Tag Archives: John 15:20

Christian

Crossroads

Two things Jesus’ sacrifice at the cross never did despite what you may have heard:

1. Jesus did not live a perfect sinless life and be crucified so that you wouldn’t have to follow the law. Romans 6:23 tells us the wages of sin is death. This means we must still keep the law of Christ or face eternal damnation (the second death).

2. Jesus did not take your place on the cross so that you would never have to die. While it is unlikely you will be put to death by crucifixion, you or I can still be put to death for our faith. In fact in Revelation Jesus warns us to be faithful unto death. See also John 15:20. This means as Christians that trials, temptations, torture, and even death (physical death) are still real possibilities.

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Christian, Inspirational

At What Cost

Christ did die on the cross for us. But a dangerous and misleading teaching is that Christ died on the cross so that we don’t have to.

It can be a bit confusing, but it’s important to get it right. Jesus died so that we will not have to die the second death as long as we believe, are baptized , and follow him. The second death is being found unworthy and cast into Hell forever. It is eternal separation from the Lord, where the Bible says our soul is destroyed.

Jesus did not promise us that we should never suffer or die. In fact the opposite is true. John 15:20 KJV says, … If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you… . Revelation 2:10 KJV says … be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

So why is this important. You may have been taught Jesus has already done everything necessary for your salvation or that he died on the cross in our place. The realistic version is that as a Christian you may suffer and you may even be called to give your life for Christ.

To those of you that are called and chosen. Be mindful that one thing yet remains:

Be faithful unto death!

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Christian, Inspirational

State of the Church

Recently, I have heard a few people comment on the great freedom we have to worship the Lord here in the United States and how blessed we are that it is so. What good is that freedom if the Church members will not hear and do not do God’s word.

Where is the persecution Christ promised? John 15:20. Satan is satisfied to give you religious freedom if what you practice is mediocrity and lukewarm Christianity.

What can combat mediocrity and lukewarm Christianity is the truth:

Baptism is required for salvation! Mark 16:16.

Following the Ten Commandments is expected. Exodus 20, John 14:15. I have heard it well expressed the first four show love for God and the last six show love for others. My advice is where you hear a law in the Holy Bible and it seems wise and good, keep it. Write them on your mind and heart. His precepts will guide you.

Read the Holy Bible and pray for understanding. Don’t be afraid to disagree with your pastor or others. Many who cling to denominational creed simply cannot hear the truth.

It is said speaking in tongues is evidence of the Holy Spirit. The Truth is evidence of the Holy Spirit. He is also known as the Spirit of Truth. He takes of Christ and gives to you.

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