How do we actually do what Jesus did? As disciples of Jesus, we are called to not only FOLLOW JESUS in spirit but we are called to CONTINUE HIS WORK on earth as it is in heaven. This means healing the sick, praying for the lost, opening up our homes and our lives to those far from God. THE END GOAL IS TO DO WHAT HE DID. In this teaching, we explore the next steps in forming our lives around the practices of Jesus.
Jesus profoundly said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, HE who BELIEVES IN ME, the works that I do HE WILL DO ALSO; and GREATER WORKS than these HE WILL DO, because I go to My Father. And WHATEVER YOU ASK in My name, that I WILL DO, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. IF you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” (John 14:12-14) Do we believe this? Notice how I emphasized “HE” We walk by our faith: we don’t merely stand by faith. Believing requires us to step out of a boat at Jesus’ command and WALK ON WATER. It requires us to FORSAKE ALL AND FOLLOW HIM. It requires us to walk a tightrope across a huge gorge in order to get to God. That tightrope is Jesus. HE IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE.
We cannot believe in Jesus from merely reading about Him in the pages of the bible. We have to KNOW (eidō: get awareness of, become informed, to understand) the Jesus of the bible. We have to enter into a personal relationship with Him. Paul says: “I KNOW whom I have believed.” (2 Timothy 1:12). Listen to this, God, “…gives more grace. He says: “God RESISTS (antitassomai: to range in battle against) the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Therefore SUBMIT TO GOD. RESIST THE DEVIL and he will FLEE from you. DRAW NEAR TO GOD and He will DRAW NEAR TO YOU.” (James 4:6-8)
“He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to WALK JUST AS HE WALKED.” (1 John 2:6)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham