36. Go and make disciples

36 • Go and Make Disciples

Jesus said many things to His disciples before He went to heaven. One of His last commands should be His children’s supreme concern and ambition. Jesus said, about 2000 years ago: ‘Go therefore and make disciples (spiritually mature Christians) of all the nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all the things that I have commanded you; for I am with you always, even to the end of the age’ (Matthew 28:18-20). This command is meant for all His followers—not only for His disciples two thousand years ago. In a sense it is impossible for Christians to make even one disciple. We all know that Christians struggle to overcome sin and everyday problems. In our own strength it is impossible to be a disciple, let alone to make disciples.

This is why God assures us that He will be with us to the end of the age. His presence, the Holy Spirit (the Spirit of Christ; Romans 8:8), will help us in this wonderful task. We need Him (Psalm 63:1-3; Psalm 84:1-5) and we need to remember that Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). Because of His authority and supreme power, the task of making disciples is certain. With God’s manual (The Bible), with His Spirit within us (Ephesians 1:19, 20), with the grace of Jesus Christ enabling us (2 Corinthians 13:14), we are sure to succeed in God’s enterprise. Jesus said in Matthew 16:18: ‘On this rock (Christ) I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.’ All the powers of sin, wickedness and hell cannot overcome Jesus’ power. Christians cannot be destroyed because Jesus overcame death (1 Corinthians 15:3-5; 20-22).

His marvelous aim and purpose is to see people from all ethnic groups (currently there are about 12000 of them) come into His kingdom to worship Him (Revelation 5:9; 7:9). The goal of making disciples of Jesus is to enable them to worship and delight in God for eternity (Revelation 5:9-13). Teaching people to be obedient to Him is a temporary project on earth. To go and share and live God’s words can be compared to an army going for battle against enemy forces. There will be casualties and assaults on God’s kingdom, and we need weapons to fight with. The difference is that our weapons are not physical weapons but spiritual weapons, mighty through God to pull down strongholds and to go behind enemy lines (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). The great thing to remember is that the decisive battle has been won through the finished work of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14; 1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

Christians, as God’s soldiers, are to proclaim His victory so that God will receive the rewards of His suffering from all ethnic groups. One day this opportunity to go into all the world and be on mission for Jesus will be gone. What vision and divine ambition drive you? Are you energized to do great exploits for God’s glorious Kingdom (Daniel 12:2, 3)? There will be no end of the increase of God’s government and peace (Isaiah 9:6)! In Mark 8:38 Jesus said: ‘For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this sinful and adulterous generation, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels’. To make disciples of all nations is therefore not an option for believers but a glorious responsibility and a privilege.

Scripture to consider: In Revelation 5:9 God gives us a picture of eternity:  ‘And they sang a new song saying, “You (Christ) are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, for You were slain and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of EVERY TRIBE AND TONGUE AND PEOPLE AND ETHNIC GROUP, and made us kings and priests to our God.”’

Read: Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 8:8; Psalm 63:1-3; Psalm 84:1-5; Ephesians 1:19, 20; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 15:3-5; 20-22; Revelation 5:9; 7:9; Revelation 5:9-13; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; 2 Corinthians 2:14; 1 Corinthians 15:55-57;

Daniel 12:2,3; Isaiah 9:6; Mark 8:38.

35. You shall be my witnesses

 35 • You Shall be My Witnesses

Before Jesus went back to heaven from where He came, He told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem to receive the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:48, 49). Jesus said: ‘You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judea, in Samaria and unto the ends of the earth’ (Acts 1:8). This command Jesus gave His Apostles two thousand years ago, but it applies to all Christians too. It has already been fulfilled many times in the world, but it remains valid for each believer in every generation. Each person who has been touched by God and whose sins have been forgiven has a story to tell the world (1 Peter 3:15). You must tell others what great things Jesus has done for you (Mark 5:19, 20)!

If a lame man who was healed in the Name of Jesus when the apostle Peter prayed for him then started walking and jumping and praising God for everyone to hear (Acts 3:1-10), how much more should we praise God for what He has done for us, saving us from eternal wrath through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross (Romans 5:9). In fact, it is impossible to keep quiet if you really know what has happened to you. Many people have been involved in terrible things, and some have a more dramatic story to tell than others. People addicted to drugs, pornography, fornication, lust, homosexuality, prostitution, gambling and alcohol have been set free by Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Others have been set free from ancestral worship, demonic oppression and possession and even from pride and legalism, the worst type of bondage (Luke 20:46-47).

In any case, each one of us who believes in Christ has the privilege to witness about Jesus Christ’s saving power, about His perfect life, His sacrifice on the cross on behalf of us and His victory over death. He took us from the pit of hell, from the miry clay (Psalm 40:1-3) and gave us new life in His Spirit. Just imagine that someone gave you 2, 000, 000 US dollars! Wouldn’t you tell someone about it? Wouldn’t you be happy about it? Wouldn’t you share it with others? How much more, then, when someone’s sins have truly been forgiven, and he/she is delivered from the bondage of sin, self and Satan, has been granted eternal life, has received the wonderful Holy Spirit and an inheritance in heaven and found the Treasure of Jesus Christ, would he/she remain quiet about it and not want to share this good news with others?! Revelation 12:11 says: ‘And they (referring to believers) overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony and they did not love their lives unto death.’ As Charles Spurgeon said: ‘Have you no desire for others to be saved, then you are not saved yourself. Be sure of that!’

But we need wisdom (Colossians 4:5) how and with whom to share this good news. Jesus said we should be: ‘…as wise as serpents an as innocent as doves’ (Matthew 10:16). In many places in the world believers can be persecuted or even be put to death because they follow Christ. There are people who would like to kill and destroy the life of God within Christians. But the life of God within His children is indestructible— because God is indestructible. He is the Author and Prince of Life (Acts 3:15; John 1:4)! Because many people are the enemies of God, they will go against His children with force to kill and to steal and to destroy (John 10:10; John 16:33).

Having said this, Jesus warns His followers to speak out, and not to be silent when the opportunity arises. Jesus said: ‘Whoever confesses Me before men I will confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will deny before My Father who is in heaven’ (Matthew 10:33).

 Scripture to consider: Jesus said: ‘Blessed and happy are you if people insult and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be glad for great is your reward in heaven’ (Matthew 5:11, 12).

Read: Luke 24:48, 49; Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15; Mark 5:19, 20; Acts 3:1-10; Romans 5:9; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Luke 20:46, 47; Psalm 40:1-3; Revelation 12:11; Colossians 4:5; Matthew 10:16; Acts 3:15; John 1:4; John 10:10; Matthew 5:11, 12; John 16:33.

34. God uses imperfect people

 34 • God uses Imperfect People

You may have heard rumors of Christians caught up in adultery; or who were greedy and did things which did not reflect the glory and holiness of God. You may therefore think that God’s people are hypocrites. However, God’s people are all human beings and none of them in this world is perfect (Philippians 3:12-15; 1 John 1:8). We all carry the weight of a sinful nature around with us (Romans 7:14-24). Some may sin, others more so; but that doesn’t mean they don’t belong to God. God is a God of mercy and grace and He knows that we are weak, earthen vessels, that break easily (2 Corinthians 4:7) and He knows our enemy, the devil, is prowling around like a lion to devour His children (1 Peter 5:8).

But there are also those who claim to be Christians, but in fact aren’t. Jesus said many will preach His word and do miracles in His Name, but they do not belong to Him (Matthew 7:21-23). Jesus said only those who do the will of God will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. In 1 John 2:17 it is written: ‘And the world is passing away, and the lust thereof, but he who does the will of God abides forever.’ We cannot live sinful lives, play around with sin and think we will not reap the consequences (Galatians 6:7, 8). But Jesus said some people are like wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15). We must beware of these people, who for instance want to be named ‘Christian’, but who in fact have ulterior motives (2 Peter 2:1-3; 13-15; 17-19). Many of them are in the church only for money, status, power or some malicious reason.

The track record of some believers in God isn’t good at all. Moses, for instance, God’s own prophet, was a murderer (Exodus 2:12-14). David, the man of God, committed adultery and murdered the husband of the woman he desired (2 Samuel 11:1-27). Paul, the great apostle, persecuted members of God’s church before he was converted (1 Timothy 1:13) and Peter disowned Jesus three times. But they all repented, and God cleansed them, transformed them, and used them to share His good news. King David, for example, had to bear the consequences of his sin and was betrayed by his own son. Jesus said in Matthew 6:15: ‘For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you don’t forgive others their trespasses, God will also not forgive you your trespasses.’ We should look at people through eyes of mercy and forgiveness—just as God looks at us. We might find that some of the hardest criminals find mercy and grace from Jesus before they die. That is why in John 1:16 it says out of Jesus Christ’s fullness we all have received grace upon grace.

The Bible tells a story of a man who was demon possessed, cut himself until blood poured out, lived among the tombs and screamed and shouted all the time. But when Jesus came to him, He only spoke, and that man was delivered from a horde of demons. And this same man became an instrument God could use for His glory (Mark 5:1-20). If Jesus could change, forgive and deliver someone like that what can He not do for and with us? 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10 says: ‘…do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the Kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed…’ Jesus looked at us with eyes of forgiveness when He was crucified and died for us. As Jesus hung on the cross He cried: ‘Father forgive them for they know not what they do’ (Luke 23:34).

 Questions to consider: Do you realize that you don’t have to be perfect to be used as God’s instrument; that you don’t have to expect perfection in God’s children and the world in order to love them? God uses imperfect people, but especially forgiven people who have been washed in the blood of the Lamb.

Read: Philippians 3:12-15; 1 John 1:8; Romans 7:14-24; 2 Corinthians 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8; Matthew 7:15, 21-23; 1 John 2:17; Galatians 6:7, 8; 2 Peter 2:1-3; 13-15; 17-19; Exodus 2:12-14; 2 Samuel 11:1-27; 1 Timothy 1:13; Matthew 6:15, 26:69-75; John 1:16; Mark 5:1-20; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Luke 23:34

33. The means of grace

Part 5 Working with God

 33 • The Means of Grace/ Ways grace comes to man

When a person becomes united with God, when he/she gets saved, it is only because of God’s grace—His gift of true faith in Jesus Christ and in His perfect sacrifice on the cross, nothing else (Acts 16:31; Titus 3:4-7). We must receive Christ for Who He is or not receive Him at all (John 1:12, 13; 2 Corinthians 11:4). God saves people by using other people. Just as you use a hammer to hit a nail into a wall; or you would use an axe to chop wood, so in the same way God uses people to get His job of building His kingdom done. God uses ‘hammers’ and ‘axes’ to do His work of saving people. He uses His children’s words and prayers (Ephesians 6:15-19; 2 Corinthians 2:14-16) and the Bible to expose people to the saving message of Jesus Christ.

Today, people can get exposed to the life-saving gospel of Jesus through many different means e.g. the Television, the radio, the Internet, YouTube, Facebook, social media, audio sermons and Bible sermons on the Internet and many more.  Mass Media has made the Word of God run very swiftly. The hammers and the axes (Saints) God uses don’t have any power in themselves. On the contrary, they are likened to pots lof clay that break easily (2 Corinthians 4:7), so that the transforming power evidently comes from God and not from man. The moment a person uses these (an axe or a hammer) for a specific purpose, they have a worthy function. The One Who does the hitting gets all the glory; but the instruments God uses are nothing and they do not get any glory (2 Corinthians 3:5).

In 2 Timothy 2:20, 21 it is written that in any great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay. Some are used for honour and some are used for dishonour. If God cleanses a person from dishonour, he/she will be a vessel of honour, sanctified and useful for God’s purposes and prepared for every good work. The good news of Jesus Christ (the gospel) is also like precious seed (1 Peter 1:23). Without seed there would be no life possible in the natural world because the seed contains the information (DNA) that will influence and determine life. If there were no seeds, there would be no life on earth. It doesn’t matter if it is seed for procreation in fish, mammals, human beings or in plant life, these are all necessary. In the same way, with no gospel (spiritual seed: Romans 1:16, 17; Romans 10:13-15, 17; Acts 10:34-46) no one would be saved and united to God.

It is the privilege of God’s children, God’s church, to sow the seed of the good news of Jesus Christ (Matthew 13:1-9;18-23) and to pray that the seed receives spiritual water to grow (Ephesians 6:18, 19; 1 Timothy 2:1-4). It is a great responsibility and a great privilege for God’s children to sow the seed and to water the seed of God’s Word (1 Corinthians 3:5-7). Romans 1:16 says: ‘The gospel is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes.’ God’s seed has power and God uses His children to sow this seed—everyone needs it—so that people can be born of God for His eternal glory. God says in Isaiah 55:11: ‘The word that comes out of My mouth will not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.’ 1 Peter 1:23,25  reads: ‘You have been born again not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever…. now this is the word which by the gospel was preached unto you.’

Question to consider: How can God use me to sow His precious seed so that people can hear the gospel of Jesus Christ—thereby taking root to grow, flourish and so bear fruit to the glory of God?

Read: Acts 16:31; Titus 4:7; John 1:12,13; 2 Corinthians 11:4; Ephesians 6:15-19; 2 Corinthians 2:14-16; 2 Corinthians 4:7; 2 Corinthians 3:5; 2 Timothy 2:20, 21; 1 Peter 1:23; Romans 1:16, 17; Romans 10:13-15, 17; Acts 10:34-46; Matthew 13:1-9; 18-23; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; 1 Corinthians 3:5-7; Isaiah 55:11; 1 Peter 1:23, 25.

32. Knowing God

Lesson 32 • Knowing God

Some people who call themselves followers of Jesus tell other Christians that God always wants them to be healthy, wealthy and materially prosperous. This is not what God’s Book says that life will be like for His children. God wants His children to be wealthy and prosperous in Him (Ephesians 1:3), but not necessarily in material ways (1 Timothy 6:6-9; James 2:5, 6). Some Christians will never be wealthy in worldly goods. We shouldn’t become Christians in order to become rich. God is sovereign and He decides to whom He will give earthly riches (e.g. Abraham and Job). It is not a sin to be rich (1 Timothy 6:17, 18), but if you don’t become rich know that God has a better possession for you in heaven! God can do what He pleases (Psalm 135:6) and He loves to heal people and do good to them (Matthew 5:45; Matthew 7:11; Matthew 9:35). But God is more interested in His relationship with you and in your sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:7).

God’s main aim is that you get to know Him better each day (2 Peter 1:2; 2 Peter 3:18). If God must take away your health and wealth for you to know Him better, and to create His image in you, He will do it (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Do not resist Him. God wants us to grow in our knowledge of Him. The Apostle Peter said: ‘That we grow in the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ The Apostle Paul, who wrote large parts of the Bible under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote the following when he was in prison about 2000 years ago. He probably had no material possessions with him when he wrote this: ‘I count all things as loss for the exceeding greatness of knowing Jesus Christ my Lord, for Whom I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish that I might gain Christ’ (Philippians 3:7, 8).

Paul knew how to be rich and to have nothing; he knew a lot about suffering for Jesus Christ’s sake (Philippians 4:11-12). In all his sufferings he knew that the greatest thing in the world is to know God—and to be in a right relationship with Him. Imagine you find an island full of different treasures – gold, silver, diamonds and precious jewels and everywhere you look you find new gems of exquisite beauty. And then you realize it is all yours because you were the first to discover it. To know Jesus should be like that (Matthew 13:44-46). Believers will spend eternity discovering new and grander facets of His perfections and the wonder and excitement of knowing Him will keep us busy forever. Knowing Jesus is not a means to an end, He is the end – a glorious end (Rev 5:12-13; 7:10-12).

If we look at creation, the different varieties of peoples, planets, birds, sea and land creatures, then we see something about God’s creativity. Looking at the complexity and ingenuity of creation itself helps us to see the Creator at work and the being He is. But creation is not part of the Creator as some believe. Just as a motorcar or computer a person designed and created isn’t part of the essence of the person. In the life of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross we see the brightness of God’s glory and the immensity of His love for us (2 Corinthians 4:6). To know Jesus Christ through the agency of the Holy Spirit by faith is to know the meaning and purpose of your life. To know Jesus and all His divine attributes and Excellencies should be the journey of our earthly lives and the destination of eternity. It will take eternity for us to know the riches of the glory in Jesus Christ. Eternity may not even be enough!

 Command to consider: Jesus said that if you want to be His follower you must deny yourself, take up your cross daily (endure suffering) and follow Him (Luke 14:27). That is the condition of getting to know Him better and therefore remaining in a right relationship with Him. God receives glory when we willingly suffer all for His glory (2 Corinthians 4:17, 18; Philippians 3:10, 11).

Read: Ephesians 1:3; 1 Timothy 6:6-9, 17, 18; James 2:5, 6; Psalm 135:6; Matthew 5:45; 7:11; 9:35; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; 2 Peter 1:2; 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Philippians 3:7, 8; Philippians 4:11, 12; Matthew 13:44-46; Revelation 5:12-13; 7:10-12; 2 Corinthians 4:6, 17, 18; Luke 14:27; Philippians 3:10.

31. Assurance of salvation

 31 • Assurance of Eternal Life

It’s impossible to think of a better gift to receive than the gift of eternal life with God! Just imagine spending eternity with a Person infinitely wise, wonderful, good, and creative. Imagine existing with an inexhaustible Treasure of intelligence, love, joy, peace, righteousness and holiness? This is what eternity will be like if you belong to God. God’s Book says in John 17:3 that eternal life is to know God and Jesus Christ Whom God sent.  Eternal life and knowing God are interwoven. But how does a person know that he/she has eternal life?  And can you lose it once you’ve received it?  God’s Book has the final say in the matter.

John 10:27-29 says: ‘My sheep hear My voice and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father Who has given them to Me is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.’ In this passage it is clear that if you belong to God, if you are one of His sheep, if God knows you, (which signifies spiritual intimacy with Him), nothing and no one will be able to separate you from Him. Not even your own will! Romans 8:31, 38, 39 states: ‘If God is for us, who can be against us … I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’

God’s Book is full of similar wonderful promises. Psalm 37:28 says: ‘For the Lord loves justice and does not forsake His saints, they are preserved forever.’ Psalm 98:10 says: ‘You who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints.’ Philippians 1:6 states: ’Being confident of this very thing, that He Who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.’ If God has begun the good work, He will finish it and secure your place in heaven. There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). The apostle John says it differently: ‘They went out from us, but they were not of us, because if they had been of us, they would have continued with us, but they went out that they might be manifest, that none of them were of us.’ (1 John 2:19). John, the apostle, made it clear that if we belong to Jesus we will remain in fellowship with His church, His family, and that love towards one another and faith in God would be found amongst His sheep (1 John 5:1).

Just as a shepherd looks for lost and wounded sheep so Jesus, the Good Shepherd, (John 10:11) seeks the lost sheep that have gone astray to bring them into the fold and heals the wounded sheep who have become sick and were mistreated along the way. The Apostle Paul said that if Jesus has saved you, then you are seated with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). That is your privileged position. If you are born from heaven, then you are to rule with Jesus on this earth as His king and priest (Revelation 1:6). But that position is a reality only by a true faith in Jesus Christ. Eternal security for a Christian is not anchored in our faithfulness but in God who will keep us and preserve us to the end (1 Thessalonians 5:23; 1 Corinthians 1:8, 9). God is the author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).  All those who come to Jesus, will never be cast out (John 6:37). Everyone the Father has given to the Son will not be lost but will be raised on the last day and receive eternal life (John 6:38-40).

Reality to consider: The main thing is this: to have this confidence and assurance of your eternal destiny, you should receive God for Who He is, and not for Who you think He is, or merely for His wonderful gifts (Matthew 7:21-23). If you receive God for Who He is, then suffering and difficulties may come your way. But you know that you have a lasting treasure in Jesus Christ that will never fade.

Read: John 17:3; John 10:27-29; Romans 8:31,38,39; Psalm 37:28; Psalm 98:10; Philippians 1:6; Romans 8:1; 1 John 2:19; 1 John 5:1; John 10:11; Ephesians 2:6; Revelation 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 1 Corinthians 1:8,9; Hebrews 12:2; John 6:37; John 6:38-40; Matthew 7:21-23.

30. Walking with God

30 • Walking with God

God wants us to live our lives with Him. God’s Book says that if we walk in the Spirit, we will not fulfill the desires of our sinful nature (Galatians 5:16). We must realize that we have three main enemies who will try to keep us from walking with God, the Holy Spirit. These are the devil and his angels (Ephesians 6:12), the world (sinful people and the world system of this age), and our own sinful desires (1 John 2:16). Some of their attacks on our lives can be summed up by the word ‘temptation’. Temptation comes to us in many forms. The world, Satan and our sinful desires try to keep us from walking with God by tempting us into sinning against God (1 Corinthians 10:13; James 1:13-15). All sin is against God. When we give in to temptation and sin, the Holy Spirit is grieved (Ephesians 4:30). That means we make God sad when we give in to our sinful desires. We ought to remember that God the Holy Spirit is a Person.

There is a constant battle between the desires of the Holy Spirit for our lives and what our sinful nature desires (Galatians 5:17). Although God saves His children by granting them faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8, 9) and giving them a new nature (Ezekiel 36:26, 27), they still have a war to fight. Our tendency to sin will never go away in this life (Romans 7:13-25). It is part of the fallen nature we inherited from Adam when he sinned. David said in Psalm 51:6: ‘Behold I was brought forth in iniquity and in sin my mother conceived me.’ Only when we leave this world and exchange our natural bodies for glorified bodies (Philippians 3:21) will we be free from temptation. 1 Corinthians 15:21, 22 says, ‘For since by man came death, so by Man came also the resurrection from the dead. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all shall be made alive.’

The way to win the war between good and evil in this world is akin to two dogs that need to get food in order to survive. The one is an evil dog, and the other the good dog. If you want the good dog to win, feed him. If you want the bad dog to lose, starve him! Philippians 4:8-9 states: ‘Everything that is good and right and just and noble and true and praiseworthy and lovely and of good report, think on those things and the peace of God will be with you.’ In other words, to win the war you must set your mind on heavenly and good things (Colossians 3:2). The Bible also teaches us to flee certain temptations. Paul, in 2 Timothy 2:22, writes that we should flee youthful lusts. And if you do sin, run to Jesus and confess your sin. 1 John 1:9 states: ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to forgive us our trespasses.’

Walking with Jesus can also be compared to a marathon runner who must compete in a race according to specific rules (2 Timothy 2:3-5; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27). He trains himself for months, abstains from certain foods and follows a strict discipline in order to win the race. So the Bible tells us to run the race of faith with endurance, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despised the shame of it and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God, ruling in power (Hebrews 12:1, 2).

 Reality to consider: We have a Mediator in heaven Who prays for us 24/7 (24 hours a day, seven days a week) 365 days of the year (Hebrews 7:25). If we sin, Jesus is our Advocate to state our case before the Father and to forgive our sins (1 John 2:1, 2). Jesus is the only One Who can do this because He was tempted in all ways, yet remained without sin (Hebrew 4:15, 16). His Divinity and finished work on the cross ensure ultimate victory over temptation.

Read: Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 6:12; 1 John 2:16; 1 Corinthians 10:13; James 1:13-15; Ephesians 4:30; Galatians 5:17; Ephesians 2:8,9; Ezekiel 36:26,27; Romans 7:13-25; Psalm 51:6; Philippians 3:21; 1 Corinthians 15:21,22; Philippians 4:8,9; Colossians 3:2; Timothy 2:22; 1 John 1:9; 2 Timothy 2:3-5; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Hebrews 12:1,2; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1,2; Hebrews 4:15,16.

29. Union with God

 29 • The Reality of Unity with God

Many people tragically believe that there is no God or divine reality (Atheists, Psalm 14:1); or that God is so different and so distant from us that He doesn’t bother to interfere with people’s lives on the earth (Deists). Both convictions ultimately lead to despair. Life without God soon becomes meaningless. If you believe we come from nowhere and that we are only returning to dust, life is indeed meaningless. We all know that the world we live in is not always full of goodness, love or people caring for and helping one another. The world is full of wickedness, hatred, jealousy, suffering and sickness (Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 1:29-32). The devil and his angels as well as humanity are responsible for this – Satan was thrown down from heaven to earth (Revelation 12:9) and mankind fell (when Adam sinned). We have added our own personal sins and there is the accumulation of centuries of collective sins by sinful human beings (Romans 2:1-3, 16).

And sin brings pain and suffering to the sinner (sin separates him/her from God) and from others. The whole of creation is subjected to corruption and futility because of mankind’s sin (Romans 8:20, 21) and groans and labours in birth pangs until now. But the whole of creation will be delivered from corruption to the glorious liberty of the sons of God (Romans 8:21-23). God not only allows but is responsible for natural disasters like tsunamis, tornadoes, floods, famines, earthquakes and hurricanes with all the destruction and great suffering that follows these, although He was not the first cause (the fall of man was). As the Creator of the universe, God is entitled to do with this world and His creatures whatever He pleases. But God is holy, pure, kind and good and what He ordains is for the benefit of His chosen people. God is also just and so has to judge and punish sin. God uses disasters not only to judge sinners but so that others, His elect, will be saved. We must never think that all those who suffer or die in a disaster do so as a result of their own sin (Luke 13:1-5). This is an example of the kindness and severity of God. Christians also die in disasters, but their reward is in heaven.

The awesome fact is that God is with Christians in their suffering to comfort them (2 Corinthians 1:3-5). His desire is to live in unity and be at peace with His disciples (Colossians 1:19-20), to be reconciled to them by His Holy Spirit living in their hearts (Colossians 1:27). Once I talked to a woman in South East Asia. When told about the good news of Jesus Christ, and that God wants to live in people’s hearts by the Holy Spirit, it shocked her. She never realized that God wanted to live inside people’s hearts!

However, although God lives in believers, they don’t become gods as a result (Galatians 2:20; Revelation 20:15), they maintain their individual personality. The reason God lives in believers is so that He can change their characters – make them like God. God wants us to be humble, loving, holy, peaceable, joyful, faithful, good, patient and kind like Him (Galatians 5:22, 23). But God doesn’t share His transcendent attributes with us. God stays God forever and remains uniquely all-knowing (Psalm 139:1-6), omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-12; Jeremiah 23:23, 24), almighty (Revelation 1:8; 4:8) and infinitely glorious (Revelation 4:8-11). That’s why worshipping Him will be our eternal delight.

Reality to consider: The devil, God’s angel named Lucifer whom He created, rebelled against Him; he wanted to be like God. He wanted God’s authority and to eventually rule over Him. That is why God expelled him from heaven (Luke 10:18-19; Isaiah 14:12-15). God’s desires His followers to be humble and to know their place (Matthew 23:12; James 4:6, 8-10), even though He wants them to display His holy and loving character to all those around them.

Read: Psalm 14:1; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 1:29-32; Revelation 12:9; Romans 2:1-3,16; 1 Peter 1:16; Romans 3:4-6; Romans 8:20-23; Psalm 148:8; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5; Colossians 1:19; Colossians 1:27; Galatians 2:20; Revelation 20:15; Galatians 5:22,23; Psalm 139:1-12; Jeremiah 23:23,24; Revelation 1:8; 4:8; Revelation 4:8-11; Luke 10:18, 19; Isaiah 14:12-15; Matthew 23:12; James 4:6, 8-10.

28. Friends of God

 28 • Friends of God

Most people have or have had a best friend; someone with whom they share everything, even their deepest fears and secrets. God’s Word states that God knows our secrets (Romans 2:16). He is all-knowing (Psalm 139:1-6). He knows everything about everyone living now and about everyone who has lived in the past. There is nothing hidden from God! Everything will eventually come to light.  Jesus said in Luke 12:2-3 that ‘there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be made known.’ He even knows the details about the future. God also knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). It is difficult for us to understand or comprehend that such a Being could exist but that is what the Bible reveals about God. He knows what you are going to say even before you say it! He knows what you are going to do tomorrow (Psalm 139:1-6).

Remarkably, Abraham was called the friend of God in James 2:23. But Abraham was not an exception to the rule. If we believe in Jesus as our personal Saviour and King, then we are children of Abraham (Galatians 3:7). Jesus called His disciples ‘friends’ after they came to know Him, because of what He revealed to them about Himself (John 15:15). Believers are friends of God Whom they can talk to at any time! If a Christian is angry, sad, happy or anxious, God knows all about it; so, if you are a believer, why don’t you talk to Him about your life and problems (Philippians 4:6, 7)? When you have a close relationship with someone, you tend to share your secrets with that person. God shares His secrets with His children (Jeremiah 33:3).

If you are a Christian and you read the Bible you will come to know God’s secrets. In a sense it is a dangerous thing to get close to another person, because you don’t know if you can trust him/her with your secrets. What if that person tells your secrets to the whole world? It is safe to trust God, because He forgives our sins if we trust in Jesus and He won’t tell the world our secrets if we belong to Him. The Bible says in Psalm 103:12 that He removes the sins of His followers as far from them as the east is from the west. He even forgets His children’s sins (Isaiah 43:25)! Micah 7:18, 19 reveals that God does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy. He will have compassion on His children and cast their sins into the depths of the sea.

The great question is: Can we be trusted with God’s secrets (John 2:24)? Jesus doesn’t commit Himself to all human beings, because He knows what men are like. One of Jesus’ disciples, Judas, knew God’s secrets and he was one of Jesus’ close friends (Psalm 40:9); but he betrayed Jesus to the Roman authorities before He was crucified about 2000 years ago (Mark 14:10, 11, 43-45). Although Judas knew Jesus personally, he turned his back on Him. After Judas had betrayed Jesus, he realized that he had done wrong but found no way to repent so he hanged himself, he committed suicide (Matthew 27:3-10). Obviously, God doesn’t want us to be like Judas in betraying Him or committing suicide because of our sins. Even if we let God down, He is still there for us if we turn to Him for help (John 6:37). Peter, who was also one of Jesus’ disciples, disowned Jesus three times (Matthew 26:69-75). He made as if He didn’t know Jesus after Jesus was arrested by the Romans. But Peter repented and God restored him (John 21:15-19) and used him as one of His beloved instruments (Acts 2:14-39).

Question and truth to consider: Can God trust us to be His friends with whom He can share His plans, thoughts and secrets? Not being His friend means being His enemy. In fact, there is no neutral ground with God – you are either His friend or His enemy. Jesus said: ‘He who is not with Me is against Me’ (Matthew 12:30).

Read: Romans 2:16; Psalm 139:1-6; Luke 12:1,2; Isaiah 46:10; James 2:23; Galatians 3:7; John 15:15; Philippians 4:6,7; Jeremiah 33:3; Psalm 103:12; Isaiah 43:25; Micah 7:19; John 2:24; Psalm 40:9; Mark 14:10, 11, 43-45; Matthew 27:3-10; John 6:37; Matthew 26:69-75; John 21:15-19; Acts 2:14-39; Matthew 12:30.

27. True identity in Christ

 27 • True Identity—Christians are the Sons of God

One thing is certain: God doesn’t need slaves or servants. God has need of nothing and no one; He is self-sufficient (Acts 17:25). God didn’t create the world and everything in it out of need but out of His fullness and ultimate freedom to create (Romans 11:34-36). No one compelled Him to create the world and everything in it. People who don’t know God or belong to His family are slaves of their own sins and desires (John 7:35) and are held captive by the devil (2 Timothy 2:26). They are children of this world and children of disobedience and God’s wrath (Ephesians 2:2, 3).

Many people say we shouldn’t talk to God as if He were our equal, which is true. God isn’t our equal, far from it! God is in heaven and the earth is His footstool (Isaiah 66:1). He alone created the heavens and the earth and everything in them. We should fear God alone (Matthew 10:28), but that fear should not make us run away from Him. God didn’t make the world and all the creatures in it to abandon them. He is involved with His creation and with every creature in it (Psalm 104; Psalm 145:9, 15, 16, 19). We should fear God, but not irrationally (Proverbs 1:7). There is a big difference. God has not given His children a spirit of fear, but of sonship in which they cry: ‘Abba Father’ (Romans 8:16). The fear of God makes us wary of playing with sin and causes us to run from sin (Proverbs 14:27). The fear of God reminds us that sin has devastating, eternal consequences and that what a person sows he/she will reap (Galatians 6:7-8).

We often see this with those who live sexually immoral lives or are enslaved in drug or alcohol addiction. Many times, their whole lives are dramatically cut short, ruined or destroyed. Very often their family members suffer under their addictions and are abused, neglected and financially ruined. In addition to giving Christians His Spirit, God has also given them a new life and a new identity. Just as you have an ID document or Passport with your personal details and a photograph of yourself so that people can recognize and identify you, in the same way God’s children have a new Identity whereby people can identify and recognize them as His children. Children of God are the light of the world and salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13-16). We have this new identity through faith in Jesus Christ, by God’s deposit of His Spirit within us (Ephesians 1:13, 14)! God’s children are children of the light (Ephesians 5:8), kings and priests unto God (Revelation 1:6), ambassadors for God (2 Corinthians 5:20), heirs of God (Romans 8:17) and servants of God (Luke 12:42, 47; Luke 17:10). That is our identity.

God has given His children His Holy Spirit whereby (Romans 8:9-11) we may have close communion and a vital connection with God. We can share our problems, joys and fears with God. You may have difficulty seeing God as your Father because your natural father may not have spent much time with you or hasn’t been a good fatherly example. If your earthly father was distant and cruel to you, be assured that God will never be that way to you! In Matthew 7:11 Jesus said to his disciples: ‘if you then being evil, know how to give good things to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!’ By grace through faith in Christ you are a true son or daughter (1 John 3:1) of God!

 Truths to consider: God in heaven is a caring, loving and affectionate Father who wants you to talk to Him daily. He is involved in your life and wants you to know it! He even knows how many hairs you have on your head and numbers them (Matthew 10:30)! What a privilege we have to speak to God as our Father, knowing that God calls those who believe in Jesus His sons and daughters (1 John 3:1).

Read: Acts 17:25; Romans 11:34-36; John 7:35; 2 Timothy 2:26; Ephesians 2:2, 3; Isaiah 66:1; Matthew 10:28, 30; Psalm 104; Psalm 145:9,15,16,19; Proverbs 1:7; Romans 8:16; Proverbs 14:27; Galatians 6:7-8; Matthew 5:13-16; Ephesians 5:8; Revelation 1:6; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Luke 12:42, 47; Luke 17:10; Romans 8:9-11, 17; 1 John 3:1; Matthew 7:11.