Wednesday: Faithfulness to Christ’s Command
Loyalty to Christ requires a commitment to do His will. It necessitates obedience to His commands. It results in a heart that beats with His heart in saving the lost. It places priority on the things that He prioritizes.
Read 1 Timothy 2:3-4 and 2 Peter 3:9. What do these passages tell us about the heart of God? What is His priority?
Image © Phil McKay Goodsalt.com
God is passionate about saving people. There is nothing more important to Him. It is His earnest desire that “all” be saved and “come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4, NKJV). He is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9, NKJV). Commenting on this passage, The SDA Bible Commentary indicates that the Greek word used for “willing” is boulomai, which expresses “the inclination of mind, as ‘to want’ or ‘to desire’”. The commentary then makes this insightful observation on the little word but. The Greek word for “but” is alla. It is used here “to emphasize the contrast between the misinterpretation of God’s nature, namely, that He might be willing for some to perish, and the truth that He wishes all to be saved”. — The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 615. Christ’s command for each one of us to participate in His mission as witnesses of His love, grace, and truth is an outgrowth of His desire for all humanity to be saved.
Read Acts 13:47 and compare it to Isaiah 49:6. To whom did this passage initially apply? How does the apostle Paul use it?
There are times when an Old Testament prophecy has more than one application. Here the apostle Paul takes a prophecy that referred first to Israel and prophetically to the Messiah (see Isa. 41:8, Isa. 49:6, and Luke 2:32) and applies it to the New Testament church. For the church to neglect or minimize the command of Christ is to fail in the purpose of her existence and miss her prophetic calling to the world.
| What are the dangers to the church, even a local church, if it becomes so inwardly focused that it forgets what its purpose is to begin with? |
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COVID-19 has challenged us because many of us are unable to attend church each week. Some of us have come to realise how much we have depended on our Sabbath gathering as the stimulus, if not the centre of our relationship with God. I am not denying the importance of gathering together but the fact that many of us have been denied that for the last three months, it has given us pause to think about the value of church.
One thing we may like to consider is that we have become too dependent on Sabbath gatherings for our spiritual life and that we need to think more outside the box.
Here is the command of Jesus:
In context, the disciples had been with Jesus for about three and a half year. They had just had their "COVID-19" moment when Jesus was taken away and killed. Now he had been restored to them and I guess they were looking forward to getting back to "normal". But Jesus and other plans for them and told them the new normal was to go out and preach the Gospel to all the world.
The disruption of the current COVID-19 crisis may just be the wakeup call we need to start thinking of the "going to all the world" a lot more. We tend to be very introspective at times. The Sabbath School lessons over the last year have focused very much on us, our beliefs, our "unity" our interpretation of prophecy and so on. Now we should probably think about our "into all the world" challenge.
I like what you have shared here Maurice. Over the past 4 or 5 years my husband and I have both come to the realization that we had become dependent on church and Sabbath School, for our spiritual life. I realized that I, me, myself and I, needed to know from scripture why I believe what I had grown up “knowing”. As we have studied and learned, we both began to understand that if we keep this to ourselves, what good is it. We were created to be giving, selfless beings, and that includes our sharing the truth with those that are seeking. As long as we’re doing that, we will continue to grow in our own understanding.
How would you describe yourself in a few words, now that being called a Christian has developed a negative connotation to many by some who claimed the name but not the character of Jesus Christ and by those who use His name as a swear word?
I would like to be a caring lightbearer for the LORD of heaven and earth
"Loyalty to Christ requires a commitment to do His will. It necessitates obedience to His commands."
How do you view these statements? Do you see them reflecting an authoritarian God (do this because I told you to) or an authoritative God (if you want to live, you will need to...)?
What is God's will?
The lesson points out that God's will is that people will be saved from perishing by coming to awareness of truth and, in light of that awareness, choose repentance (1 Timothy 2:4: 2 Peter 3:9). Repentance essentially means to intentionally make (and continue) a 'u-turn' from one way of 'living' to another way of living.
What is truth?
Truth tells us how things really are: it tells us what is reality. The bible tells us that the truth/reality is there are two ways we can 'live': the way that leads to life or the way that leads to death. Jesus came to reveal to us that God always was, is and will only be about the way that results in true life - abundant life (John 10:10). More specifically, Jesus came to demonstrate, instruct and 're-train' us how to live the only way that can lead to life - and therefore how to avoid living the way that leads to death/perishing. And perishing is not just something that happens at the end of the journey - it is something that is happening every step of the way to that end (2 Thessalonians 2:10; 1 Corinthians 1:18; 2 Corinthians 2:15; 4:3).
What is the difference between the way that leads to life and the one that leads to perishing? Those who are on the road of perishing to perishing have hearts that are motivated by self-seeking, self-interest. Such hearts are willing to use others to get what they need/want. Their heart desires maleficence (eg Genesis 6:5).
By contrast, those who are on the road of and to abundant life have hearts that are daily, continually being renewed (by the Holy Spirit) from self-seeking to other-seeking. Their heart desires beneficence - the best interests of others even at cost to themselves (Philippians 2:4; 1 Corinthians 10:24; 13:5; John 15:13).
What does it mean to be obedient to God's commands?
It is easy to misunderstand what this phrase means unless we dig a little deeper. Obedient means to be in harmony with. And the core meaning behind the word command is an 'authoritative prescription'. This means that someone who really knows what they are talking about has outlined how to get from point A to point B. Thus, God/Jesus/the Holy Spirit, who know what they are talking about, have outlined/shown how to live in the (only) way that leads to abundant life.
So why would you want to be obedient to God's commands? If you desire to live a life that involves living for the benefit of others and, in so doing, results in you being reconnected with the abundant, eternal life that you were designed by God for, then you will need to live in harmony with the (only) way that leads to life. That's the only way it works.
We are free to either live in harmony with the way that leads to life or to live in harmony with the way that leads to perishing. And God calls/invites us to also share this awareness with others in ways that they are best able to 'hear'. There is a time and place for carefully chosen words. But usually our words only have impact when others have first experienced that we genuinely and authentically care about them - with no strings attached.
Phil, the answer to your first question would depend upon the individual's knowledge of God wouldn't it? We can either obey out of delight or out of fear for what would come IF we didn't obey. A true knowledge of God leads to a right understanding and motivation. Authoritative(if you want to live you will need) or authoritarian(I'm the BOSS!), is there really a difference(as you defined them above, perhaps unintentionally) if our knowledge of God is lacking? (As I understand it: Authoritarian = "do or die!", authoritative = "take my yoke", "follow Me/abide in Me", "I am the Way", etc.)
Ps 40:8 gives us a clue for understanding where both knowledge and a right motive come from. However imperfect our knowledge and understanding when we first feel the conviction of our true need, that knowledge and understanding will grow as we "draw near to God", who will then "draw near to you"(James 4:8, Prov 4:18).
I've come to appreciate how the source of both understanding and knowledge is described in Ps 19:7-11; 119:104, Prov 2:1-5, and how beautifully Jesus defined the path of the Christian experience in Matt 5:3-12, while demonstrating it with His own life.
Phil - it's always a great blessing to read your posts! Your thoughts are so well-reasoned and supported with scripture. All three questions are highly important to be asked and your explanations given are inspiring.
I think most of us have had issues with authority over time. As you point out so clearly, there is the authoritarian view and the authoritative view of God. Authoritative is the preferred view for me; someone being authoritarian has always repelled me. Thank you for making this distinction clear.
Once I had made up my mind that the God of the Old and New Testament was the only God I wanted to believe in, I gave Him and His way the authority in my live. He brought me from spiritual death to life when He revealed Himself to me by His Truth. It is now my pleasure to trust Him explicitly with all my heart, mind and soul and let Him direct all my ways.
It was a great relieve when I placed my trust in Him, to let Him 'carry the burden' of choice; the search for the perfect Truth was over!! Having found the one and only authority to entrust my life to was like being born again; now I walk by Faith! I am happy to be his clay, for Him to mold me and make me after His will. 🙂
To know and fully appreciate walking on the right path, is a delight. Knowing from the heart that I am save from the power of deception causes me great confidence and freedom to study His Word and share it with others.
I love your statement - "Obedience means to be in harmony with. And the core meaning behind the word command is an 'authoritative prescription'." Because I know that He is the ultimate Authority, it is easy for me to follow. Yes, they know what they are talking about! 🙂
To ask 'why' questions is not an act of 'rebellion', they are essential for the Truth Seeker to be lead to the ultimate Truth. I know what I am talking about! When I found the ultimate Truth in the Christian God, my 'why' questions changed to focus on understanding Him and His ways. Now I am free to engage because - quoting from today's lesson: He is "willing", which expresses 'the inclination of mind, as 'to want' or 'to desire'" - He will never leave me or forsake me!
My search was always about finding the Authority that I could unconditionally put my trust into. God revealed His providence to me when I was searching for this truth. Step by step, the darkness lifted and His light became brighter. I finally realized that I was under His care during all my wanderings through the wilderness.
He blessed me before I knew Him, He revealed Himself to me through His watch-care and welcomed me home. Now I praise Him with joyful obedience to His leading authority.
Phil, thank you again for your willingness to be led by the Spirit of God to share His light with us.
Isaiah 9:2; John 1:5; John 12:44-46; 1Peter2:9;
Thankyou Robert and Brigitte for your input.
I agree with the points and perspectives you have each raised.
Robert, I have indeed found that an individual's 'knowledge' of (ie the sum of their previous experiences of) God has a huge impact in shaping their view of God. Also, like Brigitte has mentioned, I find that an individual's knowledge/experience of God has been profoundly shaped by their previous experiences of people in 'authority' (parents, church leaders, religious institution instructors, etc).
Our knowledge of God must come from personal experience, and not depend on what others demonstrate, as so many have erred in their idea of what God's will is. The inquisition was thought to be the exercising of God's will upon heretics!
Yes, too many depend upon what dad, the preacher, etc, thinks about God, or demonstrates in their life as a "God fearing" individual. The Psalmist encourages that all would "taste and see that the Lord is good"(Psalm 34:8). No one can taste for another.
John 1:12, “ as many as received Him(Jesus)”. What does it mean to receive Jesus? It means to receive His teachings by the obedience of faith. His commands, as our Lord, are to be carried out as He carried out His Father's commands. This includes: “teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you”. Would we be expected to teach what we ourselves do not observe?
Jesus taught His followers that “repentance and remission of sins” was to be preached in all the world. This would require a knowledge of the law by which comes the conviction of sin(Romans 7:7-13). There is no other means of salvation than to “repent and believe the gospel”(Mark 1:15), which was/is the heart of Jesus' message. Man lost Eden and Life through sin, and only by overcoming can man gain back what was lost. “To him that overcomes” Jesus has given exceeding great and precious promises. For those who need the reminder: Jesus also taught "without Me you can do nothing". By abiding in Jesus the life will be transformed into His likeness as the soul learns of Jesus and delights to do His will(Ps 40:8).
Paul applies the meaning of Isaiah correctly to himself, as could all who are faithful to Christ's teachings and commands. It applies to all the faithful servants of God from every age, for they are His lights to the world(see Isa 60:1-3).
Inwardly focused is the result of turning from following Jesus who's life was an unblemished demonstration of the Love/law of God. This inward focus is the state of being lost in sin, and without repentance and faith, will lead to loss of salvation and eternal life.
Hi Robert - In response to your post, please, allow me to highlight two things: "obedience of faith", and "His commands, as our Lord, are to be carried out as He carried out His Father's commands". 'This includes': "teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you".
Could you, please, elaborate on what the obedience of faith is? I can not see that one can express or live by the obedience of faith. Faith rises or falls on its own - that's why it is Faith.
The other word to clarify is: 'command'. For your convenience, I have copied the KJV's definition of 'command'. As you can see, it has various applications for our spiritual life. When God commands, this means to me - direct. What does it mean to you? Do you see Jesus or God as a commander?
The writer includes for every definition an example which also includes references from the Bible to explain its application. One can easily see that 'command' does not always have the same meaning; it mostly used in military settings.
KJV Dictionary Definition: command
command
COMMAND, v.t.
1. To bid; to order; to direct; to charge; implying authority, and power to control, and to require obedience.
We will sacrifice to the Lord our God, as he shall command us. Ex. 8.
I know that he Abraham will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord. Gen. 18.
2. To govern, lead or direct; to have or to exercise supreme authority over.
Lord Wellington commanded an army in Spain; he commanded the army at the battle of Waterloo.
3. To have in power; to be able to exercise power or authority over; as, a military post commands the surrounding country; a fort commands the harbor.
4. To overlook, or have in the power of the eye, without obstruction.
One side commands a view of the finest garden in the world.
5. To direct; to send.
The Lord shall command the blessing on thee. Deut. 28.
The Lord will command his loving kindness. Ps. 43.
6. To have or to exercise a controlling influence over.
A good magistrate commands the respect and affections of the people.
COMMAND, v.i. To have or to exercise supreme authority; to possess the chief power; to govern; as, the general commands with dignity and humanity. What general commands in Canada?
COMMAND, n.
1. The right or power of governing with chief or exclusive authority; supreme power; control; as, an officer has a brigade under his command; he takes command of the army in France; an appropriate military term.
2. The power of controlling; governing influence; sway.
He assumed an absolute command over his readers.
3. Cogent or absolute authority.
Command and force may often create, but can never cure, an aversion.
4. The act of commanding; the mandate uttered; order given.
The captain gives command.
5. The power of overlooking, or surveying, without obstruction.
The steepy strand, Which overlooks the vale with wide command.
6. The power of governing or controlling by force, or of defending and protecting.
The fortress has complete command of the port.
7. That which is commanded control; as a body of troop under command.
Hi Brigitte,
While I am puzzled by your question about "the obedience of faith", I will give reply.
The obedience of faith is exactly as described, obeying the One we trust, though we cannot understand perfectly why. Had Eve trusted God and obeyed, even though it seemed senseless to her during her temptation, she would have been demonstrated the obedience of faith, rather than the sin of unbelief.
I would suggest reading Matthew 5, Romans 14, and Hebrews 11. If you still have questions, just ask.
Oh, concerning faith standing alone, review James 2:14-26.
Robert - Thank you for answering one of my questions. 🙂 I can assure you that I place works with faith. In today's post I have elaborated on this in detail.
Maybe I can shed some light on why I posed this question about 'obedience of faith'. I want to make sure that we understand that 'obedience' is one of the motivators that has passed from works to faith. I have always held that one's 'obedience' is the result, or comes through and because of faith. We maintain our faith faithfully, not obediently.
Rom.1:5 in the KJV reads: "By whom we have received grace and apostelship, for (faithfulness)obedience to the faith among all nations for his name". The context is: Paul is speaking to having received his apostelship because of continuing in faith.
His apostelship was the result of maintaining/staying faithful to this new faith - the faith of Jesus. The margin note gives a slightly different expression: ..having received his apostelship TO the obedience of faith. Again, due to staying faithful to faith.
Rom.16:25-27 also mentiones the obedience of faith. The context is to give glory to God through this new faith of Jesus Christ.
v.25:"according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, v.26:But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment(directive) of the everlasting God, made known to all nations FOR the obedience of faith".
The mystery focuses on the new Faith - the law is passed, though remain faithful! Now accept to stay faithful to Jesus Christ for Salvation - 'obedience' is released from the heart of the faithful.
A faithful heart can do no other.
I'm not sure if I'm following you completely Brigitte, but let me share an illustration from Mark 2:5. We read "when Jesus saw their faith...", what did Jesus "see". How is faith "seen", or, how does one demonstrate faith?(which is why the reading suggestions given earlier with Matt 5, Rom 14, and Heb 11)
In regard to your thoughts, how is one "faithful to faith"? Can you share a practical example, and perhaps a teaching of Jesus or an incident with Him that illustrates this? Also, what is meant by "the law is passed"?
Thank you.
Thank you again for your reply, Robert! Unfortunately, your last reply exhausted the number allowed for replies, so I am using this post to answer your questions. One of my two original questions still remains unanswerd. 🙂
First to clarify - my original question to you was to get your understanding of ''obedience' of faith'. My focus is on the word 'obedience'. This is the word I am trying to understand in the context of 'faith'.
Answering: "how does one stay faithful to faith?" In my understanding, I would replace the word 'obedience' with 'remaining 'faithful' to faith'. Faith has been made the focus after Jesus' death. The focus is not any longer on obedience or works.
Meaning - we decide not to revert back to the old ways, using our own wisdom and, by obedience to do certain 'works', demonstrate our 'obedience' to faith.
When going through times of doubt, confusion or trouble, we remain faithful and let this Faith in God work things out for us. Faithfulness is operative, not obedience.
We humbly, but steadfastly commit to remain faithful, to rely on 'Faith' as our only support whiles waiting on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Your new question to me is: 'how is faith seen'?; Mark 2:5 is a good example. There, faith is expressed by the sick man's friends when, in face of limitations, they go the extra mile, taking down the roof and bringing their friend into the presence of Jesus. Jesus honored the faith of his friends and healed the sick man. No mention is made regarding the sick person's faith.
To clarify 'the law is passed' comment: Rom.3:20-31. The works required to show/demonstrate one's 'obedience' to the law have given way to show/demonstrate good works generated by steadfast/faithful faith in the faithfulness of God - our faith is bound to His promises.
Rom.4:20 - Abram did not 'stagger at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God'. Abram remained faithful, he did not 'stagger through unbelief' when facing doubt.
Isaiah 43:1-28 - v.11: "I, even I, am the LORD, and beside me there is no saviour". The LORD is the only redeemer; all He asks of us is to remain faithful to Him.
Jesus' sacrificial, self-less act of love has inspired us through the Holy Spirit to love both Him and our Heavenly Father - making it possible to replace obedience of the flesh with the desire to honor Him with our faithfulness.
Your question was/is answered in the references I gave you. Let me try with another thought from scripture:
"To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken, than the fat of rams". Who said this and why?
Also, if Adam and Eve had demonstrated faith, how would it have been manifested? They would not have eaten the forbidden fruit, but would have trusted(faith) God.
What do you find revealed in Ps 40:8? Do you see the answer to your question in this verse?
Concerning the story of Mark 2 where Jesus "saw their faith", this included the palsied man who had suggested the idea of being let down through the roof to his friends. His faith resulted in their action(since he could not act himself), which Jesus observed. Faith is an action being taken, or it is nothing. This is the point of James 2. Faith in God leads to obedience. You cannot read far in God's word without realizing this fact. Even a casual reading of the Proverbs makes this connection between faith and obedience perfectly clear doesn't it?
Until we overcome sin(which "is the transgression of the law"), we live in unbelief. What Jesus offers for "sale" to Laodicea is a package deal. The white robe, the gold, and the eye-salve all symbolize the life experience outlined in the beatitudes of Matt 5:3-12. By faith, the disobedient life becomes conformed to the will of God, which is found in His law(Ps 40:8). Daniel first had to purpose in his heart, then he acted on this purpose by asking for food that would not defile his body/mind. This is faith in action. This is the obedience of faith.
Lastly, Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, and His unswerving path to the cross is the ultimate expression of the obedience of faith. His human nature was horrified with the prospect, but He surrendered His will to the will of His Father, and took the cross by faith.
True, we are not justified because we keep the law. Justification comes to those who repent of their sins(1 John 1:9, Ps 32:5). The law is observed by faith, for only in this way will we be holy as God is holy, since the law is the definition of holiness, which is the will of God(1 Peter 1:16). This is why He wishes to write it upon our heart/mind, meaning it has become our will to do His will(Heb 8:10, Phil 2:13, Ps 1:1-3; 119:1-8).
I hope this answers your question Brigitte.
HAPPY Sabbath and 4th of July, Robert! Again, thank you for the reply. I appreciate your willingness to engage in our dialouge. It appears to be easy to understand 'Faith', what we seem to have difficulty with is to clarify the proper understanding of 'obedience of faith'.
'Obedience' and 'faith' are two very important words and need to be correctly understood by the faithful Christian. Their use is a matter of proper 'semantics' - the logical aspect of meaning; if misunderstood, it will have a great stifling impact on our spiritual life.
Semantics:
The branch of linguistics and logic concerned with meaning. There are a number of branches and subbranches of semantics, including formal semantics, which studies the logical aspects of meaning, such as sense, reference, implication, and logical form, lexical semantics, which studies word meanings and word relations, and conceptual semantics, which studies the cognitive structure of meaning.
Regrettably, it appears that we have not been able to make much progress regarding the relationship of 'obedience' and 'faith', and I am concluding my comments with this post.
It appears that my question to you 'how can one be 'obedient' to faith' is difficult for you to answer - not sure why, but that is the reason why I asked you to clarify your understanding for me.
Your answers continue to focus on faith, but I was hoping for you to focus your answers to define 'OBEDIENCE' of faith.
Yes, for a Christian, everything in life becomes a matter of faith - actions and thoughts. At the beginning of our walk by faith, 'obedience' might have been an act of determined will until one's new nature changed this and does not need mind-led/determined obedience any longer. Now we walk in the newness of Light and Life. Rom.6:4
The mature Christian's new nature is now 'naturally' obedient and rejoices in this new found freedom of spiritually infused/changed obedience. The Holy Spirit now leads and guides our choices, freeing/releasing our MIND/WILL from the responsibility to determine right and wrong - the original curse. Now we are determined to stay faithful!
To you, it seems, obedience of faith is a correct use of these terms. To me it could be a contradiction in terms, unless correctly understood. Yes, if looked at 'logically' - because faith holds an authoritative position -, one could therefore be obedient to this authority when willingly choosing to be faithful.
My effort was aimed at clarifying the difference between spiritually induced/born faith gained through one's spiritual maturity, and the uninspired obedience through using one's will/willing oneself to be obedient by a sense of duty or obligation to be 'faithful'.
It is my hope that this difference became clearer through our conversation.
"Voluntary obedience alone can be acceptable to God"; see below.
Following are the definitions of the words 'faith' and 'obedience':
KJV Heb.11:1 - 'Now faith is the substance (ground or confidence) of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen'.
KJV Dictionary Definition: obedience - OBE'DIENCE, n. L. obedientia. See Obey.
Compliance with a command, prohibition or known law and rule of duty prescribed; the performance of what is required or enjoined by authority, or the abstaining from what is prohibited, in compliance with the command or prohibition. To constitute obedience, the act or forbearance to act must be in submission to authority; the command must be known to the person, and his compliance must be in consequence of it, or it is not obedience. Obedience is not synonymous with obsequiousness; the latter often implying meanness or servility, and obedience being merely a proper submission to authority. That which duty requires implies dignity of conduct rather than servility. Obedience may be voluntary or involuntary. Voluntary obedience alone can be acceptable to God.
Government must compel the obedience of individuals; otherwise who will seek its protection or fear its vengeance?
obedient
OBE'DIENT, a. L. obediens. Submissive to authority; yielding compliance with commands, orders or injunctions; performing what is required, or abstaining from what is forbid.
The chief his orders gives; the obedient band, with due observance, wait the chief's command.
obediently
OBE'DIENTLY, adv. With obedience; with due submission to commands; with submission or compliance with orders.
Thank you for your thoughts Brigitte, sorry if you felt there was no progress.
I would add one thought to your last comment regarding the "mature Christian's new nature" being naturally obedient. What should we say then about the great struggle Jesus faced in Gethsemane regarding being obedient to the will of God? It seems it was not natural for Him in His human nature, and 3 times He prayed for another way, yet each time surrendered His reluctant will to God's "good acceptable and perfect" will. Isn't this the very definition of the obedience of/by faith? Why did Paul encourage Timothy to "fight the good fight of faith" if it is natural for the Christian to obey? Our nature doesn't change until Jesus comes, but our will may be surrendered in faith to God's will.
I understand you have finished your comments so I'm not looking for reply, only that you consider this in your study of this subject.
I want to thank all those who are quoting Scripture worth remembering. Yesterday I discovered that I can save texts from the Bible by a simple click of the mouse, which I can later try to memorize. It is difficult to share with others God's Word unless I have taken the time to commit them wo memory.
I grew up in a Spanish speaking country, and memorized Scripture in said language, but my efforts in translating those texts into English are not that good. For this reason, I have determined to memorize those texts in English. Most of my Interned blogging is done in English. I am 88 years old now, and I want to use the years I have left to God's glory.
Hi Nic, so glad you have found that with a click of the mouse you can copy and save texts, and paste them into your posts until you have memorized them.
It sounds like that even at 88 you have an active ministry sharing on the internet.
How did you find places in addition to this one to share the gospel?
This my top favourite quote from Desire of Ages by Ellen White, it is so encouraging.
Now days obedience and commands have developed a negative connotation, I prefer to think of it of living by the LORD's Principles of Life because we love Him with all our hearts, minds, spirit and body. The LORD changes our hearts so that we want to do His will through an appreciation of the character of Christ and through communion with God.
Shirley, I have appreciated the quotes you have been sharing this week.
Faith in Christ is believing he exists,And is willing to hear our every plea.
So I'll ask the Question :
Are we being faithful in all that we do?
Ponder on these words.
Thanks for the insight Maurice. So the new normal is to get out of our comfort zones and long lockdown and go as far as travel restrictions will allow, motivated by deep heart-love for the Master. 🙂 (Thursday)
Being faithful to God has brought more good to our spiritual lifes.
...Be ye faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Rev 2:10
Faithfulness to Christ’s Command
Is faithfulness and loyalty the same? Does Christ view his church as both loyal and faithful?
To me, these are two different things/characteristics of Christ as well as the church. He is also asking us to be faithful and loyal to him as a Christian.
I will like to look at a spouse and their partner/the bride and the groom/Christ and the church.
To be loyal to someone means e.g in a marriage arrangement one promised to return home from work at 5 pm after work, at 5 pm the person is at the door. But that does not necessarily mean the person is faithful.
Loyal- A strong feeling of support to someone. To stand by someone in good and bad times. The marriage pledge- to stay with the person for better or for worse till death do we part.
Were Christ disciples loyal to him for those 3 1/2 years? Were those who died in the wilderness loyal to Christ? People might be loyal to Christ by going to church every sabbath whether rain or shine.
Faithful- To honor and obey. Do the same people who go to church every sabbath rain or shine, are they faithful to the sabbath? Do they keep the sabbath holy? Are they like the good samaritan? So loyal to the temple service that they pass their brother dying on the road. Heb 11:1-40 tells us about people who were faithful to God.
Let us be both be loyal and faithful to Jesus. He called us to be followers and witnesses for him.
The inward faithfulness to Christ word and command will earn the church new converts
By this we will have made friends for christ
2 peter2:9
Inward Faith earns a ticket to salvation
Faithfulness is to honor and obeying the Lord and by this we will have friends for Christ