Walking Close to Jesus

 

Pastor Allan was preaching as I took notes and present his digested Sermon here.

“A thriving church has all ages and all stages of growing up in Christ.  Each generation has something to offer. 

I am speaking “life” now onto those who are still in the grave.  Jesus is calling for you to come forth and receive His eternal life that he offers.  You can be set free from your grave clothes.

Realize that we are our brother’s keeper.  The greatest thing that can change our life is found in searching God’s Word. 

As a child I attended a strict church and kept hearing that I fell short.  I couldn’t keep up and often heard that I was not worthy.  It took years for me to realize “I am a work in progress.” 

God himself dealt with me to break down the walls of tradition and bring me freedom and deliverance which was definitely needed.

Some things I no longer do, because for me it is not necessary.  You may be doing these same things because you aren’t there yet in your spiritual walk with Jesus.

Acts 2:1  “And they were all together in one place. . . .

Can you be a Christian and not attend church regularly?  It might be so but there is something special about meeting together as a body to worship our Lord.  It is there we learn to walk in the path of holiness. 

 

The Holy Spirit will show you things in your life you need to drop off.  I am not trying to pressure you to live a righteous life, that is the job of the Holy Spirit and you are responsible to listen to his gentle nudges.

Each person must be accountable for yourself. 

I was reminded of the story of Phillip in Acts 8. And the angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, ‘Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goes down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.’

Phillip could have argued and said, “It doesn’t make sense. Why? There is nothing out there?” Phillip obeyed the angel; “And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship.

 

The man was reading Isaiah 53 from the Old Testament.  Phillip drew near and asked if he understood what he was reading.  The man replied.  “I need someone to explain it to me.”

Philip preached about Jesus and the man believed and requested to be baptized in water that was near by.  He returned to his country rejoicing and ready to share the Gospel with his nation.

Each of us must answer the question, “What will you do with Jesus?”  It is time to listen to the Holy Spirit and do what he is telling you. 

 

Take time each day to worship God, and your struggle will lessen.  It is important to have personal time with God to have a heart after God.  What you have heard on Sunday, dwell on it during the week.

The man was reading in the Old Testament and was confused.  He was serving God and was keeping the law.  A revelation was needed to change him, and the answer was Christ Jesus and all that He has done.

It is important to daily read your Bible and dig deeper, because there is more.  Ask to receive all that God has for you.  Some things people believe are things others have made up, such as rules and regulations. 

 

All you need to know is Jesus and His love for you.  He died in your place, was resurrected on the third day, and desires to live in you by His Holy Spirit.  That is the B A S I C S.  Then we need to go on from there.

Do not hesitate and delay, but make your decision to receive Jesus and to follow Him. 

Be desperate for more of Jesus and all that He has for you.  Today, acknowledge your need of a savior and then open your heart and receive Jesus in his fullness.