SALVATION IS FREE, BUT LIVING FOR CHRIST HAS COSTS

Christianity can be condensed into four words: Admit, Submit, Commit and Transmit. -Samuel Wilberforce

SALVATION IS FREE, BUT LIVING FOR CHRIST HAS COSTS

 Born again believers desire, more than anything, to do the will of God, right?  Of course,  but that is because many of us live in a countries where there is plenty, where there is freedom of speech, and where we are protected by law from harm.  But, have you been watching what is happening?  Being a Christian is becoming a “liability!”  Things are starting to deteriorate at a rapid pace; the things we hold dear are all being challenged in the streets, in the media, and in the courts.  My question is, am I really sure I want to do God’s will when it may cost me everything:  job, home, loved ones, and even one’s life?  Yes, if Jesus tarries much longer, I believe our faith will be tried to the point that being a Christian may cost us our lives.  But do not be alarmed; the early Church faced these same treats, and in spite of them, the Church has grown, and spread to “the four corners of the globe!”  God hasn’t changed; we know doing His will is ALWAYS the best choice in the end!  His will for us is”   

*  Mark 3:35 – Jesus said, “For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is My brother, and My sister, and mother.”  [We are family!]
*  Acts 13:36 – “For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers….” [We will live until our work is done!]
*  Romans 8:27 – “And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”  [He knows our needs!]
*  2 Corinthians 8:5 – “And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.”  [Believers will be there for us!]
*  Galatians 1:3-4 – “Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,  Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.”  [Our eternal life is a done-deal!]
*  1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “In every thing give thanks:  for this isthe will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”  [We may have the honor of suffering for He Who gave His very life for us!]
*  Hebrews 10:36 – “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.”  [We know our reward is certain!]
*  1 Peter 2:13-15 – “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by Him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.  For so is the will of God….”  (With one exception: Acts 5:29!]
*  1 Peter 3:17 – “For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.”  [We are to make sure we do not give cause to our enemies!]
*  1 Peter 4:2 – “That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.”  [We must focus upon His will and not our will!]
*  1 Peter 4:19 – “Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.”  [Do not fear those who can destroy your body, because the One Who guards your soul is faithful!]
*  1 John 2:17 – “And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.”  [This trial will soon be over, and our life with God is eternal!]