Coffee With The Lord

“PROSPECT” is one thing – “RETROSPECT” is another.

What can you say when you look back on a life in retrospect? Paul, the old apostle who had been through so much for the Lord, said these words (I read them again this morning during “Coffee with the Lord”):

“I have fought the good fight! I have finished the race! I have kept the faith! Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on ‘that day,’ and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.” (2 Timothy 4.7-8)

On second thought… Paul’s words are both retrospect (looking back on a life lived for the Lord) and prospect (looking forward to God’s favor on “that day”)!  Just let it be said, I’d like Paul’s words one day to become truthfully mine… in both respects!

I’ve been around long enough to see some great old saints claim them truthfully as their own – both looking back and looking forward!! (Didn’t I hear Paul say…”and not only for me but all those who have loved His appearing.”?)

Christian education – Bible study – is a BIG DEAL for EVERYONE in the Church (all developmental groupings and ages)!  Here it is right out of the Bible… “From childhood you have been acquainted with THE SCRIPTURES, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  ALL SCRIPTURE IS BREATHED OUT BY GOD AND PROFITABLE for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man [or woman] of God MAY BE COMPLETE, EQUIPPED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK!” (2 Timothy 3:15–17)

“Are you a Christian – a follower of Jesus?” If you were asked that question, how would you answer?

Some might answer with a follow-up question: “What do you mean by that?” (And that’s ok – it would provide an opportunity for clarification, for testimony, for witness!” The answers of others, however, would probably fall into two general groups: “Intermittent” followers of Jesus (i.e. they follow Him periodically or occasionally – when it’s convenient) or they are “sustained” followers of Jesus (i.e. they follow him faithfully – they seek to do His will all the time in all kinds of situations or circumstances!).

I read a passage of Scripture this morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord” that indicated true followers of Jesus in the world in which we live face two challenges; persecution or attempts to deceive them. Here it is from the passage I read: “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived!” (2 Timothy 3:12-13)

So how can a person succeed as a follower of Jesus in the face of those challenges? Really 3 things are pointed out in the verses that follow… each one of them critically important (each tied to the important word “CONTINUE” (or “SUSTAINING” some things):

1) Sustain your commitment to Christ!

2) Sustain following godly examples and teachers (all the way – from childhood through the rest of your life!)!

3) Sustain systematically reading, studying, and following what the Bible teaches!

Here they are… the very next verses: “But as for you, CONTINUE in WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED AND HAVE FIRMLY BELIEVED, KNOWING FROM WHOM YOU LEARNED IT and how from childhood you have been acquainted with THE SCRIPTURES, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ALL SCRIPTURE IS BREATHED OUT BY GOD AND PROFITABLE for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man [or woman] of God MAY BE COMPLETE, EQUIPPED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK!” (2 Timothy 3:14–17)

Each aspect is important to your success (and mine) as a “faithful, devoted, obedient, follower of Jesus!” Gotta tell you, I want to be that kind of “Christian” – that kind of “follower of Jesus!”