Edward F. Lundwall, Jr.
Being a disciple of Jesus Christ changes one's self concept. We no longer belong to ourselves or to the world. We belong to the household of the eternal God through Jesus Christ. This increases the challenges we face in the world. We can expect to encounter aggression, persecution, slander, and abuse.
The Apostle Paul exhorts his readers to think of themselves as being reborn from the dead. Our lives are an expression of being resurrected in Him. We live as servants of the One who gives us eternal life.
"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake the same shall save it." (Luke 9:23, 24).
Christ’s soul life exchange sounds unreasonable or improbable to those who are perishing, but the disciple looks forward to fulfillment of the work God has begun in us. The early disciples longed for the Kingdom age because of its blessed nature. In that age we will experience true shalom and perfect communion with the Holy Trinity!
Being a disciple of Jesus Christ changes one's self concept. We no longer belong to ourselves or to the world. We belong to the household of the eternal God through Jesus Christ. This increases the challenges we face in the world. We can expect to encounter aggression, persecution, slander, and abuse.
The Apostle Paul exhorts his readers to think of themselves as being reborn from the dead. Our lives are an expression of being resurrected in Him. We live as servants of the One who gives us eternal life.
"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake the same shall save it." (Luke 9:23, 24).
The old soul or life is exchanged for the new life He came to give (John 1:12). By His grace we exchange the old for the new life in Christ.
Christ’s soul life exchange sounds unreasonable or improbable to those who are perishing, but the disciple looks forward to fulfillment of the work God has begun in us. The early disciples longed for the Kingdom age because of its blessed nature. In that age we will experience true shalom and perfect communion with the Holy Trinity!
The Lord Jesus wanted his first disciples to recognize Him as the source of their lifes, blessings and hope. He bid them, “Come and see” (John 1:39). Those who came followed Him. Their lives were gradually changed. They exchanged thie old life for the new and entered into His righteousness, being justified by faith. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me...” (John 10:27). He promises that none can snatch us from his fold. We are secure in His care.
Related reading: Confirm His Calling; You Must Be Born Again
No comments:
Post a Comment