Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Musing – Why might a “Professing” Christian be afraid?

 Hebraic Musing – Why might a “Professing” Christian be afraid?

Just because a person goes to church and claims to be a Christian, might they be missing the real definition of a Christian?  Most people, if asked, will confess to being afraid to die.  It is a step into the unknown; or is it?

Do we fully realize what it is to be a Christian?  We read about revivals, the Reformation, the persecuted, the martyrs and confessors and realize that those overcomers had to have real faith in Jesus Christ.  The were not afraid of death because they knew “It is well, it is well with my soul!”

What did John hear Jesus say to His Father about the real Christians? 

 - “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word.”  John 17:6 NKJV  

 - “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours.” 17:9

 - I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” 17:14 

What’s the typical attitude toward death, or the prospect of death?  What did Jesus say about those who are “in the world” and did not do things for His people?  “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:” Matthew 25:41    You might want to read verses 31-46 for all that Jesus said to them.

We are often serving a trinitarian God.  How many people, including “professing” Christians, are still focused on worshiping their own trinitarian god?    Me, Myself, and I?

What does the Bible say about the faith of Patriarchs of old?  “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.  For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. …  But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. … for He has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11:13-16

Eventually, whether we belong to the world or to Christ will be the only thing that matters!  So “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” Philippians 2:12

Finally - “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.  And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 2 John 2:15-17 NKJV

Points to ponder

What is faith?

Which is more important?  This life; or the life to come?

Does our life go on forever?     Where?

Is Almighty God at the center of your life?    All the time?

Why does the World try to distract us from serving Jesus Christ as our Lord?

What a day that will be, When my Jesus I shall see, And I look upon His face,
      The One who saved me by His grace; When He takes me by the hand,
        And leads me through the Promised Land, What a day, glorious day that will be
.

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                   September 10, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”   Weekly “Hebraic Musings

Note – Inspired by Chapter 4 of “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go – Facing Death with Courageous Confidence in God” by Mancy Guthrie.

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