Amen.
..."And they overcame him because of The Blood Of The LAMB and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even to death. Revelation 12:11.
I liked reading this, John. Thank you.
I know nothing of the man other than his words I read which you have shared here, but what I read I can only acknowledge what he is saying. Though I would read it with more urgency than he writes. If any would refuse what he is stating, then just look around at all that professes to be Christianity, but is not, and which holds no benefit for the one who will follow it, rather than seeking to follow in The Steps Of JESUS CHRIST.
It is not in the precepts and doctrines of man, but In The LORD JESUS CHRIST. Saved By Grace through faith In The SON Of GOD, in accordance with Scripture; in accordance with The Gospel; in accordance with JESUS CHRIST.
We are warned of allowing our faith to lay idle, and that the consequence for doing so is self-condemnation, and the loss of everything once stood to Inherit; By Grace through faith In JESUS CHRIST (Matthew 25:14-30). Because it is through faith (Luke 17:5-10, as opposed to what man will teach to mean faith) GOD Works; The Sanctifying Work Of The HOLY SPIRIT, so that in all things we may indeed obey JESUS CHRIST and have the Forgiveness of sins (1 Peter 1:2, 2 Peter 1:2, John 17:3).
It is to have a heart such as the Apostle Paul
But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of (Through) CHRIST. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the Surpassing Value of knowing CHRIST JESUS my LORD, for WHOM I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain CHRIST, and may be found In HIM, not having a righteousness of my own derived from Law, but that which is through faith In CHRIST, the Righteousness Which From GOD on the basis of faith, that I may know HIM, and The Power Of HIS Resurrection and the fellowship of HIS Sufferings, being conformed to HIS death; in order that I may attain to The Resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained, or have already become Perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of That for Which also I was laid hold of by CHRIST JESUS.
Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of yet; but one thing: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press ntoward The Goal for The Prize Of The Upward Call Of GOD In CHRIST JESUS... Philippians 3:7-14.
How many may truly say, such as Paul, that all they do is in view of the Surpassing Value of knowing CHRIST JESUS their LORD, for WHOM they have suffered the loss of all things? John 17:3.
It all comes down to the heart.
I have posted a thought provoking article (below) by Francis Frangepane of this title to provoke thought and discussion.
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Where Is the Disciple's Cross?
(En Español)
In our modern era we have a different version of Christianity than that which Christ founded in the first century. Our version secures a hope in the afterlife but does little to change us in the present life. We are still as easily offended and as unloving as those who do not know Christ -- and we are certainly just as divisive.
Yes, we marvel at what Christ accomplished at Calvary, but we shrink from what He desires to fulfill in us. We desire His blessings but not His backbone. Because we have diluted the full purpose of Christianity, which is functional conformity to Christ (Eph. 4:24), the power to transform us is likewise diluted. As a result, our leaders fall, marriages fail, and the gospel is reduced to a course on ethics, which we can take or leave since God forgives us anyway.
As awesome as being forgiven is, the Son of God did not lay down His life only to secure our forgiveness; the eternal goal of His sacrifice was to secure our full transformation. Forgiveness is but the first stage of transformation.
Thus, when Paul writes of knowing the "power of [Christ's] resurrection," he unites resurrection power with "being conformed to [Christ's] death" (Phil. 3:10). Conformity to Christ's death is the purpose of the disciple's cross; it is the gateway into the resurrection power of Jesus Christ.
The Anthem of the Cross
Why do we not hear more messages about the disciple's cross? We hear much on inner healing; we know basically how to lead people to Christ. We have even adopted and adapted into our Christian theology terminology from modern psychology -- we know when something needs "closure" or the problems associated with "dysfunctional families."
But when will we discuss the power of Christ's cross? When will we rediscover the power of the crucified life?
It is not as though the symbol of the cross is absent from our culture; on the contrary. The cross sits majestically on top of our great cathedrals and it adorns our most humble worship centers. It embellishes Bible covers and religious books alike. Not only is it incorporated into the sacred emblem of our many ministries, it is also the insignia for numerous charitable foundations, hospitals, and relief agencies. Row upon row, it stands guard in our cemeteries. It has even become a popular jewelry item, worn by Christians and non-Christians alike.
Yet when was the last time you heard a sermon on the disciple's cross? Or asked the clerk at the Christian bookstore for the section on carrying the cross? Or when did you last participate in a worship service that included just one song about triumphantly bearing the cross? Apart from a hymn or two, the emphasis on the cross is missing.
Yes, we hear of faith, hope and love; we seek spiritual gifts, blessings and prosperity, but why is there so little emphasis on the disciple's cross? My goal today is not to expose what is lacking with Christian music or bookstores. From my heart I commend our psalmists for their majestic melodies; their worship songs truly communicate deep and intimate adoration of God. But where is the anthem of the cross? Where are the musical scores that centralize and exalt the very crest of Heaven, the triumphant sign of the Son of Man? When will we hear songs that, like banners, unfurl before the army of God, inspiring us to embrace the life and redemptive path of our crucified King?
In truth, we lack lyrics about the disciple's cross because we avoid teaching the disciple's cross. Our minstrels are only writing songs inspired by current theology. The fault lies in the pulpit and with those of us who are Christian leaders. Under the guise of compassion for the weak, we have presented a gospel that's weak. We present comfort, but not challenge and sympathy without standards.
My friends, let us not deny the weak their comfort nor the infirm their healing, but let us also press toward the full stature of Christ. Jesus said uncompromisingly to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me" (Matt. 16:24). It is time to get serious with God, to pick up the cross and discover again the power that accompanies a crucified life. The cross is the power of God.
Lord Jesus, for too long I have lived in spiritual immaturity. I have sought to be coddled instead of crucified. With all my heart I desire to become like You, Jesus. Forgive me for being so easily distracted and so addicted to comfort. Hear my heart, O Lord, and restore me to true conformity to You in all things. Amen.