“…MANY DECEIVERS have gone out into the world, who DO NOT CONFESS JESUS CHRIST AS COMING IN THE FLESH. Any such person is a deceiver and an antichrist. Watch yourselves, that you DO NOT LOSE what we have accomplished, but that you may RECEIVE A FULL REWARD. Anyone who GOES TOO FAR and does NOT REMAIN in the TEACHING OF CHRIST, does not have God; the one who REMAINS IN THE TEACHING has both the Father and the Son.” (2 John 1:7-9)
Most people don’t care if you’re a Christian, just so long as it doesn’t really CHANGE YOU. So long as it doesn’t go “TOO FAR.” This sense of “TOO FAR” is EXACTLY THE KIND OF LIFE we as Christians SHOULD BE LIVING and it involves the following:
- LOVING THOSE EVERYONE ELSE DESPISES. “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud but be willing to associate with people of LOW POSITION. Do not be conceited. DO NOT REPAY ANYONE EVIL FOR EVIL. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, LIVE AT PEACE WITH EVERYONE.” (Romans 12:15-18)
- DENYING SELF AND TAKING UP OUR CROSS DAILY. “Jesus said to the disciples, “If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him DENY HIMSELF and TAKE UP HIS CROSS and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24) If we do not deny ourselves and take up our cross daily (God’s calling on our lives), we are not living our life according to the standard God sets for us to follow.
- BEING UNABLE TO STOP TALKING ABOUT THE WORK CHRIST HAS DONE IN OUR LIVES. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord WILL BE SAVED.” How can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach UNLESS THEY ARE SENT? As it is written: “How beautiful are THE FEET of those who bring good news!” Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” Consequently, FAITH COMES FROM HEARING the message, and the message is heard through THE WORD ABOUT CHRIST.” (Romans 10:13-17)
- PRAYING WITHOUT CEASING. “Rejoice always, PRAY WITHOUT CEASING (adialeiptōs: uninterruptedly, repeatedly), in everything give thanks; for this is the WILL OF GOD in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
- READING THE BIBLE CONSTANTLY: “…you must THINK CONSTANTLY about these commandments (constantly reading The Word of God) I am giving you today. You must TEACH THEM (constantly) TO YOUR CHILDREN…” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7) Check to make sure this is in your bible, the devil does not want us to know this!
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham