through His Grace. “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2Cor 12:9-10). Paul had an immediate empowerment from a change of perspective of his “thorn in the flesh.” Instead of viewing it as a weakness that hinders, it became a weakness that empowers! The thorn never changed, the pain never lessened, but the Power of Christ was displayed.

Agape,

Spencer

Spencer is an evangelist for the Franklin & Juniper st church of Christ in Borger, Tx.

This is part of a series of articles about reasons to Talk About Jesus.

Let’s Talk about Jesus, the Eternal Life Giver

The Preacher 1 Comment

“Thou hast the words of eternal life.”

The statement above is one of the most significant realizations a person can make. (John 6:68)

There are 3 life questions that many folks ask about life…

Where are we from?

Why are we here?

Where are we going?

To answer these questions, one needs a divine source. Jesus is the answer to these questions, and His written word is where we will find His answers.

Let’s see how Jesus is the answer to the question of where we are going.

He has the words of ETERNAL LIFE.

There are some 30 specific references in the New Testament to “ETERNAL LIFE.” It seems to this writer that this holds some significance.

Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you, and LEARN OF ME; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matt 11:29) The context of this verse is about learning. “HEARING” is another way the Bible says the same thing. “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:” (Mat 7:24). These verses clearly teach there is individual responsibility to Hear & LEARN. Some would have you believe that we’re unable to do either except miraculously. UNTRUE! We are all called by the Gospel message. “Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2Thess 2:14).

Paul wrote to Timothy to remind Saints to “Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth” (2Tim 2:15 ASV). The discourse of Jesus in John 6:26-68 is all about believing and learning of Christ. “I am the living bread which came down out of heaven” (John 6:51). Compare this to what Jesus said to the Devil, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matt 4:4).

The beginning of attaining Eternal Life is LEARNING.

—-

Matthew 7:24-29 is a link in the chain connecting the first action with the next; we must be INVOLVED in doing the things that we’ve LEARNED. We’re involved by obeying the commands of God. “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”

The clear teaching by Jesus here, and in other places (cf. Phil 2:12), is that the INDIVIDUAL is responsible to LEARN & get INVOLVED in his own salvation. “Save yourselves from this untoward generation.” (Acts 2:40b). In the immediate context of this verse, they LEARNED to be baptized in the name of Jesus. “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. (Acts 2:41).

James wrote under the influence of the Holy Spirit, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deluding your own selves. For if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a mirror: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth away, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But he that looketh into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and so continueth, being not a hearer that forgetteth but a doer that worketh, this man shall be blessed in his doing” (James 1:22-25).

Eternal Life is for those INVOLVED people that obey.

—-

When we write articles like this some will often decry “LEGALISM” or say that we’re working our way into heaven. Nothing of the sort is being said. Obedience to the will of God is FAITH (Heb 11:6). We trust that God will do what He promises for those that obey Him. God works through our faith. “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” (Col 2:12). Eternal Life is for those who are emotionally engaged.

Therefore, that the person striving for Eternal Life must have FAITH from the heart and is not just checking boxes on a list. Jesus said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” (Mat 22:37). He said in another place, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). And also, “This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” (Mark 7:6). Those that have Eternal Life in Christ have their whole heart, mind, and soul engaged.

Eternal Life is for those that have FAITH.

—-

It then stands to reason that as a person LEARNS, is INVOLVED, this person must FINISH what he began. “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” (Luke 14:28) The clear teaching here, and other places (cf. John 15:1-6; Rom 11:21), is that there’s no such thing as “once saved, always saved.” The Hebrew writer warned, “but Christ as a son, over his house; whose house are we, if we hold fast our boldness and the glorying of our hope firm unto the end” (Hebrews 3:6).

Eternal Life is for those that ENDURE to the end.

Agape,

Spencer is an evangelist for the Franklin & Juniper st church of Christ in Borger, Tx.

This is part of a series of articles about reasons to Talk About Jesus.

Let’s Talk about Jesus, the Joy Giver

The Preacher 1 Comment

Jesus is the real Joy Giver.

We have no need of a season to talk about our Lord. Let it be continually on the tip of our tongue. While everyone around us is scurrying to find a reason for the season, we already have reason to rejoice.

“Let’s talk about Jesus” will be the theme of the next several articles. It’s not because I desire to put Christ back into Christmas, He never really was part of that holiday. I write about things that are already on people’s minds, and perhaps we can persuade them to look into the True Jesus of the Bible (2Cor 11:4).

Since this is the season of giving and joy, in this first article Let’s talk about Jesus as being the Real Joy Giver. To do that we will look at the JOYS in Jesus from the book of Philippians.

This book is described as the book of Joy. Over and over, we can see the words “Joy” & “rejoice.”  This book is also one of the “prison epistles” of Paul, which makes those words even more astounding.

Let’s talk about the JOYS of Jesus.

JESUS IS PREACHED. While Paul was imprisoned for the cause of Christ (1:13), he found joy because JESUS was being preached. “What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice” (1:18). Some preached Christ out of insincerely, and out of contention, seeking to add to Paul’s bonds. While others preached Jesus out of Love and Good will. Paul rejoiced that Jesus is preached, and that many brethren had grown bolder. They preached boldly the word of Jesus without fear (1:14).

We can rejoice today knowing that Jesus is being preached. Certainly, many preach from error, but I see it as an opportunity to preach boldly the word of Jesus from sincerity and truth. Instead of taking the negative nelly approach, we can ask friendly questions to help folks think accurately about the truth. One was is to ask about the birth story of Christ. Here are a couple of ice-breaker questions to Preach Jesus more accurately (cf. Acts 8:26).

How many wise men are listed in the nativity story (Matt 2:1-12)?

How old was Jesus when the wise men came to Him (Matt 2:11-16)?

Open up your bible and show the answers to these questions. Perhaps a deeper discussion will occur because we were bold to preach Jesus.

ONE MIND IN CHRIST. Paul called for the Joy of having unity, ONE MIND in CHRIST. “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Phil 2:1-3). Joy would be made complete when we have the same LOVE, being of one ACCORD (harmony), and of one MIND.

Does it bring you Joy to know that there are others out there who have come to the same conclusions when they read and study the truth for themselves? While the world is on a mission to have contrarian view points on everything, there is Joy in the church when folks from different backgrounds and walks of life come together in Unity having learned the truth and obey it. “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Eph 4:2-6).

When we talk with folks about our faith with joy, we might meet someone who is coming to the same conclusions. Part of my evangelism is around seeking seekers. I’ve met several folks (pray for the seed to grow) who have started to question the practices in their religion. 

YOU AND I ARE TO REJOICE IN THE LORD. Paul continued to write about joy even as he gave warning about false teachers. “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision” (Phil 3:1-2). It seems a bit odd to rejoice in the midst of false teachers, but as you read you will see that it makes perfect sense. Because we know the truth, and how to recognize error, we can have Joy and Rejoice knowing that we have a home in heaven! “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself” (Phil 3:20-21).

While we still have the same problem today, let us rejoice in the fact we have the wisdom to recognize it, and that we have God’s word available to show the truth to others.

STRENGTHENED BY CHRIST. Paul could rejoice in all of these seemingly difficult obstacles to the cause of Christ because he drew his strength from Christ. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (4:13). He wasn’t saying that he could do whatever he wanted through Christ. He was saying that he could be strengthened to endure all the hardships of preaching Jesus as an Apostle and evangelist through Christ.

While we’re surrounded by a vexing world (2Pet 2:7-9), we can have the same joy and strength through the truth of God’s word. We can have joy because we have heard the truth, believed the truth, and obeyed the truth. We can have joy knowing that our names are written above in the Lamb’s book of life.

“And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice” (Phil 3:3-4).

Agape,

Spencer is an evangelist for the Franklin & Juniper st church of Christ in Borger, Tx.

This is part of a series of articles about reasons to Talk About Jesus.

Love CASTS out fear. 1John 4:17

The Preacher 1 Comment

4:17-18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear.

With the Love of God we can have Confidence to approach Christ. Heb 4:16.

God’s love gives us Assurance in knowing when doing His will. John 14:15.

The Love of God makes Salvation is certain when we remain faithful. 1John 1-2:2.

Because of His Love we are Trusting in His working. Col 2:11-12.

His love gave us Scriptural Support. 2Tim 3:15-17.

Additional outlines from 1John can be found here.

How are we Led by the Holy Spirit?

The Preacher 1 Comment

WHAT THE WORD CAN DO?

The Holy Spirit inspired the written word of God. “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2Peter 1:21

Give One Understanding (Psa.119:130).
Build One Up And Give Inheritance Among The Sanctified (Acts 20:32).
Keep One From Sinning (Psa. 1119:11; 1 John 2:1).
Quicken One; Make Him Alive Spiritually (Psa. 119:50; Eph 2:1).
Effect A Spiritual Begettal (1 Cor. 4:15).
Consummate A Spiritual Birth (1 Pet. 1:23).
Justify (Rom. 2:13).
Produce Faith (Rom. 10:17).
Guide (Psa. 173:24; 119:105)
Produce Fruit (Luke 8:15 Col 1:5,6
Give Everlasting Life (John 4:14).
Make One A Disciple Indeed (John 8:31).
Cleanse (John 15:3; Eph. 5:26).
Sanctify (John 17:17; Eph. 5:26).
Purify The Soul (1 Pet. 1:22).
Save The Soul (Jas. 1:21).
Produce Spiritual Growth (1 Pet. 2:2).
Effectually Work (1Thes. 2:13).
Comfort (1thes. 4:18; Rom. 15:4).
Rejoice The Heart (Psa. 119:111).
Give Understanding (Psa. 119:104).
Reconcile (2 Cor.5:17,18)
Judge Us At The Last Day (John 12:47,48)

WHAT MORE DOES ONE NEED?

Since the Holy Spirit inspired the written word, He leads us through our study and application of the Word.

John 20:30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Eph 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

agape,

Spencer

The Franklin & Juniper st church of Christ in Borger is very much involved in Bible reading and study. You’re invited to attend one of our services to hear the Gospel preached in plainness of speech easy to understand.

What can the 7 Sayings of Jesus on the Cross teach us about our pain?

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Jesus said, “Take up your cross and follow me” (Matt 16:24). We are to die to self and live for Him.

The Gospels reveal 7 sayings of Jesus when He was on His cross. These sayings have important meaning for themselves, but they also leave an example for us who are suffering on our crosses.

What can the 7 sayings of Jesus on the cross teach us about handling our own pain, suffering, & earthly hurting?

“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

We often suffer at the hands of those close to us. Jesus suffered at the hands of God’s chosen people. We will often complain about what they should do, but didn’t do. Yes, they shoulda, and coulda, but didn’t. This powerful example of Jesus teaches us to be a forgiving people. We need to complain with grace, ready to Forgive, or Forebear, or Forget (release from our heart). Forgive those that are hurting you…

But Stay on the cross.

“To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

When others fail, remember that God doesn’t fail. There’s hope in the midst of our pain. There’s even hope when our pain is self induced. The thief admitted his guilt, and was a mocker along with the other one, but later he had a change of heart. It’s then he looked to the only one that could help, Jesus. Sometimes our suffering is self induced, but the Lord is faithful to forgive those that are in Him (1John 1:9). Repent…

But Stay on the cross.

“Woman, behold, thy son! Behold, thy mother!” (John 19:26-27)

Your friends may have turned their back on you. I hate that. However, If you’ll look, you’ll see that not everyone has left you. Some are nearby unable to take away your pain, But they can take some of your responsibilities. Just ask them for help. Some of us just don’t know what to do, but we’re willing if you’ll let us know.

When you’re overwhelmed with your main priority, let go of some of the other important, but lesser stuff.

But Stay on the cross.

“My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Mat 27:46)

People will let you down at your lowest point. The disciples left Jesus. It will also APPEAR that God has left you too. He hasn’t. He’s with you. While this saying has prophetic significance, it is a reminder of how lonely we can feel in our darkest moments. We need to remember that Jesus said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb 13:5).

But Stay on the cross.

“I thirst.” (John 19:28-29)

Life is a dry, and thirsty struggle, metaphorically speaking. Jesus asked the woman at the well for a drink. He received a bit of a rebuke (John 4:7-9). Isn’t that the way it goes sometimes? Jesus said, “I thirst,” and He received sour wine. When we need help we sometimes receive a sour response. Ask anyway…

But Stay on the cross.

“It is finished.” (John 19:30)

Jesus stayed on that cross to the very end because He knew that what He was doing was essential for salvation for the world. (cf. Matt 16:21-23; 26:52-55). Keep on pushing through the pain until you complete your duty as a child of God. It’s important that we stay the course of faithfulness. We may not see the benefits until much later (Rev 2:10),

But Stay on the cross.

“Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” (Luke 23:46)

Even when all others fail you, God never does. Trust God. “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (2Tim 1:12). Whatever happens to you…

Stay on the cross.

Agape,

Spencer