And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25
Recommended Reading: HEBREWS 3:12-18 “12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;15 While it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.16 For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.17 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.”
COMMENTS: In most of the world’s countries, those who confess they are Christian comes at a cost. For some it is criticism and rejection from group activities or by family for friends. But in most Islam dominated countries the cost is much higher. Christians are tolerated in many Hindu and Buddhist dominated countries but in some of them Christians also face discrimination and persecution. Christians are increasing in number and in faith in the midst of that persecution or even because of that persecution. This is due in part to depth of faith and hope those who commit to living and sharing their faith in Christ. Genuine faith is impactful on others. Faith without cost or commitment is not impactful because it is not genuine.
In America, where to be Christian is acceptable, little or no persecution or cost is required. There are exceptions and evidence of some increase in criticism or even legal consequences to individuals who take a moral stand based on their Christian world view and moral values. But compared with cost of being a Christian in Pakistan or North Korea, cost in America is negligible.
However, that also means there are lukewarm Christians only in name and not in commitment either to live out their faith or even regularly attend church. That lack of commitment or conviction to Christ has done great harm corrupting the church body and discouraging potential new believers. Misguided religions draw more followers just by having committed followers. But then again, Christ offers redemption but still honors each person to make his own choices, while satan does all he can to persuade or deceive or wear down those he tempts until their resistance is gone.
The big difference is, he is committed to defeat God and destroy us. Look at the conduct and goals of Islam, destroying anyone young and old in order to gain control and power in the name of religion. Christ gave His life to save people, His creation. He calls us His beloved and has inspired His followers to care for widows and orphans. The world doesn’t want it known how many hospitals and orphanages and universities are Christ centered in origin. Yet so many can’t be recognized because of divorcing themselves from that origin and world view, a Christ centered world view.
Luke 6:43-45 “43 For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.44 For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”
Those who judge the Christian faith by lukewarm or counterfeit followers or judge Islam by how committed it’s followers are following satan’s deceptions. Judge a person by his fruit. Judge their religion by fruit of those faithful to that faith. Judge Christianity by Christ and conduct of His faithful followers.
Christ offers eternal life to His followers. He offers redemption from sin, not to be earned but given as a gift. Christ doesn’t offer “70 virgins” to satisfy selfish lust but freedom from sin and satan’s lies and destructive work that brings death. Sincere committed followers only are genuine if following truth.
Who are you following, Christ or a counterfeit? Are you a counterfeit pretending to follow Christ? Following a counterfeit or being a counterfeit brings death. Christ warns us against following counterfeits as well as warns of becoming one. The benefits of following Christ are eternal. The consequences of not are eternal too.
We don’t earn our salvation. It is a gift from God to us paid by Christ on the cross. Once we receive this gift, God also gives us His Spirit, the Holy Spirit, to abide in and with us as our helper and guide so we can serve and be like Christ without pretending or counterfeit. Christ gives LIFE. ETERNAL LIFE. NO ONE ELSE CAN OR WILL. NO OTHER GOD EXISTS OR CAN. Such a wonderful message to share. AMEN? AMEN!!
“The physical presence of other Christians is a source of incomparable joy and strength to the believer”. Dietrich Bonhoeffer
PERSONAL COMMENT:
God has a wonderful but sometimes painful way of using us to minister in the lives of others but also to prepare and encourage others to do so too. About a week ago I began experiencing pain on my right side and increasing weariness. Being 67 with Parkinson’s has made me learn to recognize and adjust to such things without being concerned and adjust what I’m doing accordingly. But symptoms didn’t pass or diminish and a couple of days later went to the hospital expecting I would need treated for pneumonia. Instead I was admitted and treated for a lung blood clot. Countless tests and needles and medicine filled most of last week. But God is slowly but surely bringing healing and strength. Experience retaught me how much I need to lean on and involve others in my life and in ministry. What I could and would do without thinking a few years ago He reminded me is far better done if others are doing with me. I was forced to concede I would not be able to lead closing at our annual community vacation bible school program, which began last evening, July 8th. I began thinking about options when our daughter volunteered to take over my duties. She had never done so but had witnessed me doing it for many years and had been involved in other ways in past.
Last night I simply sat in back and watched and listened. To see God using her unique caring personality while giving her insights made the heart of a proud father full. Of course, I took pictures. Of course, I prayed and praised Him quietly before and during that time. Of course, I had to give her a hug and encouragement afterwards.
What warmed my heart even more is what she said a bit later. Her husband’s father’s sister had passed some time before but committal service for her ashes was delayed but is planned for today, July 9th. She was asked by the family to say a few words and since a song. An additional challenge in addition to her job and family and bible school closing. But He has worked out timing and rallied some help for her and she will be doing this on faith but with the thought some in attendance will have a brief opportunity to accept Christ if she is faithful. So while our prayers continue today for her , Arlene and I will be working to free her of some obligations so she will be free to do God’s bidding today.
God gives us unexpected but significant opportunities if we walk with Him daily. I have been learning that lesson and truth over the decades and still am discovering and learning that lesson. So wonderful when I also see Him teaching this lesson to my children. But, even unexpected illnesses provide opportunities too.
When we are at the end of our ability to manage our day and one more demand on our time faces us, it is then and seldom before when He shows up with the tools and laborers we need. The labor is then shared, but the fruit of that labor is also shared. But the sweetest fruit to be shared is the fellowship we share with our best Friend but also our Lord and Savior. How do we explain such in a way that others will understand and desire? Over the past few days, God revealed that to me and my family. We never would have imagined nor chose such a way, but so glad He did and look forward to seeing how He orchestrates this opportunity to share His Love and Grace.
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