At church, this past Sunday, our sermon was about how we sometimes get caught up seeking Jesus only when times are great and we receive the "goodies that he might give away. He wants more. He wants us to trust him as Savior" (Dr. John Beck). He wants us to continue to have, or begin to make, a normal habit of bible study. How else can we memorize scripture or recall places in the bible that will help us in times of trouble? Moreover, how many of us need periodic reminders of just how gloriously faithful our Lord is?
My pastor went on to describe how some people in the New Testament saw what Jesus could produce out of the five small barley loaves and two small fish to feed five thousand people (please read John 6:1-15) and they seemed to follow him because of what they could momentarily benefit, yet, afforded no effort into the eternal benefits of their faith in Jesus Christ. For example, verses 26-27 say "Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval" (NIV).
By the way, the crowd continued to question Jesus and doubt him; however, how many of us have witnessed things happen in our own lives, or in others' lives, to doubt that Jesus' work is eternal? I've seen and been involved in my fair share of divine appointments that seemed to express eternal benefits. How about you?
I've gotten off point a little, but the truth of Sunday's sermon is that even Jesus' normal routine included worship of his Father: "Jesus taught regularly in their synagogues . . . he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath . . . " (Luke 4:15-16). We must make a conscious choice to devote ourselves to regular bible study.
Aren't we to live as Christ did? 1John 2:6 says "Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did."
On the right-hand side of my blog site, you will find some bible study links and resources. Feel free to click away! Happy bible studying!
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