The Greatest Gift

Following Jesus isn't about being perfect, it's about realizing how perfect He is. He in His perfection, took upon Himself the wrath that was designated for us by the Father because of our sinful imperfection. This my friends, is the greatest gift to ever be offered us - the chance to not have to bear the much deserved wrath of God.

But not everyone will receive this great gift. Many will reject the Word, the LORD. Some will say they have received this gift, yet they deceive themselves and others, because they live no different than the world and teach others to do the same. Those who are impostors in the church (the lukewarm, the wolves, the false teachers/prophets) are no different than those who are truly sons of this world (that is the lost, pagan, wicked, secular). Do not be like the invited guest who did not bring wedding clothes, or the one who claims to know Christ, but is not known by Christ. (Matthew 22:1-14; Matthew 7:23)

I would encourage each of you this week to go the Lord and earnestly seek Him. Not because it is the week of Passover and this weekend is set aside to celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ...but because the hour is late and the return of the King of Kings is near. We are not guaranteed a single second, so why keep putting off and waiting? Are you afraid of what the Lord will reveal to you? You should be. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom. (Proverbs 1:7) But it is only when you come to realize the depth of your sin and your need for Christ daily, that you can truly begin to accept and get a glimpse at just how awesome and wonderful the Gift the LORD offers is.

How is your walk with the Lord? Do you earnestly seek Him at all times, or only when things go wrong? Do you love Him with all of your heart, or do you only love His Name or the idea of God? Do you desire to immerse yourself in His Living Word, or is it but a chore that all "good Christians" do? Have you asked Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit, and to purify you, to cleanse you, and to uncover all wickedness in your life? Or did you just say the "sinner's prayer"? Do you repent daily, hating each and every sinful desire of your flesh, or are you quite comfortable and okay with yourself thinking it's all about personal happiness (homosexuality, unclean/immoral entertainment, addictions, pornography, adultery, witchcraft, horoscopes, superstitions, magic, etc...)?

These questions MUST be considered. Work out your salvation with fear and trembling for our God is a mighty and holy God. He offers the gift of salvation only to those who truly desire it. He looks at our hearts, for our heart tells all. Be the one who receives that precious gift of Christ and bear fruit with it! For those who do not bear fruit, are dead branches, destined for removal and thrown into the fire. (John 15:1-8) Many will come to Christ, many will claim to be Christian, many will warm a church pew, but few will be chosen. Few will have their hearts set upon Him. Few will follow Him even though trials and tribulations will come. Few will count the cost and consider Jesus worth it. Few, my friends, few. Will you be part of that "few", the Remnant? Be the seed sown in good soil, for Christ is worth it, His is the Greatest Gift we could ever be given. (Matthew 13)

Believe

(John 3:16)

Trust

(Proverbs 3:5-6)

Obey

(John 14:15)

Love

(Matthew 22:37)

Seek

(Psalm 27:4)

Listen

(Psalm 81:13)

Follow

(Matthew 4:19)